PLEASE, come and sit, sip, taste, hike, swim, picnic with an alpaca, kiss a camel and smell the flowers because the Scenic Rim is OPEN FOR BUSINESS!
Parts of the Scenic Rim have faced some wild weather over the Christmas period. We are thankful for the support and patience our visitors have shown for residents and local businesses at our beloved Tamborine Mountain and surrounding areas, as we work to restore what makes this part of the world so very special. While they recover, the Scenic Rim is a BIG BEAUTIFUL REGION and it’s ABSOLUTELY OPEN FOR VISITORS!
Tourism operators across the central and western areas of the region are open and waiting to welcome visitors with open arms and a wide Scenic Rim smile 🤗 and there’s operators on Tamborine Mountain and the surrounding areas that are already back OPEN.
Here’s some great ways to show your love for the famous Scenic Rim, the place the Lonely Planet placed in the top 10 regions of the world in 2022, and the region Qantas Travel Insider has deemed one of the coolest ‘must visit’ places in 2024 (and it’s just an hour from Brisbane and the Gold Coast):
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN AND SURROUNDS:
Trees and powerlines are still down at Tamborine Mountain and the surrounding areas and a very big cleanup is still underway with many properties still without power, internet and water.
If you have a visit planned to support a local business, please check each operator’s websites and socials before venturing up the mountain.
And please, don’t be a sticky beak. To give locals the space to recover and allow local communities and emergency services to work as efficiently as possible, we ask that visitors please stay off the roads when possible.
Please show your support for the small businesses on the mountain by booking accommodation or a winery tour for next year, buy from their online stores or plan a trip to the gallery walk shops when they are back open again 🥰
Sort your playlists and roll down the windows because here’s 12 great ideas for the ultimate family road trip, from kissing camels to picnics with alpacas.
If you’d like to sip the Shazza, the Digga, Fat Man 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.
If you are a pet owner, then you know – holidays and day trips are better when everyone can travel. So cancel the dog-sitter, grab a leash, call ahead, and set the GPS for the Scenic Rim because here’s a PAWSOME list of pet-friendly accommodation, activities, parks and eateries.
EPIC ADVENTURES, WALKS, RUNS, PADDLES AND SWIMS HERE
At the Tamborine Mountain Men’s Shed end-of-year function, held at the historic St Bernard’s Hotel on Tuesday 5th December, several members were recognised for their contribution to the Shed throughout the year and honoured with awards, which in the main, were decided by peer nominations and votes. Jimmy Dunn, who joined the Shed early in 2023, was acclaimed ‘The Shedder of the Year’, which recognised his tremendous contribution, above all others, to the Shed in all areas. Jimmy Craggs was recognised as the Volunteer of the Year for being the first to volunteer when needed. The Loyalty and Commitment award was presented to Brian Save for his contribution to the Shed over a long period. Although not a foundation member, Brian joined the Shed in late 2010 and has since been a continuous member. In a special category, in which the Shed, President Bernie Day, acknowledges a member who he believes worthy of recognition because of his attitude and willingness to help others, Paul Summers was awarded the President’s Award – for him being ‘Helpful beyond Measure’.
Also recognised were three members achieving the significant milestone of being members for 10 years. Keith Dippelsmann, Steve Pinder (not present on the night) and John Schoonbeek were presented 10-Year Membership pins, which are attached to their name tags. The Men’s Shed, located at 88 Beacon Road, is open from 8.00 AM to 12.30 PM every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Men seeking a venue in which to share a yarn over a cuppa or undertake individual wood-, metal- or leatherwork projects are very welcome. Previous experience in manual arts is not necessary.
Officially opening the Tamborine Mountain Library are (from left): Uncle Steve Watson who provided the Welcome to Country, National Emergency Management Agency Director George Hodgson, Cr Virginia West, Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen, Queensland Reconstruction Authority CEO Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd), Deputy Mayor Jeff McConnell, Cr Amanda Hay and Cr Michael Enright
Scenic Rim Regional Council has thanked the Australian and Queensland governments for funding which has transformed the Tamborine Mountain Library into a vibrant community hub.
Catering for all ages and interests, the library was officially opened today by Mayor Greg Christensen, Councillor Amanda Hay and Queensland Reconstruction Authority CEO Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd) joined by National Emergency Management Agency Director George Hodgson representing Minister for Emergency Management Senator Murray Watt.
An investment of more than $2.14 million through the Local Economic Recovery (LER) Program to support areas impacted by the 2019 Queensland bushfires has delivered a new facility almost three times the size of the former library space on the site of the former IGA supermarket within the Main Street shopping centre at Tamborine Mountain.
