scenicrim - Clouds On Beechmont

scenic
rim
s c e n i c
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s c e n i c
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The Scenic Rim
queensland
is home to Australia’s
brisbane
most accessible
toowoomba
World Heritage-listed
ipswich
rainforest and diverse
mountain terrain
peak crossing
tamborine
mountain
harrisville
aratula
Published by
Beaudesert Qld 4285
s c e n i c
tweed heads
rathdowney
warwick
murwillumbah
scenic
rim
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Westerman Park
Cnr Mt Lindesay Highway & Enterprise Drive,
Beaudesert 4285
p: 5541 4495 f: 5541 0381
e: bdstarts@bigpond.net.au
Open Daily 9am – 4pm
Closed Good Friday and Christmas
nerang
canungra
PO Box 25
Beaudesert Community Arts
& Information Centre
beaudesert
boonah
Scenic Rim Regional Council
mail@scenicrim.qld.gov.au
gold coast
beenleigh
new south wales
byron bay
Boonah Visitor Information Centre
Bicentennial Park
20 Boonah-Fassifern Road,
Boonah 4310
p: 5463 2233 f: 5463 2135
e: vic@scenicrim.qld.gov.au
Open Daily 9:30am – 4pm
except Christmas Day, Good Friday
and Anzac Day morning.
stanthorpe
Canungra Visitor Information Centre
12-14 Kidston Street,
Canungra 4275
P: 5543 5156 f: 5543 4501
e: canungrainformation@bigpond.com
Open daily 9:30am – 4pm
kyogle
Rathdowney Information Centre
& Historical Museum
82 Mt Lindesay Highway,
Rathdowney 4287
p: 5544 1222 f: 5544 1443
e: info@rathdowney.org.au
Open 9am – 2pm Monday to Friday.
Open 9am – 4pm weekends,
school holidays and public holidays
lismore
casino
Tamborine Mountain
Visitor Information Centre
Doughty Park, 2 Main Western Road,
North Tamborine 4272
p: 5545 3200
Open 10am – 3:30pm Monday to Friday,
9:30am – 3:30pm weekends and public holidays
s c e n i c
visitscenicrim.com.au
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on the cover:
tenterfield
Brooke Noe at
her grandparents’
Kalbar rose farm.
© Scenic Rim Regional Council 2009
words by Gorman Media
design by dogwhistle creative
photography by Trevor Worden
While the publishers have made
all reasonable efforts to ensure the
accuracy of information contained
in this publication at the time of
printing Dogwhistle Creative and
Scenic Rim Regional Council assume
no responsibility for any errors or
omissions that may have occurred.
All copy, images, design and artwork
remain the property of Scenic Rim
Regional Council and may not be
reproduced, in part or in whole,
without the written permission of
Scenic Rim Regional Council.
2
The Scenic Rim is
located in South
East Queensland
australia
brisbane
gold coast
80kms, or about
one hour’s drive,
from Brisbane and
the Gold Coast.
sydney
melbourne
Contents
5
One Mountain After Another
6
Canungra, Lamington & Beechmont
9
Tamborine Mountain
12
Beaudesert & The Lost World Valley
17
Rathdowney, Mt Barney & Mt Lindesay
20
Boonah
23
Kalbar, Roadvale & Peak Crossing
26
Harrisville, Rosevale & Aratula
28
Visitor Information Centre Contacts
3
“The whole cloud split in two
and vanished over the southern
side of the mountain...
Below me, some hundreds
of feet down, a snow white
mass spread to the horizon
and all the peaks above 3500 feet
jutted up like black islands.”
Arthur Groom,
One Mountain After Another.
2
s c e n i c
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one
mountain
after
another ...
“We plunged through a
green doorway, as sudden
as from light into darkness,
and into the jungle itself
where the trees rose in
moss-covered columns,
One Mountain After Another.
some green, some grey,
Says it all really.
some mottled, some rough,
Everywhere you turn in the Scenic Rim you’ll see mountains.
others smooth, some
Adventurer, naturalist and tourism pioneer, Arthur Groom, first coined the
phrase Scenic Rim to describe the semi-circle chain of mountains which
wrap around the valleys between Brisbane and Tamborine Mountain.
