South East Queensland Country Region Guides Attractions Events in Queensland

Acland is known for its Grain and cattle farming which are popular in the district.

Acland is also known for the Acland Coal Museum, as the town iis sited on an authentic colliery which operated until 1984. The Acland mine was the oldest and smallest continuously worked coal mine in Queensland.

Bowenville, on the Warrego Highway east of Dalby, has the basic requirements for the traveller, including fuel, a post office, barbecues, a hotel and public telephone. Bowenville is a short drive from two major tourist attractions in the region, the historic Jondaryan Woolshed and the Acland Coal Mine.

Bowenville is a lovely little place to stop and stretch your legs on your travels.

Brookstead is located between Pittsworth and Millmerran on the Gore Highway.

Brookstead is a whistlestop, offering fuel, barbecue facilities and a post office. All Saints Anglican Church lies just down the road a little further on your way to Millmerran. This church is a must-see with its quaint architecture and lovely stained glass windows.

Broxburn is a rural community approximately five minutes drive from the town Pittsworth. Broxburn is know for its yearly event, the Broxburn Country Music Festival.

The Broxburn Country Music Festival is usually held in May each year. Both well-known and local country artists perform over two days. The festival is held at Broxburn Reserve and visitors are welcome to camp overnight.

Perched high on the red, fertile soil of Buderim Mountain above the Sunshine Coast, Buderim might be small, but no town or city in the state can match it for vibrant colour. The colour flows from the bougainvillea, poinciana, frangipani and hibiscus, which adorn just about every garden in town.

Although the area’s prosperity has been built on timber, sugar, citrus, coffee and bananas, the name of modern Buderim is synonymous with ginger, which is marketed directly in every conceivable form. You can taste the fruits of the good earth at the markets or many of the local culinery establishments.

The link to the timber industry is preserved in the faithfully restored cottage built from hewn cedar and beech by pioneer John Kerle Bennett in 1876. The hinterland in which Buderim is set is sprinkled with a number of parks and reserves, which give the visitor a glimpse of the original vegetation in the area. The parkland within the area includes Mooloolah River National Park, where the wallum heathland bursts into a riot of colour in spring, Buderim Forest Park, with its signature waterfalls and boardwalk, and the beautiful Foote Sanctuary.

Cabarlah, a mountain hamlet is situated between Toowoomba and Crows Nest. In the 1800s it was the centre of a thriving dairying and saw milling community. It boasted three pubs. The one remaining, The Farmers Arms, claims to be the longest holder of a continuous liquor licence in Queensland - it was licensed in 1863.

Cabarlah is home of Black Forest Hill Cuckoo Clock Centre, famous for its clocks. Nearby you'll find objects d'art and elegant French furniture and authentic local craft pottery.

The Cabarlah Country Markets are well worth a visit and attract many visitors on the fourth Sunday of each month or on the second Sunday in December.

Cabarlah also has a couple of very nice accommodation options.

Just under 60 minutes from downtown Brisbane, Caboolture is the gateway to the Sunshine Coast. White sandy beaches, stunning mountain scenery and charming country villages await visitors to the Caboolture Shire. With such diversity in lifestyle and scenic attractions, the Caboolture Shire has all the charm and character to delight visitors.

Caboolture is well known for skydiving and gliding at the town's main airfield. The nearby Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology houses a priceless collection of antiques and fine art from around the world with treasures spanning 250,000 years of history. Memories of a more recent bygone era will be rekindled with a visit to Caboolture's Historical Village with its collection of restored buildings.

Yet few attractions rival the splendour of Pumicestone Passage and the internationally recognised marine sanctuary off Bribie Island. It's home to dolphins, dugongs, turtles and more than 350 species of birdlife. An easy 20 minutes from Caboolture, Bribie Island is linked by bridge and is a popular tourist destination for its excellent fishing, surf beaches, National Parks and reserves.

Back on the mainland, the scenic areas of Woodford and Mount Mee, and the fishing communities of Donnybrook and Toorbul are just some of the attractive towns that abound with heritage and natural scenery.

Cambooya is the heart of Steele Rudd Country. Here you will find country hospitality and old-fashioned charm in a tranquil setting of fields of golden grain.

Steele Rudd spent much of his childhood on his family's small block at Emu Creek near East Greenmount. Today a replica of their slab-and-shingle hut stands there as witness to the way of life of the subsistence farmers depicted in his book 'On Our Selection'. Another noteworthy local building is the Soldiers' Memorial Hall at Greenmount.

The Bull and Barley Inn has recently been restored to its former grandeur, boasting an authentic 1900s old-world atmosphere with displays of interesting historic pieces and photographs. There is a restaurant and accommodation on site. Or if just travelling through, stop and smell over 300 rose bushes across from the Bull and Barley Inn.

You will also find a cafe and general store across from the Bull and Barley Inn in Cambooya's main street.

In the town of Cecil Plains you'll find murals and the historic Cecil Plains Homestead.

Guests staying at the Homestead on the Condamine, now a bed and breakfast, should be prepared for unearthly presences, one apparition bearing a strong resemblance to Ludwig Leichhardt, the Prussian explorer who long ago sat on the veranda and discussed his expeditions with the two brothers who founded Cecil Plains.

The third weekend in May is Ludwig Leichhardt Weekend, so time your trip to coincide with this celebration.

There are more hints of spirits long-departed at the Old Station Cemetery. Tombstone details have been preserved in a rustic hardwood memorial surrounding a huge gum tree in the centre of this historic cemetery.

Stay at the new caravan park located in the centre of town, with easy access to the library, general store, hotel, swimming pool and the Condamine River. During the harvest season (April to July), be sure to take in a tour of the Cecil Plains Cotton Gin, one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.

Near Murgon, is the Cherbourg Aboriginal community, the oldest and largest government settlement in Queensland. Here you can buy intricately carved emu eggs and other crafts, visit the sculpted gardens and look out over the countryside to Lake Barambah.

The settlement began in 1904, originally at Durundur, but moved, and even the dead were disinterred from the site and reburied at the new reserve, called Barambah. The reserve originally had ties with Deebing Creek mission, and W.E. Roth, then the Chief Protector of Aborigines, was 'looking forward to the day when one or other of the religious bodies will supervise this settlement'.

