Qld Guides | Scenic - February 2023

A FOOD LOVER'S GUIDE TO THE SCENIC RIM:

Exploring the Region's Exceptional Dining Scene

The Scenic Rim region of Queensland is a food lover’s paradise. With its abundance of fresh produce, local wines, and delicious seafood, it’s no surprise that the region is home to some of the best restaurants in the country.

The Scenic Rim offers a diverse array of dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining experiences, ensuring that there is something for every palate. The beautiful landscape and charming local culture make it the perfect destination for a memorable dining experience. In this article, we will take a look at three mustvisit dining options in the Scenic Rim that will leave your taste buds tingling and your belly satisfied.

Royal Hotel Harrisville

First on the list is the Royal Hotel Harrisville, a charming and rustic hotel that offers a casual and laid-back dining experience. This historic hotel, built in the 1800s, has been beautifully preserved and offers a charming atmosphere that will transport you back in time. The menu features hearty pub-style meals made with locally sourced ingredients, and the charming atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for a relaxing meal and a pint (or two!) of local beer.

For all the foodies out there, Scenic Rim Farm Shop & Cafe is a must-visit spot. This charming café and farm shop is located on a working farm and offers a menu featuring delicious, homemade meals made with locally sourced ingredients. The café’s focus on using fresh, sustainable ingredients make it a great choice for those looking for a healthy and environmentally-friendly dining option. The farm shop is also a great opportunity for visitors to take home a taste of the Scenic Rim region by purchasing fresh produce, jams, honey, and artisan cheeses. The café also has an outdoor seating area where you can enjoy your meals with a beautiful view of the farm.

Finally, for a truly special dining experience, head to The Overflow Estate 1895. This historic mansion offers a luxurious and elegant dining experience, with a menu featuring fine dining dishes made with locally sourced ingredients and expertly paired with wines from the region. The sophisticated atmosphere of the mansion, with its high ceilings, grand chandeliers and antique decor, will transport you back in time to a different era. The elegant setting, combined with delicious food and wine, make it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner, a special occasion or a memorable night out. The Overflow Estate 1895 is also great for hosting events such as weddings and corporate events. The staff is welcoming and professional, which will make you feel like royalty.

So, whether you’re in the mood for a casual pub meal, a farm-to-table experience, or a luxurious fine-dining experience, Royal Hotel Harrisville, Scenic Rim Farm Shop & Cafe and The Overflow Estate 1895 have got you covered. Get ready to indulge in some delicious food and make some unforgettable memories!

Scenic Rim Farm Shop & Cafe

The Overflow Estate 1895

Photo: The Overflow Estate 1895

A Bloomin' Good Time KALBAR

SUNFLOWER FESTIVAL RETURNS

Get ready to snap the ultimate floral 'gram, because the Scenic Rim's beloved sunflower farm is opening its gates for their annual, 3 days only, millionbloom extravaganza.

Mark your calendars for the Kalbar Sunflower Festival in March, where you'll be able to frolic among fields upon fields of radiant gold. Not only can you snap all the selfies your heart desires, but you can also pick your own sunflowers to take home ($2 per stem). And make sure to test your sense of direction in the sunflower maze, spanning four acres of the beautiful blooms.

But it's not all just flower-gazing, the festival also features helicopter rides, art classes, flower crown making, and even family

photo sessions. And let's not forget the live entertainment, kids activities, and sunflowerthemed market stalls to browse.

Fuel up with tasty treats and caffeine from the food trucks before heading over to the Sunflower Shop for unique souvenirs such as hats, candles, and even plant-your-own sunflower seeds.

And the best part? A portion of all sunflower sales during the festival will be donated to the Cancer Council. So come one, come all and enjoy a day of flowers, fun, and philanthropy.

Tickets go on sale in February, so be sure to visit www.kalbarsunflowers.com.au to be the first to know when the festival's official date is announced.

