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Hang Gliders Lookout Robert Sowter Park

Hang Gliders Lookout by Christine Sharp for Eat Local Scenic Rim.

Whether you need a delicious takeaway or to fill your esky with Scenic Rim goodies for home, we’ve got you covered!

From 11.59pm Friday, 15 May, find something within 150km of where you live, pack your esky and your appetite and come get your fix! Be sure to order ahead (or book ahead, if you hope to be one of the lucky 10 dining in!) to help everyone maintain physical distancing.

Keep an eye out for all our gorgeous local shops to explore while you are here, and pack the rug and camping chairs for a quiet picnic at one of our lookouts, lakes or parks.

Be sure to follow all Queensland Government health advice on physical distancing and hygiene!

Things are changing by the day, as you know, and many businesses are changing their trading hours and styles to keep their doors open for us all. We’ve provided direct Facebook and website links to each business – please make sure you check the latest with them directly before you set out!

Here’s our A to Z of more than 100 hot local takeaway and esky-filling tips to get you started.

Beaudesert and surrounds: 

Grab a takeaway:

Fill your esky:

Lake Moogerah, Scenic Rim. Photo by Trevor Worden for Visit Scenic Rim.

Boonah and surrounds: 

Grab a takeaway:

Fill your esky:

Canungra and surrounds

Grab a takeaway:

Fill your Esky:

 Tamborine Mountain and Tamborine

Grab a takeaway:

Fill your Esky:

Further than 50km away? Order these Scenic Rim goodies online

Check out the packed Scenic Rim March events calendar. It’s going to be a case of ‘How do we fit it all in?’

Take your pick from a charity run, Artisan Market, Bird Week and the popular Lake Moogerah Easter Passion Play. Start planning now.

Chappy Challenge – March 3
This Challenge Event Program offers the fantastic opportunity to cycle or run/walk through the amazing Fassifern Valley while supporting the great work that Chaplains do in the district.

Hot Dub Wine Machine – March 3
Wine and great music. Does it get any better? An amazing national artist line-up will play at Canungra Valley Vineyards on the 3rd. Hot Dub Time Machine, Sneaky Sound System, The Kite String Tangle, Touch Sensitive and many more.
Paired withe a cheaky glass (or bottle) or O’Reilly’s wine.

Mount Alford Artisans Autumn Market – March 3
Autumn is here and the local artisans will gather for their new-season market at the Mt Alford Hall. Celebrate the bush harvest and shop from the stalls, selling local and organic produce, recycled and upcylced products, handmade craft and more. Live music and good vibes.

Milbong Heritage Day – March 3
Love your tractors and farm machines?
Don’t miss this event. You’ll see displays of working and static tractors, farm implements, stationary engines and classic trucks. Many have been beautifully-restored. Food and drinks for sale and live entertainment from 9am to 3pm.

The Peak Pub Show & Shine Family Day Out – March 3
Live music, rockabilly dancing and a car & motorbike Show and Shine. Great day out at this friendly country pub.

O’Reilly’s Autumn Bird Week – March 4 to 9
Join bird lovers at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat’s popular Autumn Bird Week. O’Reilly’s and the Lamington National Park is home to Australia’s largest collection of sub-tropical birds. Explore the World Heritage-listed park and witness migratory birds as they prepare to leave for wintering grounds.

CMC Rocks Queensland – March 16 to 18
Bringing the worlds biggest country music stars to Willowbank!
Luke Bryan, Darius Rucker, Kelsea Ballerini, Dustin Lynch, Dan + Shay, and many more will perform in 2018!

Showtime on the Mountain – March 17
A fabulous day of fun and frolicks in the Irish way! Celebrate with style at the Tamborine Mountain Show St Patricks Day Celtic Festival.

Rose Care Workshops – March 17
Learn from the experts at Barton’s Rose Farm. Enjoy tea and conversation as you discover the secrets to keeping beautiful roses.

Beaudesert Show Campdraft – March 23 to 24
Campdrafting action at the Beaudesert Showgrounds.

Moogerah Passion Play – March 24 to April 1
The Moogerah Passion Play is a dramatic account of the Passion of Christ (His life, death and resurrection). This play is performed in a natural, open-air amphitheatre on the banks of Lake Moogerah and features more than 100 local actors, as well as donkeys and chooks.

Look out for the Scenic Rim’s new campaign on Queensland Rail trains. Your next adventure is closer than you think.

Read more →

Two Scenic Rim tourism operators were recognised at the recent Tourism Queensland Awards.

TreeTop Challenge at Tamborine Mountain won a Gold Award in the Adventure Tourism category and will now vie for recognition at the Australian Tourism Awards in Perth in February.

Tree Top Challenge

Tree Top Challenge

The Treetop Challenge features more than 100 adrenalin-pumping challenges spread across six courses over nine acres of bushland.

