3 long weekend ideas in Southern Queensland Country

When she's not at work for Media Mortar, Rochelle can be found either climbing mountains on two wheels or on the hunt for the best almond croissant around town. A lover of good coffee, food and wine, and with a passion for travel, Rochelle is always on the lookout for new adventures locally and abroad.

1. Bunya Mountains

For a long weekend immersed in Queensland’s second oldest national park, head to Bunya Mountains and surround yourself with Bunya Pines, dating back 30 million years.

With four campgrounds to choose from, plus on-mountain units and chalets, there’s plenty of places to set up for the long weekend.

Spend your days exploring the 10 designated walking trails, ranging from 500 metres (return) to 10 kilometres (return) and tick off the seven lookout points over the Southern Queensland Country region.

No need to slave away over the stove (or campfire) this long weekend, either. Grab a table at The Bunyas Coffee Shop and Tavern or Poppies on the Hill for your breakfast, lunch and dinner needs.

Swing by Shackelton’s Whisky Bar for a post-supper tipple – Australia’s highest whisky bar – and settle in front of the fire sampling a selection of the 116 whiskeys available.

Make sure you pack your winter woollies for this long weekend, the overnight temperatures are well known to drop to zero in the cooler months.

2. Stanthorpe

Calling all wine lovers!

No need to spend hours commuting by train, plane, and automobile for a long weekend sniffing, swirling and sipping your way through Australians reds and whites.

Pack your car, fill up the tank, and head three hours south-west of Brisbane to Queensland’s wine country.

With over 10 wineries within 30 kilometres of Stanthorpe (aka Granite Belt Wine Country), you’ll be thankful for the extra day to tick off even more cellar doors during your stay.

Start your wine tour at Queensland’s oldest family-owned and operated winery, Ballandean Estate and learn about the Strange Bird Alternative Wine Trail.

While the region is packed with Shiraz, Chardonnay and Merlot to sample, it’s best known for its alternative varieties aka Strange Birds.

Choose a cabin, country home, or cottage as basecamp for your Southern Queensland Country wine adventure or up your vino-game and book your overnight digs at Ridgemill Estate to wake up to vineyard views.

No need to worry about filling the boot with groceries. With meals available at most wineries, as well as the local pub, cafes and restaurants in Stanthorpe’s town centre – you can leave the washing up to someone else this long weekend.

Visit here for more ideas on what to do in the Granite Belt.

3. St George

Happy to clock up a few kilometres on the bitumen this long weekend? Think St George in western country.

While you’ll need to load the Spotify playlist for the five-hundred-kilometre (one-way) drive from Brisbane CBD, there’s plenty of places to stop along the way to stretch the legs.

Located on the banks of the Balonne River and known as Queensland’s best inland fishing spot, make sure you pack your rod and reels to test your angling skills for local favourites Yellowbelly and Murray Cod this long weekend.

Spend your mornings and afternoon meandering along the two-kilometre walkway hugging the riverbank before soaking your stresses away in the warm waters of the Balonne Artesian Thermal Hot Springs (aka BATHS).

Drive to Queensland’s most western winery, Riversands Vineyard, for a relaxing afternoon sampling Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or Moscato.

Book a sunset cruise with Sandytown River Cruises to experience the town from the water, and spend two hours cruising the river with Captain Brett while learning about the local wildlife and landmarks along the way.