The Weekend Diary:
The Scenic Rim Region in Southeast Queensland covers approx. 4,243sq km and showcases World Heritage Listed rainforests, fertile farmland, hiking trails, lakes, waterfalls, local produce, wineries, craft breweries and charming country towns. There’s heaps to explore so let’s gat started!
In this Weekend Diary installment we explore areas around and in close proximty to the sweet little town of Kalbar in the Fassifern Valley. We visit the rich farming lands of Kents Lagoon; an historic country pub on the outskirts of Boonah; Mt French for some massive views of the Fassifern Valley; and finally Moogerah, where coffee, watersports and theatre blend together so seamlessly.
Day 1 – Kents Lagoon, Boonah & Mt French
First up, on Saturday morning we headed off to the Scenic Rim Farm Shop & Cafe at Kents Lagoon for coffee and cake; Fifth Acre Farm Stall for fresh bread and (plastic-free) vegies; then over to Elderflower Farm for beautiful blooms, homewares and garden accessories.
Homewares, flowers and vegetables at Scenic Rim Farm Shop & Cafe
We wandered through the flower beds and watched as flowers were hand-picked and transported by tractor back to the shop. The sweet-smelling snapdragons were impossible to resist, so a lovely bouquet was added to our shopping basket.
Buy fresh flower at Elderflower Farm Shop
Next up lunch was a delight, out under the trees at the Dugandan Hotel (or ‘the Dugie’ as it’s affectionately known), just out of Boonah. We couldn’t resist trying their new menu – Cheeseburger Spring Rolls, Pulled Pork Sliders, Bangers and Mash, Sirloin and Ceasar Salad, and needless to say, had to walk it off afterwards, so we headed onwards for a bushwalk at Moogerah Peaks National Park, just down the road.
Lunch under the trees at ‘The Dugie’, historic Dugandan country pub
We opted for the short trail to Logan’s Lookout atop Mt French, where the length and breadth of the Fassifern Valley lay stretched out before us as far the eye could see. Rich chocolate soils and verdant green crops of the farmlands sat nestled below the majesty of the mighty Scenic Rim Mountains. A truly spectacular sight.
The Fassifern Valley farmland as seen from Logan’s Lookout on Mt French
That night we cosied up at home in the backyard with blankets and wine, roasted prawns over the firepit and gazed up at the billions of stars in the clear night sky ✨
Day 2 – Lake Moogerah
Sunday morning was all about breakfast, so we headed off to Lake Moogerah Cafe for sustenance, coffee and a wander around. Jet skiers were out in full throttle-mode on the lake and picnickers were throwing down rugs, unpacking eskies and setting up games in the grassy park. It was a beautiful morning for a walk along the Moogerah Dam wall (not for the faint-hearted) with its sheer drop sides and rushing waters below. We got part-way along, but if I could one day overcome my vertigo-challenged brain, I would walk its length to the bushwalking trails on the other side and explore the area further.
One day…!
Views of the Scenic Rim Mountains from Lake Moogerah are spectacular
It was a fun, laid back morning at Lake Moogerah with the added bonus of a sweet little surprise on our way home. As we drove out we spied a sign saying ‘The Lake Theatre‘ so of course we had to investigate. What we discovered after a short, bumpy drive along a well-worn track was the Lake Moogerah Ampitheatre! It was the first of its kind in Australia when it opened in 1993 to perform its first Moogerah Passion Play, and has continued the tradition every Easter since on the stunning shores of Lake Moogerah.
The Passion Play involves 100 actors and is watched by 3000 people on the shores of Lake Moogerah
The history and vision of this performing company is a fascinating read. Traditionally, passion plays deal only with the period from the day Jesus road into Jerusalem on a donkey to the day of his resurrection, but the Moogerah Passion Play deals with events from before and after that period as well, creating quite a story.
The Lake Theatre has proved itself to be a perfect venue, not only for the Passion Play, but also for open air concerts, including symphony orchestras, Big Band events, folklorico, plus country and western. However, I already know which production I’ll be heading to next Easter!
It was a great weekend of dining, exploring and discovery and I can’t wait to share more of the beautiful Scenic Rim region in future Weekend Diaries.
More Nature Walks to Explore:
Explore Further:
Visit Queensland – Destination Focus
If your bucket list Aussie adventure is to snorkle the Great Barrier Reef, meet some locals at an historic outback pub, cuddle up close to a furry Aussie icon or explore the bright city lights, then Queensland is the destination for you.
Historic Laidley – Lockyer Valley, Queensland
Patrick St in the town centre has oodles of historic ambience with it’s well preserved old buildings housing antiques, collectibles, tea rooms and cafes.
Nerima Gardens – ‘A place of peace and tranquility, a place to meet nature and calm the spirit.’
Once we took the first Lake Somerset turn off, we discovered why it is so popular. The Spit was pumping with boats, jet skis, wake boarders, picnickers and campers who all seemed to be die hard water sport enthusiasts.
Although we planned to visit many country towns, discover dozens of dinosaurs, climb pristine red sandhills to see stunning sunsets and search the parched ground for elusive Opals, we decided our main goal would be to visit as many old, unique and historic outback pubs as we could in the time, buy a beer or two and help these drought affected communities by sharing our love and some money.
Bokarina Beach, Sunshine Coast – Beautiful in all Weather
Although last week’s Sunshine Coast getaway was marred with rain, our accommodation at Bokarina Beach Apartments was perfect, with spacious, coastal vibes and beautiful beach views, and exquisite dining nearby.
5 Must-Do Activities in Caloundra for Your Next Getaway
Caloundra, just 90 minutes north of Brisbane is one of our favourite places to visit in Queensland and we make it a priority to get there every year for a well deserved long weekend.
The Artful Traveller – 4 Must See Regional Galleries in QLD & NSW
Art galleries nowadays are not just for art lovers alone. Today a Gallery is a destination in itself. A place to be entertained, eat, interact, learn and shop, and there are no better examples of this than at these four Regional Galleries in Qld and NSW…
A Taste of Australia – The Great Southern Land
Defining Australian cuisine is like trying to describe a sunrise while it’s still changing colours—it is vibrant, evolving, and beautifully complex. It is a journey that spans 60,000 years, moving from the ancient “bush tucker” of the First Nations people to the globally-inspired “Mod Oz” (Modern Australian) fusion we see today.
A Taste of Australia – Recipes from Down Under
To understand Australian food is to understand the spirit of Australia itself – a blend of deep ancient roots, a colonial past, and a restless, modern curiosity. It is a cuisine defined not by rigid rules, but by quality, freshness, and a fearless willingness to experiment.
Pixsell Travels 