8 minute read
Top Country Stays
You’ll find a mix of beautiful retreats across Southern Queensland Country. From well-appointed, welcoming B&Bs and wine trail cottages to country cabins, familyfriendly farm stays and mountain houses and resorts with soaring views, there’s a top country stay to suit you. Whether you’re in need of some time together over a long weekend, can sneak away for a mid-week break or want to extract the kids from their devices for some fresh air and family time, we’ve got you covered!
EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY OF THE SEASONS We’re not just a red wine around the fire destination, although wine country in autumn and winter is particularly sublime! We have stays for all seasons and all reasons. In summer – you can camp in a squatters chair on a breezy verandah and burn through that book you’ve been ignoring; in spring a riot of colour greets you as our parks and gardens burst into bloom and delicate wildflowers peek through the granite trails
at Girraween National Park and pop up over our western country landscapes. And the reds, oranges and purples of our autumn leaves especially in Toowoomba, the Granite Belt and the Southern Downs are something to behold.
Our wine is becoming our worst-kept secret and our seasonal produce will keep you coming back to try the ever-changing selections on local menus.
HOME AWAY FROM HOME If you’re looking for the comforts of home with all the little extras that make for a very special stay, book a few nights at a B&B. Styles range from contemporary architectdesigned homes to traditional Queenslanders fitted out with the latest modcons. Special touches like fresh flowers, crisp luxury linen, guest lounges filled with books, secluded garden nooks and hearty country-style cooked breakfasts often served on fine china make the B&B experience a real pleasure.
Your hosts are happy to share their local knowledge
and provide tips on must-dos, restaurants and tours, should you need them, but they understand privacy is king!
CABINS AND COTTAGES Self-catering country cabins and cottages give you a little more space to yourself and are perfect for couples looking for a do-not-disturb romantic weekend away, travelling families or groups of friends celebrating special occasions.
You’ll find studios and multi-room cottages in the heart of Toowoomba, Warwick and Stanthorpe, close to dining, shopping and entertainment; or boutique stays nestled in the rolling hills of the High Country Hamlets and Killarney or the wine country in the Granite Belt or the South Burnett.
SOAK UP THE COUNTRY ATMOSPHERE When is the last time you gazed up at an inky starry sky, toasted marshmallows around a firepit and woke to beautiful birdsong? Unless you’ve been camping, chances are not lately. A more comfortable option, and one the kids will love, is a farm stay. Some properties offer self-contained cottages, while at more traditional ones, you’ll stay in the family homestead.
There’s usually a country pub not far and plenty of kangaroos and wallabies bounding through the bush. Feeding calves and piglets, patting lambs and chasing chicks is heaven for city kids, and a few days relaxing and recharging, breathing in clean air and sitting under a tree with a good book won’t go astray with parents either.
HEAD FOR THE HILLS Couples or groups wanting to really get away from it all should book a self-contained mountain house or resort stay in Ravensbourne, Maryvale or the Bunya Mountains. Mountain and forest views are simply good for the soul. And if you want to do more than look at it, many properties offer bush trails or are a stone’s throw from National Parks. Reception might be patchy in some places, but who needs wifi when you’ve got wildlife?!
AREA 51 WARWICK The grace and charm of this renovated, tastefully decorated 1930s Queenslander home is the perfect base to explore the heritage city of Warwick, take in a range of sporting and cultural events or discover nearby national parks.
The house features a modern kitchen, wifi, large deck with BBQ, five bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a handy laundry, and a lovely wood fire and air con in the lounge room – everything you need
for a comfortable stay. Opt for a king or queen ensuite room, a double or king single or book the entire house for a memorable group celebration (of up to 9 guests). You’re only a short stroll from the sandstone city centre, cafes and Warwick Art Gallery, or a few minutes’ drive to the horse sports and motor racing tracks at Morgan Park.
Your Hosts Yve & Chris P 0417 620 648 area51warwick.com 51 Canning Street, Warwick E yvestocks@bigpond.com
31 THE ROCKS Nestled amongst 10 acres of natural bushland and granite rock outcrops, 31 The Rocks is a deluxe country retreat. Designed with your comfort in mind, our self-contained villas are superbly appointed to ensure that your stay is as enjoyable and comfortable as possible. Each villa is positioned for privacy in its own unique setting.
