We have all been saddened by the drought and subsequent fires that have affected the beautiful Queensland Scenic Rim and this had me asking , “What can I do to help?“
Did you know only 1 percent of the region was affected by fire. The rest of the region is open and ready for business. They need our day trippers, overnighters, hikers, wine lovers and foodies to visit this magical region and help them get back on their feet again. So here’s a few of my top picks for the nations recently awarded “ most delicious region” and the best part is it’s only an hour’s drive from Brisbane or the Gold Coast. Go on get out there! You know you want to.
- A place I’ve always wanted to visit is Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm Restaurant. Lavender features heavily in my romance writing and always seems magical to me. The restaurant here is world class and there is a beautiful wedding chapel, lavender fields and vineyards. Do some wine tasting before visiting the lovely restaurant.
- Tommerup’s Dairy Farm is a sixth generation working dairy farm you can visit for the day or enjoy a farm stay in one of their country cottages. Kids will love touring the farm and learning about where their food comes from. You can milk cows, feed the pigs and collect the eggs for a truly farm to fork experience. Only 75 minutes away from Brisbane or the Gold Coast this family run farm is a delight.
- Love to hike? Spicer’s Scenic Rim Trail is about as luxe as it gets and is the only Queensland walk listed in the Great Walks of Australia. This multi day walk takes you through some heritage listed national park. Friends who’ve done this walk rave about the glam accommodation, delicious food and the friendly, experienced guides who point out so many natural wonders found in this beautiful part of the world. Australia’s best hiking in our own backyard, without those hefty airfares.
- If a romantic picnic is on the agenda you can visit O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards. You can chill with your sweetheart and only bring your appetite as the picnic and blanket will be provided for you. After lunch you can take one of their alpacas for a stroll.
- I’ve spoken to Jeff Flood whose passion is camel milk and it’s products. You can visit Summerland Camels to meet these amazing creatures and taste some of their excellent camel cheese, ice cream and milk. All of this produce is great for those with allergies or dairy intolerance. Jeff is a biochemist so has also created a range of products great for those with skin conditions like eczema. Summerland Camels produce is used by some of the best restaurants in Brisbane, including Bacchus and The Wolfe.
These are just a few of my favourites from the Scenic Rim. There are cottage stays, waterfalls to visit, award winning wineries and microbreweries plus fabulous farm to table restaurants to try. The only way we can help the people of this magnificent region is to keep visiting, keep staying, keep eating their food and drinking their beer and wine! Doesn’t sound too hard to me! She Society would love to hear about some of your favourite Scenic Rim experiences.
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
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