The first time I stumbled across the Scenic Rim was when my mate, Mad Mick and I decided to take the inland way back to NSW from the Woodford Folk Festival. It was my turn to drive but I appreciated the scenery just fine as I didn’t have the stress of Mick text messaging and making phone calls while he drove to stay awake.
Once in the passenger seat, he slept all the way through. I could have woken him up if I’d done my research and enjoyed one or all of these pubs. Next time.
If you’d like to sip the Shazza, the Digga, Fat Man, Giddy Gout or the highly recommended PharQue beer, head to the Scenic Rim Brewery, if it’s gastro menus and signature dishes from an acclaimed chef, then you’ll need The Roadvale Hotel, and if you’re a Palmy fan, drive directly to The Canungra Hotel and order the ‘Parmegedon’. These are just two of the 11 classic Queenslander pubs that call the Scenic Rim home, just an hour’s drive from Brisbane and the Goldie (and there’s plenty of places to lay your hat if you need!).
The Roadvale Hotel – the region’s first gastro-pub
A country hotel at its best – The Roadvale Hotel has reopened after new owners Milly and Andrew renovated, and threw their love behind this great gal! The classic front bar welcomes you, then take a walk out the back (check the cocktail bar, gorgeous old school champagne glasses, wooden floors and fireplaces), to the dog-friendly beer garden. In news that has attracted foodies from all over, the hotel is home to acclaimed chef and local flavours champion, Dan Groneberg and is officially the Scenic Rim’s first gastro-pub!
Address: 320 Roadvale Road, Roadvale QLD 4309
Website HERE:
Scenic Rim Brewery – boutique beers and pretzels!
This boutique, family-owned brewery packs a big flavour punch. Based in the picturesque town of Mount Alford, just past Boonah, owners Mike and Wendy brew a superb range of beers, all of which have names to make you smile – there’s the Shazza, Digga’s, Fat Man, Giddy Gout and the PharQue. The Ginger Extra Dry is worth the drive alone. The menu is a nod to Wendy’s Dutch heritage – the mouth-watering bitterballen (Dutch meatballs), perfect giant pretzels (that are guaranteed to make you thirsty) and a range of European gourmet hotdogs as well as great coffee, cake and daily specials.
Address: 898 Reckumpilla Street, Mount Alford QLD 4310
Website HERE:
The Canungra Hotel – palmy dreams are made of this
Parmy lovers, hold onto your forks, we’ve found your dream pub! With over 10 different parmy toppings ranging from the “Parmegedon” to the “Rainbow”, The Canungra Hotel is not about to let your (parmy) dreams pass you by. Sitting in gorgeous Canungra at the base of Mt Tamborine and right on the Scenic Rim Wine Trail, this pub is well worth the drive – and the perfect place to sit and sip after a hike.
Address: 18 Kidston St, Canungra QLD 4275
Website HERE
The Dugandan Hotel – cold beers since 1886
The Dugandan Hotel, or “The Dugie” as it is affectionately known, is the quintessential Australian country pub.
Just five minutes outside Boonah, and looking over a cricket field and up to Mt French, The Dugie serves up traditional pub fare, hearty country classics, and icy cold beers and wines. The beer garden deck out the back and the outdoor area under the huge trees are gorgeous.
Address: Cnr Mt French and Boonah Rathdowney Roads, Dugandan
Website HERE
Fortitude Brewing, Mt Tamborine – the ultimate mountain hoppiness!
A trip to Fortitude Brewing Company will make you giddier than a little kid with a tamborine. At home at the end of the Gallery Walk at Mt Tamborine, Fortitude Brewing is famous for its gourmet pizzas, cheese platters and beer tasting paddles, the perfect way to start or finish a daytrip or staycay.
Address: 165 Long Rd, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4271
Website HERE
The Royal Hotel, Harrisville – a living history
The Royal Hotel Harrisville began life in 1875 named the Harrisville Inn. It was destroyed by fire in 1916 and rebuilt. It is a gorgeous country Queensland pub, serving authentic country meals. The beer garden overlooks a delightful creek with views of the Great Dividing Range and a free camping area for overnight stays. Just 30 mins west of Ipswich in the Scenic Rim, there’s lots of stories about the resident ghost of the hotel, but you will have to ask the publican for more on that!
Address: 1 Wholey Dr, Harrisville QLD 4307
Website HERE
The ‘Rathy’ – home on the range
The “Rathy Pub” has been a central feature in the Rathdowney township since the 1900s as they serve up the heartiest country meals seven days a week in this historic country village. With gorgeous views over the range, a flavour-filled menu and great bar area, it’s the perfect spot for a family outing, a bike ride or a couples visit.
Address: 4287/73 Collins St, Rathdowney QLD 4287
Website HERE
The Bearded Dragon Tavern – Tamborine dreams
Set on 110 picturesque acres with sweeping views across The Ferndale Stud Farm at Tamborine, The Bearded Dragon Tavern has been serving up a true-blue Aussie experience for over 20 years. With 15 local and imported beers on tap, classic pub meals and views to wow your socks off; this pub is a great weekend dining spot.
Address: 2-22 Tamborine Mountain Rd, Tamborine QLD 4270
Website HERE
The Australian Hotel, Boonah – yesteryear cheer
Another traditional country pub, The Australian was built in 1888 and is a favourite of locals and visitors alike. Here’s a tip – pub lunches start from $9.90, so it’s the perfect spot to pop in on a day trip or longer stay.
Address: 32 High St, Boonah QLD 4310
Website HERE
The Royal Hotel, Kalbar – no crowns required
If you haven’t been to the foodie haven that is Kalbar, just an hour from Brisbane, then choose a day and lock it in. This gorgeous country town is home to quite a few ‘must visit’ foodie establishments and fresh produce provedores, with The Royal Hotel leading the charge. Be sure to book ahead for this friendly country pub, which offers plenty of seating on the large deck and in the grounds. The menu features great steaks, local vegetables and pizza, as well as a broad range of café-style food.
Address: Corner George and Edward St Kalbar,
Website HERE
The Beaudesert Hotel – Beauy’s best
One of Beaudesert’s most historic and established dining venues, The Beaudesert Hotel, known as The Beauy, underwent an extensive renovation in 2015, and is now modern and cool inside, while keeping it’s classic country pub status. The Hotel also offers accommodation, a 150-seat dining room, great bar areas, a gaming room with 24 of some of the most recent gaming machines and a courtesy bus service.
Address: 80 Brisbane Street, Beaudesert 4285 Queensland
Website HERE
