Back when Ekka cancellations were a thing, no one got to throw a ball in a clown's mouth. Hopping on rides, seeing fireworks and browsing for showbags were all scrapped, too. That's obviously no fun at all; however, for the farmers who were due to exhibit at Brisbane's annual show, the impact cut far deeper.
So, in response, an idea was born: the Scenic Rim Farm Gate Trail. Since 2021, it has been encouraging Brisbanites to head south, hop between properties and enjoy local wares. And, even though the Ekka returned in 2022 and 2023, the trail has become a regular occurrence.
In 2024, it's making another comeback on Sunday, April 28 and Sunday, July 28.
Fancy throwing a little love towards the Scenic Rim's primary producers? Keen on a day out of town? Farmers in the region will be rolling out the welcome mat from 9am–3pm on both days. Follow the itineraries and you'll be hitting up at spots such as Towri Sheep Cheeses, complete with cuddles with lambs; Tommerup's Dairy Farm, with artisanal dairy products on offer; Scenic Rim Brewery, where there'll be tastings; and Elderflower Farm, possibly including picking flowers depending on the season.
That's just a taste of the list of producers involved — and if you'd like to get up close to some camels and alpacas while you're in that part of southeast Queensland, that's usually on the cards, too.
Most of the trail's stops are dog-friendly, and bringing your esky to fill with produce is highly recommended.
Picnic image: Tourism and Events Queensland.