Page 33 - Kickin Up Dust - Australia

FEATURE “ Middle Sister Photography “

If you take the road less travelled and turn off the Warrego Highway, you may, if you’re
lucky, come across a little hidden gem. Resting between Laidley and Gatton is the little
town of Forest Hill. Visitors are excited to stumble upon this lovely little town which has
transformed itself over the years, into a perfect day trip destination.
A historic farming area, Forest Hill is part of Salad Bowl of the Lockyer Valley, QLD with her rich fertile
soil. Large varieties of crops are grown throughout the year, including the reintroduction of cotton to the
area. After harvesting it feels like there has been a snow flurry blow through the town with soft white
clouds of cotton covering the landscape.

Another thing Forry (as she is fondly known as) is Each year in December the Main Street, is closed to
grand at is food and drink. Boasting 3 cafés, gelato traffic and the iconic Christmas Festivities take over.
shop, Thai Restaurant and 2 pubs – if you cannot find The famous Ham Wheels are set up pride of place
something to delight the taste buds you are just not and the tickets are sold out very early in the evening.
trying hard enough.
There are rides for the kids, the local shops are
There are vintage and gift boutiques, hair, and beauty, open for business, the aroma of food being cooked is
and of course the iconic Post Office. Childcare and everywhere and there is a hum in the air. The pubs
a small primary school look after the children of open their doors wide, and customers spill out onto
town. The outskirts provide produce stalls, a family the street. As it’s Summer, the chance of rain is
owned and operated fuel station/mechanics and an high, but it doesn’t seem to dampen the spirits. The
engineering company. Forest Hill Festivities committee works tirelessly to
bring this tradition to life year after year.
The bar tender at the Forest Hill Hotel, Skin, is a local
legend keeping up with the influx of uni students from Slowly it is becoming a destination. All of those
the nearby Gatton University of Qld to the farmers, in town want to promote Forry for what it truly
workers, locals, and visitors alike. Always quick with is. A laid back, Queensland country town, full of
smile and a greeting. quality produce and food, cold beer, new innovative
businesses and a evolving historical centerpiece for
You will often see June our local JP riding her bike the Lockyer Valley Region. So, take a drive out this
around town getting things organised. Opening the weekend and meet up with your friends to see for
Town Hall for events. Keeper of the keys for the tennis yourself.
courts near the cricket grounds and skate parks.
Dotted within the community are B&Bs taking in the Holly Slade
western skies which light up from the stunning sunsets, Middle Sister Photography Store
illuminating the silos behind town. Socials - @middle_sister_photography

KICKIN UP DUST

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