Nurseries or history - markets or fishing - bushwalking or bird watching ........There is always something to discover.

If you are looking for a relaxing gourmet lunch, fragrant coffee, an indulgent sweet treat and an amble through art and craft shops, you will find it all at The Village Green and Jacaranda Manor, both located on the New England Highway at Highfields, just 15 minutes north of Toowoomba.  

The Village Green (open 6 days 9am-5pm, closed Tues) has a range of specialty shops selling gifts and accessories, herbal teas, soaps, body care products, jewellery, artworks, distinctive Australian gifts, quilting, craft and scrapbooking supplies and fine handmade chocolate.  Perched on the edge of the range, around the lush village green, wander the shops and enjoy a delicious lunch at the Chocolate Cottage while taking in the spectacular escarpment views.

Jacaranda Manor (open 6 days 9am-5pm, closed Wed), across the road, is an enchanting place for all ages.  As you wander about, savour the wonderful atmosphere and mingle among artistic and creative people with a real flair and genuine passion for their work.  Shops, studios, galleries and a restaurant and open-air café are all set around the quaint Manor Square. Grab a coffee or stay for lunch at La Fresco Café.  Oh and don’t forget to sample the delicious fudge.

For some great local and Australian history there are plenty of places to visit. The historic Spring Bluff Railway Station, located 10 minutes from Highfields on the main railway line between Ipswich and Toowoomba is over 130 years old and has exquisitely landscaped and award winning gardens and a quaint old-style coffee house. 

The Highfields Pioneer Village in Wirraglen Rd (follow the signs) comprises 20 acres of well-maintained grounds and lovingly restored memorabilia.  Enthusiasts of vintage cars, old time machinery, blacksmithing and more will want to stay to experience the pioneering days.  Revive with an authentic Billy tea and damper before heading off further on your historical journey.  

Further north along the New England Highway are two unique antique stops, Cyrano Maison de France (French giftware and antiques) at Cabarlah and Hampton Court Antiques (Dutch Oak furniture) at Hampton.  Although very different styles both have a great variety of old and new furniture and giftware. Further north along the pine-forest flanked highway in the township of Crows Nest is Salts Antiques.  Bursting with collectables, antiques and one of a kind treasures the store is housed in a heritage listed building dating back to 1916 when it began life as a general store.  The building itself is now considered a regional icon, and its present wares attract antique lovers from far and wide.

Not far down the road is the Carbethon Folk Museum and Village.  Carbethon (‘happy home’ in an aboriginal dialect) is an old home dating back to the 19th century and was donated to the Crows Nest Historical Society by Doris Walker and her family. Doris, now in her eighties, still presides over the home and grounds.  Here you will find an amazing array of unique collections bequeathed from local families, displays of historical memorabilia and a settlement of historical buildings including the first Ray White real estate building; the empire began in the town in 1902.

If you enjoy bird watching, bushwalking, sailing or fishing then you will find plenty to keep you entertained while breathing the fresh high country air and enjoying the great outdoors.
 
The Crows Nest Shire is known for its abundant bird-life and has an active birding community who have compiled brochures and extensive bird lists.  There are many sites around the shire to spot birds and the two national parks, Crows Nest National Park and Ravensbourne National Park, are alive with wildlife.  You can relax and enjoy a picnic at both with Beutel’s Lookout at Ravensbourne National Park having the best vantage point of the escarpment country and the rich undulating territory beyond.  Lie on the grass and watch the clouds float by while listening to the serene sounds of the forest.

The three lakes of the shire, Lakes Cooby, Cressbrook and Perseverance also offer bushwalking and bird watching along with the opportunity to indulge in some water activities.  Cressbrook is great for fishing and picnicking with camping facilities available.  Cooby is a sailer’s paradise with lovely picnic grounds and a koala reserve while Perseverance is popular with groups; the Recreation Lodge is available for school groups, conferences and organised outdoor activities.

Crows Nest Shire hosts two markets each month with each having its own unique flavour.

Visitors come from far a field to enjoy a morning at the Cabarlah Country Markets.  You will find more than 250 stalls with something for everyone to see and do. Stallholders sell plants, clothes, jewellery, toys, food, artwork, furniture and crafts while musicians entertain and they all come together to create a mini village on the last Sunday of each month from 8am-12.30pm.  The markets are located at the Cabarlah Sports Grounds on the New England Highway.  There is convenient parking in the grounds.  Take a break or enjoy lunch at the Farmers Arms Hotel after wandering the markets.  The Farmers Arms is the oldest continually licensed hotel in Queensland.  If you are after something a little different try Colours of San Cris, a short walk from the markets.  Enjoy South American coffee and gourmet platters in the surrounds of this unique Mexican-styled gift shop and café.
 
The Lions Club Village Markets in Crows Nest, the first Sunday of the month from 7.30am-12 noon, is centred around the picturesque Centenary Park in Crows Nest.  The town comes alive with a variety of quality art and craft, fruit and vegetables, plants and unique gifts stalls. Stop in and grab a bargain and soak up the old-fashioned country village hospitality.  After the markets enjoy the 23km drive north through hills and creek crossings to the Hungry Dingo Café and Emu Farm.  Overlooking Emu Creek and facing Mt Binga range and forestry, the café (open Sundays only) offers a blackboard menu with hot and cold platters incorporating a range of locally grown produce.  Say hello to the emus and demara sheep and enjoy the relaxed rural environment.

There are an abundance of nurseries in and around this region for the avid green thumb.  Head north from Toowoomba make your first stop at the celebrated Brindabella Country Gardens, famous for its roses and extensive gardens.  After a relaxing browse follow the highway onto Highfields and nursery hop your way along; visiting Greenhaven Nursery, Highfields Succulent Gardens, Hippeastrum Bulb Nursery and the Geranium Nursery.  Peacehaven Botanic Gardens is a beautiful and serene place to relax and revitalise.  Davidson Arboretum, also in Highfields, is a fine example of over 400 varieties of tree, mostly temperate deciduous, including some very rare ones.  Not far along at Cabarlah you will also find Glen Oaks Nursery, growers and suppliers of camellias and conifers, and Hillcrest Nursery.

Specialist nurseries abound; why not spend a day meandering from one to the next?

For more information -

Hampton Visitor Information Centre
8623 New England Highway, Hampton 4352

Phone 07 4697 9066 or FREECALL 1800 009 066

Email hamptoninfo@toowoombaRC.qld.gov.au
Website www.crowsnest.info or www.toowoombaRC.qld.gov.au