Beyond the beauty of Toowoomba in Southern Queensland, lies green hamlets, hidden valleys and charming villages- known as the high country it’s a ‘naturally beautiful’ destination with a lot to offer.
We head from Toowoomba into the valley to the farming area of Lilydale, and stop for lunch and wine tasting, at the family owned and operated Rosalie House. We indulge in a hearty meal stacked with local produce, and sip on tasty drops from the picturesque vineyards.
Feeling satiated, we walk the property and meet the farms friendly dog Nash, along the way. We check out the cutest bed and breakfast cottage, adjacent to the vineyard, with a country style fit out-it’s the ideal place to rest awhile after indulging in the delicacies of Rosalie House.
Driving deeper into the rolling hills, we discover a traditional local’s pub, the ‘Meringandan Hotel’ renowned for the biggest steaks around, and with the odd camel and goat greeting us, we know we’ve hit Queensland’s high country.
After a long drive up from the Granite Belt to the Toowoomba region, with a plethora of foodie stops along the way, we’re ready for a deep sleep into the night. We check into our tranquil abode at ‘Ravensbourne Estate’ perched above the expansive Ravensbourne National Park- with impressive views to match.
The friendly and local on-site managers are eager to pass on their passion for the region, with a guided tour of the property that includes the charming and bright yellow ‘Quince Cottage’ resting on the edge of the National Park, capturing sublime views across the valley.
After a soak in the cabins outdoor hot tub, we fall into a peaceful sleep, and wake to an abundance of wildlife and the freshest country air. Feeling invigorated we head to the local village of ‘Crows Nest’ for a freshly brewed coffee and delicious baked goods at ‘My Little Blueberry’.
We are told the town has one of the most lauded restaurants in the state, Myrtille, by renowned restaurateur and chef Amanda Hinds. Amanda and her husband have reinvented an expansive historial building in the quaint country town of Crows Nest, transforming it into an artist and foodies mecca.
‘Myrtille’ is a regional dining experience with a provincial French twist, tastefully
taking over a 1906 building (formerly known as Nolans Block) the property is home to an array of local artisans and providores, from across the plateau.
Time to sample the regions spirits at Pechey Distillery, built into a rustic homestead, a short drive up the road. The father and son team, otherwise known as the ’High Country moonshiners’, are passionate about what they make. The distillery boasts an impressive range of spirits, like the ‘Artists’ gin, bottles are decorated with local artwork and the taste is a fusion of botanicals from the surrounding terroir.
Visit Southern Queensland Country and you’ll discover a thriving food bowl, framed by an expansive national park, with friendly locals and top-notch farm produce- a drive destination to add to the travel bucket list.
