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From Farm to Fork at the Scenic Rim Farm Gate Trail

| Last Updated: September 2024

Did you know that the Scenic Rim is nicknamed Queensland’s salad bowl? And for good reason. This fertile region boasts volcanic soil so rich, it could practically grow diamonds (well, maybe not diamonds, but you get the idea).  

Imagine overflowing baskets with ruby red strawberries still warm from the sun, plump olives brined to perfection, and cheeses so creamy they’d make a cheesemonger weep. You might even stumble upon a herd of happy alpacas or a cuddly lamb!

So make market day an adventure and get on the road! Check out our guide and follow the way to the Scenic Rim Farm Gate Trail!

About the Scenic Rim Region

Located just an hour’s drive from Brisbane, the Scenic Rim Region boasts a dramatic landscape of volcanic peaks, lush rainforests, and fertile valleys. Named a World Heritage Site for its Gondwana rainforests, the Scenic Rim is a nature lover’s paradise. 

You can hike through ancient rainforests teeming with wildlife, explore hidden waterfalls, or admire breathtaking panoramic views from mountain lookouts. 

Beyond its natural beauty, the Scenic Rim is a thriving agricultural region. Charming country towns dot the landscape, offering a taste of country life. 

The bi-annual Scenic Rim Farm Gate Trail allows you to meet passionate producers, sample fresh local produce, and stock up on gourmet treats directly from the source. 

Wineries, breweries, and cheesemakers also call this region home, inviting you to indulge in the flavors of the Scenic Rim. 

Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or a delicious escape, Queensland’s Scenic Rim promises an unforgettable experience!

Things to Know About the Scenic Rim Farm Gate Trail

  • The Scenic Rim Farm Gate Trail is happening on July 28, 2024, 9am – 3pm. This is the second date for this year, the first one took place last April 28. 
  • The Scenic Rim Farm Gate Trail is a chance to connect with the land and the passionate people who cultivate it. 
  • You can meet the farmers themselves, learn about their sustainable practices, and stock up on fresh produce, gourmet treats, and unique handcrafted products.
  • Many farms offer special activities and entertainment during the Farm Gate Trail. Enjoy live music at a winery, take a guided tour of an alpaca farm, or indulge in a delicious lunch made with local ingredients. 
  • Remember to bring your esky (cooler) to fill with fresh finds throughout the day!

Itinerary

The beauty of the Farm Gate Trail lies in its flexibility. There’s no set itinerary, so you can create your own adventure based on your interests and tastes. 

Destination Scenic Rim provides downloadable maps to help you plan your route.

Here are some general Brisbane starting points for exploring different areas of the Scenic Rim:

  • For cheese lovers – Head towards Peak Crossing to visit the Scenic Rim Farm Shop and Towri Sheep Cheeses.
  • For wine aficionados – Explore the wineries around Boonah, including The Overflow Estate and Bunjurgen Estate Vineyard. 
  • For a family-friendly adventure – The Canungra Valley offers a variety of farms and activities, including O’Reilly’s Vineyard and the option to walk an alpaca at Mountview Alpacas. 

Participating Farms

There are a total of 23 participating farms in the Scenic Rim Farm Gate Trail this 2024. We categorized the farms by location. Check out what’s in store in each Farm Gate Trail destination! 

HARRISVILLE & PEAK CROSSING

Summerland Camels

Website: https://summerlandcamels.com.au/ 
Location: 8 Charles Chauvel Drive, Harrisville, QLD 4307

Visiting Summerland Camels will be an unforgettable experience for the whole family.  This isn’t your average farm visit as you can cuddle with camels, explore the grounds with a real-life cameleer, and indulge in a paddock-to-plate feast. 

In addition, they have a shop stocked with award-winning camel goodies, and even camel milk skincare. 

Naughty Little Kids

Website: https://www.naughtylittlekids.com.au/ 
Location: 1531 Ipswich Boonah Rd, Peak Crossing QLD 4306

Naughty Little Kids isn’t just a funny name, it’s a delightful goat dairy farm that whips up delicious cheese and gelato using only milk from their happy herd. 

Bring your esky and stock up on these treats that are free from gluten, egg, nut, soy, coconut, and even gelatin! 

