Toowoomba & Western Visitors Guide 2024

TOOWOOMBA &WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 024 2

Toowoomba and the Darling Downs, Southern Downs, Western Downs, Maranoa, Balonne, Paroo, Bulloo, Murweh, Quilpie, Goondiwindi and South Burnett regions

Welcome

Welcome to the Toowoomba and Western Visitor’s Guide!

The Darling Downs and Western regions of Queensland are truly the place to be, with everything from breathtaking outback views to temperate rainforests; towns known for their country hospitality and classic big pub feeds to city centres with happening foodies scenes; and history buff locations to family friendly getaways The Darling Downs reaches from cool-climate Granite Belt in the south to the sunny South Burnett region in the north, and west out towards Chinchilla and Goondiwindi. Further west is the gateway to the outback and accompanying shires like Quilpie and Paroo.

All of these regions have their own stories to tell, from a successful history in beef production to the beginning of Queensland’s oil industry - or even Australia’s biggest megafauna fossils!

There’s also a plethora of other activities to occupy your time here, from museums and galleries, to shops and markets, to cafes and restaurants — not to mention the more unique ideas like fossicking for opals or exploring historic abandoned railway tunnels.

This guide will help you find the spots the locals love, exploring urban and country areas alike to your heart’s content, with plenty of great food and activities thrown in.

Enjoy the crisp winters and gentle summers of the Toowoomba region and Granite Belt, or relish the outback heat in Murweh and Bulloo.

You’ll discover broad waterways and bright gardens, native forests and rugged landscapes, quaint hamlets and vibrant country towns, all waiting to be explored and rich with unique stories and envyinducing photo ops to share with friends back home.

You’ll find there really is something for everyone in our pocket of Queensland, so come and discover everything the Darling Downs and Western Queensland has to offer — we can’t wait to meet you!

FRONT COVER: Bonus Downs is located 35 minutes south-west of Mitchell in the Maranoa Region. Image courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.

We acknowledge and respect the traditional custodians of our regions and their elders past and present.

The Toowoomba and Western Visitors Guide is published by News Corp Australia, 1/5 Keefe Street, Toowoomba City. Those who make advertising placement and/or supply copy material or editorial submissions to the Guide undertake to ensure that all such material does not infringe any copyright, trademark, defamation, libel, slander of title, breach of confidence, does not contain anything obscene or indecent, or does not infringe the trade practices act or other laws, regulations or statutes. Further to the

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abovementioned, these persons agree to indemnify the publishers and/or its agents against any investigations, claims or judgements.

News Corp Australia would like to thank the following for their assistance in the productions of editorial content in the Toowoomba and Western Visitors Guide: Western Downs Regional Council, Balonne Shire Council, Paroo Shire Council, and Bulloo Shire Council. Thanks also goes to Tourism and Events Queensland for the use of images throughout this publication.

TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

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Welcome to Toowoomba and the Western Regions

56 Best of Maranoa: what not to miss

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Regional Events

58 Maranoa road trips

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Photo-worthy hikes

60 Easter in the Country Festival

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Art trails

61 Welcome to the St George Region

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History & heritage trail

62 St George towns

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Fossicking & panning trail

67 Welcome to the Paroo Region

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Western trail

69 Cunnamulla

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Fishing, boating and kayaking

70 Eulo

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Pub trail

72 Yowah and Wyandra

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Wine trail

73 Welcome to the Bulloo Shire

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Waterfalls

76 Cameron Corner and Noccundra

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Welcome to Toowoomba

78 Bulloo National Parks

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Places for hiking and biking

80 Burke and Wills Dig Tree

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Fishing and camping

81 Welcome to Murweh Shire

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Perfect parks

82 Charleville

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Markets and shopping

84 Exploring further - Morven

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Tasty treats

85 Welcome to the South Burnett

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Get your art on

86 Kingaroy

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Enjoy the best of Southern Downs

88 South Burnett wineries

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Winter weekends in the Southern Downs

89 Welcome to Quilpie Region

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Get arty in the Southern Downs

92 Fossicking fun at Quilpie

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Cheers to a Granite Belt wine weekend

93 Welcome to Goondiwindi Region

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Southern Downs art trail

94 Goondiwindi and Texas

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Welcome to the Western Downs

96 Goondiwindi art trail

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Western Downs towns

98 Regional Map

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Welcome to the Maranoa Region TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

Welcome

Contents

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FROM TOOWOOMBA TO THE WORLD #WithWellcamp

The Darling Downs and Western regions have got it all.

beautiful Bunya Mountains and an area brimming with rich history and breathtaking views.

From the urban delights of Toowoomba, the largest non-capital inland city in the country, across to the deserts and plains of the Western Downs, down to the cool climate of the Granite belt and up to the sunny South Burnett, the region has something for everyone.

Scattered across the region are a plethora of national parks and natural wonders, vibrant communities and booming industries along with plenty of tourist attractions.

Whether you’re looking for an urban getaway, outback vistas, gourmet delights, cultural festivals or natural wonders, you can find it all.

Perched atop the stunning Great Dividing Range is Toowoomba, bursting with gourmet food, premium shopping and stunning parks.

Head south towards the Granite Belt for some of the country’s finest wines and the perfect cosy winter retreat.

Further west are quaint rural towns like Chinchilla, Charleville and Quilpie where you can enjoy country hospitality and superb outback vistas.

Drive north towards the South Burnett to find the

Overview of the Regions

Welcome to Toowoomba and the Western regions

Whether you’re planning a trip to stretch your legs and explore nature, enjoy picturesque drives, visit museums, galleries and cultural festivals, or simply kick back and enjoy some of the nation’s finest food and wine experiences, this guide is the perfect place to start.

The region’s event calendar is brimming with exciting events year-round, from Toowoomba’s incredible The Chronicle Garden Competition in spring through to the Granite Belt’s jolly winter event, the Jumpers and Jazz Festival, there is something for everyone no matter the time of year.

There has never been a better time to come and explore everything the Darling Downs and Western Queensland has to offer!

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Events

Events February

Toowoomba Swap Meet February 3-4 The Toowoomba Swap at the Toowoomba Showgrounds is one of the biggest swap meets in Australia. This event will be the 50th organised by the Darling Downs Veteran and Vintage Motor Club with an expected attendance of around 10,000 people. There will be about 2000 (both outdoor and covered) sites featuring mainly parts for older vehicles although there will be other items such as collectibles, tools, models etc. www.toowoombaswap.com Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival February 23 to March 3 Every second year, Stanthorpe and surrounds come alive with this celebration of harvest throughout the Granite Belt for a massive 10 days. Including iconic events like grape crushing - which have been held since 1966 - the Banchetto Italiano long lunch, Channel 7 Grand Parade and more, it’s the perfect festival for the whole family to enjoy. appleandgrape.org

March~April Meatstock March 8-10 Australia’s biggest barbecue festival is coming back to Toowoomba. Learn to barbecue like a pro, enjoy live country and rock music, witness the skills of competitive eaters and eat your own way through some of the country’s best “low and slow” barbecued meats. Shop for amazing rubs, sauces, meats, barbecue supplies and splurge on a new smoker, all while soaking up the atmosphere.

Tickets & info: www.meatstock.com.au/Toowoomba.

ENJOY THE COUNTRY ATMOSPHERE AT THE TOOWOOMBA SHOWGROUNDS CARAVAN PARK Our camping grounds, located 10km west of the city, offer large, level sites with access to power & water as well as toilets, showers, laundry and dump point. Pets are welcome. Our grounds are suitable for all caravans, camper trailers and motorhomes.

Unfortunately tents are not permitted. Maximum stay is 7 nights.

Glenvale Rd Toowoomba • www.rasq.com.au • 46347400

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TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

Events

Heritage Bank Toowoomba Royal Show March 18-20 Bring the whole family for all the fun of the show — one of the country’s finest displays of agriculture and entertainment. Enjoy exhilarating rides, live music, livestock competitions and the excitement of Sideshow Alley. Peoples Day is Friday, April 19.

Hell of the West Weekend March 23-24 Known as ‘Queensland’s toughest tri’, this challenging event has been going for over 30 years.

Push yourself with a 2km swim, 80km cycle and a 20km run either as part of a team or individually, or raise money for charity by entering in the Hell of the West Inferno Run with 5km or 10km distance options. There’s even an option for the kids or firsttimers with the Hellkids Triathlon for 12-year-olds to adults.

Get your tickets or find out more at hellofthewest.com

More To Enjoy At Club Glenvale Home of Toowoomba Hockey

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

4633 1229

564 Boundary Street, Toowoomba www.clubglenvale.com.au Sports Bar - Bistro - Coffee - Alfresco Dining - TAB - Keno Gaming - Kids Room - Members promotions - 10am till Late

Queensland Music Trails: The Outback Trail April 13-21 Enjoy a nine-day musical journey throughout the rugged outback of Queensland with this self-drive adventure. Starting only four hours from Brisbane, you’ll meander through stunning locations with cultural experiences, music moments, and that renowned country hospitality. There’s events like The Gully Sessions at Nindigully Pub with country musicians Travis Collins and Chloe Styler, Ballads and Bush Yarns with Troy Cassar-Daley and Loren Ryan at Charlotte Plains in Cunnamulla, The Big Bush Dance featuring The Smashing Bumpkins at Tambo Town Hall, and much more.

The Southern Trail, including flagship event Opera at Jimbour, will also take place during 2024 with dates to be announced.

Keep an eye on qldmusictrails.com for more info.

May~June Hampton Festival May 19 The Hampton Festival is a celebration of food, art and culture in the beautiful High Country region.

The festival offers a wide variety of events and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.

Watch social media for updates www.hamptonfestival.com

TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

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Events

Goomeri Pumpkin Festival May 25-26 One of the region’s best family events, the Pumpkin Festival is certainly a food festival not to be missed. From the iconic Great Australian Pumpkin Roll at the top of Policeman’s Hill to the pumpkin street parade and giant pumpkin weigh-in, this great big gourd-geous event is the highlight of the South Burnett social calendar with the next Pumpkin Festival set to take place on the last weekend in May. www.goomeripumpkinfestival.com.au.

Elders FarmFest (celebrating 47 years) June 4-6 Elders Farmfest is the one-stop farmer’s shop and has been a major force in field days for the past 47 years. Over 2,000 individual companies and organisations come together on our purpose-built site, delivering an exceptional field day experience for Queensland’s farming professionals and their entire families. Open Tues & Wed: 8.30am-4.30pm, and Thurs: 8.30am-4pm. www.acmruralevents.com.au/farmfest/home

July~August Fire 2 Fork Dinner July 6 Enjoy a two-course meal and great music by Tom Maxwell under the country night sky at the Alroy Camping Grounds in Eulo. The cost is $65 per head including one night at a camp site, and the night is BYO beverage-approved.

Book in early with Mary Haig on 0427 992 889 or alroystation@gmail.com

GLENGALLAN HOMESTEAD & HERITAGE CENTRE CAFE A story of boom, gloom, return from ruin OPEN WEDNESDAY to SUNDAY 10am-4pm - TOURS - HIGH TEA New England Highway 18km north of Warwick

Glengallan Homestead and Heritage Centre, 18515 New England Hwy, Glengallan QLD 4370 (07) 4667 3866 info@glengallan.com.au follow us on Facebook

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TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

Events

Jumpers & Jazz Festival July 18-28 Head to the gorgeous Southern Downs area for Queensland’s quirkiest yarnbombing and jazz winter festival! Enjoy roaming the streets to admire the knitted and crocheted tree jumpers created by talented locals, stop in for live music performances, head to Killarney for the best bonfire night you’ll ever see and enjoy amazing art and cultural displays. www.jumpersandjazz.com.au Tara Festival of Culture & Camel Races August 2-4 Three days of culture and camels. Enjoy an extravaganza of multi-cultural stage shows, live entertainment and a jampacked program with flavoursome food. Over 100 acres of bush camping available right next door. www.tarafestival.com.au Cobb & Co Centenary Celebration August 14-17 Celebrate 100 years since the final Cobb & Co Stage Coach service ran from Yuleba to Surat in August 1924. This original coach, Coach 112, sits proudly on display at Cobb+Co Museum in the National Carriage Collection. Celebrate over four days with an opening gala event, commissioned orchestral pieces and collection-inspired poetry recitals, bespoke hands-on workshops, artisan projects and more. www.museum.qld.gov.au/cobb-and-co-museum Historic Leyburn Sprints — Leyburn August 17-18 Bring your car, caravan or tent and enjoy the action at the annual Historic Leyburn Sprints. Each year the sleepy streets of Leyburn are transformed into a race track in celebration of Australian Grand Prix heritage. From fast to slow, pre-50s classic cars to vintage caravans, and everything in between, see it all at the Historic Leyburn Sprints! www.leyburnmotorsprints.com.au THE HON

DAVID LITTLEPROUD MP YOUR FEDERAL MEMBER FOR MARANOA LEADER OF THE NATIONALS

Proudly supporting my local community 57 Cunningham Street | PO Box 641 Dalby Qld 4405 | E: david.littleproud.mp@aph.gov.au | P: 07 4662 2715 ‘Authorised by the Hon David Littleproud MP, Liberal National Party, Dalby Qld 4405

Getting Maranoa’s fair share

www.davidlittleproud.com.au TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

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Events

BaconFest August 17-18 Prepare your taste buds because Kingaroy BaconFest is back, and it’s sizzling hotter than ever! Explore a bacon wonderland with an array of bacon-themed dishes, jam to the beats of local adult and youth bands and artists while enjoying your bacon delights, and pair your bacon treats with the finest brews and wines from the region. www.kingaroybaconfest.com.au Dalby’s Delicious DeLIGHTful Festival August 23-24 Dalby’s Delicious and DeLIGHTful Festival is Dalby’s signature festival taking place each August. The festival features an amazing array of multicultural food and entertainment with the unique and spectacular lantern parade being the highlight of the festival as it moves along the banks of the beautiful Myall Creek. www.deliciousanddelightful.com.au

September~October Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers and The Chronicle Garden Competition September There is a good reason Toowoomba is known as the Garden City — the annual Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers! Be amazed as the city’s parks are transformed into stunning floral displays; enjoy music, food and wine, art exhibitions, live music and more. Book a tour to see the incredible local gardens in The Chronicle Garden Competition and visit displays by local plant clubs. www.tcof.com

Royal Bull’s Head Inn Open the first and third Sunday of each month and on special event days.

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Step into history at Royal Bull’s Head Inn! Explore and enjoy antique collections, local events, market days, educational experiences and offering micro-weddings and elopements.

Your visit supports local heritage preservation.

59 Brisbane St, Drayton QLD 4350 07 4637 2278 nationaltrustqld.org.au/visitor-sites royalbullsheadinn

TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

Events

Weetwood September 21 Get your glad rags on and head to Toowoomba Racecourse for its biggest event of the year. The Toowoomba Weetwood is a 1200m race boasting a total prize pool of $160,000 and is run under quality handicap conditions.

November~ December Bush Christmas Dates to be confirmed The Bush Christmas Exhibition is an annual celebration of outback creative talent which presents a magnificent collection of handmade gifts and gourmet delights each year. Exhibitors are principally from the bush and are supported by a few selected city artisans, most of whom have rural backgrounds. Opening for 10 days the Bush Christmas Exhibition is a highly anticipated event on the Toowoomba calendar for Christmas gift and gourmet shoppers. www.bushchristmas.com Toowoomba’s Christmas Wonderland Dates to be confirmed Toowoomba’s Christmas Wonderland is a familyfriendly event held in the Botanic Gardens, Queens Park. Enjoy the traditional Christmas lights display, as well as local and roving performers, raffles, barbecue and Christmas entertainment for the whole family. The event operates from 7pm to 10pm each night from early December up to, and including Christmas Eve. Enter by gold coin donation or ‘Tap & Go’ payment at each of the three entry points. www.christmaswonderland.com.au

TRADITIONAL SOFT DRINKS

Visit one of Australia’s last remaining traditional soft drink and cordial works — established in 1903.

Come and try: • 20 Traditional Soft Drink Flavours.

• Over 30 different Flavoured Syrups - perfect for making your own cordials, sodas, milk shakes or cocktails.

