The Scenic Rim is aptly named: it’s a truly picturesque part of rural Southern Queensland. But, as always, there’s more to a pretty face than meets the eye.
Nearly every town in the region has its own well-kept, well-loved heritage treasures which makes an ordinary Sunday drive through the Scenic Rim more like a day trip into the past.
In Boonah, you’ll discover “Flavours Café” – once the head office building of the Boonah Butter Factory. In the early part of the 20th century, the factory was the biggest butter producer in the southern hemisphere, using milk supplied by more than 950 local dairy farmers. The main office was built in 1916 and has been lovingly restored by café owner Graham Neilsen and his wife. “Flavours Café” offers a wonderfully generous country breakfast – using local farm produce. RACQ members who are signed up to the Dining Rewards program will enjoy a great discount on their bill.
Only 10 minutes’ drive from Boonah is Templin Historical Village, a venture run entirely by passionate volunteers. Fourteen heritage buildings – each with fascinating interior displays – are open to the public on Sundays. There’s an old church, school house and slab hut to see – along with the “House of Fashion” which is home to an extraordinary collection of garments and fabrics – around 4,000 items, some dating back to the 1880’s. You can BYO a picnic and enjoy it in the village’s beautiful gardens.
In the Scenic Rim town of Kalbar, you’ll find Wiss Emporium – a grand forerunner to modern day department stores. The emporium was the place to buy just about anything back in the early 1900’s – including groceries, hardware, boots, clothes and furniture.
Owner, Kristine Markwell restored the emporium 21 years ago, along with the sweet old cottage next door. These days, the impressive heritage building is a bazaar of local arts, crafts and antiques.
Wiss Emporium
Templin Historical Village
(07) 5463 1970
Flavours Café
RACQ
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