It remained a government settlement and in 1931 the name was changed, apparently because of postal confusion, to Cherbourg. Over the years people from some 40 different groups, including the local Waka Waka people, were sent to Cherbourg. Cherbourg developed its own strong culture and is now Aboriginal-controlled under a Deed of Grant in Trust.

Cherbourg business enterprises include a dairy, piggery, cattle operations, a cultural centre and an emu farm. Artists from the Cherbourg Cultural Centre exhibited their work in the Indigenous People's Pavilion at Expo 88 in Brisbane, Queensland.

Situated half way between Toowoomba and Warwick on the wide fertile plains of the Darling Downs, Clifton is a quiet town welcoming visitors with country hospitality and a relaxed atmosphere.

Once a large wheat growing area, the town now has a diverse range of agriculture including cattle, cereal crops, sunflowers, peanut and honey production and much more.

The Clifton and District Historical Museum, located in the former Butter Factory building has a wide collection of household and agricultural items providing an insight into the area's pioneering past.

The classic streetscape of Clifton and its building's facades have been used in a number of Australian movies including 'The Thornbirds'.

Just a short drive north of Clifton is the village of Nobby and the well known Rudd's Pub, which has an extensive display of historic memorabilia and photographs of the area's pioneering past. The Pub is dedicated to Steele Rudd, who lived in the area, and found inspiration there for his stories in 'On Our Selection'. Just a short stroll from the Pub is the Sister Kenny memorial. Sister Elizabeth Kenny also lived in the area and was known for her revolutionary treatment for the victims of polio.

Accommodation in the Clifton district ranges from farmstays, bed and breakfasts, pub stays, and a caravan park.

Cooroy is an historic country town known for its quality woodwork. This busy and creative centre has won acclaim and prizes for its streetscapes and community artwork. Settled in the late 1800s as a camp for sawmill workers, the town prospered when the railway arrived and the region's timber and dairy industries boomed.

Today Cooroy is famous for Cooroy Mountain Spring Water, which flows from Cooroy Mountain and is sold all over Australia.

Visitors to this area can also explore the Noosa Botanic Gardens to see native plants and abundant bird life. Covering 20 acres, the gardens are a popular venue for concerts, weddings and other events.

The shores of nearby Lake Macdonald also abound with tranquil spots for a picnic. Created in 1965, the lake has an average depth of six metres and is a popular spot for fishing. Note that fishing enthusiasts must have a permit and may not use a conventional fuel-driven boat on the lake.

The Cooroy Butter Factory Community Arts Centre has an exhibition space that shows work by local and interstate artists. While logging is no longer a local industry, timber is still prominent in the materials chosen by local craftspeople, who exhibit at woodwork and craft shows as well as the Contemporary Furniture Exhibition each October.

Cooyar is located north of Toowoomba on the New England Highway in South East Queensland.

The suspension bridge is a real talking point in this town. It was rebuilt in 1988 after a devastating flood swept away the previous bridge, a local hall, three houses and several cars. The bridge is located in Swinging Bridge Park in Cooyar, a short distance from the Cooyar Hotel. A general store and toilet facilities are available nearby.

Cooyar's yearly show features great country show competitions, including the night rodeo. Cooyar also boasts the tiny Palms National Park, which preserves remnant rainforest and a batch of piccabeen palms in a spring-fed gully.

Perched on the crest of the Great Dividing Range, the area offers spectacular mountain views, wildlife and national parks.

The hamlets along the highway north to Crows Nest offer a wealth of attractions: nurseries, cafes, antique shops, galleries and museums. At Highfields be sure to stop at the stunning Danish Flower Art store and the Highfields Pioneer Village where traditional trades such as blacksmithing are still alive and well.

There is a variety of accommodation in and around Crows Nest - from motels to bed and breakfasts. The Crows Nest Motel provides conveniently located accommodation, or if you are after a tranquil hideaway try Ravensbourne Country Cottages, Oakleigh Country Cottage, Eagles Rest, Cloudlake Mountain Retreat and Ballymoss Homestay.

Strange but true - in October each year, Crows Nest Day includes the World Worm Races among its highlights!

Every Saturday and Wednesday, come rain, hail or shine, the population of Eumundi explodes from 500 residents to several thousand as visitors flock to the markets. The Eumundi Markets were established in 1979 and are situated in the heart of this historic town. The iconic and towering heritage-listed fig trees rise above the 500 plus stall market. Everything is on offer from fresh food to clothes and lifestyle products. Score a bargain for yourself!

There is a blend of old and new within Eumundi. The streets are lined with historical buildings, modern art galleries, boutique wineries and local history museums. The town is a must-do for anyone passing through the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

Flaxton is a tiny village where you will find lovely arts and crafts and excellent devonshire teas and lunches. Surrounding the many avocado orchards is a town of restaurants, guesthouses, art and craft galleries and private dwellings. It is an ideal place to picnic and enjoy life. Flaxton is sometimes considered the prettiest of the Blackall Range settlements. It offers a wide variety of beautiful mountain accommodation.

The Glass House Mountains Visitor Information Centre in Settlers Rotary Park is a delightful gateway to the Sunshine Coast. The centre is on the way into the township of Glass House Mountains and has an interpretive centre for the region providing information about the mountains and national parks. The centre provides a free booking service for accommodation, tours and activities, and also showcases local produce. Enjoy the extensive landscaping with barbecue facilities and playground.

The Glass House Mountains are found in the hinterland of Queensland's Sunshine Coast. They are actually the cores of 20 million year old volcanoes, so that the sides of the volcanoes have eroded away leaving only hardened plugs or rock spires.

The Aboriginal dreaming story about these formations gives each of the mountains a name and character in a family, and tells a dramatic story of human relationships.

Captain James Cook gave the area its unusual English name while sailing past, on his way up Australia's east coast, in 1770. From a distance they reminded him of the glass-making furnaces of his home town in Yorkshire.

There are both sealed and unsealed roads through the Glass House Mountains National Park, with spectacular lookouts over the surrounding plains along the way. An excellent day trip could include a lunch stop at picnic grounds, bush trails and rock-climbing.

