It is without a doubt revitalizing getting away from the rat race of the city and heading out to the country. It instantly makes you exhale and leave your stress behind. Our South Queensland country getaway for two perfect nights was exactly that – the chance to breathe in some clean country air, take our foot off the accelerator, slow down and take in the pretty scenery that abounds in the region.

Tweeters Country Getaway

We had been invited to Tweeters Country Getaway, in the highlands of the Great Dividing Range, 162 kilometres west of Brisbane, 57 kilometres north of Toowoomba and 14 kilometres north of Crows Nest in South Queensland Country region. This distinctive corrugated iron clad homestead and property is spread across 72 acres of mostly natural bushland, and perched beside an 85m deep gorge.

The corrugated iron clad homestead at Tweeters

We soon discovered that Tweeters was a country escape experience that ticked all the boxes – a peaceful and picturesque setting, with a large variety of farm animals and wildlife, walking trails along the gorge, superior accommodation and amenities, delicious meals and a fully licensed bar.

The Outdoor Bar Area overlooking the Gorge at Tweeters

Having not experienced a country homestay previously, I wondered whether there would be enough to keep us entertained for two days. My fears were soon allayed because we found that our two days were brimming with heaps of things to do and see. Both on the farm and around the area of Crows Nest, and further afield to Cooyar, Maidenwell and the Bunya Mountains, there is an abundance of natural attractions.

Even the King Parrots drop in for Breakfast at Tweeters

Crows Nest and Region National Parks

After arriving at Tweeters mid afternoon and having a guided tour of the property, we settled into our comfortable room, enjoyed pre-dinner drinks on the deck of the outdoor bar and a delicious home cooked meal for dinner cooked by our hosts, Peter and Thuy.

The next morning we set off early to explore the many National Parks within a short driving distance from Tweeters. These included:

• Crows Nest National Park – Only 6 kilometres out of town, we explored Crows Nest Creek, the Falls and the Valley of Diamonds on foot with a selection of walking tracks. Since recent good rainfall, water was tumbling along the series of boulder-strewn cascades, before plunging 20 metres over Crows Nest Falls into a waterhole surrounded by steep, granite cliffs. There is a green grassy picnic area at the beginning of the walk with lots of picnic tables and shelters.
  

  Crows Nest Creek and Falls in the National Park

• Ravensbourne National Park – Heading 17 kilometres east from Hampton towards Esk, we were blown away by this beautiful lush expanse of rainforest that conserves a small remnant of the vast forests that once covered the Great Dividing Range. Here you can venture into open forest across creeks and linger in cool, shaded rainforest where palm fronds hang overhead.
  

  Ravensbourne National Park

• The Palms National Park – After turning off the highway at Cooyar we drove 8 kilometres east to this tiny patch of palm-filled rainforest packed full of nature’s bounties. The circuit through the palm forest is only 650 metre long with the deafening sounds of bickering flying-foxes, giant fig trees and birdlife aplenty. We even encountered a curious dingo on the path.
  

  The Palms National Park in Cooyar

• Bunya Mountains National Park– Around 95 kilometres north-west of Crows Nest, but fully worth the drive are the remarkable Bunya Mountains. We wound our way up the steep mountain road into the Bunyas and were immediately in awe of the timeless beauty of the world’s largest forests of dome-shaped Bunya pines. The peaks of the Bunya Mountains reach more than 1100m and offer spectacular mountain scenery, views, abundant wildlife and rainforest walking trails from a short 500 metre up to a 10 kilometre circuit.
  

  Some of the scenery from the beautiful Bunya Mountains

  We picked up a walking trail map from the Information Centre at Dandabah and set off on a 1 kilometre walk from Fishers Lookout to Cunjevoi Falls. There are numerous walks in the Bunyas that take you through diverse vegetation that can include dense rainforest, to open grassland and babbling creeks and cascading waterfalls.

