The mother of all nature experiences on the Western Downs
From dense rainforest in the mountains and lush lagoons, to fields as far as the eye can see, you can indulge in it all west of the Great Dividing Range.
Distance: 147 Kilometres
Time: 1.93 Hours
Journey south of the Great Dividing Range descending from Toowoomba to the fertile plains of the Darling Downs and Granite Belt, 147 kilometres on the Southern Food Trail.
Stop at the historic pub in Nobby home to literary great Steele Rudd, and continue past lush green cattle paddocks and rolling hills. In the summertime, the fields of golden sunflowers at Cambooya will brighten the horizon and bring a smile to every road trippers face.
Breathe the crisp country air of Allora and Warwick with smells of roses and lavender and stop at the roadside stalls stocked with seasonal olives, apples, berries and grapes. Journey past orchards in the south of Amiens, and dairy properties selling gourmet soft cheeses - perfect for creating your own roadside lunch.
Nearby, 700 to 1200 metres above sea level, sits the Granite Belt boutique wine region and home to lush fruit and vegetables. Base yourself here in luxury accommodation and self-drive the region's 45 cellar doors.
STOP1
Toowoomba to Allora
Your Southern Food Trail begins high on the edge of the Great Dividing Range in Toowoomba. Start at Picnic Point Café and take in the stunning views of the Lockyer Valley.
Work up an appetite exploring the Cobb & Co Museum or Transport and Main Roads Heritage Centre, then head to the famous Weis Restaurant to indulge in the premium Australian seafood buffet.
Further south you can enjoy a picnic basket in the gardens of Preston Peak Winery before rolling by Cambooya's golden fields. Rest at the Bull and Barley Inn surrounded by old-world charm.
After passing Drayton, the birthplace of author Steele Rudd you'll reach Nobby, home to Rudd's Pub, built in 1893. Their playful menu pays homage to the literary icon.
STOP2
Allora to Warwick
Explore the Southern Downs beginning with 'the best little town on the Downs'. Allora charms with quaint streetscapes and fantastic heritage - as the childhood home of P.L Travers author of the Mary Poppins tales.
Heading southward step back in time at the Glengallan Homestead and Heritage Centre. Uncover the history of the region dating back to the 19th Century.
More fascinating history awaits alongside the willow-shaded Condamine River. Warwick, the 'Rose and Rodeo City' (with annual festivals dedicated to both) is known for its sandstone architecture and hospitable country flavour.
STOP3
Warwick to Stanthorpe
South of Warwick you'll pass the flourishing orchards around Amiens. Grab a local cheese from the Stanthorpe Cheese and hide out with a picnic basket at Donnelly's Castle - a fantastic rock formation - just like the bushrangers of yester year.
Enter Queensland's premier wine region, the Granite Belt wine country, and choose from over 50 wineries, vineyards and cellar doors. The adventurous might try Strange Bird Alternatives - the quirky name given to the region's alternative grape varieties.
Alternatively, experience food as nature intended on the Nude Food Trail. Taste the season's best on this a self-drive tour, offering various delights from paddock to plate.
Highlights include Suttons Juice Factory and Cidery - across the road from the iconic Vincenzo's The Big Apple - an orchard with a boutique juice factory, cidery, distillery, and café serving the best apple pie in the world! The picturesque Bramble Patch is another nude favourite - high in the hills above Glen Aplin. Visit the café for berry delights.
Stanthorpe provides the ideal base from which to explore the many regional highlights, with its restaurants showcasing much of the region's finest.
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