We started our Scenic Rim roadtrip the way any good venture should – with a stellar playlist. Once the mood was set, we were ready to hit the road. About halfway into our one-and-a-quarter hour trip, the stresses of the week started to melt away – fresh air and wide-open green spaces will have that effect. Our first stop was at the breathtaking The Overflow Estate 1985, to pick up a couple of wines for the weekend. Perfectly perched on the banks of the Lake Wyaralong Dam, this picturesque winery is the ideal spot to stop on your way further inland for a nibble or two, or to settle in opposite the vineyards for decadent French long lunch at Two French Chefs Restaurant.
Next, we were off to Cannon Creek. The journey up the ridge provided incomparable views of the Scenic Rim, stretching out to the impressive Border Ranges that hug the region. Behind an unassuming gate we discovered our lodging for the evening – the Baya Tiny House Eco-Retreat at Ketchup’s Bank Glamping. Set among native bushland, this secluded eco-accomodation boasts spectacular Scenic Rim vistas, an ensuite, alfresco kitchen, fire pit, hammock and marshmallows for roasting. After making ourself at home, it was time to head to The Bowl in Boonah for a few sunset sips, before heading to chef Jack Stuart’s intimate 20-seater restaurant Blume. Not even two years old, this award-winning nosh spot in the heart of the Scenic Rim certainly lives up to its reputation. The menu is based on the principle of ‘time and place’, which means Blume only dishes out the finest seasonal produce from the very best local suppliers – including the gardens of Jack’s own family. We indulged in a mouth-watering menu of locally-sourced eats including beets backed in clay with jersey cultured cream and fennel pollen, Harrisville mushroom broth, red emperor with bonito vinegar and avruga caviar, and malt-barley ice-cream with kumquat, apple and chamomile. With full bellies, we headed back to our accomodation to rest our weary heads for another flavour-filled day in the Scenic Rim. As we climbed up to our loft bedroom, we took a moment to stargaze through the window positioned above our heads – our own private portal to the glittery night sky.
The gentle rays of the morning sun kissed our cheeks good morning, before we headed downstairs to indulge in our bountiful breakfast hamper filled with local goodies. Soon it was time to hop in the car for a 30-minute drive to the Scenic Rim Brewery and Cafe. This family-owned brewery is located in the picturesque town of Mount Alford and is the perfect place to grab a Aussie-inspired brew that is full of character and story. After a tipple or two, we made our way to The Roadvale Hotel – a newly-renovated pub that boasts quintessential country vibes, for an early lunch. Helmed by acclaimed chef Dan Groneberg, the kitchen dished out a sumptuous selection of elevated eats including slow-cooked saltbush lamb shoulder with hommus, slow-braised beef short ribs with Waldorf salad and a melt-in-your-mouth yoghurt and vanilla-bean panna cotta with Granite Belt figs. Next stop was the Scenic Rim Farm Shop and Elderflower Farm, where we met with farm owner and manager Rachel Watkins who took us through her beautiful flower field, newly planted with all of the wonderful winter blooms. Despite our satisfying lunch, we couldn’t say no to a Scenic Rim Farm Shop’s lemon tart, made fresh each day by owner Gen Windley using lemons and limes from her own farm. We finished off our epicurean adventure in the best way possible – cuddling with camels. That’s right, we ended our weekend in the Scenic Rim at Summer Land Camels, Australia’s largest camel dairy farm, touring the property with founder (and farmer) Paul Martin. This unique and utterly memorable experience opened our eyes to the world of these gentle, loveable creatures – plus we sampled the likes of camel-milk ice-cream, cheese and skincare products, all produced at at Summer Land.
We drove home with full bellies and full hearts – this beautiful region, right on our doorstep, is home to some of the best produce we’ve ever tasted, lovingly nurtured, grown and created by a group of extremely passionate (and friendly!) farmers and producers. We can’t wait to go back.
All of the destinations on our roadtrip are featured in events during Scenic Rim Eat Local Month. Embark on your own Scenic Rim adventure by heading to the Eat Local Month website. This culinary celebration is taking place until Sunday July 2, hosting more than 130 edible events and experiences throughout the Scenic Rim.
