Travelling to CMC Rocks in Willowbank this March? If you’re looking to extend your weekend away or to venture a little further west from the festival, here’s our guide to explore the Scenic Rim in between your favourite country artists’ sets.
Eat
If there’s one thing festivals and days of boot scootin’ do is get your appetite going! After tasting your way through the festival food on offer, we recommend you try some other local food options in the region. Just a quick drive outside of Willowbank is the Royal Hotel Harrisville. This country pub serves up pizzas, steaks, seafood, pies, café-style food and $11 lunch specials, this historic country pub will fill your tank!
If you’re happy to head a little further out, stop in at one of our favourite watering holes including Dungandan Hotel (affectionately known as ‘The Dugie’ by locals) for true blue country hospitality and ice cold beer seven days a week. Lunch at Boonah’s The Australian Hotel is a must for all your favourite pub classics – $15 parmi anyone? Or head to the Scenic Rim Brewery in Mt Alford for some local craft beer and a range of delicious food, don’t forget to take your designated driver!
Play
It tends to get a little warm out west and if you’re camping you’ll definitely be feeling the heat. Rather than hiding out in your car’s air conditioning, hit the road and cool down at Lake Moogerah. Laze by the water, go for a dip or even hire out a kayak or boat and cruise around while you’re cooling off. BYO picnic blankets and make use of the barbeque facilities for a waterside feast before heading back into CMC Rocks.
Wander the streets of surrounding towns like Kalbar, Harrisville, Boonah and Roadvale and pop into some of the historic spots, boutique shops, farm gates selling local produce and cute cafes. You’ll be blown away by the breathtaking scenery at every corner you turn.
Stay
Still looking for last-minute accommodation? Don’t stress! These Scenic Rim spots are the perfect place to set-up camp.
Keira Farm is just 3km away from the festival at Willowbank and is offering affordable camping for CMC Rocks guests. Hot showers and flushing toilets are a huge bonus! The 500-acre working cattle farm is home to amazing views and beautiful wildlife, so get ready to set up camp under the stars. Spots are limited, so book now!
If you’re keen to kick the dust up at CMC but not so keen to kip under the stars, these Scenic Rim spots offer a roof over your head, comfy beds and air conditioning to return to after a big night. For something a little fancy, grab your group and head to the Old Church B&B for a home away from home! Comfortably sleeping eleven, this fully self-contained historic church has been transformed into charming accommodation. It’s a great choice for those with a large group looking for a more relaxed CMC experience.
Does staying in a cozy, country cottage with your gang sound like your ideal festival set-up? Milford Country Cottages are a tried and tested Scenic Rim CMC accommodation spot, with past guests loving these two self-contained cottages as their festival base. Kick back at Bottletree Cottage or Rose Cottage for some much needed relaxing and recharging after a big day at CMC!
Just looking for the essentials? Boonah Motel is in the heart of the Scenic Rim and the perfect spot for some pre-festival exploring. With a pool, WiFi, air conditioning and comfy beds to crash on, there’s really nothing more you need! Aratula Village Motel has a similar offering however, it also has caravan and camping sites with hot water and amenities.
See y’all soon!
Image courtesy of CMC Rocks
