Nestled in the Scenic Rim, a short hour’s drive from Brisbane, Boonah is a gem of a country town, chock-full of rural charm, seasonal fresh food and stunning nature.
Foodies are spoilt for choice in picture-perfect town of Boonah, with multi-award winning fine-diner, Blume putting the ‘oo’ and ‘ah’ in Boonah. The menu is a labour of love, working with local suppliers to showcase the best of the Scenic Rim throughout the restaurant’s offerings.
There are also spots that’ll make you feel like you’ve travelled back in time, such as Oppy’s Fruit & Veg, nestled within a historic former butter factory and an iconic purveyor of fresh produce, jams, and more.
Tradition abounds in the area, with Arthur Clive’s Family Bakehouse — family-run and born all the way back in 1936 — and Flavours Café, which housed in the same heritage building that served as the butter factory’s office, serving up country classics such as hearty slices of lamingtons, fermented sourdough loaves and pies.
You can even get a free history lesson at Flavours, and get fascinating information on the history of the building, the early pioneering families of Boonah, and the rise and fall of the local butter industry.
If that’s enough book cracking for you, the twin peaks of Mount Mitchell await only about a 20-minute drive from Boonah. The east peak, 1175m above sea level, is well-worth the four-hour hike, which is a sight to behold in itself, with every flora ranging from eucalypt forests to rainforest on the way up.
That’s not close to the only natural wonder near Boonah! Its superb surrounding scenery of rugged mountains and peaceful lakes allows for great scenic drives, bushwalking, mountaineering, sky diving, gliding and water sports in such idyllic settings as Lake Moogerah and Lake Maroon.
For a perfect marriage of both jaw-dropping nature and mouth-watering food and drinks, nearby Kooroomba Vineyard & Lavender Farm will have you wondering if you accidentally teleported to the south of France.
The award winning cellar restaurant is an exquisite blend of rustic and contemporary architecture, and they offer a large variety of wines — including Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet, Sauvignon Blanc and a Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir — to pair with their modern Australian cuisine.
They grow up to six types of lavender in their fields, and there is a number of French and Italian varieties that are designed to provide flowers most of the year, so you’ll get stunning views no matter when you go, although we recommend the winter for the most blooms.
With the smell of lavender in the air — and on your tongue, if you try one of their delicious lavender-infused products, such as lavender ice cream — purple as far as the eye can see, and their gorgeous open-air chapel as a backdrop, it’s no wonder it’s a sought-after destination for couples looking to tie the knot!
