Camp under the stars & eat like a local: Your scenic rim adventures await

With a sea of stars above you, and spectacular landscapes below, the Scenic Rim—just an hour's drive from Brisbane and the Gold Coast—is a dream camping and caravanning destination. And in June 2025, it all comes to life with Eat Local Month, Australia's most authentic paddock-to-plate foodie festival! 

Imagine this: you’ve just arrived at a leafy campground, birdsong echoing through the trees, the scent of woodsmoke hanging in the crisp country air. You park your van or pitch your tent, lace up your boots, and head off to a nearby farm where the carrots are so fresh they still hold the morning dew. By afternoon, you’re sipping locally grown wine in a vineyard, snacking on farmhouse cheese, and making new friends under the shadow of ancient mountain ranges.

That’s Eat Local Month in the Scenic Rim—a month-long celebration where flavour, community, and countryside charm take centre stage. With over 100 food and farming experiences across four themed weekends in June—and more than 20 campgrounds to choose from—it’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the region’s delights. 

Whether you’re a seasoned grey nomad, van-life wanderer, solo foodie chasing flavour, couple on the culinary trail, or a family of first-time campers, there’s no better place (or time) to park, pitch, glamp, and explore.

Now that you're inspired, check out the must-visit weekends to roll in, set up, and dive into the deliciousness during Scenic Rim Eat Local Month. 

Eastern weekend explorer | 30 May – 1 June

Kick off your Eat Local Month adventure in the eastern Scenic Rim, where cool rainforest air, subtropical beauty and action-packed days create the ultimate weekend escape. 

From Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June, base yourself at Canungra, Beechmont, or Tamborine Mountain, and immerse yourself in nature's beauty with a selection of rainforest retreats and creekside havens. Spend your days exploring boutique wineries, award-winning distilleries, sampling fresh local produce, and meeting passionate farmers. Enjoy local markets, sip wine from nearby vineyards, and join exclusive producer events for an authentic farm-to-table experience.

Click here to explore more events held this weekend.

Where to stay: 

From creekside camping at Canungra Showgrounds and Spring Gully Stays, to boutique nature escapes like Binna Burra Rainforest Campsite, every site offers something special— wake up to the sound of whipbirds, sip coffee under ancient trees, and share stories with fellow travellers as the fire crackles. Add in local long lunches, harvest feasts, and backstage farm tours, and you’ve got the ultimate recipe for a grounded and flavour-filled getaway.

For the adventurous at heart, places like Thunderbird Park and Scenic Rim Adventure Park offer more than just great views—think ziplining, bushwalks and off-grid serenity. 

Heading to the event from Brisbane?

Check out vans

Need creature comforts? Many campgrounds offer powered sites, hot showers, camp kitchens, and pet-friendly spaces, so whether you're in a motorhome, camper trailer or pitching a classic tent, you’ll find the perfect base to call home for a few nights—or more! Explore the caravan and camping guide here for more information. 

Western weekend harvest | 6 – 8 June

If you're seeking big skies, shimmering lakes and a slower pace, then point your van west. 

From Friday 6 to Sunday 8 June, weekend two invites you to explore the fertile heartland, where rich volcanic soils, rolling paddocks, and small-town country charm set the stage for a long weekend of farm-fresh flavours. From Boonah to Kalbar, Mount Alford to Harrisville, it's all about hearty hospitality, passionate producers, and paddock-to-plate dining. 

Think long lunches in the paddock, veggie picking with fifth-generation farmers, and a chance to savour seven-course feasts, sip craft brews and boutique wines, or get hands-on at edible flower workshops and farm tours. And yes—this is the carrot capital of the country, growing over 600 million carrots each year, so don’t miss the farmgate fun!

Click here to explore more events held this weekend.

Where to stay: 

If you prefer being close to town, you’ll find well-equipped, community-minded stays at Kalbar or Boonah Showgrounds. These make excellent bases for attending Eat Local Month events, picking up supplies, and exploring the wider region. 

Prefer a peaceful lakeside vibe? Cast a line or launch a kayak at Lake Moogerah, Lake Maroon, or unwind at Moogerah Lakeside Bush Retreat.

Amenities vary—from powered sites with camp kitchens and hot showers to rustic bush camping with fire pits and open space—but all share that golden Scenic Rim ingredient: spectacular surroundings. Check the caravan and camping guide here for more information.

Central weekend charm | 20 –  22 June

Prefer a country escape with unbeatable views? The central Scenic Rim boasts epic mountains, warm hospitality, and creekside camping. Set up at Beaudesert, Kerry Valley, Rathdowney, Running Creek, or the foothills of Mount Barney for an action-packed weekend from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 June.

This is the Scenic Rim’s beating heart and home to some of the region’s most iconic food experiences. Attend events at local cafes, fire pit feasts and farm-fresh workshops while being just a short drive from your cozy base. After a full day of tasting and touring, settle in under the stars with firewood stacked and a bottle of local wine at your side.

Click here to explore more events held this weekend.

Where to stay: 

If you love riverside camping, head to Stinson Park or Burgess Park at Christmas Creek, where you’ll find rustic sites with mountain views, fire pits, and swimming holes—perfect for families and hikers. For a more secluded experience, Kerry Valley Secret offers a private bushland escape with space for the kids to explore. If you prefer a well-equipped base close to town, Beaudesert Caravan & Tourist Park has pet-friendly powered sites and easy access to local attractions. Check the caravan and camping guide here for more information.

Winter harvest weekend | 27 – 29 June

Round out your Eat Local Month adventure with the grand finale weekend from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 June, featuring the beloved Winter Harvest Festival in Kalbar. Book a nearby campground early and make the most of the final bites, tunes and country cheer that wrap up this incredible month-long celebration.

So what are you waiting for? The Scenic Rim is calling, the firewood’s stacked, and the region’s best flavours are ripe for the picking. Pick up your van from Brisbane or the Gold Coast and explore, unwind, and eat like a local this June—under the stars, and in the heart of the Scenic Rim.

Just wake up, and wander.