The 18 best things to do in the Scenic Rim

There are plenty of places to chase waterfalls in and around the Scenic Rim, but Tamborine National Park stands out as the fan favourite. Start your waterfall adventure with Curtis Falls. It’s easily accessible via a moderate one-kilometre walk through lush rainforest. The falls are stunning, and you can get pretty close via the viewing platform at the end of the walk. Swimming is not allowed at Curtis Falls, but if you’re hoping for a dip, then head to nearby Cedar Creek Falls, where you’ll find the only natural swimming holes in the area. 

Time Out tip: Bring sturdy shoes, as it's a moderate one-kilometre walk from the car park to the falls.

Address: 14-18 Dapsang Dr, Eagle Heights 

Opening hours: 24 hours

Price: Free

Soar high above Tamborine Mountain’s beautiful and lush rainforest canopies on this leisurely 1.5-kilometre skywalk. After winding through forest floor trails, you’ll ascend to a path of raised steel bridges, including a 30-metre-high cantilever bridge that offers stunning views of the creek and rainforest below. Keep a lookout for exotic insects, butterflies, birds and reptiles along the way.

Time Out tip: For something extra, check out the Rainforest Eco Gallery, where you can see a variety of local rainforest species up close and uncover the rich Indigenous history of the region.

Address: 333 Geissmann Dr, Tamborine Mountain

Opening hours: Daily 9.30am-4pm

Price: $21.50 for adults, $10.50 for children aged six to 17

Given it’s one of the only swimming holes in the area, Cedar Creek is extremely popular – so you’ll need to get there early to nab a park. The lookout near the car park offers stunning views of the falls and the gorge below, plus it’s wheelchair- and stroller-friendly. Those up for a hike can follow the 900-metre track through eucalypt forest and dry rainforest to three beautiful rock pools. Go for a refreshing dip, enjoy a picnic on the rocks beside the creek and take in stunning views of the waterfall.

Time Out tip: The car park is small and fills up fast, especially on weekends. To beat the crowds, visit on a weekday or plan your trip early morning or late afternoon.

Address: 76 Cedar Creek Falls Rd, Tamborine Mountain

Opening hours: 24 hours

Price: Free

It’s a big win for a small town like Tamborine Mountain to claim the most awarded distillery and liquor brand in the country. Founded in 1993, this family-owned distillery infuses its liquors with rare botanicals from Queensland’s oldest national park, with flavours like Bush Limonello and Wattle Toffee. You can take a guided behind-the-scenes tour, get hands-on in a spirit-making class, or simply enjoy a tasting, with paddles for gin, yuzu spirits, rum and vodka.

Time Out tip: Pair your tasting with local cheese and condiments, or explore the many cafés and restaurants along the nearby Gallery Walk. 

Address: 10 Macdonnell Rd, Tamborine Mountain

Opening hours: Daily 10am-5pm

Price: Tastings from $10

If there’s one easy way to brighten up your day, it’s with a trip to Elderflower Farm. The colourful flower fields are always blooming with old-fashioned heirlooms, which are cut daily by farmers Rachel and Fred Watkins. You can breathe in the fragrant air, admire the seasonal blooms up close, or grab a bunch to take home from the onsite farm shop. Here, you can also pick up flower field honey, elderflower tea, bespoke perfume, floripops and seeds to plant at home. Elderflower also runs occasional flower-picking days and flower-arranging workshops. 

Time Out tip: April to June is prime bloom time, with regular workshops and flower picking during these growing months.

Address: 541 Kents Lagoon Rd, Kents Lagoon

Opening hours: Thurs-Sun 8.30am-4pm (flower fields open Fri-Sun 10am-2pm)

Price: Free entry; workshops from $35

Right next door to Elderflower Farm is the equally enchanting Scenic Rim Farm Shop and Café. Here, you can pick up the freshest local produce to cook up during your stay, then relax under the shady jacaranda trees to enjoy house-baked cakes or hearty lunch dishes. We’re talking everything from freshly baked Turkish bread rolls with smoked ham and slow-cooked beef nachos, to local coffee, juices and kombucha. PS: Well-mannered dogs are most welcome to join too.

