News

Sit and sip in the Scenic Rim – our best country pubs revealed!

30 Jun 2023
8 mins read
Sit and sip at 20 classic country pubs in the Scenic Rim

The beers are icy at these Scenic Rim country pubs!

From boutique breweries to heritage hotels, parmy specialists and pubs with a view, to laid back places where the locals go, these are the best country pubs to sit and sip in the Scenic Rim. Take a day trip, stay over OR even do a country pub crawl by chopper with Pterodactyl Helicopters!

📷 Eric Williams and daughter Ashley Bates-Williams enjoy a beer at the iconic Canungra Hotel; by photographer Luke Marsden.

Check out our top Scenic Rim country pubs and breweries below:

  1. Scenic Rim Brewery – legendary beers and laughs!
    After 8 years, the Scenic Rim Brewery closed the doors to their iconic Mount Alford venue in late 2024, but rest assured you can still indulge in their legendary larrakin beers by visiting their online store and be sure to keep an eye on their website for updates on where to catch Mike for some laughs while enjoying a cold one at various Scenic Rim events and markets such as the Towri Growers Market and Summer Land Camels markets.
    Website: https://www.scenicrimbrewery.com.au/ 
  2. The Canungra Hotel –parmy dreams are made of this
    Parmy lovers, hold onto your forks, we’ve found your dream pub! With over 10 different parmy toppings, The Canungra Hotel is not about to let your (parmy) dreams pass you by. Sitting in gorgeous Canungra at the base of Tamborine Mountain and right on the Scenic Rim Wine Trail, this pub is the stuff of legend – and the perfect place to sit and sip after a hike.
    Address: 18 Kidston St, Canungra QLD 4275
    Website: https://www.canungrahotel.com.au/
  3. The Dugandan Hotel – cold beers since 1886
    The Dugandan Hotel, or “The Dugie” as it is affectionately known, is the quintessential Australian country pub and features a great beer garden deck out the back and outdoor area under huge trees. Just five minutes outside Boonah, and looking over a cricket field and up to Mt French (where there’s walks and BBQ sites), The Dugie serves up traditional pub fare, hearty country classics, icy cold beers, a great range of crafts and wines. AND it’s dog-friendly!
    Address: Cnr Mt French and Boonah Rathdowney Roads, Dugandan QLD 4310
    Website: https://www.dugandanhotel.com.au/
  4. The Royal Hotel, Kalbar – no crowns required
    If you haven’t been to the foodie haven that is Kalbar, just an hour from Brisbane, then choose a day and lock it in. This gorgeous country town is home to quite a few ‘must visit’ foodie establishments and fresh produce provedores, with The Royal Hotel leading the charge. Be sure to book ahead for this friendly country pub, which offers plenty of seating on the large deck and in the grounds.
    Address: Corner George and Edward St, Kalbar QLD 4309
    Website: http://www.royalhotelkalbar.com.au/
  5. Fortitude Brewing, Tamborine Mountain – the ultimate mountain hoppiness!
    A trip to Fortitude Brewing Company will make you giddier than a little kid with a tambourine. At home at the end of the Gallery Walk on Tamborine Mountain, Fortitude Brewing is famous for its gourmet pizzas, cheese platters and beer tasting paddles, the perfect way to start or finish a daytrip or staycay.
    Address: 165 Long Rd, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272
    Website: https://fortitudebrewing.com.au/  
  6. Boxer Brewing Co’s The Kennel – a haven for beer and dog lovers 
    On Tamborine Mountain, beer and dog lovers will enjoy The Kennel, a lively taproom and sports bar offering 24 carefully crafted beers by Boxer Brewing Co, alongside a selection of local brews and ciders on tap—there’s something for everyone. This pet-friendly venue invites you and your four-legged companions to unwind on the outdoor deck. Situated next to their business partner Witches Falls Winery, it’s the perfect spot to relax with refreshing drinks – from the first sip to the last gulp.
    Address: 79 Main Western Rd, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272
    Website: https://boxerbrewing.com.au/
  7. The Royal Hotel, Harrisville – a living history
    The Royal Hotel Harrisville began life in 1875 as the Harrisville Inn. The original hotel serviced the local cotton and beef industries and was one of the first in the region. It was destroyed by fire in 1916 and rebuilt. A gorgeous country Queensland pub that serves up authentic country meals, its beer garden overlooking a creek with views over the Great Dividing Range make it popular for events and as a set for filming opportunities. Just 30 mins west of Ipswich in the Scenic Rim, there’s rumour of a resident ghost, but you will have to ask the publican for more on that!
    Address: 1 Wholey Dr, Harrisville QLD 4307
    Website: https://www.royalhotelharrisville.com.au/
  8. The ‘Rathy’ – home on the range
