4 easy day trips for your summer holidays
There’s plenty to see beyond the Garden City, so we’ve rounded up some ideas that’ll make for the perfect itinerary on your next day off.
Updated 08 December 2022
Written by Nicola Clark
Photography: Morgan Smith
There’s a whole lot to love in South-East Queensland – with winding country roads and old school pubs scattered across our region, just waiting to be discovered. And with the warm weather and school holidays gracing us, there’s never been a better time to round up the family and start planning a road trip to a nearby hidden gem.
Bunya Mountains
Where: 1.5 hours one-way, north-west
Take a scenic drive and discover what the Bunya Mountains and surrounds has to offer. Start with the handmade markets outside the accommodation centre, held the last Sunday of every month from 9.00am – 2.00pm. Follow up with stroll or hike through Bunya Mountains National Park, with walks ranging from 500m through to 10km. For lunch, you can stop by Poppies on the Hill, where they even serve Bunya nut ice cream. If you’re looking to see the sights in style, you can hop on board a horse-drawn carriage tour, whether it’s a 10-minute trot around or a 2-hour experience delving into a private rainforest.
–
Warwick
Where: 1 hour one-way, south
Heading to Warwick calls for a jam-packed day with the whole family, with a handful of sights to see along the way too. Make time to visit the Darling Downs Zoo near Clifton, where you can get acquainted with lions, zebras, giraffes as well as native Australian birds and reptiles. You can also pull over at Allora sunflower fields to marvel at the gorgeous crop and take photos (just make sure you’ve got permission first before walking through the flowers!). Once you’ve landed in Warwick, take time to admire the sandstone buildings that line the CBD, before lunch at old-school pub The Criterion and a visit to the local art gallery and museum. If you’re after a bigger adventure, continue through to Queen Mary Falls, where you can picnic alongside the 40-metre plunge.
–
Crows Nest Falls
Where: 45 minutes one-way, north
Pack a picnic and visit this idyllic waterhole located just under an hour from Toowoomba. You’ll also get to hear the peaceful chirps and buzz of native wildlife as you trek the 4.5km return circuit to reach the pool. In town, the Crows Nest Soft Drinks Factory is a must: they’ve been making cordials and soft drinkers for over 100 years, and clearly know their stuff. There’s also the Pechey Distilling Co., who source high-quality botanicals for their range of gins and vodkas from local farmers and Myrtille Bistro, one of Queenslands top dining institutions.
–
Stanthorpe and the granite belt
Drive into wine country and discover over 50 vineyards growing and selling authentic and unique flavours. If beer’s more your thing, head to the Granite Belt Brewery to taste test a paddle of local craft beers. Plan a hike at Girraween National Park, as well as a bit of shopping at Jamworks Cafe and Larder, Brinx Deli and Cafe, and Suttons Shed Cafe. The Barrelroom on Ballandean Estate is a lovely place to stop for lunch.
Have we missed your go-to day trip destination? Let us know!
