By Everett Potter

Australia has no shortage of memorable sights. That’s especially true in Queensland, which counts The Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, and the beaches of The Gold Coast among its natural treasures.

But there’s another discovery in Queensland that’s been hiding in plain sight for years: The Scenic Rim. Located about 90 minutes southwest of the buzzing city of Brisbane, which will host the Olympics in 2032, it’s more subtle than its brethren but just as substantial as the state’s other landmarks.

If you’ve never heard of The Scenic Rim, you’re forgiven. Even some Brisbane locals seemed unsure of what it was when I spoke with them.

In short, it’s a vast arc of dormant volcanic mountains interspersed with rolling hills, farmland, and small farming communities. There are also wineries, brewpubs, and eco-lodges, like Spicers Canopy Luxury Tents. The Scenic Rim has six National Parks within its boundaries and hundreds of miles of hiking trails … continue reading