5 (more) of the best country pubs near Brisbane
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.
Take a good appetite with you as there are plenty of local wineries, farm producers, cafes and restaurants supporting local produce along the way.
Feel nurtured in nature as you head south on the New England Highway from Toowoomba. Along the way, discover a myriad of country towns and picturesque scenery, making up the Southern Downs and Granite Belt. Well known for its’ exceptional national parks such as Main Range National Park near Warwick and Girraween National Park near Stanthorpe, gift yourself at least four days to really explore this beautiful region. Take a good appetite with you as there are plenty of local wineries, farm producers, cafes and restaurants supporting local produce along the way.
Toowoomba to the Border PDFSTOP1
DAY 1: Toowoomba to Warwick
[APPROX. 84 KM /1 HR 7 MINS]
Beginning in the beautiful Garden City, take the A3 to reach and explore the historic town of Allora. Embodying the history of the historic region since the late 19th century, visit the Glengallan Homestead and Heritage Centre and relive the story from squattocracy to farmer settlement. Continuing south to Warwick, grab yourself a copy of the 5 walks of Warwick map which you can find at the Warwick Visitor Information Centre to explore this quaint country town. Dine at Bluebird Kitchen and Smokehouse to enjoy locally smoked meats, slow roasted on the industrial smoker or for something a little more formal choose Rupert’s Bar and Grill, before returning to one of the many cozy accommodation venues. If camping is more your style, set up camp at Goomburra Valley campsite and spend the night by the firepit – perfect for any season.
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DAY 2: Warwick to Stanthorpe
[APPROX. 60 KM / 43 MINS]
Continue on National Highway 15 for Stanthorpe in the Granite Belt region and witness the further into paradise. On the way, stop at Suttons Juice Factory, Cider and Shed Cafe for some famous apple pie and tea, The Big Apple, or the Stanthorpe Cheese and Jersey Girls café. Stretch your legs and walk it all off in the Granite Belt Maze. When in the Granite Belt, embrace the cooler climates as the temperature dips, and experience the highest wine region in Australia. The Granite Belt has a unique terroir, longer growing season and deep granitic gravels producing wines of elegance and complexity. Drop by Ridgemill Estate and grab a bottle (or two) of decadent red for the road and check into one of the many cute country cottages and B&Bs around Stanthorpe for the night. Grovely House Bed and Breakfast, Briar Rose Cottage, and Diamondvale Cottages are just some of the stunning accommodation options that you can choose from.
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DAY 3: Stanthorpe to Killarney
[APPROX. 163 KM / 1HR 58 MINS]
Heading further south on National Highway 15, continue to Wallangarra, stopping for morning tea at the Railway Café – a railway refreshment room maintaining its ambience, elegance and charm with fascinating history and memorabilia. Take a commemorative selfie at the Queensland sign on the border before heading back to Girraween National Park to experience all its glory and explore for a half day. Finish your day driving to Killarney to check into an old-fashioned pub offering deliciously hearty meals and a bed for the night.
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DAY 4: Killarney to Toowoomba
[APPROX. 121 KM / 1HR 34 MINS]
Before returning to the Garden City, take the Falls Drive to visit Queen Mary Falls, Daggs Falls and Browns Falls, journeying through bushland and rainforest, passing great spots to enjoy a picnic and take in the beauty of the expansive valley below. On the drive back to Toowoomba, take the back roads through Tannymorel and Yangan stopping to pick up something locally grown and drop some coins in a farmer’s honesty box on this picturesque country drive.
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