In Crows Nest National Park, Crows Nest Creek winds through eucalypt forest and plunges into a steep granite gorge. Wildlife abounds among bloodwood and stringybark trees. Follow the creek to the Cascades and Crows Nest Falls, then to Koonin lookout for a spectacular view of the Valley of Diamonds. Have a bush picnic and watch for vulnerable brush-tailed rock-wallabies on the rocky cliffs. During the day, you might see rosellas and fantails. At night, you may spot a glider or a bandicoot. Book early to secure a campsite during public holidays.
Bunnyconnellen ('convivial pleasures') is a niche 'paddock to plate' gourmet food business producing award winning premium quality extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), table olives, olive related products, fine wine and other gourmet foods. All products are showcased at the rustic Cellar Door and are available for tastings and sampling each Sunday between 10am and 4pm. Bunnyconnellen has won 29 medals at the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show Competition and been a Gold Medal winner at the Vogue Entertaining and Travel Food Awards. Enjoy innovative but simple food amongst the vines and olive trees and walk amongst the abundance of flora and fauna that makes up the gardens, followed by a game of croquet, boules, picnic, or a stroll down to the dam. The gardens and Cellar Door lend themselves to an elegant country wedding venue with a little glitz but much passion. Also available is 'The Studio' an old farm building renovated to include the necessities of life whilst retaining simple charm and character. Ideal for couples, it consists of a small kitchen, en-suite, living space, pot belly stove, music system and two porches, one of which has a barbecue.
Weeping bottlebrush, river she-oak and forest red gum line watercourses while dry vine scrubs grow in sheltered gullies where soil and moisture accumulate at Crows Nest Falls. On steep slopes and cliff tops, eucalypts tower over a thick understorey of shrubs and small trees. Wildflowers, including the rare Acacia granitica, flourish in the shallow, rocky soils and provide colourful displays in spring and summer. Explore Crows Nest Creek, the falls and the Valley of Diamonds by following walking tracks that start at the picnic ground. Lookouts provide views over the Valley of Diamonds. Seasonal wildflowers provide interest for photographers and naturalists, and spotlighting for nocturnal native animals can be rewarding. Picnic and camping areas are provided (a camping permit is required). The campground includes unpowered sites for tents and caravans. Showers, toilets, barbecues, tables, water and firewood are also provided.
Part of any healthy community is the ability to express and appreciate creative talent. Crows Nest Regional Art Gallery provides just the place. Established in 1996, the gallery sits in the board room of the original Crows Nest Shire Chambers. It owes its humble beginnings to key community figures who recognised and worked hard to achieve strong and active representation of the arts. The gallery is where creative talent can be showcased, supported and encouraged. It facilitates public access to external exhibitions and artists and has also put Crows Nest on the arts map through its annual Acquisitive Art Prize which offers generous prize money and high quality exhibits. Run by a part-time coordinator and a dedicated team of volunteers, the gallery provides an arts reference point and fosters a community cultural identity, not only for those directly involved, but for visitors and the local community. The gallery hosts monthly exhibitions of painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, textiles, ceramics and much more. Each December the gallery holds its annual Christmas Festival Exhibition. An opportunity to discover that unique Christmas gift when local artists display their work for sale, featuring: Jewellery, Sculpture, Ceramics, Woodturning, Prints, Textiles, Emu Products, Painting and Photography.
The vineyard and cellar door of Holland Wines are located in a rural setting one and a half kilometers from the centre of Crows Nest on the Blackbutt Road and just 40 minutes north of Toowoomba. Holland Wines operates not only a small vineyard on the property, but provides a number of pleasures for your enjoyment.
The Cellar-Door is located in the midst of an extensive garden featuring a variety of flowering natives and wildlife including peacocks and a variety of colourful native birds. The Cellar-Door contains a well stocked gift shop, the largest display of Arnott Biscuit Tins on public viewing in Australia.
Wine tasting is free and the large variety of wine flavours on sale means there is at least one flavour to suit your liking.
Prices are very competitive and some free delivery can be arranged.
For your pleasure you can also arrange for morning and afternoon tea, or perhaps a finger-food lunch by booking in advance.
Under the wisteria covered pergola or umbrellas on the lawns are favourite places to partake of these treats.
Parking spaces for all vehicles is available, and buses are welcome.