Tags
australia, Brisbane, Canungra, Gold Coast hinterland., O'Reilly's Winery, O'Reillys, Photography, Qld, Queensland, travel, vineyards, Winery
My friends suggested going to lunch somewhere special however decided it was a surprise for me so would not say where we were going. We drove about an hour and a half south from my house in Brisbane. We drove through beautiful countryside and due to the recent rain everywhere was green, lush and healthy. As we were nearing our destination they told me we were going to O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards and winery which is located in the Gold Coast Hinterland. This area is one of Queensland’s emerging wine growing regions.
We arrived at the winery about mid morning. Our first stop was the Alpaca enclosure. There is special food available at the winery that you can purchase for $3 to feed the alpacas.
Alpacas
Alpacas
We then walked over to the stream, which runs through the property, to see if we could spot a platypus or one of the local turtles. This whole area is stunning. Sit by the creek and enjoy a picnic hamper which are available from the Vintage restaurant. Although we went on a weekday, we did see a few small groups of people enjoying their picnic lunch on the lawns.
The stream on this rainy day
After looking for turtles and platypus from the viewing platform on the stream we walked over to the cellar door area to try some of the locally produced wines. Starting with a Verdelho for me, then a couple of reds including a shiraz and merlot. All really good however I decided on a glass of their bubbles to enjoy with my lunch in the Vintage Restaurant.
The restaurant is in the original old Queenslander farmhouse which is a wonderful structure, both inside and outside retaining much of its old world charm and beauty. The 100-year old history of the O’Reilly family in the area is fascinating.
We sat on the screened veranda with amazing views overlooking the property, vines and jacarandas. The menu for lunch offered a great selection so we were all very pleased with our individual choices. The service was excellent.
View from the restaurant
The grape vines
The grape vines
The vines with a little sun trying to peep through
What a wonderful way to spend a few hours. It is a perfect location, within a short drive of Brisbane and also the Gold Coast however well and truly away from the hustle and bustle of “life”
Just about a few minutes drive or a 10 minute walk from the centre of town is the Boambee Headland with its breathtaking views towards the north and down to the south.
