Rich in food, culture, and breathtaking scenery, the Scenic Rim in Queensland is a must-see!
The Scenic Rim region in southeast Queensland is full of things to do, whether you crave fresh food and wine, or would like to camp on beautiful grounds. This countryside town has six national parks, three lakes, and is home to the ancient world heritage-listed Gondwana rainforests. Situated only an hour from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the Scenic Rim is the perfect destination for your next country holiday!
Food festivals at the Scenic Rim
If you’re hoping for a food-filled Scenic Rim experience, you are in luck! There are countless food tours operating in the area all year.
The Tamborine Mountain Edible Garden Trail is on Sunday, March 23, from 10am to 4pm. Explore beautiful private gardens in the Tamborine Mountain, where the owners grow their own food, learn new growing techniques, and meet the proud gardeners of the area. You will leave with a newfound knowledge and appreciation for sustainable gardening and homegrown produce. So grab your most comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen, pack the car with your family and friends, and embark on a daytrip to learn about sustainable gardening practices!
Another festival to check out is the Scenic Rim Farm Gate Trail, happening on 30 March and 20 July. You will be able to meet farmers, growers, winemakers, and brewers from the entire region and experience everything they have to offer. This celebration also includes camel and alpaca visits, animal cuddles, beer tastings, flower walks, and homemade cheeses, honey, and other produce.
Experience the region’s largest culinary festival, Scenic Rim Eat Local Month. For the entirety of June, indulge in on-farm celebrations, long lunches, tours, tastings, workshops, and classes. Be sure to check it out on your next trip to the Scenic Rim!
The Fermented Food Festival will run at Summer Land Camels on June 7, offering a more educational approach to food festivals. You will learn how to make krauts, cheese, kombucha, beer, wine, and sourdough, while also browsing stalls, enjoying live music, and visiting with camels. Leave with a greater knowledge about the health benefits of fermentation, and a full stomach.
Winter Harvest Festival is the Scenic Rim’s signature event. On 28 June, you will be able to enjoy live music, fresh produce stalls, and cooking demonstrations. There will also be activities for kids, including animal cuddles and carrot tossing. The popular tractor pull competition raises money for the winner’s chosen community organisation.
Trail running and mountain biking in the Scenic Rim
If you are looking for a more active experience in the Scenic Rim, there are many mountain biking and trail running opportunities. In March, choose from biking in the Kooralbyn Valley 4 Hour XCM Cross Country Marathon on the 9th, or the Outlaw Downhill Series Round 1 at Kooralbyn on the 16th. On 4 May, you could run in the On the Edge Trail Running Series Round 1 at Kooralbyn. In June, you may participate in the bike ride of Renegage GE Gravity Enduro Series Round 3 at Mt. Joyce on the 1st, or in the Kooralbyn Valley 6 Hour XCM Cross Country Marathon on the 29th.
The Outlaw Downhill Series Round 5 bike race at Mt. Joyce will run on 27 July 2025. Join the Scenic Rim Ultra running race from 9-10 August 2025, or the On the Edge Trail Running Series Round 3 at Mt. Joyce on 24 August 2025. Finally, the Koralbyn Bike Festival runs from 19-21 September 2025.
Other activities to keep you busy
If none of these activities have persuaded you yet, there is still more to do in the Scenic Rim region. Horse lovers from all over can unite for the Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular in Beaudesert from 14 to 15 June 2025. This is the largest Clydesdale show in the Southern Hemisphere, showcasing rare trades of wheelwrights, blacksmithing, whip plaiting, and wood chopping. Enjoy live music, as the Scottish Pipes and Drums Bands play throughout both days.
Another attraction in the Scenic Rim is Kalbar Country Day. On 18 October, experience Hay Bail Trail, which showcases amazing sculptures that have been crafted from hay. Because the Scenic Rim is the carrot growing capital of Australia, you can experience carrot throwing competitions here too.
If you wish to see a music festival, The Long Sunset at Elysian Fields in the Canungra Valley is for you. During November, the festival will also have art, culture, yoga classes, workshops, markets, and local food and wine.
Need a place to stay? Check our best places to stay in the Scenic Rim by clicking here.
