Head for the High Country
Escape for the weekend in the Hamlets, a string of villages along a pretty stretch of the New England Highway 90 minutes from Brisbane, near Toowoomba.
Wander Stanthorpe to discover award-winning wine, apple orchards, hand-made jams and preserves, farmhouse cheeses, chocolates and olives.
In the heart of the Granite Belt lies Queensland’s coldest town, Stanthorpe. Wander the region to discover award-winning wine, apple orchards, hand-made jams and preserves, farmhouse cheeses, chocolates and olives. Make time to stop in the historic town of Warwick on the way and all the small towns as you head south to the border at Wallangarra.
If you do leave your cosy B&B, hit the hiking trails and national parks to discover a countryside dotted with prehistoric granite boulders.
Gold Coast to Southern Downs PDFSTOP1
DAY 1: Gold Coast to Warwick
[APPROX. 185 KM / 2 HRS 39 MINS]
Take State Route 90 onto State Route 93 to drive 65km to Beaudesert, and then to Boonah through the Scenic Rim. Take Highway 15 to head towards Maryvale for a hearty pub lunch at The Crown Hotel. Stay on Highway 15 and drive 31km south to Warwick. Do a self-guided historic walk through the town and stay overnight. If there is a race on at Morgan Park don’t miss the fun and excitement of a race meet. Spend the night at the historic Abbey
Boutique Hotel.
STOP2
DAY 2: Warwick to Stanthorpe
[APPROX. 60 KM / 43 MINS]
Continue driving on highway 15 to reach Stanthorpe, 60 km south of Warwick, stopping at the Big Apple for morning tea at Vincenzo’s café. Detour slightly up the road to Stanthorpe Cheese and stock up on local cheeses. Spend the afternoon visiting Granite Belt’s wineries and stay overnight in Stanthorpe.
STOP3
DAY 3: Stanthorpe to Gold Coast
[APPROX. 309 KM / 4 HRS 48 MINS]
Start with a half-day hike through Girraween National Park, 36 km south of Stanthorpe. Take the Mount Lindesay Road to drive 89km to Killarney for a pub lunch at Killarney Hotel. Visit Queen Mary Falls and hike the falls trail before heading back to the coast.
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