South East Queensland Country Region Guides Attractions Events in Queensland

A Heritage Christmas in Cooroy is a fantastic community event with loads of free activities making it an affordable day out for the whole family.

The festivities start with a Poet's Breakfast at Bistro Bistro from 8.00 a.m. The Lower Mill Site will be open for self guided tours and woodworking demonstrations. Heritage clothing and photographs will be on display at the Cooroy Butter Factory.

From 4.00 p.m. there will be festivities in Apex Park with free rides, face painting, food and market stalls, licensed venue, heritage displays and entertainment.

The Great Santa Race is at 4.30 p.m. involving a short dash up Maple Street by competitors wearing full Santa suits with AUD1,400 cash up for grabs! Followed by the Bendigo Bank Street Parade at 5.00 p.m. a great entertainment line-up and an awesome fireworks display.

Every Sunday morning locals gather at Abbey of the Roses for the weekly Abbey markets.

With over 20 stalls selling an array of products including art and crafts, homemade cakes, unique handcrafted jewellery, dolls, pet accessories, leather work, hand knitted items, bric a brac, second hand books, home decor, Australiana, fabric, gifts, plants, honey, wood work, clothing, farm fresh fruit and vegetables and much more, so there is sure to be something for everyone.

While at the Abbey take in the splendour of this majestic sandstone building, previously a convent and now a function centre with bed and breakfast accommodation.

The Abbey Medieval Festival is the largest and most authentic medieval pageant in Australia. The event attracts over 35 re-enactment groups from Queensland and interstate (800 knights and ladies in splendid costumes re-enacting the golden age of chivalry). In 2009 visitors to the festival numbered over 20,000 people.

The Festival commences with a Medieval Banquet for 300 plus guests which is held on the weekend prior to the main event - the medieval tournament. The Tournament weekend highlights many aspects of medieval life from mock battles and jousting to drama, music and dance.

There is a full program of activities at six venues for tournament visitors to enjoy - the Main Castle List, the Jousting Arena, the Village Green, the Common, the Great Hall and the Meyden (Turkish Oil Wrestling field), featuring jousting, re-enacted historical combats, archery, fencing, drama, dancing, music and craft.

The Apple and Grape Harvest Festival celebrates and promotes the harvest and lifestyle of the Granite Belt. The region is unique in Queensland: the combination of altitude and granite produces some of the country's best produce and wine. Voted an Iconic Queensland Event in the Q150 Celebrations.

The highlights of the festival include the Gala Ball, a black tie affair on Friday evening; the Wine Fiesta in the Park, Grand Parade, Queensland Grape Crushing Championships, and the Festival Fireworks are must sees on the Saturday; and to top off the festival on Sunday, sit back and relax in the park with the Multicultural Music Festival.

For market lovers, the Market in the Mountains will be running on Saturday and Sunday in the Civic Centre.

For a full list of festival activities visit the website.

The Australian Camp Oven Festival is a weekend of great family fun that celebrates their cultural bush heritage. There is something for everyone to do or see. The kids can be part of the damper throwing or billy boiling competitions, while adults might like to try their hand at making a bush apron, a mailbox (both judged prior) or even putting together a cooking team for one of the friendly competitions.

Visitors can sit back while watching the horse whisperer or sheep shearer, or enjoy the arts, crafts, local produce and old working machinery. Enjoy some authentic camp oven food before you kick up your heels at the bush dance on Saturday night. The Sunday morning Poets Breakfast brings their best poets from afar. Aussie dining and full bar facilities are available throughout the weekend and visitors can camp onsite with convenient amenities.

The Border Railway Market is held on the first Sunday of each month at the historic Wallangarra Railway Station, on the Queensland-New South Wales Border, just a short drive south of Stanthorpe. They offer the pick of local art, craft and produce, as well as a hot breakfast, light refreshments and takeaways being available in the station dining room.

While on the Granite Belt, why not visit one of the many wineries, spectacular Girraween National Park, a lavender farm or one of the many other attractions such as the Granite Belt Maze or Heavenly Chocolate.

Make a weekend of it and choose from a selection of accommodation, cosy bed and breakfasts, self contained cottages, motels or camp out under the stars.

