Country people sure know how to throw a party!
In fact, the calendar is packed with fabulous festivals and events being thrown across Southern Queensland country on an annual or biennial basis.
In the Scenic Rim, you can get in touch with your creative side and visit the inner sanctums of artists and sculptors during Open Studios of the Scenic Rim. The event, held in various centres across 5 weekends, encourages artists to welcome the public into their studios and work-spaces – as well as offer art workshops and master-classes. At ABS Studios in Boonah, bronze sculptor Cathy Anderson is one of three local artists who opens their doors to visitors during the festival. While in town, check out the masterpiece that is the historic Dugandan Hotel. And if you’re signed up to the RACQ Dining Rewards program, you can enjoy a discount on your meal.
Head further south to Warwick during October for Australia’s most famous rodeo. The “City of Roses and Rodeo” welcomes the top rough-riders and campdraft talent from across the country to its annual celebration. And if you’ve got a case of rodeo fever that burns all year round, Warwick is also home to the Australian Rodeo Heritage Centre – a museum to the rodeo stars of the past and present-day.
Why not carry on the rodeo theme and stay at the Buckaroo Motor Inn, which offers clean, comfortable air conditioned rooms and suites, just minutes from the heart of the city. The Cherry Tree Café serves up fantastic food, featuring local produce where possible – including a cracker of a steak sandwich! Former butcher, Scott Morton, is the man behind the café – where RACQ Dining Rewards members also enjoy the benefits of meal discounts.
Get out your diary and mark off the 3rd and 4th March 2018 for the next Apple & Grape Festival in Stanthorpe. The Granite Belt’s long-running harvest celebration has notched up 50 years of existence – and promises to be bigger and brighter than ever before, as it moves into its next half-century!
Local produce and fine wines are the stars of this week-long party that takes over town. A highlight is the Channel 7 Grand Parade which sweeps through Stanthorpe’s main street in a colourful celebration of community.
And if you’re planning to visit one – or all – of these fantastic festivals in Southern Queensland country, make sure your first journey is on-line to the RACQ Trip Planner, where you’ll find all you need to pre-plan your route as well as discover local attractions and accommodation.
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Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Open Studios of the Scenic Rim
Warwick Campdraft & Rodeo
www.warwickshowandrodeo.com.au
www.liveatthecentre.com.au
Apple & Grape Festival
3rd & 4th March 2018 (main weekend)
www.appleandgrape.org
