Sustainability has become a hot topic in recent years and no matter which side of the fence you sit on about its importance, the fact of the matter is that many businesses, large and small, and individuals are making positive steps to support a greener future. In fact, even regions are collectively working together to put their green thumb on the environment.

We recently had the opportunity and pleasure of having a long weekend in South East Queensland’s Scenic Rim. Roughly an hour’s drive from both Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The Scenic Rim was voted in 2022 by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s top ten ‘must-visit’ regions because of its sustainability and eco-experiences and spectacular landscapes, and after a long weekend, we could certainly see why.

Wander

Wander was our home away from home and if you have not heard of this group, we highly recommend you check them out. Five secluded WanderPods are on offer, all looking over Lake Wyaralong and 4000 acres of bushland, named after the stunning mountains that surround The Overflow 1895 and form the centre of the ancient caldera called the Scenic Rim. We stayed in WanderPod – Juberra, situated high on a hill with panoramic views of the surrounding ranges, bushland, and Lake Wyaralong providing open sky to watch stunning sunsets and also the stars by the fire.

Wander is committed to a positive impact on the landscape they love and the surrounding communities.

The WanderPods are:

• Off-grid, featuring solar and water harvesting and storage and greywater recycling.
• Divert organic waste from landfill with Subpod compost bins.
• Prefabricated to a high standard of energy efficiency.
• Aim for a zero-waste system by restricting the use of single-use packaging, recycling and composting.
• Supporting the incredible work of Bush Heritage Australia as they protect and regenerate bushland.

Our Stay

After stopping at the Peak Pub for some good old-fashioned country hospitality, a beer, and a ‘schnitty’, we were on the road again to check into Wander. Finding the entrance was easy. There is no reception, so it is a self-service check-in experience where you’re provided a code to open the gate and also get the key to your Wanderpod. There is something to be said for country air; it just makes everything good in the world, with an instant sense of relief.

If you are looking to Netflix and chill, you have come to the wrong place. You will not find a TV in the Wanderpods and why would you want it when the stunning scenery is there for your viewing pleasure.

We ensured to pack enough food and beverages for the weekend as you are not located near any convenience stores or supermarkets. There was a studio style kitchenette with a two hot plates and a small bar fridge to keep your things cold along with all the kitchen utensils, crockery and drinking glasses you could need.

The bed! My god it was the most comfortable thing we have ever slept on and amongst our leisure and business travels we have slept in many, but this one takes the trophy. I think Wander knew their beds were going to be a hit with guests, so much so that have a link to where you can purchase your own via their website. We may have noted this down for future beds 🙂

Among enjoying the simple pleasures of fresh air and sitting by the fire, we also booked ourselves in for a lunch at The Overflow Estate 1895 which adjoins Wander, to enjoy some good food and wine. We recommend doing this well in advance, as they appear to book out quickly. This wine estate is a little hidden treasure, and we would certainly visit it again. You can either book yourself in at the restaurant, or you can relax on the lawn and sample wines and order snacks from the shipping container set up they have outside. By the looks of things, the locals seemed to know the drill and all had their camping chairs and picnic rugs at the ready to settle in for an afternoon of relaxation and enjoy the live music which is on every weekend.

The scenic rim is such an extensive region to explore, and this is just a small snippet of it. If you have never been, put it on your list, because you won’t be disappointed.