Today the Scenic Rim has expanded to encompass the isolated peaks,
plains and low rolling hills that lie before the high mountain ranges.
This imposing rim of mountains dates back millions of years to a time when
many of them were active volcanoes.
Their legacy – Australia’s most accessible World Heritage-listed rainforests,
and rich alluvial soils deposited on the flats – continue to be the lifeblood of
the region.
Visitors are drawn to the region by the pristine rainforests which are spread
throughout the Scenic Rim’s eight National Parks.
The alluvial soil enables Scenic Rim producers to grow fresh, high-quality
crops for Queensland, Australia, and markets further afield.
Stunning
To say the Scenic Rim and its natural landscape is stunning sounds clichéd,
but it’s true. Dictionary definition of stunning: Liable to cause astonishment,
or a loss of consciousness. You know what they say, if the cap fits ...
The Scenic Rim is home to a diverse mix of communities, many of them
built on the back of rural production, all situated across a stunning natural
landscape, just one hour from Brisbane in South East Queensland.
The Scenic Rim is one of Australia’s most strategically placed destinations,
located just 80km from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, just across the border
from Northern NSW.
Vibrant
It’s an exciting destination for tourism, art, culture and rural pursuits. It’s a
well-known equine breeding ground, a hub of rural production, and home to
a vibrant artistic community. The Scenic Rim’s history lies with some inspiring
pioneers, including film-makers, authors, adventurers and political activists.
This scenic canvas continues to inspire creative, entrepreneurial talents and
characters today.
The Scenic Rim is a place where many legends have been born.
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twisted and distorted,
others straight and stately;
all to support a continuing
canopy of green ...
What a garden!”
Arthur Groom,
One Mountain After Another.
Canungra,
Lamington
& Beechmont
The region’s east began life as a series
of small communities, established to
support the rural industries which were
developing around them.
Over some of the years the industries may have
flourished, peaked and declined, but all of these towns
have blossomed and matured, while retaining their
original small-town charm.
Canungra
Beechmont
Just outside Canungra is the turnoff for Beechmont
and Binna Burra. This country road meanders up
the mountainside, through tunnels of trees to deliver
you to the lush, green pastures of the Beechmont
mountain top.
For years Beechmont was home to a thriving dairy
industry, and cows roamed the hillsides feasting on
juicy meadows.
The village settlement of Canungra evolved around the
1880s, when the Lahey family established its Lahey
Bros Sawmill. The Lahey family also built the Bellissima
Guest House – named after the ship which brought
them to Australia from Ireland – on the site which is
now home to the historic Canungra pub.
Over time dairying has given way to a new community
of people seeking refuge from the fast-pace of city life.
The historic Lahey Tramway tunnel, cut through
sandstone and used to carry timber from the hills to
the township, is still in place and is popular
with visitors.
Ten kilometres from the quaint Beechmont Hall is the
Binna Burra Mountain Lodge, created in the 1930s by
author and adventurer Arthur Groom and his unlikely
business partner, engineer Romeo Lahey.
Canungra is a busy weekend stop-off point for
motorcyclists, hang-gliders and walkers, and is the
gateway to the Lamington National Park and O’Reilly’s
Rainforest Retreat, Villas and Lost World Spa. he
legendary hospitality of the O’Reilly family continues
who have been welcoming guests since 1926.
These amazing men – while intrinsically different in
their approach – shared a passion for the environment
and knew that the natural beauty of Binna Burra must
be protected for future generations to enjoy.
Have a picnic by the Canungra Creek – perhaps
you’ll see a platypus. Visit one of the town’s boutique
wineries, take in a local gallery, or enjoy a cool pint at
the family-friendly pub.
This close-knit creative community takes its lead from
past generations – neighbours help neighbours, selfsufficiency is celebrated, nature is protected
and respected.
Their incredible efforts and sacrifices led to the
declaration of the Lamington National Park and the
retention of this pristine environment in its true form.
