Greg Johnson is the CEO of Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Catch up each week with his take on what's happening in and around the Toowoomba and Darling Downs business communities

I am over the coast, any coast, every coast; the perfect holiday for me is in my own backyard.

We have an unbelievable inventory of stunning holiday options right here in, and about, Toowoomba.

I guarantee that if you try a local holiday option you'll never want to go to the coast again.

Sure, the upside of the coast is the beach but after awhile that too has its negatives - sunburn, sore eyes, sand and bluebottles.

Think about an idyllic holiday around Toowoomba and forget about traffic, parking problems, someone trying to steal your wallet or your car and frustrating travel times getting there.

And in Banjo Patterson's words, none of "the hurrying people daunt me and their pallid faces haunt me as they shoulder one another in their rush and nervous haste." Toowoomba folk are easy going and friendly.

Here are a few delicious options.

• Eagles Rest RetreatCabarlah with its gourmet coffee shops, historic hotels, national parks and lakes and crafts, antiques and markets - very pleasant.
• ecoRidge Hideawayat Preston is so close to Toowoomba, you could walk there. Bush walking is a must and mountain bikes are transport-of-choice with unbelievable rides to Mount Flagstone or Gorman's Gap Lookout. And, what a bonus, Australia's best winery and eatery, Preston Peak Winery, is a short 4 k's away!
• Moorlands Farmstayat Oakey is a bucket list must, giving you a chance to be a farmer/grazier for a day or more. Feed the chooks and collect the eggs, milk the cows, fall in love with the poddy calves and muster like you've never mustered before.
• Woodlands of Marburgoverlooks the picturesque Marburg Valley and is just 45 k's from Toowoomba and nestled amongst 250 acres of sweeping grounds and rolling hills - a journey back in time to a quieter lifestyle.
• But for mine it has to be Wes and Irene Elphick's Ravensbourne Forest Chalets at nearby Palmtree - the ultimate romantic, getaway experience. It is nestled in a private rainforest on 40 acres of picturesque undulating bushland. It's so private that sometimes you don't even get to see Wes and Irene!

So when you're planning that next family holiday, don't pack the snorkels and the flippers and the boogie board and the beach towels and beach rod, just pack some comfortable clothes and drive a few minutes to one of our own wonderful holiday destinations.

And Toowoomba businesses, please don't run those generous promotions for customers with prizes including two weeks holiday at the coast or in new Zealand, pop in a local holiday destination, your customers will love you for it!

What's your favourite local holiday destination?