Southern Queensland Country 2023 Visitors' Guide

Page 25

Southern Queensland Country

Active Outdoors

Wildlife wonders Welcome to a nature lover’s paradise! The stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems, make this region a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts with several parks offering unique flora and fauna experiences. Wildlife enthusiasts will be delighted by the abundance of fauna in Jimna State Forest. You’ll find Eastern Grey Kangaroos commonly seen lazing around under the gumtrees scattered across the camping area and platypuses in Yabba Creek, where you can camp on grassy banks or explore one of the three walking tracks. Jimna State Forest also has horse riding and mountain biking trails, and a horse paddock located beside Peach Trees camping area - a dedicated wheelchair friendly camp site. Crows Nest National Park, located 55km north of Toowoomba via the New England Highway or 55km west of Esk via Esk-Hampton Road, is a hidden gem. It boasts spectacular creek scenery with views over the Valley of Diamonds from Koonin Lookout, granite outcrops, a picturesque waterfall and eucalypt forest remnants on the edge of the Great Dividing Range. Visitors can cool off in Bottlebrush Pool while watching for brush-tailed rock wallabies, small forest birds and cliff-nesting peregrine falcons.

Koala, Southern Queensland Country

In Ravensbourne National Park, visitors can see majestic Sydney blue gums, staghorns, elkhorns and twining rainforest vines while exploring a series of four short tracks, including a self-guided walk from Cedar Block picnic area. Panoramic views can be enjoyed from Gus Beutel lookout, and bird enthusiasts can keep an eye out for the regent bowerbird and wompoo pigeons, as well as listen for cat birds, noisy pittas, and paradise riflebirds. Ravensbourne National Park is located north of Toowoomba towards Crows Nest on the New England Highway until Hampton. Home to more than 120 species of wildlife across a diverse range of ecosystems, Conondale National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers. With magnificent forests, deep gorges, boulder-strewn creeks, waterfalls and spectacular views, this national park offers a wide range of activities including walking tracks, scenic four-wheel drives and grassy camp sites near rainforests and mountain streams. Registered high clearance fourwheel drives are allowed on forest roads, and Sunday Creek Road from Jimna to Charlie Mooreland Campground near Kenilworth is a popular track. Visitors should check road conditions and park updates before heading out on the four-wheel drive tracks. Conondale National Park is located in the Somerset Region.

Calytrix tetragona white - Common Fringe Myrtle, Southern Queensland Country

Discover a diverse range of plants and animals at the Lockyer Valley National Park. At this largely un-touched park, you’ll find the nearthreatened mountain guinea flower and vulnerable species such as the Helidon ironbark, brush-tailed rock-wallaby and black-breasted buttonquail. Featuring remote sandstone gorges surrounded by remnant eucalypt forest makes a popular location for recreational activities including remote bushwalking, motorbike and 4WD touring. Travel north of Gatton, 11km along Gatton-Esk Road, then turn left onto Millers Road to reach the entrance of the park. Check conditions prior to travel. Conventional, twowheel-drive (2WD) vehicles can access Seventeen Mile Road only.

Visitor Guide

25


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Escape to a Local Retreat

1min
page 33

Where No Man (or Pet) is Left Behind

2min
page 32

Find the Perfect Accommodation Unlock Your Ideal Stay: Find the Perfect Accommodation for Your Next Adventure.

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page 32

Unique Stays: a Getaway from the Ordinary

2min
page 31

Cellar Doors and Vineyards Trail

1min
page 30

Foodie EVENTS and Workshops Trail

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page 30

Country Pubs Trail

3min
pages 28-29

Relish the Foodie Time of Your Life

3min
pages 26-27

Food & Wine

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page 25

Nature Like This: Connection to Mother Nature and the Country

2min
pages 23-24

The Garden City in Bloom

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page 23

Uncover Hidden Stories and Tales From Times Past

1min
page 22

Discover Southern Queensland Country’s Best

1min
page 22

Gold Coast to Southern Downs

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page 21

Fun For the Whole Family

1min
page 20

Southern Queensland Country: A Memoir

2min
page 19

Arts, Culture & Heritage

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page 18

Put the Pedal to the Metal

2min
page 17

Making Waves: Top Waterholes that’ll Have You Hooked

2min
page 16

LOCKYER VALLEY Queensland Tee Off at Courses Well Above Par

2min
page 15

How to do the Southern Queensland Country Camping Trail

2min
page 14

North Western Fishing Trail

3min
page 13

Campers Have Smore Fun: Top Spots for Camping & Caravanning

2min
page 12

6 Day, Self-Drive Tour

2min
page 11

Off the Beaten Track: Exploring our National Parks

5min
pages 9-11

Active Outdoors

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page 8

Getting Here & Around

1min
pages 6-7

Breathe in That Fresh Country Air

2min
pages 3-4
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