Boonah is a hidden gem nestled in the Scenic Rim of Southern Queensland. It’s a quick 90-minute drive from Gold Coast and Brisbane, making for the perfect weekend getaway.
From beer tasting to wine tasting, flower picking and scenic walks, there are so many amazing things to do in Boonah, QLD.
I spent a few days exploring the area and have put together this epic guide of everything I did (and didn’t do).
Happy planning!
Best things to do near Boonah
1. Breakfast at Lake Moogerah Cafe
Lake Moogerah Cafe is one of the most underrated places to eat in Boonah. It’s a charming cafe located along the banks of Lake Moogerah.
They have a wide range of breakfast options, and the coffee and fresh juices are magnificent!
You can’t go wrong with the shrooms on toast and smashed avo. Their lunch menu is equally as impressive.
2. Go wine tasting at Bunjurgen Estate Vineyard
Bunjurgen Wines is a small vineyard in Boonah. If you enjoy intimate wine-tasting experiences with a relaxed atmosphere, you’ll love it here!
The grapes are grown on the property, but the wine-making process is done in the nearby wine region of Stanthorpe.
The outdoor tasting area is under gorgeous trees, and the owner, David, is as enthusiastic and welcoming as you’ll get. He gives an interactive wine-tasting experience where you’ll learn about everything from their wines to the history of the area and other fascinating stories.
3. Go glamping at Ketchup’s Bank Glamping
Staying at Ketchups Glamping was the highlight of my trip to Boonah. It’s a romantic retreat overlooking the rolling hills of the Scenic Rim.
The self-contained glamping tents have everything you need for a relaxing stay. You’ll wake up to wallabies and chickens roaming around and end your day with marshmallows on the fire.
It does not get better than this! You can check prices and availability here.
4. Enjoy a meal at Scenic Rim Farm Shop
Scenic Rim Farm Shop has a gorgeous setting with outdoor seating under massive trees.
It’s a great option for families visiting Boonah, and there are lawn games scattered across the property. It’s also dog-friendly.
The food? Incredible! I had the corn fritters, and they were to die for.
Note: Be sure to visit their website as their kitchen closes for an hour over the breakfast/lunch changeover. This is usually between 10 and 11 am.
5. Go flower picking at Elderflower Farm
Elderflower Farm lies on the same property as Scenic Rim Farm Stall. Here, you can go flower picking in their gardens and make your own arrangements.
Prior bookings for flower pickings are essential, which costs $25 AUD per person. Another (more budget-friendly) option is to walk through their flower gardens, which is free of charge.
6. Visit Summer Land Camels: Best thing to do near Boonah with kids
A trip to Summer Land Camels is one of the best things to do in Boonah with kids. It’s the largest camel farm in Australia, and visitors can hand-feed the camels and even go on camel walks.
You can pair your visit with a brekkie or lunch, as there’s a cafe on the property and a farm store where you can purchase camel milk products.
Note: No dogs allowed.
7. Take in the best views of Boonah
There’s no denying that the Scenic Rim offers some of the best panoramic views in all of Queensland (if you’re searching for a foresty-vibe, you may want to plan a trip to Montville instead).
So, where can you get the best vantage point? Green Hills Road is the answer. If you can visit for sunset, even better!
To get here, drive south of Boonah and take a left to Milford. It’s a 15-minute drive from town, but the views from the top are hard to beat! Or save this location.
8. Go beer tasting at Scenic Rim Brewery
Scenic Rim Brewery is a must-visit spot in Boonah. It has a rustic ambience and is as inviting as the folks behind the taps.
There’s an outdoor beer garden where you can enjoy a tasting padel of all their beers. But it’s not only the drinks that are worth mentioning. The food is delicious – if you’re looking for a quick snack, you can’t go wrong with the onion rings.
9. Pick sunflowers at Sunflowers on Kent
Sunflowers on Kent is home to stunning fields of bright yellow sunflowers. And who doesn’t love sunflowers?
You can roam between the fields and cut your own for only $15. This is also a dog-friendly activity in Boonah.
