Some things never change in a peaceful corner of Southern Queensland Country near Crows Nest. Magpies carol. Kookaburras cackle. And the old-growth forest stands as a buffer against the rest of the world. Since 2017, this relatively unknown and blissful spot has been home to Tweeters Country Getaway.
Peter and Thuy Ferris promise guests a chance to retreat from the city, breathe clean air and reconnect with nature, significant others and family and friends. They’ve managed to perfect the balance of getting away from it all without losing any of the comforts of home.
From little things, big things grow.
When the couple first found the property, it was little more than a dilapidated two-bedroom cottage on 30 hectares off the New England Highway. They knew what they wanted to build, but when Peter took a job on an oil refinery overseas, the hard yakka was left to Thuy and Peter’s father. Thuy had grown up in Ho Chi Minh City and had never cleared lantana, chopped trees, planted a fence post, let alone build a house. She quickly learned the necessary skills without electricity, town water, phone coverage, or the internet.
Next, Thuy shipped in containers of furniture. And then set about decorating and making it all homey.
Now Peter and Thuy live in the renovated cottage while guests stay in the six-bedroom homestead. Thuy shipped in containers of furniture. And then set about There are four queen-sized rooms and two adjoining double bunk rooms for children, sleeping a total of 16 guests. There are additional queen suites and camping facilities for extra guests. Because Tweeters can accommodate extra guests for a fee, it’s becoming a popular country wedding venue.
This spacious homestead is unfussy and perfect for large family groups or friends. Less Country Style and more real family retreat. As a dog-friendly farm stay, not even the fur babies need to stay at home.
Home away from home
Covid has kept us apart and made us reassess what’s important. Grandparents missed their first cuddle with precious newborn bundles – other’s missed last goodbyes with loved ones. And most of us just missed.
With six bedrooms and ensuites, an entire extended family or group of friends will find space isn’t an issue at Tweeters Country Getaway.
The homestead’s most extensive suite includes a fully accessible ensuite. In addition, ramps provide access from the great outdoors.
The fireplace keeps everyone cosy in winter, and the floor to ceiling glass opens to the breezes in summer. While the expansive living space is ideal for a movie night with an extra-large screen and extended lounges, you can cook up a feast a la The Big Chill in the cook’s kitchen. And the front deck or cliff-top bar is the spot for a sunrise cuppa or sunset brew.
Peter always needs little helpers to feed the farm animals, and they can learn a little about life on the land. Goats, pigs, chickens, peacocks and sheep swarm the kids – resident farm dog Chili wags and tags along.
Camping, relaxed stays and everything in between adventures allows you to do nothing or do it all. Tweeters are ideal for both the adventuresome or those who would instead read something good or something trashy with a glass of red.
Planning a wedding? Tweeters Country Getaway’s views make for the most spectacular ‘I-do’s’.
Where
This ancient land is Jarowair, Garumga and Dalla country and is about a thirty-minute drive north of Toowoomba. This country experience is only two hours from Brisbane or two hours and thirty minutes from the Gold Coast. With an elevation of 650 metres, they like to say they are closer to the clouds in these parts.
Surrounded by the ancient wonders of the Crows Nest National Park, sometimes it’s just you and absolute bushland.
Countless native birds have called this place home for millennia. Spot King Parrots, cockatoos and galahs. Take the time to spotlight wallabies, koalas or echidnas. Long walks are unforgettable because the gorge is dotted with caves, rock overhangs and towering trees,
In the neighbourhood
Tweeters Country Getaway is also close to Lake Perseverance and Lake Cressbrook – both well-known fishing and kayaking spots. And, if you like chasing waterfalls – Crows Nest National Park is home to (you guessed it) Crows Nest Falls.
Nearby you’ll find the prettiest multi-venue – Bunnyconnellen. Here they do it all very well. The rustic complex hosts charming BnB guest accommodation amongst the olive groves, veggie patches and small vineyard. While this little slice of paradise is a perfect wedding venue, the site hosts other functions, from corporate events to long lunches.
At the neighbouring high country hamlet of Hampton, they grow raspberries and blueberries at Hampton Blue. This micro-region now prides itself on its range of small artisanal producers. Cumquats, rhubarb, avocados, limes and pasture-raised meat are all on the menu.
Crows Nest
It doesn’t get much more old school than the village of Crows Nest. The nearest township to Tweeters County Getaway, you’ll find all the necessities of life from pub to baker.
Crows Nest Softdrinks is a window to the past with traditional soft drinks made here now, just like when it all started in 1903. If you love nothing more than the old-fashioned flavours of Creaming Soda or Double Sarsparilla, they’ve got you covered.
New on the Crows Nest scene is Harpers Country. This family-run cafe steamed into town late last year, dispensing breakfast, light meals, and to date, Crows Nest’s best coffee.
Meanwhile, Crows Nest’s most ambitious project is taking shape just off the New England Highway. Award-winning restaurateurs Amanda and Larry Hinds, along with others, will bring together a restaurant, bar, cafe, patisserie, homewares, fashion, and an antique shop under one roof. Nolans Block dates back to 1916, and the renovation project has been mammoth. Watch this space for more on this grand addition to Southern Queensland Country.