• Low Sugar Soft Drinks now available!

Open: M-F: 8.30-4.30 / SAT: 9-2 Check out our web, Facebook and Instagram!

Crows Nest Soft Drinks 8 Charlotte Street, Crows Nest • (07) 4698 1783 • cnsd.com.au

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Trails

Photo-worthy hikes Nature lovers, fitness fans and photographers alike will find no shortage of natural beauty to explore across the Darling Downs and Western Queensland.

Whatever flavour of scenery you prefer, the menu offers plenty of selections too numerous to name.

It might be one of the coldest areas in Queensland, but come summertime the Southern Downs is bursting with gorgeous places to explore including

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beautiful swimming locations, so why not swap the surf for natural waterholes and cool rainforests?

Kick off your explorations on the Southern Downs with a visit to Girraween National Park.

Work up a sweat on one of the many walking trails at Girraween National Park, southwest of Ballandean, before exploring the rock pools near Bald Rock Creek and Castle Rock (but be warned – the water is very chilly!)

The Goomburra section of Main Range National Park

TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

Just visit or call the Warwick Visitor Information Centre for the best locations.

Trails

If you prefer to stick to the Toowoomba area, be sure to check out a little patch of paradise just a few minutes from the CBD along the Toowoomba escarpment known as Redwood Park.

A stunning example of remnant dry rainforest filled with diverse vegetation, beautiful wildlife and excellent views across the Lockyer Valley, this 243ha bushland park is perfect for hiking, photography, mountain biking and picnics.

Heading north, hikers and photographers are drawn to the Bunya Mountains, home to their distinctive namesake, the Bunya pine.

Photos: Tourism and Events Queensland

has rugged mountain ranges, spectacular lookouts, lush subtropical rainforest and some of the region’s most beautiful swimming spots, including Cascades Circuit, Araucaria Falls and Dalrymple Creek.

Even if swimming isn’t your thing, hikers and photographers alike are sure to fall in love with the beautiful Queen Mary Falls near Killarney.

A short walk will give you breathtaking views above the waterfall tumbling 40m to the valley below.

This park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, famed for its unique landscape, ongoing geological processes, evolutionary history and diversity.

If you’re visiting the Southern Downs in late summer or early autumn, photographers travel from miles around just to take the perfect snap alongside one of the area’s many sunflower fields.

The Bunya Mountains National Park is filled with amazing hiking trails, and brimming with flora and fauna to photograph.

If stunning outback vistas are more your thing, the Western Downs offers plenty of opportunities for hikers and photography enthusiasts alike.

Visit the beautiful Myall Park Botanic Garden and see stunning examples of endangered plants from drier areas, or enjoy a day spent taking snaps of wildflowers in the Miles area.

For those keen to get right out of civilisation and enjoy nature can visit the beautiful Balonne Shire, home to Thrushton National Park.

Photograph the ruins of Thrushton homestead and admire the spring wildflowers the area is becoming famous for.

No matter your favourite landscape, vista or photography subject, the Darling Downs and Western Regions are sure to have it.

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Trails

Art Trails Toowoomba (day trip) Toowoomba’s CBD is brimming with interesting street art with more than 80 murals scattered throughout the streets and laneways. Painted as part of the First Coat Festival,which ran from 2013 to 2016, the murals breathed new life into previously forgotten areas of the CBD. But the city has even more artistic offerings for visitors. Starting at the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery, you can explore the three permanent collections — The Fred and Lucy Gould Art Collection, the Toowoomba City Collection and The Lionel Lindsay Gallery and Library — or one of the touring exhibitions and gallery projects. Established in 1937, TRAG (open Wednesday to Sunday 10.30am to 3.30pm at 531 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba, beside City Hall) is the oldest public art gallery in regional Queensland.

The Bolton Reading Room (housing the Lionel Lindsay Library) is open by appointment Tuesday to Thursday, and Sunday.

Parking is available on Ruthven Street and in nearby off-street car parks. Access for disabled persons is available at street level, with a lift leading to the upper floor. Toilet facilities cater for visitors using wheelchairs and guardians tending to babies and young children.

Head north from Toowoomba on the New England Highway (about 45 minutes) to Crows Nest to check out the Crows Nest Gallery, which was established in 1996. The gallery supports the strong, local artistic community and showcases

and nurtures local creative talent from across the region. It is staffed by a part-time gallery officer and a dedicated team of friendly volunteers. The gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday 10.30am to 3.30pm on the corner of the New England Highway and William Street.

West of Crows Nest, you’ll find the lovely town of Goombungee, home to the Rosalie Gallery. It is a purpose-built facility opened in 2005. The light-filled gallery presents a range of high-quality exhibitions, workshops and art events that support the local community, artists and groups. The friendly volunteer teams welcome the many local and travelling visitors with country hospitality. Rosalie Gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10.30am to 3.30pm at 89 Mocatta Street, Goombungee.

Murweh region (2-day trip) Augathella is a hidden gem of the outback with eye-catching sculptures and murals throughout the town. Discover painted murals, silo art and wrought iron sculptures dotted around Augathella, and spend time strolling along the Main Street viewing these art pieces. The artworks — locally made — are creative and humorous sculptures showcasing Augathella’s

Friday 4 October 2024, 9:00am - 3:00pm Clive Berghofer Recreation Centre, 20 Baker St, Darling Heights (opposite Uni) disabilityexposc.com.au

+ Bonus Seniors Expo Free Entry | Free Parking

The event not to be missed for people with disabilities, family, carers and friends plus community minded people providing products and services, all in one central space.

Access and facilities

Available on site.

Venue is wheelchair friendly and has disabled toilet facilities

With over 100 exhibits the expo is FREE to attend

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TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

Photos: Tourism and Events Queensland

over 150 heritage photos. The cinema provides regular screenings of the 1956 Australian classic film Smiley, based on local identity Didy Creevey and is full of outback humour, plus there is a short documentary featuring characters of the time.

Head back to Charleville and spend a relaxing few hours checking out the Mulga Lands Art Gallery at 94 Alfred Street, Charleville. It is a bright, contemporary art space with curated exhibitions that change regularly. It was built in 2018 as part of

Charleville’s 150th celebration.

Quilpie (2-day trip) Quilpie is a real surprise package with great amenities and some great public art to check out.

Located about nine hours west of Toowoomba, Quilpie is a destination in itself and has plenty to see.

Trails

colourful past, from the great sheep stations to the famous film ‘Smiley’, as well as football teams, dancing brolgas and racehorses. Also take in the bright and colourful water tower mural on Forest Street, which represents the unique history of the town when it was full of bullock teams and notorious bushrangers. It was painted by Blender Studios in February 2020, and is part of the Australian Silo Art Trail. Stop by the Augathella Boadicea Gallery & Cinema (Bendee Street), which hosts art exhibitions and displays a permanent photographic exhibition of

Artistically, there are some amazingly talented local artists. The Quilpie Shire Gallery at the Quilpie Visitor Information Centre (51-53 Brolga Street), hosts six exhibitions across the year, featuring both local and national artists.There’s also unique garden art in the courtyard of the Information Centre, including a mob of sheep being guarded by man’s best friend, a family of pigs and the resident’s Brolgas ‘Bob and Madge’.

Mural Park is right next door to the Information Centre and is home to a 45m long mural depicting Quilpie’s history, painted in 2003 by a local artist.

The park also features handcrafted picnic tables, which are made from old wagon wheel rims inlaid with opal and feature mosaic Brolgas detailed on the tops. Take a stroll along Quilpie’s Brolga Street and enjoy the street art including the gum leaves and gum nut chairs at the Shire Hall, or the collection of silhouettes and sculptures of brolgas, sheep, cattle or the drover on his horse in the median strip.

They are great for unique photographic memories of Quilpie.

Quilpie is also home to the Lyn Barnes Gallery on Sommerfield Road. It is the only privately owned gallery in the Shire and features works from resident artist Lyn Barnes. Lyn is known for her incredible pastel artworks which really capture the unique colours of the Outback.

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TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

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Trails Jimbour House

History and heritage trail The south-east and south-west corners of Queensland have plenty in the way of history, and a lot of the structures and landscape from these times are still around today.

Take a couple of days meandering through a selection of heritage landmarks and historic locations, starting in picturesque Warwick.

Downs Explorer, Warwick

Rudd’s Pub, Nobby Another location famous for a writer, Rudd’s Pub is so called because Dad & Dave author Steele Rudd used to sit in front of the pub’s fireplace to pen his stories. Nowadays, the Nobby landmark is known for its original character, walls of memorabilia, and a great feed.

Australian Army Flying Museum, Oakey Discover our country’s flight history with 22 aircraft on display, more undergoing restoration, and relics of significance from World War I to now. Initially a single room at the Army Aviation Base, A Cessna 180, A98-045, three Bell 47 Sioux, A1-568, -720 and -738, and an O1-G Bird Dog – Bunny II formed the foundation of this museum today.

Previously known as the Southern Downs Steam Railway, this not-for-profit heritage steam railway is a must-see. You can take a train journey to relive the delights of yesteryear, or simply meander around Warwick Railway Precinct which is based at the site of the former historic Locomotive Depot.

Mary Poppins House, Allora Built in 1879, this quaint property was one of the homes of P L Travers, author of Mary Poppins, and originally home to the Australian Joint Stock Bank.

Guided tours are by appointment only, but it’s wellworth the trip.

Photos: Tourism and Events Queensland

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TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

Trails

years in the late 1870s and took 200 workmen and cost 30,000 pounds.

Nowadays, the house has been faithfully restored and is available to tour upon booking.

The Big Rig, Roma —

Mary Poppins House Muntapa Tunnel, Highgrove A hidden gem, this heritage-listed tunnel was built by Queensland Railways in the early 1910s and is the only tunnel in the state to cross between the inland and coastal sides of the Great Dividing Range. While the 287-metre tunnel hasn’t been used in decades, it is heritage-listed and visitors can explore up to 30m into the space — with the remaining length kept for a protected colony of bent-winged bats.

Discover the history of Australia’s oil and gas industry, and all the drama and twists that came with it.

As well as The Big Rig itself, there are exhibits, machinery displays, and audio-visual features. You can also climb the 40m tower.

Jimbour House, Jimbour This stunning sandstone mansion on the historic Jimbour Station is a sight to behold. The lower storey of the homestead built in 1870 still stands today, while the current homestead was constructed over two

Eromanga Eromanga National History Museum, Eromanga Home to Cooper, Australia’s biggest dinosaur, this museum out in the Quilpie Region specialises in discovering, conserving and showcasing the area’s fossils and heritage. As well as the museum itself, you can also visit a dino dig sight and learn how to prepare dinosaur and megafauna fossils.

The Big Rig

If you’ve got extra time up your sleeves for the 7.5-hours trek out to Winton, also check out the Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum.

DOWNSSTEAM TOURIST RAILWAY & MUSEUM Open time Tues, Thurs and Saturday 9am to 3pm • Morning Teas • Light Lunches • Barista Coffee • Tours of Train Restoration program • Station Shop • Gardens • Dreamtime Journey Coach Entry $5 Children under 16 free **Check Website for Future Train Trips from Feb 2024 * 16 Cambooya Street, Drayton (07) 4630 2358 www.downssteam.com

TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

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Trails

Fossicking and panning trails Fossicking is a fun family pastime with relatively little outlay of cost.

Panning equipment is available from most camping and/or fishing stores, but dinner plates can be a workable solution in a bind.

Warwick to Talgai

In Queensland, fossickers must hold a current fossicking licence which are available to purchase online at www.qld.gov.au or from regional and district officers and authorised agents.

Talgai to Thanes Creek

Southern Downs trail (1-2 days) The beautiful town of Warwick is an ideal starting point for this trail — and with several options for staying overnight and meals, it’s a great home base while fossicking in the area as well.

Sections of the Talgai State Forest are open for gold fossicking, provided the special conditions of access are met. There are no facilities or water, so it is essential that you take your own water supplies and equipment.

Gold panning is available at Thanes Creek fossicking area, which is about 50km out of Warwick and just past the Thanes Creek Bridge.

Thanes Creek to Durikai Just down the road from Thanes Creek is the Durikai Fossicking Area on the edge of the Durikai State Forest. Much like the Talgai fossicking areas, there are no facilities and no permanent water. Panning is the best recovery

HELI ADVENTURES • Tours depart on request from the Toowoomba City Aerodrome.

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TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

Trails

method here as well, with gold obtained from alluvial sediments within stream channels and from gravel layers in low banks.

Durikai to Swiper’s Gully Just outside of Amiens and inside the Passchendaele State Forest is the Swiper’s Gully topaz locality. With mainly granite, consisting of pink K-feldspar, white plagioclase, quartz and biotite, the area is prime for topaz within the tin oxide of quartz-greisen veins.

Again, water is not usually available in this area so supplies need to be brought in, particularly if you’re using wet sieve methods.

Western trail

Photos: Tourism and Events Queensland

fossicking for opal alongside the Warrego Way and Natural Sciences Loop just 2km west of Quilpie near the Quilpie Airport. No permit is required at this site.

Quilpie to Toompine: Duck Creek & Sheep Station Creek

(3-4 days) For this trail, you can either start near Chinchilla for the petrified wood and take the day travelling out to Quilpie and surrounds for opal, or start in Quilpie and spend a day or two fossicking for opal.

Chinchilla Occuring in abundance in the area, petrified wood can be found readily beside roads and also at two specific sites that local landowners have given permission for fossicking on their properties — Greenswamp and Lallalindi. An entry fee is payable to both landowners at the Chinchilla Visitor Information Centre.

Chinchilla to Quilpie After the drive out to Chinchilla, spend some time

The Toompine Field sits between Quilpie and Yowah’s famous opal lands, with two sites that are now limited to small-scale hand mining on claims, roughly 62km from Toompine: Duck Creek and Sheep Station Creek. Your best bet for an opal find is the spoil dumps of old workings.

Duck Creek to Yowah Yowah is possibly the most well-known site in these areas for opal, and as such it’s quite popular with both tourists and serious fossickers. It also has good access to shops, water and fuel, as well as accommodation for easy overnight stays in the township. The opal is often found in the form of ‘Yowah Nuts’ which are round nodules of ironstone with a kernel of precious opal, but chips and fragments of opal can also be found when digging in the loose top layer of ground and rubble.

Note: There’s also the Opalton Field out past Winton

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Trails

Fishing, boating and kayaking The Downs is a great spot for keen recreational fishermen — from impoundment waters to open river fishing chasing freshwater species, there is something for everyone.

With the rivers in our region part of the MurrayDarling Basin, the fishing opportunities are plentiful.

style, the Severn River at Stanthorpe, located 15km south of Stanthorpe, offers picnic and barbecue areas, and great spots to cast a line off the banks. Spinning lures are a popular choice for anglers. Sundown National Park provides the best public access to the Severn.

Drought will impact the water levels of some of these spots, but impoundment fishing, boating and kayaking is reasonably reliable — check with the local visitor information centres for updates. A Stock Impoundment Permit is required to fish in dams in Queensland.

We’ve put together a list of some of our mustvisit fishing, boating and kayaking spots from the Southern Downs into Western Queensland. From day trips, weekends away, or week-long (or longer) journeys, there are some great spots to wet a line and see some amazing scenery.

Leslie Dam Leslie Dam is located 13km west of Warwick on the Cunningham Highway and offers a boat ramp, picnic area with toilets, boat hire and boat fuel, with permits and bait also available to purchase. As well as fishing, water activities include swimming, canoeing, water skiing and sailing. For enjoying a longer stay, there is camping at Washpool Camping Reserve and Lake Leslie Tourist Park.

Severn River If riverbank fishing (and a day trip) is more your

Condamine River Photos: Tourism and Events Queensland

Talgai Weir For kayaking enthusiasts, Talgai Weir is one of the best kept secrets on the Downs. When it comes to shelter, ambiance, seclusion, and wildlife encounters, it is arguably one of the best paddling destinations.

