Maryvale and Goomburra Archives - Southern Downs & Granite Belt

Gleneden Farm – Farm Tours & WorkshopsMarch 14, 2025/in AN Tours, AO Tours, FW Tours, Halfday /by

Gleneden farm is a family owned and managed organic farm with a focus on keeping old-style heritage farming , food traditions and rare trades alive for visitors to experience. Located 90 minutes’ drive south-west of Brisbane, Gleneden is nestled in the beautiful Maryvale valley in the western foothills of the Great Dividing Range of Southern Queensland.

Gleneden Farm offers fun and authentic farm tours and farm workshops for individuals and groups designed for a range of ages and abilities. Packages available for private group tours.

Free parking for cars, buses, and vans. Ideal for school groups, special interest groups, clubs, and bus tour groups.

Farmyard Tour (approx 1-1.5 hours): Meet and feed our rare breed farm animals (cows, pigs, sheep, ducks, geese, and chickens) on a guided farm tour with the farmers. Explore the farmhouse orchard, and vegetable garden, collect the eggs and taste delicious organic slow grown produce. Ideal for smaller children and less agile adults.

Hayride Tour (approx 2 hrs): Hop onboard the hay-wagon as the farmers drive you out into the paddocks to meet the farm animals. See how a modern regenerative farm uses old fashioned knowledge to grow delicious organic food.

Workshops: Learn a tradition farm skill including soap making, sourdough or jam making. Includes morning/afternoon tea of local produce.

Bookings essential via the Gleneden Farm website, phone or email.

The PeakMarch 14, 2025/in Cafes and Restaurants /by ZOIK ACCESS

In the elegant mountain top haven of Spicers Peak Lodge, you’ll discover a dining experience that scales the dizzying heights of Contemporary Australian cuisine elevated by the finest regional produce.

With the ever-unfolding majesty of the Great Dividing Range serving as a seductive backdrop, The Peak Restaurant embarks daily on a peregrination of the best of Australian flavours, produce, creativity and technique. Like the clouds rolling through the valley below, the menu is electrifying, bold, elegant and thoughtful.

Long Neck FarmMarch 14, 2025/in Agri / Mining and Industry, Parks and Gardens, Zoo / Sanctuaries / Aquaiums and Wildlife Parks /by ZOIK ACCESS

Long Neck Farm orders a unique cafe and gift shop with opportunities to view and interact with the farm animals.

Nestled in the Goomburra Valley section of the Main Range National Park with a very scenic drive ensuring a photo worthy experience.

Great local food, wood fired pizzas on Friday and Saturday nights, outstanding fresh coffee and award winning pies.

Gleneden Farm – Farm Shop & FarmyardMarch 14, 2025/in Agri / Mining and Industry, Galleries Museums and Collections, Historical Sites and Heritage Locations, Shopping and Markets, Zoo / Sanctuaries / Aquaiums and Wildlife Parks /by ZOIK ACCESS

Gleneden Farm is a 650-acre organic working property with a farm shop and farmyard open for visitors. Just a 90 minutes’ drive south-west of Brisbane, Gleneden is nestled in a beautiful bushland setting, in the western foothills of the Great Dividing Range, in southern Queensland. Gleneden is a picturesque property with old-world style. Owned and managed by 4th generation farmers Rohan and Fiona Morris, Gleneden Farm produces organic 100% pasture-fed beef and lamb and pastured (free-range) rare breed pork.

The Farm Shop and Farmyard is open on the first and last weekends (Fri-Sun; 10am to 4pm) of each month and has a range of delicious , organic Gleneden Farm produce, including seasonal fruits, vegetables, handcrafted soaps, preserves, and gifts made at the farm. Farm entry is free (donations gratefully accepted): come and meet the farmers, visit and feed the pigs, sheep, cows, geese, ducks and chickens, explore the farmhouse orchard, vegetable garden, and enjoy time outside in the fresh air.

Family-friendly environment catering for those with special needs and interests; free parking for cars, buses, and vans. Disabled toilet facilities onsite.

Farm and bullock tours, heritage and rare trade demonstrations, workshops, and camping sites are also available – bookings essential.

Farm Visitors are welcome to visit at other times by appointment please call and book ahead.

Paul’s Peaceful PlaceMarch 14, 2025/in Caravan / Camping and Holiday Parks /by ZOIK ACCESS

This is a hosted stay through Hipcamp, below is the information provided by the Host regarding their offering.

I was told that as I journeyed around Australia I would find a place to settle and Maryvale on the Darling Downs was love at first sight.
I am happy to share my love for this property and welcome travellers to enjoy the tranquillity of the riverside and enjoy some of the walks and other features of the area. Welcome to She-oak Hideaway, located in Maryvale by the riverside.
The riverside is a peaceful place with two large camping areas and firepits. There are 2 large waterholes suitable for swimming, fishing and kayaking.
Down by the riverside you will see Water dragons, ducks, swamp hens, many birds, occasional Wallabies and Koala. Most afternoons the local Rikali (Australias Otter) can be seen diving for Yabbies. We are an 11 minute drive to the very popular Main range national Park which has some beautiful hiking trails and is the perfect place for a picnic. We have a great country pub close by as well which is a short walk down a country lane.

