5 relaxing weekend away ideas in Southern Queensland Country

You know those holidays where you finish them and feel more exhausted than before you went away? There is another way.

Slow travel is emerging as one of the world’s biggest travel trends, which means taking the time to immerse yourself in your surroundings rather than trying to tick off a jam-packed itinerary.

For your next holiday, slow down in Southern Queensland Country and relax during your travels – from wine tours to soaking in thermal hot springs or exploring national parks.

Here’s five relaxing weekend ideas to get you started.

1. Take a drive to Ravensbourne National Park

Stepping it out along a nature trail might not fall into the category of relaxing for everyone, but we think surrounding yourself with palms, ferns, and elkhorns is the perfect way to reset the senses.

Immerse yourself in Ravensbourne National Park with a meander across one of the five walking trails.

Considering the walking trails range from 500 metres (return) to over six kilometres (return) – you don’t need to work up a sweat if you choose not to.

Prefer more scenery and less walking? Drive and park at the Cedar Block day-use area to take in the views from Gus Beutel lookout without raising the heart rate.

2. Sip and swirl along the South Burnett Wine Trail

Sniff, swirl, sip and relax.

For a relaxing adventure paired with a glass of Chardonnay, Shiraz, or Verdelho, follow the South Burnett Wine Trail.

Home to Queensland’s biggest vineyard, Clovely Estate, this wine trail comprises of two locations – from Moffatdale in the north to the Kingaroy area in the South – with five cellar doors to choose from in between.

For a true relaxing weekend, extend the wine tasting over two days and overnight at Cranes Wine Bed and Breakfast in Kingaroy to wake up with vineyard and Booie Range views.

3. Throw down the picnic blanket at the Goondiwindi Botanic Gardens

What do you get when you combine a barista-made coffee with a freshly made salad, surrounded by 25-hectares of native flora and fauna? Rancho relaxo.

Throw down the picnic blanket at Goondiwindi’s Botanic Gardens and you’ve got all the key ingredients for a relaxing afternoon.

Located a short three kilometres from the main street and local café The Larder – there’s no need to worry about your coffee going cold while you get set up.

4. Take a stroll around Jimbour House Gardens

Calling all green thumbs.

If a day spent in the garden is your favourite way to recharge, head to Jimbour House.

Stroll through the gardens and admire the century-old formal plantings and landscaping – from vegetable gardens growing giant Atlantic pumpkins to the rose garden created for the Bell family in the late 1800s.

Follow the Living History Walk and learn about the history from its pioneering days to the present era.

5. Hit the bitumen and drive to Warwick

Fill the petrol tank and put Warwick into your GPS for your next relaxing weekend adventure.

Stop by the Visitor Information Centre and grab a History and Heritage Trail Book and learn about the town on foot.

Overnight at Abbey Boutique Hotel for a Downton Abbey experience and relax in the guest lounge, complete with open fire after your day exploring.