Fine Artworks, Gourmet Delights and Unique Handmade gifts for Christmas from rural and remote artisans. Visit Bush Christmas for an exclusive opportunity to purchase your Christmas gifts and festive fare. Affordability, quality and innovation are the characteristics that make this event unique, capturing the imagination of those with a feel for the outback and appreciation of fine work. Bush Christmas has gained a very high profile on the Toowoomba calendar as an event not to be missed.

Christmas gifts from Bush Christmas show imagination, quality and superior workmanship. Gourmet Delights feature for the festive season as well as gourmet hampers for personal or corporate delivery. Gifts for all the family with price ranges from just a few dollars. Preview the exhibition online and click on exhibitors to glimpse the wonderful array of gifts and hampers.

Celebration Golf is mainly aimed at people that are interested in learning to play golf, but do not have the financial means to play it. The organisers want to spark their interest for this sport in showing them a different and interesting way of playing it. Moreover, as a non-for-profit organisation, they try to raise money for charities and therefore help people that are in need.

The Workshops Rail Museum offers a wide range of innovative and interactive educational programs, based on railway themes - past, present and future. Why not get into the Christmas spirit at The Workshops Rail Museum? Make your own Christmas tree decorations and festive art and craft at the Creation Station. You can write letters to Santa and play the part with dress-ups.

Don't forget to explore the 16 interactive exhibition zones, try your hand at driving a big, rumbling train on a simulator, play in the colourful, kid-sized Nippers Railway, or step back in time to see workers restoring heritage trains on a Behind the Scenes Tour of the Working Workshops (enclosed footwear required).

The Christmas Capers theme train will depart the Old Gympie Railway Station on Saturday 21 November, 2009. Begin your Christmas festivities by taking a train ride on the Silver Bullet through the beautiful Mary Valley.

Indulge in a glass of champagne and nibbles on arrival in the beautifully restored refreshments room. Enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner and sing-along at Imbil! Join in the Christmas trivia fun to win prizes.

A great night for staff Christmas parties. Dress in red, white and green. Please arrive at 6.00p.m. for a 6.30p.m. departure. The train returns at approximately 11.00p.m. Please be advised that this event is not suitable for children.

CRT FarmFest is Queensland's premier primary industry field days. Showcasing over 2,000 companies and attracting over 70,000 visitors from across the nation and overseas, this is one of the fastest growing field days in Australia. The event is organised and promoted by Rural Press Events, the organisers of many events in Australia and New Zealand including the giant AgQuip Field Days in Gunnedah New South Wales.

The Workshops Rail Museum's annual signature event, Day out with Thomas, will once again delight visitors of all ages. 'Sir Topham Hatt, The Fat Controller' and Thomas the Tank Engine himself will be visiting The Workshops Rail Museum.

Activities will include storytelling with Thomas the Tank Engine and The Fat Controller, fun and games in the Thomas Play Pit, screenings of Thomas' famous adventures in the Theatrette, and art and craft activities at the Creation Station.

Thomas the Tank Engine will also be joined by some of his well known friends including Donald and Douglas the Scottish Engines and Lady the Magical Engine.

Activities are free after general museum entry.

Earth Freq is a weekend-long music, lifestyle and environment festival, running since 2006 in the south-east Queensland/northern New South Wales region.

The concept of Earth Freq is not just a party or festival, but a gathering of the tribes and a weekend of learning, connection and intention. The focus is on creating a meaningful space to gather, where you can raise awareness and share useful information on environmental issues and sustainable lifestyle choices, consolidate community bonds with creative and fun activities, and provide a positive transformative party experience in the beautiful Australian outdoors.

Tune in to the Earth Frequency.

Extreme Monster Trucks - 2009 Monsters Tour of Destruction - Caboolture is the ultimate action packed night of family entertainment with awesome metal shreading monster line up featuring four real Racing Monster Trucks including the brand new Raptor's Revenge, Warner Bros Taz and Scooby Monster Trucks and Australian Champion Monster Truck - Outback Thunda, an awesome car melting Jet Van, Human Inferno and lots more crazy action packed stunts and an enormous AUD50,000 Stadium Fireworks Pyromusical Spectacular.