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Canungra,
Lamington
& Beechmont
while you’re here...
• Enjoy wine tasting or lunch at a local winery
• Revitalise with an extraordinary spa experience
• Walk the Lahey Historic Tramway
• Picnic by the Canungra Creek
• Stay in a welcoming mountain guesthouse, villa,
lodge or B&B
• Revel in the diverse flora and fauna (we are a bird
watcher’s paradise)
• Celebrate the vast expanse of some of Australia’s
best mountain vistas
• Trek through the magnificent Lamington National
Park – there’s a walk to suit most abilities, including
a tip-toe through the rainforest tree tops at O’Reilly’s
• Immerse yourself in some of the world’s most
extensive sub-tropical rainforest
• Browse the local country markets, or make your
fresh purchase at the farmgate
• Soar like a bird around the mountains …
aerosports such as hang-gliding and para-gliding
are very popular
The McKenzie Clan
Since the McKenzie family first selected their Beechmont
dairy farm in the 1890s a lot of milk has gone through
the front gate.
Greg and Wendy McKenzie are the fourth generation
to run the 97-hectare farm, helped by son and fifth
generation McKenzie, Dan.
Greg’s mum Phyllis, 83, still lives on the property in the
same house she’s lived in all her married life. Phyllis had
five children and now has 14 great grandchildren. The
McKenzies have trouble finding a venue big enough for
family get-togethers.
Farm tours for tourists are becoming popular and Greg
suspects tourism may be the key to remaining viable for
future generations.
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tamborine
mountain
tamborine
mountain
When you’re on Tamborine
Mountain it feels like you are on
top of the world … and you may as
well be.
This volcanic peak, with its rich red alluvial soil,
sits on a level plateau about 550 metres above
sea level and enjoys 360 degree views.
To the east you’ll see the distant Surfers
Paradise high-rise skyline, the vast ocean,
and the dense mass of the Gold Coast, a city
which seems a world away, but is just a 20
minute drive.
To the west are those incredible mountain
ranges – the Scenic Rim – and the valleys that
are home to the region’s villages and towns.
Tamborine Mountain is a beautiful compilation
of communities which have grown over time.
Generously-proportioned blocks of land are
home to historic, sprawling houses, virtually
all of them surrounded by lush, gorgeous
gardens which thrive in the rich red soil.
Narrow country lanes creep across the
mountain, delivering visitors to little pockets
of life. Boutique wineries, cosy B&Bs, historic
pubs, eclectic gift shops, beautiful art galleries,
and of course there’s also the mountain’s
incredible natural attractions.
The Tamborine Mountain National Park, with
its waterfalls, rainforest walking tracks and
priceless views of the Coast can keep visitors
busy for days.
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The Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, a
spectacular elevated walkway, puts you
up in the canopy with the wildlife.
Call into one of the mountain’s markets,
buy some locally-grown organic veggies,
a bunch of native flowers, or a coffee.
Are you a daredevil? Not afraid of
heights? Hitch a ride down the mountain
with a local hang-glider – they take-off
from the western side of the mountain
most weekends. If you prefer to keep
your feet on the ground, there’s plenty of
space for onlookers.
while you’re here...
• Take a stroll down Gallery Walk, have a
coffee and watch the world go by
• Taste the cheese, sorbet, chocolates,
fudge and much more
• Visit the local wineries, breweries and
the distillery
• Fossick through the antiques
• Pick up some local avocados and
rhubarb at a roadside stall
• Stay in a cosy B&B, cottage, mountain
resort or rainforest retreat
Keep meandering and you’ll arrive at
Gallery Walk in Tamborine Village, a
run of intriguing shops, restaurants,
cafes, wineries and art galleries. There’s
something for everyone here. What
will you take home? A German cuckoo
clock, a piece of crystal, or a stunning,
original artwork by a mountain artist?
• Enjoy the lush local gardens
f food and wine is more your taste,
you’re in for a treat. The Mountain’s
many boutique wineries, breweries and
distilleries produce drops to appeal to
most palates.
