scenic rim scenic beauty and a recreational wonderland less than 60 minutes drive from brisbane and the gold coast will find you in the heart of queensland’s recreational wonderland. take a walk with hundreds of kilometres of walking tracks, go flying, gliding, hang- gliding, hot air ballooning, launch a kayak or fish on a fresh water lake, taste award-winning wines, enjoy fresh seasonal produce or simply explore the art galleries and cafes – the scenic rim is your perfect escape. stretching from tamborine mountain and canungra through the lost world and mt barney and across to boonah and kalbar, this is the wonderland known as scenic rim. think romantic cottages and cabins, farm stays, camping and lodges. explore nature and feast on award- winning food & wine and you will know a little of this vast expanse of australian landscapes, country living and every pursuit you can think of. it’s a fertile region that produces a bounty of fruit, vegetables, wines, milk and gourmet products such as olives, cheese, jams and relishes - and the region offers food and wine lovers a range of experiences, from casual, relaxed café dining, to a five-star gourmet restaurant experience. kalbar, roadvale, harrisville, peak crossing and rosevale if it’s antiques, good food and great company you’re after, then this part of the scenic rim serves these things and much more in generous quantities. the historic town of kalbar dates back to the 1870s when farmers, predominantly german immigrants, began to select the fertile land bordering the warrill and reynolds creek flats. edward street is dominated by the historic and beautiful wiss emporium and wiss cottage. both buildings, and the nearby wiss house, now a b&b, built by the entrepreneurial wiss brothers who were keen traders of produce and farm goods. you’ll find cafés, a bakery, an art gallery, butcher and grocery stores, a dress shop, community bank, medical centre and chemist, beauty shops, hairdressers and a newsagent. the showground is popular with caravanners and the sale yards are busy with regular cattle trades. kalbar is surrounded by a number of smaller, historic towns. roadvale used to be a hub for industry but a 1915 fire destroyed many of the town’s buildings. there’s still a general store and a great pub, with facilities to tether your horse out the front. just up the road is harrisville with its beautiful queenslander-style architecture. drop in for a meal and a drink at the royal hotel. the whole family will love the summer land camel farm, just outside the town centre. it’s australia’s largest camel dairy, where you can see the camels being milked, pat the babies and try camel-milk products. up the road, towards ipswich you’ll arrive at peak crossing, a rural township situated on purga creek at the base of flinders peak mountain. stop at the peak pub for a cool drink, or pull into the flinders peak winery and taste the range of local, organic wines and spirits. boonah, aratula, lake maroon and lake moogerah boonah is a vibrant, colourful country town in the scenic rim’s west and is also a popular destination for newcomers seeking a relaxing tree change. it’s the gateway to the moogerah peaks and main range national parks, as well as lakes moogerah and maroon. boonah is an ideal base for boating and fishing, as well as scenic walks and camping. the local airfield is busy and offers enthusiasts the chance to see the scenery from a glider or light aircraft. nearby, along the busy cunningham highway, you’ll find aratula. it’s a popular resting spot for motorists and offers a myriad of food and drink options. beaudesert and kooralbyn beaudesert is a vibrant business centre, home to more than 5000 people and growing every day. new residents are attracted by the convenience and lifestyle that’s afforded by this go-ahead rural town. beaudesert was built on the back of rural production and remains a hub for successful dairy, beef, poultry, horticulture and cropping businesses. beaudesert’s vibrant business centre is home to an art gallery, cultural centre and great cafés, country pubs and clubs. kooralbyn kooralbyn is home to the kooralbyn international school, whose alumni include athlete cathy freeman and golfers adam scott and jason day. australia’s first integrated golf resort, the ramada resort kooralbyn valley, has undergone significant renovations and offers a unique rural and eco experience. relax by the pool or stay active clay pigeon shooting, horse trail riding, kayaking and playing golf. for more information about the fabulous scenic rim go to: www.visitscenicrim.com.au. defencelife2020 45