Best picnic spots in Southern Queensland Country
Get amongst nature and take al fresco dining to new levels at one of these picnic spots in Southern Queensland Country.
More than just a place for a bite to eat and a bevvy, a visit to a country pub is an opportunity to meet the locals, get an insider’s guide to the area and find out what events are on.
We don’t know about you, but when travelling to a country town, it’s a rite of passage to pull up a stool and order a pint from the local pub.
More than just a place for a bite to eat and a bevvy, a visit to a country pub is an opportunity to meet the locals, get an insider’s guide to the area and find out what events are on.
If you’ve read our guide to the best country pubs near Brisbane, read on for more country pubs to check out in Southern Queensland Country.
1. Meringandan Pub, Toowoomba
When the online reviews consistently rate the establishment you’re about to visit as ‘the best pub’ in not only Queensland, but Australia and the world, you know you’re in for a treat.
Located near Highfields in the High Country Hamlets region just a short drive from Toowoomba, you’ll find the Meringandan Pub.
While mum and dad enjoy the shade of the beer garden and tuck into a menu packed with pub classics, the kids can get up close to barnyard animals such as chooks, goats and the two resident camels, Chips and Gravy.
Be sure to book ahead, as the Meringandan Pub is known to pack out seven days of the week for their lunch and dinner service.
2. The Mill Inn Tavern, Toowoomba
Looking for a day trip from Brisbane?
One hour south-west of Toowoomba in the small town of Millmerran, you’ll find local favourite, the Mill Inn Tavern.
Sit back in the beer garden and watch the kids (young and old) try their hand at a round of 9-hole mini golf, open seven days a week.
Run by fourth-generation publican brothers, Nat and Josh Volz, the tavern doubles as a popular function and wedding space.
If you’ve had a long time and a good time in the tavern, be sure to make use of the shuttle service or settle in for the evening by booking a stay at the onsite motel accommodation.
3. Warra Hotel, Western Downs
When you’re visiting a region like the Western Downs, which could rival the size of Switzerland, you know there are bound to be more than a few pubs to visit.
If you find yourself driving along the Warrego Highway, you’ll come across the small town of Warra, population 80.
Just off the highway, you’ll be drawn in by the grand architecture of the Warra Hotel – or perhaps by the smell of the homemade pies on the menu.
Built in 1906, the two-storey hotel has history in abundance with historical photographs and military memorabilia on display throughout the pub.
Looking to spend the night? Pull up stumps at the camping and caravan site right next door and if you happen to be visiting on a weekend, stop in for the Friday BBQ as well as camp oven weekends.
4. The Palace Hotel & Kitchen, South Burnett
If walls could talk, you’d want to hear the tales of the Palace Hotel & Kitchen which has been a part of the fabric of Nanango since the 1800s.
Serving lunch and dinner six days a week, and weekend breakfast, The Palace specialises in serving local produce of which there’s plenty growing in the South Burnett.
Pay a visit to the beer garden where pets are welcome to catch the regular open mic nights and live music sets from both local and intrastate bands on the line up.
Dietary requirements are well looked after at the Palace with gluten free, vegetarian and vegan menu options available and if you’re looking for something a little bit different, pop in on a Tuesday or Thursday evening for yoga sessions.
5. The Linville Hotel, Somerset Region
Serving beer since 1904, the Linville Hotel has recently been restored to its former glory.
The historic Queenslander-style hotel is located next door to the Linville Railway Station, which was once the largest railhead for beef cattle in south-east Queensland and the second largest in the southern hemisphere.
Located 28km north-east of Blackbutt, the Linville Hotel serves all the pub favourites for lunch (open seven days a week) and dinner (open six nights a week, closed on Sunday).
If you happen to be walking, cycling or riding the South Burnett Rail Trails, make a pit stop at the Linville Hotel and refuel with one of their pub meals, home-brewed coffee or lager aptly named the Linville Lager.
Looking to stay the night? There is free camping available across the road or if you prefer a few creature comforts, onsite motel accommodation is available.
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