48 hours of food, fun and 4WDing: what to do in Killarney
Itinerary
By Catherine Blake
Venture south-west out of Brisbane and pretty soon you’ll hit the rural landscape of South East Queensland. Keep going, and you’ll land upon the Darling Downs and the fragrant lavender fields of Killarney. Losing time here is the perfect tonic to combat the trials of the working week. Even just two days is plenty of time to recharge and switch gears into country living.
Being so close to the Scenic Rim, you can bank on some of the most delicious foods and freshest produce in the state.
Here is how to make the most of the rolling hills of Killarney and the surrounding Queensland Country if you’ve only got a weekend to spare.
Saturday
10am: Hit the road
The drive from Brisbane to Killarney will take you just over two hours, but there’s something special in mind for lunch so treat yourself to a lie in before hitting the road. This region rose to prosperity as a dairy farming province, which is still alive and thriving today. You’ll know you’re close when the cows outside the car outnumber ticks on the odometer.
11am: A lovely lavender encounter
Photo by @sarah.sinnott via IG
Sixty-five minutes from Brisbane you’ll find one of the region’s favourite wineries: Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm at Mt Alford.
Besides a gift shop and cellar door, Kooromba also features a restaurant overlooking rolling hills, grape vines, and swathes of lavender. For lunch, expect a menu that puts the paddock on the plate showcasing local producers of the Scenic Rim. Not surprisingly given the abundance of the lilac flowers, lavender seamlessly weaves its way into a variety of dishes (the lavender ice cream is a must-order). Sample a couple of the premium glasses over your meal, and swing by the cellar door on your way out to pick up a bottle of your favourite drop.
2pm: Check into the clouds
Photo by @killarney_country_style_living
After a sumptuous three-course lunch with matching wines, work off the food coma at Spring Creek Mountain Cafe and Cottages. The property is the realisation of a dream for owner Bev Ruskey’s as a place to eat, stay and share her uninterrupted views of Condamine Gorge, Wilson’s Peak and Border Ranges with the rest of the world.
Perched 1000 kilometres above sea level, there’s absolutely no internet or phone reception. Not that you’ll miss it, with such an idyllic panorama. After a few hours of tech-free rest and relaxation, it’s time for dinner.
6.30pm: Meet the meat
What better way to get to know the region than to taste-test the local produce. The obvious starting point is Bev’s fabled beef and shiraz pie – a pie so loved by locals that she isn’t allowed take it off the menu. With creamy gravy, slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth Killarney beef and buttery pastry, this hearty slice will fill you with pure warmth. Washed down with a few glasses of the Symphony Hill Tempranillo (from the Granite Belt), you know you’ll sleep soundly.
Sunday
8.30am: Wake up to a strong start
There's more delicious feasting on the cards with breakfast at Spring Creek Mountain Café. It’s a nourishing affair, with fresh fruit compote, freshly baked croissants with homemade jams, and a hot breakfast selection. The coffee is good, but the baked herb ricotta with oven roasted tomatoes and bacon is even better.
10am: Go bush
If you’re eager to put some dirt under your wheels, Louise Brosnan from Cambanoora Co is here to help you do it. A fifth-generation Killarney local, there isn’t much Louise can’t show you on her Farm and Forest tour. From bumping around on 4WD tracks in the Condamine Gorge, to the head of the Condamine River (part of the Murray Darling system) to hand-picking potatoes with local farmer Mal Smith, Louise can tailor the experience to suit any proclivity.
Along the way you’ll pay a visit to Mal Smith’s farm. A third-generation potato farmer, Mal’s famous Sebago spuds are pride of the paddock. Help him dig up a couple and he’ll tell you how to roast them to perfection.
12pm: Kick on with a scenic drive
Photo by @lucyonthegc
If you happen to be travelling in a 4WD, you’re in blessed luck because Killarney is home to some of the most beautiful scenic drives in the Southern Downs. After getting farm strong with Mal, continue in scenic style to Condamine Gorge.
Travelling along the Condamine River Road, you’ll encounter no less than 14 river crossings, and plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs along the route as it winds through lush lowlands of the gorge. Just be wary of wet weather conditions that can make the river impassable.
Alternatively, if it is raining, head out on Falls Drive. Perfect for every type of vehicle, this route takes you around mountains, bushland, and rainforest with plenty of lookouts along the way. Pack some lunch and enjoy the view.
Monday
10AM: Get into Gondwana
Photo by @giuliaboetti_
After such a luxurious foodie weekend, a gruelling hike through the Main Range National Park is just what you need.
The Gondwana rainforests are some of the oldest surviving rainforests on the planet, dating back 40 million years. Their vines and native wildlife have seen the rise and fall of the jurassic period, and everywhere you look is a fragment of this ancient history. It’s no wonder UNESCO named it a world-heritage site.
Lace up your boots for a two-kilometre circuit through Queen Mary Falls to explore the forest. This trail winds from the top of the cliffs down to creek level. At the end of the hike, The Falls Café at the Queen Mary Falls Caravan Park is the perfect spot to recharge the batteries with something sweet from their cabinet.
12pm: Brush up on the local history
If you’re not quite ready to head back to the big smoke, extend your stay in the Queensland Country and head to Settler’s Route in nearby Warwick. The circuit tracks through farmland and villages in the foothills of the Main Range, showcasing the rich history of the region.
A whole itinerary can be found here, just make sure you devote a good hour to the tour. Once you’re done, head back to Killarney for a drink at the local pub and hear more stories about the town’s history with the Killarney District Historical Society.