The trail is up to 18 kilometres return and can take up to 4.5 hours. The trail really is a hidden gem as the weir isn’t reachable by public roads, there’s no boat ramp or signage. The launch site is in a clearing at the northeast corner of the bridge on Ryeford Pratten Road over the Condamine River in Victoria Hill. The best place to get into the water on the eastern end of the clearing; follow along the water’s edge until you

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Macintyre River

find a break in the reeds. The weir is 2.5 kilometres downstream (to the right). If the weir is full, and the river is not in flood, it is possible to paddle around 6.5 kilometres upstream (to the left) before you reach oncoming rapids. Fish for golden perch, murray cod and silver perch in the Condamine River.

Coolmunda Dam Coolmunda Dam is located approximately 15km east of Inglewood. This popular fishing and watersport dam has no vessel type restrictions, so whether you are into fishing, skiing, kayaking, or canoeing there is something to please all water fans. Accommodation is available at the caravan park, which include toilets, barbecues, picnic tables, swimming pool, tennis court and playground, and pets are welcome at the park.

Dumaresq River The Dumaresq River at Texas provides bank fishing opportunities. Fishing is prohibited on the Dumaresq River from the Bonshaw Weir to 100m downstream of the weir. The Texas Dumaresq River Rest Area is 2km South of Texas, on the Dumaresq Crossing Road. This free, bush camping spot offers good grassy sites in addition to cool, shallow clear water with a stony bottom. Those fishing should try the deep fishing holes near the bridge. It’s not suitable for boats.

Trails

Bjelke-Petersen Dam

The Macintyre River at Goondiwindi is another great spot to explore, but be aware fishing is prohibited on the river from 150m upstream to 150m downstream of the Goondiwindi Weir. For water sport fun, the Goondiwindi Natural Heritage & Water Park is the place — located in a section of the Serpentine Creek. The purpose-built 3km water channel provides great opportunities for water sports of all kinds including waterskiing, wakeboarding, canoeing and boating.

Lake Kajarabie St George claims the title of Inland Fishing Capital of Queensland, with some awesome local spots to choose from. Two major rivers (the Balonne and Maranoa) flow into Beardmore Dam, also known as Lake Kajarabie, just a short drive north of St George.

Fishing is permitted at Lake Kajarabie, however no onshore fishing on or near the dam wall. Closed waters are in place at the dam and fishermen are reminded to read the signs and look for hazards.

Caliguel Lagoon Caliguel Lagoon, south from Condamine (follow the Leichhardt Highway for 3.1km, turn right on the Condamine-Meandarra Road and drive 4.1km), is a hidden gem. The lagoon is a bird watchers’ haven and is perfect for swimming, fishing, kayaking and other water sports. It is set along a beautiful stretch of water and, with recently upgraded facilities, now includes sheltered picnic tables and electric barbecues with sinks. Powered sites are available for camping with a great playground nestled in amongst the landscaped gardens.

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Trails

Pub trail The Darling Downs and Western regions boast an incredible array of pubs ready to welcome the weary traveller with an icecold beer and a delicious meal. Read on for a small selection of some of the best and quirkiest pubs to visit on your trip.

Nindigully Pub

Nindigully Pub Just north of Thallon, you’ll find “The Gully”, one of Queensland’s oldest hotels, first licensed in 1864.

Today, the pub still stands in its original condition and position on the banks of the Moonie River.

Nindigully is the home of the famous ‘Road Train burger. This feed will satisfy around four hungry people with its juicy 1.2 kg beef patty and sides, or you can tackle it solo if you’re game! If you’re coming with a crew, be sure to order a few days ahead for supersized delicacies including a metrelong hotdog, the 12-13kg B Double Double burger and the 20-25kg Real Big Mack burger.

The Condamine Hotel Sitting on Wambo Street since the 1850s, the iconic Condamine Hotel is a solid old pub with imposing timber beams, corrugated iron and a well-used dart

Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland

board backed by timber bearing the burnt-in brands of the surrounding stations. Dig into delicious food with your mates, grab a cold beer and kick back for a chat.

This unpretentious country gem is a favourite for locals and travellers alike.

Rudd’s Pub, Nobby Step back in time at this lovely historic pub in the tiny town of Nobby, once home to Aussie icon Arthur Hoey Davis (better known under his pen name Steele Rudd), who wrote the famous Dad & Dave stories.

Reportedly, some of the stories were even written in the front bar of this quaint little watering hole!

Stop in for a cold one and enjoy looking at the bevy of memorabilia covering the walls. The hotel is also proud to pay homage to local hero Sister Elizabeth Kenny, who pioneered the treatment of infantile paralysis.

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TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

Windsor Hotel, Miles

Trails

If you’re looking to change up the pace from quaint historic pubs, it might be time to stop in and sample a selection of delicious craft beers and ciders at The Windsor. The Windsor Hotel is unapologetically British and Irish with cosy London feels that has welcomed generations of locals and travellers through its doors. With an impressive Condamine Hotel steak menu and regularly changing specials that will set your mouth watering, township of Meringandan, but locals all know it’s there is no shortage of tasty eats to pair with your worth the drive to enjoy a huge homestyle feed favourite drinks. and an icy cold beer at the Meringandan Pub. This Meringandan Pub classic country pub has an impressive beer garden There might not be a lot happening out in the and a paddock full of animals out the back to delight the kids, all just a short drive north of Toowoomba.

Toowoomba brewery mini-tour

Meringandan Pub

You won’t even need to leave the Garden City to try out a wide selection of locally-made beers.

Scattered across Toowoomba, you can find local breweries churning out an incredible range of craft beers including Monty Brewing (not far away at Highfields), 4 Brothers in Margaret Street, Volcanic Brewing on James Street, Mouse Proof tucked away in Brook Street and Bone Idol in Ruthven Street. Each place has its own signature flavours, vibe and style, so it’s well worth a mini-tour!

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Trails

Wine trail When people think of Australian wines they often bring up places like the Hunter Valley, but those in the know, know the Darling Downs and Western Queensland are home to some of the country’s most innovative wine producers.

While the Southern Downs is rightfully wellknown as a premier wine producing region, there are plenty of places of note to taste a drop or two and take home a bevy of drinkable mementos of their time in the region.

Many of the region’s wine producers craft distinctive high-altitude wines that will delight and intrigue your tastebuds.

Riversands is best known for fortified wines such as golden liqueur muscat and vintage port, but also produces a popular range of sparkling, dry white and red table wines along with sweeter moscato styles.

Symphony Hill in Ballandean is another must on any regional wine tour, welcoming guests to its funky cellar door to try “strange bird” wines that are hard to pronounce like the Royal Melbourne Top Gold medal winning Gewurztraminer or the flagship Reserve Shiraz served to the royal couple when they visited Brisbane in April, 2014.

Another “strange bird” well worth a try is Ballandean Estate’s highly lauded viognier, which many have called a red wine drinker’s white.

Starting in the Toowoomba area, you can book a tasting appointment at the delightful Preston Peak Wines.

If that’s not to your taste, this winery is one of the oldest on the Granite Belt and has been in the Puglisi family for more than eight decades, so it boasts some of Australia’s oldest shiraz vines and rarest wine varietals.

Grapes for this award-winning winery are grown on the Devil’s Elbow vineyard at Wyberba on the Granite Belt. The vineyard now boasts over a dozen varietals – both reds and whites – and continues to surprise and delight.

If you have made it as far as Ballandean, booking a Granite Belt wine tour is a must as there are so many wonderful and quirky wine producers in the region (too numerous to name here), making innovative and delicious drops.

Be sure to taste their stunning shiraz and don’t forget to try some novel varieties like the petit verdot, mataro and sagrantino.

Those who love to try unusual and rare varieties will love the Strange Bird Wine Trail. To find out more about the trail, or any of the amazing viticulture and wine making taking place on the Southern Downs, head to the Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre and pick up a map.

As Queensland’s most western winery, located on the banks of the Balonne River, Riversands Winery’s typically dry climate and irrigation water

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provide a unique landscape for growing a wide range of wine varieties including sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, vermentino, shiraz, merlot, saperavi, ruby cabernet, white muscat and black muscat.

TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

Trails Photos: Tourism and Events Queensland

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Trails

Waterfalls & holes There are many stunning waterfalls and waterholes throughout the Toowoomba and Western Regions, from those that run only after a good rain to those that run all the time bar the driest drought.

It’s also the perfect place for a dip, with Kauyoo Pool including a sandy beach and shallow hole ideal for families only a short scramble away (including a staircase). Bottlebrush Pool, however, is a little further down the trail but is equally as beautiful.

Here’s a few breath-taking spots to cool off just a hop, skip and jump away from towns and villages throughout the area.

Queen Mary Falls — 40 mins from Warwick This beautiful hidden gem on the outskirts of Main Range National Park features a leisurely stroll through forests before a view of the waterfall from the top, then loops down to the base of the falls.

While there is no place for swimming, the bridge at the bottom of the falls sometimes allows you to get caught in the refreshing spray.

Browns Falls — 10 mins from Killarney Meander through a scenic tunnel and along the creek before reaching a stunning plunge waterfall rushing over incredible rock formations with this hidden gem. While the walk from the car park and picnic area to the falls is only 600m, it does involve some climbing and clambering with a relatively rough track.

Coomba Falls — 35 mins from Bunya Mountains Featuring a rope swing, waterfall, and boulders, this stunning secluded hideaway is rimmed by granite cliffs and boasts a deep natural watering hole. Located a few kilometres from Maidenwell, it’s an ideal spot to cool off, with water temperatures on the cooler side.

Queen Mary Falls

Crows Nest Falls — 45 mins from Toowoomba Crows Nest National Park features an eucalypt forest where water rushes through boulder-strewn cascades after rain, before plunging 20m into a waterhole.

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TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

Coomba Falls

Toowoomba Region

Welcome to Toowoomba Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland

Welcome to the Garden City! Proudly the second-largest inland city in Australia, Toowoomba is the gateway to the southeast and southwest of Queensland and an excellent base of operations for day trips around the Darling Downs.

A population of around 178,000 call the area home, including the city and suburbs of Toowoomba as well as towns and villages throughout the region like Cabarlah, Cambooya, Cecil Plains, Clifton, Cooyar, Crows Nest, Goombungee, Greenmount, Hampton, Highfields, Maclagan, Qinalow, Millmerran, Oakey, Ravensbourne, Pittsworth, and Yarraman.

The history of the area began all the way back in

the 1800s, starting with the settlement of Drayton — which nowadays is a south-western suburb of Toowoomba — as a township close to the swamps that would one day be drained, settled, and become the Garden City. In 1892, Toowoomba and surrounds was officially proclaimed a township, and in 1904 it became a city. The city became affectionately known as ‘the Garden City’ due to the incredible floral displays in parks and gardens, in particular during September when The Chronicle Garden Competition and Carnival of Flowers are held.

In modern times, the Toowoomba Region is known for its four distinct seasons, history and museums, parks and gardens, art and coffee culture.

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Toowoomba Region Goombungee

Discover the Toowoomba Region There’s plenty to see and do across the Toowoomba Region — whether you’re a history buff, foodies, young family, bike & hike enthusiast, or nature-lover.

Creek. The local Bull and Barley Inn draws people from near and far for its history and excellent fare as well.

Here’s just a few attractions in the towns across the area to check out.

Cabarlah A picturesque village on the New England Highway between Toowoomba and Crows Nest, Cabarlah is host to several excellent eateries like the Farmers Arms Tavern or Colours of San Cris. While no longer open, the site of the previous Black Forest Hill cuckoo clock shop is still worth a look for the unique building and on-site D’becas Café.

Cambooya Come for the history and stay for a great meal with this township south of Toowoomba. It’s said that Dad and Dave author Arthur Hoey Davis — who wrote under pseudonym Steele Rudd — spent most of his childhood on a small block nearby at Emu

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Clifton From late December/early January until March, the fields surrounding Clifton come alive with a riot of golden as the sunflowers bloom. The town is also known for being in a number of Aussie movies and TV series, like Wanted and The Thornbirds, and there is a self-guided walking trail with many historical

TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

treasures for the history buffs among us.

Crows Nest

Goombungee This little town of roughly 800 people comes into its own in November, when the streets turn into a watercolour painting of purple. The jacaranda trees lining the roads have led to an annual festival to commemorate the blooms in early November as well, but the town is also worth the visit during the year for its antiques, art, gift stores and local historic collections.

Pilton Roughly 40 minutes down the road from Toowoomba, the Darling Downs Zoo is a perfect family fun day out. They have a range of animals

Hampton An art-lovers paradise, the quaint village of Hampton is the a perfect stop on the way to Ravensbourne or Crows Nest with even the Visitor Information Centre located in a cute historic cottage. The town is surrounded by stunning, lush forest, hosts an excellent antique store, and each May is inundated with visitors for the foodie & arts haven Hampton Festival.

Toowoomba Region

A fantastic hidden gem, Crows Nest has come into its own over the past few years. It’s a picturesque drive from Toowoomba, and the town’s centre is full of cute storefronts including arts and crafts, locally renowned Crows Nest Soft Drinks and Pechey Distilling Co, and famous eateries such as Myrtille (previously Emeraude in Hampton).

from Africa, south-east Asia, South America and Australia including big cats, small cats, primates, birds, reptiles, and mammals.

Highfields With a rare and unusual collection of vintage machinery as well as a fully-operational blacksmith store and a collection of restored antique radios, the Highfields Pioneer Village is well-worth the visit. Along the New England

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Toowoomba Region

Highfields Pioneer Village Highway throughout Highfields you’ll find Monty Brewing, and also a collection of shopping greens, from The Village Green with its picturesque centre lawn’s incredible view, to Abbie Lane with arts and crafts stores.

Great Dunny Race for its rare volcanic formations, walking trails and lookout. There is also the Cecil Plains Station nearby, where Ludwig Leichhardt stayed for his botanical expeditions in 1844 and 1847.

Oakey

Muntapa Tunnel Maclagan & Quinalow These cute neighbouring towns are ideal for a country escape with plenty of bushwalking tracks and the Bunya Mountains National Park nearby.

There’s also the Muntapa Tunnel locally, a heritagelisted ex-railway tunnel that was dug by hand in the early 1910s. Visitors are able to walk about 30 metres into the 287m-long structure, with the rest of the length now home to a protected colony of bats.

Possibly one of the most quirky things on this list, Oakey is home to the Australia Day ‘dunny race’ as well as other celebratory events like the raft race and thong throwing. Throughout the rest of the year, however, this town is home to the Oakey Army Aviation Centre, Australian Army Flying Museum, and life-sized bronze sculpture of racehorse Bernborough which are all well-worth seeing.

Pittsworth Home to the Pittsworth Pioneer Historical Village, this educational experience has original buildings, equipment and artifacts with displays including apparel, lacework, machinery and more. There’s also a display celebrating the feats of early 1900s fastest athlete, Arthur Postle.

Ravensbourne Temperate rainforest provides a stunning backdrop for a country drive, hike at the Ravensbourne National

Millmerran This town is perfect for the history lover, with a series of murals depicting the district’s history as well as National Trust-listed All Saints Anglican Church building which is said to be the secondoldest church in Queensland. There is also the Millmerran Museum which hosts many items including the ‘water baby’, a steam vessel from 1878 that was made at Yandilla Station.

Just 22km down the road from Milmerran is the Mt Basalt reserve, which is fascinating to visit

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Bulls Head Inn Photos: Tourism and Events Queensland

TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

Toowoomba Region

Park, or picnic near Gus Beutel’s Lookout. There’s a plethora of bed-and-breakfasts and other quaint accommodation options in the area, making it perfect for a romantic weekend getaway reconnecting with nature.

Toowoomba In addition to the parks & gardens, shopping and coffee, the city of Toowoomba is home to plenty other things to see and do.

Get your history fix at Cobb+Co Museum with an

extensive collection of carriages and horse-drawn vehicles, as well as a children’s play area & activities and the famous Cobb’s Coffee Shop. There’s also the heritage-listed Royal Bull’s Head Inn in Drayton, with lovingly restored rooms and artifacts, where you can also participate in their monthly paranormal evening tours.

Meanwhile, check out the surrounding areas with places to see like the Westbrook lavender farm, Windy Acres, or the sheep cheese producer Awassi Cheesery near the base of The Range.

TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

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Toowoomba Region

Places for hiking and biking The Toowoomba Region is Quarry Gardens Trailhead the perfect place for hikers and bikers alike to traverse Photos: Tourism and Events Queensland and get out back in nature, with a variety of stunning vistas and environments. Here are a few of our favourites.

Ravensbourne National Park This temperate rainforest sits on a spur of the Great Dividing Range and is a sight to behold with fern gullies, eucalypt forest, and wildlife galore. There are both short walks and longer hikes available.

Yarraman State Forest With stately hoop pines towering over subtropical rainforest and vine forests, this is the perfect locale for hiking, horse riding, cycling, and trail bike riding.

There’s also Rogers Park which is ideal for a picnic.

Mount Basalt Reserve Marvel at rare volcanic rock formations and basalt columns as you walk the 560m loop track to the summit.

Glen Lomond Park & Hell Hole Falls A true hidden gem — even for locals — this track starts with escarpment views in Glen Lomond Park in Toowoomba’s south before morphing into the

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Table Top Mountain challenging Hell Hole track with volcanic remnants and gorgeous waterfall at the base.

Irongate Conservation Park This 29-hectare park is home to two endangered tree species and seven birds of conservation significance.

The 20-minute walking trail is ideal for seeing some of these incredible flora and fauna.

Redwood Park Covering a huge 243 hectares, this park has six tracks of varying difficulty for bushwalking, mountain biking, and horse riding. It features stunning views from many locations throughout the park, and is home to various vegetation, goannas, and birds.

TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

Yarramalong Weir

As well as hiking, biking and horseriding, there are plenty of places around the Toowoomba Region for camping and throwing in a line. Here are just a couple to get you started.

On the banks of the Condamine River is this perfect place to set up the camper and relax with some swimming, fishing and boating. Just 30km from Millmerran, there are no fees to camp here for up to three days.

Toowoomba Region

Fishing and camping

perfect place to throw in a line or go boating or windsurfing. Stop for a picnic at the Dam Wall area, or spend some time fishing at Loveday Cove.

Lake Cressbrook Roughly 15 minutes’ drive from Crows Nest, Lake Cressbrook is the perfect place for boating, rowing, fishing, bushwalking, sailing, kayaking and canoeing, and of course camping. There are numbered tent sites, many of which have shrub privacy borders, as well as caravan & motor home areas, a camp kitchen, toilet & shower block, and bins.

Lake Cooby While camping is not available here, it is the

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Toowoomba Region

Perfect parks Toowoomba isn’t called the Garden City for nothing. There are a plethora of parks and gardens throughout the city and outer regions, from historic railway stations surrounded by lush gardens, to hanging bridges suspended above creek beds.

Spring Bluff Railway Station, Spring Bluff This historic railway station features quaint buildings, stately trees, and beautiful gardens with a fabulous breeze for those warm summer days.

features the towering landmark flag pole, and views to Table Top Mountain as well as the restaurant that serves violet ice-cream during September.

Laurel Bank Park, Toowoomba City

Set on five hectares, this botanic garden features stunning views towards the Bunya Mountains as well as a wide variety of local native plants.

This park truly comes alive during September, with a plethora of bright and pastel blooms. During the rest of the year, you can still visit the lush green topiaries, wisteria tunnel, sensory garden, lawn bowls area, and picnic grounds.

Swinging Bridge Park, Cooyar

Queens Park, East Toowoomba

A little-known park nestled on the bank high above Cooyar Creek, the highlight of this area is its namesake suspension bridge. Visitors can camp here with barbecues, bins, and toilet facilities available.

Featuring Toowoomba’s botanic gardens, Queens Park is a large area with several children’s playgrounds and a big grassed hollow where Sunday markets and other events are often held.

Picnic Point, Rangeville

Alex Campbell Park, Brymaroo

One of Toowoomba’s best known parks, this area

The small town of Brymaroo, just down the road

Peacehaven Botanic Park, Highfields

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Photos: Tourism and Events Queensland

TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

Toowoomba Region Queens Park from Rosalie Plains, is host to this unique park which features a shade canopy of a mounted Canberra bomber aircraft.

Queensland State Rose Garden, Newtown

With more than 2000 roses and 250 cultivars planted in various displays and collections, the rose garden is a sight to behold. Blooming from October to April, the best time to visit is October and November.

NEW ENGLAND HIGHWAY,

Highfields

TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

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Market haven Toowoomba Region

Toowoomba Farmers’ Market Every Saturday, 7am to 12pm The Windmills (next to Cobb+Co Museum), 27 Lindsay St, East Toowoomba Toowoomba PCYC Market Every Sunday, 7am to 12.30pm PCYC Toowoomba, 219 James St, Toowoomba Murphys Creek Community Markets Third Sunday of the month, 7am to 1pm Murphy’s Creek Grounds, Jessie Lane, Murphy’s Creek

Markets and shopping Throughout the Toowoomba Region is plenty of opportunity for shopping — be it at a major shopping centre, quaint gift shops and unique country stores, or monthly markets.

Stores galore Grand Central, Toowoomba The region’s largest shopping centre, Grand Central was expanded in 2016 and hosts solutions for all your shopping, entertainment and dining needs.

Toowoomba CBD The intersection of Ruthven and Margaret streets in Toowoomba’s centre provide boutique and unique shopping experiences.

Highfields Between Danish Flower Art, The Village Green, and Abbie Lane, you are sure to find something for everyone’s arts, crafts and unique tastes.

Crows Nest

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Along William St and the New England Highway you will find a collection of unique stores and eateries, perfect for a leisurely Sunday afternoon browse.

TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

Aberfeldy Twilight Markets Dates TBC - see aberfeldyfarm.com.au Aberfeldy Barn, 124 Macaulay Rd, Westbrook Oakey Lions Sunday Markets Third Sunday of the month, 8.30am to 12.30pm Oakey Railway Station car park, Campbell St, Oakey Cabarlah Country Markets Last Sunday of the month, 7.30am to 12.30pm Cabarlah Hall, 9856 New England Highway, Cabarlah Bunya Mountains Markets Last Sunday of the month, 9am to 2pm Bunya Ave, Bunya Mountains The Makers Markets Monthly — dates TBC, visit themakersmarket.com.au The Goods Shed, Victoria St, Toowoomba; The Cultural Centre, Sean McCarthy Way, Highfields; The Culture Centre, Campbell St, Oakey Queens Park Markets Third Sunday of the month, 8am to 1pm Frogs Hollow, Queens Park, Hume St, Toowoomba Yarraman Markets Every Saturday, 7am to 12pm Corner D’Aguilar and New England Highways, Yarraman

If you’re a foodie, coffee snob, or just interested in learning more about where your food comes from, the Toowoomba Region is for you.

Take some time to explore all the towns and villages have to offer.

There are plenty of unique restaurants, cafes and pubs with a variety of cuisines around the area, from micro-eateries like Myrtille to renowned pub feeds like that at Meringandan Pub to franchises such as the fiercely defended Super Rooster.

Toowoomba Region

Tasty treats

boutique distilleries and breweries, as well as fantastic producers working in everything from fruit and veg to cheese to honey to meat.

Scattered throughout the streets, laneways and shopping centres of Toowoomba are plenty of coffee shops — many widely debated as ‘the best coffee in town’ by locals.

Outside of the city, you’ll find

Buy direct from the

Farmers Markets Fabulous experience

Great savings!

EVERY SATURDAY, 7am to 12noon Under the Windmills at Cobb & Co Cnr Lindsay & Campbell Sts, Toowoomba www.toowoombafarmersmarket.com.au TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

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Toowoomba Region

Get your art on There is a vibrant art community throughout this region, from formal art galleries to locally owned shops and public laneway art.

Galleries Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery: 531 Ruthven St, Toowoomba City Crows Nest Gallery: cnr New England Highway and William St, Crows Nest Rosalie Gallery: 89 Mocatta St, Goombungee Pittsworth Art Gallery: 50 Short St, Pittsworth Toowoomba Art Society: 1 Godsall St, Toowoomba

Public Art Toowoomba: there are more than 80 murals scattered throughout the CBD’s streets and laneways.

Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland

Millmerran: a series of murals depict the area’s history throughout the town’s centre

Other Creative Spaces Murray’s Art and Framing: 485 Ruthven St, Toowoomba City Doolamai Designs: 2B Taylor St, Toowoomba City

Our gallery promotes local and regional artists in Toowoomba and surrounding regions.

We represent a diverse range of artists and celebrate the creative work they bring to the art world.

We offer various services for the artist and the art collector, including artist representation, exhibition opportunities, art consultancy, sourcing and placement.

4 Russell Street, Toowoomba QLD Open: 9 am – 5 pm Monday – Friday Phone (07) 4638 8209 gallery@featherandlawry.com.au www.featherandlawry.com.au

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TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

Southern Downs Region

Enjoy the best of the Southern Downs

Girraween National Park

It’s the coolest place in Queensland (quite literally). The Southern Downs delivers spectacular scenery, world class wineries, a thriving art scene, and a great range of boutique hotels to enjoy on a winter weekend away.

The area stretching from Killarney in the east, to Warwick and Allora in the north, and Stanthorpe and Ballandean in the south is a treasure trove of eclectic stores, delicious regional produce, and lively festivals.

If you’re a wine lover, take the time to enjoy tastings at cellar doors throughout the region. There are many award-winning cool-climate wineries to be found. (Top tip: Book a private tour so there’s no designated driver.)

The area is also home to several top regional galleries, alongside boutique arts experiences. Use our guide below as inspiration, and get creative with your getaway.

One of the best things about this region is that it caters for visitors so well. Accommodation options lean into this by offering views over vineyards – or even the option of staying in a room shaped like a wine barrel! Local restaurants know that sometimes Winter is the peak tourist season in the Southern it’s hard to peel yourself away from a crackling Downs. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy the crisp fireplace, so will deliver to your room. And once you mornings or snuggling by a fireplace with a glass of do venture out, you will find vibrant communities local shiraz in the evening? But there’s plenty to do ready to explore. year round.

TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024 And it’s a region perfect for a short getaway. You can get there in a little over two hours from Brisbane, or around an hour from Toowoomba.

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Southern Downs Region

Winter Weekends in the Southern Downs Cosy up next to the crackling fireplace, while enjoying a local red after a long day exploring. There really is no better way to enjoy winter than by indulging in all it has to offer in the Southern Downs.

Jumpers and Jazz You can’t miss this quirky and hugely fun festival, which will be held from July 18-28 this year in Warwick. The event encompasses the best things about the region: there’s local art on show, great live music, and of course incredible food. Sometimes it’s all rolled together, such as the Potter’s Soup Night, where you can enjoy homemade ingredients in a bowl created by a talented local artist.

Killarney Bonfire Night Held as part of the Jumpers and Jazz festival, the Killarney Bonfire Night (July 20) is a riot of fun.

There are firepits shaped like trains and crocodiles keeping you warm while you enjoy music and fireworks (and a local mulled wine). Don’t miss the fire twirling, and have fun picking your winner of the fire drum competition.

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Brass Monkey Season Stanthorpe is known as Queensland’s coolest town.

Winter is positively freezing – it regularly drops below zero degrees throughout the season, and if you’re lucky, you might see some snow. It’s colloquially called ‘Brass Monkey Season’ in the region (yes, cold enough to freeze the balls of a brass monkey!), and it’s a time of year where the town really shines.

Enjoy everything from hiking to the spectacular giant boulders in Girraween National Park to enjoying a local wine while watching the sun go down at Summit Estate’s regular Sunset Sessions.

A bite to eat Whether you’re looking for fine dining or the ultimate in country pub food, you’ll find it all on your weekend in the Southern Downs. If you’re staying in Stanthorpe, a great place to try is Varias Restaurant.

On the grounds of the Queensland College of Wine Tourism, this restaurant, in partnership with Southern Queensland University, offers extraordinary local foods, beautifully presented and matched with local wines. For a relaxed pub experience with great food, try the Granite Belt Retreat and Brewery.

TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

Perfect winter retreats The Southern Downs region is full of gorgeous cabins and villas – perfect for a romantic winter weekend.

One of our favourites is Alure Stanthorpe. The luxury villas (complete with fireplace) are set in a serene hilltop among native bushland. Another great option

is Azjure Studio Retreat, which offers the choice between studios (some with a spa) and a villa – a great option for two couples. They’re located in the grounds of a winery, with views over the vineyards, so you are immersed in the best this region has to offer.

Southern Downs Region

Menus change with the season – and they even have the option of takeaway for those who can’t pull themselves away from their cosy cabin.

Girraween Photos: Tourism and Events Queensland

STANTHORPE PEPPER

GRANITE GOLD

A hard cheese, Stanthorpe pepper is rich and creamy with a crumbly finish that melts beautifully. The whole peppercorns spread throughout give this cheese a unique spicy finish making it perfect for cheeseboards and cooking.

Mimicking the granite rocks of our region, this is a hard, tangy Romano Style-Cheese that is delicately veined with ash. It is rich and creamy with a hint of crumble that melts well when used in cooking.

SNOWFLAKE

THE OUTLAW Outlaw is a smoked, hard cheese in the Romano family that packs a punch with robust hickory smoke, bbq flavour. A firm cheese with a hint of crumbliness it is a hot processed cheese which means it melts well

A creamy white-mould surface ripened cheese in the Brie-Camembert family. The older this cheese gets the more liquid the centre will become.

If you like it firmer, eat now- if you like it oozing, age it for up to a month in your fridge

OPEN 7 DAYS 9.30AM - 4PM

Ph 07 4685 2277

4 Duncan Lane, Thulimbah, Qld Email: info@stanthorpecheese.com.au www.stanthorpecheese.com.au

TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

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Southern Downs Region

Get Arty in the Southern Downs It’s one of the most creative little pockets of our state. Take a weekend (or longer) to explore the art and culture of the Southern Downs, and you might even unleash your inner artist.

Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery This free gallery houses almost 900 pieces, many from internationally renowned Australian artists such as Margaret Olley, as well as works by celebrated local artists, and the masters including Pablo Picasso. The refurbished gallery is set to open in autumn 2024, but until then select works are being shown at the Stanthorpe Civic Centre.

enthusiasts and those looking to find something unique for their home. It’s filled with eclectic items and artworks and is open each weekend. Check the gallery’s Facebook page for exact times.

Stanthorpe Pottery Club For over 50 years, the Stanthorpe Pottery Club has been a vibrant hub for pottery enthusiasts in the region to

Warwick Art Gallery This diverse gallery has been growing since the 1970s and today includes The Warwick Collection, made up of Australian landscapes, and the Stanthorpe Collection, which houses a diverse range of celebrated Australian artists. The gallery also features touring exhibits and supports emerging artists.

Killarney Art Gallery Combining exhibition and retail space, this gorgeous little store is perfect for art

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TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

Southern Downs Region

share their love of ceramics. The club holds regular exhibitions at their own gallery, with work also featured in the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery. For novices, or those looking to improve their throw down skills, you might even be lucky enough to join the club’s workshops, which are held regularly throughout the year.

Street art: Stanthorpe and Warwick In keeping with celebrating the creative nature of this region, you’ll notice striking artworks can be spotted on the sides of buildings throughout these towns. Coupled with sculptures representative of the region, it’s worth taking time to slowly enjoy the street art of these vibrant towns.

EAT • DRINK • STAY Granite Belt Brewery is Stanthorpe’s favourite tourist destination. Set on 30 acres of bushland, their estate features 20 private cabins complete with log fire, craft brewery plus a bar & restaurant.

It’s the perfect spot to EAT, DRINK & STAY when visiting the Granite Belt. Open 7 days.

Granite Belt Brewery (07) 4681 1370 146 Glenlyon Drive, Stanthorpe www.granitebeltbrewery.com.au

TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

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Southern Downs Region Photos: Tourism and Events Queensland

Cheers to a Granite Belt wine weekend This cool-climate wine region is known for its distinctive shiraz and chardonnay, but there are plenty of rarer varieties too. With vineyards up to 1000m above sea level, many are set in hilly countryside with beautiful views.

Ballandean Estate Wines Queensland’s oldest familyowned winery is home to some of Australia’s oldest shiraz vines, but you’ll find some rare varieties as well. A highlight here is the

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TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

Southern Downs Region

Barrelroom Wine Lounge, where you can sit back on a comfy couch in front of a crackling fireplace and sample a range of Ballandean’s offerings while enjoying a grazing platter.

