Everything To Eat, Drink And Do Around The Scenic Rim (2026 Edition)
Morgan C Reardon
Contributor | Urban List
If your body’s begging you to slow down, set your GPS for the Scenic Rim and prepare for a soul-nourishing escape just one hour from the city. Cloaked in rainforests, a patchwork of farmland with fresh produce, country escapes and natural wonders, you’ll feel your shoulders drop the moment you arrive.
Fill your days with paddock to plate feasts, cosy cellar doors and country pubs where the locals are always down for a yarn (and will absolutely tell you the best thing on the menu). Breathe in the fresh country air, reconnect with nature and settle into a slower place—the Scenic Rim isn’t the kind of place you’ll want to rush.
Where To Eat In The Scenic Rim
Franquette
155 Long Road, Tamborine Mountain, QLD 4272
Perched along the iconic Gallery Walk on Tamborine Mountain, there’s a high chance your nose will find this French bakery before your eyes do. They know their carbs, with everything made using local ingredients.
Pair a smooth Blackboard Beans coffee with a fresh baguette stuffed with roast beef and housemade tarragon dijon mustard, or the ricotta and macadamia honey croissant. Then load up on sweet treats—burnt basque cheesecake, pistachio flan and fruit danishes. And whatever you do, don’t leave without one of their 18-hour fermented sourdough loaves.
The Cauldron Distillery
89-123 Hartley Rd, Tamborine Mountain, QLD 4272
Set across 18 acres on Tamborine Mountain, this distillery is the kind of place you’ll want to settle in for a slow arvo—whether you’re perched on the deck or stretched out on the lawn with a seasonal cocktail in hand (order the lavender spritz, trust us).
Sip your way through award-winning gin tasting paddles inspired by native ingredients, challenge your mates to lawn games and settle in to the soundtrack of live music. Hungry? The Cauldron Kitchen is slinging pizzas and hot honey sandos worth loosening your belt for.
O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyards
852 Lamington National Park Rd, Canungra, QLD 4275
A Scenic Rim visit without stopping here? Nonnegotiable. Start with a tasting paddle, then choose your own foodie adventure. Grab a picnic basket loaded with local snacks (cheeses, dips, salads, cold meats and a sweet treat) and sprawl out underneath a Silky Oak tree or down by the bubbling Canungra Creek.
Feasting with a crew? Get cosy in the Vineyard Kitchen, set in a beautifully restored homestead and tuck into thin-crust pizzas and stacked burgers.
Scenic Rim Farm Shop & Cafe
541 Kents Lagoon Rd, Kents Lagoon, QLD 4309
This place looks like something straight out of a fairytale. Grab a table under the jacaranda trees and feast on the seasonal menu that is all about celebrating local produce—from slow-cooked beef nachos with sweet corn salsa and herbed yoghurt dressing to Vietnamese-style chicken salad with nuoc mam and chilli dressing.
Post meal, there’s plenty to explore on the grounds, pick your own flowers from Elderflower Farm (and grab homewares from their shop), and load up on fresh produce at Fifth Acre, housed in a shed by the carpark.
The Outpost Cafe
44 Christie St, Canungra, QLD 4275
Nestled in the hinterland village of Canungra, The Outpost Cafe is a Scenic Rim institution, slinging flaky pies for over three decades. Baked fresh daily, your biggest challenge will be deciding which one to smash first.
There’s your classics—mince, steak and mushroom—alongside innovative creations like spicy buffalo chicken and seafood mornay. They also make a mean sausage roll and steak sanga—plus, they’re licensed so you can crack a cold one on the deck while you dig in.
Blume
5 Church St, Boonah, QLD 4310
For something a little bit spesh, settle in for a long lunch at Blume—named after Blumbergville, Boonah’s original name. Here, the menu is led by season and sense of place, with edible works of art plated up using produce from the garden and nearby local suppliers.
Previous flavour bombs include red claw yabby in a pil pil sauce and pork collar with persimmon ketchup and shiso. Pair with their seasonal cocktails—gin honeysuckle sour or a mandarin spritz—and you’re in for a treat.
Commercial Hotel
Commercial Hotel, 39 High St, Boonah, QLD 4310
A historic country pub with a modern yet cosy interior, Boonah’s Commercial Hotel is the kind of place you’ll want to settle into for the afternoon, in particular the beer garden where winter sunsets glow golden.
Home to Boonah Brewing Co. (poured using pure Scenic Rim spring water), you’re always guaranteed a crisp beer and warm service, but it’s the food that’ll keep you coming back. Like melt-in-your-mouth lamb shank with red wine and pillowy polenta, slow-cooked Scenic Rim Native Angus beef ribs and Detroit-style pizzas.
El Burro Cantina
Unit 16/20 Main Western Rd, Tamborine Mountain, QLD 4272
For a taste of Mexico in the mountains, book a table at this much-loved Tamborine haunt. Shimmy your shoulders to mariachi music and don a sombrero at this vibey spot, where the colourful kitsch is matched by a seriously good menu. Dig into jalapeno poppers with mango habanero sauce, pulled pork tacos and steak fajitas—best washed down with their legendary margaritas.
St Bernards Hotel
101 Alpine Terrace, Tamborine Mountain, QLD 4272
If your perfect mountain escape involves tasty food, fresh air and beautiful views, make your way to St Bernards Hotel on Tamborine Mountain. Grab a table in the cosy bistro, leafy garden or out on the deck, where you can kick back, take in the scenery and enjoy a relaxed meal.
Whether you're stopping by for breakfast, lunch or dinner, work your way through a menu packed with house favourites and chef-crafted dishes made with fresh produce. Pair it with a drink, settle in and enjoy.
Where To Stay In The Scenic Rim
Pethers Rainforest Retreat
28B Geissmann St, Tamborine Mountain, QLD 4272
If you’re chasing a nature-soaked romantic getaway, this is the one. Set across five hectares of private rainforest, this adults-only retreat was practically made for switching off with your favourite person.
With just 10 treehouses tucked through the greenery, it feels like your own private pocket of magic. Inside, there’s crackling fireplaces, spa baths for two, plush king beds and five-metre-high glass windows that blur the line between indoors and out.
Clandulla Cottages And Farmstay
312 Boyland Rd, Boyland, QLD 4275
If you’re travelling with a crew keen to experience the beauty of country life, this immersive farmstay beckons. Set on a 20-acre family farm, there are five cosy cottages to choose from—ranging from stand-alone stays to interconnecting cottages perfect for a family getaway.
But what makes this place so special are the hands-on experiences. Join Farmer Matt for daily animal feedings and say g’day to more than 150 animals. Between feedings, guests can wander the farm, cuddling pygmy goats and hanging with the house chickens.
Nightfall Glamping
3009 Christmas Creek Rd, Lamington, QLD 4285
For a truly unique camping experience, go luxe at this hidden oasis perched beside Lamington National Park. With just eight guests allowed at any one time, it feels blissfully off-grid and secluded—without sacrificing a single creature comfort.
Inside your safari tent, you’ll find twin bathtubs, a rotating fireplace and a deck made for wine-fuelled stargazing. Meals are organic, home-cooked and delicious, while the experiences are pure bucket list material, like a private massage right beside the babbling waters of Christmas Creek.
Beechmont Estate
422 Binna Burra Rd, Beechmont, QLD 4211
Set among rolling green hills, this is the country escape dreams are made of. Unwind in a luxury cabin or pavilion, decked out with plush furnishing and incredible hinterland views—complete with the occasional wallaby hopping past your private deck.
At the heart of the 75-acre property is the chef-hatted restaurant The Paddock, serving up a true farm-to-fork feast. Spend your days blissed out at the spa (book the Sacred Time ritual and prepare to float out), tackling the trails of Lamington National Park, or curling up with a wine on The Paddock’s patio.
Binna Burra Lodge
1040 Binna Burra Rd, Beechmont, QLD 4211
Sitting pretty 800 metres above sea level, you’ll feel like you're sleeping amongst the clouds at Binna Burra Lodge. Wrapped in rainforest, there are digs for every type of traveller. The adults-only Tiny Wild Houses are pint-sized luxury perched on the Bellbird clifftop, with full glass walls framing goosebump-inducing vistas.
Staying a while? The plush Sky Lodges come with full kitchens, multiple bedrooms and plenty of space for groups. Keen to fully embrace nature? The campground offers safari tents and private bunkrooms. Best of all, every stay comes with access to the iconic Tea House—so you don’t have to rough it completely.
WanderPod Scenic Rim
1660 Beaudesert Boonah Rd, Wyaralong, QLD 4285
Set on the edge of Overflow Estate winery, these tiny homes are the kind of place you won’t want to check out of. Meet WanderPods—the ultimate home away from home, only far more chic.
Scattered across 1,200 acres overlooking Lake Wyaralong and untouched bushland, each of the five pods has been beautifully designed with linen-dressed king beds, Leif amenities, kitchenettes and wood-burning fireplaces. Some are dog-friendly, others come with outdoor baths, but all are just a short walk from the winery. Want the full experience? Book the inclusive package and settle in with brekky, dinner, snacks and Scenic Rim pantry box.
Tamborine Mountain Glades
Corner of Cedar Creek Falls Road and Tamborine Mountain Road, Tamborine Mountain, QLD 4272
Whether you’re chasing adventure or pure relaxation, Tamborine Mountain Glades has a stay to match. Travelling with a crew? The self-contained lodges come with two to four bedrooms and plenty of room to spread out.
Prefer your rainforest escape with a luxe twist? The Woodlands Glamping Tents feature private outdoor jacuzzis. Or, if you like your plush beds behind four solid walls (no judgment), check into the Vista Suites. No matter where you stay, you’ll have the Rainforest Restaurant and Terrace Café ready to refuel you—plus endless adventures like Thunderbird Park (more on that later) right on your doorstep.
The Mouses Rainforest Retreat And Lodge
2807 Springbrook Rd, Springbrook, QLD 4213
Tucked deep within Springbrook National Park, you’ll find 14 wooden chalets framed by towering brush box trees, creating the ultimate woo-worthy escape. Inside your romantic bolthole, you’ll find a crackling fireplace that really sets the scene, a two-person hot tub you won’t want to leave and a private balcony serving up rainforest views. Spend your days exploring winding trails and nearby waterfalls, then retreat to your little love bubble for a gourmet hamper back at your stay.
What To Do In The Scenic Rim
Thunderbird Park
Corner Tamborine Mountain Rd & Cedar Creek Falls Rd, Tamborine Mountain, QLD 4272
A total mecca of fun, this is the place to unleash your inner child. Between bushwalking, birdwatching and feasting at the Rainforest Restaurant, the adventure line-up is seriously stacked.
Tackle 140-plus aerial challenges and 13 flying foxes at TreeTop Adventure Park, or lose your stomach on the Canyon Flyer—one of Australia’s biggest, highest and fastest guided zipline tours.
Prefer something slower-paced? Go thunderegg fossicking, crystal panning, mini golfing or cool off in crystal-clear rock pools. Visiting with minis? They’ll absolutely lose it over Dig IT, Australia’s first mini excavator adventure park.
Peddly Picnics
43 Main St, Tamborine Mountain, QLD 4272
If you really want to soak up that fresh country air, explore Tamborine Mountain on two wheels with Peddly Picnics. You’ll score an electric bike complete with a bespoke picnic hamper packed with gourmet goodies and a cosy picnic rug.
The bikes come with comfy seats, spacious rear crates for all the local produce and wine you’re guaranteed to collect along the way, plus enough power to tackle the mountain with ease. Pick up your ride on Main Street, then spend the day however you please—grab a craft beer at Tamborine Mountain Distillery, wine tasting at Witches Falls or cruise to Cameron Falls Lookout. Better yet, your pup can come too.
Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk
333 Geissmann Dr, Tamborine Mountain, QLD 4272
One of the best ways to experience the Jurassic-like beauty of the Scenic Rim is from above—high in the rainforest canopy. Spanning 1.5 kilometres, the Skywalk winds from forest-floor trails to 300 metres of soaring steel bridges suspended among the treetops, finishing at a 40-metre cantilever bridge hanging 30 metres above the creek below.
With nothing but birdsong and ancient rainforest surrounding you, this is a ‘pinch me’ experience. Afterwards, reward yourself with a smooth coffee and sweet treat at Birdwing Cafe.
The Emporium By Empire Revival
101 George St, Kalbar, QLD 4309
Prepare to give your credit card a serious workout here. Set in a historic building in charming Kalbar, The Emporium is a literal treasure trove of old and new. On the shelves you’ll find everything from antique furniture, beautifully crafted homewares from local and international artisans, clothing, jewellery and art. You’ll absolutely find the perfect souvenir for your travels.
Summer Land Camels
8 Charles Chauvel Dr, Harrisville, QLD 4307
A Scenic Rim icon, Summer Land Camels is 100% worth the detour. Entry is free, but with so much to do, don’t expect a quick stop. Hand-feed the camels, saddle up for a ride around the property or dive deeper with a farm tour. And before you leave, head to the Homestead Cafe to try their famous camel milk gelato.
Kooroomba Vineyards and Lavender Farm
168 F M Bells Rd, Mount Alford, QLD 4310
Looking like something straight out of a Pinterest travel board, wander the seas of purple at Kooroomba Vineyard. The lavender blooms through winter, so time your visit right for the ultimate photo op. Beyond the fields, head to Kooroomba Terrace for lavender scones (it’s dog-friendly too), sample their range of vino at the cellar door for a tenner, or linger over a long lunch at the restaurant. Before you leave, swing by the gift shop for a little treat to take home.
Farm Gate Trail
Various Locations
Taste your way around the Green Cauldron during the Farm Gate Trail. Have a yarn with the farmers, winemakers, brewers and producers who make this food bowl so special, as they swing open the gates to their properties for one delicious day.
From tasting fresh produce straight from the paddock, picnics with alpacas, cheeses and honey tastings, to flower walks and sampling craft beers, you’re guaranteed to leave here with a full stomach.
SOL Elements Bathhouse & Spa
Tamborine Mountain Rd & Cedar Creek Falls Rd, Tamborine Mountain Rd, Tamborine Mountain, QLD 4272
Treat yourself to a full day of zen at this brand new wellness sanctuary. Housed inside a striking cylindrical bathhouse, the space blends ancient healing traditions with modern wellness rituals designed to leave you feeling completely rejuvenated.
Drift between mineral-rich thermal pools, icy cold plunges, Himalayan salt sanctuaries, alfresco fire pits and Earth Lab body scrubs. For max relax vibes, float weightlessly in salt-infused caves, indulge in a gemstone facial and a bioenergetic massage, or book a private suite where you can move from sauna to ice bath before sinking into a bath on your secluded balcony.
Mountview Alpaca Farm
852 Lamington National Park Rd, Canungra, QLD 4275
Animal-lovers, this place is for you. Set arms reach of O'Reilly's Vineyard Canungra, you can get up close and personal with the fluffy crew of friendly alpacas that reside here. For a few dollars, you can hand-feed them, or go for a 30 or 60-minute wander with them around the property (plenty of selfie opps included, of course).
Don’t want to leave? Grab a vineyard picnic basket and a bottle of wine and settle in for the day.
From rainforest zip-lines to off-grid stays, The Scenic Rim is brimming with things to do, great places to eat, and unique stays. Keep exploring here.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by The Scenic Rim and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Image: Urban List and Supplied.