118 australiancountry.net.auESCAPE ROUTES
Of course, Teresa doesn’t overlook her own backyard
and, through the years, she has developed a forensic
knowledge of the region’s fl ora, fauna and geography.
Recently Teresa and Bev have teamed up to create the
Spring Creek Mountain trail, a 35-kilometre route, which
takes three days. Hikers walk along the historic Darling
Downs-Moreton Rabbit Board Fence, which loosely
follows the Queensland/NSW border and trek through
a mix of national park and private property. One of the
destinations is Mal Smith’s farm, which boasts some truly
spectacular old-growth temperate rainforest. As the third-
generation custodian of the farm, Mal is justly proud of his
grandfather’s foresight not to clear all his land for grazing
and, during the warmer months, walkers camp on his
farm. In winter, however, they repair each night to Spring
Creek Mountain cottages. Either way, the trail always
features one night at the cottages and the chance to sample
Bev’s fabulous fare.
“The best thing about the walk is that it really does suit
all abilities,” Teresa explains. “In fact, the hardest section is
at the start, with about 45 minutes uphill. I’ve done a lot of
walks in my time and I truly believe that it has close to the
perfect mix of history, environment and diff erent cultures.
And it’s accessible to pretty much anyone who can walk.”
For more information, visit horizonguides.com.au and
springcreekcottages.com.au.Clockwise from above: Killarney’s famous steak served with
Mal Smith’s potatoes at Spring Creek Mountain Cafe; Spring Creek
Mountain Cottages frame spectacular views; old-growth temperate
rainforest on Mal Smith’s farm on the NSW/Queensland border.