Aren't we a lucky bunch!
Aren't we a lucky bunch!
It has to be said: we live in a pretty special part of the world here in Southeast Queensland. But as we talk about it, it’s sometimes a little more challenging to translate this to people who may not have visited our sunshine state — even let alone Australia.
However, now it seems the whole world may be in on our little slice of paradise — or to be more precise, the enigmatic Scenic Rim just a short drive away across our hinterland! Recently unveiled across the world, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022 names the top 10 countries, cities and regions to visit next year, with our very own Scenic Rim the only Australian inclusion! (We’ll take it!) This edition emphasised the best sustainable travel experiences and named the Scenic Rim 8th in the Top 10 Regions in the entire world.
Each year, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel lists start with nominations from Lonely Planet’s vast community of staff, writers, bloggers, publishing partners and more. Their panel of travel experts then whittles down the nominations to just 10 countries, 10 regions and 10 cities. Each is chosen for its topicality, unique experiences, ‘wow’ factor and its ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism practices. Amongst this prized list are inclusions such as the Westfjords in Iceland and the Atacama Desert of Chile! It appears our very own backyard is certainly rubbing shoulders with some iconic locations!
Lonely Planet’s Chris Zeiher had this to say, “after bouncing back from the 2019 Black Summer bushfires with a raft of new attractions and a renewed focus on sustainability, the Scenic Rim in Queensland is primed to become one of Australia’s low impact tourism power players. It’s such an untouched and diverse eco-based Australian destination. From the amazing food and wine to the incredible rainforest and bush walks and memorable places to stay, this is an unexpected pocket of Australia that has it all.”
Just 30 minutes from the heart of the Gold Coast, the Scenic Rim stretches from Canungra to The Lost World, Beaudesert to Boonah, Tamborine Mountain to Kalbar, and is home to the ancient World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests, historic national parks, charming towns and villages, adventure parks, farm stays, boutique wineries, ecolodges, tantalising gourmet experiences, world-class camping and glamping and breadth of stunning spaces in between.
But where did the name even come from? Adventurer, naturalist and tourism pioneer Arthur Groom, who went on to found Binna Burra, appears to be the originator of the phrase Scenic Rim. He used it to describe the spectacular semicircle of ancient volcanic mountains that wrap around the vista-full valleys, punctuating the farmlands below.
Scenic Rim Regional Council Mayor Greg Christensen said being named in the Top 10 Regions globally for 2022 was a major victory but not undeserved.
“This is a region of plenty, of rugged ranges, valleys, winding roads and the most welcoming people in the world. It’s the region of flavour makers, growers, farmers, foodies and taste-chasers, path-makers and forward-thinking people who have worked to create visitor experiences that are unique, authentic, educational and sustainable, and have persisted during even the most tumultuous and challenging times. It’s here in the Scenic Rim, though, that locals and visitors alike feel enriched, and we are thrilled that this has been recognised; we look forward to sharing our beautiful region with visitors of all ages and from all corners of the world – as always, we ask everyone to tread lightly on our earth.”
Why not plan an excursion into the green behind the gold? Our glorious beaches will still be here when you get back!
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
This south-east pocket of Queensland we get to call home is quite a special place. The endless sub-tropical Pacific Ocean and sublime beaches on one side and backed by lush, ancient rainforest on the other — what a place to live!
And the Scenic Rim is very much part of that makeup too. Set at the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, this region holds host to incredible food and produce, the likes we sometimes don’t get to see here on the Gold Coast.
Well, if you head to Picnic Real Food Bar in Mount Tamborine, you’ll experience nothing but the best ingredients the region has to offer.
How so, you might ask? Owner Brenda Fawdon is an avid expert of all things culinary in the area. A hospitality veteran of 30 years, after moving to Tamborine a decade ago she took it upon herself to research and then write not one, but two cookbooks highlighting incredible Scenic Rim producers. So you could say what Brenda doesn’t know about great food from the local area isn’t worth knowing!
