FOODIES FIND LOST WORLD

Scenic Rim producers serve taste sensations surrounded by nature, writes Darren Hallesy

TOO often the idea of a romantic getaway conjures up an ocean view or a swanky city hotel. The Lost World in the Scenic Rim serves up something a little different, especially if you are into food and wine.

A hidden plateau near the border of New South Wales and Queensland and right next to Lamington National Park, it’s around a 90-minute drive from the Gold Coast.

Just outside Darlington sits Worendo Cottages, a 36ha property that overlooks mountains and huge open spaces, with three selfcontained cottages available for hire, from one bedroom up to four bedrooms that can accommodate three families with ease.

The property recently received attention for its Wild Lime Cooking School, which draws people from all over southeast Queensland. Under the steerage of a professional chef, this five-hour experience gets guests to split up into groups.

Each group cooks part of a fivecourse meal, which is shared among the cooks afterwards.

We sat down to a meal of corn soup with prawns, beef birria, chicken mole and a strawberry margarita mousse knowing we’d not had a hand in cooking the meal and would be able to conjure it up again at home.

At night, you’ll feel like you truly are in The Lost World – without a street-light for miles, it’s total darkness.

You’ll probably score the best night’s sleep you’ve ever had.