The area around the mountains produces many tropical fruits such as avocados, pineapples and papaws as well as strawberries, vegetables, nuts and tobacco.

Visitors can stay in the area at the township of Glass House Mountain, which can be reached in about 20 minutes from Caboolture or 30 minutes from Caloundra. Nearby towns are Beerwah, Beerburrum, Landsborough and Mooloolah.

Distance from Brisbane (State Capital): 64 Kilometres.

Goombungee is full of marvellous historic buildings including the Rosalie Shire Historical Society's Museum, which contains a good collection of historic photographs, local family histories and memorabilia. Drop in and visit the Pioneer Arms Hotel. The hotel is a wonderful historic country pub which dates back to 1897.

The town is known as rural iron man country, as it hosts an annual Iron man and Iron woman Competition on Australia Day. A unique iron man sculpture welcomes visitors as they enter the town from the south.

Goombungee has picnic tables and public toilet facilities located in the heart of town, with shops and petrol located close by. Jacarandas bloom along many streets every Spring and Autumn, turning on a particularly pretty display for visitors.

The Rosalie Gallery hosts an ever-changing display of fine art exhibitions.

This tiny town is a country delight, with cheese speciality shops and an Emporium to tempt the visitor. Whether you fancy fine china, delicate jewellery or ornate furniture, a wide array awaits your inspection.

Whilst in town, sample both the beautiful crafts and the tasty homemade pies! Browse through the delightful Emporium, with good quality goods that cover every possible need for life in the country. Venture a little outside town to visit the historic Booubyjan Homestead and try the tasty home-grown olives and pressed oils nearby. The annual Pumpkin Festival, held in May, is popular with locals and visitors alike for it's fun family antics, including pumpkin races down the main street! Be sure to book your accommodation at the motel well in advance as this event is growing every year!

Gowrie Junction is located just five minutes drive west from Toowoomba's city outskirts, just off the Warrego Highway. This picturesque country community lies amongst the rolling hills which border the open cropping plains of the Darling Downs.

Gowrie Junction has a petrol station and a newly built community sporting hall. The town is well worth a stop.

The tiny hamlet of Grandchester is located in the beautiful Lockyer Valley between Ipswich and Toowoomba.

The pride and joy of Grandchester is the Grandchester Railway Station, built in 1865. Listed by the National Trust, the Station is significant as the terminus for the first railway line built in Queensland. Running from Ipswich to Grandchester the railway was also the first narrow gauge mainline railway in the world.

Before the construction of the railway line, Grandchester was little more than a whistle-stop for travellers and was known as Bigges Camp. Queensland’s Governor at the time, felt that a place at the centre of such a significant historical event deserved a more dignified name, and so renamed the site Grandchester.

Once a month the locals get into costume, fire up a large model train, and take visitors for a ride around the site.

Not far from the railway station, the historic buildings of an old homestead have been restored and converted into a luxury resort – right in the heart of a working cattle station. Here amidst the clean country air, guests can experience the workings of a real farm.

The nearby villages of Rosewood and Laidley are of equal historical significance with heritage buildings lining the streets and charming aspects making them well worth a look.

Grandchester is located approximately 45 minutes west of Brisbane and 20 minutes from Ipswich.

Greenmount is a lovely country township surrounded by dairy farms, horse studs and various crops.

Take a break for a barbecue in Greenmount's Bicentennial Park next to the Memorial Hall. The Hall features a rare pressed metal ceiling and stage.

The Greenmount Cemetery is the final resting place of Jack Slattery. He was the character 'Cranky Jack' in the novel On Our Selection by Arthur Hoey Davis, better known as Steele Rudd - one of Australia's most famous writers. Take the time to explore the town's other Steele Rudd attractions including his hut and Rudd's Pub in nearby Nobby.

As the heritage and cultural centre of the Cooloola Region, Gympie boasts a tradition that few areas in Queensland can offer. Gympie offers the warm hospitality of a country town with all the modern conveniences.

Known as the 'Town that Saved Queensland', Gympie’s proud heritage began in 1867 with the discovery of gold by prospector James Nash at the site now occupied by the Town Hall. At the time, Queensland was facing bankruptcy due to drought and the fall in wool prices. However, Nash made the five day journey down the Mary River from Maryborough and, after digging up 75 ounces of gold in six days, staked his claim. The Gympie Gold Rush was on, injecting the boost to the Queensland economy that enabled the colony to survive.

Gympie is 160 kilometres, or about two and a half hours' drive north of Brisbane.

The Haden district was first settled one-hundred and twenty-five years ago. As the early pioneers opened their selections, the need for schools, churches, halls and railway was soon apparent.

Haden township was a thriving centre in the early 1900's, with two pubs, three grocer shops, butcher shop, Queensland National Bank - and a racecourse. Haden State School was officially opened on May 20, 1912, and first known as Wahoon State School.

The brush turkey, known to local Aboriginal people as wahoon, was prevalent in the area in Haden's early days and in 2002 a monument was erected there.

Situated at the top of the escarpment, Hampton is one of the delightful small hamlets located along the New England Highway between Toowoomba and Crows Nest.

Take a break, and enjoy the fresh mountain air before exploring the antique shop and gift stores. Fresh local produce, from the many farms located around the district, is available for sale at the General Store.

Visit the Hampton Information Centre, which is located at the intersection where visitors can choose to venture along the scenic drive to Ravensbourne National Park and possibly also on towards Esk. The centre also sells a range of local produce.

Ravensbourne National Park features short bushwalking tracks, a scenic lookout and picnic facilities. The National Park is for day-use visitors only.

Each year in May the park surrounding the Visitor Information Centre plays host to the Hampton High Country Food and Art Festival. The festival gives local producers from all over the Darling Downs a chance to showcase their produce.

Highfields is a booming community, growing in both population and in tourism activity - just a short drive north of Toowoomba along the New England Highway.

The Highfields Pioneer Historical Village is an attraction with rare and unusual collections of vintage machinery. Most of the machinery has been restored to working order and can be seen in action particularly at the Easter Vintage Festival. The Historical Village also features a fully operational Blacksmith Shop, a Heritage Chapel, and an original Toowoomba 1928 Dennis Fire Engine. View 40,000 Sea Shells and Coral Pieces in one of the largest collections in Queensland.

