A rainbow at Spicers Canopy. The area is named after Peter Spice, who in the 1860s oversaw the breaking of farming land in the region by convicts.

Four-day hikes run through Scenic Rim each Saturday between March and November, including gourmet dining and luxury accommodation.

Spicers Peak Lodge, which, at 1110m above sea level, is Australia’s highest non-alpine lodge. It’s a welcome respite during the hike.

Sunset at Spicers Canopy.

The view from Mt. French, a long dormant volcanic peak. It is one of many mounts in the Moogerah Peaks region, alonside Greville, Moon and Edwards. Mt. French is one of the few remaining areas in the Fassifern Valley with brigalow and vine forest, as much was cleared for farmland and colonial settlement.

Kangaroo and its joey along the Scenic Rim hike.

Hikers from Brisbane, Martin and Elizabeth Riley, take a break on Spicers Peak to enjoy views over Cunninghams Gap and Mt Mitchell while walking the four-day Scenic Rim Trail.

Martin Riley smiles despite the wind and elevation as he climbs Spicers Peak.

Lake Moogerah is located west of Spicers Canopy and the Scenic Rim trail. It is a popular fishing and camping destination.

The hills and mountains in the distance reflect off Lake Moogerah.

Farmland near Kalbar in the Fassifern region. The small town is home to approximately 700 people – due to the cleared surrounds, Kalbar has dramatic views of Scenic Rim. 

The small town of Boonah sits in the heart of the Scenic Rim. Founded in the mid 19th century, the town was a cattle and farming hub key to colonial expansion. The town continues to be a centre for the wider Scenic Rim community.

A school at the Templin Historical Village near Boonah. The village contains tools that date back to pre-colonial contact, as well as insights into colonial and early 20th century Australia.

Display at Templin Historic Village.

Local Boonah artist Christopher Trotter creates scultptures using recycled scrap metal. Most notably, he designed the Blumbergville Clock, Boonah’s town clock with a five-chime whistle.

Christopher moved to Boonah in 2010, where he has found the open spaces great for inspiration. Recently, he’s moved into more surreal and steampunk-esque aesthetics.

Daniel Wicks at the Clydesdale Spectacular. He was the Australian Junior Whipcracking Champion in 2007 and has many other titles in whipcracking, including eight national titles.

Boonah reveers the Clydesdale horse. Driving into the city, you’ll pass a mental sculpture of the horse by British artist Andy Scott, and each year, the town takes part in the Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular in homage to the horses who helped clear the land.

The two day Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular has be an annual event since 2013. The festivities involve ploughing demonstations, Scottish pipers and, as seen above, lots of colour.