EXPLORE THE SCENIC RIM
Your guide to making the most of your stay
Beyond the quiet of Hilltop Haven lies a region filled with rainforest, mountain ranges, country farms, vineyards and wonderful local food. Whether you're looking for a gentle morning walk, a long lunch with a glass of wine, or a little adventure, there's plenty to discover.
We've put together some of our favourite places and experiences to help you explore the Scenic Rim at your own pace. Some are just a short drive from the cabin, while others make for a beautiful day out. Photo by @scenicrimtrail
FARM & COUNTRY EXPERIENCES
Discover the countryside, local produce and little adventures that make this corner of Queensland so special.
Tommerup's Dairy Farm
Approx. 10 minutes
For a true farm-to-fork experience, pre-order one of their food hampers featuring produce from the farm, including ethically raised pork, beef, lamb, eggs and dairy products. They also have a small farm shop which you can visit. Photo by @tommerupsdairyfarm
Cedar Glen Farmstay
Approx. 2 minutes
Spend a little time wandering the farm, meeting the animals and, if available, helping with the animal feeding experience. It’s a lovely way to slow down, breathe in the fresh country air and enjoy the simple pleasures of Scenic Rim life.
Elderflower Farm & Scenic Rim Farm Shop & Cafe
Approx. 60 minutes
A beautiful boutique flower farm where you can wander amongst seasonal blooms, pick flowers and enjoy workshops throughout the year. Photo by @elderflower_farm_qld
Mountainview Alpacas
Approx. 60 minutes
Located beside O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyard, Mountainview Alpacas offers the chance to get up close with these beautiful animals. Combine your visit with lunch or a wine tasting at the vineyard next door. Photo by @mountainviewalpacafarm
EAT, DRINK & INDULGE
Oaky Creek Farm & Harvest Café
Approx. 18 minutes (open weekends only)
A lovely local stop for coffee, breakfast or lunch, with seasonal produce grown on the farm. Take in the beautiful views of Innisplain and enjoy a self-guided farm tour while you're there. Photo by @oakycreekfarm
Our pick: Stop in for coffee or lunch on your way home from exploring.
The Overflow Estate 1895
Approx. 40 minutes
Enjoy locally produced wine and delicious food from the Two French Chefs menu, or settle in with a picnic blanket, wine and charcuterie on the lawn. Live music is held on weekends. Photo by @theoverflowestate1895_official
VK Everydays Café
Approx. 27 minutes (located in Beaudesert township)
A great local café for a relaxed breakfast, coffee or something to eat before heading out for the day. Photo by @vkeverydayscafe
Sarabah Estate Vineyard
Approx. 60 minutes
Set amongst the beautiful countryside, Sarabah is perfect for a leisurely day out. Enjoy a wood-fired pizza, grazing platter or picnic amongst the vines, or stop for coffee on your way home. Photo by @sarabahestate
MARKETS & EVENTS
COUNTRY MARKETS
Canungra Village Markets - 2nd Sunday of each month, these relaxed village markets are a lovely way to discover local produce, handmade goods and country charm.
Boonah Country Markets - 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month, with fresh produce, local makers and plenty of country-market character.
Beaudesert Market Fest - Held on the 1st Saturday of each month, with local stalls, food, live music and a relaxed community atmosphere.
Tamborine Mountain Markets - A selection of regular markets across Tamborine Mountain, offering everything from local produce and flowers to handmade goods and vintage finds.
SEASONAL EVENTS
The Scenic Rim’s calendar is filled with events that celebrate the region’s food, farms, arts and country communities. Look out for annual favourites including Scenic Rim Eat Local Month, Winter Harvest Festival, Kalbar Sunflower Festival, Tamborine Mountain Arts Trail, Springtime on the Mountain, the Tamborine Mountain Scarecrow Festival and local country shows.
PLAN YOUR STAY AROUND AN EVENT
Whether you’re coming for a country market, a seasonal festival or simply want to explore the region at a slower pace, check what’s happening during your stay. Photo by @destinationscenicrim
See Destination Scenic Rim page for more information.
WALKS & WATERFALLS
The Scenic Rim is home to some of Queensland’s most spectacular walking country, from cool rainforest and cascading waterfalls to rugged mountain ranges and sweeping valley views. Whether you’re after a gentle wander through the bush or a more adventurous day on the trail, there are plenty of ways to explore the landscape surrounding Hilltop Haven. Photo by @olsson.adventures
CHRISTMAS CREEK
Just a short drive from Hilltop Haven, Christmas Creek is a beautiful place to spend a day surrounded by rainforest, rock pools and mountain scenery.
For an easier adventure, Westray’s Grave is a 7.5 km return walk taking around three hours and is rated medium. For experienced hikers looking for something more challenging, Larapinta Falls and The Stinson offer longer, harder walks through spectacular country.
LAMINGTON NATIONAL PARK
Venture deeper into the rainforest at Lamington National Park, where an extensive network of walking tracks winds through ancient rainforest and mountain country.
Around O’Reilly’s, you'll find a range of walks to suit different abilities. The Tree Top Walk is an easy 800 m experience, while Wishing Tree, Python Rock and Moran’s Falls offer longer walks through the rainforest. For a bigger adventure, Elabana Falls and Moonlight Crag take you further into the park.
It’s a wonderful place to slow down, breathe in the rainforest air and experience the incredible natural landscape of the Scenic Rim.
MOUNT BARNEY & THE BORDER RANGES
For those wanting to venture a little further, the surrounding mountain ranges offer some of the region’s most rewarding walks.
Mount Barney National Park has everything from the moderate Paddy’s Falls and Paddy’s Peak walks to the much more demanding Mount Maroon and Mount Maroon Caves tracks.
Across the Border Ranges, there are also gentler options including Pinnacle Walk, Brushbox Falls Lookout and Border Loop, as well as longer rainforest walks for more experienced hikers.
BEFORE THE WALK
Whichever trail you choose, be sure to check current conditions and allow enough time to complete your walk safely before setting out. Pack some water and allow plenty of time. Check out our guest manual, Aussie Bushwalking or QLD Parks and Forest webpage for more details.
AFTER THE WALK
There’s something especially satisfying about returning to Hilltop Haven after a day outdoors. Cool off, pour a drink, run a bath and settle into the evening as the sun disappears behind the hills.
Sometimes the best part of an adventure is knowing there’s somewhere beautiful waiting for you at the end of it.