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fraser coast: general info
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Date: May 2005
Location: South Burnett Valley, Queensland Australia
Some of the newest attractions in Queensland's South Burnett Valley
are its wineries. Somebody had to do it, so Jane Hodges joined the winery
trail.
Sand and surf, rainforest and reef, yes that's your typical Queensland holiday. But what if you want something out of the box - or more precisely out of the bottle? Quaffing Queensland wines in the fertile South Burnett Valley is one of the state's most relaxing and unexpected holiday experiences.
At just over two hours drive west of Brisbane,
the South Burnett Valley wine trail is the perfect motoring holiday. The Valley
is dotted with seven wineries and a variety of places to lay your head, ranging
from cosy bed and breakfasts to comfortable motels, country pubs and hospitable
farm stay properties.
The countryside is breathtaking and varied. Skies are almost always clear blue and rich red volcanic soil is covered in a patchwork quilt of crops.
The wine trail takes in the majestic Bunya
Mountains and fertile open farm lands which are couched by the Valley's undulating
slopes.
Along the trail you'll come across towns such as Wondai, Murgon and Kingaroy, famous for its peanuts. Make sure to stop in at the Peanut Van, on Kingaroy Street to sample flavoured and salted peanuts. You'd be hard pressed to find fresher tastier nuts anywhere.
The region produces shiraz,
cabernet savingnon, chardonnay, semillon verdehlo and merlot varietals with several
award winning vintages already to their credit. Tastings and cellar door sales
are welcomed.
At the foothills of the Bunya Mountains
at Maclagan is Rimfire Winery, an award-winning boutique operation. Sample their
wines and enjoy a ploughman's lunch overlooking the vineyards. Recommended is
a night or two at the charming Bunya
Mountains Lodge. The food is superb, there's often an orphan wallaby resting
by the log fire and it's the perfect base for exploring the walking trails and
wildlife of the mountains. Further down the trail is largest producer Stuart
Range Estate specialising in shiraz and chardonnay. In the boutique category
are Crane Wines and Captain's
Paddock Vineyard on the Booie Range just out of Kingaroy.
Barambah Ridge Vineyard & Winery
is known for its award winning shiraz. Chardonnay buffs should head for Bridgeman
Downs Cellars.
Recommended Burnett Valley accommodation includes a stay at tranquil Old Boynside Farm, where you can ride horses, help feed animals or mend fences or just sit on the verandah with a book and breathe the fresh air.
For more information:
Fraser Coast South Burnett Regional Tourism Board
Tel +61 7 4122 3444
- By Jane Hodges
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