Getting High

Getting high

BY ALLY MARTELL

Take family and friends on a glorious trip around Queensland’s first and foremost micro-region specialising in high-altitude produce and visitor experiences. It’s a playground of possibilities right here on Toowoomba’s doorstep; our own High Country Hamlets.

People travel from all over Australia to visit the High Country outside Toowoomba and yet it seems that we locals are just discovering it. I met with Sue and Jonathan Barford, hosts of Hazelmont Cottage at Ravensbourne, to gather some local intel on the situation. “It’s true that most of our guests come from Brisbane,” said Sue. “They come here to get away from the city and soak in the country. They just want to chill by the fire or out on the deck with a wine, listening to the birds and at night they love the stars – which are amazing out here. “They go for walks and enjoy the region’s local produce. We have put together a range of packages including local wines, cheeses, olives and beautiful breads. “We recommend visitors do a tour of the region with High Country Tours because they get to know the hamlets, the history, produce, art galleries and our superb restaurants.”

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 acelebration of the local gifts from this famous rich red soil. You’llsoon see why people travel from Brisbane to enjoy our country pubs, cutecafes and exciting eateries. Take an esky and stock up on local producefrom Bunnyconnellan Olive Grove & Vineyard, Pechey Distillery(check website for opening), Crows Nest Cordials, Hollands Wines,Rosalie House Cellar Door, Palmtree Farm Persimmons (seasonal), HamptonBlue (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.