The Danish Flower Art Centre is always worth a visit. Take a break at the coffee shop before exploring the expansive garden, flower fields and animal nursery. Scroll Magic is also onsite at the Flower Art Centre. Here you can see an operating blacksmith workshop.

On the picturesque drive along the New England Highway lie many other enticing spots, including a lookout, nurseries and the Chocolate Cottage. The Chocolate Cottage is located at the Village Green, where you will also find antiques, art and other specialty stores.

Just across the road from the Village Green is Jacaranda Manor. Jacaranda Manor features a coffee shop, fudge factory, bead store and a number of other interesting specialty stores well worth exploring.

Highfields boasts a large Cultural Centre suitable for large conferences. Also located at the Centre is an outdoor public swimming complex with a volleyball court and basketball court.

Hodgsonvale is a small rural community just south of Toowoomba. It's an area which offers the mountain biker, motorcyclist, quad biker or trail bike rider an picturesque area to enjoy the landscape and the capabilities of their bikes.

Make sure to include a stop at the Rural Centre where you can find fantastic coffee and scrumptious cakes and slices. Lions Park offers a rest stop for a barbecue or a game of tennis nearby.

As the birthplace of rail in Queensland, Ipswich has a proud and rich history that dates back to the days of the convicts and colonialism of the 1820s. Attracting visitors to its vast green spaces, heritage buildings and growing cosmopolitan dining options, Ipswich's urban charm holds an ever-present appeal.

Brisbane Street, in the heart of the city, has one of the longest stretches of heritage facade in Australia and is home to the Old Flour Mill building, built in 1902 and now a quaint cafe that also offers antiques and collectables.

Retrace the journey of the first Cobb and Co Stagecoach or take control of train simulators and relive the romance of rail. Take to the skies with a scenic helicopter flight or wander the expansive Queen Park in the city centre.

Whether you're looking for family friendly fun, outdoor adventure, adrenaline action, pure indulgence or a glimpse back to bygone days, Ipswich is well worth a day trip or weekend getaway.

Jondaryan is a quaint rural township and home to the widely adored tourist attraction, the Jondaryan Woolshed and Station Village.

The Woolshed is the oldest woolshed in Queensland, as it was established in 1859. The museum was established in 1975 to celebrate the history of Jondaryan Station and its role in the development of the pastoral industry on the Darling Downs.

Visit the Jondaryan Woolshed and Station Village during the Heritage Festival, or enjoy tours and demonstrations most other days. See and experience what life was like before technology took over. Enjoy the sheep shearing, blacksmithing, working horses, sheep dogs and more. Be sure to stay long enough to enjoy some billy tea and damper, or stay even longer and lodge overnight in the dormitory or shearers quarters.

The Woolshed plays host to a Sunday Country Brunch every third Sunday of the month.

Kilkivan is the north-eastern entrance to the South Burnett and is home to a host of experiences. Tempt your tastebuds with local olives and redclaw crayfish. Tantalise your senses with the aroma and healing properties of lavender direct from the farm. Allow yourself to glimpse life as it used to be, by wandering the town's historical museum in the main street.

Queensland's first gold discovery was at Kilkivan in 1852 and subsequent findings escalated into a gold rush in 1868. Small pockets of gold are still found to this day and visitors can have a go at gold panning. Brochures describing short walks and drives to places of interest are available. Check out Mudlo Gap Conservation Park, north of Kilkivan especially if you have an interest in bird watching.

Have a cold drink at the hotel and meet some of the locals. As well as lovely accommodation, the local B&B offers sumptuous meals and the opportunity to take some of the goodies with you in a South Burnett gift hamper.

Annually, the town hosts 'The Kilkivan Great Horse Ride', an exciting event which has been known to attract over 1000 riders to its trek along parts of the Bicentennial National Trail.

Kin Kin is a quaint town located in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, 40 minutes' drive from Noosa Heads. It's an area well known for its art scene and great food and the drive there will give you a feel for the wonderful scenery surrounding the area. Kin Kin is an aboriginal word referring to a small black ant that was common in the area. So common they named it twice!

Kin Kin began its days as a timber town and was famous because of its much sought after cedars and eucalypts. In later years it became a perfect area for dairy farming.

Nowadays many artists reside in the area including an artist who makes all his pieces from recycled metals. Kin Kin is also an area that has become synonymous with health and wellbeing with a well known health retreat and a massage school calling the area home. Kin Kin tea (a herbal drop) is also produced in the region.

Kin Kin is also close to a series of tracks and trails called the Noosa Network Trail. Hikers, mountain bike riders and horse riders are all able to use the tracks.

Kingsthorpe is 15 minutes drive west of Toowoomba and offers excellent accommodation and emerging wineries, as well as a panoramic drive.

Kingsthorpe is home to both Gowrie Mountain Estate Vineyard and Cellar Door and also Wedgetail Ridge Estate Winery, which are open by appointment. Gowrie Mountain Estate offers accommodation onsite in the historic homestead, while Sugarloaf Mountain Country Retreat, just up the road offers accommodation close to both wineries.

The eastern part of the area has several scenic lookouts which provide expansive views over Rosalie Plains and portions of the Darling Downs. One of the most easily accessible is located just outside Kingsthorpe at Mt Kingsthorpe Park and is well worth a look.

A graded walking track from the lookout's car park takes visitors to the summit, which provides expansive views as well as a glimpse of some of the original rainforest vegetation that once covered all of Mt Kingsthorpe.

A service station is also situated in Kingsthorpe for your convenience.

Kulpi is a small rural community in which cattle and grain properties figure most prominently, one of which has become a well renowned Host Farm. Moorlands Host Farm is one of Australia's most prominent and successful Hereford and Red Angus studs. The township itself features a hotel and it's only a short drive to Rimfire Winery at Maclagan.

Maclagan is a town boasting a popular winery and situated at the foothills of the Bunya Mountains. Stop in at the store for supplies and directions before setting off for Rimfire Winery and Rangemore Estate Winery.

