A couple of weeks ago, Anthony and I took some 'couple time', and went for a beautiful drive in and around Kilarney/Boonah/Rathdowney. Our actual destination was Queen Mary Falls (photos above).
With all the rain, the drive and scenery was just so beautiful, and I wondered at how green and lush the country side was. And best of all, the falls were spectacular. The trip is about a couple of hours from Brisbane, and we headed out that way via Beaudesert.
The bushwalk was only a 2km circuit, so pretty easy going, but very enjoyable. If you don't want to do the walk, there is a 100m short cut from the picnic area to the viewing platform at the top of the falls. But the walk is worth it. Especially coming to the bottom of the falls and walking across its' face. The spray off the falls is so refreshing!
The photo below is of Dagg Falls, which is about 2mins drive south from Queen Mary Falls.
On our way to Queen Mary Falls, we stopped in at Spring Creek Cafe and Cottages - a beautiful cafe (and cottages) overlooking the Condamine Gorge and The Border Ranges. It is just so relaxing. I imagined if it was my home, I could easily sit and look out over the range all day, soaking in the spectular scenery, snacking merrily, reading, and snoozing to my hearts content.
The food was divine because it's cooked on the premises! Anthony and I tucked into some warm home made bread with garlic butter and a lovely spread which I can't remember the name of now, but it had a little lemongrass in it and I polished that one off myself. Luckily Anthony wasn't fussed on that one. So the bread went down well with a much needed coffee. I now regret not coming back that way on our return trip to Brisbane, and stopping and having lunch. I think we will definitely return to Spring Creek Cafe!
The last photos are of the entrance to the cafe. I just had to take a photo of it, as it was so inviting. And also the towering 'Red Cedar' tree was spectacular.
We drove back through Boonah and Rathdowney and was drawn to some colourful gardens in Boonah. Some absolutely amazing rose bushes, and climbing roses just growing wild!
Anyway...I'm so glad that Anthony made the suggestion. It was heartfelt and we needed some alone time, as he's been travelling quite a bit recently and looks like the next 12 months he'll be even busier, travelling. The next month, he's worked out that he'll have only slept in his bed for about a total of 3 nights (one week of that we'll be on our annual sabitical to Caloundra).
I was going to fit in some photos of a magical open garden that Philomena and I went to last week in Chambers Flats, but realised that there are just too many photos, so I'll save those for my next post. :)
What a great day. I have not been to Queen Mary Falls for many years now. It was nice to visit through your post again.
ReplyDeleteHave you been to Springbook National Park. Again only a few hours from your place and absolutely spectacular. The walk there is called the Warrie Circuit - I think that is how it is spelt - it is longer but last time I did that walk it was wonderful as the walk goes behind the falls.
Cheers,
Wendy
Hey Wendy. I myself haven't been back to Springbrook National Park since my early 20's. I will have to put it on my list! Though, I've tended to stick to places that are closeby, as Philomena doesn't have the patience or attention span yet to go on long drives. That's why she wasn't at Queen Mary Falls. We have to build her up to the travelling time, as well as the length of time on walks. So I will have to save it for another time when it's just Anthony and I. :)
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