A Fabulous Weekend Away in the Country

Two weeks ago, Michael & I had the opportunity to stay in a gorgeous 100+ year old Queenslander for 3 nights, owned by Suzanne & Tony "McHolden" (via AirBnB)

On our arrival, Suz was most welcoming; providing us with a tour of the house, information on the area, as well as providing us with suggestions of local places to get a great meal. Suz even went above & beyond by recommending great spots for me to photograph sunset! 

The house was clean, cozy, relaxing, well appointed and a great home away from home. We also appreciated the lovely warm fire each evening while watching a movie or reading.

While I enjoyed photographing the property and local birdlife, Michael was in his element playing his Cello on the front verandah during sunset.

We thoroughly enjoyed eating breakfast while enjoying the view, and sipping a nice wine in the afternoon, on the front verandah.

There was even a rusty old barn on the next door property!

We are incredibly grateful to Suz & Tony for opening their home so we could enjoy a wonderful weekend away!"


More images of the Scenic Rim area to come in another post....



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Mountain Ranges, Vineyards & Kangaroos

Not only is the scenery incredibly picturesque, but there is so much to explore and enjoy in the Scenic Rim. Day trips are extremely popular in the region; from the vast expansive landscapes, to the lush rainforests, to the mountain ranges of the Great Dividing Range.

Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm has been created as a unique tourist destination, nestled in the Fassifern Valley at Mt Alford near Boonah, about 60 minutes from Brisbane and 1hr 30 minutes from the Gold Coast.

The property consists of a cellar door, restaurant and lavender shop which overlooks a six hectare vineyard and a breathtaking lavender fields, with magnificent views of the Scenic Rim mountains. Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm provides a southern France experience on the doorstep of Brisbane and is the perfect setting for a relaxing day away.

Whiptail Wallabies

Eastern Grey Kangaroos

We are definitely way overdue for another day trip to this area!

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Leading Lines in the Scenic Rim

If we aren't exploring the coastline, my husband and I head out west to explore the rural areas around us.
This particular day, we headed out to the Scenic Rim area of south east Queensland.

"The Scenic Rim region is a thriving rural paradise set in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range and surrounded by world heritage listed national parks. Home to a population of more than 37,780, the region covers 4248sq km and is located an hour south of Brisbane and an hour inland from the Gold Coast. Known for its breathtaking scenery, it is a popular tourist destination offering visitors plenty to see and do. From its myriad of wineries and art galleries to expansive bushwalking tracks, state of the art equine facilities, growing rural communities and friendly country charm, the Scenic Rim region is a must see destination.

Its main towns are Beaudesert, Boonah, Rathdowney, Kooralbyn, Kalbar, Aratula, Canungra, Tamborine Mountain, Harrisville and Peak Crossing. The region's primary businesses are agricultural/horticultural production, the equine industry and tourism/ecotourism. The Scenic Rim region contains more than 30,000 hectares of parkland, including national parks and council controlled parks. The region also contains three dams: Lake Moogerah, Lake Maroon and Wyaralong Dam. Supported by a thriving economy, a farming industry and a vibrant arts community, the Scenic Rim has a strong community spirit and friendly locals."
(info from Scenic Rim Regional Council)

I focused much of my photography during the day on "leading lines".

Except for this image, where I just loved the contrast of green & blues.

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Killarney Glen

In April last year, my husband and I took a drive out to the Beechmont/Canungra area in search of some waterfalls I had seen in a photo. I had heard they were a "secret" and didn't have anything to go by except the photo (not even a name). An Instagram friend & fellow photographer, Paul Fleming, from Tasmania assisted me with finding out the name of the location. (Thanks Paul)
Once I had a name, I researched the area, the history of the falls and scoured Google Earth to find the exact location.

If you speak to the locals, which we had the pleasure of doing at the Canungra Visitor Info Centre and on the actual property, it is very clear that this spot is not a secret at all. It is actually a recommended "must see" in the area.

The track down begins relatively easy but becomes very rugged, narrow and steep. There is an alternative wider track used by the caretaker's vehicles which is even steeper. It is well worth the walk down though.

The falls are located on a property called Killarney Glen, owned by the Fitzgerald family since the late 1800's. Pat Fitzgerald (Snr) originally purchased Killarney Glen from his uncle's estate. 

Part of his plans were to use it as a site for recreation & education; the Glen had a long history of visitation & recreation dating back to the early 1900's, with Killarney Falls & 5 other permanent waterfalls on Back Creek identified on tourist maps long before Binna Burra was established.

At the end of the Vietnam War (1971), the compulsory acquisition of Killarney Glen & adjacent properties was made by the Commonwealth Government. In 1977, with the support of the local community & media, Killarney Glen was listed by the Australian Heritage Commission. Although the area is owned by the Commonweath Government, and the Defence Department are tenants of the property for periodic military exercises, the Fitzgerald's won a long battle to keep this unique property open to the public. 

Pat Fitzgerald Jnr, along with his neighbour & friend, George Lea, continue to maintain the property for visitor access. 
We felt blessed to converse with George for about 40 mins while we were there. He is a lovely down to earth man & a mine of local information.

We will definitely head back for another visit, and to explore more of the falls along Back Creek once I am walking much better.

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