Spicers Peak LodgeMarch 14, 2025/in Retreat and Lodge /by ZOIK ACCESS

Poised majestically atop a soaring mountain of the imposing Great Dividing Range, Spicers Peak Lodge is surrounded by untouched rainforest, the world heritage listed Main Range National Park and the dramatic volcanic scenery of the fertile Scenic Rim. With its rarefied position, a distinct sense of solitude and stillness fills the air, whilst the enticingly remote location gives promise to endless adventures.

This inimitable retreat is Australia’s highest non-alpine mountain lodge, and here, every experience is elevated. Myriad adventures await in the sky or on the land. For the active, there’s helicopter scenic flights, nature hikes, 4WD discovery tours and mountain biking. For those wishing for a gentler pace, there’s sunset picnics, star gazing, a guest library, pool table and tennis court. The peerless infinity pool – with yawning views of the mountains – is a temptation impossible to resist for most, as are the indulgent and restorative powers of the Spa Anise Day Spa.

In The Peak restaurant, a captivating story unfolds daily, celebrating the very best of Australian cuisine and ingredients. With a nod to the narrative of the great Australian battler, and a modern twist applied for intrigue, diners will often find dishes such as Kangaroo Island marron, Abrolhos Island scallops, Red Gum lamb rack and native pepper and white chocolate ganash on the menu.

Lazy Cow FarmMarch 14, 2025/in Caravan / Camping and Holiday Parks, Farm Stays /by ZOIK ACCESS

Small farm nestled in the Goomburra Valley. They farm beef cattle, sheep and pigs. Their lush green farm has a beautiful creek that trickles through the middle, making it a picturesque camping location.

They are 25 mins drive from the Goomburra main range National Park which has beautiful walks and picnic spots. They are a 15-minute drive from the quaint town of Allora and 25 mins from Warwick.

This is a hosted stay through Hipcamp. Below is the information provided by the Host regarding their offering.

InnisfreeMarch 14, 2025/in Caravan / Camping and Holiday Parks, Farm Stays /by ZOIK ACCESS

This is a hosted stay through Hipcamp, below is the information provided by the Host regarding their offering.

“The Isle Innisfree” is an Irish poem, about a safe haven. It is a place to escape, to find peace and solitude from the busy ways of modern life.Our property of Innisfree is just that to us, a beautiful safe haven. We are delighted to share the natural beauty of Innisfree with you and your family, and hope it will be as magical for you as it it to us.Céad Míle FáilteA Hundred Thousand Welcomes

Goomburra DreamingMarch 14, 2025/in Caravan / Camping and Holiday Parks /by ZOIK ACCESS

This is a hosted stay through Hipcamp, below is the information provided by the Host regarding their offering.

Located in the beautiful Goomburra Valley, this is our little slice of heaven. 350m of Dalrymple Creek, this place is beautiful in any season. Goomburra was named in 1840 after the local indigenous people – incredible at maintaining the long grassed areas, Goomburra translates to “fire people”. We are incredibly honoured to be the temporary custodians of this piece of paradise. Please be thoughtful and respect this land we are so lucky to able to experience – be quiet, respectful, self contained. Leave no trace.

Gordon CountryMarch 14, 2025/in Caravan / Camping and Holiday Parks /by ZOIK ACCESS

Gordon Country is located on the Darling Downs in the Goomburra Valley. It is a private family-owned eco-tourism and farming property offering camping, glamping, cabin and caravan stays in pristine bushland – just the way Australia used to be! The property borders on the Great Dividing Range in SE QLD and incorporates stunning native bushland and large beautiful reaches of rain forest in the World Heritage-listed Main Range National Park at Goomburra.

Offering authentic family and pet-friendly getaways, there are a myriad of ways to explore the freedom of Gordon Country. With kilometres of 4WD tracks and walking trails adventure can be built into every day or you can simply stare into the open campfire and enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery Mother Nature can provide.

Goomburra Valley CampgroundMarch 14, 2025/in Caravan / Camping and Holiday Parks /by Vivien Doneley

Brad and Teresa Badgery welcome you to their little piece of paradise! Goomburra Valley Campground is privately owned and operates in a safe and family-friendly manner. Located on the Darling Downs and situated on the banks of Dalrymple Creek, there are flat, grassed, shady areas for you to camp in peace. Powered campsites are available, with a firepit and a bunkhouse for the less adventurous. Well-behaved pets are welcome to come along in accordance with the pet policy.

Close to Brisbane (only two hours) or one hour from Toowoomba and 40 minutes from Warwick, Goomburra Valley Campground is one of the most picturesque spots for bush camping in Southeast Queensland.

Warm summer days for swimming in the creek, or rug up beside the fire in winter. The Goomburra Valley Campground is perfect for couples, families, groups or clubs, with large undercover areas for cooking or meetings, there is even a camp kitchen. The ability of exclusive bookings for that special occasion is available – birthdays, engagements, weddings, and the chance to sit back whilst your hosts, can provide full catering!

You can also enquire about the mid-week special. Limited free WiFi is available at the office. State finalists for the Caravan Parks Association Queensland awards.

