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Every day is one step closer to your next vacation". Truer words have never been spoken.
We realised that with the Covid related travel restrictions, as well as work pressure it had been a while since we travelled overnight. A short trip to the beach town of Noosa during the Xmas break was a welcome getaway, but with it being summer in Australia, a beach town was always going to be packed with people. Also, it was mid last year when we brought home a furry member to the family.
We welcomed little Alfie to our home as a tiny puppy, and he has since grown to take his place as a valued member of the household. Looking for options to vacation with him, we added Pet-Friendly to our filters on travel websites. With school holidays coming to an end, and to celebrate wife's birthday we booked a 3 night stay at a cabin in the region of Stanthorpe in Queensland.
Situated at about 1000m above sea level, Stanthorpe is a popular winter destination, and is famous for its many vineyards. We booked at Ridgemill Estates via
www.booking.com seeing the great reviews, as well as the chance to be around a vineyard.
The Pajero continued to munch away as we made progress, and soon enough signs for Stanthorpe came into view.
At one of the rest stops 
One of the landmarks for Stanthorpe is the famous Big Apple. Part of Australia's Big Things tourist attractions, this one stands tall at Thulimbah, close to Stanthorpe - a testament to the apple orchards that dot the areas around this region.
We did the customary tourist thing and clicked some pics here.
At the Big Apple - Big Things Australia 
On the way to the estate, off the main highway 
Soon enough we reached our destination and home for the next 3 nights - Ridgemill Estates, a boutique winery with vineyards on the property.
The place is quite impressive and the self contained cabins with views overlooking the vineyard and mountains in the distance made for a great place to be at.
We had our stay booked within one of the self-contained cabins on the property.
Even the cabin key was on theme 
View of the cabin 
View from our cabin patio 
There was a fireplace within, and we could only imagine how cozy it would get in winters.
Settling down, we decided to explore the property. We made our way to the goat farm on the property where we spent some time feeding them.
By now the weather cooled down, and we could feel the onset of cold. It was surreal, as this was supposed to be summer in Queensland!
We also spent some time walking around the vineyard, quite an interesting experience.
Fresh grapes 
Alfie enjoying the experience 
By now it had gotten real cold, and wearing a jumper was inevitable. Luckily, we had left them in the car and were only too happy to don them. Returning home post dinner, we set about getting a fire going in the fireplace as it was indeed cold now.
The tranquility of the cabin setting with the stars for company felt relaxing, bringing with it, the end of our first day at Stanthorpe.
Soon we set off to explore Stanthorpe and surrounds. In some of the online sites i had checked, there was reference to a pyramid which was constructed on private property. This was to be our first destination.
Missing a turn off the New England Highway, we took the next one which was a longer route. Passing below a railway track, it seemed a good site to just stop and explore a bit.
Posing at the railway underpass 
Having spent some time here, we then proceeded towards the pyramid.
Some info from Wikipedia about this pyramid at Ballandean.
Quote:
The Ballandean Pyramid is a man-made stone pyramid near the small village of Ballandean, Queensland, Australia. The pyramid is approximately 15 metres in height and built from blocks of the local granite.
The pyramid was built after a local resident, Peter Watters (Watters Vine Management Service), asked the land owner Stewart Morland what was to be done with the surplus amount of granite rocks that were excavated for land tillage, humorously suggesting that a pyramid could be constructed.[2] Four hours later Morland decided to build the pyramid and contracted the work to Ken Stubberfield at a cost of $1000.
The pyramid base was to be 30 metres wide. Landscaping of the base was completed early and the rocks were collected by a dump truck and brought to the site. The first three levels of rocks were laid first by a large excavator and then manoeuvred appropriately into place by a smaller excavator. As the pyramid rose, a makeshift dirt ramp was built to negotiate the height and the construction vehicles used this access ramp to complete the pyramid. At the end of construction, the ramp was removed by the excavator.
The pyramid, which weighs approximately 7500 tonnes, took eight months to build.
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As it stood on private property, we weren't allowed to get close to it. Instead there is a viewing area from where it was possible to click pics, so we did.
Our next stop was the Queensland - New South Wales state border at Wallangara.
Exploring roads that looked interesting, and off the main highway 
How can you be in 2 states and 2 timezones at once? I show you how. Simple, step across the line. 
With border restrictions and quarantine rules in place between the states of Queensland and New South Wales owing to COVID, there was a border checkpost in operation 
A recent highlight here is the construction of a Queenslander sign as a landmark.
The border town also has historic significance from the time states in Australia were separate colonies. Infact, in those days states couldn't even agree on a common standard for railway gauge widths!
Reading through the museum, we realised that owing to the disagreement the tracks were constructed to differing widths, which meant trains could never go across the border. So a train to travel from Brisbane to Sydney would actually offload all its passengers as well as goods at the border station, and then board the train on the other side which was of a different gauge to go towards Sydney, and vice versa!
