Scenic Rim win

The Scenic Rim, just an hour from Brisbane, has been named by Lonely Planet as one of the hottest destinations to visit in 2022!

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022 names the top 10 countries, cities and regions to visit this year, with the Scenic Rim the only Australian inclusion! The Scenic Rim stretches from Canungra to The Lost World, Beaudesert to Boonah, Tamborine Mountain to Kalbar and is home to the ancient World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests, six historic national parks, charming towns and villages, adventure parks, farm stays, craft breweries, boutique wineries, ecolodges, tantalising gourmet experiences, world class camping and glamping and breathtaking spaces in between. What more could a family want for a weekend away? So if you’re looking for some family fun this year, here’s the top events to diarise…

The Long Sunset Festival - 12 February

Australia’s newest boutique regional music event and set in the lush surrounds of Elysian Fields, Canungra – home of the Wangerriburra people– The Long Sunset brings a sweet program of Australia’s top acts and a basket-full of local gourmet food and art fare. Heading up the main stage is Australian indie-folk royalty Angus and Julia Stone, supported by Brisbane joy-machines Ball Park Music, psychedelic throw-back kids Babe Rainbow, and Hatchie, freshly back to her native stomping ground from New York City.

EmpowHER Hiking Program - February to June

This unique program empowers women and girls to explore the spectacular natural surrounds of the Scenic Rim whilst building confidence, fitness and participation in hiking. There are 60 guided hikes on offer for all fitness levels, from short walks to full-day adventures and, better yet, they are just $15 per booking!

Scenic Rim Farm Gate Trails - 6 March & 2 May

This is your official invitation to fill your empty esky in the Scenic Rim and support local farmers, growers, producers and artisans. Learn where your food comes from, meet the farmers and shop local. Stay tuned for details on who’s participating, and a map and itineraries to help plan your road trip!

Kalbar Sunflower Festival – 25, 26, 27 March

The annual Sunflower Festival in Kalbar features sunrise yoga in the sunflowers, wanders through the sunflower fields, children’s sunflower art classes, sunflower cooking classes and in the evening, a spectacular Sunset Dinner in the sunflowers. This extraordinary celebration of happiness was actually born of the drought - farmers Russell and Jenny Jenner pivoted from lucerne to sunflowers in 2021 because of water scarcity, then, with 200,000 glorious sunflowers blooming, they decided to share the joy.

Escape in the Scenic Rim - 29 April to 29 May

Escape in the Scenic Rim is a brand-new nature, eco and adventure festival. Staged in some of the most precious and spectacular areas of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia across the Scenic Rim region, Escape includes walks, talks and wild adventures from the tip of Tamborine Mountain to the areas around Aratula. Come and feed the mind, activate the body and lift the heart.

Kay Tommerup, Daniel Groenberg, Mike Webster, Gen Windley, Lisa Groom, Ernie the Alpaca and Georgia Stekhoven. Photo by Nigel Hallett.

The Lost World Trail Festival - 29 May

There’s a small pocket of the Scenic Rim at the foothills of the World Heritage Listed Lamington National Park that’s fast becoming a trail running mecca, and on May 29, it will come alive for the Inaugural Lost World Trail Festival! The views from these trails will stop the most experienced runner in their tracks. There are options for everyone from the seasoned trail runner to the beginner.

Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular - 11 & 12 June

This is the richest Clydesdale Show in the Southern Hemisphere, where the grand champions of the breed are judged, the Scottish heritage of the breed is shared, and the history of the breed in Australia is celebrated. Over two action packed days, a full program of Clydesdale competition takes place at the Boonah Showground, while fans can soak up some Scottish heritage, witness harness making, whip plaiting and more, watch the Queensland Whip Cracking Champions, and check out working dog displays, bush poetry, wood chopping and more.

Evergreen Festival – 8 to 10 July

In mid-winter on Tamborine Mountain, the Evergreen Festival celebrates local flavours, fine craftsmanship and fresh produce with the Annual Winter Market a picture-perfect experience, with the tree-lined precinct beautifully lit and curated festooned market stalls featuring everything from edible treats to handmade ornaments and mulled wine.

Scenic Rim Eat Local Week - 25 June to 3 July

Famed around the country as one of most authentic celebrations of local produce, the 11th Scenic Rim Eat Local Week takes place from 25 June to 3 July, with an incredible line-up of long lunches, flavour-filled dinners, farm gates, culinary celebrations, masterclasses, workshops and more, including the Winter Harvest Festival on 2 July. There’s also a full line-up of delicious entrée events in June to tantalise the tastebuds. Find out more about Eat Local Week here and keep an eye out for the full program in the coming months. This is THE FOODIE event of the year! Visit the Scenic Rim! Find out all you need at visitscenicrim.com.au