Be sure to explore the network of beautiful bushwalking tracks nearby in the Bunya Mountains National Park. If you're not too easily spooked, venture through the old Muntapa Rail Tunnel and duck to avoid the colony of bats that call it home. You may even be lucky enough to see an echidna along the walk to the tunnel.

The town is a very close neighbour to Quinalow, another friendly country town.

The delightful Sunshine Coast hinterland town of Maleny lies in picture-postcard dairy country, interspersed with rainforests. Located high in the Blackall Range, about 30 kilometres south-west of Caloundra, the area is renowned for its environment and numerous scenic spots.

All around Maleny arts and craft galleries abound. There is a wide choice of cafes and restaurants in Maple Street (main street) Maleny as well as at Cairncross Corner and along Mountain View Drive. Most eateries feature local and organic produce in a picturesque setting which is just a 90 kilometre drive north from Brisbane, but 1,000 kilometres from the cares and pressures of the big smoke.

There's a myriad of sightseeing opportunities in the area, including panoramic views of the Glass House Mountains. Bushwalking and bird-spotting are popular pastimes in this area. You can also explore the walking trails through the lush rainforests of the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve.

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk is a fulfilling eco-friendly journey into the beauty of nature. The 58 kilometre walk winds through the Blackall Range and traverses some of the most scenic areas of the hinterland including Maleny Forest Reserve, Kondalilla National Park and Mapleton Falls National Park. Experience a half-day stroll, a full day hike or an overnight quest. Maps are available from the Visitor Information Centre.

Situated in the heart of the Sunshine Coast hinterland, the scenic drive to Mapleton from Maleny, taking in Montville and Flaxton, is one of the most scenic on the Sunshine Coast. Throughout this beautiful district, art and craft galleries abound, along with potteries, antique shops and museums.

Buy fresh local fruit and vegetables from the side of the road and make sure you stop to dine at one of the many interesting and unique restaurants and cafes which have opened in recent years.

Nature, however, is the star attraction in these parts, and her gift to Mapleton is a spectacular cascade tumbling off the western escarpment of the Blackall Range into the Mary Valley. The Mapleton Falls are best appreciated from the viewing platform.

The village flanks the Mapleton National Park which is renowned for its rainforest picnic glades. Mapleton also hosts the annual Yarn Festival when spinners of tall tales and true gather to celebrate the art of the Aussie bush balladeer.

The historic village of Marburg, west of Ipswich, takes visitors back in time to an era when the town was the bustling hub of the local area. The streets are lined with beautifully restored heritage buildings including the old German Baptist Church, Bielefeld’s Store and the historic hotel built in 1879.

Just outside of town you’ll find the newly restored two-storey plantation style mansion named Woodlands of Marburg. This grand old lady of the valley is heritage-listed and was built in 1890 as the home of a local sawmill owner, his wife and their 11 children. The mansion overlooks picturesque Marburg Valley and is surrounded by magnificent Jacaranda Trees and Bunya Pines.

From Woodlands you can take a hot-air balloon ride over the Scenic Rim and the heritage city of Ipswich. The Great Dividing Range provides the backdrop for your breath-taking glide over the scenic countryside.

There are several boutique wineries in the area that are well worth the look. You can take a tour, enjoy a delicious meal and sample a drop of award-winning wine at the cellar door.

The pretty villages of Haigslea and Rosewood nearby are also of historical interest and great places to linger a while and explore.

Marburg is just 45 minutes’ drive from Brisbane and Toowoomba and 15 minutes from Ipswich.

Meringandan sits amongst the valleys just off the New England Highway, between Toowoomba and Crows Nest, nestled at the gateway to Cooby Dam.

Meringandan and its neighbouring community, Meringandan West, are a quiet detour from the busy highway. The community has general supplies at the Meringandan News and General Store and it's only a short drive to Highfields for most other needs.

Water-based activities, picnic grounds and bush walking tracks make for a great day of family fun at Cooby Dam. Those who are adventurous will enjoy sailing, canoeing and windsurfing. Find a spot on the banks or launch a boat (electric motors only) for some great fishing. Barbecue facilities, bush walking and the children's playground will certainly keep the rest of the family busy.

Meringandan West is an alternate route from Toowoomba through to Goombungee. It's a quiet little township tucked away in the green rolling hills north of Toowoomba. Meringandan West is a great little spot to stop and pick up some supplies at the fuel station on offer and relax at the refreshment spot.

Located on the western fringe of the Darling Downs, Millmerran offers a fascinating mix of experiences, sights and characters. You will see the best of Darling Downs living in the rich agricultural area of the Condamine and Macintyre catchments, and experience the spirit of the Western Downs through the town's unique attractions and festivals.

Millmerran is home to a series of larger than life murals placed throughout the town to depict stages of the town and district’s history. The Commodore Peak lookout has a panoramic view over Millmerran.

The Mount Basalt reserve, just 19 kilometres south of Millmerran, is well worth the look, and from here you'll find a variety of walking trails and a lookout offering spectacular views. Mt Basalt is a unique geological and environmental landmark that features rare volcanic formations.

The Australian Camp Oven Festival, held in Millmerran, is a biennial event that occurs in even-numbered years. Millmerran is the national headquarters of the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia, and is renowned for the shooting facilities on offer.

Montville was first settled in 1887 and is today known by some as the creative heart of the Sunshine Coast. This charming village perched on the Blackall Range is home to a range of quality art galleries that exhibit, and sometimes produce, works of great interest to all art lovers. Shoppers also love the many craft shops, fashion boutiques and gift shops that exhibit a staggering range of affordable, locally made items.

Close to Montville is the Kondalilla National Park. Kondalilla is aboriginal for 'rushing waters' and is home to scenic walks and spectacular waterfalls. It is ideal for a picnic, a swim, or just to escape into the cool rainforest.

Visitors to Montville can also access the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk. A 58 kilometre walk through the hinterland that is easily accessed from Montville. One of the most popular sections is the Lake Baroon - Kondalilla Falls section.

A range of accommodation options are available, from romantic cottages right in the rainforest to holiday apartments and luxurious hotels.

