Seven spectacular Queensland Country road trips
Sometimes, we all need a little country drive and Queensland is full of hidden gems and scenic drives perfect for a weekend escape from the city.
From rolling hills and sparkling lakes to boutique wineries and outback horizons, there’s a road trip for every adventurer.
Here are seven unforgettable Queensland Country drives:
1. Toowoomba – The Garden City getaway
Heritage streets, blooming gardens and boutique cafes. Toowoomba proves a true escape that’s just a quick Queensland Country drive away.
Known as the Garden City, Toowoomba blends heritage charm with vibrant gardens and a relaxed country pace. Stay in the heart of the city at Quest Toowoomba, then stroll through Queens Park Botanic Gardens. Wander heritage streets and explore local boutiques. Wine, dine and feast on farm-fresh flavours at Rosalie House, as the sun sets on your spectacular escape to Toowoomba.
2. Somerset – Lakes, landscapes and adventure awaits
Lakeside adventures and trail-side treasures are just a short drive from Brisbane.
Somerset is a haven for nature lovers with sparkling lakes, quaint country towns and trails waiting to be explored. Home to the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT), adventure seekers can tick off a bucket list experience with a hike, bike-ride or horse-ride along the country’s longest recreational rail trail. Trail travellers can stay at a turn of the century heritage bed and breakfast, Montrose on Moore, by night and meet friendly, furry Ottaba Llamas by day. As well as refuelling the caffein-o-metre at paddock to plate favourites like Splityard Social in Fernvale. With a choice of lakeside stays on offer, travellers can spend the day canoeing or kayaking across Lake Somerset or Wivenhoe, hiking peaceful walking tracks, discovering local art galleries or nestling into secluded stays. Whether exploring country towns or getting back to nature, visitors to Somerset will feel a million miles away.
3. Lockyer Valley – Farm-fresh flavours and fun
The Lockyer Valley is Australia’s ‘salad bowl,’ offering fertile farmlands, long and winding roads, and quaint country towns to explore.
Glamp with panoramic views at Valhalla Glamping and stop to smell the roses (literally) with an exclusive on-farm tour at their working flower farm. Feast on farm fresh flavours at country cafe Tins and Trays, where the chef hand-picks produce direct from local farms – it’s paddock to plate perfection. On the weekend, browse local farmers’ markets, and enjoy long Lockyer Valley lunches at farm-to-table cafes like Jak & Mo’s, The Pantry and more. Every turn along the valley invites you to slow down and savour the journey.
4. Southern Downs & Granite Belt – Vineyards and village life
Cool-climate wines, farm-to-table flavours, and charming towns make this a refined country escape.
Nestled among rolling vineyards and striking granite landscapes, the Southern Downs and Granite Belt invites you to slow down and savour the good life. Enjoy two relaxing nights at 31 The Rocks, indulge in a Fireside Friday Hot Tapas and Museum Aged Wines Dinner at Heritage Estate Winery, and dive into the art of winemaking with a Wine Maker Experience and Guided Tasting at The Church Local Wine Project. Round out your Southern Downs stay with a gourmet local picnic hamper and a curated selection of three premium wines to take home – the perfect way to remember your time among the vines.
5. Goondiwindi – Sunsets and country streets
Sunsets over farmland and small-town charm. Goondiwindi captures the spirit of Queensland’s rural heartland.
Friendly streets, golden plains and wide-open skies make this an authentic country escape. Settle in for two nights at Bronte House, a beautifully restored heritage stay that blends history with comfort. Discover the region’s agricultural roots on a Goondiwindi Cotton Tour, where you’ll see first-hand how quality and innovation meet in the fields. Stroll along the Macintyre River, browse local boutiques, and round out your day with dinner at a cosy country café — the perfect way to experience Goondiwindi’s laid-back charm.
6. Western Downs – Open Skies and Wide Horizons
Wide-open landscapes, friendly towns and peaceful drives make every kilometre memorable.
Experience the true freedom of the open road with a two-night stay at Jubri’s Hideaway, a tranquil country retreat surrounded by sweeping plains and golden paddocks. Take in sunrise or sunset over the fields, or head for the hills to capture the night sky in a Bunya Mountains Astrophotography Experience, where the stars truly shine. Between scenic drives, charming small towns and farm-fresh cafes, the Western Downs offers an unhurried taste of Queensland’s country life.
7. Queensland Central Highlands – Sapphires and Outback Beauty
Sapphires, sparkling rugged landscapes and warm country hospitality. The Central Highlands offer a getaway like no other.
Unearth the treasures of the Gemfields with a two-night stay at the Emerald Inn followed by three nights at Gemini Caravan Park, your base for exploring this sparkling region. Discover the magic of fossicking at Pat’s Gems Tourist Fossicking Park, where you’ll enjoy a Fossicking & Faceting Experience and a treat from the Pat’s Gems Café. Learn the art of custom design at McArthur Jewellers and join exclusive guided tours of the Gemfields for a true insider’s look at this glittering landscape. Between outdoor adventures, hearty country meals and friendly locals, the Central Highlands is an unforgettable escape.
Plan your Queensland Country road trip today
Well, what are you waiting for? That holiday feeling is just a Queensland Country drive away. Start planning your trip today. After all, we all need a little country drive.
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