Ascot Probus Club Outings 2022

 

                      Enjoy the highlights of our day trips!

 

 

 

 

 

 

                       5 Day Stanthorpe Tour 

                          25 - 29 March 2022

 

Day 1: On arrival to Warwick, we visit the Warwick & Discrict Historical Society. It includes a collection of buildings which features furniture and household items representing more than 130 years of family life in the region.

We enjou a guided tour of the town with a local guide, with time afterwards to purhase lunch.

Stopping at Glengallan Homesead and Heritage Centre, we are greeted by our guide who will lead us on an intriguing tour of the homestead. Uninhabited for more than half its lifetime, it remains frozen in time and is of the few remaining examples of a 19th century house in Queensland.

We head to Stanthorpe, set in the middle of a mixed farming area where industries range from wineries and orchards to sheep and cattle grazing.

Unpack and relax we will be staying here for the next 4 nights.

Day 2: We explore the Truffle Discovery Centre, home to the rare and highly valuable Fresh Perigord Truffle. Unearth all that is truffle with a tour and gourmet food tastings.

Next we head to Stanthorpe Cheese where a selection of cheeses, at their peak of perfection, are awaiting us. 

For lunch, we travel to Granite Belt Brewery and Retreat.  Set in 30 acres of natural bushland, the country estate boasts a rustic atmosphere with delicious food and handcrafted beers.

Dinner is at the award winning Varias Restaurant, located at the Queensland College of Wine Tourism , the restaurant offers a world class dining experience with a focus on the best local produce, prepared and served by hospitality students.

Day 3: We enjoy another day of local touring beginning at the Granite Belt Christmas Farm.  Renowned for bringing the 'Christmas Spirit' alive all year round, we are welcomed by our wonderful host and give a short talk explaining how the farm works and the uniqueness of this magical Industry.  Mrs Claus may even have some of her festive sweet treats on hand for us to sample.

Next, we visit the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery, which houses a collection of almost 900 pieces representing the diversity of Australian art pactice through a wide range of mediums.  From painting, ceramics, works on paper and sculpure, the gallery displays quality exhibitions of both national and local importance.

We have a chance to visit a genuine working apple orchard, growing both dessert and cider apples.  From small beginnings, Sutton's Farm has gradually evolved into the shop and cafe we see today.  A delicious lunch, including fruit and herbs grown in the garden and orchard adds to the freshness of our experience.

Day 4: We head out of town, stopping in Glen Aplin at Jamworks.  Here we can try a wide range of jams and chutneys all made using only the freshest and best quality ingredients.  

Arriving in Ballandean to uncover the natural handmade products of the Sashoop Farm Soaperie.  Choose from sweet, playful, luxurious and downright practical - there is something in the range to suit all needs and desires.

Next we arrive at Queensland's oldist family owned and operated winery, Ballandean Estate.  The Puglisi family have made wine on this estate for over 80 years.  Sit back and relax as we enjoy a wine tasting and lunch amongst the rustic wine barrels with views over the rolling vineyards.

Day 5: We retrace our steps back to Warwick where we visit the must-see atttraction in town, the Abbey of the Roses.  Formally an Our Lady of the Assumption Convent, built for the Sisters of Mercy.  Here we enjoy an educational tour telling us about the beautiful old building which is steeped in local history.

Located in the beautiful Lockyer Valley, the Awassi Queensland property is a hidden gem.  We enjoy lunch followed by a guided talk and tour of the farm to learn about sheep and cheese making.  The bespoke cheesery makes all the cheese on the farm from 100% sheep milk.  

We continue home arriving mid-afternoon from a fantastic tour.

 

 

 

 

 

 

                             Norfolk Island 

                                  1st - 8th November 2022

 

Norfolk Island was a delightful venue.  The group stayed at The Governor's Lodge which provided cabins set among 12 acres of lanscaped sub-tropical gardens.  Each cabin was provided with a car so that people could travel independenltly.  The Govenerner's Lodge had two dining rooms but on two nights the group dined out.

The first was across the road and provided a meal together with a show called 'The Commandant's Dinner' which gave an introduction to the island's early history.

The second meal was called the "Fish Fry' where the group was again enterained and was served a delicious meal of local seafood.

The Cyclorama which is one of a few in the world, depected the story of Fletcher's Mutiny.

Other historical sites included History in the Making, World Heritage Norfolk History Tour and the World of Norfolk Exhibit.

On the last night the group enjoyed a Progressive Dinner, where they were invited into the homes of local residents to be served one course at each location.  The hosts all had a long family history with Norfolk Island and were able to give us much insight into life on Norfolk Island both now and in the past.

While not part of the tour some of the group did the guided tour of the home of Colleen McCullogh, where her husband still lives. - For some this was the highlight of the trip.