Our short walk introduces you to the delights of the natural bush and climbs to the top of the granite escarpment where you’re rewarded with spectacular sweeping views. An excellent vantage point to experience stunning sunsets.
If you do wish to venture out, it’s an easy hop to Girraween National Park, the country roads of the Granite Belt bike trail, local wineries and paddock to plate provedore experiences.
We’re known for our warm hospitality and memorable, exceptional experiences and we look forward to welcoming you.
Your Hosts Scott & Debbie P 07 4681 2726 31therocks.com 31 Brunckhorst Avenue, Stanthorpe E stay@31therocks.com
BESTBROOK MOUNTAIN RESORT Bestbrook is a family owned and or cooking your own damper operated Australian Farm Stay, (bush bread) on our bush 90 minutes west of Brisbane, microwave, then wind up the 2 hours from the Gold Coast. heat and boil the billy for a cup This is where you can come for of Australian bush “billy” tea. a day or stay for a while in one of At feeding time you can our comfortable self-contained help feed the sheep, chickens, cabins, or try the best bush ducks and cows and if you are camping around. At Bestbrook up to the challenge, try a horse we work to create memories ride under the supervision of you will remember long after our experienced staff . you have returned home.
Enjoy the simple pleasures of life by getting a hands-on experience in milking a cow,
Your Hosts Ray & Elise P 07 4666 1282 bestbrook.com.au 9790 Cunningham Hwy, Maryvale E bestbrook@bestbrook.com.au
BUNYA MOUNTAINS ACCOMMODATION CENTRE The Bunya Mountains National clear mountain streams, soaring Rainforest is an ecological pines, rainforest, waterfalls and wonder. Typically 5–7 degrees rolling hills. cooler than the surrounding There are over 100 holiday plains and with an abundance homes for you to choose from, of flora and fauna, nothing all adjacent to the National else in Southern Queensland Park. There are options to suit can compare. The sunsets couples and families plus larger and sunrises are mesmerising, chalets suitable for groups and there’s a nightly star show up to 100. Your chalet can be featuring dazzling lights against nestled amongst the rainforest an inky black universe. There’s or perched on a striking also 41 kilometres of walking escarpment overlooking Darling tracks where you’ll see crystal Downs or South Burnett.
P 07 4668 3126 bunyamountains.com.au Bunya Avenue, Bunya Mountains E info@bunyamountains.com.au
SPRING CREEK MOUNTAIN CAFÉ & COTTAGES Unparalleled views from every the tariff . Our onsite, licensed window when you stay in one Café is open each evening for of our spacious, comfortable our guests, both in-house and cottages. Overlooking the outside, should they require headwaters of the Condamine dinner. River with Wilsons Peak and the Accommodation available Main Range National Park as 7 days a week; Café is open highlights. With birdsong and Wednesday to Friday 9am to the braying of cattle the only 5pm and Saturday & Sunday sounds you can hear, you are 8am to 5pm serving breakfast, assured of absolute peace and lunch and dinner, morning and tranquility. Our famous gourmet afternoon tea. We source as breakfast, which includes much local produce as we can all home baked and locally with the famous Killarney Beef sourced goodies, is included in a speciality.
Your Host Beverly P 07 4664 7101 springcreekcottages.com.au 1503 Spring Creek Rd, Killarney E springcreek@westnet.com.au PITSTOP LODGE Truly a ‘home away from home’, this fully-renovated Queenslander-style country B&B is ideal for groups, off ering self-catering (or a hearty cooked breakfast!) and accommodating up to 12 people in 4 bedrooms. Everything is to hand in this selfcontained home – beautifullyappointed airconditioned bedrooms, a modern kitchen, showers that run hot and strong, and living areas for all seasons – from the large back verandah with its BBQ, to the
comfy loungeroom with its leather sofas and cosy fireplace. And all just a leisurely stroll to Warwick’s historic CBD. No matter what brings you to town – business, festivals, our famous rodeo, motor racing or horse sports at Morgan Park, you’ll love the aff ordable, comfortable convenience of Pitstop Lodge.
Your Hosts Yve & Chris P 0417 620 648 pitstoplodge.com.au 53 Canning Street, Warwick E info@pitstoplodge.com.au