This trip is only for the adventurer that likes their food! Could this be you?
We are going to sneak off for a mixed bag weekend. We’ll have a bit of hiking, a segment of indigenous culture, a lesson in history and chunk of food and drink!
It’s a great opportunity to make new friends in a small group environment. This short break is about making connections; connections with the local area, to the local people and businesses, to the stunning natural landscapes, to your fellow adventurers and maybe even to yourself as you take on new challenges and experiences.
Don’t worry, it isn’t all go-go-go, there will be downtime to relax and get to know your fellow travellers.
Our trips are about filling your life with experiences. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab the bull by the horns and join in today, you know you want to!
Toowoomba or Scenic Rim
1000hrs from Toowoomba or 1300hrs Scenic Rim
From her starting position as tea lady, a job she took way too seriously (trust us, tea is something of an obsession with her), she wins the gold star for giving everything a go.
As a former police officer, Suzanne joined the ICON team with not only a can-do attitude but also a bloody-well-will-do attitude too. If she’s in charge of a tour or helping to organise independent travel for you, you can be rest-assured it will be like her tea, done to the highest and most meticulous standard.
Meet in Toowoomba mid-morning and let the fun begin!
Hop on board the private transport, sit back and relax as we head to the Scenic Rim.
A little bit of history!* Allan Cunningham, born in London in 1791, was appointed the botany collector for Sir Joseph Banks in the early 19th century. As part of his explorations, in 1828 he discovered a route to the fertile soils of the Darling Downs from Moreton Bay. That route is now called Cunningham’s Gap.
Today we’ll visit the property he used as his camp at the base of The Main Range for a picnic lunch followed by a hike with tea and damper.
After checking into our accommodation, we’ll head into town for an old fashioned country town pub dinner (own expense).
O/N Boonah Valley Motel or similar
*If time permits we’ll call into the Mary Poppins House at Allora on the way and/or a winery later in the afternoon for a tasting.
Steeped in History!
This morning we have a one-off private visit to Coochin Coochin Homestead, one of the Scenic Rim’s oldest homes, which for the past 110 years it has been maintained by the Bell Family.
A candid diary reveals much about the homestead, which was visited by a long line of notable people, including the Queen Mother, the Prince of Wales and Agatha Christie, no less. We’ll enjoy a visit to the home and hear all about the history of the working and evolving family-run station.
Lunch (own expense) will be at the nearby Scenic Rim Brewery & Cafe which is a small family-owned brewery located in the picturesque town of Mount Alford.
A Culinary Delight!
This afternoon we get to spend time shopping for fresh local produce of the Scenic Rim with the charismatic and passionate locavore Caz Osborne.
She’ll take us on a mystery tour of some of her favourite providores of the region. Teaching us what to consider when purchasing ingredients, introducing us to the producers and showing us the fun side behind her delicious and nutritious recipes.
After our hunting and gathering we’ll return to the kitchen for a hands-on cooking class as we prepare a complete meal which culminates in a full sit-down dinner with complimentary local beverages.
O/N Boonah Valley Motel (or similar)
Our dear friend Uncle John will be our guide this morning. It’s an absolute privilege to spend the morning with First Nation’s Elder, Uncle John (John Long).
Uncle John is an elder of the Yugarapul people. He has first-hand knowledge, experience and stories about hidden locations all over the Scenic Rim. He is the gentlest of gentlemen with a wealth of knowledge that he’ll quietly share with us. From bora-rings and initiation ceremonies to women’s business areas where First Nation women gave birth.
We will be back by 5.00pm
