Indulge in Australia’s most authentic paddock-to-plate food and farming experience and savour a smorgasbord of flavours and fun during Scenic Rim Eat Local Month in June.
This month-long celebration gives locals and visitors a backstage pass to the farms, wineries, breweries, chefs, and stories of the Scenic Rim, offering an exploration of the heart of the region – Beaudesert, Allenview, Kerry and Oaky Creek – over the weekend of 20 to 22 June.
The fourth weekend of Eat Local Month commences on Friday 20 June with a leisurely Long Lunch at The Overflow Estate 1895 curated by Scenic Rim Food Ambassador Olivier Boudon.
On Saturday 21 June, sixth-generation farmers Tommerups Dairy Farm will host Smoke and Mirrors, where three farmers and three chefs will share delicious food and conversation to match. One for the foodies hungry for more than what’s on the menu.
Go behind the scenes and enjoy a sheep milking demonstration, discover the art of cheesemaking, and get hands-on with beekeeping and honey harvesting at Towri Sheep Cheeses.
For those looking for the ultimate slow food experience, embark on an all-day campfire cooking adventure at the Vegetarian Fireside Feast on Wild Mountains. Nestled in high country overlooking the Scenic Rim, local guide Tatiana Reuillier will elevate your campfire cooking skills and introduce you to the Wild Mountains Nature Refuge.
Across the valley you can learn about forest transformation, regeneration and sustainable land practices, at Wilde Foods. Experience a 1.5km guided walk through an emerging native rainforest fruit orchard with stunning 360-degree views of the Scenic Rim, sample native food condiments and discover the flavours of native Australia.
Kickstart Sunday 22 June with the Growing Garlic Workshop at Oaky Creek Farm, and learn all about growing and harvesting root crops. Or there’s the Create Your Own Herb Garden Hands-on Workshop at the Kooralbyn Community Garden. Learn all about soil, drainage, companion planting, and harvesting and create your own herb garden to take home.
While you are out, drop into Rathlogan Olive Grove and The Shed Café. Their olives, tapenade, jams and relishes are so good. Or drop by the cellar door at Barney Creek Vineyard and sample one of their signature reds.
Finish the day with a traditional Towri Farm High Tea. Enjoy a cuppa, sweet treats, handmade cheeses, live music and sheep cuddles—it’s a perfect way to cap off the weekend.
If that doesn’t whet your appetite, there is plenty more to explore throughout Eat Local Month in the heart of the Scenic Rim. Towri Sheep Cheeses will host its direct-from-the-farmer Towri Growers’ Market on Saturday 7 June, followed by a Cheese Making Workshop on Friday 13 June.
For those looking for a relaxed Friday long lunch, The Overflow Estate 1895 is cooking up a storm with a delicious five-course menu each Friday during June.
On the final weekend, the popular Winter Harvest Festival, the signature event and finale of Scenic Rim Eat Local Month, will be again held in and around the stunning village of Kalbar as part of a full weekend of harvest activities across three days from 27 – 29 June. Veggie picking, paddock walks with the farmer, lunches set on cattle farms and under 100-year-old jacaranda trees and a celebration of pickling and preserving will provide a fitting finale to the month-long celebration.
Scenic Rim Mayor Tom Sharp said: “Eat Local Month provides the opportunity for our local community, visitors and people from all ages and backgrounds to enjoy an authentic paddock-to-plate experience and to renew their connection with our natural environment and agricultural production”.
“With more than 100 events on offer, there is a variety of options for everyone and for every taste and budget,” he said.
“Eat Local Month is Australia’s most authentic food and farming experience and a wonderful time of year to enjoy all our region has to offer with family and friends.”
Scenic Rim Eat Local Month is proudly presented by Scenic Rim Regional Council, with support from major partners Moffatt Fresh Produce and Beaumoor, and supporting partners Kalfresh Vegetables, Urban Utilities, Community Bank Kalbar and District, Brisbane Economic Development Agency, Allclass Kubota, Queensland Hire and 612 ABC Radio Brisbane.
The event is also supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland’s Destination Events Program.
For further information on Scenic Rim Eat Local Month go to eatlocalmonth.com.au