This will be Caboolture's biggest night of non stop high octane fun. Family entertainment not to be missed with so much action packed into the night, that the whole family from grandparents to toddlers are sure to enjoy the show. Don't miss it. Tickets are on sale now - this is a great Christmas gift idea.

Celebrating the fresh food grown and produced in the beautiful heart of the Scenic Rim the Fassifern Fresh Food Festival to be held on 4 July, will be a feast for the taste buds. Incorporating a farmers market, cooking demonstrations, food and wine sampling and fun activities for children themed around the great winter vegetables that grow around Boonah. Enjoy a day out in the country surrounded by the magnificent mountains of the Scenic Rim. This will be a great day for the family to come out and have some fun whilst tasting the fresh food the region has to offer.

Glengallan Seasonal Farmers Markets are country markets held on the first Sunday of each season - Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer, in the gardens of historic Glengallan Homestead. Discover all sorts of farmhouse and gourmet goodies, arts and crafts.

While visiting the markets why not explore the homestead itself, a fine example of a delicately balanced restoration that enables the visitor to experience the best and the worst of its times.

The Heritage Centre and Coffee Shop at the Homestead offers homestyle cooking, with morning and afternoon teas, light lunches and coffee available. Also take the opportunity to browse their range of local preserves, giftwares and souvenirs for sale.

Glengallan Homestead is located on the New England Highway, midway between Warwick and Allora, on the glorious Southern Downs.

There is free entry to the markets but there is an entry fee for the Homestead.

Demonstrate all aspects of Steam driven transport and industry - The Valley Rattler Steam train trip departs daily for half day tours. The 1873 vertical steam engine, The Mary Anne, will be taking passengers on local trips. There will be a Gympie Gold Mine Massive 1890 Steam driven mine winding engine, steam powered generator for mine lights and steam powered air compressor for mine jackhammers. The Steam Powered winding engine was used to lower miners up to one kilometre into the mine and to haul out the gold ore.

And there will be a Woodworking Museum steam powered timber mill plus there will be working steam engines and tractors on display.

A fully restored 1930 vintage bus will transport patrons to the three events, all inclusive for all venues in the ticket price - three fabulous days of entertainment and discovery.

Heart of Gold International Film Festival is a four day gala event held in the famous gold mining city of Gympie. The Festival celebrates everything that is good about life: inspiration, fun, hope and humour.

Highlights include the Opening Night Party, Awards Night. You can attend a wide range of film sessions a day, eat delicious cafe food, enjoy a glass of wine and browse the merchandise and very special Art with Heart gallery.

Short films from around the world are entered into a popular competition of around 12 categories. Films are classified G, PG to M with the M rating on some sessions for 'mature themes'. The Festival includes feature-length films, documentaries and music videos in addition to the ever-intriguing short films which can range from 30 seconds to 30 minutes in length.

For more information and details about actual sessions and films, visit the operator's website in February!

The In 2 Adventure Weekend Dirt Fest is a family weekend of off road adventure and fun featuring the Salomon Tre-X Off Road Triathlon Series
Championships and includes something for every member of the family including the following events: the 50 kilometre XC Mountain Bike Classic, the 20 kilometre XC Mountain Bike Classic, an eight kilometre Trail Run, a two kilometre fun run, a short course Dirt Crits, the Salomon Tre-X Off road Triathlon and multi-sport events. There are also free kids Mud Rat events and family activities.

The weekend includes camping on Friday 12 March 2010 and Saturday 13 March 2010 with catering, provided by the Mt Cotton Scout Group, available throughout the weekend. It's a great community event with something for the whole family!

Kilkivan Great Hose Ride Incorporated, was founded in 1986 with the principal objective being, to conduct a horse riding event where riders of all ages and ability could enjoy a leisurely trail ride through the most beautiful scenic bushland Kilkivan could offer, and at 4.00 p.m. ride down the main street of Kilkivan for the Grant Street Parade. 1,200 riders enjoy every moment and talk about it for days.

