A perfect weekend drive, the Kooroomba Vineyard & Lavender Farm is located at Mt Alford, which is just near the town of Boonah in the Scenic Rim.
We headed out on a Sunday morning (in what should be mid-Autumn, but still feels like Summer!) for what was an easy drive from the northern Gold Coast. The road is sealed the entire way and not too bumpy, and there were few others on the road either. No matter the time of year you visit, you’ll be able to experience a meandering sea of vivid violet as you wander around the six hectares of vines and lavender fields, as they have been planted with a number of varieties of French and Italian lavender ensuring flowering most of the year.
When you arrive, you’ll notice Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm have hit the nail on the head with a perfect mix of a southern France experience in our own beautiful Scenic Rim. Choices are aplenty, with options including sampling a unique bottle of red wine at the Cellar Door, marvelling at the spectacular views of the Scenic Rim mountains as you dine in the Kooroomba Restaurant, having a coffee and lavender scones on the patio, or picking up something special at the Lavender Gift Shop.
We started off with a wander of the grounds, checking out the gorgeous open air chapel and then wandering through the rows of lavender. We were a bit early for our lunch booking, so we sat on the patio and enjoyed the views and music that was playing until our reservation time came round. TIP: it’s worth booking lunch in the restaurant before you go if you’re with a large group. We hadn’t booked, but were lucky enough to nab a 12pm booking for 2 when we arrived at 11am. If you can’t get into the restaurant, there are some lighter meal options, coffee and other beverages available from the Cellar Door that you can eat out on the patio.
Lunch at the restaurant was very nice – windows all around to take in the views of the mountains, and a gorgeous breeze blowing in. The meals were on the smaller size, but very tasty and plenty for lunch. Keep in mind that the cellar door and restaurant are open Wednesday to Sunday, but it’s always best to check their website before you go as often the entire venue is closed for weddings (usually on a Saturday).
The wine marketed from the cellar door is from grapes grown on the property, and includes Chardonnay, Verdelho Marsanne, Viognier, Vermintino, Shiraz, Cabernet and Merlot. Fun fact: the unusual Verdelho Marsanne blend has been served in Paris and received high praise from the French people who tasted it.
We loved our Sunday drive to Kooroomba – it wasn’t too far, and there wasn’t so much to do that you needed to cram the day full. We set off about 9.30am and got home around 3pm, giving us plenty of time to get ready for the week ahead.
Need to know before you go:
- Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm is located around 1 hour from Brisbane and 1.5hrs from the Gold Coast.
- Check opening times on their website before you go in case they are closed for a function.
- Meals in the restaurant range from $30-$40. The Cellar Door provides cheaper, more casual dining options.
- Alternatively, if you ring and book 48 hours in advance, you can order a picnic basket to take and enjoy on the property amongst the lavender, with freshly made Kooroomba goodies, bottles of water, blanket and your choice of alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages.
