Tags
australia, Brisbane, Gatton, Lockyer Valley, Mt Berryman, Photography, Qld, travel
Reasonably early on a magnificent winters day we headed west from Brisbane for the 60 minute 70 K’s drive towards the Lockyer Valley. Nestled at the foot of the Great Dividing Range, the Lockyer Valley is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy interesting places, clean open spaces and a variety of activities. It is a region rich with a laid-back atmosphere and stunning valley views with the perfect mix of town and country living. The Lockyer Valley is an area of rich farmlands and is rated among the top ten most fertile farming areas in the world, and the intensively cultivated area grows the most diverse range of commercial fruit and vegetables of any area in Australia. The valley is referred to as “Australia’s Salad Bowl” to describe the area as one of Australia’s premium food bowls.
Upon arriving in the valley, our first destination was a little place called Just Geraniums and my main reason for this day trip, as I adore geraniums.
After journeying through the Lockyer Valley towards Laidley we came to our turn off to Mt Berryman. We travelled up Mt Berryman Road for about 6 k’s. The sign at the bottom advised that the road was not suitable for large vehicles however our coach driver assured us that he had driven this road many times. It was steep and exciting but no one was concerned as we were so taken in by the lovely views as we climbed higher.
The coach driver did a fabulous job making sure that everyone and the bus were safe. We then drove along the mountain ridge for another few kilometers till we reached a sign that said “Just Geraniums.
Although small, this delightful little business with its old Queensland farm house, and situated high on the mountain was an absolute joy. It was an incredibly windy day however this did not stop our eagerness to see, touch and buy geraniums. We wandered around while morning tea was served. It was a challenge just to keep the cream from blowing off the freshly baked scones but it was fun. Many of us left with our new purchases of many different types and colours of geraniums.
From Mt Berryman we travelled back down the mountain towards Gatton, a rural town in the heart of the Lockyer Valler, where we stopped at the Royal Hotel for our lunch and a glass or 2 of local wines.
A visit to the Lockyer Valley, whether for a day, a weekend or longer is a wonderful escape. There is so much to do including exploring markets, galleries and restaurants, plus hot air ballooning, bird watching and visiting stunning national parks.
There are many fabulous boutique accommodation properties also on offer in the area.
Lookoom said:
I like the idea of Just Geraniums. Being so far away and specializing in a single product, it requires being truly excellent.
Lyn Douglas said:
I really like geraniums and yes I agree with you. Not sure of how well their business does but I suppose if they are happy and living their dream, it is good. Thanks, Lyn
JD and Andy said:
What an interesting spot, would love to go there. I remember Lockyer Valley with that devastating flood they had there?? Great pics. Jd.
Lyn Douglas said:
Thanks JD. Yes, they had dreadful floods. Mt Berryman would be too high to flood. Any time you are up here I would love to take you there. Lyn
Travel Gourmet said:
What a lovely day out!
Lyn Douglas said:
It really was. Thanks, Lyn
chalkandcheesetravels said:
Looks amazing we lived on the Gold Coast for 12 years and never went wish we had now
Thanks for sharing
Lyn Douglas said:
It is very unique and a great escape from city life. Thanks for reading my blog. Lyn
Lynette d'Arty-Cross said:
Yes, I agree. A very interesting place. It seems that you had a really great day. :)
Lyn Douglas said:
I actually did have a really great day thanks Lynette but I am pretty easily pleased. Lyn
kagould17 said:
Looks like a great trip Lyn. Always nice to stop at local interest shops like Just Geraniums. Thanks for sharing. Allan
Lyn Douglas said:
I agree Allan, I do enjoy stopping by the local artisan businesses and supporting them. It was great day. Thanks, Lyn
Sheree said:
Lyn, you do realise that my list of places to visit on my next #adventuredownunder is getting rather long, partly thanks to you! This looks a totally charming spot.
Lyn Douglas said:
Thanks Sheree, it is always good to get the local scoop hey and I love giving it. It is a fun, simple day out in the country enjoying what Mother Nature does best, Lyn
Sheree said:
😎
gulfcoastpoet@gmail.com said:
What a pleasant day, Lyn! Beautiful <3 Take care, Cheryl
Lyn Douglas said:
Thanks Cheryl, it was definitely a fun day enjoying the beauty of Mother Nature, Lyn
Cindy Georgakas said:
Beautiful Pictures Lyn! I feel like I was there. Thanks for sharing your day and wonderful sentiments. ❤️ Cindy
Lyn Douglas said:
Thanks Cindy, I enjoy sharing, especially days like this. Lyn
katelon said:
What a pretty area. It’s great that a coach would take you directly to the Geranium place along with the other stops. You find that coolest places to visit!
Lyn Douglas said:
I know Katelon, he was a super coach driver who also entertained us with his rodeo skills at our morning tea break. Great day. Thanks, Lyn
Linda M said:
Thanks for sharing your lovely visit to this area. I love geraniums too!
Lyn Douglas said:
Hey Linda, it was such a fun day and just so pleasant to drink in the natural beauty. Thanks, Lyn
Gail said:
Nice to be driven sometimes so you can soak it all in and not many kilometres away.
Lyn Douglas said:
That is so true Gail, I saw so much more than if I was driving. Great part of SE Qld. Thanks, Lyn
Kay said:
Our visits to Lockyer valley were usually to buy horse feed. Wish I had known about “just geraniums”! What colours did you select?
Lyn Douglas said:
Hi Kay, I got an ivy geranium with variegated leaves with pink and white flowers, a double red, a mauve and a deep pink. It was a lovely day out. Thanks, Lyn
SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
What a lovely place to visit Lyn. Gatton looks really lovely. Such lovely scenery.
Lyn Douglas said:
Thanks Sue, Gatton is your typical quaint little country town. The Lockyer Valley is truly a special part of SE Qld. Lyn
boundlessblessingsblog said:
Beautiful and wonderful pictures, Lyn and I too felt like going with you on this virtual tour. Awesome post.
Lyn Douglas said:
Thanks so much Kamal, it certainly is a lovely part of Qld. Lyn
boundlessblessingsblog said:
You are always welcome dear Lyn and yes for sure 👍👍👍👍
Nancy Nelson said:
amazing work
Lyn Douglas said:
Thanks for reading my blog, Lyn
Silver Screenings said:
The next time you visit this area, I’m coming with you. ;)
Lyn Douglas said:
Of course, you are welcome. Thanks, Lyn
Jasper Perlman said:
love these amazing photos, especially the ones of rural areas!
Lyn Douglas said:
Thanks Jasper. It is a beautiful area. Lyn