SPOTLIGHT ON THE SCENIC RIM One of Lonely Planet’s Top 10 regional destinations to visit in 2022, the wonder of the Scenic Rim is just waiting to be explored. WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY MARJ OSBORNE WHEN GLOBAL TRAVEL GIANT Lonely Planet revealed its top ten countries, cities and regions to visit in 2022, Queensland’s Scenic Rim was named Number 8 in the list of regions, an exciting coup for the Sunshine State. Defined by a rim of mountains circling the area west of the Gold Coast, the Scenic Rim covers 4,000 square kilometres of land. It is an area of natural beauty and rich resources, the source of a much of our food supply and food tourism, generating over $400 million to our regional economy annually through agriculture and tourism. “Located just one hour south of Brisbane and 30 minutes from the hear t of the Gold Coast, Queensland’s Scenic Rim boasts six national parks, ecolodges, wineries, tantalising gourmet experiences and the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests,” Lonely Planet’s Chris Zeiher said. “From the amazing food and wine to the incredible rainforest and bush walks and memorable places to stay, this is an unexpected pocket of Australia that has it all. “After bouncing back from the 2019 Black Summer bushfires with a raft of new attractions and a renewed focus on sustainability, this lesser-known corner of Queensland is primed to become one of Australia’s low impact tourism power players.” he predicted. “We’re thrilled to see the Scenic Rim included in the world’s best destinations, especially as it’s such an untouched and diverse eco-based Australian destination.” Announced just prior to state borders opening, this honour could not have come at a better time, boosting
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hope that the world spotlight will lead to an influx of visitors to the region. For South-east Queensland residents, the Scenic Rim is one of our nearest tourist destinations. Moreover, it is close enough for us to enjoy both day trips and longer holidays, picking off its attractions in comfortable bites. Here are some themes to follow as you discover the region: EXPLORE NATURAL WONDERS Follow any of the area’s walking tracks or the newly opened picturesque Scenic Rim trail to explore spectacular landscapes, plunging waterfalls, national parks and World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforests. Walk the Rainforest Skywalk on Tamborine Mountain; stay in an ecolodge at Binna Burra or O’Reilly’s, glamp at the Nightfall Wilderness Camp or overnight in a heritage cottage at Mt Barney Lodge. DISCOVER MAN-MADE WONDERS From art galleries and artists’ residences to architecture and museums, there are plenty of manmade attractions to visit in the area. We can experience the land settled by timber cutters and farmers in the 1800s. Early tourism began in the area with the establishment of a guest house in Canungra in 1916, now the site of the Canungra Hotel. It's one of a number of interesting hotels still operating, included in historic country towns such as Mt Alford that carry an attraction all their own.
Image courtesy of Scenic Rim Eat Local Week.
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