• Enjoy the fabulous local cuisine
• Walk through the National Park - you’ll
see waterfalls, creeks and glow-worms
• Learn about our past at the mountain’s
museum
• Watch the hang-gliders and paragliders
take off
Visit the cheese factory – try the triple
cream brie. Yum. Enough said.
Did we mention there’s a Belgian
chocolate shop?
Stay a day, a week, a month – you will
not be disappointed.
Mike Taylor
Tamborine Mountain artist Mike Taylor leads a double life.
Half of his time is spent creating amazing welded steel sculptures, inspired
by social issues and humanity. The other half of Mike’s working life is
spent creating the intricate and ornate leather masks which have been
sold around the world. The Californian-born artist’s masks have featured
on a Eurythmics’ album cover and in a Clint Eastwood film. He moved to
Tamborine Mountain 20 years ago, after falling in love with an Australian
woman. He’s been living and working on the mountain ever since and his
work is bought and sold internationally.
v i s i t s c e n i c r i m . c o m . a u
11
beaudesert
& the
lost world valley
Beaudesert is a vibrant business centre,
home to more than 5000 people and growing
every day.
Like many other parts of the Scenic Rim, Beaudesert
was built on the back of rural production, home
to successful dairies, timber mills, beef studs and
horticulture. It is also well-known for its impressive
array of local equine pursuits.
Farming continues today, although the town of
Beaudesert has also welcomed a new generation
of residents attracted by a simpler life than city-living
can offer.
Here they can keep chooks and horses in the back
paddock, tend to their veggie patch in the front yard,
yet still have access to those modern day essentials.
Once you’ve had a look around the town and
refreshed yourself with a meal at one of the local
cafes, pubs or clubs, jump in your car and head east.
Soon you’ll come to the historic Kerry Hall which still
hosts old-style dances – foxtrot anyone?
Further down the road and you’ll cross
Christmas Creek, drive past the tiny
Darlington School and enter the incredible
Lost World Valley. As far as names go, this
one’s pretty accurate.
The ancient trees which line the road begin to close in
on you. The dramatic Razorback Mountain towers in
the distance, and the road narrows as you head into
this magical lost world.
Then the vista opens up to reveal the lush, green valley
– welcome to the wilderness end of the Lamington
National Park. Lost World is a hidden plateau – a
green shelf on Razorback Mountain – originally
discovered by the O’Reilly family.
An original old homestead not only still stands, but it
offers farm stay experiences, including horseriding,
milking, four-wheel driving, and a special insight into
Lost World history.
There are a number of accommodation options to
choose from. You can take in a cooking class using
the native produce or swim in the chill, pristine rock
pools – let the natural creek spa soothe your joints
after a long bushwalk. Hear the call of native birds
amid an unforgettable backdrop.
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beaudesert
& the
lost world valley
while you’re here...
• Go for a leisurely drive down the country roads –
where will you end up?
• Stock up on quality local craftwork at a
weekend market
• Soak up the atmosphere of real country town pubs
• Learn to cook with wild produce
• Grab a Beaudesert Blue Pumpkin for soup
or scones
• Be still. Enjoy the peace
• Visit St Mary’s Church in Beaudesert, one of
Australia’s largest timber churches
• Explore on horseback, crack a stock whip, sing
songs by the campfire, and dine on damper and
billy tea
• Learn about local history at the museum
• See us from above in a hot air balloon
• Admire the strapping thoroughbreds stabled
in local paddocks and first-class equestrian
complexes
• Sip local wines or picnic at a nearby winery
• Experience country racing
Peter Stephens
Peter Stephens’ family were the first selectors in the Lost World Valley,
arriving more than 120 years ago. They cleared the heavily-wooded land
and started breeding and raising cattle.
His grandfather built the Cedar Glen homestead in 1901. When Peter
took over the family farm he diversified into the farmstay business, initially
as a small sideline interest. Hosting tourists on this 420-hectare cattle
property is now the family’s core business, and Peter is joined in the dayto-day running by his son and fourth generation farmer Nigel. Visitors from
interstate and abroad love being able to ride a horse, milk a cow, chase a
chook and stay in the farm’s historic homestead.
