Growing up in Brisbane, my parents would often take our family for short getaways to the western Scenic Rim region known for its picturesque mountain ranges. We’d visit country spots like Boonah, Lake Moogerah and Mt Barney. I have lovely memories of those times (aside from the sticky vinyl upholstery in Dad’s old 1970s Ford Falcon).

These days I live near Brisbane’s Mt Coot-tha Forest where I love walking the trails. When the opportunity arose to “spread my hiking wings” and do the Spicers two-day Scenic Rim Trail earlier this year, I jumped! The Scenic Rim Trail is located on the Western edge of the region and showcases a small part of The Great Dividing Range. Heading out that way again reminded me there are many wonderful, lesser-known places on Brisbane’s doorstep. And a range of exciting new businesses are breathing fresh life into the region.

Photographer Mindi Cooke and I took a little road trip to visit a few. Here’s the lowdown!

Jo Hoban explores the Western Scenic Rim on a two-day hike. Photo – courtesy of Spicers Retreats.

Left: In the thick of it. Photo – courtesy of Spicers Retreats. Right: One of the many breathtaking views along the way. Photo– Jo Hoban.

‘The rainforest was mindblowing’ Jo says! Photo – Jo Hoban.

The Canopy is the perfect place to unwind after a hard day’s hike. Photo – courtesy of Spicers Retreats.

The accommodation offers ‘glamping at its best’. Photo – courtesy of Spicers Retreats.

A serene sunset at Canopy. Photo – courtesy of Spicers Retreats.

Sarah Bottle of Elegance & Grace. Photo – Mindi Cooke.

Sarah Bottle of Elegance & Grace, and Jade Cook of Jade Beauty Skinstitute operate their businesses alongside each other out of this historic building. Photo – Mindi Cooke.

Owner, Mike Webster, stands in front of the old general store’s original shelves and rolling ladder, which now stores locally made relishes, brewery merch and more! Photo – Mindi Cooke.

Beer from the Scenic Rim Brewery. Photo – Mindi Cooke.

‘A paddle tasting sampler did not disappoint’ Jo says. Photo – Mindi Cooke.

The historic building was built in 1884! This shed is the old creamery out the back of the Scenic Rim Brewery. Photo – Mindi Cooke.

David pictured on site with Cellar Door Manager, Sharon Gage, and Ruby the dog. Photo – Mindi Cooke.

The vineyards were planted in 2012 by David and his team, and the first vintage was produced in 2013. The Overflow Estate 1895 is surrounded by Wyaralong Dam. Photo – Mindi Cooke.

The cellar door was designed by architect, Con Zahos. It responds exceptionally well to David’s brief: a barn style, though sharp, modern & edgy, reflecting masculine and feminine elements, that blends well with the environment and topography. All the timber in the construct comes from the Morgan’s property. Photo – Mindi Cooke.

Jo enjoyed a glass of sparkling and some bruschetta on her visit. Photo – Mindi Cooke.

Photo – Mindi Cooke.