Time Out tip: The Scenic Rim Farm Shop shares the same grounds as Elderflower Farm, making it the perfect two-for-one pit stop.

Address: 541 Kents Lagoon Rd, Kents Lagoon 

Opening hours: Thur-Sun 8.30am-4pm

Price: Expect to pay $20-$25 for a meal and $5 for a coffee

There are more than 160 kilometres of tracks waiting for you to explore in Lamington National Park, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Get lost in the magic of it all on the seven-kilometre Caves Track, which winds through open eucalypt forest and offers spectacular views into the Coomera Valley and Darlington Range. Keep an eye out for snoozing koalas in the trees and also for white-throated treecreepers, members of one of the oldest groups of songbirds. Fun fact: The national park was named after a Governor of Queensland, Lord Lamington. 

Time Out tip: You could spend days walking through the national park, with more than 20 trails mapped out for you to explore here.

Address: Start at the Binna Burra lower day-use area or the track entry opposite the Saddle trailhead

Opening hours: 24 hours

Price: Free

You could easily spend the whole day at this dreamy winery, perched just behind the shimmering Wyaralong Dam. Start with a tasting of their signature wines, including a refreshing sparkling rosé or timeless tempranillo. Then, settle in for a French-inspired long lunch overlooking the vineyards at the on-site restaurant, Roastbeef & The Frog. The two or three-course menu features escargots with garlic butter, crab and crayfish lasagna, duck confit à l'orange and pistachio crème brûlée. 

Time Out tip: For a laid-back afternoon, grab a charcuterie board and enjoy a picnic on the lawns by the dam. There are pies and fries for the kids, and your furry friends are welcome too!

Address: 1660 Beaudesert Boonah Rd, Wyaralong

Opening hours: Thur 11am-4pm, Fri-Sun 11am-9pm

Price: Champagne breakfast for $55; two-course meal for $80

It’s hard to match the mystique of entering a dark abyss lit only by thousands of luminescent insects. Glowworms are only found in dark and humid places across Australia, with Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves offering Queensland’s only opportunity to see them during daylight hours. The eco-certified, purpose-built cave – the only one of its kind in the world – is designed to protect both the glow worms and their rainforest home. Guided tours guarantee sightings and are sure to light up your day.

Time Out tip: Be sure to avoid flash photography or shining light directly at the worms, as this causes them to ‘switch off’ their glow. 

Address: Cedar Creek Estate, 104 Hartley Rd, Tamborine Mountain

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm

Price: $31 for adults, $18 for children aged four to 12

The fields are alive at this gorgeous lavender farm, set on a six-hectare vineyard in the Fassifern Valley at Mount Alford. Kooroomba is perhaps the Scenic Rim’s best-kept secret, boasting an award-winning cellar door and restaurant on the farm. The best time to visit is between June and August, as lavender thrives in the cooler climate. However, Kooroomba’s six varieties of French and Italian lavender bloom almost all year round, ensuring perfect photo opportunities no matter the season. 

Time Out tip: The lavender farm doubles as a vineyard, with wine tastings available at the Mt Alford cellar door. You can also order a picnic basket to enjoy among the fragrant fields, filled with homemade sourdough, cured meats and cheese. 

Address: 168 F M Bells Rd, Mount Alford

Opening hours: Wed 10am-3pm, Sun 10am-4pm (check website for seasonal closures)

Price: Free entry to the lavender farm

Discover the wild wonders of Queensland’s hinterland region on the exclusive Scenic Rim Trail – the state’s only inclusion in the highly-regarded Great Walks of Australia collection. Wedged between two dramatic mountain ranges, this 60-kilometre trail combines rugged adventure with peak luxury, offering two to six-day guided treks for up to 12 guests. Starting at Spicers Hidden Peaks, the signature four-day trek sees you scale the Mistake Mountain Range, descend rocky boulders and head deep into the lush, misty Gondwana rainforest. Each night, you’ll rest your legs in dreamy, treehouse-style cabins, with all meals taken care of by Spicers.

Time Out tip: Autumn and spring are the best times to hike the trail, when the temperature is cooler and less humid. 

