Backyard Tourist: Welcome to the Lost World where you can enjoy rolling hills and lush grass

DID you know there was a place less than an hour from the Gold Coast called the Lost World? This is a place that must be seen to be believed.

The Lost World, Scenic Rim. Picture: Christine Sharp

EVER wanted to get lost in nature, surrounded by rolling, undulating hills, green pastures and the bright blue sky?

Now you can. Literally.

The Lost World, less than an hour from the Gold Coast Hinterland, is one of those places that looks good in photos and even more spectacular in real life.

Nestled among dramatic razorback mountains, the valley hides paddocks of lush grass and contented cows, wild rivers and country cottages.

Yep, keep your camera handy.

From the Gold Coast, head towards Beaudesert, a typical Queensland country town.

If you need to, take a quick pit stop at Jubilee Park and marvel at the large water-filled boab trees. There’s a children’s playground available too.

Then head south towards Tamrookum, passing past gum trees, herds of cattle, Queenslander houses and even a car strung up in a tree.

At Tamrookum, turn left on to Tamrookum Church Rd and then right on to Christmas Creek Rd to find yourself at, um, Christmas Creek.

A spectacular place to immerse yourself in nature.

The creek there is a picturesque spot for a swim and a picnic, or to even go fishing.

Afterwards, the road taking you towards Kerry is all part of the Lost World as the asphalt gets narrower and the grass greener.

This is the place where you will want to get your camera out. I’m not even talking your iPhone – get that digital SLR camera out of your bag.

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This secret place, tucked away from all the worries of the world, will be sure to impress.

And once you’ve drunk your fill of its tranquil, sublime scenery, head back home for a well deserved rest.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE … DO

People watching the milking at Tommerup Dairy Farm, Lost World. Picture: supplied

TOMMERUP’S Dairy is a working dairy farm with cows, goats, sheep and chickens galore to keep the kids entertained.

But it’s educational too. Learn where your meat, eggs, milk and veggies come from.

There are also farm stays available and on June 30 there will be an open day – the Farm Gate Festival – for those wanting to glimpse the “simple life’’.

The “Moo to You’’ workshop begins at 7am and runs for three hours. This is where you go behind the scenes to see how the farm is run. Tickets start at $16, including breakfast.

The “Farm to Fork’’ tour begins at 10am and runs until 2pm. The tour name is self explanatory. Prices start at $28, including lunch.

DISCOVER

The golf course at Ramada Resort Kooralbyn Valley.

KOORALBYN is a hidden country village with a big secret. Olympic athlete Cathy Freeman and golfer Adam Scott went to school there back in the day.

As such, the area has sport well covered, with the Ramada Resort Kooralbyn Valley golf course originally one of the best natural golf courses in Australia.

So pick up a golf club and try it out, or soak up some rays by the resort’s pool if you’re staying overnight. Keep an eye out for roos too and even skydivers landing on the small airstrip.

EAT AND DRINK

The Historic Rivermill Cafe at Mt Nathan. Picture by Scott Fletcher

TO keep with this week’s country tone, the Historic Rivermill Cafe on Beaudesert Nerang Rd at Mt Nathan is the place to be for a cuppa or some lunch.

The cafe has a seasonal menu and while you’re there, you can check out the alpacas, deer, chickens, turtles, goats and a pig that wander the farm surroundings.

On the menu there’s everything from vanilla bean and fig-stuffed French toast to damper with butter and warm chickpea salad.

And yep, they’re happy to accommodate dietary requirements with a bit of notice.

The cafe is open 7am-4pm Wednesday to Sunday.