Twisted Gum Wines With a cellar door located in an old Queenslander, the rich character of this vineyard shines through.

Guests are invited to sit on the deck and look out over the vineyards as they enjoy a range of environmentally friendly, award-winning wines.

Symphony Hill Wines

Balancing Heart Vineyard

This award-winning winery has a unique vibe – the cellar door is decked out with a chandelier and a reupholstered 1960s red leather whistle lounge. But it’s not only the decor doing the talking. Their popular varieties have been named as some of Australia’s top wines.

Voted the region’s best small cellar door, this gorgeous vineyard has live music every weekend, which adds to the beautiful views you can take in while sampling their wines. The winery’s awardwinning shiraz is not to be missed, and if you’re enjoying the atmosphere, why not stay for dinner?

The vineyard opens for woodfired pizzas every weekend.

Barrel View Nothing complements a weekend exploring wineries more than retreating to your room at the end of the day… a room that just happens to be a luxury cabin in the shape of a wine barrel. But this place is much more than a novelty – it’s set on 40 acres of natural bushland, with views over the rolling hills of the region.

STANTHORPE’S CHOICE The Apple & Grape Motel offers quiet, comfortable and affordable motel accommodation right in the heart of Stanthorpe town. Our motel rooms are very quiet, with all accommodation set back from the main street of Stanthorpe, ensuring a comfortable and peaceful sleep.

Experience the variety that the Stanthorpe region, the Granite Belt and the Southern Downs has to offer.

63 Maryland Street Stanthorpe QLD 4380, Australia

07 4681 1288

admin@appleandgrape.com.au

TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

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Southern Downs Region

Southern Downs art trail (1 day) The Southern Downs, known for its natural beauty, also boasts beautiful public art spaces to explore. From Warwick to Stanthorpe, you’ll have a great day out admiring the art galleries and public art installations.

Starting in Warwick, head to the Warwick Art Gallery, at 49 Albion Street, which is open between 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Friday, and 10am to 1pm Saturday.

Head south to Stanthorpe and explore the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery (located at the Stanthorpe Civic Centre, 61 Marsh Street, during gallery renovations). The gallery is open Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 4pm and weekends 10am to 1pm.

Discover the giant murals scattered throughout the CBD and be sure to follow the sculpture trail through Weerona Park.

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Don’t miss these stops: • Quart Pot Creek Ducks by Maggie Brockie • Folkstone Street, mural by Trevor Horsnell • Lock Street, firefighters’ mural by Drapl • Rogers Street, rainmaker’s mural by Amelia Batchelor • Maryland Street, artwork by Franco Arcidiacono • Weeroona Park, sculpture by Maggie Brockie • Old Ambulance Building, Weeroona Park mural by Zookeeper and Drapl • Brock Park public toilets, by Dean Ford and Peter Martin • Wallangarra public toilets • Italian Streetscape at the Farley Piazza by Julie Brown, Dean Ford, and Laurie Astill • Granite Belt Brewery Mural by The Brightsiders • Civic Centre, mural by Drapl & Treas • Rogers Street Carpark, sculpture by Gabriele Trabucco and Richard Pfeiffer, Egret by Adrian Hobba • The Post Office and the Chemist, mural by Laurie Astill, Dean Ford, and Julie Brown

TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

Western Downs Region

Why not picture yourself in the Western Downs?

TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

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Western Downs Region

Tara Tara’s Festival of Culture and Camel Races is a jampacked program of camel races, multicultural stage shows, and food from all around the globe. Bring your caravan, motorhome or tent and bunker down with over 100 acres of camping available.

Held in August every second year, tick this outback experience off your bucket list in 2024. Why not stay in the region after Tara’s festival and experience a whole other world in the Western Downs? We have recently upgraded some of our low cost or free camping sites.

Only 44 kilometres from Tara, your next stop should be Caliguel Lagoon, near Condamine. Offering the visitor limited powered sites, and toilets, it features lovely water views included for free.This hidden gem is most unexpected, with beautiful sunsets on offer as well as a great swimming spot. Pets are also welcome here, and you can bring the boat for some water-skiing.

Tara Festival of Culture and Camel Races

Jandowae In June 2024, Jandowae Timbertown Festival celebrates what makes this community great: the heritage, the industry, and the people.

With kids’ entertainment, timber displays and challenges, grand parade, live entertainment, and markets, you won’t be disappointed at Jandowae.

If you’re a Netflix buff or a fan of one of Australia’s most loved authors, Trent Dalton, you might want to spend some time discovering the scenes for much of the novel-turned-movie Boy Swallows Universe which were filmed in Jandowae.

EAT, DRINK, PLAY & STAY AT THE CLUB HOTEL CHINCHILLA

BOOK NOW THECLUBHOTELCHINCHILLA.COM.AU 1 3 1 H E E N Y ST R E E T, C H I N C H I L L A , 4 4 1 3

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TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

The Big Melon Chinchilla

Miles Historical Village Museum

Caliguel Lagoon, Condamine

Bunya Mountains Bike Trails

Picture yourself here www.westerndownsqueensland.com.au

Western Downs Region Big Skies Festival at Jimbour House you wanting to stay for longer.

Set among 11 hectares of parkland, this bird lover’s paradise won’t disappoint.

To get all the good oil, head to Wandoan Visitor Centre, where you can grab a cuppa from the Driver Reviver site as well as all the information needed to make your stay in Wandoan.

Lake Broadwater, Dalby

Wandoan Wandoan’s Waterloo Plain Environmental Park, so close to town and with all the amenities, will have

Dalby Lake Broadwater near Dalby offers the visitor a quiet relaxing spot to just sit and take in nature at its best.

This low-cost spot is known for its bird watching and importance as a wildlife refuge.

Lake Broadwater provides toilets, showers, camp kitchen, fire pits and playground for the kids.

We’ve been obsessed d with coffee since 1989, 89, so it’s no surprise that at we are the coffee experts. xperts.

That's why

Coffee's

our middle name.

Shop 2/30-50 Warrego Hwy, Chinchilla QLD 4413 | (07) 4570 2001 52

TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

Big Skies Festival

Western Downs Region

Another festival on this year’s calendar not to be missed is Dalby’s Delicious and DeLIGHTful Festival. Held each year in August, this festival will have all your senses running 100 miles an hour.

Celebrating multiculturalism and inclusivity, highlights include a spectacular lantern parade and fireworks display illuminating Big Skies Festival at Jimbour House the giant gum trees along Myall Creek, kids’ fun area, plus Festival. Where else in Australia can you stay in the celebrity chef appearance and cooking demonstration. presence of greatness? Enjoy iconic rock legends, Yummo — can you taste it already? happy hour in The Hangar, a long lunch, sunset dinners, regional tours and, of course, the not-to-bemissed inside tour at historic Jimbour House.

Keep an eye on our events in the Western Downs by visiting www.westerndownsqueensland.com or follow us on Facebook #experiencewesterndowns

Held annually during the King’s Birthday weekend in October is Western Downs’ powerhouse Big Skies

What are you waiting for? Our communities are ready to welcome you — it really is the people that make it.

MILES HISTORICAL VILLAGE MUSEUM “Step Back in Time” This “Best of Queensland Experience” showcases over 34 historic buildings, countless displays and specialised collections.

• Artesian Basin Centre • World class Lapidary display • War Museum • Shell House Savour the atmosphere of this authentic, turn of the century village.

• Take a self-guided tour around the Village • Book a tour online with our local tour guides.

Open every day except Christmas Day!

141 Murilla Street, MILES QLD 4415 Ph: 07 4627 1492 www.mhv.org.au TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

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Western Downs Region Chinchilla Weir

Chinchilla Just nine kilometres south of Chinchilla you’ll find the Chinchilla Weir.

This is a free camping spot with a two-day

maximum stay, powered spots are limited so bring your back up power to make the most of your stay.

With sunsets and scenery on the house why not try your luck by wetting a line? Fishing licences, potable water and the lemons are all you need to ensure a great time.

CHINCHILLA MUSEUM

The Chinchilla Museum has been fortunate to receive their extensive collection of unique crystals and gems.

Chinchilla is the birthplace of an environmental miracle that has no equal in the world.

This fire tower along with the Fire Tower Interpretive Centre, preserves the history A Commonwealth Prickly Pear Board set up the Chinchilla Field Station of the Barakula State Forest which is the largest natural cypress pine forest in the (The Bug Farm) to develop a breeding program of larvae to eradicate the prickly pear.

Southern Hemisphere. This centre also showcases the life of the men and women Whilst there is 27 known species of the prickly pear, not all are pests. More common who worked in the forestry industry and also gives an insight into how fire towers pests in Chinchilla were Opuntia inermis and Opuntia stricta. were constructed. The Chinchilla Museum, at present, is the only place where the Be one of the first to check out the newly acquired gemstone and crystal display. fire tower history is being preserved.

Whilst visiting the Museum learn about the history of the Prickly Pear and the vital Cec and Doris Wilkinson, who made Chinchilla their home for many years, importance Chinchilla played in the eradication of this pest and the history of the Foresty Industry as well as local historical buildings and artefacts. fossicked and collected crystals and gems from around Australia.

17/33 Villiers St, PO Box 250 Chinchilla Q 4413 | Tel No: 4662 7014 | Email: chinchillamuseum@bigpond.com | ABN 55 460 636 083 The Waaje Tower was moved to the Chinchilla Museum from the Barakula Forest in 2017 and restored and re-erected by volunteers.

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TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

Maranoa Region

Welcome to the Maranoa Region Home to over 13,000 people, Maranoa is a family-orientated region that features great spots for fishing trips, birdwatching, nature hikes and more activities that cater to almost everyone’s idea of fun.

from thrill-seekers and adventurers to those who’d prefer to relax, foodies and those who want to learn about different cultures.

Featuring high-quality education, sport, and a range of health services, Maranoa has a proud and productive agricultural industry that has seen an expansion into the tourism and energy sectors.

If you love fishing and being out in the fresh air, then Surat is the place for you. The picturesque town is the leading country lifestyle destination in the region and is the perfect place for fishing trips, birdwatchers, and those who love getting out onto the river for some water skiing and jet skiing.

Home to towns including regional tourist hub Roma, Mitchell, Surat, Dunkeld, Hodgson, Muckadilla, Injune and Bymount, there’s no shortage of places to visit.

The gateway to the outback also features a designated visitor centre that focuses on the important discovery of oil and gas in the region.

Mitchell is the perfect place to visit as it features the Great Artesian Spa (who doesn’t love a bit of pampering!) and the beautiful Carnarvon National Park for those who are keen on spotting some wildlife, going for a hike or just a leisurely walk.

Roma holds one of Queensland’s premier Easter events, which is a five-day Country festival that draws thousands to the town by offering a range of Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland activities that cater to a variety of different interests, TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

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Maranoa Region Photos: Tourism and Events Queensland

Best of Maranoa: what not to miss With plenty to do and see, these are some of the highlights of Maranoa that you should add to your list of things to do when visiting the region.

Condamine-Balonne catchment/ wetlands If you love catch-and-release fishing, birdwatching or looking out for local wildlife, then a visit to the Condamine-Balonne catchment and wetlands is a must. In addition to featuring the Ramsarlisted Narran Lake Nature Reserve, the wetlands are home to two types of mussels, including the floodplain mussel, which is the most widely distributed freshwater mussel in Australia. You’ll also find endangered species, such as Murray cod, silver perch, the freckled duck, the great egret and Australian painted snipe.

Great Artesian Spa

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experience. There is also a gym, yoga and restaurant featuring a delicious, healthy menu. This is a spot not to be missed.

The Avenue of Heroes This spot is perfect for history buffs and those keen to immerse themselves in those who have come before them. Located in Roma, the Avenue of Heroes features 93 Queensland bottle trees planted to remember the Roma men who served in WWI and subsequently lost their lives in battle. The names of all 93 fallen servicemen are written on a brass plate, with the first tree, locally known as the Tree of Knowledge, planted all the way back in 1918 and located near the corner of McDowell and Wyndham Streets. The rest of the trees were planted in 1920.

Maranoa Art Gallery We all need some well-earned rest and relaxation, Located in the old Maranoa Picture Theatre in and the Great Artesian Spa in Mitchell is the perfect Mitchell, the gallery features a unique and impressive place to do just that. Featuring a spa, with two exhibition area featuring work from local, regional large pools which tap into the natural springs of and metro artists, a library, movie projection room the natural mineral water of the region, the heated display, as well as an outdoor artists work space and mineralised waters are designed to relax muscles, ease tension and provide an overall therapeutic sculpture garden.

TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

Callico Cottage Heritage Complex

Maranoa Region

Hungry for a baked treat? This gem in Wallumbilla is great for sampling some of the local goodies while you chat to the locals to discover more places to visit, hear their stories and learn more about the region. The Railway Station houses memorabilia and archival information about the tragic train disaster in 1956, and the Grain Shed. One of the last of its kind, the Shed is a tribute to the town’s agriculture and history.

Cobb & Co

Cobb & Co Changing Station A stop in at the Cobb & Co Changing Station in Surat will give you a glimpse into the past and what life used to look like in Maranoa. Featuring a museum, which regularly changes its displays, it depicts the lifestyles of the past and there’s even a 14-seater Cobb & Co coach. The original site was the Cobb & Co store and drop-off point for coach travellers and goods.

Avenue of Heroes

Tree of Knowledge

HORSE TORQUE SADDLERY & COUNTRY CLOTHING MORE THAN JUST A SADDLERY

We have something for everybody, from stunning handmade jewellery to the latest styles of country and western clothing and everything in between.

Make sure you drop in or check us out online.

47 Quintin Street, Roma (07) 4622 8008

orders@horsetorquesaddlery.com.au www.horsetorquesaddlery.com.au

TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

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Maranoa Region

Maranoa road trips

Photos: Tourism and Events Queensland

Whether you love finding and exploring the hidden gems our great country has to offer, are looking for day trip ideas or just want to take a scenic drive, then these are the spots you have to check out.

and do before you start and when you get there, regardless of which town is your starting point. There are fascinating heritage sites to visit and you’ll get to see the region’s most productive agricultural land.

Grass Tree Drive — Roma to Eumamurrin

Pickanjinnie Early Settlement Drive — Wallumbilla to Wallumbilla South

If you want to see native flora and fauna, then this 72.9km drive is perfect for you. You’ll get to see the prehistoric Grass Trees along the way and there’s plenty to do in both Roma and Eumamurrin when you get there, regardless of which direction you’re travelling.

Wallumbilla — Yuleba Southern Country Drive Perfect for a day trip that doesn’t require too much driving, this one is only 29.7km but provides so much to see

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TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

Roma

Maranoa Region

This drive is great for those who want to immerse themselves in the history of this region. After WWI, the land this drive explores was divided into settlement blocks so you’ll get an insight into what life used to look like. Plus, if you time it just right, the sunset is incredible — definitely Insta-worthy!

Roma

The Arcadia Valley Loop — Injune to Arcadia Valley Full up your tank with fuel and get set to explore a real hidden gem. If you want breathtaking views, stunning scenery and the opportunity to explore National Parks (this one goes through Expedition National Park and Nuga Nuga National Park), then this trip is for you. It’s 311km, so make sure to fuel up before you leave as there are no petrol stations along the way. *Please be mindful these drives are mostly suited for four wheel drives or high clearance vehicles, and some may not be suitable for caravans.

TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

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Maranoa Region

Easter in the Country Festival Grab your family and friends because this will make your Easter truly special. Roma is home to one of Queensland’s premier Easter events and the Easter in the Country Festival will be back bigger and better than ever in 2024.

A five-day celebration from March 28 to April 1, the festival features a range of activities that cater to a variety of different interests, from the thrill-seekers and adventurers to those who’d prefer to relax and be all about leisure, foodies, and those who love learning about and immersing themselves in different cultures.

There are a range of events and activities on each day, so you can be as action-packed or as chill as you like. From helicopter rides, drag racing and fishing competitions to dinners (including one by 2013 My Kitchen Rules winners Dan and Steph!), art shows and tours run by tour guides, there’s something for everyone.

