Parents often approach the school holidays with a mix of excitement and dread. Sure, it's great to have more time with the kids but then there's the worry of putting together an endless list of things to keep them entertained.

Board games, messy art and craft and endless re-runs of Finding Nemo, anyone? 

In fact for many parents, the idea of a family holiday means a carefree break for the kids but stress for mum and dad.

However Spicers Hidden Vale, a unique country getaway located on a 12,000 acre working cattle farm in south-east Queensland, is proving the perfect solution for families in need of a holiday - mums and dads included."At Spicers Hidden Vale we like to think of ourselves as the original 'playstation' for kids," General Manager Catherine Bone says.

"From horse-riding and mountain-biking to archery, bush walks, swimming, sheep-herding, kangaroo spotting, star gazing and even an animal nursery, there's so much to keep kids entertained here day and night.

"And while the kids are having the time of their lives, parents are catered for too and can indulge in a massage at the day spa, go for a horse ride, take up yoga or just relax with a drink by one of the two pools. 

"Spicers Hidden Vale appeals to different people for different reasons, from couples seeking a romantic break to groups celebrating special events. But for families, our family farm stay concept is becoming exceedingly popular as an ideal holiday that satisfies everyone, not just the youngest members of the family."

Spicers Hidden Vale is located on Hidden Vale Station in Grandchester in the scenic Lockyer Valley - an area of rich farmlands and stunning natural beauty enclosed on either side by the Great Dividing Range - less than an hour's drive from Brisbane.

With the feel of a cosy country home, Spicers Hidden Vale offers colonial-style cottage accommodation of two, three, four or six bedroom cottages grouped around a central living area complete with a fireplace. 

The layout is perfect for families, providing a relaxed atmosphere with the option to enjoy each other's company but also retreat into private spaces.

As the weather cools down, a campfire is lit every night, giving families the opportunity to toast marshmallows and share stories around the fire.

The real allure for big and small kids alike is Spicers Hidden Vale's long list of activities which include horse-riding, pony leads for the kids, tennis, croquet, swimming, hiking, archery, clay target shooting, 4WD tours, wildlife spotting, and mountain bike riding.

The property features two swimming pools, a games barn, over 50 kilometres of walking and mountain bike trails, a lounge and bar and an onsite day spa, Spa Anise offering a range of massage, beauty and therapeutic treatments. 

One of its star attractions is the animal nursery, which is home to horses, chickens, goats, cows and alpacas, while the multi award-winning Cotton's Restaurant is also an attraction in its own right, serving up a true taste of the country with the modern Australian cuisine.

"There really is something for all family members at Spicers Hidden Vale," Catherine says.

"During the school holidays we also run a Hidden Vale Kids Club which offers a unique seven day program in which kids enjoy a host of fun, country-themed activities.

"Kids can enjoy sheep herding, mountain bike adventure tours, mini bush Olympics, kangaroo spotting, animal feeding, cooking classes, water wars, creek fishing, bush archery, music-making, pool games, cattle station 4WD trips, plus much more.

"Our team of experienced instructors provide a balance of active, educational, craft and just-for-fun sessions in which kids can interact with nature, animals and other kids in a safe and friendly environment.

"Parents of course can choose to do what they like while the kids are entertained, before everyone comes back together for dinner and night-time activities such as marshmallow toasting around the campfire or nocturnal spotlighting.

"And, at the end of the day, tired young visitors tend to have no problem trundling off to bed giving mum and dad a few hours together with a glass of bubbly or two!

"Spicers Hidden Vale enables families to escape the city and experience a slice of country life and adventure without compromising on comfort."

Families looking to venture further afield can explore nearby Toowoomba and the Darling Downs, which offer something for everyone from boutique wineries, stylish cafes and heritage exhibitions to rugged national parks and spectacular lookouts.

The adventurous can experience the region from a different perspective with a 4WD tour or even skydiving, while for those who prefer a more relaxed pace can enjoy local markets and country drives.

The region is also home to spectacular National Parks such as World Heritage-listed Main Range National Park, and during the summer months, host to fabulous events including the Granite Belt Blues, Vine to Divine, Sicilian Vintage Lunch and the Killarney Paragliding Classic, RAAF Base Open Day and Air Show at Amberley, the Gatton Pro Rodeo and the Laidley Rural Chelsea Flower Show. 

For media enquiries contact Brenton Gibbs Tel 0419 828 440; brenton@crookgroup.com.au