Mayor Christensen said the new library had been wholeheartedly embraced by the Tamborine Mountain community with a 30 per cent surge in attendance soon after it opened to the public in July. More than 20,000 visitors passed through the library’s door during the first quarter of the 2023-2024 financial year.
“We’ve seen a marked increase in borrowings as well as the use of computers within the library and its use as a study space,” Mayor Christensen said.
“Members of the community have welcomed the availability of the new meeting rooms and children adore the loft reading space.
“New events are being held in the maker space and the library now has a staff member dedicated to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) activities.
“In addition, the Friends of the Library have been able to boost their fundraising through their Book Cabinet shop front near the library’s outdoor area, which provides a space for community events and school holiday and group activities.”
Major General Ellwood said the new Tamborine Mountain Library embodies the resilience of the Scenic Rim and its people.
“This official opening is a reminder of how communities pull together following disaster events, not only to recover but to rebound better and stronger than before,” Major General Ellwood said.
“The QRA is proud to have played a part in making this facility a reality through the state and federal Local Economic Recovery Program.
“In total seven Scenic Rim projects have been funded through the LER Program, representing an investment of more than $3.6 million into the region.
“This library revitalisation is a wonderful outcome for the community, delivering a facility that will continue bringing people together for years to come.”
The new library features:
* a wider range of books and resources
* dedicated areas for children and young people
* meeting rooms and study areas
* an expanded customer service area
* a dedicated space for the Friends of the Library group
* a new makerspace
* new furnishings including seating for casual gatherings, and
* a wheelchair accessible toilet and baby change room.
Division 1 Councillor Amanda Hay said the need for an expanded library space to meet community needs was first identified in 2016 and community consultation in 2021 had been key to the planning process.
“This new facility has exceeded the expectations of many library users and Council is grateful for the funding support which has enabled us to realise our vision for this space as a focal point for community life,” she said.
“We look forward to welcoming community members of all ages and abilities to the range of events to be hosted by the library during the December holidays.”
Assistance for this project has been provided through the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen welcomes Queensland
Reconstruction Authority CEO Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd) (left)
and National Emergency Management Agency Director George Hodgson (right)
to the new Tamborine Mountain Library
As the Christmas countdown begins, Scenic Rim Regional Council has solved the present problem with an exhibition that is Gift Wrapped.
Officially opened by Scenic Rim Arts Reference Group Chair Cr Michael Enright at The Centre Beaudesert on Friday evening, the exhibition features works by artists, artisans and authors from the Scenic Rim and beyond that would make the ideal gift or acquisition for a collection.
“Gift Wrapped has something for everyone so, if you are searching for a gift for that special someone who has everything, look no further than the array of bespoke creations that Council is proud to showcase in this exhibition,” he said.
“Many of the pieces available for purchase are one-off works of art unique to the Scenic Rim and reflect the creative spirit of our community.
“Some of the pieces really are a piece of the Scenic Rim, such as Larissa Warren’s ceramics which have been created from volcanic clays sourced from Tamborine Mountain with the support of locals and traditional owners.”
The exhibition showcases beautiful paintings, works on paper, sculptures, pottery, jewellery, textiles, fibre works and even books by authors including Robyn Dobbs, Jenny and Rick Old, Ailsa Rolley and Gillian Wells.
Painters, sculptors, potters and jewellers whose work features in the exhibition include Rhiannon Barrett-Brook, Zela Bissett, Renata Buziak, Nicole Crosswell, Waylene Currie, Heather Dale, Therese Flynn-Clarke, Tamlyn Geiger, Claudje Lecompte, Twisted Murf, Felicity Smith, Larissa Warren, recent Swell Sculpture Festival award winner Colleen Lavender and Nicci Parry-Jones of PJ Pottery, who in 2022 won an award at the Sydney Teapot Show for one of her steampunk-inspired creations.
With works of wearable art, textile and fibre artists Erica Bates, Polly Cameron, Shannon Hunter, Bonny Shore and Cindy Wood are also represented in the exhibition.
“Gift Wrapped showcases the wealth of talent in our creative community and regular visitors to The Centre’s galley will be familiar with the works of many of the artists featured in this eclectic mix which ranges from practical everyday items to the purely ornamental,” Cr Enright said.
“Whether you are looking for the perfect present or something to spoil yourself, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in Gift Wrapped.”
Already wrapped for gift giving are handmade cheese boards by Rick Old, who uses Huon pine from Tasmania, pine, silky oak, jarrah and mahogany, each signed and dated by their creator.
The Scenic Rim’s Indigenous heritage has been captured in works by Waylene Currie, whose artworks draw on her connection to culture, country and stories of the dreaming.