Beautiful Wallangara station 
After having browsed through the Wallangara railway museum, we proceeded to lunch at the beautiful café which now occupies the platforms at Wallangara railway station.
Wallangara station café 
Keeping in with the rail theme, i ordered the Freight Train burger (Angus burger equivalent), while my wife ordered the Railway Burger. Needless to say, the food felt really fresh and tasty.
The Freight Train burger 
Among the other attractions around Stanthorpe is the Giraween National Park, which is famous for trekking, as well as the giant granite rocks which make some really interesting shapes. As we were travelling with our pet, and national parks being a no-go area for pets, we decided to just go check out the area, and not actually enter the national park. Interestingly, i didn't click any pics here.
On the return we saw a chocolate shop which we decided to try out. We bought some chocolates from here, and also tasted the caramel flavored hot chocolate drink. Sipping hot chocolate with the mountains in the background felt relaxing.
Caramel flavored Hot Chocolate - Tasted really good! 
Natural Xmas trees is something you would definitely not associate with Australia, and more so in the state of Queensland, which is known for being hot. So, it was interesting to read about an Xmas tree farm, which became the next place we wanted to check out.
We got to the place based on directions from Google Maps, but sadly there was some major renovations being undertaken at the farm as a result of which they were closed.
We had to be content with the views from outside.
Keeping in line with my fascination for Big Things Australia, the next on the list was a big thermometer which is situated at a park near the main business area of Stanthorpe.
The well maintained park as well as lake around the park made for a tranquil, relaxed setting.
We spent some time here just walking about, and posing by the rocks, before we decided to head off.
It was a hot day, and the heat was beginning to get slightly annoying. Just prior to this trip, wifey received a gift from some online shopping website - a portable mini fridge. Best part was that it could be connected to the 12V power point in the car, which meant we could carry around cold drinks and water. :)
We bought some takeaway from the local shop and headed back to the cabin just in time to enjoy a beautiful sunset over the lake and mountains in the distance.
Next stop was to check out some of the apple orchards that Stanthorpe is famous for. There is even a place called Applethorpe where not surprisingly you see a lot of apple orchards. We hit the highway and were off. Saw a sign that said drive-in for fresh fruits, and true to our exploring nature we did. What lay before us was a track through an apple orchard.
This was my first time at an apple orchard. It was great to see apple trees in various stages of their growth, as well as trees laden with fresh fruit ready for picking. We chose to see and enjoy and not pluck any.
Fresh apples
All the apple talk made us hungry for some apple pie which Sutton's Farm, located along the highway is famous for. However, there was one more stop before we indulge in pies.
I had seen some pics of a castle themed place when i was looking up attractions in Stanthorpe and surrounds. The place was called Castle Glen, and was yet another winery in the region. Having our pet with us, we decided not to enter the premises, but just see it from the outside, click the typical touristy pics, and then head out for lunch.
Posing before Castle Glen 
It was soon time to taste the famous apple pies at Sutton's Farm.
Turns out this is quite a popular spot seeing the number of visitor cars in comparison to most of the other places we had been to on this trip. Those like us with pets in tow, were relegated to the 'Dog Parking' section of the outdoor area. Rest of the folks got to enjoy a well-maintained, beautifully maintained outdoor eating area. This came as a surprise to us, as every other place we had been to on this trip, if there was an outdoor eating area, you could have your pet along, as long as it was on a leash. We weren't too pleased, but decided not to think too much about it and try to enjoy the pies instead.
Dog parking 
The apple pie served with ice cream as well as cream was enjoyable, and we also ordered one as a takeaway.
Apple pie 
Next stop was the Stanthorpe Cheese Factory.
To get to the Stanthorpe Cheese Factory we had to retrace our route to go past Castle Glen we had just visited before lunch, and then proceed beyond for a few kilometers. Turns out this is another popular location on the tourist circuit.
Stanthorpe Cheese Factory 
Not fan a big fan of cheese myself, i offered to wait in the car with Alfie, while my wife and daughter went to try out some cheese tasting. It was quite hot now, and i was grateful to be within the confines of the car with tinted windows and aircon running. I also used the opportunity to help Alfie with some water to quench his thirst.
Some time later, wife and daughter were back, with stories from the cheese tasting experience, as well as the cheese they bought after tasting. My daughter talked me into trying out the cheese tasting, and sure enough i accepted after some prodding. Life's all about experiences, so why not?!
My daughter came along with me, and i got to partake in the round of cheese tasting that had already begun. I must admit, some of the blue cheese varieties were not to my liking, but there was one cheese flavor which has a distinct smoky bacon flavor, which was the only one i took a slight fancy to. Soon we were done, and back to the car.