Mount Tyson is a small town amongst the grain and cattle farms of the Darling Downs. The locals of this town are truly proud of their 'tidy town' title won over many years, while the town can be said to be at its most beautiful as the Jacarandas come into bloom.

Just west of the town is the very well known Adora Downs Host Farm. Catering mostly for groups, this farm is neither a secret to Australians or overseas visitors, as word has spread that this farm offers a distinctly Australian farm experience.

Like most small town cheese factories, Mount Tyson's cheese factory is no longer producing cheese. The factory however, is 'churning out' a sweeter indulgence, as it has been converted to a confectionery factory. Known as 'White Mischief,' the nougat and other delights are truly a welcome new use for the dairy farmers' milk.

Murgon is a diverse farming area that, among a range of crops, boasts the largest vineyard in the State. There are seven vineyards and cellar doors within a 15 kilometre radius of the town.

Murgon has a strong beef industry and was once the centre of a thriving dairy industry. The Dairy Museum (the only one of its kind in Queensland) gives you an insight of life in early pioneering days.

Boat Mountain has one of the best panoramic views in South East Queensland and a scenic drive will get you to the best vantage points. There are walking tracks in the area, which are designed to blend in with the natural surroundings. Bird watchers and naturalists will enjoy the native flora and fauna in a virtually undisturbed habitat. There is a large duboisia plantation in this area.

Nearby gem fields give fossickers a chance to discover semi-precious stones, such as agate, amethyst and quartz crystal.

Bjelke-Petersen Dam, which is the lifeblood of the local cotton, agricultural and wine industries, is12 kilometres from Murgon's busy shopping centre. Nestled on its foreshores, Yallakool Tourist Park offers boat ramps, covered picnic areas, barbecues, caravan and camping sites and cabin accommodation to suit all budgets.

Nobby is an historic liitle nook in South East Queensland. Famous names like Steele Rudd and Sister Kenny make visiting Nobby a bit like taking a walk in the annals of Australian history.

Steele Rudd (real name: Hoey Davis), the author of Dad and Dave, is remembered by the oldtimers of the town and also by those who may recall the golden days of radio, where the Rudd stories ran for many years. The historic Rudds Pub remains. You may even catch a sheep dog demonstration, or listen to a yarn from the resident Bush Poet.

Then there's Sister Kenny, the 'saint' who worked with polio treatments prior and the development of a vaccine. Near the hotel, there's a memorial dedicated to this lady. That's just a part of the history, with much more told simply by taking a stroll along the town's main street which is dotted with shopfronts from another era. Take a picnic in the local park which offers barbecue facilities.

Oakey is home to the Museum of Australian Army Flying, displaying every kind of aircraft flown by the Australian Army since World War 2, including the latest high-tech military helicopters. And for real aviation buffs there are other remarkable flying machines, including a replica Bristol Boxkite, as used to train pilots in World War 1.

The area's most famous sporting son, the mighty racehorse Bernborough, is celebrated in a life size bronze statue that stands proudly outside the Jondaryan service centre. Here a press-button recording lets visitors relive one of Bernborough's brilliant wins and find out more about his exploits. Pioneer heritage is also on display at the Oakey Historical Museum, with its old slab hut.

Oakey has motels, pubs, a caravan park and bed and breakfast accommodations just a short drive from regional wineries, with restaurants featuring fresh local produce and the finest beef. Or, for a relaxing taste of rural life, you can try a farmstay on a working cattle and grain property.

Pechey is a beautiful picturesque hamlet located near Crows Nest. Here you will find a number of reasons to stop and take a look around, including Granny Smiths Devonshire Teas, the Pechey Forest Park overnight campgrounds and Listening Ridge Farmstay.

While you're there have a yarn to the friendly locals, who will be happy to share stories about the town.

Peranga lies on a country road between Quinalow and Kulpi. The community is within a short drive of a number of surrounding tourist attractions, including Maclagan's Rimfire Winery, the Acland Coal Mine, Moorlands Host Farm and the Muntapa Rail Tunnel.

Peranga itself offers basic facilities, including a Post Office, banking facilities at the Post Office and a public telephone.

Perseverence is an area east of Crows Nest and Pechey, where day-trippers enjoy barbecue picnics by Perseverence Dam and groups find excellent camp and conference facilities at Perseverence Lodge.

Opposite Perseverence Lodge is a public park with barbecue facilities and playground equipment. At the Dam itself the picnic grounds is a lovely spot to stop to admire the tranquil waters and the dramatic drop from the roadway across the dam wall.

Guests of Perseverence Lodge can also enjoy a huge range of activities, including canoeing, kayaking, orienteering and tennis.

Pittsworth is just off the Gore Highway 40 kilometres south west of Toowoomba and is the only country town of the Darling Downs to have accredited gardens in the Australian Open Garden Scheme. This friendly town is a beautiful spot and one of the prime agricultural areas of the world.

Pittsworth also boasts some of the richest farming land in Australia. A beautiful display of Silky Oak and Jacaranda trees line the town streets, flowering in October and November. The town is surrounded by cotton and grain growing farms, as well as some remaining dairies.

Visit St Andrew's Church with its magnificent stained-glass windows and relive the past at the Pittsworth Pioneer Historical Village. The Historical Village provides a lasting reminder of the early development of Pittsworth and the surrounding rural district through the use of original buildings, equipment and artefacts. The museum is also home to a display of memorabilia boasting the feats of Arthur Postle, known as the 'Crimson Flash,' Australia and the world's one time fastest athlete.

Nestled at the foot of Mount Cooroora, Pomona is a relaxed country town with some pleasant easy walking tracks around delightful parks. Pomona was first settled in the late 1880s and the railway that arrived in 1891 started the expansion of the agricultural industries. Originally known as Pinbarren Siding, the name was changed in 1906 to Pomona, named after the Roman goddess of fruit and orchards. From 1909 until 1980 Pomona was the administrative centre for the former Noosa Shire Council.

Pomona is also the home of the Majestic Cinema, the oldest continuously running silent movie cinema in the world. Built as the Majestic Hall in 1921, it was originally used for social and sporting events and silent movies. 'Talkies' were introduced briefly in 1931, but the cinema reverted back to silent movies and today shows The Son of the Sheik, starring Rudolf Valentino, every Thursday, as well as a host of other events throughout the year.