Visitors can choose from 11 zip lines and a number of suspended bridges.

Shane O’Reilly and his team at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards also won Gold in the Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries category, adding to their silver win last year.

It was fabulous to see the Brisbane Greeters recognised for their efforts with a Gold in the Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or Volunteer Group category. The Scenic Rim works closely with the Brisbane Greeters and looks forward to future collaborations.

And to our close neighbours at the Killarney View Cabins and Caravan Park for their Bronze award for the second year in a row in the Caravan and Holiday Parks category.

Dip into these refreshing Scenic Rim lakes and waterfalls

When the weather heats up and it’s time to cool down head to our fabulous Scenic Rim swimming holes, country creeks and lakes.
Make the Scenic Rim your go-to summer escape and discover our stunning lakes, crystal clear creeks, spectacular waterfalls and refreshing swimming holes.

Seek a cool reprieve in the Scenic Rim. Bring your ski boat, your kayaks, your picnic rug and your holiday reads and soak up the relaxed vibes of summer in the Scenic Rim.

Cool down at these scenic lakes, waterfalls and swimming holes

1. The Gorge

The Gorge is about 2.5km downstream from the Lake Moogerah spillway. It’s a quiet, shady camping spot with a 200m-long swimming hole. It’s accessed via Gorge Rd, about 15-minutes’ drive from Boonah.

The Gorge

The Gorge

2. Flanagan Reserve, Rathdowney

The upper Logan River flows into this 200m long swimming hole just outside Rathdowney. There’s a campground nearby and dogs are allowed.

Flanagan Reserve

Flanagan Reserve

 

3. Yellow Pinch Mt Barney

Park in the Yellow Pinch car park in the Mt Barney National Park to access this peaceful swimming hole nearby. There’s a rope swing and gentle rapids, which flow into the swimming hole.

Yellow Pinch Waterhole

Yellow Pinch Waterhole

4. Lower Portals

These beautiful, deep rock pools and small waterfalls are accessed along a 7.4km return walk in the Mt Barney National Park. Allow three hours, it’s worth the effort.

Lower Portals

Lower Portals

 

5. Burgess Park

This park, on Christmas Creek, is a great place for swimming. There are toilets, BBQs and picnic tables nearby. It’s about 20km from Beaudesert and an old Moreton Bay fig provides beautiful shelter during summer.

Christmas Creek

Christmas Creek

 

6. Darlington Park

This Park, camping ground and caravan park is on the Albert River in the Lost World. It is an ideal spot for a picnic and boasts a number of swimming holes, complete with rope swing and gentle rapids. Enjoy a gentle float downstream on a tube or airbed.

Darlington Park

Darlington Park

 

7. Sharp Park

A popular camping and caravanning stop on the Canungra River, this is a great swimming hole and picnic area. Upstream you may spy the resident Platypus.

Sharp Park

Sharp Park

8. Curtis Falls

Curtis Falls are fed by Cedar Creek and run all year. The walking track ends at a viewing platform overlooking a large rock pool with views of the falls and of the basalt rock face.

Curtis Falls

Curtis Falls

 

9. Lamington National Park

Both the Green Mountain and Binna Burra sections of the Lamington National Park are a waterfall chaser’s dream come true. Some of southern Queensland’s more spectacular waterfalls can be found here. These include Elabana Falls, Yarrabilgong Falls, Coomera Falls, Morans Falls and so many more.

Morans Falls overlooking the Scenic Rim. Image: @j_kreiss via Instagram

Morans Falls overlooking the Scenic Rim. Image: @j_kreiss via Instagram

10. Cameron Falls

Cameron Falls are located on the Sandy Creek Circuit within the Knoll Section of the Tamborine National Park. The walking track follows the creek and the falls can be heard in the distance. A branch track to Cameron Falls Lookout enables you to drink in the natural beauty of the waterfalls.

Cameron Falls by Karina Elliott

Cameron Falls by Karina Elliott

 

11. Yarramalong Recreation Centre

This is a privately-run recreation centre, situated on a beautiful property accessed via Lake Moogerah Rd, near Aratula. The Reynolds Creek runs through the property and flows year round, making this the perfect spot for a summer cool down. Float with the gentle creek current, or sun yourself on the rock wall. Hire a kayak, or BYO. There’s a fishing hole nearby, will you catch dinner?

Picture by Leanne Horder Photography

Picture by Leanne Horder Photography

12. Lake Moogerah

Now here’s a fun summer destination. Lake Moogerah is a hive of activity during the warmer months, when the boating and camping fraternity descend. It’s action stations on this busy lake, located between Boonah and Aratula. If you love jetskiing, waterskiing and fishing then this is the place for you. You’ll want to stay longer than a day so check out the great self-contained houses, cottages and camping facilties nearby.

