Scenic Rim

Rainforests, lakes, valleys and mountains

You can explore the Scenic Rim in a day, but do yourself a favour and allow a couple of days. There’s plenty of accommodation ranging from camping under the stars to luxuriating in resorts.

Head down the M1 towards the Gold Coast from Brisbane, cross the Coomera River and turn off the highway through Upper Coomera and Wongawallen to Tamborine Mountain. Take a wander through the Gallery Walk filled with shops and cafes, then there’s wineries, distilleries, Skywalk, ziplines and brewery to visit. The Witches Falls section of Tamborine National Park was Queensland’s first National Park, declared in 1908.

Head out of the rainforest down to Tamborine and Beaudesert, or perhaps Canungra to Beechmont, or Lamington National Park set in ancient rainforest.

From Beaudesert you could take a short trip up the valley of the Albert River to the village of Kerry and the gloriously named Lost World. Close by Beaudesert on the way to Rathdowney is Kooralbyn with its resort and golf course. You’ll see Mt Barney and Mt Lindsay from Rathdowney.

Two of South East Queensland’s favourite lakes Maroon and Moogerah, ideal for boating, fishing and water skiing, are on the way to Boonah and Aratula. Head back to Brisbane through the rich food bowl of Kalbar, Harrisville, Peak Crossing and Rosevale.

Places of Interest

• Stop off at one of the many stunning lakes, spectacular waterfalls or refreshing swimming holes.

• If you’re after some serious retail therapy, Gallery Walk is the place to visit.

• BYO jet ski and hit the water at Lakes Moogerah and Maroon or paddle your kayak on Lake Wyaralong.