Boonah is a country town in the Fassifern Valley of the Scenic Rim, about 85 km by road from the Brisbane CBD, and a good base for a day out among the mountains and lakes. It has fortnightly country markets, a handful of heritage pubs and churches, and several parks with public toilets, all within a short drive of a lookout and two dam lakes.
Boonah itself is a stop for a coffee, a walk down High Street and a look at the old buildings. The real pull is what sits around it: Mount French, Lake Moogerah and Lake Maroon.
Things to do in Boonah
Start at the Boonah Visitor Information Centre at 20 Boonah Fassifern Road. It has maps, brochures, local crafts and cold drinks, and it is open 9:30 am to 4 pm every day. Staff can point you to what is on that week.
The centre sits in Bicentennial Park, which has toilets, picnic shelters and electric BBQs, so it works as a first stop for lunch as well. There is also an off-leash dog park here with separate areas for large and small dogs.
Boonah Country Markets
The Boonah Country Markets run on the second and fourth Saturday of each month, from 7 am to 12 pm, at Springleigh Park. Springleigh Park has toilets, picnic tables, play equipment and electric BBQs, so you can make a morning of it.
Markets in the Scenic Rim can change dates around holidays, so check the market’s Facebook page before you go. For more country markets near Brisbane, see our guide to the best markets in South East Queensland or browse all markets.
Town walk and heritage
Boonah took its name from a railway siding in 1887, and its centre still has heritage-listed buildings, including the Commercial Hotel, the Australian Hotel, the post office, Christ Church Anglican and the war memorial. The Fassifern railway line from Ipswich once ended here and closed in 1964. A memorial to the line stands on Yeates Avenue.
Coronation Park, at Coronation Drive and Alfred Street, has a skate park, a walking track, picnic tables, a water bubbler and toilets.
Mount French lookout
Mount French is the closest lookout to town, roughly 10 km away. From the Boonah Rathdowney Road, turn right at the Dugandan Hotel after about 500 m and follow Mount French Road for about 9 km. The road is sealed all the way to the top.
At the top there is a car park, picnic tables, BBQ facilities and a toilet. The North Cliff Track to Logan’s Lookout is about 700 m return and easy. The Mee-bor-um Circuit is an 840 m loop to the East Cliff Lookout, with views towards Tamborine Mountain, Mount Barney and the Lamington Plateau.
The cliff tops are uneven and have loose rock, so stay on the marked tracks and never throw objects over the edge. Frog Buttress, a cliff line on the mountain, is open only to experienced climbers with a helmet and safety gear. Check Queensland Parks alerts before you go.
Lake Moogerah and Lake Maroon
Lake Moogerah is about 20 minutes by car from Boonah. It has a marked swimming area, free BBQs, boating, fishing and a walk across the dam wall, and our guide covers the fishing permit, camping and the park hours.
Lake Maroon is a Seqwater dam south of Boonah on Burnett Creek, about 30 minutes by car. Seqwater lists BBQs and picnic facilities at the Maroon Day Use Area, a dogs on leash area, and fishing, canoeing, kayaking, rowing and stand up paddling. The big peak above the lake is Mount Maroon. Check Seqwater’s Lake Maroon page for the recreation guide and current conditions before you go.
Food and drink around Boonah
Boonah has the Commercial Hotel for lunch and a beer garden, the Dugandan Hotel, known for its view, and Story Tree Cafe for families. Oppy’s Fruit and Veg sells produce from nearby farms. Visit Scenic Rim also recommends the Scenic Rim Brewery and Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm for meals and drinks with views: Visit Scenic Rim.
Planning your visit
- How long: a half day for the town and markets, a full day if you add Mount French and a lake.
- Best time: the second or fourth Saturday morning for the markets. Mount French is best on a clear day for the views.
- Cost: the lookout, parks and town walk are free. Fishing and camping at the lakes cost extra, see the Lake Moogerah guide.
- What to bring: water, sunscreen, a hat and sturdy shoes for the Mount French tracks.
- Toilets: Bicentennial Park, Springleigh Park, Coronation Park, Tiny Tots Park (Rotary Park) and the council building at 70 High Street.
- Dogs: off-leash at the visitor centre dog park, on leash only at Lake Maroon’s dog area.
Getting to Boonah
By car, Boonah is about 85 km from the Brisbane CBD, about 1 hour 15 minutes, and about 45 minutes from Ipswich. The Fassifern railway line closed in 1964 and there is no train, so use the Translink Journey Planner or call 13 12 30 if you want to check public transport.
It also fits a drive loop: Mount Tamborine and Canungra are on the eastern side of the Scenic Rim, and Rathdowney and Mount Barney are south of Boonah.
Nearby
- Lake Moogerah – swimming, BBQs, camping and a dam wall walk.
- Mount Barney – the Scenic Rim’s big peak, south of Boonah.
- Rathdowney – a small town on the way to the Gold Coast hinterland.
- Lamington National Park – rainforest walks and waterfalls, in the view from the Mount French lookout.
Browse more scenic drives or everything in the Scenic Rim.
Quick answers
How far is Boonah from Brisbane?
About 85 km by road from the Brisbane CBD, about 1 hour 15 minutes by car. From Ipswich it is about 45 minutes.
When are the Boonah markets?
The Boonah Country Markets are on the second and fourth Saturday of each month, 7 am to 12 pm, at Springleigh Park.
What is there to do in Boonah?
Visit the country markets, walk the town’s heritage streets, picnic at Bicentennial Park or Springleigh Park, then drive to Mount French lookout, Lake Moogerah or Lake Maroon.
Is there a lookout near Boonah?
Yes. Logan’s Lookout on Mount French is roughly 10 km from town on a sealed road, with a short easy walk of about 700 m return from the car park.
Can I take my dog to Boonah?
Yes. There is an off-leash dog park with large and small dog areas at the Boonah Visitor Information Centre, 20 Boonah Fassifern Road.
Are there public toilets in Boonah?
Yes, at Bicentennial Park, Springleigh Park, Coronation Park and Tiny Tots Park, and at the council building at 70 High Street.
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