There was one more attraction which i had seen earlier, but not added to the To-Visit list in particular. However we had time on our hands, so we decided to try this one out as well - The Granite Belt Maze.
Image from Google images 
This place only opens during the school holidays and on weekends, so we were here at the right time. Along with the maze, there is a mini golf course as well, which was something both my daughter as well as myself were interested in.
We reach the maze, pay the entry fee and daughter and myself head in, while wifey sat in the car with Alfie. I quite liked the humorous slogans around the place.
You have been warned! 
The first maze was interesting. Finding our way around fencing, we had to actually look for dead ends, rather than the other way round. At each dead end is a clue, with a number and some characters. We had to check this against our note to select which characters from this particular clue was the one required on our list. At times, the clue at a particular dead end was not on our required list, and so was of no use to us.
Finding a clue at a dead-end 
Slight overhead view 
We took some time, but i got all my clues, while my daughter got all but one. We had the opportunity to go to the next maze, but instead chose to skip it and go for mini golf which appealed more.
Mini golf was quite entertaining and while my daughter led at one stage, by the end of the 10th hole i had won.
DAY 4
Today we were return back to Brisbane, bringing with it a close to a short yet memorable trip. While looking out from the patio in the early morning to soak in the views, may daughter spotted some of the locals out to check out the vineyard. :)
QC in process 
Packing done, we completed the checkout process and decided to enjoy the view of the vineyards for one last time before we head off.
Enjoying the ambience for the last time, for this trip 
Owing to the tourist crowd, you see signs like these at various places.
When in Australia.. 
The drive back to Brisbane would take us no longer than 4 hours. However, does anyone else get that feeling where you decide you want to further prolong that trip back home? We felt just that. Along the way, we saw a sign for Queen Mary Falls, which was a detour from our trip back to Brisbane. Google Maps indicated the distance to be about 40 kms away. Yes, we are going to visit Queen Mary Falls.
Killarney and surroundings are really beautiful 
Taking this detour was definitely a welcome decision.
The beauty of the route was just amazing. Sadly, i didn't get the chance to click any pics of this route, as i was driving and it was a single laned highway.
We got to the first spot where the route showed the various falls we could cover along the drive.
The Falls route 
First stop was Browns Falls. Got to know that the route to the falls is not exactly a paved path, but a true trekker's paradise. A sign at the entry clearly stated that this should only be attempted by able-bodied people. A few steps in, and we knew why. One had to clamber up and down rocks and trails to get to the falls. We reached the first water crossing, and tried to find ways to get across without wetting our feet. Soon, a family returning from the falls with a newborn baby informed us that don't bother trying not to get wet, as this is just the first of many!
We decided now was the best time to actually go back to the car, and change away from shoes and socks into slippers. Conventional wisdom would advise to wear shoes to avoid injuries, however in the absence of wet shoes, this was the safer approach. This turned out to be a good decision, as there were many water crossings to get through, not to forget clambering up rocks where there was no clear path defined.
Make your own way! 
I believe it took us about 20 mins to get to the waterfall, navigating our way through foliage, as well as water crossings. The end result was trult worth it. Would have been great if i had my DSLR along, but thinking of the effort it took to get here, it may not have survived.
Majestic Browns Falls - worth it! 
Guess who else was enjoying some sun along with his little adventure?!
Alfie on the rocks 
After spending some time taking in the ambience, we made our way back to the car park, had some cold drinks from the mini fridge, and then set out to the next falls - Daggs Falls.
Daggs Falls is an easy view as we drive along the road, a quick stroll to the viewing area to see it in all its glory.
Daggs Falls 
Back to the car, and off we went. Needless to say, the scenery around this area was just amazing! Lush green with rolling hills and blue sky to complete the package.
Got to the Queen Mary falls parking area, where we saw this unfortunate sight. Someone's Tucson had slipped into the low lying area beside the road, and the poor family was standing around, waiting for a tow truck. I'd have thought it was as simple as pulling it out and back onto the road, but i later saw it being put on a flatbed and taken away, so maybe there was more damage than was visible from where i was.
Queen Mary falls was accessible by a paved path, although it did involve a bit of an elevation change, which made it harder on the way back up.
Queen Mary Falls as seen from the lookout 
Check out the path at the bottom of the falls - gives some idea of how massive this is! 
Had a quick lunch with takeaway from the café near the parking lot, and we were on our way back home. I imagined the route would involve going back to the main highway from where we took the detour to get to the falls, and then making our way towards Brisbane, however Google Maps suggested a different route based on our current location. With no reason not to believe this route suggestion, we head off. This unexpected route presented us with some amazing vistas, that made the the route worth it.
As we soon realised, this is not exactly a route that's commonly used and so at most places it was effectively a single-lane road. If a car came from the opposite direction, both cars had to partially get off the road to get past. However, the locales were just amazing!
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