From Brisbane

Escape the city and discover the natural beauty of Southeast Queensland on a picturesque journey from Brisbane to Toowoomba. As you wind your way up the Great Dividing Range, you’ll watch the scenery change from rolling farmland to the Garden City, complete with flower beds as you reach the top of the range. This drive will combine stunning vistas, charming country towns, and plenty of opportunities to experience authentic Queensland hospitality.

Distance:
155km of pure scenic magic

Driving time:
1.5 – 2 hours (plus mandatory photo stops)

Highlights:
Original Cobb & Co staging post (history buffs, rev your engines!)
Grandchester Steam Sawmill
Laidley Valley views (say cheese!)
Tins & Trays patisserie (Y-U-M!)

BRISBANE TO ROSEWOOD (64KM) 

Depart Brisbane and travel via the M5 and National Highway 15 to the quaint township of Rosewood, tucked away in the Bremer Valley west of Ipswich. Rosewood is on the original Cobb & Co route from Ipswich to Toowoomba, so make time to see the original Staging Post and replica coach in Rosewood Town Square. Rail buffs will be impressed with the Rosewood Railway where you can ride on Red Fred, a restored 1930 Rail Motor. Stop in at the Royal George Hotel, which dates back to the 1890s. Although it was damaged by fire in 1933 it still retains many of the original features, including hitching rings on its verandah posts.

ROSEWOOD TO LAIDLEY
(24KM)

Continue along this section of the Cobb & Co Tourist Drive to Grandchester, the terminus of Queensland’s first railway line. Cobb & Co services stopped here between 1866-67 and you can join the Grandchester Stage Coach Company for a one-hour tour on a Cobb & Co coach*. While in town, it’s worth visiting the historic Grandchester Steam Sawmill powered by an old locomotive boiler and a steam engine before heading west to Laidley, “Queensland’s Country Garden”. To fully appreciate this beautiful region, take a scenic drive through the Laidley Valley via Mulgowie Road or Laidley Creek Road and enjoy expansive views from the two lookouts.
*Subject to availability. Bookings essential on (07) 5465 5374)

LAIDLEY TO TOOWOOMBA VIA FLAGSTONE CREEK
(67KM)

As you enter the rich farming region of Gatton, you’ll understand the reasoning for it being referred to as Australia’s famous “salad bowl”. Gatton is home to the Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre and the Queensland Transport Museum, so definitely worth a stop. Another option is a visit to Pohlmans Nursery, the largest independently owned plant producer and nursery in Queensland. Spanning some 150 acres, 40 acres are devoted to intensive plant production. If you’re feeling hungry, Tins & Trays, a quaint patisserie set in a historic Queenslander, is popular for its dedication to showcasing the best Lockyer Valley produce. Follow scenic back roads to Toowoomba via Flagstone Creek Road and Spring Street.