Discover the charm of Queensland’s countryside on this scenic self-drive tour. Journey through historic towns, stunning natural landscapes, and the celebrated Granite Belt wine region. Along the way, enjoy local produce, heritage sites, and unique experiences that showcase the heart and soul of rural Queensland.
Leave the city behind and head west from Brisbane along the Warrego Highway toward Toowoomba, the lively hub of the Darling Downs. Continuing west on the Adventure Way, arrive in Miles where history comes alive at the Miles Historical Village Museum. Wander through over 25 beautifully preserved heritage buildings and exhibits, offering a vivid glimpse of rural life from the 1860s through to the 1950s.
Stay: Western Downs Motor Inn, Miles
Drive southwest with a stop at Condamine to uncover the story of the iconic Condamine Bell - once used by drovers to track cattle across vast Outback distances. Take in the open farmland and native brigalow trees on the way to Goondiwindi, a town brimming with country charm and rich rural heritage. Discover the legacy of the legendary racehorse Gunsynd, known as the Goondiwindi Grey. Step inside the beautifully preserved Customs House Museum, a reminder of Goondiwindi’s role as a key river crossing in the 19th century.
Stay: Goondiwindi Holiday Park, or Best Western Ascot Lodge
Drive east to Yelarbon, where the Graincorp silos showcase impressive large-scale art created with more than a thousand litres of paint over two weeks. Next, visit the peaceful town of Inglewood and enjoy tastings at local producers such as Coolmunda Olives or the Lavender Farm - perfect spots to sample olive oils, lavender products, and honey. Continue on to Stanthorpe, the heart of Queensland’s wine and fresh produce region. Stop in at one of the Granite Belt’s boutique wineries for an afternoon tasting before settling into your accommodation for the next two nights.
Make the most of your full day in the stunning Granite Belt region. Explore Girraween National Park’s spectacular granite boulders, seasonal wildflowers, and native wildlife. Join a local winery tour to visit boutique cellar doors, sampling cool-climate wines crafted by passionate winemakers. Don’t miss tasting artisan cheeses made from local Jersey milk at Stanthorpe Cheese or learn about the fascinating truffle farming industry with a tasting session at The Folly Truffles.
On your final morning, visit two local favourites: start at Suttons Apple Farm to enjoy fresh apple juice, house-made preserves, and their famous warm apple pie with cream. Then, wander the Granite Belt Christmas Farm, where festive spirit is alive all year round amid rows of Christmas trees and charming farm animals. After a leisurely morning, make your way back to Brisbane via Warwick and the scenic Cunningham Gap, a beautiful stretch through the Great Dividing Range. Arrive in Brisbane late afternoon, your car and heart full of country memories and fresh local produce.