Discover stories and artefacts that reveal the area’s local history at the Noosa Shire Museum. Located in the old Shire Chambers, the displays include photographs of important moments in Pomona’s history; a Post Office Exhibit, and a room dedicated to the original inhabitants of the area, the Gubbi Gubbi people.

Pomona is located about 25 minutes from Noosa, just beyond Cooroy and can be experienced as part of an beautiful drive which may include the towns of Cooran, Kin Kin and Boreen Point.

High on the Great Dividing Range and overlooking the Lockyer Valley, Preston makes for great explorations, whether by four wheel drive, trail bike or on foot through the bushland.

Preston Peak Wines is the perfect location to sit back with a glass of red wine and soak in the spectacular scenery. The combination of fine wine and cuisine can be enjoyed all year round, on the breezy verandah during summer or by the fireplace on a chilly winter day.

Also experience the dining at the restored Preston Manor which overlooks the stunning Lockyer Valley. Located next to the Manor is the gorgeous Preston Village Chapel which has also been restored - just perfect for weddings!

The Ravensbourne area features Ravensbourne National Park, two attractive lakes and some very appealing accommodation options.

The beautiful natural landscape and vistas from the eastern escarpment, the Piccabeen palm groves of Ravensbourne National Park, and the rugged scenery of Lake Cressbrook offer opportunities for bushwalking, boating, fishing, bird watching and picnicking.

Ravensbourne National Park is a lush pocket of rainforest, with bushwalks varying from very short to longer hikes. The park preserves one of the few examples of rainforest that originally covered much of the local area. This day-use park has short walks through rainforest and open eucalypt forest, which support an amazing array of native birdlife.

The various walking tracks allow you to view features of the rainforest and open forest. While the walks are short - only one is longer than a kilometre - you can spend a full day exploring the park. You can discover some of the forest's more interesting features on the Cedar-block self-guiding walk. This starts at the picnic area near Gus Beutels Lookout, which provides a panoramic view of the range towards Toowoomba and the Lockyer Valley.

Sketches Mountain Resort, Ravensbourne Forest Chalets and Cloudlake Mountain Retreat offer superior accommodation in self-contained houses set in picturesque surrounds.

Only a short drive away from Brisbane and the coast, and you're in South East Queensland Country. Welcome to four clearly defined seasons, clean air, a burgeoning wine industry, galleries and museums, and the freshest and tastiest produce. It’s all waiting for you to explore.

Comprised of six regions, South East Queensland Country is a refreshing change of pace from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you like wine, the South Burnett and Granite Belt regions offer a variety of vineyards and cellar doors. The Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Greater Brisbane Country offer wild expanses of national parks and the cheery hubbub of country markets, folk music festivals, fine dining and freshwater fishing. And Toowoomba and the Darling Downs offer heritage-rich history and dramatic mountains and beautiful parklands. This is a part of Queensland where a visit should not be hurried.

The laid-back country roads and designated scenic routes make travelling in this part of the state a real pleasure. There are plenty of bed and breakfast options sprinkled among the more than 50 cellar doors and a choice of cafes and delis to make your meals memorable.

Take time to enjoy the simple pleasures: home-cooked breakfasts at quaint cottages, hidden antique shops or simply a cuddle with a loved one by the fire in the cooler winter months.

There are plenty of amazing things to see and do around South East Queensland Country. Whether you're in the mood for something relaxing, action-packed or just feel like going for a long nature walk, there's something to suit everyone's tastes.

Southbrook is a scenic rural community located on the Gore Highway near Pittsworth.

The township has a primary school, hotel, a store, fuel and other basic facilities, with most other facilities available only a short drive away in Pittsworth.

Southbrook is home to a Farm Stay, a working grain farm that welcomes visitors to experience country life with its friendly hosts. The Farm Stay is a 2,500 acre farm characterised by hilly grassland, uncleared native woodland, and crops including sunflowers, chickpeas, wheat and barley.

The Farm Stay has an abundance of wildlife including koalas, eagles, parrots, kangaroos, wallabies, dingos and wild pigs. Guests can enjoy bushwalking, fishing in the creek, boating on the dam or a relaxing swim in the pool. Farm tours, horse riding, four wheel driving and fossicking are also among the activities available.

Spring Bluff is a beautiful valley tucked in the ranges north of Toowoomba and best known for its picturesque Railway Station.

Spring Bluff Railway Station is a favourite day trip for visitors and locals alike. Its gardens are magnificent during Spring and Summer and steam train rides are a feature of September during Toowoomba's Carnival of Flowers. The Railway Station features a coffee shop in the station master's cottage.

It's worth visiting Spring Bluff just for the interesting drive down the range off the New England Highway through to Murphy's Creek. The road meanders through lush bushland, following the path of the creek.

Springbrook, dominating the skyline west of Broadbeach, is a wonderful retreat with a choice of excellent dining at small cafes and affordable accommodation.

Nestled between Lamington National Park and the coastline, Springbrook National Park is renowned for its waterfalls and ancient Antarctic Beech trees. Be sure to visit Purlingbrook Falls, Canyon Lookout and take a lunch break at Goomoolahra Falls picnic ground at the southern end of Springbrook Road. There are plenty of walking trails to take it all in.

Don't miss the Springbrook Homestead and its fantastic observatory for night-time entertainment with a difference. South of Springbrook, steep roadways through the Numbinbah Valley offer one of the most picturesque drives on the Gold Coast. The valley is home to Natural Bridge, famed for its amazing glow-worm colony.

Toowoomba is a great city to shop ‘til you drop, dine late and discover the best things in life. It is a treasure-trove of tradition and culture.

Crowning the edge of the Great Dividing Range 800 metres above sea level, Toowoomba is renowned for its architecture and open spaces that overlook the Lockyer Valley. One of city’s famous vantage points is Picnic Point, from where you can explore the graded walks along the range escarpment, or sit back, relax and take in the view.

Toowoomba really is Queensland’s Garden City, with more than 240 public parks and gardens. In spring the city celebrates with its Carnival of Flowers, held each year in the last full week of September.