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Rathdowney,
Mt Barney
& Mt Lindesay
rathdowney,
mt barney
& mt lindesay
The Scenic Rim’s southern region is home
to some of Queensland’s most impressive
walking and climbing tracks.
On some days, they can seem so surreal, they make
a breathtaking backdrop and have become famous
landmarks in South East Queensland.
Begin your journey into the south with a visit
to Rathdowney, which lies about 32km out of
Beaudesert. Rathdowney began life in the early 1900s
as a service centre to new farming districts and was
once serviced by a tramway to Beaudesert. These
days there are a number of scenic roads which bring
you to town.
Mt Barney, which at 1354m high is Southern
Queensland’s second-highest peak, is visible from
many points throughout the Scenic Rim.
It rises above surrounding farmlands in the Mt Barney
National Park, which straddles the Queensland-New
South Wales border.
The area’s history is well-recorded in the local
museum, where you will learn about the struggles of
the town’s pioneering men and women.
Rathdowney is also the gateway to a myriad of walks
and climbs available in the nearby Mt Barney National
Park, which was named after its highest peak.
The Park’s two majestic mountains – Mt Barney and
Mt Lindesay – are distinctive markers in the Scenic
Rim landscape.
The rugged peaks are all that remain of the ancient
Focal Peak Shield Volcano which erupted 24 million
years ago. Mt Barney National Park is World Heritagelisted and is designated a wilderness park, which
means there are very few maintained walking tracks
within the park. And that’s why so many visitors
love this park – they’re seeing the habitat in its true
and original form – untouched by human hand.
Subsequently there are many rare and restricted plant
species, especially on higher peaks.
Doug Hardgrave
Doug Hardgrave’s grandfather arrived in the Mt Lindesay area in 1882.
Nearby Mt Ernest, pictured just to the right of Doug’s shoulder, was named
after Doug’s grandfather and his great grandfather was Lord Mayor of
Brisbane. In 1928 the family began dairying on 2,000 acres in the foothills
of Mt Barney, and in 1969 Doug and his wife Pam bought a property and
moved into beef farming. Something which began as a sideline – farm tours
– has become their most successful venture. Lillydale Farmstay is an awardwinning attraction that has introduced thousands of visitors to Australian
farm life.
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Mt Barney is surrounded by valleys, caves, rockpools
and woodland forest, and a number of tourismbased businesses operate in the foothills of this
dramatic mountain.
while you’re here...
Meet an alpaca breeder, learn to make authentic Italian
cuisine, go bird watching, walk through a local olive
grove and take some fresh-pressed oil with you. Drink
wine made from Mt Barney grapes.
• Learn to cook authentic Italian cuisine and savour
the results over a local drop
There’s plenty of places to stay for a night - warm,
luxurious stop-overs with generous hosts who will
soothe body and soul after a busy day in the Park.
There are lodges that are perfect for larger gatherings
and cottages for the romantics. Bring the kids and visit
a farmstay where you’ll get an insight into the workings
of a busy rural property.
• Taste some Scenic Rim olives, olive oil and dukkah
The Scenic Rim’s South offers a real ‘back to
nature’ experience.
• Cuddle an alpaca – these fascinating animals will
keep you amused (and warm) for hours
• Visit a working farm, get up close and personal
with the animals, or explore on horseback
• Feeling fit? The local mountain climbing and
abseiling activities will test you
• Swim in a natural rockpool or take an eco/wildlife
tour with qualified leaders
• Snuggle up beside a warm wood fire at night
• Try a spot of fishing at Lake Maroon
Sheila Woolf
Sheila Woolf breeds and sells alpacas from her Triple Peaks farm in
the foothills of Mt Barney National Park.
She’s been breeding alpacas for 16 years and says they’re intelligent
animals with very big personalities. Sheila loves educating visitors
about these gentle animals. While you’re at Triple Peaks browse
through The Alpaca Shack. What will you take home - a pair of
alpaca fleece socks, a wool jumper, or your very own alpaca?
v i s i t s c e n i c r i m . c o m . a u
19
boonah
Whoever said the Australian rural town
is dying a slow death obviously hasn’t
been to Boonah.
