Experience country Queensland
Art, Culture & History!
Rejuvenate Contemplate Escape
On the property
50 acres of serene bush setting
Contemplate: ever-changing light through the day makes the mountainous scenery a great subject of contemplation
Bird watching: binoculars and Bird book provided in each chalet. Bird lovers will find a wealth of information by visiting the Toowoomba Bird Observers website, prior to their stay at ecoRidge Hideaway.
Bush walking: 3km Nature trail on property with resting points, picnic area and valley views to Table Top Mountain and Mount Davidson.
For the more adventurous, hike up to Mount Campbell, the highest peak in the area at 720 m, and experience panoramic views over the Lockyer Valley farmland and the tableland of Toowoomba and surrounds.
Or explore historical Gormans’ Gap track, the first wagons' passage open up the escarpment in 1840.
Local maps available.
In the vicinity – 4 km away
For further information, please click on the underlined operator's name.
Preston Peak winery - Great views, finest wines, rose garden. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. T 07 4630 9499
Preston Manor Restaurant & Function Centre - Preston Historic Village Chapel
It is a popular wedding venue with immaculate garden and stunning views. For more information, please call 0423 357 555 for the Manor or 0427 309 329 for the Chapel.
Horse Riding at Splendacrest Stables in Preston. Programs cater for adults and children. For more information, please visit the website or ring Jay on 0438 309 458.
The area is home to RM Williams, famous Australian stockman. A memorial stone on Preston Boundary Road, near the winery, reminds of this Outback hero who spent the last part of his life in the region. Some shops in town carry his clothing collection. The Specialist retail store in Toowoomba is at 8 Carrington Road, T 4634 4336. Some items are also offered at the family operated Hannas'store on Ruthven Street near Herries Street, in the centre of town. It is a worthwile shop to visit as it offers a wide range of quality fashionable and bush/work clothing & accessories with a friendly old fashion style service.
Further - an easy 15 minutes drive away
The Garden City of Toowoomba offers many interests. Here are some of them: Beautiful gardens, 19th century buildings, a choice of coffee places, restaurants and art galleries.
Cobb&Co Museum with Australia’s largest collection of horse-drawn vehicles - 27 Lindsay Street T(07)4639 1971 www.cobbandco.qm.qld.gov.au
2 Hour Toowoomba Bus Tour www.stonestreetscoaches.com.au
Dance - mostly old time with a little of new vogue - at Multiple Sclerosis Hall at University of Southern Queensland, Cnr Baker St & Steele Rudd Dr, 8pm to midnight every Saturday Night. Enquiries: 07 4634 3119
Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre 86 James Street (Warrego Hwy)-T 1800 33 11 55 www.toowoombaholidays.info
In the Steele Rudd Country
Rudd’s Pub, Nobby - Memorabilia on the walls, hearty meals in the plate! (07) 4696 3211
West of Toowoomba
Jondaryan Woolshed - working museum of 19th-century rural life www.jondaryanwoolshed.com
Museum of Australian Army Flying - Oakey
T 07 4691 7666 http://www.army.gov.au/history/museums.htm
Art & Culture
The Empire Theatre, 56 Neil Street - Program available at www.empiretheatre.com.au or
call 1 300 655 299
The Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery, 531 Ruthven Street - T 07 4688 6652 www.toowoomba.qld.gov.au
Mac Gregor Art Classes at the University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, run by qualified and experienced tutors from around the country. Visit www.usq.edu.au/mcgregor for more information.
Bush walking
Mt Campbell and Table Top mountain, both remnant of old volcanic craters, will present a challenge to the experienced bushwalker. Other recommandable walks in the area, are Gorman's Gap, as well as some circuit itineraries along the escarpment from Picnic Point in Toowoomba.
These are suggestions and the list is not exhaustive.