If you’ve explored the Scenic Rim then chances are you’ve driven through the town of Beaudesert.
It’s a common stop-off point for fuel and grocery supplies on your way to a Scenic Rim camping ground or hiking hot spot.
But I reckon it’s worth spending some time in Beaudesert. If you know where to look, you’ll discover Beaudesert has some unique country charms.
1. Start with coffee
Beaudesert ain’t Melbourne, but we’ve got great cafes, for a country town. Try:
- Beaudesert Cafe for beautiful barista-made coffee and a fresh menu
- Bean To? for reliable coffee, tasty home-made fare and friendly service
- VK Everyday’s for a frequently updated specials board, great coffee and an inviting courtyard
- Fuel Health for a quick coffee to go (plus, heaps of wholesome juice and smoothie options!)
- Teaspoons & Aprons Beaudesert for amazing cabinet food and a comfy spot to chill out
- Beaudesert Bakehouse for a decent takeaway (plus grab a pie or pastry while you’re at it!)
- Beaudesert McDonald’s – if you get caught out, there’s always Maccas! Check out the view from the car park while you’re there (must be one of the best McDonald’s views around!)
2. Experience local arts and culture
Be sure to check out the local art panels with the words, Numala wani kubill jagun (embrace thee beautiful country), by Mununjali artist Derek Fogarty.
They’re on Brisbane Street, Beaudesert’s main thoroughfare, just near the Beaudesert CWA hall, and a good opportunity to pause and acknowledge the Mununjali people of Beaudesert, who are still a strong part of the local community to this day.
Continue along Brisbane Street to The Centre, which is pretty much the hub of Beaudesert’s thriving arts community. Here, they exhibit works by artists from across the region, the country, and the world. To check out what’s currently being exhibited, check out the On Exhibition section of their website.
Make sure you also check out the Beaudesert Museum for fascinating local history and the Beaudesert Community Arts and Information Centre for local gifts and intel.
3. Explore Jubilee Park
Jubilee Park is a spacious and well-maintained green space on the edge of Beaudesert CBD, between the town’s library and swimming pool.
Another attractive feature of Jubilee Park is the dozens of plaques which line the footpaths, telling stories of the region’s history.
From these plaques you can learn about a range of topics, from the Yugambeh language traditionally spoken by the Mununjali people of Beaudesert to the history of Beaudesert’s roads.
Jubilee Park is popular with fitness fanatics doing boot camps and using the outdoor gym, families using the playgrounds and BBQs, skaters hanging out at the skate park and walkers taking their dogs for a stroll.
4. Relax over a pub meal
It wouldn’t be a proper trip to the country without a good old fashioned pub meal.
Try these laid-back watering holes:
- The Beaudesert Hotel is an attractive art-deco style pub on the corner opposite The Centre.
- The Railway Hotel is a popular, revamped pub across from the town’s original railway station.
- The Club, Beaudesert is a bit of a community hub, with decent specials.
5. Buy local goodies, from the locals!
Swing past the Beaudesert Community Arts and Information Centre, say hi to the friendly local volunteers and stock up on local art, craft, literature and food. Sit a while with a Devonshire tea and just enjoy the country hospitality.
Pop into The Big Pumpkin and fill your empty esky with local produce! Keep an eye out for 4Real Milk and Norco dairy products, Running Creek Beef meat, Christmas Creek Garlic and seasonal vegetables from the Scenic Rim’s Fassifern Valley.
Fancy some country town fashion? Make sure you check out Kalico Country or Our Little Shop for stylish women’s clothing and Backroads, right next door to The Big Pumpkin, for Western fashion and workwear.
I originally wrote this post for Visit Scenic Rim, where it was published as Insider’s Guide to Beaudesert (what you see here, on what Susie saw, is my updated version).
what Susie saw 