Textures in Gift Wrapped range from rugged wireworks by Twisted Murf to soft cyanotype silk scarves by Renata Buziak.
The exhibition, which runs until Saturday 16 December, has something for every taste and budget, from Heather Dale’s hand-painted watercolour cards to major works of art and sculpture.
“As our final exhibition of 2023, Gift Wrapped beautifully wraps up our cultural year and ties it up neatly in a bow,” Cr Enright said.
Image: Celebrating the opening of the Gift Wrapped exhibition are (from left) artist Waylene Currie, Mununjali Elder Aunty Roslyn Yuke,Scenic Rim Arts Reference Group Chair Cr Michael Enright and artist Tamlyn Geiger. Photo credit Irene Girsch-Danby.
Eighteen members of the Scenic Rim community became the region’s newest Australians yesterday in an early celebration of Citizenship Day on Sunday 17 September.
The ceremony at The Centre Beaudesert represented the final step in the journey towards citizenship for residents from across the Scenic Rim who have come from 12 nations – the United Kingdom, Malaysia, the United States, Czechoslovakia, Wales, Columbia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Chile, Tonga and Indonesia – to make Australia their home.
Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said Australian Citizenship Day, first celebrated in 2001, was an opportunity for everyone to reflect on the responsibilities and privileges of living in one of the world’s most culturally diverse nations.
“Recently released census statistics have shown that half of all Australians were born overseas or have a parent who was, and our region has a proud history of welcoming people from all over the world,” he said.
“In 2021, more than 6,450 people who were living in our region were born overseas, eight per cent of whom had arrived in Australia within the previous five years.
“In January this year we welcomed as Australian citizens 23 Scenic Rim residents from 10 nations and in June another 15 from nine countries pledged their allegiance to Australia and its people.”
Since 2018, the Scenic Rim has welcomed new citizens from nations as diverse as South Korea, Belgium, Canada, England, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, the Philippines, the Russian Federation, Scotland, Wales, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Thailand, the United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Romania, Zimbabwe, Turkey, Poland, New Caledonia, Hungary, Argentina, Brazil, China, Fiji, Greece, Israel, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Hong Kong, Colombia, Chile, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Egypt and Mexico.
“Whatever our origins, our Australian citizenship is the common bond which unites us all,” Mayor Christensen said.
“Ours is the land of the fair go, in which respect and compassion underpin our care for each other and our willingness to reach out to those around us in times of need.
“By becoming an Australian citizen, you make a commitment to these values, and to contribute to our evolving Australian story.”
The Scenic Rim’s newest Australians are as follows:
Candidate
Born in
Now residing
Wayne Adcock
United Kingdom
Kalbar
Rajeswary Anil
Malaysia
Tamborine
Patricia Bover
United States
Kooralbyn
Jana Brixi
Czechoslovakia
Witheren
Paul Burton
Wales
Tamborine Mountain
Diana Diaz Aldana
Colombia
Gleneagle
Timothy Gough
United Kingdom
Tamborine Mountain
Dean Jackson
New Zealand
Teviotville
George Kila
Papua New Guinea
Beaudesert
Jessica Kirk
United Kingdom
Kerry
Philippa Lyons
United Kingdom
Peak Crossing
Sheryl Macalintal
Philippines
Beaudesert
Leonardo Orostegui Muller
Chile
Kalbar
Paull Pardoe-Matthews
United Kingdom
North Tamborine
Rheslyn Radana
Philippines
Templin
Lesley Sawyer
United Kingdom
Tamborine Mountain
Paula Siale
Tonga
Hoya
Dennis Tampemawa
Indonesia
Canungra
Cr Virginia West and Mayor Greg Christensen welcome new citizens from Canungra and Witheren, Dennis Tampemawa and Jana BrixiThe Scenic Rim’s newest citizens from Tamborine and Tamborine Mountain – Timothy Gough, Rajeswary Anil, Paull Pardoe-Matthews, Paul Burton and Lesley Sawyer – are welcomed by Deputy Mayor Jeff McConnell, Cr Amanda Hay and Mayor Greg ChristensenCr Michael Enright, Cr Virginia West and Mayor Greg Christensen welcome new Australians residing at Beaudesert, Kooralbyn, Gleneagle and Kerry, Jessica Kirk, Sheryl Macalintal, George Kila, Diana Diaz Aldana and Patricia Bover
The first Scenic Rim Wedding Expo at Tamborine Mountain in the Scenic Rim will be held on Sunday 16 July, featuring over 60 suppliers
Plus – hear from newly weds Anabelle and Grant Rogers about their incredible wedding by Cedar Creek in the mountains – how it happened and where!
