For wanderers seeking to immerse themselves in the breathtaking QLD Country, our Six Day Itinerary is tailor-made just for you!

The Darling Downs, Southern Downs & Granite Belt area abounds with captivating sights and thrilling activities. Indulge in a rejuvenating week amidst the idyllic countryside, away from the fast-paced urban life.

Let’s begin our adventure down south, where you can settle in at Warwick Freedom Lifestyle Park. This picturesque retreat offers an array of delightful self-contained cabins, as well as powered and unpowered sites to suit your preferences.

Feel free to bring along your furry companions as our park welcomes them with open arms. And what’s more, we are officially approved for campfires, so be sure not to forget your marshmallows!

Make sure to secure your booking in advance to avoid any disappointments. Visit here for reservations.

Day 1 – Let the Adventure Begin!

Immerse yourself in the captivating landscapes, blooming flowers, and unique wildlife of Girraween National Park, nestled in Ballandean, a mere hour south of Warwick. In contrast to its neighbouring national parks such as Springbrook and Lamington, Girraween National Park boasts magnificent rugged rock formations, offering a plethora of natural wonders to behold. Don’t miss out on popular attractions like The Pyramid’s Balancing Rock, Granite Arch, the Wybera Walk, and the Bald Rock Creek Circuit.

Don your hiking shoes and embark on one of the many enthralling walking trails, or for the intrepid adventurers, try conquering them all!

Two people walk between giant boulders in Girraween National Park

While you’re in the Ballandean area, a visit to Ballandean Estate Winery is a must. As Queensland’s oldest family-owned and operated winery, they offer delightful wine tasting experiences amidst their 160-year-old wine barrels. Alternatively, you can reserve a table in the Barrel room and indulge in their signature grazing platters featuring delectable local produce. It’s an irresistible treat you wouldn’t want to pass up!

A happy couple enjoying wine tasting with a grazing platter at Ballandean Estate Winery

Ensure you make your bookings in advance. 

Day 2 – More Adventure Awaits!

Welcome to ‘The Big Apple’ – just a 45-minute drive from Warwick. Get ready for an incredible day exploring the magnificent sites around Stanthorpe. There’s so much to discover in this little corner of the Granite Belt that we highly recommend taking two days to fully immerse yourself in the area’s wonders.

Prepare to unleash your inner adventurer as you embark on an exhilarating mountain biking experience up Mount Marlay, standing tall at 910m. Marvel at the breathtaking panoramic views of Stanthorpe and its majestic surroundings.

A couple enjoying a picnic on Mount Marley

Next, put your problem-solving skills to the test at the Granite Belt Maze! Navigate your way through this intriguing labyrinth while unravelling your own unique riddle. For extra family fun, enjoy a round of mini golf on the nine-hole course onsite. The little ones will have a blast!

aerial view of the granite belt maze

Traveling with kids? Don’t miss out on visiting the Granite Belt Christmas Tree Farm, a year-round wonderland of festive delights. Treat yourself to the famous Belgian Hot Chocolate and browse the mistletoe store for a special Christmas tree decoration. Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen offers delectable breakfast and lunch options, while Rudolph’s serves up mouthwatering ice cream. The kids can also explore and feed Santa’s animals, and if you visit in December, you can pick your very own family Christmas tree.

People carrying Christmas trees to the car

Make a stop at Stanthorpe Cheese, known as the highest and coldest cheese shop in Queensland. Delight your taste buds with their handcrafted selection of exquisite, high-quality cheeses. Jersey Girls Café is the perfect spot for cheese tasting, homemade cheesecake, and indulging in a paddock-to-plate lunch experience. Be sure to book in advance, and remember that dogs on leashes are welcome!

cheese platter, bread, and drinks

While in Stanthorpe, take the opportunity to wander along the Artistic Stanthorpe Walking Trail or the Stanthorpe’s History Walking Trail. Immerse yourself in the vibrant displays of sculptures, street art, murals, and interactive artworks that bring Stanthorpe’s fascinating history to life.

A woman walking with a coffee in hand looking at street art

After all the walking and sightseeing, treat yourself to a visit to the Granite Belt Brewery. Savor their range of seasonal, naturally brewed beers and ciders, or explore their selection of spirits and wines for those who prefer alternatives to beer.