Gleneden Farm – CampingMarch 14, 2025/in Caravan / Camping and Holiday Parks, Farm Stays /by

Gleneden Farm is a 650-acre property with 8 private campsites, farm produce and farm animals, nestled in a beautiful bushland setting. Just a 90 minutes’ drive south-west of Brisbane in the western foothills of the Great Dividing Range, in southern Queensland.

The property is ideal for travellers, families and nature lovers wanting to escape the crowds, relax and experience a real working farm.

All campsites are un-powered and cater to off-grid campers only. Camping facilities include a rustic but clean bush toilets and fire pits located at each site. Campsites cater for 2WD, though most sites require 4WD vehicles and off-road vans.

Pet -friendly: De-sexed and well behaved dogs welcome. Other pets by prior arrangement.

Camping guests can explore the farmhouse orchard and vegetable garden, feed the heritage breed farm animals, go bird-watching, bush-walking, swimming by the waterfall or mountain-biking (byo bikes), with plenty of wildlife to see.

Gleneden also offers farm tours, heritage trade demonstrations and workshops.

Owned and managed by 4th generation farmers, Gleneden Farm is a working farm producing organic beef, lamb and pork with a focus on regenerative farming and keeping their heritage farming traditions and rare trades alive.

The Farm Shop sells a range of delicious Gleneden Farm organic produce, seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as traditional soaps, preserves and gifts handcrafted locally and at the farm.

Glenroy CampingMarch 14, 2025/in Caravan / Camping and Holiday Parks, Farm Stays /by ZOIK ACCESS

This is a hosted stay through Hipcamp, below is the information provided by the Host regarding their offering.

Property divided by Millarvale Creek offers secluded and private camping. We have two camping sites on the bank of the creek catering for the single camper . Each site has total privacy. Enjoy the peace and tranquility with clear starlit nights around the campfire, stunning panoramic views and sundowners on top of The Knob, walks along the rocky creek, and swimming in the clear running water. All campers must be self contained as there are no facilities on either site. Pets are welcome but must be kept under control and restrained at night and not interfere with livestock or wildlife. Campfires only in designated firepits dependant upon any restrictions in place. All waste to be removed from site in accordance with our ‘Leave No Trace’ policy. RESPECT other campers privacy ! NO DRONES over other private campsite!. If caught you will REMOVED from the property INSTANTLY and DEFEAT ANY PAID CAMP FEES!. SITE 1 & 2 now has a port-a loo for hire. Optus phone service good. Telstra phone sporadic. Vodaphone roaming ok.

Gleneden Family Farm and Bullock TeamMarch 14, 2025/in Caravan / Camping and Holiday Parks, Farm Stays /by ZOIK ACCESS

This is a hosted stay through Hipcamp, below is the information provided by the Host regarding their offering.

Private campsites, friendly farm animals, beautiful views and even a waterfall and waterhole for swimming. Gleneden Family Farm is family run 640 acre working farm nestled in the picturesque western foothills of the Main Range just 90mins from Brisbane. We have freerange pigs, sheep, cows, a dairy and lots of chickens ruanning around the farm as well as mountain bike tracks and beautiful areas to bushwalk. You can also buy our organic pastured pork, wood smoked nitrate free ham & bacon, beef & lamb, soaps and jams at the farm shop. We farm using a combination of traditional farming crafts and the most innovative organic, regenerative techniques available. With no chemicals, few machines and a wide variety of friendly farm animals Gleneden is a place for families to reconnect with nature and farm life. We enjoy sharing our farm, both with campers and day visitors to our working bullock team displays and farm tours. Beautiful North Branch Creek runs through Gleneden, with pools, ripples and a waterfall. Native Eucalypt woodland covers two thirds of our property.

Bestbrook Mountain FarmstayMarch 14, 2025/in Caravan / Camping and Holiday Parks, Cottages, Farm Stays /by ZOIK ACCESS

Bestbrook is a family owned and operated Australian Farmstay, 90 minutes west of Brisbane, 2hr from the Gold Coast. Bestbrook is a farmstay the whole family will enjoy. They have accommodation to suit all budgets from bush camping, to the bunkhouse and up to the self contained cabins.

At Bestbrook they work to create memories you will remember long after you have returned home. Whether it is time away with the kids, or a chance to catch up with friends, Bestbrook is the destination for you.

Bestbrook is about the simple pleasures, milking a cow, feeding our farm yard friends, cooking your own damper on the bush microwave, and boiling the billy for a cup of Aussie tea.

The team, will introduce you to some of the local history, teach you how to throw a boomerang and the art of cracking a stock whip, the team is always happy to answer questions or just tell some stories and have a good old yarn.

When the sun goes down on the farm, enjoy the creature comforts in your own country cabin, or you can choose to savour a freshly cooked, home-style dinner in the licensed restaurant, and then gather around your own campfire for marshmallow toasting and a blanket of stars.

Pet-friendly holidays in the Southern Downs and Granite Belt

February 11, 2025/in News /by Vivien Doneley

Looking for somewhere to stay where you can bring your four legged friends? We’ve put together a list of places where you can take your pets on holidays.

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