Returning home the long way: Surat, Nindigully and Stanthorpe

We completed the walk to Boolimba, returned to the teardrop at Sandstone, hooked up, and commenced returning home the long way. We first drove south to Roma, where we enjoyed a much welcomed espresso in the sun, and a free shower at the sportsground. We also did some restocking at the supermarket, and then continued south to the historic and beutiful town of Surat, where we enjoyed a quiet free camp on the river.

A quiet evening by the river at the free campground at Surat

After a walk around the historic town of Surat next morning we moved on to St George for lunch at the riverside park and then onward to Nindigully.

Nindigully is one of those interesting places that everyone should visit at least once. It really deserves a post of its own. Free camping and clean showers, and a historic pub. We had a cold night there and were pleased that the beer garden had a huge communal fireplace.

We met other travellers, and shared experiences over the local brew “Gully Gold” We then moved out early next morning and drove to Goondiwindi.

Easy to find a place to park at the sportsfield beside the river a Goondiwindi. A walk and then breakfast from the galley and then onward to Stanthorpe.

Mosaic toilet block is a highlight.

At Goondiwindi we parked by the beautiful riverside walk and enjoyed the morning by the river. We also stopped at the deli and café. We can certainly recommend. this town. Refreshed, we then continued to Stanthorpe, arriving at about three in the afternoon to set up at the Top of the Town camp ground. We hurriedly showered and changed and left the teardrop at camp and drove the few blocks to the restaurant we had booked a few weeks earlier. Varias, at the Queensland College of Wine Tourism is not to be missed. Meals and matched local wines. Superb service before a roaring fire. We will return.

Our piece of Granite Belt paradise. A warm afternoon sun as the fire is started.

Next morning saw us arising to a heavy frost. After warming ourselves in the sun whilst watching the ice melt from the car, we travelled 20 mins south to Pyramid Road winery, and then to a pizza lunch at Balancing Heart Winery. We shared a pizza and a tasting with Australia winemaker of the year Mike Hayes who was an absolute delight to talk to both about the wines he produces, and his travels abroad. We spent more money than we had planned to and drove, home satisfied and eager to sample our wares with a meal beneath the stars around the fire.

Beautiful Stanthorpe, on a crisp mid winter morning.

Waking the next morning, we packed, and did a walk around the river in town, then drove the 150 mins to home on the coast. Another nine nights in the Teardrop brings us to the grand total of 52 nights.