From Sky to Lake

Start exploring

We begin just 30 minutes west of Brisbane in the stillness of the early hours of the morning. There is a sense of adventure in the air, that turns to waves of excitement as you step into the basket with Chief Pilot Graeme.

Drive time

2 hours 45 minutes

Distance

169 km

A deep breath in and you lift off, floating peacefully over a patchwork of paddocks, hills, villages and the peaks of the McPherson Range. Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights starts this itinerary on a high note.

Before you set off, it’s time to indulge in a lunch location you’ll never forget. The Overflow Estate 1895 was once a cattle farm. Set on the edge of Lake Wyaralong, the Estate is surrounded by water and rows of vines running down the hill.

Sample the wares of this boutique viticultural operation at the cellar door or dine on Chef Olivier’s traditional French cooking inspired gourmet café menu. Con and his team often offer live music and other special menu events.

When the site of Lake Wyaralong’s expansive waters becomes too tempting, the Wyaralong Dam facilities offer plenty of ways to enjoy the newest dam in South East Queensland. Grab a paddle and kayak and spot birds and fish on your trip or walk to the Ngumbi Camp Site for great bush walking, horse riding and mountain biking trails.

Dry off and head south east to the gateway town of the Scenic Rim, Beaudesert. A masterpiece of rolling farmlands and windmill lined blue skies, Beaudesert has stories to tell. They lie in the hearts of country pubs, on the walls of museums and galleries and in the passion and talent of those lucky enough to call Beaudesert home.

Bee All Natural

Witness how the Roebig family work in harmony with their bees to produce premium quality award winning raw honey, then turn that liquid gold into chemical free, artisan food, skincare and home products. Nothing is sweeter than buying straight from the beekeeper – unless you’re buying the Three Stings Ridiculously Hot Raw Honey. Please note that this is a working farm. Farm Gate stops are available by appointment only.

Walk the streets and be greeted by the genuine smiles of the locals that pass you by.

Time your visit right and you’ll see the beating heart of the Beaudesert region on display at the monthly MarketFest. The first Saturday of every month more than 150 stall holders showcase country baked goods, handcrafted products, antiques and local produce sold amongst the market atmosphere of donkey rides and face painting.

From Beaudesert we head south towards Kooralbyn. Before you reach the village you’ll find two unique accommodation options. The first is The Old Laravale School. Once a school that opened in 1900, the grounds offer a renovated country farmhouse. The classroom is now a purpose-built craft workshop with regular lessons on offer.

The second stop is only a few minutes further down the road. Murphy’s Country Accommodation is a picture-perfect white cottage set amongst a cattle property. The newly renovated three-bedroom cottage features an open plan design and stunning views from the bathtub. Feel free to bring along your dog to utilise the enclosed yard.

Continue on to Kooralbyn, or The Valley, as commonly referred to by the locals. Kooralbyn is a Yugambeh word meaning the place of the copperhead snake. Originally settled by John “Tinker” Campbell, Kooralbyn was an 1830’s timber town that became one of the region’s most significant pastoral estates.

Finish this itinerary under the gumtrees at The Copperhead Café. Inside this quaint house is a roaring fire that enlivens menu items with coal and fire cooking. Delicious coffee brews all day, but the licensed venue also offers your favourite sips with lunch. Take home some amazing sourdough and house made preserves to keep your Beaudesert region memories alive.

Places along the way