There is also plenty of opportunity to meet local animals and even go for a ride on a camel.

Markets, an APRA qualified rodeo and a street parade are also among the main attractions, while

for the kids, a performance by Bluey and the Easter Bunny will have them dancing, singing and laughing.

To finish the epic five-day festival, the final night will feature a country music extravaganza with performances by The Viper Creek Band and Adam Brand.

Events during the festival are a mixture of paid and free, so there’s something for everyone.

Whether you’re a local wanting to do something truly memorable with your nearest and dearest, or you’re wanting to do something special and add more cherished family and friends memories over Easter, spending a long weekend in the country will be great for the soul.

BAKEAROMA

BAKERY & COFFEE LOUNGE Family owned Bakery & Coffee Lounge.

Proudly servicing Roma & districts since 1967.

73-77 McDowall Street, Roma 07 4622 4399 www.bakearoma.com.au/

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St George Region

St George Region sunrise

Welcome to the St George Region Less than four hours’ drive from Toowoomba, the St George Region, in southwest Queensland, beckons with its unique river-town charm.

Unwind in one of the region’s seven towns —

St George, Dirranbandi, Bollon, Hebel, Thallon, Nindigully, and Mungindi.

Whether you stay a weekend or a week, the St George Region is close enough for an escape, yet far enough for a real Outback adventure!

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St George Region Jack Taylor Weir, St George

St George From the moment you arrive to the time you leave, St George relaxes the senses in all the right ways.

Perched on the banks of the Balonne River, it is the perfect base from which to explore the region.

Stretch your legs on the shady 5km Riverbank Walkway which flanks the town. For those following the artesian basin be sure to soak your weary body in the thermal pool at the St George Aquatics Centre.

Don’t miss the Cotton & Vineyard Tour running May to September. Enjoy the onboard commentary provided by a local cotton farmer and learn how cotton is grown, irrigated, and picked.

Afterwards, clink glasses at Riversands Wines and sip your way through Queensland’s most western winery.

End the day watching the sunset onboard a Sandytown River Cruise.

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Riversands Winery

Dirranbandi Southwest of St George, Dirranbandi is renowned as the destination of Australia’s very last mail train. At the Rail & River Precinct is the old waiting room, the original parcels office, and the 1913 station master’s residence, now a visitor centre. The nearby bronze statue of Aboriginal man Tom Dancey celebrates his 1910 win of Australia’s most famous foot race, the Stawell Gift.

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St George Region

Dirranbandi Take in the magnitude of Cubbie Station, the largest cotton farm in the southern hemisphere, on a guided cotton farm tour. For a quiet spot to picnic, throw in a line, or stretch your legs, head to Jack Dwyer

Sandytown River Cruise

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St George Region Nindigully Pub Memorial Park on the edge of town. And don’t miss the tantalising Russian delights at Dirranbandi Bakery.

Nindigully Just 45km south-east of St George, “The Gully” as it’s locally known, is pretty much four houses and a pub. But what a pub!

Standing on the banks of the Moonie River since 1864, the Nindigully Pub is a legendary Outback watering hole you won’t want to miss. Bring your appetite if you want to tackle their Road Train challenge – a whopping 5kg burger big enough to

feed you and 10 of your mates.

Nullawokka Cultural Walk

And fun fact, Hugh Jackman’s 1999 feature film ‘Paperback Hero’ was filmed here. The iconic

Kamarooka Tourist Park Caravans | Camping | Self Contained Units

Located two blocks from the centre of town, local eateries, cafes and the spectacular Balonne River.

Just 15 kms from Beardmore Dam All sites are powered, level and grassy.

Heated pool and new barbeque facilities.

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Kamarooka Tourist Park 56 Victoria Street, St George, Qld 07 4625 3120 www.kamarookatouristpark.com.au

TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

St George Region

Thallon’s Graincorp Silos boomerangs from the film’s set are still in town painted in vivid hues making them hard to miss.

Thallon Nestled on the Moonie River, the tiny town of Thallon is surrounded by wheat and sheep farms.

Driving along the Carnarvon Highway, it’s a thrilling moment when the towering painted Thallon GrainCorp Silos spring into view, punctuating the landscape with glowing hues. The breathtaking mural celebrates the Moonie River, indigenous heritage, agriculture, and local fauna.

Be sure to stop by Thallon’s town park for a selfie with William the giant hairy-nosed wombat. Standing 2m tall and 3.5m long, the statue pays homage to Thallon’s unique connection to this critically endangered mammal.

Bollon The soil gets redder as you approach the great little western town of Bollon, known for its picture-perfect camping area on the banks of the peaceful Wallam Creek,

Francis Hotel, Thallon abundant bird life and friendly locals.

No trip to Bollon is complete without visiting Nullawokka First Nations Gallery. Join a cultural walk and learn to throw a boomerang, discover bush medicines, scar trees and taste gourmet bush tucker. Afterwards, stop by the Bollon Heritage Centre and turn through the pages of the town’s rural history.

Hebel Step back in time in the remote border town of Hebel, where the past lingers and stories of olden days echo through the street. The Hebel Hotel, adorned with vibrant artwork by John Murray, is a classic Outback pub where, legend has it,

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St George Region Hebel Hotel members of the Kelly Gang once frequented. You won’t find any bushrangers today, but you can enjoy a cold one and chat with a local.

Nearby, the Hebel General Store with much of its original 1890s character intact, offers amazing home-cooked pies and meals.

Mungindi

Hebel Historical Circle

Few towns are split in half by a state border, but Mungindi is one place which claims such a title.

Straddling the Barwon River, this quirky town has a police station on either side of the border and runs on two time zones in the warmer months due to daylight savings!

Here you can touch a piece of history at the One Ton Post, an extraordinary monument erected

by JB Cameron in 1881 marking the QLD/NSW border. What’s more, the post is the original survey peg, whereas the one at Cameron Corner was replaced with a cement marker.

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One Ton Post, Mungindi

TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

Paroo Region

Welcome to the Paroo Shire The Hot Springs Capital of Australia, it’s a big claim, but when you have six different artesian spring experiences in just four small towns, we think it’s a title we deserve to have.

And if you need more reasons than just relaxing in the therapeutic waters of different hot springs then you can discover the natural beauty of our corner of the Australian Outback, with our vibrant red dirt and brilliant blue skies!

Whether you’re a photographer, birdwatcher, nature buff, or someone who just wants to escape and relax, Paroo Shire has something for you! Escape the run-of-the-mill tourist haunts and enjoy a genuine connection to the local people and their culture. Meet working graziers from around our shire and learn about life on the land and immerse yourself in the history and beauty of the Outback.

Paroo Shire is made up of four unique outback townships —Cunnamulla, Eulo, Yowah and Wyandra. PS: Live like a local.

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Paroo Region

Cunnamulla

A Thriving Town

The Cunnamulla Fella You’ll know you’ve arrived when you spot the Cunnamulla Fella. This larger-than-life statue is a tribute to the Aussie larrikin stockman. Slim Dusty has had a hand in making the Cunnamulla Fella famous when he put the lyrics of Stan Coster to song.

Cunnamulla is the perfect spot to stop for a few nights, in one of the towns many caravan parks, hotels, motels or camp spots. Spend a day at the brand new Cunnamulla Hot Springs, explore the towns rich history in the museum or historical walk.

Relax in comfort at the All Aboard 3D sound and light spectacular. Or just spend a day with nature and a few nights with friends in one of the town’s five great pubs!

Escape to the heart of the Australian outback at Charlotte Plains, a family-owned sheep station and campground near Cunnamulla, Queensland! Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscape, and enjoy the Hot Artesian Springs, guided tours, wildlife encounters, and much more! Choose between camping under starry skies for an authentic outback adventure or onsite accommodation. Book online for your unforgettable experience at Charlotte Plains!

07 4588 8804. No mobile number. stay@charlotteplains.com.au https://www.charlotteplains.com.au/ 1993 Charlotte Plains Rd, Cunnamulla, QLD 4490

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Nature’s Bounty

Paroo Region

The mighty Warrego River is on the edge of town. Kayaking, fishing, swimming... it’s the perfect place for a bush picnic.

Cunnamulla locals are sharing folk, so don’t be shy when asking for the best spot to throw in a line. Hire a kayak and discover the secrets of this natural wonderland. Keep an eye out for the cheeky Cooper Creek turtle as you paddle the tranquil waters.

And don’t forget to check out the Cunnamulla Bushlands and world renowned Bowra Wildlife Sanctuary.

Eulo Visit the ‘kingdom’ of the infamous Eulo Queen and you’ll discover a very enterprising community. Eulo is home to local producers, opals, and the Artesian Mud Baths!

Outback Spa Ever wondered what it’s like to get pampered in the Outback? Well, Eulo can show you just that!

The Artesian Mud Baths are filled with naturally warmed artesian water directly from the Great Artesian Basin, and mixed with a purified mineral rich clay that soothes and smooths your skin. Some tourists have said it “takes 20 years off!”.

Continuing with the wonders of the Artesian basin,

why not visit the Artesian Mud Springs just outside of Eulo. This supergroup of mud mounds and open springs act as release valves for the Great Artesian Basin!

Fit for a queen Imagine a lovely green oasis, set amongst the mulga.

This is Eulo. It’s little more than a one-pub, town and yet it has a distinct charm. Spend time exploring this delightful haven on the banks of the Paroo River... you’ll be glad you did!

Back in the 1880s, when opal mining was at its peak, Eulo was a bustling township with three hotels. For a while it was home to one of the legends of the Opal Era, ‘The Eulo Queen’. Today the town centrepiece is the Eulo Queen Hotel.

Pop in for a cold drink and yarn, and ask the locals about why the hotel is named the Eulo Queen Hotel.

Alroy Station, a working sheep and cattle station situated in remote Outback Queensland, for wildlife and bird watching, bush walks, yabbies and fishing, spectacular night skies and stargazing, peace and quiet, photography and wide open space.

Home of annual *Fire 2 Fork.* Eulo Toompine Rd, Eulo QLD 4491 Mac & Mary Haig | alroystation@gmail.com

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Phone: 0427 992 889 www.facebook.com/AlroyStationEulo

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Paroo Region

Yowah

Wyandra

Discover the story of Australia’s national gem in Yowah. The main attraction for this area is the unique Yowah Nut. You guessed it, the opal is formed naturally like a nut and many visitors would disregard them as simply a rock.

Bring your togs! Well, you’re a long way from the ocean, but who says you can’t find a beach? Wyandra is about 100km north of Cunnamulla and boasts its very own beach, popular with locals and visitors alike. ‘The Beach’ on the Warrego River was so named due to its large sandy patch of land adjacent to the river.

Spend time exploring Yowah (also known as the Living Gallery) with its distinctive opal galleries dotted around the town and make sure you take a dip in the towns artesian pools after a hard day of fossicking or shopping!

Welcome to Yowah Nut Cafe We offer tasty food and delicious drinks.

Homemade scones, burgers, gluten free options available and more. + Monday Night Pizza Once a Week!

We open Seasonally April to October • Location: 20 Harlequin Drive, Yowah

Phone: 0455 727 359 • www.facebook.com/YOWAHRTC

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Bulloo Region

Welcome to Bulloo Shire Get ready to pack your bags, grab your mates and take a trip to the Bulloo Shire. You can experience nature on a large scale while immersing yourself in pioneering history and discover the riches of the region.

Along with the freedom of being in the outback with the vast distances and rich desert landscapes, you will be rewarded with stunning sunsets and glorious night skies.

The roads are all well-surfaced for you to retrace the once-rutted tracks of Cobb & Co. You can make the journey a few ways: from Brisbane via the Adventure Way, by the Dowling Track from New South Wales, via the Strezlecki Track from South Australia or by the popular Natural Sciences Loop.

Encompassing an area of some 73,600sq km and home to around 300 people, the Bulloo Shire is truly one of the last outback regions in Australia you can visit that is largely uninhabited. Whether you’re a birdwatcher or stargazer, it really is a paradise for all kinds. Take your time and soak up the atmosphere of

the outback while enjoying the incredible scenery and camping sites in the region.

Within the Bulloo Shire there are many iconic locations to explore. From the Bulloo hub Thargomindah, you will find Hungerford to the south via the Dowling Track and Noccundra to the west via the Adventure Way. The shire is home to two historic locations on every traveller’s outback bucket list — the Burke and Wills Dig Tree and Cameron Corner (where Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia meet).

The region is full of nature-based experiences for you to surround yourself with native flora and fauna including bushwalking through the picturesque Currawinya National Park and Lake Bindegolly National Park.

The pioneering history is rich throughout the region waiting for you to come and discover. From the historic pubs to keep the pioneer’s thirst at bay to being the first town in Australia (third in the world) to use hydropower for street lighting, there’s plenty to explore.

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OUTB

THE REAL Bulloo Region

The Bulloo Shire is undeniably one of the last true outback destinations in Australia you can still experience.

Encompassing an area of some 73,600km2, and home to some 300 people, it is one of the few places left to explore uninhibited by others. A birdwatcher and stargazers paradise, where the locals haven’t lost that iconic Aussie charm.

T

he Bulloo Shire boasts three main townships, Thargomindah being the largest.

Here you will find most essential services: Foodworks, a pub, motel, caravan park, roadhouse, Toyota dealership, mechanics, Visitors Centre, coffee shop, pool (closed for winter) and a host of attractions.

Thargomindah also offers “free camping” as an option at the Bulloo Riverside Campground, less than 1km east of town.

Thargomindah was the first town to have reticulated artesian bore water. The bore was the source of energy for Australia’s first hydro-electric scheme in 1893. Thargomindah’s streets were lit by means of a generator coupled to a water turbine driven by the bore’s natural water pressure. The town is third in the world to Paris and London to have street lighting generated

by Hydro Power! Visitors can opt to purchase a swipe card and take a self-guided tour of the Hydro Plant — the facility now on display is a replica of the original shed and houses a working Pelton wheel, a favourite with all who visit. The water from the bore flows at an incredible 84 degrees Celsius and is sourced from some 2650ft or 808m underground.

Other self-guided tours on the swipe card system include the historic Old Hospital built prior to 1888 and the Jail built in 1930. The jail tour includes animatronic mannequins that come alive to tell tales of yesteryear. You can purchase your swipe card at the Visitor Information Centre.

Thargomindah has the perfect concrete walking path to stretch your legs, take the dogs for a walk or simply see the sites. This path includes a large section of riverside views and winds its way throughout town for a total distance of 5km to see all Thargomindah has to offer. The entire path is lit by solar lights if you wish to take a stroll into the evening. You can even venture to the Hydro Power Plant’s deck for unobstructed views of some of the most spectacular sunsets and starry skies.

Other sites worth visiting include the historic Post Office and the original Cobb & Co crossing across the Bulloo River used up until 1929. Pelican Point is another hit with all who visit. Being located right at the weir this dedicated picnic area is where most go to swim, kayak, yabby and fish. The area is equipped with barbecues, chairs, tables and lighting.

Annually, Thargomindah plays host to two main events, the first one being “The Shearers

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Bulloo Region

BACK

Shindig”. The 2024 dates are 24-25 May. Visitors are encouraged to take part or can simply marvel at the sights. Features of the event include; Shearers Smoko and Information Session, the Shindig Colour Run/Walk, (where everyone is only judged by how colourful you are at the end), Market Stalls, Food Vendors and a specialty show on the Friday night. Saturday morning, we display the best of racing featuring the famous Noah’s Pig Races, both days packed with live entertainment featuring Mick Lindsey both nights, the main event being the Quick Shears Competition.

The second main event for the year is the “Channel Country Music Muster”. This event runs for almost a week with everything from walk-ups to the main stage event featuring top line Australian artists, even two Poets’ Breakfasts to keep you busy throughout your stay.

If Country Music, good company, camping and authentic outback hospitality sounds like something you would enjoy, then the Channel Country Music Muster is the place you need to be for the middle week of July. “Give the Bush a Helping Hand”.

Noccundra, is where you can visit the Historic Hotel built in 1860. A great place to unwind and take in the local scenery. Fishing, birdwatching and free camping are very popular on the banks of the Wilson River.

