It’s not just Lonely Planet that knows the Scenic Rim is the place to be

Lonely Planet named South East Queensland’s Scenic Rim among the world’s top 10 regions to visit in 2022 and it’s not hard to understand why. 

Surrounded by an arc of national parks, and with its own microclimates (which make summers more comfortable than the coast), this veritable nature and food bowl offers fine dining, luxurious accommodation at the new Beechmont Estate, life-affirming hikes, and authentic farm gate experiences. Consider this your cheat sheet to the 6 best things to do in the Scenic Rim.

EXPLORE SCENIC RIM HIKES

With its ancient landscapes cloaked in Gondwana Rainforest, hiking is undeniably one of the best things to do in the Scenic Rim. Take your pick from short circuits to full-day hikes punctuated by creeks and waterfalls in Lamington National Park – the Binna Burra day use area is a short 10-minute drive from Beechmont Estate.

Also check out the walks and hikes on offer in Main Range National Park and Tamborine National Park, like the popular Curtis Falls Circuit. 

SIP YOUR WAY AROUND SCENIC RIM WINERIES

Head to O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards – around 30 minutes drive from Beechmont Estate – for wine tasting with a difference. 

Sample the local wines inside at the bar or purchase a bottle to enjoy with a picnic out by the creek, with a friendly alpaca by your side. Mountainview Alpaca Farm shares the property and offers packages where you can take a stroll through the vineyards with two alpacas after enjoying your picnic hamper.

Nearby, Sarabah Estate Vineyard and Witches Falls Winery also have cellar doors worthy of a visit.

TASTE THE REGION AT THE SCENIC RIM FARM SHOP & CAFE

The Scenic Rim is renowned for its produce and a great way to shortcut visiting all the farm gates yourself is to drop into the Scenic Rim Farm Shop & Cafe. 

Sharing grounds with the Elderflower Farm flower shop and flower field, with a cafe set beneath the jacarandas, this is a lovely spot to sit back with a local coffee and a slice of one of the house-baked cakes.

SUMMER LAND CAMELS

If you’re looking for things to do in the Scenic Rim with kids, plan a day trip to Summer Land Camels, 90 minutes’ drive from Beechmont Estate. 

This working camel farm – which produces everything from camel milk hand cream to small batch camel milk and honey vodka – offers farm tours and camel rides, including a beautiful sunrise ride set against the backdrop of Flinders Peak.

STAY AT BEECHMONT ESTATE (FORMERLY HAZELWOOD ESTATE)

The whole family can stay in luxury at this dignified country retreat, set on a 30 hectares of rolling green hills outside the village of Beechmont. After you’ve exhausted your list of things to do in the Scenic Rim, return for the luxe accommodation, day spa and complimentary e-bikes, and come together over sundowners and farm-to-plate meals in the chef-hatted The Paddock restaurant.