High country hamlets discovery

Drive north for around 15 minutes from downtown Toowoomba along the New England Highway and find yourself at Peacehaven Botanic Park in Highfields. Follow one of the self-guided walks, spot local birdlife, marvel at the magnificent trees or visit the community nursery (open Thursday, Saturday and Sunday mornings). Oh, and the nature-themed adventure playground is a big hit with the kids!

Looking for a lunch venue? Consider a stop at Rosalie House Vineyard (open Friday, Saturday and Sunday), nestled in the beautiful Lilyvale Valley, or for a fabulous country pub lunch consider the Meringandan Pub (open daily).

As you continue your journey north, make a stop in Cabarlah. Visit the Black Forest Hill Cuckoo Clock Centre to see their significant cuckoo and grandfather clock collection. Call into the historic Farmers Arms Tavern, one of the longest continually licensed pubs in Queensland, for a good country pub meal. If French antiques and giftware tickle your fancy, then visit Cyrano Maison de France. You can also visit Colours of San Cris to discover South American treasures, textiles and jewellery.

Stay two nights in the heart of the High Country (Crows Nest, Peachey, Hampton or Ravensbourne) in your choice of cosy B & Bs, farmstays or luxurious retreats.

View accommodation options on the High Country Hamlets website.

For an authentic slice of history, visit the Crows Nest Museum and Historical Village with its impressive collection of 21 lovingly restored local buildings including the first ever Ray White Real Estate building. While exploring this old timber township, don’t forget to pop in to Crows Nest Soft Drinks. Operating since 1903 it is one of the oldest surviving small-town soft drink manufacturers serving up the best old fashioned flavours (open Monday – Saturday).

Discover towering trees, palm groves, trickling streams and amazing birdlife in Ravensbourne National Park. It’s one of the best remaining examples of a rainforest that once covered this section of the Great Dividing Range. Stop for a picnic in the day-use area before exploring the network of tracks that wind through the park. While in the area you can also visit Lakes Cressbrook and Perseverance.

The picturesque village of Hampton is home to a thriving arts community and the annual Hampton Festival, a celebration of regional food, wine and music. Call into the Hampton Visitor Information Centre housed in a century-old building for some great local insights.

As you continue to wind your way back to Toowoomba, make sure you clear some space in the boot of your car for your visit to one of the many retail clusters like The Highfields Village Green, Danish Flower Art or Abbie Lane! Here you will find a delightful range of specialty stores, antiques, food and art. The Chocolate Cottage at the Village Green will satisfy sweet tooths with their gourmet chocolates made in-house. The kids will love the grassy spaces with views of the Toowoomba Range.

The final stop is the famous Spring Bluff Railway Station, a heritage-listed site on the main railway line between Ipswich and Toowoomba. In addition to over 150 years of railway history, you’ll love wandering the beautifully landscaped gardens, a popular attraction during Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.

A stunning end to your three-day high country discovery!

For personalised service and tips by friendly knowledgeable locals, be sure to drop into one of the local Visitor Information Centres or give them a call.

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