TOP TEN THINGS TO DO IN THE HIGH COUNTRY
1. WALKS
So many great walks! Let’s start with Ravensbourne National Park where there are several circuits and don’t forget sundowners at Gus Bueutel Lookout. Then there’s The Great Short Walk (around 3km) along part of the old Munro Tramway Historical Route at Palmtree. Oh and everyone loves the trails to the waterfall through Crows Nest National Park.
2. FOOD
You are seriously spoiled for choice because each hamlet offers a celebration of the local gifts from this famous rich red soil. You’ll soon see why people travel from Brisbane to enjoy our country pubs, cute cafes and exciting eateries. Take an esky and stock up on local produce from Bunnyconnellan Olive Grove & Vineyard, Pechey Distillery (check website for opening), Crows Nest Cordials, Hollands Wines, Rosalie House Cellar Door, Palmtree Farm Persimmons (seasonal), Hampton Blue (also seasonal), Halo Farm produce available at Emeraude.
3. FIREPLACES
Cosy up in front of a fire at Hazelmont Cottage; The Grand Old Crow; Anduramba Homestead, Tweeters Country Retreat and at the Farmers Arms Hotel, Cabarlah. Discover where to stay by visiting the website www.highcountryhamlets.com.au
4. LOCAL LAKES
Check Toowoomba Regional Council website for information before you head to Lake Cooby, Lake Perseverance and Lake Cressbrook. Of the three Cressbrook has more recreational activities on offer including bush walking, sailing, camping, picnicking, kayaking and canoeing.
5. GARDENS
Davidson Arboretum Cawdor Road near Peacehaven Botanical Gardens and Brindabella Rose Garden (seasonal); Pechey State Forest is a 100 year old pine plantation with picnic area.
6. CYCLE
The new easy path from the New England Highway and Cawdor Road intersection at Highfields to Toowoomba Christian College. The more adventurous should check out “Fitch’s Feats” gravel trails from Hampton to Crows Nest via Pechey State Forest and from Geham to Pechey (you may need a mountain bike for some of these).
7. HORSE RIDING
Cowboy Up at Emu Creek (20mins out of Crows Nest)
8. HISTORY
Highfields Pioneer Village and Crows Nest Museum and Historical Village (check websites for opening), Spring Bluff Railway Station, Restored Munro Tram at Ravensbourne National Park.
9. ART WORKSHOPS
Danish Flower Art for beading workshops and supplies; Your Inner Artist (check website for current classes)
10. SHOPPING
The Chocolate Cottage at Highfields, Danish Flower Art, Colours san Cris, The Cuckoo Clock Shop (check website). Plants: Brindabella Roses (check website); Hillcrest Plants and Gifts near Cuckoo Clock Shop. Cabarlah Markets are on the last Sunday of the month from 7.30 until 12.30.