From March to May mellow tints of red and gold mark the Autumn Showing, when you can enjoy a carriage ride through Queens Park amongst the blanket of fallen oak and willow leaves.

Toowoomba’s history has been preserved in its buildings. The magnificently restored art deco Empire Theatre attracts regular performances. A well signposted drive for visitors will take you past the city’s finest architecture, including City Hall, the National Trust Royal Bull’s Head Inn and ‘Heritage Street’, Russell Street. A visit to the Cobb & Co Museum is a must as it houses Australia’s largest collection of horse-drawn vehicles.

Garden-lovers will be kept busy exploring the city’s internationally themed gardens – the University of Southern Queensland’s Japanese Gardens, the Wetlands of the World and the New Zealand-themed park at Lake Annand. If you favour a stroll among the flowers, visit the meticulously tended Botanic Gardens at Queens Park. Take time out to smell the flowers in Laurel Bank Park.

Explore the Western Downs, Toowoomba and the Darling Downs.

In the heart of South East Queensland Country is Toowoomba, situated on the crest of the Great Dividing Range. An easy hour drive south of this area, and you are in Steele Rudd Country. Throughout the shires of Cambooya, Pittsworth and Millmerran explore the pioneer history and writings of Arthur Hoey Davis.

North into the Eastern Downs you will explore galleries, nurseries, host farms, bed and breakfasts and museums. Drive the designated Tourist Drives through Crows Nest, Rosalie, Jondaryan, Dalby and the Bunya Mountains.

West of Toowoomba you can broaden your horizons in the Western Downs region. This expansive area covers the shires of Chinchilla, Murilla, Taroom, Tara, Waggamba, Balonne, Bendemere, Bungil, Wambo, Waroo, Millmerran and the towns of Roma and Goondiwindi. Your experiences here will be wide and varied from nature based activities like bushwalking and birdwatching to warm, hearty country cuisine and hospitality.

Vale View is located just south of Toowoomba and is home to Federation Park. Federation Park is a lovely spot for a picnic or a short walk. Vale View is accessed from Toowoomba via Drayton Road and is located near Cambooya. Make sure you pay a visit to the local winery on your way through the area.

Westbrook is a growing community located a short drive south west of Toowoomba.

Enjoy the hotel complex, featuring verandahs looking over the plains of the Darling Downs, a bottle shop and restaurant. The town has also recently become home to a lovely little restaurant and several little shops. Westbrook has become a great destination for a short country drive from Toowoomba.

Just five minutes drive south of Ipswich, Willowbank is known by petrol-heads around the world for its world-class drag racing and motor sport complex. The huge outdoor centre offers a program of drag racing entertainment for the whole family. Also featured are pro stock motorcycle racing, street car racing and nitro-burning funny cars. Everything you need to get your motor running!

Willowbank Raceway owns the distinction of hosting the largest championship drag race held outside of the United States, along with televised national and state events.

The multi-purpose Complex also hosts the Ipswich Kart Club and an Advanced Driver Education Centre. At the Education Centre visitors can learn the finer points of defensive driving, vehicle control in dangerous conditions, and how to properly maintain your vehicle.

If your sense of adventure extends beyond fast cars, then Willowbank is also the place you can step on board a plane and experience the thrill of a tandem skydive!

Just five minutes north of Willowbank is the thriving city of Ipswich where you’ll find more attractions including a rail museum and model train workshop.

There is no accommodation in Willowbank itself but nearby Ipswich has a host of accommodation options from caravan parks through to luxurious motels and apartments.

Centrally situated in the vibrant South Burnett, Wondai is located between the towns of Murgon and Kingaroy. As you enter this picturesque rural town you will notice several attractions clustered around its attractive round-a-bout precinct. These include dingo sculptures, an art gallery, antique shop and a heritage museum just around the corner.

Stop into the unique timber museum, and take in the excellent display of local woods and timber history, as well as the wonderfully detailed, life-size diorama. A fully accredited Visitor Information Centre is also located in this building. Pop next door into the newly opened Woodcrafter's Workshop and watch local woodworkers demonstrate their skills.

Having worked up an appetite, stop into the craft cottage/tea gardens or one of the historic hotels for a bite of lunch. At Wondai you can stay in a comfortable bed and breakfast while enjoying the luxury facilities onsite, or motel accommodation is also vailable in town.

This is the famous 'Ginger Town' of the Sunshine Coast hinterland, which boasts some of the most beautiful country in Queensland.

Yandina lies just to the north of Nambour, the centrally-located retail and service town for the central Sunshine Coast hinterland. This area is extremely rich in natural rainforest parks and reserves. Native animals such as kangaroos, koalas and wombats, which can often be elusive in the wild, are on constant show here. Yandina is home to the Ginger Factory, where you can sample all things ginger, and taste the delights of the award-winning Spirit House restaurant.

Yandina is 107 kilometres north of Brisbane.

Yarraman is a Hoop Pine timber town surrounded by rolling hills, rich farmlands and forests. Close to the Bunya Mountains and Palms National Park, Yarraman offers a quiet, leisurely country town atmosphere, with good facilities and easy access to the rest of the South Burnett region.

After morning tea at the café, why not get into the history of the area with a visit to the heritage centre. With displays relating to forestry, education, art, agriculture, technology, war history and rail there is something here to interest everyone!

As a base to explore the region, or for an overnight stay, the caravan park, cabins and other accommodation are available.

Yarraman offers the visitor the opportunity get out and about and close to nature. With 'mud maps' available at outlets throughout the town, take some time to try out some of the walks. If four wheel driving, trail bike riding or horse riding is more your style, then there are a number of suitable roads and tracks around the area. The Old Coach Road, which is a section of the National Trail and the Seven Mile Gold Diggings area are quite popular for these pursuits.

Bird Watching is also a popular activity here with bird watchers from all over Australia congregating, hopeful of catching a glimpse of a rare Black-breasted Button Quail that is known to frequent only a small section of forest country between Yarraman and the Tarong Community Park. Plenty of other wildlife makes its home in Yarraman district. If you look carefully you may come across a Brush Turkey, Goanna, Wallaby, Bilby or even a shy Platypus.