a stones throw

Welcome to the new blog of The Lost World. As a collective of tourist operators within the Scenic Rim we are proud of the country we have to offer the visitor and/or guest. This blog is to help share with you our special identity as provided by landscape, environment, fauna, flora, people and characters.
 
It is hard to believe that Brisbane and the Gold Coast are just 90 minutes plus away. For the difference in lifestyle it may as well be a world away. Except that would not make it accessible to you. Instead, it is possible just to hop in your car any old day and go for a drive and end up a world away and, hopefully, not lost.
 
The Lost World tourist drive map would be one way you could navigate a happy, happening drive  from mountain to creek, from bitumen to dirt track, from farm gate to accommodation. We like to think ourselves a relatively undiscovered treasure. Undiscovered because, until recently, the Scenic Rim was little more than a rural industrial landscape. Large sprawling farms of cattle, crop and chickens. It was a great lifestyle for those who lived here but there was little for the visitor.
 
But as the economy began to change it was realised that the Scenic Rim, formerly the Beaudesert Shire, was acting as a buffer to the beautiful forests, mountains and crystal clear creeks that emanate from the Lamington National Park – one of the first parks of its kind in the world. Now, instead of ignoring our natural treasures, we are opening up and recognising the real value of what we had nearly lost, and could still lose, if we don't learn to make the most of it in a sustainable way.
 
Engaged tourism is a great way to help in this process. On top of the wonderful landscapes and the abundant fresh air there are many activities that have added to the cultural life of the Scenic Rim.
 
Top of my list would be the rather unique and fabulous 'Arts in the Olives' which you can enjoy once a year  on Mothers' Day. It's a great treat for mum as well as those treating her.This year you can experience it for yourself on May the 8th. 'Arts in the Olives' needs to be experienced to be appreciated. More details on our activities page here.
 
Another would be the Farm Gate Festival during Eat Local Week in June. It is an initiative of the Scenic Rim Council but we have been very keen to support it as it tries to present the very best of what we have to offer. It is about using the rural setting as a venue for activities that the whole family/friends can join in and enjoy. It is spread over a week in June to help the visitor access all we have to offer.  It also happens every year and this will be its third. Check it out for yourselves. Go here for more information.
 
We hope to see you out here in the Scenic Rim and enjoying yourself – if not being amazed and particularly if you already live in the South-East of  Queensland. After all, it is virtually in your backyard and we have so much more to reveal.

by Mark from Wongari Eco Retreat