1. Wine Tasting Through Granite Belt
The Granite Belt is the highest wine region in Australia, offering a unique terroir with longer growing season, and resulting in wines with wonderful complexity. With over 50 cellar doors scattered throughout the region, you won’t be short on choices. Take in the hospitality and delicious wines of the local vineyards you will not be disappointed. A great route starts from Cottonvale and ends in Wyberba, via Stanthorpe, Glen Aplin and Ballandean.
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2. Go For a Drive
This may sound a little strange since you’re pretty much doing nothing but driving on your Big Lap, but Southern Queensland Country has so many incredible drives that you should check out, for various reasons.
The Falls Drive, from Killarney, takes you through lush rainforest, past numerous waterfalls and delivers you to the famous Queen Mary Falls at the top. Incredible views of Scenic Rim and Tambourine Mountain.
Oracle Way is a 65km drive between Stanthorpe and Tenterfield, taking you past lavender fields, Undercliff Falls and other natural wonders.
Sunset Way Tourist Drive takes you through numerous historical towns, riverside walks and cool camping spots. Perhaps not surprisingly, the sunsets are pretty awesome here too.
During the 12kms of Granite Belt Drive, you’ll pass delicious food stops, cute villages and The Summit (one of the coldest places in Queensland).
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3. Explore Any National Park or State Forest
Pick any spot on the map and just go for it. You’ll never know what you’ll find. Waterholes, dense forest, crops, open fields, wildlife etc.can be found almost anywhere. There are so many National Parks and State Forests in the area that you’re really spoilt for choice…
Main Range National Park is a hiker’s dream, with 12 hiking trails scattered throughout. Stop on the top of Cunninghams Gap, as you jump out of the car and give one (or 12) a go. The smallest walk starts at 1.7kms for beginners or families. If you’ve packed your hiking boots, the longest is just over 20kms!
Girraween National Park, is home to over 750 types of plants and has some incredible waterholes. In Bunya National Park, you can have a picnic with the wallabies (see below). But wherever you choose, you’ll undoubtedly have an incredible experience.
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4. Get Up Close and Personal With Wildlife
Animals, animals, everywhere! This area is chock-full with animal-related adventures.
Situated at the centre of Bunya National Park next to the Bunyas Cafe, wild wallabies roam the grassy hills soaking up the Sun. Take your own picnic or book a table at the Bunyas Deck and Whiskey bar where they will provide your tucker at reasonable prices.
It’s not just wild animals you can get up close and personal with though. This area is known for its farm experiences and farm stays. Darling Downs Zoo and Durong Dingo Sanctuary are also awesome ways to get your animal fix!
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5. Thallon Silos
The pinnacle of silo art in the region. Standing at over 30 meters, stop and snap away. Walk around them and be sure to appreciate the wonderful artwork. Free camping is also available at the base of silos. The small town of Thallon is located only 30kms down the road from Nindigully.
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6. Gap Creek Motorbike Park
If you have packed your two wheeler on your lap, stop off at the privately owned motocross park and go for a spin. Camping and riding packages are available, make sure that you call up before arrival as some weekends are busier than others.
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Want access to the best free camps, top walks, events, local secrets (and more) in the Southern Country Queensland region? Click here to get your Big Lap Bible now.
