A natural wonder waiting to be explored in the heart of South-East Queensland

Just an hour’s drive south from Brisbane, and half an hour inland from the Gold Coast, the Scenic Rim is an arc of dramatic volcanic mountains with rolling green hills and valleys, set in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range. Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, the Scenic Rim is a popular tourist destination, with plenty for visitors to see and do, with a large range of accommodation, wineries, art galleries, bushwalking and national parks to explore.

The Scenic Rim stretches in a semi-circle from the Gold Coast Hinterland in the south up towards Ipswich in the north. This stunning natural landscape harbours a mix of unique rural towns and villages including Tamborine Mountain, Beaudesert, Boonah, Canungra, Rathdowney, Aratula, Harrisville and Peak Crossing. The Boonah District and surrounds are known as the heart of the Scenic Rim, and visitors to the area can find information and maps at the Visitor Information Centre, located at the entrance to Boonah Township. The Scenic Rim is also home to accessible World Heritage Listed National Parks including Lamington National Park, Mt Barney National Park, and Tamborine National Park.

O'Reilly's - By thinboyfatter

Stay

The Scenic Rim is steeped in rural charm, offering visitors the chance to enjoy warm country hospitality. Scenic Rim accommodation ranges from luxury mountain retreats and charming country getaways, B&B's and cosy cottages, to camping close to nature. The breathtaking views of the Scenic Rim provide the perfect setting for a romantic getaway, wedding or honeymoon, making the area popular with couples. There are many accommodation options catering to this market with top-end idyllic retreats offering privacy teemed with exquisite views. The Scenic Rim is also a popular option for families, with a number of family camping grounds, and also farmstays where the whole family can enjoy a taste of bush life, meet some of the animals, and take part in farm activities.

Mt Tamborine Winery & Homestead - By avlxyz

Indulge

The Scenic Rim is an emerging boutique wine region, with an assortment of award-winning vineyards and wineries to visit. The rich volcanic soil of the area helps local winemakers produce premium wines that are making an impression in wine shows all over the country. Choose to sit back and enjoy an organised wine tour, or if you have your own transport why not explore the Scenic Rim wine trail, from Marburg through Boonah and on to Mt Barney tasting great wines while enjoying the stunning backdrop of the Scenic Rim. The fertile soil in this area also provides beautiful fresh regional produce which you can sample at road-side stalls, country markets, charming local pubs, or award winning restaurants and cafes. Food and wine are celebrated in the Scenic Rim, with a number of events throughout the year, including the Canungra Creek Harvest Festival in March. The area is also home to a number of cooking schools, some of which also offer accommodation, for a complete culinary getaway. The natural beauty of this area also attracts many artists and art-lovers, and not surprisingly, the Scenic Rim region is home to a diverse group of artists. Local artists showcase their work in May during the Open Studios of the Scenic Rim- entry is free to the public. The Scenic Rim also has two Cultural Centres at Beaudesert and Boonah which regularly feature art exhibitions.

Springbrook Little Falls flickr: By Big Jobs

Get Back to Nature

With an abundance of fresh air and open spaces, teemed with rugged mountain scenery, the Scenic Rim is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. The many National Parks offer superb bushwalking tracks, rock-climbing, abseiling and bird-watching opportunities. The beautiful countryside of the Scenic Rim also hides numerous waterfalls and watering holes, which make the perfect escape on a hot summer’s day. One of the area’s most popular national parks is Tamborine Mountain National Park, with its waterfalls, rainforest walking tracks and beautiful views of the coast. Visit the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, an elevated walkway which puts you up in the canopy of the trees with all the wildlife. Lamington National Park has the largest area of sub-tropical rainforest in Australia, with over 150km of walking tracks and more than 300 waterfalls to see. Other Scenic Rim tours and activities include horse-riding, farm activities, fishing and kayaking. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, see the spectacular volcanic mountain vistas saunter past below you from a hot-air balloon, helicopter flight, glider, or for the more extreme, try sky-diving.

foggy springbrook road - By recoverling

See It All

There are a number of organised guided tours that showcase many of the Scenic Rims many beauty spots and highlights. Day trips from the Gold Coast or Brisbane will give you a small taste of what the region has to offer, or take a leisurely long weekend or longer to fully immerse yourself in this picturesque corner of Australia. If you have your own transport, the local information centres have some great drive itineraries that will help you to make the most of your time and take in some of the must-see sights. The Boonah region at the heart of the Scenic Rim has four themed heritage drives, Colourful Characters (history), Inspiration (artists and works of art), Feathered Friends (bird watching), and Serenity (scenery). There is also plenty of opportunity for four-wheel driving, especially in the Rathdowney area. However you choose to see the Scenic Rim, you can expect old-world country charm and a laid-back relaxed pace of life, teemed with outstanding natural beauty that will take your breath away.