A bar tender pouring a glass of beer

Enjoy the thrill of adventure and discovery in Stanthorpe. Soak in the breathtaking scenery, indulge in unique experiences, and create unforgettable memories. Get ready for an incredible day of exploration!

Tasting paddles are available as well as spirits and wine for those who are not keen on beer. The Brewery is open daily and the restaurants is open for lunch and dinner Friday to Monday. 

Day 3 –  It’s Wine Time!

Explore the captivating Granite Belt, renowned as Queensland’s wine country. Embark on an exhilarating wine tasting expedition amidst 50 vineyards, leaving you spoilt for choice. Opt for a winery tour with local tour companies, benefiting from convenient pick-up and drop-off services. For a more adventurous twist, consider guided or self-guided wine tours by Granite Belt Bicycle Tours, with the option of bike hire.

A noteworthy winery in this region is Summit Estate Wines, offering the splendid Sunset Session on Friday and Saturday nights, allowing you to indulge in breathtaking views while being enchanted by Mother Nature’s magnificent show. Keep cozy by their inviting campfire, and rest assured, furry companions are welcomed warmly. Stay updated on other exciting events at Summit Estate Wines through their Facebook page.

Sunset drinks at Summit Estate Wines

Day 4 – Off to Warwick!

Embark on an immersive journey through Warwick’s breathtaking natural wonders. Take a 40-minute drive northeast to Main Range National Park, where magnificent rainforest trails await. Discover enchanting waterfalls like Queen Mary Falls, feed lorikeets by hand, admire mesmerizing vistas from Carr’s lookout, and savour coffee or breakfast with rainforest views at Spring Creek Mountain Café. Don’t miss the equally picturesque Goomburra Section, offering accessible rainforest hikes, falls, and lookouts for all ages.

In the afternoon, soak in the charm of Warwick, a town rich in history and adorned with Queensland’s finest sandstone buildings. If you time your visit right, you might catch one of the exciting events at Morgan Park Raceway or experience the renowned Warwick Rodeo in October.

A cowboy lassoing a small cow at  Warwick Rodeo

Day 5 – Next Stop!

As you bid farewell to Warwick and venture 1 hour north to Freedom Lifestyle Park Toowoomba, prepare yourself for an exhilarating encounter with boundless natural splendour, captivating street art, immersive historical walking trails, awe-inspiring mountain top vistas, delectable culinary delights, and vibrant nightlife.

First and foremost, we highly recommend exploring the esteemed Cobb and Co Museum, showcasing an extensive collection of over a million natural and cultural heritage artifacts. There are also captivating exhibitions and attractions to captivate the young ones. The museum is also renowned for serving the “best scones” in Toowoomba, along with a diverse array of tantalizing culinary offerings at Cobb’s Coffee Shop, situated within Cobb & Co Museum.

Horse drawn carriage on display at the Cobb and Co Museum

Whether you are a train enthusiast or not, we strongly urge you to embark on a memorable journey aboard the iconic DownsSteam Tourist Railway Train, traversing the scenic countryside of the Darling Downs. Be sure to secure your tickets in advance… It is an experience that should not be missed!

The Downstream Tourist Railway Train

Day 6 – The final day!

Kickstart your morning with an invigorating 1.3km stroll along the Themeda Trail in Jubilee Park, basking in the breathtaking panoramic views of the valley below on a clear day.

For those seeking more excitement, Jubilee Park is a hotspot for runners and mountain bikers, offering well-maintained trails tailored to different skill levels.

Panoramic view from the Themeda Trail in Jubilee Park

If you still have the energy for another nature expedition, Highfields Falls awaits just 30 minutes north of Toowoomba, boasting a myriad of meticulously maintained hiking trails meandering through enchanting eucalypt forests. Prepare to be enveloped in lush greenery, encounter a variety of bird species, stumble upon charming waterfalls, and take advantage of the picnic facilities.

Highfield Falls

As you retreat to Toowoomba for the night, we recommend planning ahead to catch a world-class stage production, exhilarating concert, or side-splitting comedy show at the Empire Theatre

The Empire Theatre in Toowoomba