KALBAR & MT. ALFORD

Ellia’s Garden

Website: https://www.elliasgarden.com/ 
Location: 1819 Tarome Rd, Moorang QLD 4340 

Nestled in the heart of Scenic Rim, Ellia’s Garden is a market paradise. Surrounded by the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, the garden boasts stunning vistas of Cunningham Gap, Mount Castle, and Mount Fraser. 

Here, you’ll find a bounty of fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables available for purchase.

Elderflower Farm & Scenic Rim Farm Shop

Website: https://www.elderflowerfarm.com.au/ 
Location: 541 Kents Lagoon Rd, Kents Lagoon QLD 4309 

Elderflower is your one-stop shop for all things floral! Explore their charming rustic shed overflowing with fresh-cut blooms, locally-made farm goodies, and delightful garden treasures.  

While you’re there, meet the friendly farmers and browse the variety of local produce at the Scenic Rim Farm Shop. Don’t forget to soak in the beautiful surroundings and enjoy a delicious cafe lunch!

Olive View Estate Scenic Rim

Website: https://www.facebook.com/oliveviewcottage/ 
Location: 58 Kulgun Rd, Kulgun QLD 4309

At Olive View Estate, you can explore the 700-tree olive grove, grab a bite from food trucks, and sip on kombucha or coffee while soaking in the breathtaking views. 

You can also stock up on homemade goodies from “Myrtle,” a restored 1950s bus. And don’t forget to feed the friendly sheep with apple and carrot slices!

Valley Pride Produce

Website: https://valley-pride-produce.myshopify.com/ 
Location: 83 Scholl Rd, Charlwood QLD 4309

Generations in the making, Valley Pride Produce is a family farm located just a stone’s throw from Moogerah Dam. They specialize in a vibrant array of leafy greens, all grown with love and dedication. 

Bunjurgen Estate Vineyard

Website: https://www.bunjurgenestate.com.au/ 
Location: 121 Brent Rd, Bunjurgen QLD 4310

Bunjurgen Estate Vineyard offers a chance to hand-pick grapes in the cool morning air, followed by a delicious BBQ breakfast. They use meticulous methods to ensure the highest quality grapes – perfect for crafting their award-winning wines!

Scenic Rim Brewery

Website: https://www.scenicrimbrewery.com.au/ 
Location: 898 Reckumpilla St, Mount Alford QLD 4310

Scenic Rim Brewery isn’t just about beer. Expect shelves brimming with fresh local produce and some Dutch delicacies. 

They also have a cafe offering a European-inspired menu. Then indulge in a cool and creamy treat with their selection of ice cream! 

RATHDOWNEY, BOONAH & CHRISTMAS CREEK

Barney Creek Vineyard & Cottages

Website: https://barneycreekcottages.com.au/ 
Location: 198 Seidenspinner Road, Mount Barney QLD 4287

Barney Creek Vineyard Cottages offers a secluded escape nestled amidst stunning mountains and rolling countryside. You can drop by for a sip, take a stroll through the vineyard, and grab some goodies from their gift shop. 

The Shed Cafe – Rathlogan

Website: https://www.facebook.com/theshedcaferathdowney/ 
Location: 4 Upper Logan Rd, Rathdowney QLD 4287

The Shed Cafe is a family-run hilltop gem boasting stunning olive groves. This is where they source the ingredients for their famous slow-cooked beef and mushroom pie, as well as their range of 100% Australian-made olive oils and table olives.  

Oaky Creek Farm and Harvest Cafe

Website: https://www.oakycreekfarm.com.au/ 
Location: 208 Oaky Creek Rd, Oaky Creek QLD 4285 

Oaky Creek Farm and Harvest Cafe is a family-run farm that offers fresh, seasonal produce showcased in their cafe dishes and takeaway options. They also whip up delicious coffee and real fruit ice cream – perfect treats after exploring the farm! 

The Overflow Estate 1895

Website: https://theoverflowestate1895.com.au/ 
Location: 1660 Beaudesert Boonah Rd, Wyaralong QLD 4285

You can indulge in award-winning local wines at The Overflow Estate 1895. What’s more, you can pair them with delectable dishes from their Two French Chefs menu, or create your own picnic feast with wine and a charcuterie board on the lawn.

