Festive fun in the country - what's on in December
The more the merrier at this time of year and with a warm country welcome waiting, we invite you to spend a weekend with us under glittering stars with the vast night skies above.
While location, amenities, and comfort-level might be the top three things people look for when choosing their holiday accommodation, those looking for something a little different know to add history to their hotel’s must-have list.
From a pub where an iconic radio drama was penned to a winery cottage and heritage-listed homestead, turn the pages of history without leaving your accommodation with this guide to the best historical stays in Southern Queensland Country.
Combine a museum tour with a coldie at Rudd’s Pub.
A short 35 kilometres from Toowoomba or two-hours from Brisbane, the walls and ceiling of Rudd’s Pub are covered with farming memorabilia and household items from a bygone era.
Formally known as the Davenporter Hotel when it was first built in 1893, the name was changed to Rudd’s Pub in the 1980s to pay homage to Nobby local and author, Steele Rudd who wrote the stories for the iconic Australian radio drama, Dad and Dave in front of the fireplace in the Heritage Room.
While this pub dates back to the 1930s, the pub rooms have been recently renovated ensuring clean comfort for your overnight stay.
Winning several awards for Best Pub Style Accommodation, enjoy the quirkiness this pub accommodation offers from showering under a rainwater tank to pulling on a beer tap for water in the basin.
Did we mention they offer a complimentary country breakfast too?
A: 45 Tooth Street, Nobby Q 4360
P: 07 4696 3211
W: ruddspub.com.au
With bragging rights of a James Halliday five-star rated winery from 2016-2020, add Heritage Estate Winery on your list for a historical stay 200 kilometres south-west of Brisbane.
While the award might be recent, the historical three-bedroom winery cottage, lined with red cedar from floor to ceiling dates back to 1864.
Continue your historical tour at the cellar door and sit at the 17-seat rosewood and leather table where the Executive Council once sat when Queen Victoria declared Queensland a colony in 1859.
A: 747 Granite Belt Drive, Cottonvale Q 4375
P: 07 4685 2197
W: heritageestate.wine
You don’t need a brochure to understand the historical significance of Possum Park, 23 kilometres out of Miles.
Stay in a restored underground bunker, converted railway carriage, or a self-contained cabin from this top-secret explosive reserve dating back to 1943.
Take a tour of the underground bunkers and see some of the region’s most important WWII history from old weapons to uniforms and photograph memorabilia.
A: 36865 Leichhardt Highway, Miles Q 4415
P: 07 4627 1651
W: possumpark.com.au
Stay in one of Queensland’s oldest continually occupied homes at Taabinga Homestead.
Located near Kingaroy, 215 kilometres north-west of Brisbane, this working cattle station offers visitors a taste of farm life from the comfort of the heritage-listed homestead grounds.
Choose from two cottages – The Store or Singlemen’s Quarters – both with accommodation comforts of a fully equipped kitchen, heating and cooling, and a BBQ to enjoy dinner alfresco.
Book a guided tour of the homestead built in 1846, including the outbuildings, and see the photo collection dating back to the 1880s.
A: 7 Old Taabinga Road, Haly Creek Q 4610
P: 07 4164 5531
W: taabingahomestead.com
For a stay in a historical Queenslander with a modern finish, book Bronte House Bed and Breakfast.
While Bronte House was built in 1910, its beautiful restoration of crisp painted white walls with raw timber floors and luxury bathroom and bedroom furnishings gives this Queenslander a fresh 21st-century feel.
With three ensuite rooms to choose from, offering a garden view, large windows, or private garden access, every room at this bed and breakfast comes with a view.
Enjoy daily breakfast al fresco, serving fresh produce – some of which is plucked straight from the back garden.
If you can drag yourself away from the property, make sure you see these Goondiwindi sights during your stay.
A: 21 Frideswide Street, Goondiwindi Q 4390
P: 0420 893 089
W: brontehousebandb.com
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Southern Queensland Country Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waterways that run through these regions. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and emerging.
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