A SLICE OF COUNTRY LIFE

There's nothing like some fresh country air to restore equilibrium. Photo: Sheriden Rhodes

Do you ever yearn for fresh air, clean sheets, slow walks down country roads and time to just sit with a good book? Maybe you long for the sound of chirping birds, a little peace and quiet, and the ability to look up at night and see the stars. It's something that's hard to find when you live in an urban environment. Sometimes all I want is for Ella to go outside and climb a tree, or run around on the grass, like I did as a kid.  

A little while ago, we decided on a whim to book an Airbnb in the Scenic Rim, Queensland. I saw photos of a glorious old Queenslander surrounded by rolling countryside and moody mountains and thought, that's just what we need. And it turns out, the Scenic Rim Retreat really is a little slice of country heaven. Here's our review of our stay in this lovely corner of southeast Queensland. We'd love to hear about your country escapes too.

HEAD FOR THE HILLS

Stretching from Tamborine Mountain, through the Lost World Valley to Boonah and Kalbar, the Scenic Rim is a mountainous landscape straddling the border of southeast Queensland and north-east NSW. It's home to prehistoric volcanoes, rainforest and terrific food and wine.

The glorious Scenic Rim. Photo: supplied

SO TELL US ABOUT THE SCENIC RIM RETREAT

Set on two rolling acres, just under 30 minutes from Ipswich, Scenic Rim Retreat is a grand, century-old restored Queenslander with verandahs that invite you to while away your afternoon. There are two light-filled bedrooms, master with air conditioning and ensuite, another large bathroom,  a fireplace, ceiling fans, a well-equipped kitchen with coffee machine and daybed. Set down a quiet dirt road, the property is surrounded by bushland, friendly Brahman cows, and with Mount Flinders as your backdrop.

The cutest little Queenslander there ever was, Scenic Rim Retreat. Photo: Sheriden Rhodes

WHAT CAN YOU DO THERE?

Here it's all about being in the moment: watching birds flit between trees, picking fresh oranges, enjoying a glass of wine on the latticed verandah, and enjoying the fresh country air. Take a stroll and spot wallabies bounding through the bush or pat the neighbouring cows. This year, the owners will run quarterly photographic retreats at the house (check with them when they're on). Ella's favourite thing to do was pick oranges from the numerous orange trees and feed the super friendly cows who came up to the fence whenever we called them. There was even a couple of cute calves.

Ella loved picking oranges and feeding them to the super friendly cows. Who knew cows loved oranges? 

DON'T MISS 

Climb Mount French for views over Fassifern Valley, or explore the magnificent Queen's Park in Ipswich.

IDEAL FOR 

Couples or a small family wanting a country stay. At times, you may have to share the house with the owners however, have a chat with them as they can also arrange exclusive use at a time suitable for both parties.

THE DAMAGE?

From $80 a night for two; $25 a night for each extra guest. 

192 Woolooman Road, Woolooman; 0416 265 836;  Airbnb.com.au/rooms/19250963

We stayed at our own expense. All views my own.