Sipping, savouring and strolling:
A 3-day Darling Downs food and wine escape

Welcome to Queensland’s Darling Downs – where flavour meets the frontier

The Darling Downs isn’t just a patchwork of fertile farms and quaint towns tucked into south-east Queensland. It’s a region where heritage country charm collides with vibrant cellar doors, inventive food producers, and scenic drives begging for a slow, scenic cruise. For food and wine lovers chasing something less commercial and more grounded, this is the kind of trip that feeds the soul as much as the belly.

Over three days, this itinerary guides couples through the best of Stanthorpe, Warwick, and Toowoomba, with indulgent stopovers at boutique wineries, country pubs, and tucked-away farm shops. The Granite Belt delivers world-class wine, the valleys around Killarney dish up fresh produce straight from the soil, and Toowoomba surprises with its laneways, florals, and coffee scene. Pack an appetite—and maybe an esky or two.

Day 1 – Stanthorpe: Wine, apples and altitude indulgence

Kick off your Darling Downs adventure in Stanthorpe, perched 800 metres above sea level in the heart of Granite Belt wine country. Cooler temps and granite-rich soils make it a standout wine region unlike anything else in Queensland.

Begin at Ballandean Estate Wines—Queensland’s oldest family-owned winery. Their Shiraz Viognier is a cracking way to open your account. Follow it up with lunch at their on-site restaurant, The Barrelroom, where local lamb and garden vegetables dominate the plate.

Nearby, pop into Jamworks Gourmet Foods, a haven for house-made preserves, condiments and cheese-friendly companions. It’s a terrific spot to grab something picnic-ready if you’re heading to Girraween National Park for a brisk bushwalk among boulders before the next round of tastings.

Wrap up the afternoon with a visit to Golden Grove Estate, known for bold reds and Mediterranean varieties like Nero d’Avola. If you’re staying in town, dinner at St Jude’s Cellar Door & Bistro is a treat—expect a warm welcome and seasonal produce on every plate.

Where to stay in Stanthorpe

• Budget: 31 The Rocks – Private self-contained villas close to town but surrounded by bushland. From $195/night.
• Up-market: Alure Stanthorpe – Luxe villas with a fireplace and outdoor spa. Great for a romantic getaway. From $450/night.

Day 2 – Warwick and Killarney: Country pubs, paddock-to-plate charm

Wave goodbye to the vines and head north through the sleepy town of Thulimbah, known for Sutton’s Farm. Their famed apple pies are the stuff of legend—stop in for breakfast and try the apple cider tasting paddle or grab a jar of butterscotch sauce for later.

Next, swing through Allora, a blink-and-you-miss-it town with historic timber buildings and the childhood home of poet Dorothea Mackellar. Then continue on to Warwick, a handsome town of sandstone buildings and wide streets. Explore Abbey Boutique Hotel—a former convent that now offers spooky tours and high teas. Pop into Belle Vue Café for an old-school milkshake and chat with the locals.

South-east of Warwick lies Killarney, often overlooked but rich in misty hills and waterfalls. Visit Queen Mary Falls for an easy loop walk and picnic, or head to Spring Creek Mountain Café for lunch with jaw-dropping views and a menu stacked with local produce.

By late afternoon, find a pub in Warwick—The Malt House offers elevated pub food with a massive selection of regional beers and wines. If you’re up for something quieter, Bluebird Kitchen & Smokehouse has you covered with slow-cooked meats and homestyle sides.

Where to stay in Warwick

• Budget: Buckaroo Motor Inn – Clean, simple and central. From $130/night.
• Up-market: Abbey Boutique Hotel – Quirky history with character accommodation. From $250/night.

Day 3 – Toowoomba: Garden city eats and laneway discoveries

On your final day, head northeast toward Toowoomba, often dubbed the Garden City. It’s Queensland’s second-largest inland city but feels like a country town on caffeine.

Start with brekkie at Ground Up Espresso Bar in one of Toowoomba’s many street-art laneways. Then explore the Toowoomba Farmers Market (Saturday mornings) for cured meats, honey, and artisan bread that make great souvenirs. Next door, stroll through Queens Park or visit the Cobb+Co Museum if you’re curious about the region’s horse-drawn heritage.

Lunch at The Finch is always buzzing, with dishes like Korean chicken burgers and wild mushroom risotto. In the afternoon, pop into Rosalie House Cellar Door just outside town—it’s one of the area’s newer vineyards and does tastings with share platters that stretch into dinner territory.

Finish your Darling Downs experience with sunset over the Lockyer Valley from Picnic Point Lookout—bring that Sutton’s apple pie slice along if it survived the trip.

Where to stay in Toowoomba

• Budget: Applegum Inn – Straightforward but well-reviewed, near the gardens. From $140/night.
• Up-market: Vacy Hall – Historic guesthouse with fireplaces, antiques and charm. From $280/night.

My Verdict – Why the Darling Downs deserves a spot on your food and wine map

The Darling Downs isn’t flashy, and that’s the magic. It delivers an authentic taste of country Queensland with enough gourmet moments to keep even the fussiest foodie grinning. From the crisp cool-climate wines of Stanthorpe to Toowoomba’s fast-evolving food scene and Warwick’s colonial quirks, this three-day itinerary serves up a little bit of everything—without the crowds or the tourist buses. You’ll meet makers, taste the region’s best produce, and go home wondering why you hadn’t done it sooner.

Practical Information

• Best time to visit: Autumn (March–May) for cooler weather and apple season in Stanthorpe; Spring (Sept–Nov) for Toowoomba’s Carnival of Flowers.
• Getting there: Stanthorpe is approx. 220km (2.5–3 hours) from Brisbane. Toowoomba is 125km west of Brisbane.
• Dress code: Smart casual for wineries and bistros, but bring layers—cool nights even in summer.
• Safety: Watch for wildlife when driving early morning or evening; some roads are narrow and rural.
• Local tips: Book cellar door tastings in advance for weekends; some are by appointment only.

More information

• Ballandean Estate Wines
• Granite Belt Wine Country
• Sutton’s Juice Factory and Cidery
• Toowoomba Visitor Information
• Cobb+Co Museum
• Queen Mary Falls

Three day itinerary