Escape to the Royal Hotel Harrisville, a picturesque haven in the heart of Scenic Rim. Savour a delicious meal, raise a cold beer, or spend a peaceful night at our free camping ground. Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Harrisville.

CANUNGRA

Uncovering the local businesses, history and community that make up Canungra

Nestled in the foothills of the Lamington National Park lies the delightful township of Canungra.

The quaint, country town of Canungra – rich in history, culture and adventure – is the gateway to the Lamington National Park. The town has retained its old-world charm and is a popular destination with day trippers, motorcyclists, hang-gliders, birdwatchers and bushwalkers.

The name 'Canungra' is thought to derive from an Aboriginal expression describing a small owl. Known as the 'Valley of the Owls', Canungra was founded as a result of the booming timber industry and in the early part of the 20th century, Canungra was home to the largest softwood timber mill in Australia.

In the 1860s, Timber was taken from the ranges around Canungra, but the first intensive exploitation of the timber reserves came with the Lahey brothers who had several timber leases in the 1880s. They established a mill at the village of Canungra and for nearly ten years obtained logs within proximity.

Canungra's Uniting church dates its origin from 1882 and the government primary school began in 1889. Farmers took up selections in the lower foothills and the Lahey brothers pushed a tramway southward toward the Coomera River's headwaters, to take out more distant logs. The tramway included a 100m tunnel built-in 1901 (listed on the Queensland heritage register) and the line reached its maximum length in 1908.

Until 1920, Lahey's mill dominated Canungra's economy. By this time most of the local timber had been cut out. The War Services Home Commission bought the operation in 1920 and it closed soon after. The tramway continued for a period but was dismantled in the early 1930s. Meanwhile, a State railway line had been extended from Logan Village to Canungra in the period from 1915 to 1955.

The post office directory for 1935 recorded a hotel, an arrowroot mill, three stores, three timber mills (but not of the scale of Lahey's enterprise) and a boarding house. By then, Canungra's population was about 600 people and held its first agricultural show in 1938.

Now a developing business hub and home to around 5,465 locals (Canungra - Kerry and District, 2021), the town is well known for its surrounding tourism offerings and is well supported by visitors year-round. Close to town, tourists can enjoy farm stays, bed and breakfasts, cabin accommodation and vineyards.

Today, Canungra is a tight-knit, active community with a broad range of goods, services and local businesses. Here is a selection of iconic local businesses that make up the Canungra community.

Ray White Canungra

There is no doubt that the sense of community found in Canungra is one to be admired and should be aspired to by every township. Our business is relatively new to the area, and our first realisation after meeting the local community is the level of pride and companionship they have in their town.

The slogan for their ‘Turning Canungra Pink’ breast cancer fundraising month perfectly embodies what we have already seen ‘A small town with a big heart’. With the enduring country charm, picturesque landscape and a welcoming heart, Canungra is one of the Scenic Rims must visit towns.

Mountview Alpaca Farm

Mountview Alpaca Farm has been entertaining locals and tourists in Canungra for over 12 years. After relocating to O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyards in 2017, the team at Mountview have developed a wider variety of interactive experiences for the whole family.

Try the alpaca feeding, enjoy a hands-on alpaca experience, snap a selfie and stroll around the vineyard grounds with an alpaca, plus sample some local wines! You can even book a pizza deal or an alpaca picnic! They also have kids party options as well as alpacas for functions and events. While you are there be sure to check out the alpaca gift shop, brimming with alpaca-lover delights!

To book or to purchase gift vouchers, go to: www.mountviewfarm.com.au

852 Lamington National Park Rd, Canungra.

Ph: 0490 973 865

Open 7 days.

Canungra Hotel

Welcome to Canungra Hotel – the perfect balance of country and new. Conveniently located, Canungra Hotel is the perfect lodging for a recharge or relax, with the region catering for every type of visitor or explorer. Starting out as the Bellissima Guest House, the original property was built in 1916 by sawmill owner, Robert Lahey, primarily to offer accommodation to the travelling businessmen who were in town to do business with the sawmill.