The business of love is booming, and Queensland’s Scenic Rim has established itself as the ceremony capital, complete with stunning natural beauty, insta-famous vow moments, dance-the-night away venues from vineyards and rustic barns to flower and alpaca farms, garden estates and luxury, boutique lodges, breathtaking landscapes and a list of world class suppliers who couples turn to, to curate perfect moments.
Put simply, weddings in the Scenic Rim are going off! As a result the first Scenic Rim Wedding Expo at Tamborine Mountain in the Scenic Rim will be held on Sunday 16 July, featuring over 60 suppliers from world class venues, to celebrants, acclaimed florists, stylists, makeup artists, designers, alpaca farms and musicians. IMAGERY HERE of a recent stunning wedding in the region.
The numbers tell the story!
“The wedding industry is excellent business, and brings significant revenue to the Scenic Rim which has over 35 registered venues across the region. Currently the region is hosting two to three weddings at each venue each week. This in turn generates overnight stays of at least one to two nights for guests – extrapolate this out, and overnight stays can equate to 3000 visitors per day to the region for weddings alone,’ said Scenic Rim Wedding Expo organiser and CEO of Destination Scenic Rim, Christelle Moller.
“The demand for local wedding venues, accommodation, catering, photography, florists, event planners, transport providers, stylists, musicians and other related services stimulates business activities and in turn, supports a network of local vendors and suppliers. Plus we are seeing such a spike in couples asking for locally sourced menus, which is wonderful.”
“Not only that, weddings create a sense of wonderful nostalgia, with many couples returning for anniversaries each year,” she said.
At the stunning Cedar Creek Lodges at Tamborine Mountain, weddings are a booming business. Last year alone the property hosted 216 weddings. Since re-opening after COVID, they have hosted 539 weddings and over the past five years, 698 weddings.
“Currently, we have 199 weddings booked for 2023 – we’ve hosted 60 weddings in the last three months alone – and are still taking calls and looking to 2024, we have 119 booked,” said Tamara Gray from Cedar Creek Lodges.
“We are set in an ancient rainforest on a mountain by a gorgeous creek, and we’ve created ceremony locations across the property, what’s not to love? Plus, we are a one-stop shop – multiple ceremony and reception venues, multiple accommodation options from luxury and five star glamping, to campsites, and we can accommodate 200 guests, with an onsite restaurant that caters for after-wedding breakfasts, or pre wedding dinners. This is what couples are searching for in 2023,” she said.
Gold Coast couple Anabelle and Grant Rogers were married at Cedar Creek Lodges in April of this year and said it was the perfect destination.
“We wanted to keep it intimate with elements of an elopement, amongst the forest, with running water nearby. Neutral tones and a boho theme was the vibe. My dress was all lace and Grant wore a tan coloured suit and all the flowers were white, blush and toffee colour,” said Anabelle.
“While we both grew up by the beach, we’ve always been drawn to mountains, lakes and greenery. It’s so beautiful and calming in the Scenic Rim. It’s a perfect destination for our wedding.”
“I used to joke with Grant about getting married by a waterfall, so when we saw Cedar Creek running beside the ceremony and reception areas, and being amongst the forest we were sold! Cedar Creek Lodges was also well priced with so much included – the food and beverage packages, DJ, multiple spaces to use as well as a wedding planner and on-the-day coordinator! This was amazing as it kept us on track and we could sit back on the day and not worry. It was perfect ! And the backdrop was stunning!”
“Having so much already looked after meant we could share those little moments together, just us. From the first look and walking down the aisle to the dance floor and checking in with each other throughout the day/evening. Sharing our day with people we’ve known most of our lives (we met at 13 years old and are now 33!) was so special!”
Gold Coast couple Anabelle and Grant Rogers were married at Cedar Creek Lodges in the Scenic Rim
COUPLES LOOKING TO WED, COMMIT OR JUST EXPLORE THE POSSIBLITY OF A CEREMONY IN THE SCENIC RIM MUST COME TO THE WEDDING EXPO ON SUNDAY JULY 16!
Scenic Rim Wedding Expo at Tamborine Mountain
Hosted by Destination Scenic Rim
Sunday 16 July from 10am to 3pm at the Vonda Youngman Community Centre, 2-4 Knoll Rd, Tamborine Mountain
FREE entry, simply arrive on the day or register via the Scenic Rim Wedding Expo Facebook Event page to go in the draw to win fabulous prizes …. the first 200 registered couples through the door receive an Expo Bag on arrival.
EXHIBITORS INCLUDE:
Explosive Entertainment – ENTERTAINMENT DJ/Photobooth
