Brisbane to Toowoomba: A self-drive itinerary

Collect your Cosy Camper in Brisbane and head due west to Toowoomba, Queensland’s garden city. It’s a big country town with a dash of urban flair, and visitors can take advantage of superb cafes, restaurants and bars. Wander through the enormous Japanese garden, view the carriage collection at the Cobb & Co Museum and take in an array of mainstream and alternative artworks.

Inspiration:

• Say ‘konichiwa’ to Australia’s biggest Japanese garden
• Explore Queensland’s horse-drawn history at the Cobb & Co Museum
• Admire Australian masters at Toowomba Regional Art Gallery and local street art at Kontraband Studios
• Experience jaw-dropping views from Picnic Point

Leave the city behind as you drive west to Dalby, a lively agricultural centre. Spot waterbirds along Myall Creek, and discover the town’s interesting history along the Dalby Heritage Trail.

Continue west along the Warrego Highway to Chinchilla, the melon capital of Australia. As well as tasting the region’s renowned fruit, you’ll want to fossick for petrified ‘Chinchilla red’ wood and pay a visit to the local museum, home to the first ticket ever issued by Qantas.

Inspiration:

• Stop for a real country lunch at the 150-year-old Jondaryan Woolshed
• Wander through the extraordinary estate gardens of Jimbour House
• Celebrate the harvest at Dalby’s annual Cotton Festival (March) or Chinchilla’s Melonfest (February)

Drive east to visit the Bunya Mountains National Park, whose mountains are covered with unspoiled rainforest and enormous bunya pines. Walking tracks range from 500m to 10km in length, passing by waterfalls, tree ferns and extraordinary views. Birdwatchers will be in heaven here – the Bunya Mountains are home to green catbirds, paradise riflebirds, black-breasted button quails and elegant satin bowerbirds.

Head back to Brisbane via the Yarraman and Benarkin State Forests. There is a skydiving centre at Toogoolawah, while the Bellevue Homestead near Esk offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of a wealthy 19th-century pastoral family.

Inspiration:

• Marvel at rare birds and ancient forests in the Bunya Mountains National Park
• Enjoy lunch or afternoon tea at the elegant Bellevue Homestead
• Jump out of a plane at SkyDive Ramblers Toogoolawah