Picnic Real Food Bar is set along the green and tree-lined Main Street in North Tamborine and is part of a recently revealed new building development called the North Stores. The space is an open-air uber-modern, yet rustic approach to any café we have seen. Whoever you take here is absolutely going to love it!
Bring your hunger ‘A’ game with you, as the assortment of baked treats — both savoury and sweet — are dazzling here. There are Chocolate Salted Rye Biscuits, gluten-free Italian Almond Slices and a rather scrumptious looking ‘breakfast’ Carrot Cake. Cake for breakfast? If you say so! Not to mention all of this is made on-site by a dedicated baker.
A selection of Toasted Ciabattas with ingredients such as prosciutto, artichoke, mozzarella and tomato jam are available — or you might prefer a Charred Zucchini and Black Bean Salad? Either way, everything is fresh and delicious.
Drinks come in the form of house-pressed juices, Buchi kombucha from Byron Bay on tap, milkshakes and Reuben Hills Coffee from Surrey Hills in Sydney. This boutique micro roastery only produces a set number of beans per week, meaning great consistent coffee every time you take a sip.
Being licensed, the café has a small but carefully considered selection of natural wines, Witches Falls Cider on Tap, as well as everyone’s favourite Balter XPA. If you’ve decided to do a morning hike on one of the many nearby trails then you surely deserve a lunch beverage, no?
With plans in the future to start creating specialised lunch boxes for you to take away, Picnic Real Food Bar will allow you to take their gorgeous food and drinks off with you to find your own slice of the hinterland. All you’ll need to do is BYO blanket, and then sit back and soak it all in.
Cancel your weekend plans. We think you should take a sneaky trip up to Mount Tamborine.
Where: 46 Main Street, North Tamborine
When: Wednesday – Sunday 7am-3pm
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
Is it us, or has this year slipped by at an alarming rate? Now, we don’t mean to alarm anyone here, but you do realise Christmas is less than three months away, right? (Cue heart palpitations).
Getting everyone covered with unique and special gifts can, at times, be an entirely taxing affair. You want your presents to be a little unique and out of the ordinary, memorable, and ultimately show that your Christmas game is strong when it comes down to it.
So, how does a fully-fledged, one day only, Christmas shopping bus tour trip out to some of Southeast Queensland’s best rural producers sound to you? A little too good to be true (and too much fun!). Well, think again.
After the success of previous years, The Merry Muster is back for 2021 and is combining a beautiful day trip out to the country with the chance to get your hands on one-off artisanal produce, wines, gifts — you name it!
The concept is simple: city-slickers from the Gold Coast and Brisbane will board a convoy of Merry Muster buses on Saturday 4th December before setting off to the vista-filled wonders of the Scenic Rim and Granite Belt.
Not only will you have a fabulous day of shopping, but guests will also be spreading festive cheer and much-needed dollars to market stallholders and producers from regional Queensland areas. The ones who have been hit hard in recent years through drought, flood, bushfires and now COVID-19.
Basically, Queenslanders looking after Queenslanders!
The first stop on the itinerary will be Summer Land Camels in the picturesque Scenic Rim. This charming (and cheeky) camel farm will host a vast Christmas market filled to the brim with makers, bakers, creators, and growers from all around the surrounding locale.
You can enjoy a decadent morning tea, get a selfie with a camel before you take time to explore the onsite shop full of goodies.
Grab lunch from one of the many onsite foodie vendors before the tour continues to the Granite Belt Christmas Farm in Applethorpe; where an outstanding boutique market — organised by event partner, Buy From The Bush QLD — featuring some of the many bush businesses proudly awaits!
Recharge with a delicious afternoon tea complete with a glass of bubbles, then shop till you drop, explore the farm’s substantial onsite Christmas store, hand-feed some of Santa’s animals or explore the Christmas tree forest before heading home.
