AROUND OUR REGION
The High Country Hamlets is Queensland's first and foremost micro region specialising in high altitude produce and visitor experiences.
High - Nestled 650 metres above the South East Queensland coastal plain we are high up on the Great Dividing Range, just north of Toowoomba.
The micro-region is often bathed in clouds and offers four seasons for you to enjoy.
Abundant, seasonal food crops grown by small artisanal producers, creatively embraced by impassioned local chefs and restaurants - it's a celebration of the local gifts of the rich red soil.
Country - relaxed, friendly, charming accommodation, away from the rush and bustle of the city - wood fires in the Winter, quiet country walks in the National Parks or down sylvan laneways. Picnics by the lakes or a spectacular lookout.
The Hamlets are a series of small communities rich with practical and artistic folk, growing, sharing, caring and loving living together.
We would love you to join us, if even just for a weekend - it might just change your life forever.
There’s plenty to do at Cloudlake – put on your boots and go for an invigorating country ramble; explore the rainforest, orchards and vineyards or if you’re feeling more active, head up to the National Park and Beutels Lookout. Take a paddle on or swim in the lake, or just put your feet up and finish that book you’ve been longing to. If you’re looking for some ideas a little further afield, here is a selection of some of our local favourites.
There is an ever expanding list of great local places to dine from breakfast to dinner:
HORSEBACK RIDING
Cowboy Up was established since 2009, you can come and experience horseback riding with trail guides Peter & Gill Gould on our friendly, good natured Quarter Horses
RAVENSBOURNE
NATIONAL PARK
Discover towering trees, palm groves, trickling streams and amazing birdlife in the best remaining example of the rainforest that originally covered this part of the Great Dividing Range.
Local Aboriginal people and those travelling to the bunya feasts in the Bunya Mountains used the area extensively. Rainforest hardwoods, red cedar Toona ciliata and other timbers were felled from about the 1860s.
MUSEUMS
COBB & CO in Toowoomba, Australia is home of the National Carriage Collection and focuses on horse-drawn vehicles and heritage trades.
Weekly farmers market - Saturdays
CROWS NEST MUSEUM & HISTORICAL VILLAGE
The museum boasts its very own village! Buildings have been lovingly restored by our volunteers who have paid great attention to every detail to make sure that everything is as close to authentic as possible.
https://crowsnestmuseum.org.au/
HIGHFIELDS PIONEER VILLAGE
Celebrate Australian history with Highfields Pioneer Village, a local heritage tourist attraction, located in Highfields Toowoomba.
Home of the Big Cow.
TENNIS
RAVENSBOURNE TENNIS COURT - Quite possibly, the most beautifully located tennis courts in Queensland with night lighting – so bring your rackets and tennis shoes – Phone either Irene Taylor on 4697 8129 or The Somervailles on 4697 8132 to book a court.
BLUEBERRY FARM VISIT
Hampton Blue is an organic mixed berry orchard situated at Hampton, 30km north of Toowoomba towards Crows Nest. Fresh blueberries can be picked from November to February. We aren’t always open so please call ahead to confirm if you’re planning a trip. http://hamptonblue.com.au/
CROWS NEST
NATIONAL PARK
After good rain, water tumbles through eucalypt forest along a series of boulder-strewn cascades, before plunging 20 m over Crows Nest Falls into a waterhole surrounded by steep, granite cliff.
LAKES- PERSEVERANCE, CRESSBROOK & COOBY
Lots of outdoor adventures – boating, fishing, walking, picnicing.
BOUTIQUE SHOPPING,
RESTAURANTS & CAFES
THE NOLANS BLOCK IN CROWS NEST
Open Thursday - Sundays
We can't wait to spoil you in the bistro, for a beautiful European inspired menu, with produce sourced from local Queensland farms.
Join us at the bar for cocktails, drinks & fabulous wines, snacks & dining service.
MY LITTLE BLUEBERRY PATISSERIE
And right next door to the bistro, is our sweet patisserie & cafe, My Little Blueberry, for delectable pastries, cakes, pies & sandwiches, chocolate, coffee & tea.
For a spot of shopping for Homewares, Giftware, Boutiques, Antique & Collectables at the Nolans Block be sure to visit:
THE POTAGER
HIGH COUNTRY COLLECTIVE
HUMPHREY & LU LU
STUFF DESIGN
BLACKBIRD ANTIQUES
COOKING SCHOOL EXPERIENCE
WILLOWVALE COOKING SCHOOL
The school is located on a beautiful property close to Ravensbourne National Park.
Cooking classes are run by celebrated and multi awards winning chef Bruno Loubet.
Visit our What’s On page to book tickets for our up-coming classes.