You might have heard of South East Queensland’s Scenic Rim before Lonely Planet bestowed god-tier status on the region as one of the ‘Top 10 Regions’ to visit in 2022. When announced late last year, it wasn’t a surprise to the regular visitors and locals. But this underrated and often overlooked region, only an hour southwest from Brisbane has emerged from the pandemic gloom to take a place among travel’s big hitters like Burgundy and Vancouver Island.
BC (and you know I don’t mean Before Christ), the Scenic Rim was gaining recognition as a low-impact, agritourism destination that was making its mark. Tragic bushfires ripped through some of the 4,243 sq kilometres not long before Covid. Ironically, during the last two years of lockdowns and closed borders, the region blossomed due to Queenslander’s determination to travel. 2022 will see the region’s biggest event – the annual flavour fest aka Scenic Rim Eat Local Week back bigger and better than ever before.
Why the Scenic Rim?
The Scenic Rim derived its unusual name from the magnificent landscape. Ancient, long-extinct volcanoes encircle some of Australia’s most fertile farmland. This makes it a natural home for dozens of producers and farmers, food artisans, brewers and winemakers creating and nurturing ambrosial delights. Scenic Rim Eat Local Week 2022 is the ultimate celebration of homegrown food, wine, spirits and more.
From June 25 to July 3, 125 flavour-packed events across 42 locations across the region are to be hosted by everyone from eleven Eat Local Week Ambassador chefs to carrot farmers, brewers, winemakers, beekeepers and florists.
Scenic Rim Eat Local Week Launch
The This Mag Life team attended the launch to chat with the growers, chefs and artisans that will make this Scenic Rim Eat Local Week one of the most delectable ever. You will never meet a prouder bunch who love nothing more than spruiking how good this patch of paradise is.
The Eats
Under the shade of 120-year-old Jacarandas and surrounded by bouquets of local veg and blossoms at the Scenic Rim Farm Shop at Kalbar we devoured some of the freshest, tastiest and most sustainable treats ever.
Chef Ash Martin from Homage at Spicers Hidden Vale whipped up flavour bombs aka smoked mushroom pies with spiced carrot ketchup. Not to be outdone, Blume’s Jack Stuart served up amazing Sangas made from Butcher Co mutton neck and Sugarloaf Bakery bread with house-made black garlic. From Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm, Chef Dan Groneberg’s panko-crumbed Kalbar pork belly sliders were out of this world.
The Drinks
The bounty was served up with Witches Falls Verdelho, Garnacha and Bird Dog NV Sparkling. The cider was Eight Day’s Pink Lady or Ginger. The Lime Caviar Company’s finger lime pearls thought the Cauldron Distillery Scenic Rim G & T was so pretty they danced in the glass.
Beer was courtesy of the Scenic Rim Brewery – a Shazza Mid Strength and Diggas Pale Ale and the mocktail was a pretty-in-pink Wildberry with Vanberry Rosella flowers and a Scene-a-Rita screamed look at me with Farm Shop Tahitian limes, Limes 4 U lime juice and Christmas Creek Produce cheeky citrus salt.
And for dessert?
And after all that the smiling servers plied us with Towri Frozen Eweghurt, Summer Land Camel Milk Gelato, Tommerup’s Dairy Farm Jersey Girl Ice Cream and Ungermann Bros finger lime ice. Rose custard profiteroles were elegant morsels made with Watson eggs, Norco cream, Tamborine Mountain Distillery Turkish delight liqueur and topped with Farm Shop rose petals.
The Events
This feast of flavour was just a glimpse into a program so big that a series of warm-up events will be held from Saturday, May 21st. Think a 3-course lunch with matched wines at Lunch on the Lawn at the Scenic Rim Farm Shop and Breakfast with the Jersey Girls at Tommerup’s Dairy Farm or Javier Codina’s Scenic Rim-Inspired Banquet at Moda at the Barracks Brisbane.
The full program is available here and we’ve already had a look at some of the hottest tickets. Whet your appetite on these palate pleasers.
With just a gold coin donation you can join the kick-off at the Canungra Foodie Fest on June 25 Canungra’s heart will become a hive of market stalls and live music with a pop-up bar while local chefs will whip up some top-shelf food with great, local produce.
Pick Your Own, crack a cold one or fashion pretty blooms
Kalfresh at Kalbar is always the centre of the Scenic Rim’s carrot universe and on June 25, you can pick your own carrots before trying some carrot snags and carrot cake. Kalfresh Carrot Day is from 8.30 am and be prepared to get dirty.
Wind down with a cold one at Sunset Tales on the Deck at Scenic Rim Brewery – undoubtedly one of the world’s prettiest breweries.
Make your own vegetable and flower bouquet at Elderflower Farm at the pretty as a postcard Scenic Rim Farm Shop on Sunday, June 26.
Picnic, Feast and Taste
BYO blanket and revel in a handcrafted basket style picnic lunch paired with Witches Falls wine and cheese. Listen to ARIA award winner Shenzo Gregori while lapping up 360-degree views on the edge of the ancient Gondwana Rainforest. The Pinot & Picnic Lunch will be held at Binna Burra Lodge on Sunday, June 26.
From June 27 to July 1, SEQ’s hottest new restaurant Blume will host lunch with some of Brisbane and Melbourne’s most exciting chefs.
On Jul 1, Meet the Winemaker at Witches Falls to ask all your burning questions during a guided tasting.
The Frost & Fire Dinner Series continues at Frost Farm with a three-course, fire-themed dinner featuring fresh, seasonal produce, by Julie Frost from her farm kitchen. The 18-seat dinner is a BYO event.
The Winter Harvest Festival
The Winter Harvest Festival on July 2 is as authentic as a country fest can be with the Kalbar & District Community Bank Tractor Pulling competition! Along with tasting plates, market stalls and a chance to meet the farmers and buy their produce.
It’s Christmas in July at Rainforest Restaurant also on July 2 with three courses with vegetables, herbs and edible flowers picked from the restaurant’s garden.
Image: Tim Bond Photography
There are free, full tastings at Rathlogan Olive Grove. Take a Sunrise Camel Ride, picnic every weekend and much much more.
It’s time to start booking as these events sell out fast. Check out the range of accommodation options from camping, and glamping to luxury lodges here and stay awhile.
Disclaimer: This Magnificent Life was hosted at the Scenic Rim Eat Local Week launch.