This country town is buzzing. Walk down the
main street and you’ll feel the energy.
The CWA ladies sell their wares outside the
supermarket (we challenge you to find better
scones); Mums wrangle their kids out of the
toy shop; Bill from up the road has a yarn to
Dave from across the hill. Outside the post
office a gaggle of local ladies catch up on the
gossip, swap stories and compare notes on
recent rainfalls. Get lost in the country store,
and enjoy coffee and cake at one of the
town’s many cafes.
Dusty, battered farm utes are parked
alongside sleek town cars and four-wheel
drives – this motoring mix reveals much
about the people who call Boonah home.
It’s a town which began life as a hub of rural
industry – settled by German and English
pioneers in the early 1800s.
These days farming is still the main industry
– 90 per cent of Queensland’s carrots are
grown here – but there’s also a new crowd
in town. Boonah has become a favourite
among the ‘tree-change’ set – those people
seeking more from life.
They’re young families who want their
children to have a pony and space to run;
retirees who have long hankered for a simpler
life, and to be part of a friendly community; or
adventure-seekers who love the easy access
to first-class bushwalking and rock climbing.
Boonah is the gateway to more of the Scenic
Rim’s National Parks – Moogerah Peaks
National Park and Main Range National
Park. It is also another important connecting
gateway to Mt Barney National Park.
When you’re in Boonah, whichever way you
look you’ll see mountains – the locals know
them all by name. Mt Edwards, Mt Alford, Mt
Moon, Sugarloaf, Mt French, Mt Greville and
Mt Maroon … just to mention a few.
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3
Maureen Maynard
Maynards Department Store opened its
doors in 1944. It has just celebrated its
65th year in business and is now run
by Graham and Maureen Maynard.
With their son Gregory and his wife
Kirsty – the third generation in the
Maynard dynasty – they offer shoppers
everything from workboots, to craft
fabrics, to bras, bags and belts. Step
inside this cavernous shop, you never
know what you will find.
The area’s two dams are a huge hit with
watersport and fishing enthusiasts. Visit Lake
Maroon and Lake Moogerah most weekends,
public holidays and school holidays and you’re
sure to find a hive of activity as ski boats,
fishing boats and kayaks share the water. In
quieter times, the dams offer an idyllic setting
for a laidback picnic.
If that’s not enough action for you, why not
take to the skies? Go hot air ballooning,
skydiving, gliding ... or maybe you’ve always
wanted to learn to fly?
You’ll also enjoy the atmosphere in the historic
pubs and sidewalk cafes. On the outskirts of
town, there are fabulous wineries just waiting
to be discovered.
John Deeks
Oyez, Oyez, Oyez: Retired police officer
John Deeks is the Scenic Rim’s very
loyal – and very loud - town crier.
Bed & Breakfast, self-contained cottages,
country guest houses and motel
accommodation – whatever your preference
you will find it here. This little town has it all country charm and city conveniences.
He’s standing in front of Boonah’s
ornate and historic Commercial Hotel.
while you’re here...
• Stroll down Boonah’s friendly, buzzing
main street
Zengarra Zingers
The Zengarra Zingers are led by
classical percussionist and pianist
Christine Leah. Since arriving to the
Scenic Rim, Christine and her husband
Mike have turned their Zengarra
Country House and Pavillions into a
musical haven. The Zengarra Zingers
meet weekly and every rehearsal is
followed by afternoon tea – cooked by
Christine.
• Meet and mix with the local colourful
characters
• Get on your bike – we’re a popular place
for cyclists and motorbike enthusiasts
• Try our local food and wine
• Walk up Mt French, the views from the
top are great
• Stock up on local produce, jams and
relishes
• Browse our art galleries, they’re full of
local artwork and hand-crafted jewellery
• Visit the local donkey farm
John Jackson
• Go waterskiing at Lake Moogerah
John Jackson is Boonah’s Rock Doctor
and he believes rocks can tell the story
of our planet.
