Monthly Archives: September 2017

Sep 24 2017

Forty West Cafe – Ripley


Enticing comfortable couches overlook the even more enticing playground.   Sit back, chill and relax whilst the little ones release some of that seemingly endless supply of energy.

We recently stopped by here for breakfast and were impressed with the setting, food, plus very friendly staff.   If you’re not particularly child orientated, visit early in the morning, we were among the first for breakfast which gave us a very tranquil relaxed start to the day.


Its not a huge breakfast menu, but then I dont believe you need one if you can have something covering most tastes.  

Hubby was very keen on the bubble and squeak, adding a side of cheese kransky.  Hes still talking about this meal, so definitely this dish was a winner!   Food here was fresh and tasty.   Presentation of this dish had the bubble n squeak tucked underneath the juicy sausages and fresh eggs.


A reasonable selection of drinks too, the nice touch for me being the mint fusion tea which was tea leaves and not tea bags.    For later in the day, alcoholic drinks are on offer as well.


Avocado & feta smash with a side of deliciously juicy mushrooms made for a very pleasant start to the day.

Thank you to the friendly staff here,  Even a staff member coming in to start their shift, took the time to chat on the way past.    Turning on the outside heaters was no problem at all and offered to us as soon as we arrived.

Take the time to stop by, either with the children or just to kick back and relax.  Enjoy!

Sep 17 2017

Darling Downs Zoo

A couple of hours drive from Brisbane will bring you to Darling Downs Zoo.  Scenery is ever changing on the drive.


Stop at some of the interesting little places along the way. We stopped at the quaint Me Ma store on the way, leaving us just a half hour short drive to the Zoo.

Family owned, this zoo is home to a diverse range of animals.  From Australian natives to big cats and giraffes.  Sure too be something here for everyone.   Friendly staff in the entrance shop, explain the zoo and the symbols showing animals you can feed, before sending you on your way with map in hand.Sleepy koalas peer out from their open enclosure.   Birds of all shapes sizes, some sporting a myriad of vivid colours, reside thoughout the zoo.

Nothing beats the pleasure, especially for the little visitors, of hand feeding animals.  Ostriches were more than happy to devour the food pellets offered.

Meerkats, and monkeys, can provide you with hours of entertainment.  Busy, on guard and curious, meerkats are a definite draw card.    One cannot help but smile as you loose yourself in the antics of these alert animals.

A number of monkey breeds are housed here.  Some dart around their enclosures with effortless ease, whilst their buddies, use their agile limbs to forage food or swing easily from rope to branch.Keeping an eye out fir the arrival f rod, this lionesswas quite content as she soaked up the sun.the tiger was a little shyer preferring to lurk in the greenery at the back of her enclosure.Llamas and zebras cohabitat in one enclosure.  Competing for those enticing pellets visitors offer for hand feeding, there is some pushing and shoving, as the heirachy is determined. All are happy to receive the feed, always on the lookout for the telltale white bucket dangled by patrons.

In between the giraffes, big cats monkeys, birds, crocodile, reptiles and meerkats, take a moment to soak in the pastel colours of the landscape canvas rolling off into the distance. It really is breathtaking. 

It’s an easy stroll around the animal enclosures, the furtherest being the giraffes up the back.

Informative talks are held at different times to give visitors the chance to interact with residents.  For an extra fee, you can take the opportunity to have a close up experience wth big cats or meerkats, to name just a couple.Brazilian Tapir proved popular with visitors.  Their long soft snouts, gratefully and politely accepted the feed offered.  A lot more gentle than the pushy zebras next door.

The zoo certainly makes a good day out destination from Brisbane.  Enjoy the drive and be sure to stop off here and to support the small businesses and townships on the route.  Take your time, it will be worth it!