A scenic drive is perfect for a little summer soul searching, or just to take in the sights– watching rolling, green hills pass you by, grass catching the summer sunlight. Get ready for a trip on the road less-travelled with a drive through the Scenic Rim area.
An hour’s drive south of Brisbane city centre will take you to the Scenic Rim region, home to six national parks all with their own breathtaking sights. Once a volcanic hotspot, the Scenic Rim Mountains and the Mt Warning area–known as the Green Cauldron– have grown into a lush landscape over many years. The rich, basalt soils are fertile grounds where rainforests grow, home to unique flora and fauna.
One great area to visit in Scenic Rim is Canungra, the gateway to the Lamington National Park and O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, Villas, and Lost World Spa. There’s a plethora of things to do here. Make sure to stop by a boutique winery and enjoy lunch or a wine tasting. Take in the sights and enjoy a picnic by picturesque Canungra Creek. Browse through local country markets, enjoy a trip to the spa, and lose yourself in the scenery Canungra has to offer.
Tamborine Mountain will have you feeling like you are on top of the world. Sitting on a level plateau around 550 metres above sea level, it’s the perfect place to see the world around you, with 360-degree views. Take a stroll through the towns and villages and admire lush, local gardens. Walking through the National Park lets you see waterfalls, creeks, and glow-worms. With the fantastic local cuisine, awe-inspiring views, and the cool summer breeze, Tamborine Mountain is a feast for the senses.
If you are looking for adventure in the great outdoors, Rathdowney and Mt Barney is an excellent place to go. Mt Barney National Park is World Heritage-listed, and is a designated wilderness park. The few maintained walking paths make the park an excellent place to witness nature in its original form. There’s a great list of things to do, like meeting alpaca breeders, exploring farms on horseback, walking through a local olive grove, swimming in a natural rock pool, or conquering Mt Barney itself.
Scenic Rim is a rich place full of majestic vistas, very much alive with the spirit of summer. You can find out more about this picturesque area here.