Address: Spicers Hidden Peaks, 7791 Cunningham Highway, Clumber

Opening hours: Multiple hikes each month

Price: All-inclusive two-day hike from $1,700 or four-day hike from $3,399

If your dream day involves tearing down mountains, pedalling through puddles and chasing that adrenaline rush, Hidden Vale Adventure Park is calling your name. Just an hour’s drive from the Scenic Rim, this mountain bikers’ paradise has more than 80 kilometres of trails, catering for all skill levels. Experienced riders can fly down some of the largest descents in Queensland, while newbies can cruise through open paddocks to a peaceful billabong. 

Time Out tip: Don’t stress about bringing your own bike, as Hidden Vale has e-bikes and cross-country bikes for you to hire.

Address: 617 Grandchester Mount Mort Rd, Grandchester

Opening hours: Daily 7am-3pm

Price: Day pass is $20 for adults and $10 for children aged under 16; bike hire from $95 per day

Just minutes from Tamborine Mountain town centre, this boutique vineyard offers tailored tastings that give you access to their entire range. Their expert hosts will help you select six drops that match your palate perfectly – from crisp, buttery whites to bold, well-balanced reds. They’re happy to take you through the wine-making story as you sip and help you assemble a grazing platter from their fresh produce menu. As you wine and dine, enjoy the fresh mountain air and take in views overlooking their beautiful gardens and the small vineyard cultivating Percorino grapes.

Time Out tip: The estate is also home to ‘The Kennel’ – Boxer Brewing’s tap room and sports bar. Grab a seat, shout a round of frothies and catch the latest game.

Address: 79 Main Western Rd, Tamborine Mountain

Opening hours: Sun-Thur 10am-5pm, Fri-Sat 10am-7pm

Price: $20 for a personalised wine tasting

Just a stone’s throw from the famous Tamborine Mountain Distillery, the famous Gallery Walk is a shopper’s paradise, with more than 70 charming stores to explore. You’ll discover all sorts of knick-knacks and hidden treasures – from sparkling crystals and quirky cuckoo clocks to delicate glass art, pottery and jewellery. Like in any classic country town, you can also stock up on handmade chocolate, fresh fudge, local cheese, Manuka honey, loose leaf teas and plenty more local goodies.

Time Out tip: While you’re in the area, it’s worth visiting the Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens – just a 1.5-kilometre drive down the road.

Address: Long Rd, Tamborine Mountain

Opening hours: Daily 10am-4pm

Price: Free to explore

Alpaca your bags for a delightful day out with the whole family at this incredibly adorable alpaca farm. Located on O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards in Canungra, it’s a place where parents will have just as much fun as the little ones. You can feed, cuddle, walk or snap a selfie with Mountview’s 50 friendly alpacas, before sharing a gourmet picnic hamper by the creek.

Time Out tip: Mountview is an incredibly inclusive farm, with special 30-minute group therapy sessions for NDIS clients and their carers.

Address: 852 Lamington National Park Rd, Canungra

Opening hours: Daily 9am-4pm

Price: Alpaca experience from $24.50

From the small country village of Beechmont to the secluded hinterlands of Tamborine Mountain, this month-long food fiesta hosts more than 120 delicious events each June. It’s backed by some of the biggest names in the local hospo scene, who will cook up stellar paddock-to-plate experiences, including long lunches, guest chef degustations, food tours, and growers’ markets. 

Time Out tip: Get in quick if you want to attend the famous Kalfresh Carrot Day in Australia’s carrot-growing capital. The carrot ice cream from Moffatt’s Fresh Produce is a must-try.

Address: All across the Scenic Rim

When: June

Price: Free and ticketed events

It’s well worth staying a few nights in the Scenic Rim so you can explore its abundance of natural wonders. The region offers an impressive range of luxury stays, from Australia’s highest non-alpine mountain lodge at Spices Hidden Vale to the incredibly charming farm stay at Herrmann House and the award-winning Binna Burra Sky Lodges. You’ll also find campgrounds, such as at the eco-friendly O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, along with a gorgeous glamping set-up at Ketchups Bank. However, our top pick is the incredibly secluded and sustainably-designed WanderPods, which come with cosy fireplaces, outdoor baths and the comfiest king-sized beds.

Time Out tip: Road tripping on a budget? You can make the most of free campgrounds at Fassifern Memorial Reserve and Langdon Reserve.