A Scenic Rim drive is always a good idea, especially when there’s a great country pub waiting at the end of it. The newly reopened Roadvale Hotel Scenic Rim is once again welcoming locals and travellers looking for a relaxed pub lunch built around local produce, classic favourites and a few modern surprises.
Reopening in early 2026 under new local ownership, the historic Roadvale pub sits around one hour’s drive from Brisbane, making it an easy weekend escape or Scenic Rim day trip.
The hotel welcomes both bookings and walk-in diners, though weekends can get busy as word spreads about the reopening, so arriving early or booking ahead is a smart move if you’re planning a group lunch. If you’ve been searching for pubs worth a drive from Brisbane, this revived country pub deserves a spot on your weekend list.
When I heard the hotel had reopened, I made the trip out to Roadvale to see what had changed and, more importantly, what was coming out of the kitchen.
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Plan Your Trip to the Scenic Rim
Planning a trip to the Scenic Rim is a perfect getaway if you’re craving a countryside escape without a long drive. Just over an hour from Brisbane, the region is perfect for a relaxed day trip or weekend built around good food, cellar doors, farm gates and scenic country drives. Plan your route around a long lunch at one of the region’s welcoming pubs or restaurants, then add in small-town stops, local producers, lookouts and walking tracks to create a day that moves at country pace. The joy of the Scenic Rim is that you don’t need a packed itinerary, just a good map, an appetite and time to wander.
Here are some helpful links:
- Here are some delightful Scenic Rim stays with fireplaces
- More accomodation options
- Affordable car rental options
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A Local Pub with Local Owners
The hotel is now owned by locals Ash and Lauren, who live just minutes away. That local connection shows in the warm welcome and the effort being put into making the pub a genuine community hub again While the building itself remains familiar to returning visitors, the real changes are happening on the plate, positioning the Roadvale Hotel as one of the most appealing Scenic Rim pubs to visit right now.
RELATED POST: If your appetite guides your road trips, here is a list of top regional dining spots worth the drive from Brisbane.
Blue Swimmer Crab Arancini Roadvale Hotel
Meet the Chef and the Menu Direction
Head chef Steve joins Roadvale Hotel Scenic Rim from the Commercial Hotel in Boonah (which is also well worth a visit), bringing experience and a menu that balances comfort food with contemporary touches.
The aim is simple: cater for everyone. You’ll find classic pub favourites alongside dishes with Asian influences and restaurant-style flair, making it an easy choice whether you’re stopping in for a casual lunch or planning a longer Scenic Rim day trip.
For travellers researching where to eat in the Scenic Rim, this refreshed menu makes Roadvale an easy choice.
Local Produce at the Heart of the Menu
It was early days when I visited but the kitchen is making a strong effort to source locally wherever possible. Much of the meat comes from my favourite butcher in Kalbar, The Butcher Co., while local farmers are coming on board to supply fresh fruit and vegetables.
Many of the best Scenic Rim restaurants draw their strength from the incredible producers located right on their doorstep. I’ve had many chefs tell me that you don’t have to work hard to create tasty food when the ingredients are fresh and local.
Where Should You Sit?
One of the pleasures of dining at Roadvale Hotel Scenic Rim is that you can choose the atmosphere that suits your visit.
The main dining room delivers classic country pub charm, with comfortable sit-down tables and that familiar welcoming feel many locals remember. There’s also a billiard table, making it a fun choice if you feel like a relaxed game of pool after lunch.
The outdoor area, meanwhile, is perfect on a sunny Scenic Rim day. It’s dog-friendly and opens onto a large grassy space where kids can move around safely while parents settle in for a long lunch. It’s an easy, relaxed setting for families or anyone travelling with their four-legged companions.
Both spaces offer a comfortable country pub experience, so the choice really comes down to whether you’re chasing classic pub atmosphere or relaxed outdoor dining.
Barra Burger Roadvale Hotel
What to Order at Roadvale Hotel
If you’re wondering where to eat in the Scenic Rim, Roadvale Hotel delivers a menu that blends country pub comfort with a few welcome surprises.
Start with something to share, like the crisp blue swimmer crab arancini with yuzu mayonnaise, char-grilled Queensland tiger prawns with mustard miso dressing, or warm country loaf with whipped smoked feta and dukkah while you settle in.
Pub classics are done well here, from a generous chicken parmigiana and crispy schnitzel with gravy and chips to a chargrilled Black Angus rib fillet and hearty sausages with creamy mash and onion gravy.
The pork belly is a standout, slow cooked until tender and served with kipfler potatoes and a fresh apple and macadamia salad. Other strong mains include North Queensland barramundi, Korean BBQ pork ribs, and a comforting wild mushroom risotto. Lighter options like the sesame chicken salad or salt and pepper tofu also make good choices.
And it’s worth saving room for dessert, especially the sticky date pudding or chocolate fondant, while a classic affogato is perfect if you just want something small to finish.
Come hungry and take your time. This is Scenic Rim dining best enjoyed slowly.
Route Link : Brisbane GPO to Roadvale Pub and return
Turn Lunch into a Scenic Rim Day Out
A stop at Roadvale Hotel Scenic Rim fits easily into a wider Scenic Rim drive, turning a relaxed pub lunch into a full day exploring the region.
Nearby Kalbar is well worth visiting before or after lunch. Take a wander through Kalbar Emporium, packed with antiques, homewares and gifts, where it’s easy to stumble across something you didn’t even know you were looking for. While you’re in town, call into the local Butcher Co, well known for premium-quality meat at very reasonable prices. I often stock up here, so it’s worth bringing a cold bag or ice packs so you can take your purchases home safely.
If you’re visiting on a weekday, continue your drive on to nearby Boonah for a stroll through town and a browse in the local shops and cafés. Just keep timing in mind: many businesses close from lunchtime Saturday, and Sundays are very quiet, so Boonah is best enjoyed Monday to Friday.
Add in scenic country roads, rolling farmland and a relaxed lunch at one of the most welcoming Scenic Rim pubs, and you’ve got the perfect regional day trip sorted.
I’ve visited the Scenic Rim many times but this is my favourite Scenic Rim Road Trip.
A Scenic Rim Pub Worth the Drive
If you’re planning a Scenic Rim day trip or searching for Scenic Rim restaurants to try next, Roadvale Hotel Scenic Rim is an easy recommendation. The menu offers something for everyone, the produce highlights local suppliers, and the atmosphere feels comfortably country without being dated.
For anyone wondering where to eat Scenic Rim on their next weekend escape, this historic pub makes a perfect stop.
It’s exactly what you want in a regional pub: good food, friendly service and a reason to linger a little longer before heading back on the road.
And yes, the pork belly really is worth ordering.
Where is the Roadvale Hotel?
You’ll find the Roadvale Hotel at 320 Gray Street, Roadvale. It opens from 4 pm on Thursday, serving lunch and dinner on Friday and breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday. Check their Facebook for the latest opening details.
