If you are avid hiker then chances are you have already visited the Scenic Rim at least once. Home to SEQ biggest mountains such as Barney and Maroon it is the mecca for mountain hikes.
However the Scenic Rim is more than just its mountains, it’s also home to delicious fresh produce, innovative cafes and local art galleries, as well as some of my favourite outdoor camping spots!
This weekend we decided to base ourselves just outside Rathdowney staying at the Bigriggen Camping & Caravan Park.
The Adventure
With Esmeralda our 1974 vintage caravan attached and ready to roll, I picked the kids up from school early so we could avoid the rush and have time to set up before dark.
At least that was the plan...
In my life however nothing ever goes to plan and we ended up having to stop off in Beaudesert for a few hours while I sorted out some admin tasks before we could continue on our journey.
As with most of life's little sidetracks though this turned out to be a positive with the kids having a great time playing in the Beaudesert playground while I got everything sorted.
Eventually we were back in the car and on the road again, finally arriving at the campsite just before sundown to find the fire already alight and our friends waiting for us.
The town of Rathdowney isn't exactly a bustling metropolis (one of its drawcards in my opinion!) however if you choose your date carefully there are local markets on the 3rd Sunday of every month that offers a nice diversion if the kids have had enough of playing in the camp grounds.
Although chances are they won’t want to leave the campsite! With a veritable wonderland of bush to explore, wide open spaces to ride bikes, play ball games and a river to swim and kayak in there was so much to keep them entertained it was hard to convince them to stay at the campsite long enough to eat.
The Facilities
Hot showers that are well worth the $1, especially in winter!
Lots of room to ride the bike around the grounds
Designated bike track area for the kids
Water tanks for cooking and drinking but make sure to boil it first
There is a small general store on site that is well stocked with not only canned goods and treats, it all those little things you sometimes forget! From water floaties to air pumps and camping shovels they have you covered!
Hikes Nearby
If you are looking for some big mountain hikes then the Scenic Rim is the place to be. However the kids usually get bored after a couple of k's, especially the little ones! and we want to keep it fun so the Yellow Pinch Trail with views to Mount Barney is my number one choice for a winter family hike in this area.
Things to Do & Places to Visit in the Local Area
There's not a lot of tourist spots around the campsite itself but the The Shed Olive Grove is right next to the campgrounds, open Saturdays and Sundays and stocks not only a delicious range of olives but also locally produced jams and relishes.
The local Rathdowney Markets ~ On every third Sunday of the month although check there Facebook page out here to confirm as they sometimes get cancelled due to weather.
In summer the Maroon Dam is only 20 minutes from Bigriggen and is a water sport lovers play land.
A bit of a drive from the campsite but the Scenic Rim Brewery is always a favourite place of mine to stop in for a drink, the vegan snack options are pretty limited thou, chips and salad being the normal offerings.
What we Cooked!
Not a lot this weekend as we arrived so late but I did make the kids their fave plant based pasta, bolognese style with mushroom and lentil.
I'll post the recipe soon so make sure that you sign up for the email list below to know when its up as its a great weeknight or campfire special. Simple to make, tastes great and the kids always ask me for seconds!
Hikes Nearby
If you are looking for some big mountain hikes then the Scenic Rim is the place to be. However the kids usually get bored after a couple of k's, especially the little ones! and we want to keep it fun so the Yellow Pinch Trail with views to Mount Barney is my number one choice for a winter family hike in this area.
If you liked this post please share it with a friend and make sure to come follow me on Instagram @lia.skye!
Happy Adventuring,
💕 Lia
“Lost is a state of mind, I prefer to think of it as exploring” - Lia Skye
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