ACCOMMODATION FLAGSTONE CREEK QLD

Imagine the magnificent, tranquility of flourishing flora and fauna, opulent cottages featuring sumptuous furnishings, glorious sunsets with loved ones, whilst relaxing on your secluded veranda, overlooking pristine waters, encompassing lush gardens. Welcome to "Whispers of the Valley", just half an hour to Toowoomba, one hour Brisbane and one and a half hours Stanthorpe. Indulge on 40 acres of paradise or venture surrounding countryside that is Lockyer Valley. Radiating indulgenced, each cottage embraces its own characteristics, both containing: a fireplace, double spa, barbecue, queen bed, ensuite, private courtyard, plush robes and linen. Cherish these surroundings within your own solitude or allow them to help you with indulgent catering packs. The three 'R's' - Relax, Reflect and Renew - are waiting for you!

The quiet hamlet of Helidon lies in the picturesque Lockyer Valley, approximately one hour west of Brisbane and just 15 minutes east of Toowoomba. Sandstone from this area has been used in many of Queensland's beautiful historic buildings. Helidon is also the business hub for explosive manufacturing companies situated on the outskirts of town For many years Helidon has been famous for its natural mineral springs prized for their great healing and therapeutic properties. The local Aborigines bathed in the spring water to ward off illness and after European settlement, the springs attracted the frail from far and wide. Arthritis, rheumatism, muscular aches, pains, stress, and a host of other ailments are said to be relieved by soaking in the warm, mineral-rich water. The grand old city of Toowoomba is just 15 minutes' drive up the range and offers a host of things to see and do. Not far from Helidon you'll also find wineries, historic homesteads, national parks and a host of scenic drives. Accommodation in the Helidon area ranges from basic cabins, bed-and-breakfasts, hotels and motels....

Fleurine Andrews' three sons died fighting in France in WWI. Their memory lives on in an unusual soldier statue in a small country cemetery, 13 kilometres south-west of Gatton. Mrs Andrews commissioned monumental masons AL Petrie and Son to produce the memorial, erected in the St Stephen's Anglican Church cemetery at Ma Ma Creek in 1920. The soldier statue, a popular choice of tribute in Queensland communities, embodies qualities of the ideal Australian: loyalty, youth, courage, innocence and masculinity. This one is a rarity, the only surviving 'Digger' wearing a cap instead of a slouch hat. Private James Martin Andrews was killed on 5 August 1916, aged 26. Private George Henry Andrews died on 9 June 1917, aged 28. Private Bertie Reginald Andrews was killed on 10 June 1918, aged 20. The war memorial stands behind the Andrews family plot and is the focus of public ANZAC Day memorial services. Mrs Andrews also donated a church organ in her sons' memory....