After our big 14k hike in the Conondale National Park, we set off for our accommodation in Kenilworth. Our Aussie Day long weekend getaway had been pretty last minute, so we were pumped that there was still availability at the Old Glenroy Dairy and Barn.
Less than a kilometre from Kenilworth, the working farm vibed a relaxed blend of old-world charm and rustic country living; the adorable white cows with their distinctive black noses and ears adding even more character to the idyllic setting. Weathered tin buckets were thoughtfully repurposed as outdoor side tables, and vintage tin boxes, rusted feeding troughs, antique farming equipment, and worn squatters’ chairs combined to create a beautifully nostalgic country aesthetic. Every detail felt effortlessly curated, making it the perfect rural escape.
The Glenroy Farm offers three accommodation options: the Cottage, the Dairy, and the Barn, the latter being our digs for the night. After our exhausting hike, I swung open the barn door and was immediately drawn to the enormous king-size bed: luxurious, cloud-like and layered with soft linen, faux fur throws and oversized fluffy pillows. As I took in the rest of the barn, my excitement quickly shifted to confusion (cue face-screaming in fear emoji in real life.) Where was the bathroom? Guess I didn’t read the blurb very well because it does say “separate rustic outdoor shower and modern composting toilet block”.
I had to give my bladder a stern talking-to, as the night-time walk from the barn to the outdoor bathroom was heavily patrolled by an ugly cohort of cane toads, so hard pass on that! The shower was surprisingly five-star, with awesome water pressure and the opportunity to ablute completely al fresco, no doors, just you and the bucolic surroundings! A little bit naughty, and apologies to anyone who might have been enjoying an innocent countryside stroll at the time.
After a night-of-the-dead sleep, we set off for Imbil State Forest, which adjoins Conondale National Park. For 2WD vehicle access to Imbil, you need to approach from the east on Sunday Creek Road, which is an unsealed, axle-punishing, bone-jarring, teeth-clenching, almost never-ending experience.
When we finally rolled into Charlie Moreland Campground, we were greeted by a chaotic collection of “You are here” signs. Sadly, none of them seemed particularly committed to explaining where “here” actually was, or whether this version of “here” would lead us to the trail we wanted. What followed was the bushwalking equivalent of someone refreshing Google Maps while walking around in circles (cue Benny Hill music).
Pinballing from sign to sign, squinting at faded maps and second-guessing every decision, we eventually stumbled upon the start of the Little Yabba Circuit (1.5k, grade 3), which links with the Piccabeen Circuit (3.3k, grade 3). Together, the two easy trails meander alongside the crystal-clear waters of Little Yabba Creek, combining playful boulder hopping with winding boardwalks beneath a dense rainforest canopy. Towering piccabeen palms and enormous strangler figs dominated the landscape, their sprawling roots and tangled limbs giving the forest an almost prehistoric feel.
Rinse and repeat the spine-rattling road in, and a winery recovery was no longer a suggestion – it was a public service. Yay! About forty-odd kilometres from Kenilworth sits Dingo Creek Vineyard – and while the name was the drawcard for me, the setting absolutely blew me away! Tucked down an unsealed road and nestled deep in Aussie bushland, the vineyard opens out into rolling rows of vines, a glassy dam, manicured gardens, and sweeping views across the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
We claimed a spot on a big timber deck and promptly entered recovery mode with a Dingo Spritz (Black Cockatoo Sparkling Shiraz, triple sec, cinnamon, orange Warrigal Moscato, vodka, apple and mint – seriously, where has this been all my life?) A to-die-for charcuterie board arrived shortly thereafter, and just like that, all was well in the world again.