Five trail rides are on the go around region, food and entertainment is available Saturday night at the Showgrounds in Kilkivan and with four bands. There are many 'cutting the rug' in the street on Saturday, whilst the rides are on, street stalls with local wineries, olives, cafes, wares, poets, country themes and many more showing off the townships talents! Be sure to come along, have a weekend away, and enjoy the scenery, concert, entertainment and stalls. Fun for all!!

The Maleny SWAP Historical Motorcycle Club Queensland is a well known venue for enthusiasts to view and obtain parts for their historic motorcycle. The event attracts buyers and sellers from all over Australia and even overseas. This is a motorcycle, parts and tools only event, with bric-a-brac not allowed.

Dogs are not allowed for safety reasons. To make a booking, please contact the operator. Included in the entry fee is a free raffle ticket, the raffle will be drawn at midday Sunday.

Open Studios of the Scenic Rim is a biannual event held in September and May. Artists of the Scenic Rim throw open the doors of their studio each weekend in these months so you can visit the artist at work, purchase work directly from the artist, find out how and why they do what they do and lean some new skills along the way!

Includes sculpture, weaving, painting, ceramics, glass art, textile and fibre art, bookmaking, jewellery making, photography, and theatre.

Artists in Residence at Songbirds Rainforest Retreat in September are Sculptor Antone Bruinsma, May Sculptor Mike Taylor.

Artist in Residence at Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens in September are Goat Track Theatre Co.

Ahoy there me hearties! Captain Rattlebones is calling for all his pirates to assemble for Pirates of the Valley at Old Gympie Station to board the "Blueskellies Diesel Express" for a treasure hunt through the Mary Valley.

Captain Rattlebones has stolen a map which indicates hidden treasures are there to be found. Ticket price includes a sausage sizzle and drink at the end of the treasure hunt.

The train departs Old Railway Station, Tozer Street, Gympie at 10.00a.m. and returns at 2.30p.m. Bookings are Essential.

Primavera is a celebration of Spring, Granite Belt Style. During September, October and November, the Queensland wine capital shrugs off the winter chills. Celebrate the Spring with your partner, or bring friends or family. Attend an organised event, or set your own pace and create your own style.

For 20 years the Granite Belt held the Spring Wine Festival when new vintage wines were released in Stanthorpe. New vintages are still released in Spring but they now have so much more than wine to celebrate. They have regional wine, food, lavender and other produce, so now they call it Primavera.

The Border Railway Market is held on the first Sunday of each month at the historic Wallangarra Railway Station, on the Queensland-New South Wales Border, just a short drive south of Stanthorpe. Our markets offer a wide and varied selection of local art, craft and produce, as well as tasty hot breakfasts, light refreshments and takeaways available in the station dining room. Coaches are welcome.

The station itself uniquely sits directly on the state border between New South Wales and Queensland. Have your picture taken with one foot in each state on their marked border line! Bring the whole family for a fun filled morning.

The 15th annual Rathdowney Heritage Festival will be held on Sunday 4 April starting 8.00 a.m. at the Rathdowney Memorial Ground. This year will be a celebration of Rathdowney's 100th birthday and the Rathdowney region's pioneering days. The day will feature the event favorites, including country markets, wood-chopping, blacksmithing, and wheelwrighting.

The Heritage Festival Parade commences at noon and will include Horse drawn vehicles, mounted horses, walking groups in pioneering costume, band, and other heritage segments, as well as vintage and veteran vehicles.

The day will include entertainment - Celtic Band, Old Time and Country Music, Bush Poetry, Children's entertainment (animal nursery and rides), Billy Tea and Damper, barbecue, licensed bars). Join in the fun of the annual Rathdowney Heritage Festival, a great day in the Scenic Rim for the whole family.

Ho ho ho! Meet Santa when he makes a very special stop at The Workshops Rail Museum before the Christmas season starts! Other activities at the Santa Celebration include art and craft, land train rides and special treats for children.

While at the Museum, visitors can discover over 16 interactive exhibition zones, try their hand at driving a big, rumbling train on a simulator, play in the colourful, kid-sized Nippers Railway, or step back in time to see sparks fly on a Behind the Scenes Tour of the Working Workshops (enclosed footwear required).

Activities are free after general Museum entry.

