Gourmet Country Escape - Brisbane to Stanthorpe and Toowoomba, QLD

Travel south via the Ipswich Boonah Road to Boonah, heart of the Scenic Rim with its stunning mountain and country scenery. Take a coffee break in the delightful Flavours café located in the historic Butter Factory and visit the Boonah Regional Arts Gallery. Follow the Falls Scenic Drive via Lake Moogerah, Carr’s Lookout and the spectacular Queens Mary Falls to Killarney.

Enjoy a gourmet breakfast at your mountain cottage with breathtaking views of the Condamine Gorge then follow the Mount Lindsay Highway and the Stanthorpe-Amosfield Road to Stanthorpe in Queensland’s premier food and wine destination. Explore the Strange Bird Alternative Wine trail, tagged the ‘next generation of wine.’ With 25 varieties of classic favourites and some rare varieties steeped in European history, you can learn how to fine-tune your wine choice for a more individual food and wine experience.

Travel along the New England Highway to Stanthorpe landmark, Vincenzos at the Big Apple for some gourmet deli produce then visit Suttons Juice Factory and Cidery for a slice of their famous apple pie. In Warwick, discover some of the states finest sandstone buildings or indulge in a high tea and tour at the historic Abbey Boutique Hotel. Follow the Sunflower Route to Allora, the childhood home of P.L. Travers who wrote the Mary Poppins stories. Visit the heritage listed Glengallan Homestead, a nineteenth century country house and Rudd’s Pub named after author Steele Rudd en route to Toowoomba. Tonight, dine at one of Toowoomba’s trendy restaurants such as The Rock Pub, Fitzys, Sofra and so much more, offering fresh local produce menus. Check out the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers program for some night time entertainment.

Take in the majestic views of the Toowoomba range from the scenic Picnic Point Café, wander the exquisite gardens of Queens Park in full bloom for the annual Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers or explore Australia’s largest and most traditionally designed Japanese stroll garden. Check out the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers program for more activities happening in and around the city. Visit the Cobb and Co Museum, home of the National Carriage Collection then explore the Empire Theatre precinct for a up-close look of this magnificent heritage listed building. Enjoy a delicious pub lunch and craft beer at Toowoomba’s famous Spotted Cow Hotel then follow the Warrego Highway back to Brisbane.