8 perfect ways to relax and recharge within the Scenic Rim

Have you ever returned from a holiday feeling like you need another holiday?

With life’s busy schedule and the pressure to see and do it all while on a ‘break’, the concept of a ‘do nothing’ holiday might seem like a radical idea. However, taking a step back and embracing the art of doing nothing can offer unparalleled benefits for your wellbeing.

By switching off the clock that usually governs daily life, you can relax and recharge to reconnect with the magic of life’s simple pleasures such as lazy afternoons by the pool, afternoon naps or a glass of wine while watching a beautiful sunset.

And the good news is, you don’t need to travel far to find our serenity. Located just a 90 minute drive from Brisbane and 60 minutes from the Gold Coast, the Scenic Rim has an abundance of stays that are the perfect backdrop to allow you to fully relax and recharge.

Here are some of our favourite ways to do absolutely nothing within the Scenic Rim.

📷 Soak the day away at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat

Soak in a tub with a view

With all the time in the world at your disposal, a long warm soak will wash your worries away. For one of the most spectacular outdoor spa tub experiences, visit Verandah House Country Escape and take in the stunning views of out to the coast from their cedarwood tub. For other tubs with a difference, three of the Wander eco-cabins at Overflow 1895 feature a stone bath on the verandah, the Nightfall glamping experience has vintage tin baths in your own safari tent, the villas at O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat feature spacious modern spas on a large verandah perched in the treetops, and at Moogie Glamp guests can opt to unwind in a stunning outdoor Cedar Hot Tub under the big Scenic Rim sky. With surroundings like these, your outdoor tub will become more than just a soak – it will become your haven for the soul to relax and rejuvenate.

Watch the sunset from your deck

Formed by ancient volcanoes, the Scenic Rim’s landscape of mountains and valleys is a truly spectacular place to watch the setting sun. From the comfort of your deck, watch as the sun’s golden rays slowly descend and the horizon becomes a series of shadows and glows sitting on a canvas of soft pinks, fiery oranges and deepening purples. The beauty becomes even more magical as a sparkling canopy of stars start to emerge in the pitch black sky. Some of the best viewpoints to watch a Scenic Rim sunset include Worendo Cottages and Barney Creek Vineyard Cottages, both which offer up to six different accommodation options from lakeside bungalows to treehouses. Or if your pooch is also a fan of a sunset, curl up with your furry friend with a pet friendly stay at Hanoob Views or these other pet-friendly stays.

Swim your cares away

Dipping into crystalline waters is one way to beat the heat and reset your mood, and in the Scenic Rim there are plenty of places to drift away. At O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat you’ll find the most picture-perfect infinity pool perched high above the valleys of the Lost World which will truly make you feel like you’re worlds away. For maximum privacy, or if chilling out with your nearest and dearest is your thing, find yourself poolside at Mount French Lodge or The Eagles Nest Scenic Rim and watch the fields and horizon stretch out for days before you. For more great places to cool off within the Scenic Rim take a look here, or float in your own lazy river at these stays with river access. Whether you’re a splash-about kind of swimmer or ready to laze about soaking in the vitamin D, don’t forget to pack your swimmers.

Stretch out in a hammock

If you’re craving a restorative afternoon nap, the remedy you are looking for can be found at Ketchups Bank Glamping nestled in bushland at Cannon Creek near Boonah. Cradle yourself in their ultimate hammock and, if you can tear your eyes away from the view, let the melody of birdsong and leaves rustling in the wind whisk you away for a deep slumber.

Watch the stars come out in the country

With some of the darkest skies in southeast Queensland thanks to low light pollution and high altitude, the Scenic Rim is a haven for star gazing. The Milky Way dazzles during all seasons, and winter is particularly stunning with extra clear evenings and long nights.

On land, there’s a whole constellation of stays that are primed for starry night adventures including Old Laravale School, where the Scenic Rim Astronomy Group meet and guests are welcome to join them for a close-up view through their telescopes. And, Farmstay the Bluff and Lost World River Retreat also offer star gazing vantage points with wide open fields and unobstructed views of the night sky.

Read a book, play board games

With nothing on the itinerary, here is a chance to switch off your digital device and immerse yourself in an enthralling novel or puzzle. Nestled against the backdrop of a working macadamia orchard, Greenlee Cottages invites you to roll out a picnic rug and enjoy your favourite book in their picture-perfect cabins, by the river or under the macadamia trees. At Vanbury Cottage, the wrap around verandah is the perfect spot to for a puzzle, before heading down to the inground pool to have a dip and laze about in the sun. And Olive View Estate is an ideal option for groups of up to six guests, and with a large dining table and several nooks throughout the place, you’ll have endless fun playing cards, games and relaxing.

Get pampered

Feel your stresses untangle and leave your holiday with a radiant glow after experiencing one of the Scenic Rim’s calming beauty and health treatments. Tamborine Mountain Glades (formerly Cedar Creek Lodges) and Escarpment Retreat offer onsite day spas where you can choose from healing stone massages to organic facials. If staying elsewhere in the region, why not book a mobile massage therapist with Ripple Massage? From their Tamborine Mountain base, their team can bring the day spa experience to you at locations right across the Gold Coast hinterland, so you won’t have to venture too far at all during your stay.

Sit by the fire with a glass of local wine

Savouring a glass of wine by the crackling fire is an experience that embodies both luxury and comfort. Time slows down as each sip of wine intertwines with the soothing crackle of wood, tantalising the palate and calming the spirit. Drop into the region’s vineyards and cellar doors to pick up a bottle (or two!) of delicious local wine, including Barney Creek Vineyard Cottages, Witches Falls Winery and Cellar Door, The Overflow Estate 1985, Sarabah Estate Vineyard, O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards and Bunjurgen Estate Vineyard. Whether you want to embrace the cool evening air and listen to the echoes of wildlife by an outdoor firepit, or cosy up inside with a blanket and cheese platter, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to fireplaces in the Scenic Rim. At Alcheringa Holiday Retreat, the grand floating fireplace is backdropped by dramatic mountains, while Beechmont Estate’s huge fireplace overlooks horse paddocks and rolling hills and Mount French Lodge’s fire pit commands prime position on a majestic mountainside overlooking a stunning panorama. For farmstay options, both Cedar Glen Farmstay cottages and Lumiere Farmhouse have indoor pot belly fireplaces and outdoor fire pits perfect for roasting marshmallows. For even more stays where you can sit by the fire, take a look at these places.

Looking for more ways to relax and unwind within the Scenic Rim?

The Scenic Rim has everything you need for a chilled out vacay with cottages, farm stays, camping and glamping, and luxury retreats and lodges to help you recharge and reconnect.  Click here to book your stay.