12/06/2026
Heading to South QLD these school holidays - indulge yourself at
Cypress Ridge Cottages, Ballandean QLD.
A Perfect Escape into Queensland's Granite Belt Wine Country
For those looking for a Southern QLD country escape, this is for you. My new besties Bindi and Aaron have created a magical destination for those wanting to literally escape to their own slice of winter wonderland.
Tucked away in the rolling highlands of the Southern Granite Belt, Cypress Ridge Cottages sits on 70 acres of native bushland and dramatic granite boulders β a la ndscape that feels worlds away from the city. Five self-contained private cottages each feature a wood-burning fireplace, private BBQ, a kitchen (BYO food) and a balcony framed by the sounds of the Australian bush.
With no phone reception to speak of, Cypress Ridge gently nudges guests toward the kind of switch-off that modern life rarely permits.
Keep an eye out for echidnas, and don't forget to look up β the night skies here are extraordinary.
Wineries & Cellar Doors
The Granite Belt is home to more than 50 wineries, many within minutes of the property. Ballandean Estate Wines β Queensland's original cellar door β is an essential first stop. Symphony Hill, Aventine Wines, and Hidden Creek Winery are all close by, and the annual Opera in the Vineyard (May) and Jazz in the Vineyard (August) are well worth timing your visit around.
Fruit Orchards & Gourmet Produce
The Granite Belt is Queensland's fruit bowl, with orchards growing apples, pears, peaches, plums, nectarines, and raspberries. Coolvale Orchard even crafts naturally fermented fruit wines from its own harvest. Don't miss Jamworks Gourmet Foods for local preserves, and Folly Truffles for a tour of Queensland's first commercial truffiere β bookings essential.
National Parks
Girraween National Park is just 15 minutes away boasting 17 kilometres of walking tracks wind through massive granite formations, wildflowers, and rock pools. The climb up The Pyramid rewards with sweeping views across the Southern Downs.
For something wilder, Sundown National Park offers rugged gorges and remote 4WD tracks, while across the NSW border, Bald Rock National Park is home to Australia's largest granite monolith.
Approximately 2.5 hours south-west of Brisbane via the New England Highway, Cypress Ridge is an easy escape that punches well above its weight.
The Acacia Motel loves discovering amazing hosts and places for your next road trip. And Bindi and Aaron will make sure you have the most incredible stay.
Book direct for the best deal www.cypressridgecottages.com.au or call Aaron (top bloke) ph: 07 4684 1184
Queensland Tourism Industry Council - QTIC Western Downs Queensland
xx
Justin - Fun Director
Acacia Motel
'More than a Bed' Experience