Bestbrook ~ The Setting

We've been out exploring South East Queenslands, Granite Belt Country. During our time out that way we stayed at Bestbrook Mountain Resort.

A stunning country setting, with rustic cabins, camping grounds, bunk house style accommodation and a large main coach house area with a bar, cafe and games room.

The rustic style cabins are scattered throughout the large property. Some having direct creek access and others further away on small hill tops over looking the entire farm stay area.

This gives you a good idea as to just how spread out things are here at Bestbrook, which is fabulous for some beautiful peace and quiet. Not once did we hear any noise from surrounding cabins or campers.

However to check out anything on the farm is a pretty decent walk and in all honesty we drove pretty much everywhere. The kids all had their push bikes, thanks to the generosity of a friend transporting them out there for us. So they peddled everywhere, with sore and tired muscles on every inch of their body by the end of the week.

A view from the deck of one of the cabins that has direct creek access. You can also see how far away your closest cabin actually is. Just across the creek is the camp ground. I suppose in busy times you would probably get some noise coming from there.

Each cabin has a fire pit of some description. You did need to take your own wood or purchase from the coach house. There is absolutely no fossicking for wood allowed on the property.

Jump across the creek, or drive around on the gravel road and you find the camp ground. This area is quite isolated from the main coach house area of the farm stay. But perfect for those just wanting to get away from it all.

There isn't much in the way of facilities over in the camp ground, apart from port a loo's (showers are further back up the hill) and a rustic outdoor covered area.

However there is plenty of room, mostly flat ground and several trees to grab some shade over your structure.

Gap Creek itself, which runs directly through Bestbrook is quaintly picturesque. We were told that it was very low during our stay and some areas were completely dry, but in others there still seemed to be quite a bit of water....enough for a spot of yabby fishing anyway.

Butterflies and Dragonflies proliferate the edges of the creek banks. They are such busy little creatures, getting a shot of one was certainly very trying. No point chasing them, it's definitely a case of sit still and wait for them to come to you.

Bestbrook has several horses and a hand full of farm animals. From my understanding this is not a working farm, but purely a tourist destination so apart from riding horses, they only have a handful of other farm animals.

The owners are also keen collectors of farming implements and there are several of these scattered around the main coach house area.

The main coach house sits atop the hill at the entrance to Bestbrook, and looks out over the property below.

The verandah area is a lovely spot to sit for an afternoon beverage or to enjoy some Eggs Benedict from the cafe inside at breakfast.

You can just see the kids in the pool from here too!

The pool is a great addition I think, as inviting as the creek was, all the kids found it rather chilly.

Inside the coach house you will find a well stocked bar, again decorated with all manner of farm implements and antique bits and pieces.

The coach house is a series of rooms, with seating available in each of them. With the very far room tucked away as a games room area.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Bestbrook Mountain Resort. All of the staff were extremely friendly and welcoming to both adults and children alike.

Happy Travels,
Kylie

Toowoomba ~ Banskia Cottage

We recently took an extended weekend trip to Toowoomba, a lovely little but big Queensland country town just an hour and a half west of Brisbane.

Being winter I knew I wanted the whole winter experience, quaint little historical cottage, open fire and a gorgeous surrounding for us to spend a few days.

I have fond childhood memories from Toowoomba and really wanted my kids to love it too!

I totally hit the jackpot when I found Banskia Cottage on Stayz. This 1800's workers cottage has been beautifully restored and is obviously very much loved by it's owners.

Yes it is only small, but was more than adequate for our family of five to spend a few nights in.

They've even included a few board games and books to read at your leisure.

What I love most about properties where the owners let them and manage themselves is the abundance of added extras!

The kitchen had everything, absolutely everything we needed and more. Even down to supplies of cling wrap, the full gamut of kitchen utensils and pots and pans; with more than enough tea and coffee for everyone.

Those little extra touches really make a stay much more enjoyable.

The views of the garden from the kitchen window were just as lovely. Whilst this is only a small yard it is completely fenced, making it perfect for anyone with young children.

Banksia Cottage is also pet friendly and I really do mean pet friendly. They have pet bowls, walking leads all available for use.

Whilst there is no bath tub as such the bathroom space is generous and immaculately clean and tidy. The water was delightfully hot, just what you need after running around outside in the cold, although given the age of the plumbing the water pressure is a little light on.

A fully equipped laundry, with enough washing powder for a few loads supplied, sits adjacent to the family bathroom.

The cottage is only two bedrooms, but the owners were more than happy to supply a made up trundle for our youngest.

All of the beds were made with electric heaters. My worst nightmare are these things and whilst they all appeared to be brand new I do have to admit I didn't sleep well given the thought of one of them catching alight.

However, they were a welcome addition, without them we would've been rather chilly so I can certainly see why they have a place.

The only downside to this particular space was that of storage. Whilst there are several cupboards in the cottage and two in this room they were both locked. With three kids that made it very difficult to unpack and have their room stay in any sorted of organised fashion. At least a few shelves in here would really come in handy.

The main bedroom is situated at the front of the house, a small but lovely space to curl up under the covers. Yes there is a telly on the wall too!

I have to say I did fall in love with this delightful wardrobe. In fact I loved everything about this cottage. It's such a romantic, quaint little home. I could imagine myself living there sans kids of course ;-)

The kids were extremely intrigued by the, "what's this wooden box on the table?"

"Why it is a record player"

"Umm what's a record player?"

ROFL!! Let's just say that the night was spent giving the kids an education in all things music. We thumbed through the large basket of records, finding many we loved and playing some that we felt were simply awful just for the fun of it.

We sang, danced up a storm and just had some good old fashioned fun by the fire in front the record player.

Of course we spent most of our time out and about exploring Toowoomba and the surrounding areas but it was so lovely to come home to our little cottage at the end of each day.

You can see all the details for Banksia Cottage at their website.