Tag Archives: Scenic Rim

Aug 9 2020

Lake Moogerah & Kalbar, Queensland

We have been lucky in Queensland to have the opportunity to explore our state, whilst other states unfortunately stay locked down.

Lake Moogerah

Whilst we have this opportunity, it is important to support businesses and areas who are struggling to return after hurting badly from shutdowns. And there are a lot in the outer regions who need support.

Lake Moogerah

Our recent car club run out to the stunning Lake Moogerah area, in the picturesque Scenic Rim, was a fantastic opportunity to visit this corner of Queensland. Located above Fassifern Valley, around 60km from the city of Ipswich , the Moogerah Dam and Lake areas are a popular recreational area

Clear waters, directly behind the dam wall

The odd jet ski, or boat, occasionally shot around the Lake, with a number of campers and day trippers enjoying the extra land surface, given the low water levels on the lake.

Moogerah is derived from Moogirah, which is the Aboriginal word for ‘Home of the Thunderstorm’. The 38 metre high, 219 metre long dam, supplies areas beneath, including Boonah and Ipswich.

Water rushes from the dam spillway

With plenty of parking, shaded areas and seating, social distancing is not a problem out here. A kiosk supplies a few basic essentials to save a trip further afield. We didn’t check out the camping areas, bu they do have a camp kitchen and choices of powered or non-powered sites.

Take a walk across the dam wall, which is the accessway to Moogerah Peaks National Park, home to Mount Edwards.

Picturesque mountains surround the lake area.

After enjoying the beautiful surroundings, we headed to a local iconic pub, the Royal Hotel, Kalbar.

The large deck area at the Royal Hotel, Kalbar

Popular with locals, day trippers and tourists alike, the original hotel was established in1900.

Food was good quality pub fare, with plenty on the plate. Staff were kept busy serving customers

All in a all a fantastic way to close an enjoyable morning out.

On a more somber note, after witnessing a severe traffic accident when homeward bound, a reminder to please drive safely, no matter how close to home you are or, how far away those accidents still occur in a split second. Drive safely and stay aware of your surroundings.

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Jan 13 2019

Summer Land Camels

If you haven’t visited Summer Land Camels, then you have missed not only a wonderful day out, but also, a highly entertaining experience.

The farm is the 3rd largest in the world. Around 600 camels are on site and another 300 off site. That’s a lot of camels! And yet, look at the beautiful mum above, so happy and proud of her baby. Yes I can confirm, the camels are all happy and well looked after.

We were so lucky to hear from Jeff Flood who gave the most interesting history of how he ended setting up the farm. If you have the opportunity to talk to him, you should, and listen. Love hearing how something came about being, it gives you so much more perspective! We were then treated to a behind the scenes tour, with his son Corey, who was very informative and happy to answer questions. Big thank you to both and all staff who were relaxed, helpful and friendly,

The cafe and shop is located in the awesome old renovated Queenslander above. Love the wrap around verandah giving you the most incredible uninterrupted views across this gorgeous part of the Scenic Rim.So how about a few facts.

Firstly, Camels do not spit, they do not stink, they do not have top teeth, and, apparently, they are not grumpy! But camels also have the solving iq of a 6 year old human equivalent, just keep that in mind. I mean we all know how cunning our little humans can be!

Why are camels simply amazing animals? Many reasons. They have the best wool, their milk is second only to human milk, mix them with normal farm stock in dry conditions and your cattle and sheep will not lose condition. Plus, they rarely become ill. Worms are their biggest problem, but, if wormed regularly, even ticks don’t appear to affect them. Seriously, how special are these incredible creatures?.No those guys are not deceased, they are simply chilling and enjoying an afternoon nap. And yet they look somewhat like a camel puzzle! I do wonder how comfortable it can possibly be to sleep like this, however, they obviously find it to their liking.

In the middle of January, they are still losing their winter wool, with awesome shiny coats showing through. The tufts on their neck were really cool up close, set at regular intervals, totally different to a horses mane, it looks like someone has threaded those little tufts by hand. And then there are the beards underneath the neck. They are quite cute. Their life span? About 50 years.

We were so lucky to be allowed into the paddock with youngsters. After curiously checking out the invading humans and their camera gear, some turned their backs. Not sure if this was the ostrich approach of if I cannot see you, you are not there, or they were simply regrouping to decide on the next strategy. Whatever it was, still kinda cute!

Check out the wool on this baby! Oh and guess who this was?? It was my little mate Marvin from the Sandgate Jingle on the Bay. You may remember that article from a few weeks ago. He was the little man who was quite vocal in his displeasure at being separated from his home. We found out, Marvin was bottle fed and has a little mate Ella who is so bottle fed. The two are very close. When Marvin left to travel to the other side of Brisbane and be a star in the parade, little Ella missed him. She was more than delighted when Marvin arrived home.The Scenic Rim is simply stunning. With the farm location, you are on the edge of this beautiful part of Australia. If I was a camel, this paddock with a stunning outlook, would be my pick. I’m not sure they notice, but pretty sure I would!

We have so much to learn from these incredible animals, seriously these guys are very relaxed and cool. Make sure you go check them out some time. Visit the cafe, check out the retail shop, try a camel milk gelato, purchase some feta or milk to take home. Or, just have a coffee and chill on the balcony, whilst you watch the majestic camels beyond. Oh, and listen. The noise they make is awesome, very chilled, laid back, almost lazy, yet enough to make you know they have an opinion.

I for one, will now be adding this to the list of where to take our visitors when they stay. Go and check it out. Hope there are plenty of babies when you go, they are simply, too cute! Might see you there!