• Step back in time at the Templin Historic
Village
• Take a scenic drive through the hills and
past the local farms
He uses brilliantly-coloured paintings
to help illustrate his stories during his
captivating excursions around the
Scenic Rim.
22
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• Float over the patchwork of fields in a hot
air balloon
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kalbar,
roadvale
& peak crossing
kalbar,
roadvale
& peak crossing
The Fassifern Valley, which stretches between
Boonah and Aratula, is one of the region’s
most fertile and productive horticultural areas.
The quaint town of Kalbar is in the centre of
this Valley, about 10 minutes north of Boonah.
Kalbar’s history dates back to the 1870s when farmers
– predominantly German immigrants – began to select
the fertile land bordering the Warrill and Reynolds
Creek flats.
Ancestors of these pioneering families – the Pennells,
Krugers, Peters, Surawskis, Dieckmanns and Mullers
– continue to live and work in the area today. The town
of Kalbar straddles Edward Street and is dominated
by the historic and beautiful Wiss Emporium and Wiss
Cottage, which stand at its gateway. Both buildings,
and the nearby Wiss House which is being run as a
B&B, were built by the entrepreneurial Wiss Brothers,
who did very well out of trading a variety of goods to
the locals. Legend has it that the Wiss Brothers and
the town’s other general store – Bickerton’s – enjoyed
fierce competition.
Farmers would arrive to town with a load of produce
to be sold by ‘Dutch auction’. Bickerton’s buyer would
stand on one side of the wagon and the Wiss Bros
buyer on the other side. Each buyer would write his
price down and the farmer would shake his head until
a deal was done.
24
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Produce deals continue to be done in the paddocks
around Kalbar, which at any time may be growing
pumpkins, corn, carrots, onions, beans, potatoes
and lucerne.
In recent years Kalbar’s main business area has
enjoyed a resurgence, thanks to the restoration of
some of the original buildings, and the arrival of a
number of new and dynamic businesses.
This town presents many options for visitors –
traditional Belgian waffles or Dutch Croquettes at the
local art café, a cold beer and a great meal at the
historic Kalbar pub, or why not browse the
unique range of gifts, clothes and jewellery at the Wiss
Emporium?
Over the hill – we should mention Kalbar is surrounded
by lots of lovely rolling green hills - you’ll find Roadvale,
another early settlement.
At its peak Roadvale featured two hotels, banks, a
butcher, baker and branches of the Wiss Brothers and
Humphries & Tow general stores.
But in 1915 most of the town was destroyed by fire
and since then life in Roadvale has been a little more
sedate. There’s still a great local pub – the Royal –
held in high regard by all who visit it.
Up the road a bit further you’ll come to Peak Crossing,
a small rural township situated on the Purga Creek at
the base of Flinders Peak Mountain.
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This town is located 20km south of
Ipswich and is surrounded by prime
agricultural land.
Be sure to wander through the
antique store – you never know what
might turn up.
while you’re here...
• Enjoy the local historic architecture
• Marvel at the continuous
mountain views
Brooke Noe
Brooke Noe, 8, can often be
found at Barton’s Rose Farm at
Kalbar. Her grandparents, Pam and
Randall Barton, have been growing
and selling roses throughout
South East Queensland for nearly
30 years. Their farm is open to
the public and Pam says anyone
can grow roses, you just have to
remember to feed them.
• Enjoy a coffee and a Belgian waffle
• Grab a cold beer and a great pub meal
• Catch all the atmosphere of a true blue
country cattle sale
• Go home with some Kalbar roses, or
plants from the local nurseries
• See some of Queensland’s best fresh
produce being grown in the paddocks
surrounding Kalbar and Peak Crossing
• Stop off at Flinders Peak, near Peak
Crossing, for a quiet country walk
v i s i t s c e n i c r i m . c o m . a u
Ed Windley
Ed Windley, pictured with his trusty
dog Saffy, produces vegetables
and grain crops on his family’s
Kalbar property.
The family, now in its third
generation in the Fassifern Valley,
comes from a long line of farmers.
Ed’s grandfather moved to the
Fassifern Valley in the 1940s.