Tickets are a snip at $100pp, which includes your full-day itinerary, gourmet local produce morning tea, your very own Merry Muster shopping tote bag, delicious afternoon tea (including a glass of bubbles), wine tasting, a donation to two chosen charities on the day and transport to and from the locations on a luxury air-conditioned coach. Your day is all wrapped up!
Plus, all attendees will go into the draw to win some seriously fabulous lucky guest prizes supplied by this year’s generous sponsors, Spicers Retreats and Lolita’s Pearls. — Ooh la la!
Departure and return on the coaches will be from Ashmore, with tickets now on sale and strictly limited to 500 seats. Head to their website to learn more or to book yourself in before all available spaces disappear!
When: Saturday 4th December 2021.
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
Hiking. It’s an acquired taste but if walking long distances for the sheer joy of it floats your boat, where better to indulge than the picturesque Gold Coast. Particularly at the height of summer.
There are many places to trek around outside the comfort of your Netflix binge zone and here are five of them (from a literal walk in the park to the mother of all hiking adventures, in that order). Don’t forget water bottles and snacks.
Apple Tree Park Tracks
Sounds delightful doesn’t it. The park itself is actually a possible starting point for entry onto The Great Walk but allows your tired bones a bit of respite if 54km of walking is slightly out of your comfort zone (yes, hi). You can pretty much walk as far as you like, for as long as you like and then turn around and walk back for a picnic in the park. Take healthy foods so your walk doesn’t feel like it’s in vain.
Start: On Springbrook Rd next to the Springbrook Mountain Chalets
Natural Bridge
No doubt you’ve (at least) seen snaps of the stunning little spot that is Natural Bridge. A literal rock bridge in the middle of the rainforest complete with a sparkly waterfall and so much beautiful greenery and fresh air and relaxing wilderness noises. It’s a stunner and a fairly cruisy downhill walk to get there (bit slippery on the bridge so watch your step) and through the trees. Obvs it’s uphill on the way back but you won’t even notice you’ll be so chilled out. Make sure you’ve got a camera to capture the magic.
Start: Follow the signs towards Springbrook and then you will see signs for Natural Bridge on Natural Bridge Rd
South Stradbroke Island
Saying you’ve circumnavigated something is, quite frankly, a dream that’s always been somewhat unattainable. Until now. It’s possible to walk the entire way around South Straddy and, while it might take you awhile (it’s 21km long and 2.5km wide) it’s well worth it for the breathtaking views. Walking from the western side to the east will only take you around an hour so that’s quite relaxing. All the way around will take you at least a day so ensure you pack provisions. Once you’re done you should definitely stop in at McLarens Landing (the pub) because a hard earned thirst needs a big cold beer.
Start: Take the ferry from Hope Island and start your walk from wherever your little heart desires
Toolona Creek Circuit
Keen for a day of walking? Neither, but there are some folks who might be. To those people we say, get on board the Toolona Creek Circuit. The first part will take you to Picnic Rock and along the Toolona Creek to the falls. From there you can detour to the lookout for a rest and gaze lovingly out at the Tweed Valley, Mt Warning, Byron Bay and Straddy (hi hiking friends). Sounds chill enough except the entire track will probably take you around seven hours too. Prepare before you go and if it gets too much, turn yourself around and head home. Good luck.
Start: Head to Canungra and follow the signs to Lamington Plateau, Green Mountain Car Park aka O’Reillys.
The Great Walk
Go hard or go home right. This one’s a doozy and you might want to carve out a good chunk of time for the 54km trek. It’s best to start at Lamington National Park and finish at Springbrook and they say to allow three days to complete the walk (sheer joy remember). You’ll skirt around the rim of the Tweed Volcano and pass through the ancient lands of the Yugambeh people. Maybe put in a bit of practice with the walks below before you set out on this little adventure, it ain’t for the faint hearted. Take plenty water, camping gear and ensure you’re equipped for all weather possibilities.
Start: From the Pacific Motorway, take the Nerang exit (exit 69 from the north, exit 71 from the south) and follow the signs to Lamington National Park.
Words by Kirra Smith