10. Join the Farm Gate Trail
If you’re visiting Boonah in August, the Farm Gate Trail should be on your itinerary.
This is when farmer, producers, winemakers and brewers open their gates to celebrate their diverse food and where it comes from.
The idea is for visitors to pack an esky and picnic blanket and make their way between all the farms in Boonah while enjoying a picnic on the lawns and feasting on all the local produce they’ve purchased along the way.
How good does that sound? Keep an eye out for dates here.
11. Explore Moogerah Dam
Moogerah Dam is a massive reservoir surrounded by lush landscapes. It’s a hotspot for water activities such as boating, kayaking and fishing.
The dam’s shoreline is ideal for picnics, and there are BBQ facilities and benches scattered all around.
You can easily pair a visit to Lake Moogerah Cafe with a short stroll across the Moogerah Dam Wall, which is what I did.
12. Visit Kooroomba Vineyards and Lavender Farm
Visiting Kooroomba Vineyards and Lavender Farm is one of the most popular things to do in Boonah.
It quickly became Insta-famous, thanks to the photos of bright purple lavender fields shared on social media.
But the beautiful setting isn’t the only highlight of this place. Their winery and cellar door are just as impressive – it’s one of the top places to go wine tasting in the Scenic Rim.
Kooroomba Vineyards and Lavender Farm also boast a renowned restaurant, and their lunch menu is exquisite.
Note: Kooroomba Vineyards is a large, sophisticated venue and is a popular location for weddings in the area. This means it’s often closed on weekends – including the weekend I had planned to visit. Be sure to give them a call beforehand.
13. Enjoy a picnic and wine tasting at The Overflow Estate 1895
The Overflow Estate is one of the best wineries near Boonah. The location couldn’t be any better. It’s why you come here!
The well-manicured lawns are surrounded by vineyards and overlook Wyaralong Dam. Here, you can enjoy a gorgeous indoor and outdoor setting with a grazing board and wine tasting. The live music is the cherry on top.
This is also the place to go if you’re looking for a luxurious dining experience. Their renowned restaurant offers French Cuisine and is popular for anniversaries and special occasions.
One negative about the Overflow Estate? Their wine tasting is done in shot glasses! For most people, this won’t be an issue. But I couldn’t truly appreciate the wines served this way.
14. Walk the streets of Boonah
The town of Boonah is an interesting one! I was fascinated by the old buildings, especially the historic Australian Hotel, which is a quirky pub with a charming feel to it.
We spent about 30 minutes walking through the main streets of Boonah and stopped off at “Rockalocious” for one of their famous desserts.
15. Walk the Mount French Lookout Circuit
The Mount French Lookout Circuit is a 1.9 km loop trail near Boonah. It follows a well-marked track that leads to two lookout points, Logan’s Lookout and East Cliff Lookout.
Looking for a shorter walk? You can also opt to visit only one of the two lookout spots.
It’s not a dog-friendly trail, so keep that in mind if you plan on bringing your fur babies along.
16. Have a traditional pub lunch at Dungadan Hotel
The Dungandan Hoytel is a quintessential country pub in Boonah. With a wrap-around verandah and a relaxing vibe, it’s a great place to enjoy a beer and yummy pub food.
The steak sandwich was my favourite!
Note: The Dungadan Hotel is dog-friendly (and they even have a doggy menu).
17. Go for dinner at The Vue Restaurant
The Vue Restaurant serves a delicious menu if you’re searching for a fine dining night out in Boonah. The service is outstanding, and the food is on point.
Is Boonah worth a visit
Yes, a trip to Boonah is worth it. The country town has everything from wineries to fresh produce, hiking trails and more. I was blown away by all the things to do near Boonah and cannot wait to return.
Do you have any questions about visiting Boonah, Queensland? Drop me a message in the comments section below!
Looking for more Queensland travel inspiration? Check out my other posts!
- Kondalilla Falls Walk and Swimming Hole: How to Get There
- Ultimate Guide to Camping on Moreton Island
- 6 Best Walks in Girraween National Park
- Where to Stay in Stanthorpe
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