This story is part of the August 25 edition of Sunday Life. See all 13 stories . The Scenic Rim, that region of farmland, forest and dramatic mountain ranges tucked behind the Gold Coast, has long been a weekend destination for Queenslanders.
Now a number of new ventures, from fine dining to yoga with alpacas, have revitalised it, making it a spot with something for everyone. Three years ago, chef Jack Stuart (ex-Gauge) abandoned Brisbane for the town of Boonah, where he set about turning local produce into culinary art at Blume restaurant. Stuart has a thing for vegetables and, while every dish of the six-course degustation lunch menu I sample is exquisite, it’s his take on beets, sprouts and cabbage that make eating here unforgettable.
At Verandah House Country Estate the views of Mount Warning and the Gold Coast can be enjoyed from hot tub, sauna, communal firepit or your suite. Brenda Fawden and Sonja Drexler of Mondo Organics have also abandoned the city for Mount Tamborine, where they’ve recently opened their dream project, North Stores. The modern, bright space at the end of Main Street is home to Picnic (sustainable, clean, healthy and tasty food; no deep-fryers here) and a handful of artisan businesses.
These include ceramics at Andrew Moir’s Potta Studio, Katherine Chamberlain’s Floral Atelier for masterclasses in flower arranging and, a rare find in Australia, a distillery making amaro. At Loborn, you can sample three varieties of the Italian apéritif, lovingly produced by Tom Drewett. While you’re there, pick up a tote, poster or tea towel featuring Loborn’s fabulous logo.
This is a family-friendly area too, with accessible forest and waterfall walks (the region is home to six national parks) and fun places like Mountview Alpaca Farm, where “alpoga” yoga is just one of many activities on offer. I visit on a sunny Sunday and the place is packed with folks feeding and hanging out with the animals. Kids can run around the big open gardens at Scenic Rim Farm Shop & Cafe while adults enjoy a coffee and one of the glorious pastries on offer.
Across the lawn is Elderflower Farm, which specialises in heirloom and cottage-garden blooms and where you can pick your own flowers and join owner Rachel Watkins for a lesson in arranging. The pretty little town of Kalbar is worth a visit, or spend an hour browsing Canungra’s vintage shops. Loading Scenic Rim is an easy day trip from the Gold Coast, but its range of accommodation options make it attractive for longer stays.
One newcomer is Wander at The Overflow Estate 1895 winery, which offers private, luxurious and sustainable eco cabins with open fires and bathtubs on the balcony so you can soak while taking in the view over Lake Wyaralong. Guests can bring their own food or pick up a Farm Box, a local initiative supplying quality farm-fresh produce. Beechmont Estate, set in rolling hills and woodland, is dotted with attractive cabins featuring fireplaces and large, sunny decks.
Dine at The Paddock, the resort’s hatted restaurant where chefs Chris and Alex Norman deliver on their promise to “choose the best ingredients and treat them with respect”. When Judy Pereira saw the view from the back garden of a run-down guesthouse on Mount Tamborine, she knew she’d found the place for her five-star retreat. Verandah House Country Estate has taken three years, but it’s been worth the wait.
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