Heading West from Noccundra towards the South Australian border is Nappa Merrie Station on which sits the Dig Tree made famous by the Burke and Wills expedition. To enter the Dig Tree Reserve, all visitors are required to pay a conservation fee of $20 per private vehicle. This includes bicycles, motorcycles, cars and four-wheel drives. You can either pay online at www.thedigtee.com.au or by cash at the site.

Hungerford, home of the Royal Mail Hotel, staging post of the Cobb and Co coaches and the gateway to Queensland and Currawinya National Park from NSW. This little oasis in the desert is situated along the Dowling track and is a must-see for all. Visitors choosing to travel to NSW from Hungerford will also have to pass through the Dingo Fence — an attraction in itself.

For the more adventurous, Cameron Corner is where the three states of QLD, NSW and SA meet. This is a bucket list destination and well worth a visit and the boasting rights to say you’ve been there. While you’re there you can play a round of golf incorporating all three states or have a cold drink with your mates at the Cameron Corner Store.

To find out more information regarding visiting the Bulloo Shire please contact the Thargomindah Visitor Information Centre on 07 4621 8095, visit the website www.explorebulloo.com.au or find them on Facebook and Instagram @ExploreBulloo.

Don’t forget when you do decide to make the trip to the real outback, drop into the Info Centre and say ‘G’day’. The staff have an abundance of local knowledge and can assist with everything from checking road conditions to the best fishing spot.

Bulloo Shire — More than just a one night stand!

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Bulloo Region Cameron Corner

Cameron Corner Why not drive to Cameron Corner located in the most south-western corner of Queensland where the Sunshine State meets New South Wales and South Australia?

The Cameron Corner Store is the king of corner stores — providing everything from cold drinks, hearty meals and accommodation, bush camping facilities, telephone services, fuel, puncture repairs and minor mechanical repairs. Souvenirs are also available at the ‘Corner’ together with friendly local service at the licensed venue.

Cameron Corner boasts the only Tri-State Golf course where you don’t have to drive between each state! With three holes in each state, this golf course provides you with an afternoon of competitive fun with the family.

Ever wanted to celebrate New Year’s three times in one night? Taking advantage of the three different time zones, Cameron Corner hosts an annual New Year’s party that has a celebration for each time the clock strikes midnight. What better way to ring in the new year than to do it three times over!

Each year thousands of people pass through Cameron Corner and it is a favourite place to

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Cameron Corner stop on your way to anywhere and everywhere. Its iconic location is a must-go-to for all of our outback travellers. Don’t miss this bucket list destination that’s not in the middle of nowhere — it’s the centre of everywhere!

Noccundra A small-town bursting with some magnificent stories and an incredible history at an iconic pub, you can’t miss dropping into Noccundra.

The original hotel was built around 1860 and after burning down, was rebuilt in 1882 of sandstone quarried from Mt Pool in NSW which was transported by Camel Train. The architecture of this building will transport you back in time to the 1800s, when Noccundra was contained within Nockatunga Station and existed to provide the workers some relief to the hardships of station life, isolation and extreme

TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

Bulloo Region Cameron Corner climatic conditions. The Noccundra Hotel is still in operation today, providing hearty meals and a place to rest for the modern traveller.

The Wilson River is a wellknown fishing spot where yellow belly, spangled and silver perch can be caught and the yabbies are plentiful during the warmer months.

Hire a kayak from Channel Country Kayaks and paddle down the river or enjoy the tranquillity of the river and see the birdlife that call the wetlands home.

Come and soak up the atmosphere which has been embedded into this land from the dreams and aspirations of Australia’s explorers and pioneers while you camp on the Wilson River and relish in the history of the Noccundra Hotel.

Noccundra Hotel

Royal Mail Hotel, Hungerford TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

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Bulloo Region Lake Brindegolly

National parks The Bulloo Shire is alive with natural attractions and experiences for you to immerse yourself in nature.

The national parks in the region are spectacular ecosystems full of beautiful native flora and fauna waiting for you to explore.

birds, including pelicans, swans, blue bonnets, pink cockatoos, mulga parrots, orange chats, wrens and a variety of waders just to name a few. Watch for reptiles and for red and grey kangaroos which come to drink at the lakes. There are over 300 species of plants at Lake Bindegolly, including the gnarled tree Acacia Ammophila which is threatened with extinction.

Camping is not permitted in the national park and neither are vehicles. There is a designated parking area, the Shelter Shed, and bush camping is permitted on the southern side of the Bulloo Development Road (Adventure Way).

Currawinya National Park

Lake Bindegolly National Park A refuge for waterbirds, Lake Bindegolly National Park centres around one of the most important wetland systems in south-west Queensland.

The park features three lakes: the saline Lakes Bindegolly and Toomaroo and the freshwater Lake Hutchinson. This string of salt and freshwater wetlands forms an important wildlife refuge in this arid zone.

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Red sandplains and mulga scrubs beside long, dusty roads give little hint to the lakes, rivers and wetlands that make Currawinya National Park one of Australia’s most important inland waterbird habitats. Lake Wyara and Lake Numalla are the main features of the park which also protects sites of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultural heritage as well as threatened wildlife.

The best way to enjoy the national park is to walk the 9.2km circuit that is skirting the edge of Lake Bindegolly then return via scrub-covered sandhills.

These lakes are rain-fed via local catchment areas, so during dry times Lake Bindegolly can become a vast, white saltpan.

These wetlands are among the most important inland waterbird habitats in Australia. Two large lakes, separated by only a few kilometres of sand dunes are the centre-piece of a fascinating mosaic of habitats across the park here for you to explore. Lake Numalla is freshwater while the slightly larger Lake Wyara is saline.

The park is home to more than 195 species of

Move over Devil’s Marbles – Currawinya is home to

TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

Bulloo Region Lake Brindegolly the stunning Granites, a naturally formed outcrop of granite boulders. This unique feature of the park formed over millions of years stands tall and serves as both a surreal art exhibit and a natural wonder. The Granites have cultural significance so they can be revelled in from up close but not climbed on.

While exploring the natural wonders of Currawinya you can also swim, fish and kayak in the many picturesque waterholes around the park. With an abundance of bird and wildlife, Currawinya is a birdwatcher’s paradise and the best way to see these creatures is along their bushwalking trails.

The roads to and within the park are unsealed and travel by 4WD is recommended. Bush camping and basic shower and toilet amenities are available at various locations throughout the park as well as a manned ranger station to get information on Currawinya. Camping permits are required and fees apply.

Currawinya National Park TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

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Bulloo Region

Burke and Wills Dig Tree Discover the journey of Burke and Wills and experience one of Australia’s biggest ill-fated exploratory expeditions of all time by visiting Australia’s national icon, the Dig Tree.

Arguably one of the most famous trees in Australian history which still stands as an enduring reminder of our pioneering spirit and extreme harsh conditions of the outback. If trees could talk, you would be both mesmerised and mortified at the hardships, miscommunication and the circumstances which lead to the death of both Burke and Wills.

Explorers Burke and Wills were the first to cross Australia from south to north and although fraught with disaster, the expedition was still deemed successful. To this day there is still mystery surrounding the story and this legendary tree as new revelations come to light. The subject of multiple investigations, research and controversy, its significance, its story and the management of this tree is now in the safe hands of the Royal Historical Society of Queensland. To truly feel and experience the story, make the journey to ‘Nappa Merrie’

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Station, the property where the Dig Tree is located and see it for yourself.

The Dig Tree is situated on the banks of the stunning Cooper Creek, making it the perfect location to relax and enjoy a variety of water activities. Kayaks are available for hire on site from Channel Country Kayaks for you to paddle your way along the historic creek. If fishing is more your pace you’re more than welcome to cast a line to catch a variety of fish including yellow belly, spangled and silver perch and even a yabby or two!

The best way to experience the Dig Tree is to bush camp in the camp grounds by the tree that extends right along the Cooper Creek, providing you the opportunity to swim right where you camp. This camping is generously provided free of charge by the owners of Nappa Merrie, however the Royal Historical Society collect a small conservation & management fee for all visiting vehicles. There is a very basic toilet facility, however to make the most of camping on Cooper Creek it is recommended for campers to be fully self-sufficient. You can book your stay through thedigtree.com.au.

TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

Murweh Region

Welcome to Murweh Shire

Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland

It might have a population of only just over 4000, but Murweh Shire punches well above its weight as a tourism destination.

Get off the beaten track and discover the wonders of this outback region that offers everything from up close and personal encounters with some of Australia’s cutest wildlife to a historic secret military base and a front row ticket to the cosmos.

Kick off your explorations at the heart of this outback wonderland, Charleville.

Charleville can be found about 750km west of Brisbane at the intersection of the Warrego Highway and Matilda Way, and marks the starting point of the Diamantina Development Road.

Home to a range of the region’s best tourist attractions such as the remarkable Charleville Bilby Experience, the Cosmos Centre, the WWII Secret Base tour, the Charleville Historic House and the Royal Flying Doctor Visitor Centre, there is no shortage of amazing things to see and do for the

whole family.

If you love a tall tale along with your tall ale, booking a tour at the Hotel Corones is a must on your trip.

The Charleville Bilby Experience is not only a fascinating and adorable way to learn about these cute little eco engineers, but also contributes to important conservation efforts.

Out on Qantas Drive, you can visit the WWII Secret Base and experience for yourself what life was like for 3500 United States Army Air Force personnel stationed in Charleville in 1943.

Continue out into the region to find outback gems like Cooladdi, Australia’s smallest town, Morven, home to a fascinating historical museum that also includes a collection of finely crafted miniature buildings, and Augathella, where you can pop into Boadicea Gallery & Cinema to view an exhibition of heritage photographs and watch the 1956 movie ‘Smiley’, based upon a local identity.

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Murweh Region Charleville Photos: Tourism and Events Queensland

Charleville

The town is home to the headquarters of the Save the Bilby Fund and offers a guided Bilby Experience tour, where you can explore a purpose-built nocturnal habitat in the daytime while learning all about these gorgeous eco engineers and the efforts being made to save them.

There might be plenty to see and do across Murweh Shire, but Charleville is without doubt the crown jewel of the region and the perfect destination for families, grey nomads, couples and single adventurers alike.

If you love a good story while blowing the froth off a beer, you can’t beat the Hotel Corones.

Drop into the Charleville Visitor Information Centre and talk to the friendly team to plan your stay before diving into the action.

Charleville is the bilby capital of Australia, so if you want to get up close to these fascinating little marsupials, there is no better place to do it.

Built by early Charleville entrepreneur Harry ‘Poppa’ Corones, the history of this country watering hole is as entertaining as it is interesting.

Book the popular Hotel Corones Story Tour for a tale to rival a Hollywood feature film, and enjoy the history-making antics of the original proprietor, and the equally interesting story of how the impressive bar was built.

The Bush Store is proud to be stockists of luxury Australian Duty Free Manufacturer the Australian Bush Collection and also fine range of beautiful clothing, accessories and homewares.

We are committed to bringing “the best to the bush” and supporting local manufacturers and designers.

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0427 334 908

Shop online - www.bushstore.net.au or Visit our NEW Store located 2/6 Wills Street in the heart of Charleville.

TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

Murweh Region WWII Secret Base Exhibition Centre Military history buffs are sure to love learning about why a US Airforce Base was located in the Queensland outback in WWII and why it was one of the world’s best-kept wartime secrets.

Visit the interactive WWII Secret Base exhibition centre and enjoy activities such as commanding your own bombing mission in a B-17 simulator and learn about ocean voyages, top-secret information, classified missions, military romances, and learn about what life was like for the 3500 US servicemen stationed there in WWII. Those looking further afield than military bombing missions can instead look to the heavens at the Cosmos Centre.

Day or night, the Cosmos Centre offers different tours, so there is always a special voyage to embark on and there is no better place to look at the night skies than the outback, where light pollution is minimal.

WWII Secret Base Exhibition Centre objects in the night sky.

Even after checking these wonderful attractions off your list, there is still plenty to do.

In the daytime, take a peek through a highly specialised telescope that allows users to directly view the sun up close.

From the Royal Flying Doctor Service visitor centre, where you can delve into the past of this lifesaving air ambulance organisation, to the Charleville Botanical Reserve, the Charleville Historic House and Museum and a tour of Outback Date Farms, there is plenty to keep the whole family busy.

At nighttime you can gaze deep into the past at celestial objects thousands of light years away and enjoy hearing the ways different cultures throughout history have revered and explained constellations and

The main thing to remember while you’re there is to take advantage of this charming little town’s best resource: the friendly locals, who are full of heart, love to welcome visitors and stop for a chat.

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Murweh Region

Exploring further Morven Historical Museum While Charleville is a great base to enjoy your adventures in Murweh Shire, don’t forget to hit the road and explore some of the region’s other attractions.

Grass Parrot

Just 67km down the road is the Adavale Way Farm Stay, where you can take a self-guided cave tour and enjoy magnificent views and rock formations.

Head 30km southwest of Charleville to find the site of the largest explosion in Australian transport history.

Interpretive signs will tell you the incredible story of the day a truck carrying more than 50 tonnes of explosive was involved in an accident that measured on the Richter scale.

Just under an hour’s drive west is Morven, gateway to Tregole National Park and home of the Ooline Trees, a remnant of the Pleistocene Era. A little exploration will take you a long way in this brilliant part of the country.

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Ooline Tree

South Burnett Region

Welcome to the South Burnett Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, family fun or a weekend adventure, the stunning South Burnett Region has everything you need.

Covering more than 8000 square kilometres and home to more than 30,000 residents, the South Burnett Region has long been a getaway for Brisbane residents looking to escape the daily grind.

With a backdrop of the majestic Bunya Mountains, the region spans the Kingaroy, Murgon, Nanango, Yarraman and Wondai locales, but is also peppered with stunning small towns and villages bursting with things to see and do.

Agriculturally, the region is probably best known for its peanuts, but is also gaining a strong reputation for wine production and is Queensland’s newest wine region.

Take a winery tour and at every stop you’ll be treated to a unique, personal experience.

At most of the cellar doors your wine will be poured by the person who put their heart and soul into producing it and they will delight in sharing their passion with visitors.

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South Burnett Region

View from Bunya Mtns Photos: Tourism and Events Queensland

Kick off your trip to the South Burnett with a stop in Kingaroy and enjoy everything from gourmet food featuring local produce to winery tours, the well laid out Kingaroy Heritage Museum detailing the region’s rich history, the Kingaroy Observatory and of course, stop in at the Peanut Van and pick up some snacks to go with your local wine.

Kingaroy Even if every member of your family has vastly different interests, the South Burnett could easily satisfy them all.

Directly west of the Sunshine Coast and an easy two-hour drive from Brisbane, the hardest part about visiting is fitting everything you want to do into your itinerary.

You can even try some delicious lavender scones at Pottique Lavender Farm, roam through the Kingaroy Art Gallery and take a short, 4km drive out of town for a spectacular view of your surrounds at the Mt Wooroolin Lookout before staying the night at the gorgeous Hillview Cottages in Kingaroy with a choice of accommodation in The Cottage, The Church, or The Dairy.

At the heart of the region lies Kingaroy at the junction of the D’Aguilar and the Bunya Highways.

Once you have exhausted the sights of Kingaroy, you’re still a long way off finishing a wonderful sightseeing trip as there is plenty more to do.

Once best known for peanut production and being the home of iconic Queensland politician Joh Bjelke-Petersen, Kingaroy now has a lot more going for it and tourists are loving the change.

Pump up the bike tyres and hit the South Burnett Rail Trail, some 43km of unused railway that has been sealed and developed for cyclists, walkers and runners to enjoy.

NUOVA SCUOLA WINES Discover the magic of Nuova Scuola Wines in the beautiful South Burnett. Enjoy a private, fully guided wine tasting with our winemaker, tour our vineyard and even enjoy an Italian charcuterie board with your tasting! Open for tastings and sales 7 days a week

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

Nuova Scuola Wines 167 Tipperary Rd, Moffatdale Q 4605 0408 850 595 www.nuovascuola.com.au

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TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

The Bunyas Coffee Shop has daily bird feedings and sightings of kangaroos and wallabies are all but guaranteed.

