One of the things we love about staying here is how easy it is to self-cater. The park has everything you need for a relaxed meal at your own pace, with a well-equipped Camp Kitchen, shaded BBQ areas and plenty of quiet spots among the gardens to enjoy breakfast or dinner outdoors.

For your morning coffee, head into town and stop by High Country Coffee. They take their roasting seriously, and the brews here are smooth, consistent and exactly what you want before a day of exploring the region. 

If you’re craving something sweet or looking for a mid-morning treat, My Little Blueberry is a charming local bakery set in a beautifully restored cottage, and specialising in pastries and baked goods. We guarantee if you just pop in for a look you’ll walk out with a few paper bags filled with goodies.

Come dinner time, Myrtille Bistro is the standout and located right next door to the cafe. This French-influenced bistro focuses on seasonal produce and thoughtful dishes that feel special without being overly formal. Mytille is only open for dinner Friday and Saturday nights, so bookings are essential

For something more casual, the Grand Old Crow Hotel delivers exactly what a classic country pub should: hearty meals, cold drinks and a warm, lived-in charm. This is where you go for a schnitty, a steak or an easy family dinner after a big day outdoors.

Before you head back to the park, pick up a few bottles from Crows Nest Soft Drinks, a local icon producing old-school soft drinks served in glass bottles. Some of their signature flavours include  double sarsaparilla, creaming soda and blue lemonade.

A stay here isn’t complete without a visit to Crows Nest National Park, just a short drive from the park and one of the region’s true highlights. The network of trails winds through open eucalypt forest and granite country, with plenty of spots to pause, listen to the birdlife and soak in the quiet of the Northern Darling Downs.

The most popular walk leads to Crows Nest Falls, a scenic cascade framed by rugged cliffs and gum trees. After rain, the falls spill dramatically into the gorge below, but even in dry spells the walk is rewarding for its rocky outcrops, natural pools and shady pockets of bush. If you’re up for a little extra, continue on to Koonin Lookout for sweeping views across the valley and surrounding high-country landscape.

Back at the park, the pace slows beautifully. The award-winning gardens are perfect for a relaxed wander, and on warm days the pool offers an easy cool-down after exploring the national park. It’s also a nice base for spotting native birdlife that drifts through the trees at dusk.

If your visit falls on the first Sunday of the month, make time for the Crows Nest Market. It’s a lively mix of local produce, handmade goods, plants, crafts and treats — a great way to meet the community and pick up something fresh for a picnic or dinner back at the park.

Despite its vast spacious garden, the Park is centrally located, meaning you can ditch the car to stroll into town for a coffee or meal.