Gather some friends, pack a picnic, put on your walking shoes and go west! Located less than three hours west of Amber by Living Gems and Opal by Living Gems, the Scenic Rim and the Southern Downs regions have plenty to explore.

Boonah – 1 hour

Known for its cattle, the rural town of Boonah is a popular weekend destination for motorcyclists and day trippers. Motoring enthusiasts of the two and four-wheel variety will find plenty to fascinate at Panorama Motorcycles and Memorabilia. Next, stop for lunch at Kooroomba Lavender Farm and Vineyard before making your way back home via Moogerah Dam.

Allora – 2 hours

Take a drive up over Cunningham’s Gap to enter the beautiful Southern Downs. The charming town of Allora is home to the magical, practically perfect Mary Poppins. Visit the home of author PL Travers who moved to Allora from Maryborough with her banker father. Stay for lunch before visiting the Allora Regional Sports Museum.

Warwick – 2 hours

This large country town has plenty to recommend with a range of festivals and events to put in your diary. October is the month for the Warwick Rodeo and Rose Festival but in July you won’t want to miss the Jumper and Jazz Street Festival. But at any time of year, enjoy beautiful architecture found in the main street.

Stanthorpe – 2 hours 45 minutes

Venture into wine country, less than one hour south of Warwick. The town also records Queensland’s lowest temperatures – including occasional snow flurries. Also known as the granite belt for its striking boulder-strewn landscape, one place to stop is at Donnelly’s Castle. This rock formation offers plenty of opportunity to walk between, around, and over these incredible boulders. Stop by Stanthorpe Cheese to pick up a selection of freshly cured cheeses to enjoy with lunch before exploring award-winning wineries along the way.