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harrisville,
rosevale
& aratula
If it’s antiques, good food and great
company that you’re after then
you’re in the right place.
This part of the Scenic Rim serves
these things - and much more - in
generous quantities.
Begin your journey in Harrisville,
a sleepy country town which was once
a hive of activity.
An early train line to Ipswich helped
sustain the cotton, processed cheese and
condensed milk industries here for many
years. Supplies produced in Harrisville were
sent to men at war, but when the train line
closed the town slowed too.
Harrisville has also been home to some
larger-than-life characters. Australian
movie pioneer Charles Chauvel spent his
childhood in Harrisville – be sure to take a
Suzy Buhle
Suzy Buhle is part of the Scenic Rim’s
talented pool of artists.
Suzy grew up on an Aratula cattle property
and returned to the farm to raise her own
family and paint her trademark colourful,
voluptuous women.
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drive down Charles Chauvel Drive or read all about it
at the local museum.
On your drive to Rosevale, stop at Cunningham’s
Lookout for superb views. Rosevale is another small
village bursting with personality. Visit the historic
Rosevale Retreat Hotel, it was built in 1852 and is
Queensland’s oldest hotel building.
while you’re here...
• Visit the Harrisville Museum
• Drop into one of Harrisville’s wineries
• Visit an historic pub
• Enjoy a modern Aussie meal cooked with the
freshest produce
From Rosevale keep driving along Tarome Road
and you’ll have a front row seat for views of the
spectacular Great Dividing Range.
• Chat to the locals about the area’s incredible
history – the heritage buildings and pioneer
cemeteries also offer fascinating insights
Soon you’ll arrive at Aratula, which at first glance may
seem small, but don’t be deceived. Aratula is a muchanticipated rest stop for thousands of motorists,
they know what’s on offer. Fresh-baked bread,
the best chocolate éclairs you’ll find for miles, and
great chunky country beef pies. The fresh fruit and
vegetables were probably picked from one of the local
farms this morning. You’ll also find antiques, coffee
and generous country hospitality.
• Go hunting for antiques
• Have a hearty country pie
• Take home some local produce
Marjorie Hayes
Jerry Schefe
Marjorie Hayes owes a lot to
the old-style country dance. It’s
where she met her husband
John more than 50 years ago.
Marjorie is pictured in front of
the Warrill View Show Hall, the
place where it all began.
Chef Jerry Schefe and his wife
Karen have breathed new life
into a Harrisville institution.
Mackaway’s Café was started in
1910 by Biddy Mackaway
and now turns out great
Australian cuisine, with the
freshest local produce.
v i s i t s c e n i c r i m . c o m . a u
27
s c e n i c
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Beaudesert Community Arts
& Information Centre
Westerman Park
Cnr Mt Lindesay Highway & Enterprise Drive,
Beaudesert 4285
p: 5541 4495 f: 5541 0381
e: bdstarts@bigpond.net.au
Open Daily 9am – 4pm
Closed Good Friday and Christmas
Boonah Visitor Information Centre
Bicentennial Park
20 Boonah-Fassifern Road,
Boonah 4310
p: 5463 2233 f: 5463 2135
e: vic@scenicrim.qld.gov.au
Open Daily 9:30am – 4pm
except Christmas Day, Good Friday
and Anzac Day morning.
Canungra Visitor Information Centre
12-14 Kidston Street,
Canungra 4275
P: 5543 5156 f: 5543 4501
e: canungrainformation@bigpond.com
Open daily 9:30am – 4pm
Rathdowney Information Centre & Historical Museum
82 Mt Lindesay Highway,
Rathdowney 4287
p: 5544 1222 f: 5544 1443
e: info@rathdowney.org.au
Open 9am – 2pm Monday to Friday.
Open 9am – 4pm weekends,
school holidays and public holidays
Tamborine Mountain
Visitor Information Centre
Doughty Park, 2 Main Western Road,
North Tamborine 4272
p: 5545 3200
Open 10am – 3:30pm Monday to Friday,
9:30am – 3:30pm weekends and public holidays
visitscenicrim.com.au