Christmas Creek Garlic

Website: https://www.facebook.com/thegarlicguru 
Location: 316 Christmas Creek Road, Laravale, QLD 4285

You can get your garlic stash here at Christmas Creek Garlic, grown chemical-free! They have an array of garlic products including raw garlic, garlic seasonings, and smoked/black garlic. 

ALLENVIEW & JIMBOOMBA

Towri Sheep Cheeses

Website: https://towrisheepcheeses.com.au/ 
Location: 206 Saville Rd, Allenview QLD 4285

Towri Sheep Cheeses offers delicious takeaway lunch options and cheese platters perfect for enjoying in their picturesque gardens.  

You can also browse their shop, explore local produce from Flutterby Gourmet & Jasmine Urban Farm, and grab a caffeine fix from the on-site coffee van. 

Bee All Natural

Website: http://www.beeallnatural.com.au/ 
Location: 313-317 Bushman Drive, Jimboomba, QLD 4280

Buzz into Bee All Natural, where award-winning raw honey meets sustainable beekeeping! They offer a variety of honey products, body care essentials, and  beekeeping experiences. 

Their pure, raw honey comes straight from the hive, untouched and guaranteed to be delicious.

TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN

Tamborine Mountain Distillery

Website: https://tamborinemountaindistillery.com/ 
Location: 10 Macdonnell Rd, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272

Tucked away in the rainforests of Tamborine Mountain, this distillery has been crafting award-winning spirits for over 30 years! Witness their passion firsthand with a tour, then sample their exquisite liquors and spirits for a memorable day trip.

Witches Falls Winery

Website: https://witchesfalls.com.au/ 
Location: 79 Main Western Rd, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272

Savor a glass of wine or cider at Witches Falls Winery! You can book a table or roll out your picnic blanket and soak up the scenery while enjoying a drink.  

Cauldron Distillery

Website: https://www.cauldrondistillery.com.au/ 
Location: 89-123 Hartley Rd, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272

Sip on handcrafted spirits in Cauldron Distillery’s prohibition-era cocktail bar, all while soaking in the stunning scenery of rolling vineyards and verdant meadows.

CANUNGRA

O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyard

Website: https://oreillys.com.au/canungra-valley-vineyards/ 
Location: 852 Lamington National Park Rd, Canungra QLD 4275

Enjoy a picnic at the scenic grounds of O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyard, nestled by the creek. You can order a picnic basket or their gourmet pizzas for a hearty meal while taking in the gorgeous scenery. 

Mountview Alpacas

Website: https://mountviewfarm.com.au/ 
Location: 852 Lamington National Park Rd, Canungra QLD 4275

You can head to the alpaca farm right next to O’Reilly’s and cuddle with these adorable animals which the whole family will surely enjoy! 

Sarabah Vineyards

Website: https://sarabahestate.com.au/ 
Location: 46 Rymera Rd, Sarabah QLD 4275

Indulge in a delicious lunch at Sarabah Vineyards’ Chalet Bistro, take a wood-fired pizza on the go, or create your own picnic spread amongst the vines.  

You can then top it all off with a cup of coffee or some quality time with their friendly farm animals, including their resident alpacas!

Planning Your Trip

The Scenic Rim is a short but scenic drive from Brisbane. Allow 1 – 1.5 hours to reach the region depending on your starting point and chosen farm locations. Make sure to check the opening hours of individual farms before you set off, as they may vary.

Here are some additional tips for planning your trip:

  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.
  • Pack a hat, sunscreen, and water bottle.
  • Bring cash for some farms that may not have EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale) facilities.
  • Stock up on an empty esky (cooler) to keep your fresh produce chilled.

Beyond the Farm Gate Trail

The Scenic Rim Farm Gate Trail is a fantastic way to support local farmers and producers. By choosing to buy directly from the source, you’re ensuring they receive a fair price for their products. 

You’re also reducing your carbon footprint by buying local produce that hasn’t traveled long distances.

Many of the farms participating in the Trail are committed to sustainable practices. They may use organic growing methods, focus on soil health, or implement water conservation techniques. 

By supporting these farms, you’re helping to protect the environment for future generations.

The Scenic Rim Farm Gate Trail is more than just a food adventure, it’s a celebration of the land, the people, and the bounty of nature. 

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