LANDMARKS AND BUILDINGS LAIDLEY

The tiny hamlet of Grandchester is located 20 minutes from Ipswich and 45 minutes from Brisbane. The pride of Grandchester is the Grandchester Railway Station, built in 1865 and the terminus for the first railway line built in Queensland. Before the construction of the railway line, Grandchester was little more than a whistle-stop for travellers, and was known as Bigge's Camp. Queensland's Governor at the time, felt that a place at the centre of such a significant historical event deserved a more dignified name, and so renamed the site Grandchester. Visitors can experience the days of the steam engine at Grandchester's Model Steam Railway (open the first Sunday of each month from 10am to 2pm) by riding scale models of steam (and diesel) locomotives. Not far from the railway station, the historic buildings of an old homestead have been restored and converted into Spicers Hidden Vale, a luxury rural retreat. The nearby villages of Walloon and Rosewood are of equal historical significance with heritage buildings lining the streets and charming aspects making them well worth a look....

Tucked away between Laidley and Gatton is a vibrant little town with much to offer. Situated six kilometres south of the Warrego Highway, Forest Hill has an unspoiled boutique feel, reflected in its quality gift shops and tastefully renovated buildings. Originally part of a large rural 'run', the area around Forest Hill was sub-divided into small farms in the 1880s. By the early 1900s Forest Hill was thriving and growing more produce than the older Gatton and Laidley settlements. Forest Hill was Australia's largest produce distribution centre in the early 1900s. Home to two beautiful large corner pubs, a quick trip to Forest Hill can easily convert half a day to exploring, shopping, eating and drinking a few cold beers. Make sure you call into the privately owned Forest Hill Post Office where you will find a treasure trove of gifts, artwork and a cafe and restaurant with an enviable local reputation. Located next door is Cafe Sorella, originally an old grocery store. Located a short drive from town is Stockton Rise Country Retreat, a three bedroom self contained house accommodation situated amongst fertile farmland. Moreover, Forest Hill is on the Cobb and Co Tourist route, so it is little wonder it has something for the history buffs. As an alternative to the hurly-burly of the highway, take the more leisurely and scenic route from Ipswich to Forest Hill via Rosewood and Laidley....

Plainland is a fast growing locality situated on the Warrego Highway 45 minutes west of Brisbane. It is popular with travellers as a refuelling stop for both the vehicle and passengers. Plainlands offers the choice of specialty retail outlets, major food chains, a historic hotel and famous Schulte's meat tavern. The locality was once grazing country, but today plinland is an important mix of expanding business, commercial and residential premises. Visit the markets located next to the family owned Porters Plainland Hotel,every third Sunday of the month. The hotel is also a great spot for a meal and live music on the deck. First opened in 1914, Porters Plainland Hotel is an icon on the Warrego Highway. Porters serve lunch and dinner seven days a week and breakfast on the deck Saturday and Sunday mornings. Try everything from gourmet burgers to salads, seafood, pasta or a tender steak from the char grill, all made with the freshest, locally- sourced seasonal produce and ingredients. Be sure to try the Valley's biggest steak, the 800g Tomahawk rib on the bone. Stay in Porters Plainland B&B and the hotel's courtesy bus will pick you up and drop you off gain when you're done. Schulte's Meat Tavern at Plainland is a family owned and operated business that was founded in 1952. They offer a range of the highest quality fresh red meat, pork and lamb products. the delicatessen has an extensive range of Schulte's gluten free small goods, Schulte's world famous Mettwurst, local and imported cheeses and European & local continental dry goods. Also available is a full range of fresh fruit and vegetables sourced from daily local markets just bursting with freshness and flavour. Wine tasting from local award winning Preston Peak Wines is also a unique inclusion to make Schulte's Meat Tavern a one stop shopping experience....

Hidden Vale Adventure Park (HVAP) at Grandchester brings a unique outdoor experience to the region, with a multi-use 100 plus kilometre trail network for mountain bike riders, runners and walkers, winding through the expansive 12000 acre Nature Refuge property. Operating out of the luxurious getaway, Spicers Hidden Vale, it's the perfect way to explore the great outdoors in this stunning location just 30 minutes' drive from Ipswich. The sprawling property and trail network opens at 7am and closes at 3pm weekdays and 4pm weekends. Users sign in and out at theirTrailhead office located near Spicers Hidden Vale where you collect a map, and then you have a world-class trail network at your disposal to explore, with great bush scenery, kangaroos for company, and even passing by an abandoned light plane. You also have access to Spicers' top-quality food and beverage options. The Adventure Park is going through a three-stage expansion to be completed 2020, and it hosts events on the property through Epic Events Management. You can participate in timed rides and races and even set up camp during the events, making it perfect for a family-friendly getaway....

An ex-serviceman who fought with the Australian Light Horse in WWI is believed to be the sculptor of Forest Hill's war memorial in the Lockyer Valley. The 4.5 metre monument, a life-size soldier standing on a tall sandstone pedestal with classically carved colonnettes, was unveiled in 1921 by five mothers whose sons had died at war. Monument masons PJ Lowther and Sons of Brisbane were commissioned to create the £300 cenotaph for the Forest Hill Memorial League. It's believed the family firm's sculptor son Charles Lowther actually did the carving. The finely carved grey sandstone monument faces east, towards the rising sun. Inscribed on the stone are the names of 97 soldiers who served including 11 who did not return. It's located in a small park adjacent to a railway line. A plate with the names of WWII servicemen has been added. ...