Take the Scenic route

A day trip from Brisbane was traditionally associated with heading north or south to the beaches of the Gold or Sunshine coasts.

Now, an inland destination offering endless vistas, outdoor adventures, wineries, farm-to-table produce and warm and welcoming characters is well and truly making its mark.

Having endured the 2019 bushfires and COVID-19 lockdowns, the Scenic Rim has emerged as one of Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Regions in the world.

We set off from Brisbane one crisp autumn morning to find out why.

After about 50 minutes on the road, we reached Summer Land Camels and soon were up close and personal with some of the 450 humpback residents on the farm.

It was time for a coffee, so we headed into the onsite cafe and ordered one with camel milk.

You can also grab a camel milk gelato, tuck into the Persian camel milk feta cheese or check out the camel milk skin and haircare products.

There’s also Summer Land Camel’s own milk and honey vodka for those after something a little stronger.

Shaking off the mud, we hopped back in the car and headed to the Scenic Rim Farm Shop on the site of a former rose farm, just 10 minutes further south of Summer Land Camels.

The Farm Shop and Cafe is the home of Scenic Rim Farm Box, which was initially launched to connect local producers – who were at a loss due to cancellations and supply chain disruptions – direct to consumers.

“The irony of COVID is that we had the space and time to go, right let’s do it,” Scenic Rim Farm Box General Manager Genevieve Windley said.

“We went from idea to delivery in three weeks.”

Scenic Rim Farm Box General Manger Genevieve Windley.

After perusing the Farm Shop, we sat down for a coffee beneath mighty Jacaranda trees as Gen explained how she wanted to give Scenic Rim Farm Box a home where the public could visit and enjoy fresh local food.

The property is also home to Elderflower Farm, so we wandered across the garden to the flower field and took a moment to smell the blooms.

Back on the road, we were bound for the small town of Kalbar.

As you drive along the main street, it would be hard to miss the imposing grandeur of the Wiss Emporium.

The historic building, which first opened as a store in the early 1900s, once stocked everything from boiled sweets and clothing to pianos.

Recently relaunched as the Emporium, it has now been lovingly filled with homewares, clothing, art, furniture and much more – be prepared not to leave empty-handed.

Rain started to set in as we left Kalbar and headed for the Mount French lookout.

While the rain dampened our plans to stretch our legs on the 15-minute walk to the lookout, the roadside scenery was still idyllic and worth the drive.

For those who visit on a drier day, there is a range of tracks to choose from, no matter your level of bushwalking expertise.

Summer Land Camels.

Despite the grey afternoon, it would be hard to take away from the jaw-dropping scenery on offer at our next destination, Kooroomba Vineyards and Lavender Farm.

It’s no wonder it’s the location of choice for so many people to say, “I do”.

We strolled through the lavender fields, admiring the views into the valley and beyond, before pulling up a stool to taste some of the wines on offer at the cellar door.

After selecting our favourite drops, it was time for lunch in the restaurant.

Overlooking the vineyard, lavender fields and hopping kangaroos, the restaurant is headed up by Chef Daniel Groneberg.

The menu, filled with fresh and local ingredients, including lavender of course, made it tough to not order one of everything.

After a leisurely lunch, it was time for our last stop of the day, the Scenic Rim Brewery in the town of Mount Alford.

While we didn’t get to experience the brewery open and in full swing, with a deck stretching out behind the heritage building showcasing views over the countryside, it was easy to see why locals and visitors alike flock here to enjoy a beer and quality eats.

As we headed back towards the Brisbane skyline, we were already planning our next trip to the Scenic Rim, where there is so much more to explore.