Two mountain bike parks have also since opened in Wondai and at Gordonbrook Dam.

Whiskey lovers can also drop in at Shackleton’s Whiskey Bar to taste any of 116 varieties.

If you’re more interested in natural splendour, hiking or romantic getaways, a visit to the Bunya Mountains should be high on your list of things to do.

Unusually for a holiday destination, the Bunya Mountains is perfect year-round.

Bunya Mountains National Park is the second oldest national park in Queensland and is home to the world’s largest stand of ancient bunya pines, over 120 species of birds, many species of mammals, frogs and reptiles, and more than 30 rare and threatened species.

Whether you’re looking for spring flowers from September to November, an opportunity to taste a bunya nut or an escape from summer heat from December to March, or a cosy fireside whiskey tasting and romantic winter getaway from May to August, there is always something to see and do in the Bunyas.

South Burnett Region

There are now six signposted and mapped Loop Rides and the Moffatdale Winery Route, which opened in November 2021.

The mountains contain 35km of walking tracks, many with impressive views, that take you through the bunya forests, eucalypt forests, grasslands and vine scrubs.

No matter your fitness level, there are tracks for everyone, ranging from 500m strolls to 10km hikes.

Cosy cabins are scattered around the Bunyas, making it just as perfect for a couples retreat as a family getaway.

Bunya Mtns

Relax at Hillview Cottages, Kingaroy Pour your Wine or Beer, grab your local peanuts, and settle back at your own cottage to enjoy views that go on forever.

Choose from three spacious self-contained spa cottages - all locally historic buildings with their own verandah/patio area, fireplaces and BBQs. Wander the gardens, enjoy the stunning sunsets and those clear country stars. While you’re in the area, visit the many attractions our picturesque region has to offer.

297 Birt Road, Kingaroy 0447 747 816 W: hillviewcottages.com.au E: info@hillviewcottages.com.au FB: search for Hillview Cottages

Weddings & Functions bookings are available

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South Burnett Region

South Burnett wineries As Queensland’s newest wine producing region, a winery tour of the South Burnett is a must for those who appreciate a good drop.

Number five on the list is Kingsley Grove Estate, just outside Kingaroy, perfect to pick up something delicious on your way to a romantic weekend in the Bunya Mountains.

Sprinkled across the Barambah Valley in the north, to the Booie Ranges and Kingaroy in the south, cellar doors offer free tastings, casual conversation and warm country charm.

Some wine producers don’t currently have a cellar door, but don’t let that stop you from tasting their wares.

Start your explorations at Moffatdale, home to Clovely Estate, Dusty Hill, Moffatdale Ridge and Nuova Scuola Wines.

Just head to the Farm2Fork Collective store at Wooroolin, on the Bunya Highway between Kingaroy and Murgon.

All are conveniently located within five minutes of each other.

A selection of local wines are also available at Wondai Art Gallery.

Kingsley Grove, Kingaroy Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland

YARRAMAN BAKERY • Fresh bread baked daily • Hot Pies • Sausage Rolls • Cold Drinks • Great Pitstop 4 Margaret St, Yarraman QLD 4614 Hours: Open - 5am - 5pm Confirmed by this business 1 week ago (07) 4163 8572

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Quilpie Region

Welcome to Quilpie Region Photos: Tourism and Events Queensland

If fishing for bream and yellowbelly isn’t your style, why not try your hand at bagging a beautiful chunk of opal at the Quilpie Shire Council fossicking area?

The magnificent Hell Hole Gorge National Park is the perfect place to pitch a tent and hike through this outback oasis before taking a dip as you gaze up the 45m high rock walls surrounding the pool.

Scale Baldy Top for some of the most impressive outback views you will ever set eyes on, all just a 10-minute scramble up the ancient boulder formation.

Euromanga

Nature lovers are sure to feel right at home in the charming Quilpie Shire.

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and escape to an outback paradise filled with opportunities to make the most of some of the country’s most stunning outback vistas.

Home to a population of just over 500 people, Quilpie is a lovely little shire with plenty to explore.

Whether it’s fishing, camping, four-wheel driving or a farm stay you’re after, Quilpie Shire has plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs, bag a bream, enjoy natural beauty and take in some rich history.

Pause on your way up to explore the caves and crevices.

These two locations form part of the Natural Sciences Loop, well-worth finding out more about at the Quilpie Visitor Information Centre if you fancy a day trip away from your farm stay or campsite.

If you want the perfect combination of adrenaline and stunning scenery, four-wheel drivers can take on the Dowling Track to test their skills while enjoying the region’s natural outback beauty.

All in all, you couldn’t find a better place to get away from it all than Quilpie Shire!

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Quilpie Region

Quilpie Bulloo River Photos: Tourism and Events Queensland

Whether you want to take in magnificent panoramic views, explore rich pastoral history, take on nature with a camping trip or enjoy incredible scenery from the comfort of your car, you couldn’t find a better place to put the world on hold and enjoy yourself than Quilpie.

It’s the perfect place to pack up the four-wheel drive and spend some time exploring with the family.

Kick off your explorations with a trip to the Quilpie Visitor Information Centre, which also boasts a lovely museum and art gallery.

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If you have a particular interest in railway history, you can visit The End of the Line, where you can find out more about the vital Western Railway Line that terminated in Quilpie and opened the region up to settlers and visitors in 1917.

Once you’re loaded up with a wealth of information and armload of brochures from the friendly staff of the award-winning visitor centre, you can start exploring further afield.

Just outside the town limits is the Quilpie Shire Council Fossicking Area.

The region is one of the few places in the world to find a chunk of beautiful boulder opal, the perfect way to remember your holiday for a lifetime, and to top it off, entry to the fossicking area doesn’t require a permit.

Learn about the region’s pioneer history, take in the latest exhibition from one of the region’s talented visual artists and have a cuppa before strolling next Four-wheel drivers and nature lovers are spoiled for door to the Military History and Railway Museum, choice in Quilpie. where you can delve deeper into the town’s fascinating past.

Home to some amazing camping areas, hiking trails TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

Quilpie Region

and four-wheel drive experiences, you don’t have to travel far out of town to have your breath taken away.

If you are up for a drive, just 2.5 hours away is Hell Hole Gorge, and despite the intimidating name, it’s a true paradise complete with a rock pool so you can take a dip to cool off after your hike.

Float your cares away while you take in the magnificent stone cliffs that rise 45m above the pool.

If you’re lucky enough to be there right after rain, you can enjoy a stunning wildflower display as

Hell Hole Gorge well as rocky cliffs scattered with waterfalls.

If peace and relaxation is your style, Quilpie is a designated RV friendly town and has plenty of places to set up your camper, throw in a fishing line and enjoy a picnic by the beautiful Bulloo River.

If you don’t have an RV and aren’t fond of camping, enjoy the best of the outback with a stay at Moble Homestead, owned by the fifth generation of the Rutledge family.

With everything from quaint cottages, ample birdwatching opportunities, catered camping experiences, fishing spots, walking tracks and even its own airstrip, it’s an experience you could never forget.

And remember, a trip to Quilpie isn’t complete without taking on the 10 minute climb up Baldy Top at sunset or sunrise, where even the most seasoned nature lover will have their breath taken away by the panoramic outback vista visible from the top.

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Quilpie Region

Fossicking fun at Quilpie Boulder opals are a Quilpie speciality and no trip to this outback oasis would be complete without turning your hand to fossicking.

As the name suggests, boulder opals are found inside large ironstone boulders and are distinguished by the solid brown ironstone left on the back of each opal, which deepens the colour and makes them quite similar to black opals.

Quilpie is often referred to as the home of the boulder opal and is one of only two main places to find them.

The council-run fossicking area is just 2km west of Quilpie, is free to enter and requires no permit.

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Goondiwinid Region

Welcome to Goondiwindi Region

Yelarbon Silos

Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland

Found at the intersection of five highways and right next to the New South Wales/Queensland border, Goondiwindi is well worth a stopover for outback travellers.

The region is home to more than 10,000 people and has four major towns – Goondiwindi, Yelarbon, Inglewood and Texas, each with their own unique charms.

The region is famed for its agriculture, producing cattle, cotton, grain, wool, lamb and pork.

If you’re interested in agriculture there is a surprising number of things to see and do, but the region offers so much more than that.

There are guided tours on offer at Goondiwindi Cotton, you can explore the fragrant Leven K Lavender Farm or sample the delights on offer at Coolmunda Olive Grove while taking in stunning views of the beautiful Lake Coolmunda.

just east of Inglewood, where you can relax on the banks of Bracker Creek and set up camp.

You can even drop in your kayak and enjoy a few peaceful hours spotting wildlife or catching something to cook on the campfire.

The region offers a surprising array of events and activities for the whole family on the annual calendar, whether you’re looking to experience something as small as the many local markets and shows, something for fitness fans like the Hell of the West Triathlon Festival, or something to get your toes tapping like the Texas Country Music Festival.

Lovers of history will be sure to have their thirst satisfied at the many incredible local history museums like the Goondiwindi Customs House Museum and the Texas Rabbit Works.

Arts and culture are also integral to the region, with a wonderful array of artistic and cultural locations from silo murals and street art to the Regional Art Gallery in Texas.

Speaking of Lake Coolmunda, it is just one of a number of places to dip in a toe or wet a fishing Whatever your interests, Goondiwindi Shire has line across this beautiful region, which also boasts beautiful locations like the Green Up Meeting Place something for everyone!

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head to any of the popular sites with your trusty binoculars and be sure to spot something exciting.

Goondiwinid Region

The Green Up Meeting Place on the banks of Bracker Creek offers campsites that are the perfect place to light a campfire, throw in a fishing line or launch your kayaks to explore the water and its wildlife.

Customs House

Goondiwindi There is no better place to take a break from the rigours of travel than the Goondiwindi region.

Found right on the border of News South Wales and Queensland, it’s the perfect place for the family to enjoy, whether you’re looking for a stopover or a destination in its own right.

Each of the towns across the region offer beautiful, tree-lined streets, country hospitality and activities and events for the whole family.

A major drawcard for the region is its many lakes, dams, creeks and rivers, where visitors can take a break from it all in well serviced camping areas and enjoy fishing, swimming, kayaking, picnicking and hiking.

Explore the MacIntyre River from Lees Reserve near Yelarbon and catch some fish while the kids take a swim or head to Goat Rock to catch a glimpse of the famous Balancing Rock and add some snaps to the family album.

The Goondiwindi Natural Heritage Water Park is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic and a swim and offers plenty of hiking and birdwatching opportunities as well.

Those who prefer to keep their feet free of dust won’t be disappointed with a stay in the region either, with each of the main towns well-appointed with plenty to do, like shopping, golf, museums, art galleries, swimming pools and sporting fields.

The Macintyre River Walkway follows the majestic tree-lined Macintyre River, and is a great place to view the prolific birdlife in this area.

Along the way you will find points of interest with a series of interpretive signs about the environment, social, economic, historical and cultural aspects of the river, with numerous opportunities to enjoy its natural beauty.

Lake Coolmunda is arguably one of the region’s most popular camping destinations, offering a range of privately-owned camping and caravan options and fun for boaters, swimmers and fishers alike.

Amateur botanists will also love the stunning Goondiwindi Botanic Gardens, where they can explore well-marked walking trails and learn about local flora and fauna.

Adrenaline lovers can also strap on the water skis for some fun-filled laps of this special location.

The whole region is peppered with wonderful places sure to satisfy even the most seasoned nature lovers.

The region is home to some 200 bird species, so even if fishing or swimming isn’t your favourite pastime, you can still pack the picnic basket and

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Museum Photos: Tourism and Events Queensland

Goondiwindi may be the biggest place in the region, but Texas is a little town that packs a punch and should be a must for any traveller visiting the region.

Perched on the banks of the picturesque Dumaresq River, you can enjoy beautiful natural landscapes and a fascinating blend of local history.

Dumaresq River

Goondiwinid Region

Texas

With a strong agricultural heritage, history buffs will be delighted by local gems such as the Texas Heritage and Tobacco Museum and the nearby Texas Rabbit Works, which was integral to preventing the spread of rabbits into Queensland.

Texas is recognised as one of the top RV Friendly communities in Australia and is also the first official Motorcycle Friendly town in Australia, with many interesting trails for all types of bikes and rider experience to try their hand at.

If you visit in September, heading to the Texas Country Music Festival is also a must!

Photos: Tourism and Events Queensland

Farm & Town Tours About our tour: We guide thousands of visitors through the sustainable daily workings of broad-acre cotton farming. We are extremely passionate about our very informative tours, and proud of our world-class sustainability practices.

PIC: GRACE COBB

Tour Bookings: 07 4671 5611 27 Herbert St, Goondiwindi Online shopping: www.goondiwindicotton.com.au

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Goondiwinid Region

Goondiwindi Art Trail (2-3 days) The Goondiwindi region has plenty of artworks to explore from the Yelarbon Silo Mural to the stunning murals dotted around Goondiwindi town. You’ll be surprised by what this border region has to offer.

As you make your way towards Goondiwindi from Warwick along the Cunningham Highway, you can stop at Inglewood to check out the pub murals at the Royal Hotel and the Old Commercial Hotel, as well as the sun dial in the Lions Apex Park, Albert Street.

Make a detour into Texas on the Inglewood Texas Road, to check out the Texas State School Mural (painted by Brightsiders), at 1 Flemming Street.

The ideas in this painting were developed during workshops with classes from year 6-10. The mural is located on the administration block wall at the front of the school.

Brightsiders is also responsible for the Turning Things Around artwork, commissioned by the Texas Arts Council to create a stunning mural that tells the story of Texas and its community. This is located on the Stanthorpe Texas Road.

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The Spirit of Texas sculpture is a must-see when visiting the town. Made by artist Jamie Sargeant from Korten steel, the art (located in High Street) was commissioned in response to the devastating 2011 floods and represents the community’s ability to overcome adversity. The project was funded by Queensland and Australian governments under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) Flexible Funding Program. While in Texas, make sure to stop at the Texas Regional Art Gallery at the Cultural Centre (46 High Street). The gallery is open Tuesday and Friday 10am to 2pm and Saturdays 10am to 1pm.

Head west on the Texas Yelarbon Road about 45 minutes to get to Yelarbon, about half an hour east of Goondiwindi on the Cunningham Highway. The Yelarbon Silo Mural was officially added to Australia’s silo art trail in 2019 and depicts an oasis on the edge of a spinifex desert. Painted by Jordache Castillejos and Jodon Bruce of Brightsiders and Steve Falco from Procreative, the impressive piece is located at the GrainCorp silos on Railway Parade, Yelarbon.

As you enter Goondiwindi via the Cunningham Highway, there is a series of sculptures by Angus

TOOWOOMBA & WESTERN VISITORS GUIDE 2024

The streetscape of Goondiwindi town has been undergoing a transformation since the first Lanescape Festival was held in the town in 2018.

The annual festival sees more public art, from murals to sculptures, added to the town, forming a permanent art trail. Artist James Ellis painted the first mural outside the Gunsynd Motor Inn in 2018, and he’s been adding more since.

The Lanescape Festival celebrates the works and creates an atmosphere and incubator where people can come together and get excited about art and culture, and provide relief from everyday activity in a rural community.

• The Mighty Murray cod • Levee Bank Monument • River Sculptures, ‘A wonderful bird is the pelican’ and ‘Macintyre cod fossil’ • Goondiwindi pillars The Goondiwindi Regional Council provides more information about the public art in the region at goondiwindiregion.com.au/public-art/ Goondiwindi Regional Civic Centre Gallery, at 100 Marshall Street is also open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm.

Goondiwinid Region

Wilson — Matthew, Mark, Luke & John, and Lot’s Wife, Once Upon A Time, and Australian Coat Of Arms.

Don’t miss these stops: • Royal Hotel, Queensland Hotel, Gunsynd Motor Inn for street art • Goonawinna, Mclean Street, water tanks • Holy Trinity Church, Bowen Street

Lanarium Retreat A unique, luxury outback escape located in Southern Photos: Tourism and Events Queensland Queensland, an easy half day drive from Brisbane.

Your destination will be our family’s 7200 ac working cattle and grain farm ