Commercial Hotel Boonah

An icon of the Scenic Rim just got a fresh new look. The century-old Commercial Hotel Boonah has been lovingly restored by the Ghanem Group, reopening with an on-site craft brewery—Boonah Brewing Co (aka BBCo)—and a sprawling new beer garden where the brews are as fresh as the mountain air.

Originally built in 1905, the heritage-listed Queenslander has had a thoughtful facelift, with a refreshed bistro, upgraded accessibility and air-con, new lighting, furniture and facilities, and a brand-new car park alongside the beer garden.

But the biggest upgrade? Boonah Brewing Co, now pouring exclusive small-batch craft beers brewed on-site, including a full-flavoured mid-strength, a zesty alcoholic ginger beer, and four more core brews rolling out in the coming weeks. We're talking an Aussie XPA made with Galaxy hops, an Italian lager brewed with Italian barley, a rice lager, and a tangy hard lemonade—with seasonal and specialty brews to follow.

“The Commercial Hotel Boonah is central to the fabric of the community,” says Ghanem Group Director Adonis Ghanem. “To restore a property that’s so precious to locals, and add Boonah Brewing Co to the region’s already unique food and drink offerings, is something we’re very passionate about.”

Visitors can enjoy their drink inside the historic pub or in the sunny open-air beer garden, which looks straight back into the brewery. The updated bistro menu, created by Executive Chef Jake Nicolson, is packed with elevated ‘Commie Classics’ like house-made hake fish fingers, tandoori duck curry, slow-cooked lamb shank pot pie, and sticky honey BBQ pork ribs. Plus, there’s deep-dish Detroit-style pizzas, burgers, sandwiches and salads to keep everyone fed and happy.

It’s not just about good beer and good food—it’s about connection to place. The Ghanem family also operates a nearby farm in Tarome, with natural spring water used in the brewing process and leftover barley mash fed to their cattle. With on-site accommodation set to open later this year, Commercial Hotel Boonah is shaping up to be a boutique getaway gem in the Scenic Rim.

So whether you're after a country road trip with purpose or just an ice-cold one under the autumn sun, this is your cue to head west. Grab a table, a paddle, and get to know Queensland’s newest (and oldest) pub-meets-brewery destination.

Image Credit: Commercial Hotel Boonah | Supplied