Where the country meets the city: country experiences and events within the Scenic Rim

In need of a country escape not too far from home? We hear you! Buckle up, hit the road, and set your destination to the Scenic Rim, just one hour from Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Country experiences in the Scenic Rim come in abundance, from farm stays to produce trails, rodeos to alpaca farms, flower fields and camel milk products – just to scratch the surface.

So, what are you waiting for? Plan your very own country escape within the Scenic Rim and experience the relaxed charm of the mountains.

Indulge in luxury at Herrmann House

Tucked away in the historic town of Kalbar, the Herrmann House homestead combines a luxurious stay, fit for a bridal party, romantic getaway or a friend’s weekend with sweeping farmland views. The historical three-turreted home is brimming with decadence from the moment you step through the door, all the way to the garden equipped with a BBQ, white Hampton chairs and a firepit.

For a truly indulgent stay, enjoy a night in with their in-house dining, ideal for a private dinner party, grazing table or simply a romantic dinner for two.

Stay on a cattle farm at Eighteen Mile Cottage and Homestead

Find Eighteen Mile Cottage and Homestead nestled in Darlington, in the heart of the Scenic Rim, situated on an expansive and operational beef cattle farm. The Cottage sleeps four and is located beside a gentle river, surrounded by mountains and a large outdoor campfire perfect for an evening of stargazing in the country.

Alternatively, the Homestead hosts up to 15 people, with three bathrooms, two large lounge areas, a swimming pool and an indoor and outdoor fireplace. Ideal for a group of friends or an extended family, wave hello to the grazing cattle or hit the trails and set off for a hike across the river.

Find yourself surrounded by flowers at Scenic Rim Farm House

Located on the grounds of the Scenic Rim Farm Shop, cafe and expansive flower field, Scenic Rim Farm House is one stay that is sure to indulge all senses. The three-bedroom stay includes a charming country kitchen, a wrap-around verandah, and a private back deck with outdoor seating, ideal for lounging with a hot cup of coffee while the sun rises. Don’t feel like cooking? Head across the lawn and grab a delicious coffee, breakfast or lunch before strolling the field of blossoming flowers.

Meet friendly animals at Clandulla Cottages and Farmstay

Set on 20 acres of farmland with an abundance of animals, Clandulla Cottages and Farmstay is more than just a place to rest your head. The property accommodates five private and self-contained cottages, each with key features to host families and groups of different sizes.

Every morning and afternoon, guests are invited to join in the fun, hand feeding and petting the resident farm animals from chickens to horses, sheep, goats, peacocks, cows and everything in between.

Enjoy a heritage stay at Wiss Cottage in Kalbar

Located in Kalbar, Wiss Cottage is a heritage country stay that’ll have you stepping back over 130 years in time. The fully restored two-bedroom cottage was the first Australian home of German immigrant Lionel Wiss and is now a charming and comfortable couples’ retreat while retaining its rich heritage.

Meet and greet the locals at Summer Land Camels

Summer Land Camels is Australia’s largest camel dairy farm that’ll have you getting up close and personal (even snapping a selfie) with the true stars of the show – the camels. Book a camel ride in advance, take a farm tour or simply wander the grounds, throw down a picnic rug and enjoy the sweeping views. Head to the Homestead Café & Farm Store for a delicious feed and try some camel products, including the popular Camel Milk gelato, or purchase some camel milk anti-aging skincare to try at home.

Alpaca your bags and head to Mountview Alpaca Farm

Got a thing for alpacas? No problemo, Mountview Alpaca Farm will have you getting up close and personal or even setting off on a picnic with these friendly bundles of fluff. The farm is located on O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards, so after you meet and learn the names and quirky personalities of the alpacas who call the farm home, before settling down to end the day with a glass of wine.

Get your fluffy animal fix at Heritage Poultry Farm

Feeling clucky? Spend a Sunday at Heritage Poultry Farm in Harrisville for their monthly farm day and cuddle chicks, ducklings, silkies, puppies, goats, or head off on a pony ride. Held on the last Sunday of every month, farm days are a great way to learn all about the poultry industry, enjoy a picnic on the farm grounds and visit the animal nursery.

