THINGS TO DO
Explore the High Country Hamlets
Want to make the most of your luxury escape? The High Country Hamlets is a unique micro region offering high altitude produce and visitor experiences. For a full list of local eateries, activities and events, check out the High Country Hamlets website, or give us a call. We’re always happy to help you get the most out of your high country getaway.
Explore the High Country Hamlets
Want to make the most of your luxury escape? The High Country Hamlets is a unique micro region offering high altitude produce and visitor experiences. For a full list of local eateries, activities and events, check out the High Country Hamlets website, or give us a call. We’re always happy to help you get the most out of your high country getaway.
Dining
No luxury escape is complete without authentic dining. Indulge in the culinary delights of our wonderful micro region. With a unique microclimate, and rich, red soil, our locality produces bountiful crops all year-round. Creatively embraced by local chefs and restaurants, these local eateries offer you a taste of our unique region.
Myrtille Bistro
Located in the lovingly restored Nolans Block, this French bistro offers a beautiful European inspired menu, with produce sourced from local Queensland farms. With an in-house bar and sommelier service, it’s the height of refinement in the high country.
Open Thursday to Sunday
My Little Blueberry
Right next door to Myrtille bistro, is sister patisserie & cafe, My Little Blueberry. This French inspired cafe serves up a delectable array of pastries, cakes, chocolates, pies and sandwiches. Stop by for a coffee or tea and enjoy a sweet treat or two.
Open Monday to Saturday
The Chocolate Cottage
With stunning views, colourful décor and quirky giftware, this café and restaurant is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Indulge in handmade chocolates award winning cuisine and Lavazza coffee.
Closed Tuesdays
Grand Old Crow
With a great country atmosphere, The Grand Old Crow offers premium steaks, fresh seafood, salads and bar snacks. Family friendly and newly renovated, it’s a great night out for everyone.
Open 7 days
The Farmers Arms
As the oldest continually licenced pub in all of Queensland, The Farmers Arms Tavern is known for its great food, great drinks and great service. Come for a pint or a taste of their mouth-watering menu.
Open 7 days
Rosalie House
Looking for great food and excellent service? Take a trip to Rosalie House Vineyard & Cellar Door Restaurant to enjoy lunch, dinner, tapas or grazing boards. Make sure you book ahead to secure your place (particularly in peak seasons.
Closed Monday to Thursday
The Nest Cafe Crows Nest
Specialising in amazing coffee and home-style cooked meals with sweets for all ages. After all, the way to your heart is through brilliant food. So come meet the amazing staff at The Nest Cafe.
Open 7 days 7 am – 4 pm
Relish Café & Catering
Relish Café & Catering in Highfields offers great coffee, fresh meals, house-baked sweets, and chef-made grazing boxes.
Perfect for an easy, delicious addition to your stay.
Clock & Bull
Shaped by more than 20 years living across the USA, South Africa and Singapore, Damien and Marena Matthews have come home to create a brewery and restaurant that blends global inspiration with a strong sense of place.
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Activities
Want to explore our beautiful region and everything it has to offer? Make the most of your high country getaway by discovering historical sites, quaint country towns and other local attractions. Or, get back to nature and experience the natural beauty of our local lakes and scenic national parks.
Ravensbourne National Park
Among palm groves, towering trees and trickling streams, Ravensbourne National Park is home to over 100 bird species. Explore the five walking tracks, make use of the picnic and barbecue areas, or stop at Gus Beutel lookout and enjoy the views across the Lockyer Valley and Scenic Rim.
Crows Nest National Park
Located on the edge of the Great Dividing Range, Crows Nest National Park is known for breathtaking eucalypt forests, waterfalls and lookouts. Home to a large number of birds and wildlife, the site has many scenic walks, on-site camping, picnic tables, toilets and barbecues.
Lake Cressbrook
Lake Cressbrook is a stunning nature reserve home to an array of bird and wildlife. While swimming is not permitted, you can enjoy boating, fishing and water sports, as well as onsite camping and picnic facilities, a children’s playground and a 5 km walking circuit.
Nolans Block
Originally designed by architect and builder, James Marks, this 1906 historical building, has been lovingly restored to its former glory. Now the Nolans Block houses a number of unique eateries and shops including boutiques, antiques, clothing and homeware.
Open Thursday to Sunday
Pechey Distilling Co.
A working farm and farm stay, Pechey Distilling Co. are producers of artisanal gin and vodka. The distillery door is open for tastings and sales each fortnight, Saturday and Sunday from 11am – 3pm. They also offer tasting sessions by appointment for groups of 4 or more staying onsite, or at other High Country Hamlets accommodation.
Brisbane Valley Roasters
At Brisbane Valley Roasters, a 20 minute drive to ESK to enjoy the best cup of coffee possible.
Wander in and linger awhile, savour the café menu plus beer and wine.
It really is the perfect place to rest, recharge and refuel
Munro Tramway
Lovingly restored by members of the Munro Tramway Historical Group, the Munro Shay Loco served as a timber haulage system between the late 1890’s and 1936.
It is one of only three restored models in Australia.
Crows Nest Soft Drink Factory
Established in 1903, Crows Nest Soft Drinks is one of the oldest surviving small town manufacturers. With 16 flavours of soft drink and a huge range of flavoured syrups suitable for milkshakes, coffees, soda streams, ice cream toppings and cocktail mixers, there’s something for everyone!
Closed Sundays
The Dairy Ravensbourne
Nestled between Esk and Toowoomba, The Dairy Bakehouse offers more than pastries—it’s your chance to slow down, soak up the views, and savour the yum in a truly unique setting.
Due to private events, opening hours vary.
Please check Instagram for weekly opening hours post.
Events
Plan your country getaway around one of our region’s spectacular annual events. With four distinct seasons, the High Country Hamlets has a seasonal calendar full of themed culinary and music events, art trails and festivals.
Hampton Food & Arts Festival
Held annually on the 3rd Sunday in May, the Hampton Food & Arts Festival is a vibrant celebration of local food production, regional artisans and music. Set in the unique atmosphere of Hampton village in the midst of autumn it’s an amazing way to experience high country culture.
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers
Held in September each year, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is an iconic Queensland festival. The carnival is comprised by a huge number of events held across the greater Toowoomba region. Highlights include the Grand Central Floral Parade, The Heritage Bank Festival of Food & Wine and the Qantas Gala Dinner.
Studio Art Trail
Each year in August, the region hosts a self-drive art trail visiting the home studios and exhibition spaces of artists local to Crows Nest, Hampton, Ravensbourne and surrounding regions. Meet local artists, participate in workshops or purchase unique artwork to take home.