Gold Coast to Sunshine Coast – 17 June 2007 (Cool Winter Weather, 18°C)

This is Day 3 of our trip. Left Surfers Paradise and visited the famous Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm on our way into the hinterland of Queensland. Kooroomba is located in the beautiful scenic rim mountains and surrounded by vines and lavender. Had our late morning tea at Kooroomba. Must try the scones if you are visiting, and we had the lavender tea… something interesting. Good place to buy lavender essential oil cos they are pure and usually cheaper at the farm!

Oops… the owner, Bob Carill, is a very adorable gentleman.

Kooroomba Vineyard & Lavender Farm : F.M. Bell’s Road, Mt Alford, Boonah (07-5463-0022; http://www.kooroomba.com.au)

We continued our journey to the hinterland, heading towards Peppers Hidden Vale. After driving for an hour, we arrived at this boutique hotel accommodation centred around the historic homestead, as well as a range of activities including horse riding, yoga and many more. Wow… this is a working cattle station!

At Peppers, we tried the Clay Target Shooting. This is my 1st time firing with a GUN and it is so heavy! Got 3 out of 12 shots but i am proud of it! Ha ha ha… We went for the sunset 4WD too. Not much of the sun but it offers breathtaking views of the surroundings! Must go! You may catch the Wagyu cows and wild camels like we did on the 2-hour ride!

 Sunset Drive

 My 1st success at starting a fire!

 Unique ‘furry’ cow

Had a lavish dinner that night cos it is a must for the Wagyu beef (but unlike kobe beef they are not bred with special treatment like massages nor feed with corn and beer).

Breakfast at Peppers is wonderful too!

Peppers Hidden Vale : 617 Mount Mort Road, Grandchester (07-5465-5900; www.peppers.com.au/Hidden-Vale)