 

Lake Moogerah

Lake Moogerah

13. Bigriggen Park

Oh boy, where do we begin? Bigriggen has something for everyone – including some gorgeous, clear water to cool down. This campground and park is situated between Boonah and Rathdowney in the foothills of Mt Maroon. The park offers visitors so many choices,  from camping facilities to cabins,  bunkhouses and a fabulous bike track the kids will LOVE. Fish the Logan River and take your rubber tube so you can float in the cool waters of the Burnett Creek.

Bigriggen Park

Bigriggen Park

14. Lake Maroon

A stunning lake in the Scenic Rim’s south, this is a relaxing spot for fishing, kayaking, and watersports. BYO watercraft, or hire from the on-site operators. The water here is deep and clean and there’s generally less traffic here than at Moogerah. But the wind does pick up, which makes it great for windsurfing. Set-up your marquee lakeside and make a day of it. The lake is said to offer some of Queensland’s best bass fishing.

Lake Maroon

Lake Maroon

15. Lake Wyaralong

Wyaralong is the Scenic Rim’s newest lake and it’s closed to powered craft, which means it’s also the region’s most peaceful lake. Lake Wyaralong is home to an Olympic-standard rowing course and is well-suited to explorations via kayak and canoe.  Pack your tent and take advantage of the two campgrounds located within the catchment.

Lake Wyaralong

Lake Wyaralong

Tourism pioneer Shane O’Reilly shares his thoughts on the best Scenic Rim places to eat, drink, explore and soak in the views.

Read more →

Things to do in the Scenic Rim in November

It’s a busy month in the Scenic Rim, with plenty of exciting November events and activities on offer. Check out the country races at Beaudesert, the Canungra markets and the Boonah Bookfest. Bird Week returns to O’Reilly’s for the 40th year.

Beaudesert Races Derby Day – November 4

Country races at their best. Head down to the Beaudesert Racetrack this Saturday for Derby Day Scenic Rim style. Kids are welcome – they will love the free facepainting and the ice-cream and smoothie trucks. Bookings essential for Beaudesert’s answer to the Birdcage. Frock up and enjoy the sensational multi-course lunch.

Derby Day Beaudesert Race Club

Derby Day Beaudesert Race Club

Boonah Bookfest – November 4 and 5

Refresh your home library at this popular annual book bonanza. In aid of the Boonah District Cultural Foundation, you’ll need to visit both days to make your way through the collection. Boonah Bookfest is held at the Boonah Cultural Centre.

Boonah Bookfest

Boonah Bookfest

Canungra Country Fair – November 4

Here’s a great day out for the family, featuring market stalls, food, an outdoor bar, live music, free jumping castle, petting zoo and much more. Celebrate with the close-knit Canungra community.

Canungra Country Fair logo

 

O’Reilly’s 40th Annual Bird Week – November 5 to 11

Join bird lovers from around the globe for the 40th anniversary of O’Reilly’s popular Bird Week. You’ll meet leading researchers, authors and photographers and join them to spot more than 200 species of birds. This is Australia’s longest-running birding program and it’s fitting that it is held in the Lamington National Park, home to Australia’s largest collection of sub-tropical birds. Bookings essential.

Orielly Bird of Prey

O’Reilly’s 40th Annual Bird Week

O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyard Family Fun Day – November 5

Celebrate at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards inaugural Family Fun Day,  with entertainment for all ages. Work up an appetite with a game of backyard cricket, or some grape stomping. Mum and dad can settle in for a glass of O’Reilly’s wine and gourmet Homestead picnic basket on the manicured lawn, while the kids take part in the yellow rubber duck races on the Canungra Creek. Meet the alpacas from MountView Alpaca Farm. Bookings essential.

O'Reilly's Family Fun Day

O’Reilly’s Family Fun Day

Flinders Peak Winery Christmas Markets – November 11

Christmas is coming so it’s time to start thinking about gifts, food and refreshments. Flinders Peak Winery has you sorted wiht their Christmas Markets. Enjoy live music and stunning views as you browse the market stalls and stock up on the Flinders Peak wines and spirits. Runs from 3.30pm to 6pm.

Finders Peak Markets

 

Tommerup’s Christmas on the Farm – November 25

The Tommerup family will swing open their dairy farm gate for a special pre-Christmas event on November 25.
Spend the afternoon feeding the friendly farm animals, take a guided farm tour and browse the market stalls, where you can find local produce, unique gifts and yummy Scenic Rim delicacies.
Santa is rumoured to be schedule to drop by too! With your Christmas shopping done, relax and enjoy the paddock picnic. Feast on a special Tommerup’s Picnic Platter, featuring Kay an Dave’s own veal and pork, as well as White Gold Creamery Cheese (made with the Tommerup farm milk) and other delicious local gourmet treats.
Bookings are essential. Prices range from $5.50 to $38.

Christmas on Tommerup Farm

Christmas on Tommerup Farm