• Coomba Falls –  On the drive back down from the Bunya Mountains we were glad that we stopped by Coomba Falls near Maidenwell. We were amazed at the prolific bushland made up of grass trees and large granite boulders. A walk down many stairs revealed a deep cold rockpool at the base of the falls surrounded by granite cliffs. This picturesque spot provides the ideal setting for a picnic and a day of swimming and relaxing. The ideal place to cool off on a hot day!
  

  Grass Trees, Granite Boulders and the Rock Pool at Coomba Falls

Crows Nest Lakes

There are two lakes approximately 20 kilometress east of Crows Nest that are the major water supply for the city of Toowoomba and surrounding towns.

• Lake Cressbrook – If you are into some decent freshwater fishing the lake is stocked with fish including Australian Bass, Golden Perch, Silver Perch, Mary River Cod, Snub Nosed Gar and Saratoga. Boating, canoeing and sailing are all permitted on Lake Cressbrook, however swimming is not allowed. Bring a few snags as there are some excellent barbecue and picnic areas with pretty views over the lake.
  

  Lake Cressbrook

• Lake Perseverance – Although this lake doesn’t allow fishing, boating or swimming doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do. Drive across the dam wall with gorgeous views of the lake to the recreation area where you can have a picnic and set off on a walk on one of the walking tracks surrounding the lake.

Crows Nest Wineries & Olive Groves

Indulge in a drop of wine or locally grown produce at one of the local area’s cellar doors at:

• Bunnyconellen Olive Grove & Vineyard – offers a delicious range of olive products made from their own olive grove and other deli produce in their store. Wine tastings are available by appointment in their rustic Machinery Shed Cellar Door on the property offering a range of locally produced wines.
  

  Grapevines growing at Holland Wines, Crows Nest

• Holland Wines – Is much more that just a vineyard. The property boasts a cellar door that is located in the midst of an extensive garden featuring a variety of flowering natives and wildlife including peacocks and a variety of colourful native birds. There are a large variety of wines for free tasting that are all available for sale.

Crows Nest Historical Places of Interest

Crows Nest township provided us with a taste of a bygone era at its folk museum and village. We also discovered you could spend hours fossicking through the antique shop if you are so inclined. Historical places of interest included:

Historical Places of Interest in Crows Nest Township

• Carbethon Folk Museum & Village – Comprising over 20 buildings including memorabilia, both domestic and agricultural from the area.
• Jim Crow statue & tree trunk – in Crows Nest Centenary Park is a memorial to Jim Crow, an Aboriginal person who lived in a hollow tree trunk after whom the town was named.
• Roger Salt Antiques – housed in an iconic, elegant Edwardian building. Salt has developed an amazing display of items ranging from Vespa motor scooters to old engines, bottles, clocks and antique furniture.

An old farmhouse surrounded by green grassy paddocks

So if this isn’t enough to keep you entertained then there is always horse trail riding at nearby Cowboy Up at Emu Creek not far from Tweeters. Here you can experience horseback riding with experienced guides and ride through the pretty countryside of the local area.

Things To Do At Tweeters Country Getaway

If you simply want to hang around the farm there is plenty to do and see. The farm animals are tame and don’t mind a pat, including Jessie the pony, Chilli and Pepper the cattle dogs, an inquisitive goat and the three little black and white miniature pigs.

Some of the Farm Animals at Tweeters

Take an early morning walk through the bottom or along the top of the gorge where you will see remarkable rock formations, small caves, and plenty of flora and fauna.

The scenic gorge at Tweeters

Stroll around the property via the large vegetable garden and through the orchard to the dam and see if you can spot the resident koala high in the eucalyptus trees.

The resident koala at Tweeters

But the highlight of Tweeters for me was an afternoon glass of wine perched on a stool at the rustic-themed, outdoor bar that overlooks the gorge and natural bushland. With views to die for and a sun starting to dip in the horizon, what more could you want? Borrowing a line from a very famous Australian movie: “How’s the serenity”, summed up this country escape experience. There is nothing better than a bit of serenity!