    The “Rathy Pub” has been a central feature in the Rathdowney township since the 1900s as they serve the heartiest country meals seven days a week in this historic country village. With gorgeous views over the range, a flavour-filled menu and great bar area, it’s the perfect spot for a family outing, a bike ride or a couples visit.
    Address: 4287/73 Collins St, Rathdowney QLD 4287
    Website: https://www.facebook.com/rathdowneyhotel/
  9. The Bearded Dragon Hotel – Tamborine dreams
    Set on 110 picturesque acres with sweeping views across surrounding Tamborine, The Bearded Dragon Hotel has been delivering the true-blue Aussie experience for 20 years. With 15 local and imported beers on tap, all day dining with classic pub meals and views to wow your socks off; this pub is the perfect weekend dining spot.
    Address: 2-22 Tamborine Mountain Rd, Tamborine QLD 4270
    Website: http://www.beardeddragon.com.au/
  10. The Australian Hotel, Boonah – the cheer of yesteryear
    Another traditional country pub, The Australian was built in 1888 and is a favourite of Boonah locals and visitors alike. Here’s a tip – with pub lunches around $20, it’s the perfect spot to pop in on a day trip or longer stay.
    Address: 32 High St, Boonah QLD 4310
    Website: https://www.australianhotelboonah.com.au/
  11. The Beaudesert Hotel – Beauy’s best
    One of Beaudesert’s most historic and established dining venues, The Beaudesert Hotel, known as The Beauy, underwent an extensive renovation in 2015, and is now modern and cool inside, while keeping it’s classic country pub status and serving up perfect pub meals for lunch and dinner. The Hotel also offers a spacious dining room, great bar areas, a gaming room and a courtesy bus service.
    Address: 80 Brisbane St, Beaudesert QLD 4285
    Website: https://beaudeserthotel.com.au/
  12. St Bernards Hotel, Tamborine Mountain – lunch with a view!
    Enjoy a tasty pub lunch on the deck overlooking stunning hinterland and garden views, and keep an eye out for the gorgeous resident St Bernards! There’s plenty of space for the kids to run around after lunch while you sit and let your meal settle.
    Address: 101 Alpine Terrace, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272
    Website: http://stbernardshotel.com/
  13. Railway Hotel, Beaudesert – friendly local vibes since 1887
    Make yourself at home in this friendly pub in the heart of Beaudesert. The popular Railway Hotel on Brisbane Street, across from Beaudesert’s old railway building, is where the locals go. With great lunch specials and always cool inside, the Railway Hotel is the perfect pit stop en route to your Scenic Rim adventures. Local trivia: The Beaudesert Railway Hotel brand has been well over a century in the making, with records showing the original Railway Hotel building was constructed in 1887 where the Beaudesert Woolworths car park now stands. The original Railway Hotel was owned by one family for over 90 years, and it is said to have been the oldest existing hotel building in Beaudesert.
    Address: 121 Brisbane St, Beaudesert QLD 4285
    Website: https://railwayhotelbeaudesert.com.au/
  14. Mount Alford Hotel – tiny town, big tasty meals
    Great atmosphere, super cold beer, delicious pub grub and good company! What more could you want?
    Address: 901 Reckumpilla St, Mount Alford QLD 4310
    Website: https://www.facebook.com/mtalfordhotel/
  15. Sip & Skull Commercial Hotel Harrisville
    Bringing cold beer, good food and entertainment, to locals and visitors alike, the Commercial Hotel in Harrisville is having a face lift. Watch out for its grand reopening in late 2024.
    Address: 24 Queen St, Harrisville QLD 4307
    Website: https://www.facebook.com/sip&skullcommercialhotelharrisville/
  16. The Peak Pub at Peak Crossing – character galore!
    A country pub full of character, tall stories and ice cold beer! Come enjoy a meal and the relaxed vibes of this small country town.
    Address: 15-17 Fassifern St, Peak Crossing QLD 4306
    Website: https://www.facebook.com/thepeakpubatpeakcrossing/
  17. Commercial Hotel, Boonah – cold beers on High Street
    It’s the perfect spot to stop for a cold one while you wander down Boonah’s bustling High Street. You’ll know it when you see the mannequins peering down at you from the second storey verandah (true story!)
    Address: 39 High St, Boonah QLD 4310
    Website: https://www.facebook.com/Commercial-Hotel-Boonah/
  18. Boonah Tavern, Boonah – best beer in boonah
    This family owned pub serves mouthwatering entrees and succulent rib fillets straight off the grill, all complimented by an ice-cold beer in your hand. Don’t forget to check out their socials for upcoming entertainment at the tavern.
    Address: 88 High St, Boonah QLD 4310
    Website: https://www.facebook.com/boonahtavern/
  19. The Pavilion Tavern – Kooralbyn’s answer to a country pub
    This local hub is a short stroll from the Kooralbyn Valley Resort, and the beers are always cold, Enjoy indoor and outdoor dining, mini golf, bowling green and playground!
    Address: 1/21 Routley Dr, Kooralbyn QLD 4285
    Website: https://thekoorablynvalley.com.au/