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and feel a million miles away with cold beer, great food and good friends.

For more information, visit their website, www.canungrahotel.com.au.

EXPLORING THE ANCIENT BEAUTY OF THE GONDWANA RAINFORESTS

A guide to the must-see trails and activities in the Scenic Rim's World Heritage Area

The Gondwana Rainforests are a natural wonder that should not be missed when visiting the Scenic Rim region. This ancient landscape encompasses some of the most beautiful and pristine national parks in the area including Lamington, Tamborine Mountain, Mount Barney and Main Range. The Gondwana Rainforests are the only place in the world where ancient rainforests, Antarctica, and the ancient super-continent Gondwana have joined together to form a unique and diverse ecosystem.

The Gondwana Rainforests are home to an abundance of plant and animal life, including over 200 species of birds, and over 30 types of marsupials. The area is also home to the largest variety of ferns in the world, many of which are found nowhere else on earth. The Gondwana Rainforests are also home to ancient trees such as the Antarctic Beech and the Giant Booyong, which are thought to have lived for more than 1000 years.

Visitors can explore the Gondwana Rainforests on a variety of self-guided and guided tours. The most popular way to explore the rainforest is on foot, with several walking trails available, such as the Border Ranges National Park, the

Lamington National Park, and the Tamborine Mountain National Park. Some popular walking trails include:

• The Box Forest Circuit in Lamington National Park, which offers visitors the chance to see ancient Antarctic Beech trees and cascading waterfalls.

• The Palm Grove Circuit in Tamborine Mountain National Park, which takes visitors through a lush palm forest and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

• The Summit Track in Mount Barney National Park, which is considered one of the most challenging and rewarding hikes in the area, offering visitors the chance to summit Mount Barney and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest.

It is important to note that while the Gondwana Rainforests are a beautiful and unique destination, it is also a wild and remote area. Visitors should always be prepared for their hike by bringing enough water, food, and appropriate clothing and footwear.

Photo: Box Forest circuit, Lamington National Park

DISCOVER THE PATH TO DREAM AT YUMEJI JAPANESE RETREAT

Experience the Perfect Blend of Traditional Japanese and Contemporary Australian Hospitality

When it comes to finding the perfect accommodation in the Scenic Rim, the options are endless. The region, known for its breathtaking landscapes, delicious local produce and wines, and charming culture, is a haven for travellers seeking a memorable vacation. And among the many fantastic choices, the Yumeji Japanese Retreat stands out as a one-of-a-kind sanctuary that offers guests an unparalleled blend of traditional Japanese and contemporary Australian hospitality.

Nestled on Tamborine Mountain, the retreat is a place where guests can escape reality and immerse themselves in the tranquility and serenity of nature. The name "Yumeji," meaning "path to the dream," perfectly embodies the essence of this retreat. It is designed to provide guests with an authentic Japanese experience through the philosophy of “omotenashi,” or Japanese hospitality.

The retreat’s accommodations are designed with comfort and attention to detail in mind. Guests can choose from contemporary suites, featuring luxurious queen-size beds, or traditional suites, complete with comfortable single futon beds, both decorated with authentic Japanese decor, such as tatami mats and shoji screens, crafted and installed by Japanese carpenters. Guests can also indulge in the traditional Japanese custom of bathing in the retreat’s outdoor spa or Hinokiburo.

Breakfast at Yumeji Japanese Retreat is a culinary journey that showcases the best of both worlds, the guests can savor a traditional Japanese set menu or choose from a daily-changing selection of contemporary Australian-style dishes, all served in the retreat’s Japanese-style dining room. The guests are encouraged to leave their shoes at the door and to spend an evening or two relaxing in a yukata, enjoying the Japanese experience at Yumeji Japanese Retreat. The retreat’s goal is to provide a unique and memorable experience for its guests, an opportunity for them to escape reality and immerse themselves in the tranquility and serenity of nature.

For more information or bookings, please visit www.yumeji.com.au or call 0468 557 900.