Australia's newest commercial art exhibition space focusing on important sculptors is proud to present the unique sculptures of Antone Bruinsma from November 2009 to April 2010. Please join them for the opening on Saturday 28 November 2009 from 3.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. The exhibition will be formally opened by Mr Brett Raguse, Federal Member for Forde at 4.30 p.m. The Exhibition will continue until April 2010. Finally a satisfying way to savour the arts.

Experience the magic of live performance in two of Queensland's most stunning locations at the University of Southern Queensland's seventh annual Shakespeare in the Park Festival.

Toowoomba's premiere 'green-space', Queens Park comes alive with Shakespeare in early March of each year. The Festival then tours to Fraser Coast where audiences welcome the Bard to balmy Seafront Oval at Hervey Bay in mid-March.

Since its inception in 2004, the Festival has presented unforgettable mainstage productions of The Tempest (2009), Romeo and Juliet (2008), Macbeth (2007), The Comedy of Errors (2006), Taming of the Shrew (2005) and Hamlet (2004).

In 2010, the Festival returns with Shakespeare's great romantic comedy, Twelfth Night - an hilarious tale of mistaken identity, comical characters and raucous antics.

Pack a picnic, bring a blanket and settle in for an unforgettable night of theatre under the stars.

A special celebration of the new vintage and our unique Sicilian culture.

Don't miss this, the 10th anniversary of the Golden Grove Sicilian Lunch. Be wined and dined with our award winning wines and a traditional lunch prepared especially by our Sicilian trained chef returning from two years in Palamero and Taormina.

Be entertained and join the celebrations as we crush the new vintage grapes and spoil you with our renowned Sicilian hospitality.

The Skydive Ramblers post Equinox Skydiving and Music Festival (or Boogie as it is known!), at Toogoolawah, is Australia's largest international skydiving festival. It is a visual smorgasbord of colour and action in the sky.

The biennial skydiving event encompasses many disciplines of the sport and attracts over 300 Australian and international skydivers and hundreds of spectators to the Drop Zone at Toogoolawah, in the Somerset (Esk) Regional Council area of South East Queensland.

The nine-day festival will also include night sky diving and fantastic evening entertainment, all at the Ramblers Skydiving Resort that has been purpose-built for skydivers.

Spectators are welcome, entry is free during the day. While you are there book in for a Tandem jump (costs apply) and be part of the action of the Skydiving Festival.

Come out to the Equinox Boogie Festival and find out why Ramblers is "Famous for Fun!".

The Southern Downs Sculpture Symposium will feature up to 20 participating artists and a team of five guest artists who will carve local Warwick Tanamerah sandstone.

There will also be workshops, information sessions, a schools' program, a sculpture exhibition, auction, markets in the park and ample opportunity for the public to actively participate in this event. Sculptors will work in the highly visible venue of Leslie Park, Warwick, so progress can be viewed and enjoyed by the general public.

The finished sculptures by the five guest artists, monumental in size, will be donated to a number of smaller communities and located in Federation Park by the Condamine River.

Stanthorpe Art Gallery Exhibition - Albert Vershuuren Retrospective showcases Albert Vershuuren, a local master potter. Also on display will be Creative Generation's 2009 Best of Queensland High School Art Touring Exhibition.

The Gallery hosts the biennial Stanthorpe Art Prize and is proud of its extensive permanent collection. A comprehensive program features a range of international, Australian and local exhibitions. As a supplement to the ongoing exhibition program, the Gallery conducts floor talks, workshops, education days and other public events. For more information about upcoming events visit the website.

Stanthorpe Art Gallery Exhibition - Art on the Move Touring Exhibition has Modified - sculptures and paintings. Also on display: Highlights of Bridal jewellery from the Silk Road - sourced from a local private collection; and Wallpaper - an exhibition of contemporary artists.

The Gallery hosts the biennial Stanthorpe Art Prize and is proud of its extensive permanent collection. A comprehensive program features a range of international, Australian and local exhibitions. As a supplement to the ongoing exhibition program, the Gallery conducts floor talks, workshops, education days and other public events. For more information about upcoming events visit the website.

Stanthorpe Art Gallery Exhibition - Southern Downs Artists Exhibition is an invitational exhibition to all artists. Includes the Margaret Burton Memorial Award and Best Of Southern Downs awards.

The Gallery hosts the biennial Stanthorpe Art Prize and is proud of its extensive permanent collection. A comprehensive program features a range of international, Australian and local exhibitions. As a supplement to the ongoing exhibition program, the Gallery conducts floor talks, workshops, education days and other public events.

Music in the Gallery is an ongoing public program that breaks down the notion that of the Art Gallery as a silent place. National and international artists perform alongside local talent in these unique musical experiences.

The Stanthorpe Art Festival will be held 26 February to 18 April.

The Gallery hosts the biennial Stanthorpe Art Prize and is proud of its extensive permanent collection. A comprehensive program features a range of international, Australian and local exhibitions. As a supplement to the ongoing exhibition program, the Gallery conducts floor talks, workshops, education days and other public events.

Music in the Gallery is an ongoing public program that breaks down the notion that of the Art Gallery as a silent place. National and international artists perform alongside local talent in these unique musical experiences.

Stanthorpe Art Gallery Exhibition present Tom Spence Retrospective. Tom Spence is a Nationally renowned local artist.

The Gallery hosts the biennial Stanthorpe Art Prize and is proud of its extensive permanent collection. A comprehensive program features a range of international, Australian and local exhibitions. As a supplement to the ongoing exhibition program, the Gallery conducts floor talks, workshops, education days and other public events.

Music in the Gallery is an ongoing public program that breaks down the notion that of the Art Gallery as a silent place. National and international artists perform alongside local talent in these unique musical experiences.

Stanthorpe's make it, bake it, sew it or grow it quality craft market is held on the second and fourth Sunday of each month at Stanthorpe Market In The Mountains.

Held in the heart of town at the Stanthorpe Civic Centre, you will find wonderful wares, fabulous food, and goodies galore! Stall holders offer everything including plants and garden ware, skin care and beauty products, craft items, pottery, wood work, gourmet foods and wine.

The Crafter's Cafe provides quality light meals, snacks and drinks for the Market visitors. On offer are good wholesome food, fabulous coffee and tea, desserts, home-made pies, vegetarian choices and sandwiches.

The Granite Belt Farmers Markets run alongside the Market in the Mountains, where growers and producers will offer the wares for sale direct to the public.

Coaches are welcome and a translation service is available.

Come and experience the romance of wine at Summit Estate by learning to blend your own wine.

Start the day with a sparkling winemaker's breakfast, followed by an introduction to tasting wines and wine assessment, learning how to blend wines, blending trial, then blend, bottle and label your own bottle of wine. Then enjoy a session on wine and cheese matching and general food matching with Summit Estate Wines, with recipes prepared by leading Brisbane restaurants exclusively for Summit Estate wines.

Bookings are essential with a minimum of 6 people and maximum of 16.

At Sunday Music In The Vineyard, visiting musicians (check website for details) and resident musician Clive Powell perform at least every second Sunday. The music is out on the deck overlooking the vineyard which is fully protected from rain and wind!

The lunch menu changes regularly with gourmet platters always available. There is free entry from 12 noon until 3.00 p.m. (time may be extended if there are additional musicians).

Lucas Estate is a 4.5 star winery - James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2008, and home of Gold Medal and Trophy Shiraz, Gold Medal and Trophy Merlot, Gold Medal Cabernet Sauvignon, Gold Medal Verdelho and Gold Medal Chardonnay.

The Drumley Walk is an annual four day walking pilgrimage through the traditional lands of the Yugambeh Aboriginal people. It leaves from Beaudesert, south of Brisbane, and traverses farms, rainforests and bushlands to Southport, on the Gold Coast. Walkers are guided by Drumley's descendants and relatives, and learn about local history, and indigenous culture. And they are encouraged to celebrate all local heroes, Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal.

The walk finishes at Yugambeh Corroboree, an indigenous food, art and language festival where Drumley's walk traditionally finished, by the beautiful Nerang River.

Begin your Christmas Festivities by taking a train ride on the Silver Bullet Railmotor through the beautiful Mary Valley. Indulge in a glass of champagne and nibbles on arrival. Enjoy a traditional Christmas Dinner and sing-along at Imbil. Join in the Christmas trivia fun to win prizes. This is a great night for staff Christmas Parties. Dress in red, white and green. Arrive at 6.00 p.m. for a 6.30 p.m. departure and return at 11.00 p.m.

Bookings are essential.

Come along to the Valley Rattler Santa Shuttles! Move over Rudolf... Santa's got a new sleigh. So make tracks to The Valley Rattler this Christmas and ride the Silver Bullet Railmotor to the North Pole aboard the Santa Shuttles. Enjoy a 20 minute train journey and all children have a chance to meet Santa and receive a small present.

Take a 70 minute steam train journey from Roma Street Station to the birthplace of rail in Queensland, The Workshops Rail Museum in Ipswich.

Travel in vintage carriages and enjoy entry into this award-winning attraction including a Behind the Scenes Tour of the Working Workshop and see skilled trades people restoring and maintaining the Heritage Fleet just as they have for over 100 years. Return to Roma Street Station via coach (bus).

A Roast lunch and dessert option, served in the Museum's Trackside Café is available for an additional AUD14.50.

The Workshops Express is run monthly on a Wednesday. Dates for 2009 are: 9 September, 7 October, 4 November and 9 December.

Bookings are essential and enclosed footwear is required.

Four days, 11 stages,15 free events! The Urban Country Music Festival is four exciting days of free events, concerts, markets and the best of country music.

Located only 45 minutes north of Brisbane at Caboolture, the festival offers entertainment and a unique experience for people of all ages kicking off with the free Burbs n' Bush Party on Friday night.

Over the weekend you can attend 15 free events including the Beaut Ute Show, Songwriters Cafe, bush poets, talent search, Stockman's Arena and much more.

There are also free concerts held everyday including the New Zealand Showcase on Saturday and Urban Blaze on Sunday.

The highlight of the festival is the Main Concert on Saturday which sees the hottest country stars take to the stage in nine hours of non stop music. Come for the day, or stay for the whole weekend!

The Warwick Pentath-run is a five race marathon completed over two days, covering 42.2 kilometres. The run is the only one of its kind in Australia. Participants can complete one or all of the runs. It is suitable for experienced and novice runners, joggers and walkers. Team entries are available.

Well known for majestic sandstone buildings Warwick is a favourite destination for day travellers. The beautiful country scenery is a unique backdrop for each day of the five races which are held in the same locations each year. Experience unique country hospitality, beautiful scenery and participate in a unique sporting activity.

The spirit and personality of the country is jammed into the weekly Pig and Calf Sales and Fruit and Vegetable Market which is held every Wednesday morning. A visit to Warwick’s Pig and Calf Sales is one of those experiences you’ll never forget, a unique country experience! This market is the longest continually operated market in Queensland, offering much more than livestock.

A paradise for trash and treasure hunters, the jumble-style auction has everything from guinea pigs to goats, farm equipment to furniture and very intriguing bric-a-brac.

Also, take the opportunity to grab fresh fruit and vegetables direct from the farm.

The three day Explorers Camp for children aged between 10 and 12 and the five day Discovery Camp for children aged between 13 and 16 gives the children the opportunity to connect with new friends, experience nature and learn leadership skills through dynamic and exciting activities.

With sensational camp leaders, a wide range of activities, clean and comfortable cabins and plenty of delicious, nourishing meals, your kids will have a ball.

Nestled in World Heritage Listed Lamington National Park, O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat is a nature-lovers paradise. Escape to the rainforest and discover another world - the world of potoroos, bandicoots, echidnas, gliders, birds, reptiles and frogs during O'Reilly's Wildlife Week. Wildlife Week encompasses a theme of wildlife awareness and conservation, with a focus on Lamington National Park. The program includes a range of exciting activities such as tracking and trapping, spotlighting, and informative workshops plus bird walks, reptile presentations and much more. Their comprehensive program caters for everyone from the novice to those with serious interests in researching threatened species. This program is a fantastic opportunity to discover many of the creatures that inhabit this unique and diverse region.