Taste the flavours of the region at the Farm Gate Trail

Eager to step behind the veil and taste the best of the Scenic Rim? Now’s your chance with farmers, growers, producers, winemakers, brewers, distillers and flavour-makers opening their gates for the Farm Gate Trail. Held on Sunday 29 March and Sunday 26 July from 9am – 3pm, you’ll want to register your interest and mark your calendars for a day of feasting your way through the very best of the region.

Giddy up and cheer on cowboys at Tamborine Rodeo

Yeeehaww, there’s nothing like a true country rodeo, and Tamborine Rodeo is exactly where you’ll find an authentic experience. Held at Woodstock Farm on Saturday 18 April, get set for an action-packed experience from broncs and bulls to barrel racing and roping.

Get creative at the Tamborine Mountain Scarecrow Festival

A prerequisite for farming is knowing how to make one frightful-looking scarecrow, right? At least that’s what the birds of the Scenic Rim tell us! Mark Friday 23 – 25 October in your calendar for the annual Tamborine Mountain Scarecrow Festival. Essentially a sculpture show, the festival invites locals to make and display a scarecrow along the ‘Spot the Scarecrow Discovery Trail’, celebrating the lifestyle found in the mountains.

Dine among the flowers at Scenic Rim Farm Shop & Cafe

Tucked under the towering Jacarandas, find the Scenic Rim Farm Shop & Cafe situated on a working flower farm in Kalbar. Serving up a tasty breakfast and lunch menu filled with local produce, a selection of house-baked cakes, alongside coffee, tea and an extensive beer and wine list, that’ll have you relaxing in the afternoon, the cafe is also dog-friendly.

Fine dine at The Paddock Restaurant

After a fancy bite to eat? Head to The Paddock Restaurant for paddock to plate style fine dining set on the grounds of the luxury Beechmont Estate. The chef-hatted restaurant will take you on a culinary journey through your plate, celebrating fresh and local produce. Check out their seasonal menu, for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Enjoy a pub meal at the Commercial Hotel Boonah

There’s nothing like a country pub meal at the historic Commercial Hotel Boonah to seal a Scenic Rim day trip. Dine from farm to fork – literally, when ordering the Scenic Rim Native UltraBlack Angus with all beef grass-fed, raised on the hotel’s farm in Tarome and exclusive to Commercial Hotel Boonah. Pair it with a Boonah Brewing Co beer, brewed on site for a refreshing sip, made and poured using pure spring water from the Scenic Rim.

For family-friendly dining, visit The Bearded Dragon Hotel

Located on Tamborine Mountain, the Bearded Dragon Hotel will have you slipping seamlessly into the country lifestyle. For traditional pub fare, dine at the Tamborine Restaurant, open all day, serving signature burgers and rotating specials. For views of the Hinterland and a great area for the kids to run around on the grass or at the playground, the Mt Tamborine Pub – Tavern is a beer lover’s haven.

Say hi to the resident miniature donkeys, Matilda, Clancy and Mabel, or for extra entertainment, plan your visit alongside the World Famous “Toadman” toad racing event.

Giddy up at Saddle Up Boonah

Whether you’re new to horse riding or a seasoned equestrian, Saddle Up Boonah is where you’ll find the best quality (and the most stylish) saddlery. Smell the genuine leather from the moment you step into the shop and peruse their homewares, saddles, tack and equipment, and a clothing range curated to take you from horseback to outback while looking the part.

Shop till you drop at Maynards in Boonah

Get your retail therapy fix at the Maynards Store in Boonah known for its good old country service. Browse everything from clothing to hats, accessories, shoes, workwear and knick-knacks with a flair for the old-fashioned.

Browse the shelves at Rancher and Co in Beaudesert

For ranch-inspired homewares and a curated collection of brands, Rancher and Co in Beaudesert is perfect for gift shopping or splurging on a little something for yourself. Peruse their collection of Lane Boots, Frank Green supplies, FireLilee Candles, Toshi baby clothes, alongside an assortment of homewares and women’s clothing.