The small town of Kalbar near Boonah, is bustling, a return to its heyday of more than a century ago. The old Wiss Brothers
Emporium is back in business thanks to the folks of
Empire Revival in Paddington, Brisbane.
The Emporium Kalbar
They have established this outpost of their curated multi-merchant business in the old Paddington theatre to sell "old, new and odd" wares.
The Emporium Kalbar
The beautiful heritage building with its wide street windows and pressed metal ceilings is now chock-full with a range of antique and vintage delights including homewares, gardenware, clothing and jewellery from local, national and international artisans.
The Emporium Kalbar
There's a cosy book nook complete with a love seat in the middle and a haberdashery section where you can grab a lucky dip of buttons from an old set of scales, $10 a scoop.
Buttons $10 a scoop
The Emporium first opened in 1910 stocking everything the locals needed. It's stood empty for a while in recent years, calling out for a new purpose.
The history of Wiss Bros Emporium
There's apparently plans for a cafe out the back but Lovett's Cafe across the road can take care of you. They offer lunch and all-day breakfast options that hit the spot. For morning or afternoon tea, they have a range of cakes and the biggest brownies and slices you will ever see.
Lovett Cafe, Kalbar
Kalbar is a great day trip from Brisbane, taking only about an hour. You can go a bit further to explore Boonah and indulge in the seasonal local fare on offer at
Blume restaurant. Or close to Kalbar, visit the
Scenic Rim Farm Shop & Cafe and graze on fresh farm produce under the towering Jacaranda trees.
Scenic Rim Farm Shop & Cafe
Here you can also grab some veggies from the farm to take home and a bunch of freshly picked flowers from on-site
Elderflower farm.
Elderflower Farm shop
Why not stay the night and explore more of what the scenic rim has to offer? There is heritage accommodation right next door to The Emporium in
Wiss Cottage, a gorgeous luxury option down the road at
Herrmann House or take the caravan or your tent and stay at the campground next to the showgrounds.
Herrmann House, Kalbar
Kalbar is calling. Visit the
scenic rim website to make a plan and answer the call.
