Things To do With Kids At The Scenic Rim

If you’ve had your fill of the beach and are looking for something different to do this weekend, why not head west to explore the Scenic Rim?

The Scenic Rim is an arc of spectacular mountains lying from the south of Beaudesert, around to the area south-west of Ipswich, and boasts stunning scenery, quaint country towns and plenty of activities for families.

Scenic Rim Destinations

The Scenic rim includes the following destinations 

• Beaudesert and Kooralbyn
• Canungra, Lamington National Park and Beechmont 
• Boonah, Aratula, Lake Maroon and Lake Moogerah
• Rathdowney and Mount Barney
• Tamborine 
• The Lost World and Christmas Creek
• Kalbar, Roadvale, Harrisville, Peak Crossing and Rosevale

Mountview Alpaca Farm

In the town of Canungra at the foothills of the Lamington National Park is the Mountview Alpaca Farm. Delivering an experience like no other, families can enjoy the chance to feed and walk Alpacas. If you head there in the springtime you might also be lucky enough to see baby alpacas!

The Mountview Alpaca Farm is located next to the Canungra Valley Vineyards and you are able to preorder picnic baskets (and wine) to enjoy onsite. Otherwise, grab a bite to eat at one of the country bakeries on your way home. Read more about the Mountview Alpaca Farm.

O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk

Open your windows and prepare for the mountain air that will lift your spirits, fill your lungs and help you escape from the stresses of life. The drive up to O’Reilly’s is as spectacular as the mountain itself. You can drive here for a (long) day trip from Brisbane or book family-friendly accommodation at one of the eco villas on the top of the mountain. 

The treetops walk is located directly next to the guest house. It’s only 180 metres long and consists of 9 suspension bridges 15 metres off the ground with an optional viewing platform 30 metres off the ground. Walking into this heritage-listed rainforest will take your breath away. The humongous strangler figs, vines and ferns really make you feel like you are entering the Gruffalos equivalent of the deep dark woods. 

There are loads of other things to do at O’Reilly’s including a range of different bushwalks taking you to waterfalls and other bigger walks go all the way to Binna Burra. When you head off on any of these walks, just make sure you pop into the guest house and put your name in the ledger. You should also make sure you dress warmly for your visit (it is much colder on top of the mountain even in Summer) and pack lots of water and wet weather gear as it can rain without notice. 

You can also pay to participate in a lot of other fun activities including guided tours, wildlife shows, a famous bird of prey shows, flying foxes and more. Find out more at on the O’Reilly’s website. 

Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm

Set off in the morning from Brisbane and 65 minutes later you’ll be at the Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm at Mt Alford, nestled in the Fassifern Valley. It may not be the most kid-friendly venue around, but if you can bribe your children with a babycino and some fluffy scones with jam and cream, you’ll be able to sit and enjoy a cup of lavender tea while taking in the breathtaking view of the Scenic Rim Mountains. There is also a restaurant, cellar door with wine tastings and a lavender shop. But who are we kidding? Your little ones will now be fuelled up and ready for the next part of their country adventure. Didn’t you just sit down?

Lunch at the Dugandan Pub

On the drive back from Mount French, you’ll pass the Dugandan Hotel, affectionately known as “The Dugie” by the locals. This quintessential country pub has been serving patrons for more than a century and welcomes families. On Sundays from 1pm, there’s live music, and on Mondays, children eat free. Sit outside in the beer garden and your kids will be kept busy in the playground while you browse the menu. The pace is slower in the country, so enjoy a leisurely lunch with your family.

Bushwalking at Mount French

Take a short drive back towards the town of Boonah and you’ll see a sign marking the Mount French turn off. Follow this road, past paddocks of cows and horses, and you’ll come to Mount French in the Moogerah Peaks National Park. From the car park, there are two bushwalking tracks to choose from. The North Cliff track is 720m return and is suitable for prams and wheelchairs.

Other walking trails at the Scenic Rim

Lower Portals Track – Mt Barney National Park (7.4km/3hours)

The Lower Portals features a beautiful pool along a gorge on Mount Barney Creek. The walk has moderate to steep gradients. A guide from Mt Barney Lodge can add context to your walk, explaining about the environment and habitats that you pass through, and ensure that you discover the best waterholes.

Mee-bor-rum Circuit – Moogerah Peaks National Park, Mt French section (720m/15min)

This circuit track passes through heathland and features the East Cliff Lookout with views of Tamborine, Lamington and Mount Barney.

Mt Edwards Summit – Moogerah Peaks National Park, Mt Edwards section (6km/3.5hours)

This walk starts near the dam wall, is best suited for experienced walkers and requires a reasonable fitness level. Be careful, there’s sheer cliffs and slippery rocks.

Rainforest Circuit & Mt Cordeaux Track – Main Range National Park, Cunningham’s Gap (Rainforest Circuit 1.6km/30min; Mt Cordeaux Track 6.8km/2.5hours)

The Rainforest Circuit passes the Allan Cunningham monument and is the beginning of an extensive track system on the northern side of the Gap. If you’re after a harder walk, continue along the Mt Cordeaux Track for spectacular views back to Brisbane.

Mt Mitchell Track – Main Range National Park, Cunningham’s Gap (10.2km/3hours)

This graded walking track to the twin peaks of Mt Mitchell begins on the southern side of the highway and passes through rainforest and open eucalypt forest. It ends on a knife-edge ridge above a sheer cliff on the east side of Mt Mitchell (1168m).

Palm Grove Circuit – Tamborine National Park, Joalah Section (2.6km/1hour)

You’ll see palm groves and rainforest with emergent strangler figs on this walk.

Curtis Falls Track – Tamborine National Park, Knoll Section (1.1km/30min)

An enchanting walk which begins in wet eucalypt forest beneath towering flooded gums.

Witches Falls Circuit – Tamborine National Park, Witches Falls section (3.1km/1hour)

This track zigzags down the mountain through an open forest of banksia trees and into rainforest with giant strangler figs. The circuit passes seasonal lagoons that are all full and home to insect and frog species. The waterfall is flowing after recent rain and is best viewed from a lookout platform accessed via a 200m detour from the main circuit.

Morans Falls – Lamington National Park, Green Mountains Section (4.6km/1.5hours)

This track starts 800m from the information centre. Excellent views of Morans Falls and Morans Creek Gorge can be seen from the constructed lookout located before the creek crossing. Layers of ancient volcanic lava flows are also visible.

Box Forest Circuit – Lamington National Park, Green Mountains Section (10.9km/4hours)

This track leads to Picnic Rock and Elabana Falls and runs through rainforest and impressive stands of smooth, pink-barked brush box. If you intend on walking the entire circuit, walk in a clockwise direction and exit via the falls and Picnic Rock.

*NEW* Scenic Rim Trail by Spicers – Mt Mitchell to Spicer’s Peak Lodge (34.5km/across four days, accommodation included)

The walk follows paths along ridges, escarpments, through the forest. Accommodation and meals are provided by the Spicer’s Group.

For more information about these walks visit www.visitscenicrim.com.au

Want to stay more than one day?

There’s so much more to see and do in the Scenic Rim, so why not make a holiday out of it? There are numerous accommodation options including camping, cabins, farm stays and country lodges. Visit Boonah Tourism for more information, or check out our review of Mt Barney Lodge.

Explore Brisbane will give you lots of ideas for day trips within our city, as well as easily reachable destinations for day-long adventures.