The genuine community spirit of locals even through adversity has set the Scenic Rim apart on the world stage.
The Scenic Rim is the only Australian destination in travel bible Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022 guide.
The region features in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022 Top 10 Regions alongside the likes of Burgundy in France, Vancouver Island in Canada and the Westfjords in Iceland.
The major global promotion for the region was celebrated nationally on live television, plastered across the front pages of major mastheads and all over the top travel blogs.
Locally, tourism leaders said the recognition was a win for the community.
Lisa Groom, who runs ParkTours and is the granddaughter of Binna Burra Lodge founder Arthur Groom, said it was exciting for Canungra.
“Canungra is the eastern gateway to the Scenic Rim, well positioned to welcome all the people coming through, but it is a thriving destination in its own right,” she said.
“We always stop in at Canungra on our tours and everyone loves it because it’s got its own charm and there’s so much happening on the main street with all the cafes and shops.”
Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said it was an incredible achievement for the region.
“While the official title is Best in Travel, this award isn’t only for our tourism industry. Lonely Planet also highlighted the authenticity and warmth of our local community in welcoming visitors with open arms as a defining characteristic of our region,” he said.
Lonely Planet’s Chris Zeiher said the Scenic Rim was primed to become one of Australia’s low impact tourism power players.
“From the amazing food and wine to the incredible rainforest and bush walks and memorable places to stay, this is an unexpected pocket of Australia that has it all,” he said.
“The thing that has struck me about the Scenic Rim is its people. The hospitality you’ll experience is off-the-scale. The community will invite you in and make you feel like a part of the family.
“It’s a region that’s a shining example of a connected community that’s been forced to innovate in the face of serious adversity such as drought, fire and more recently COVID travel restrictions.”
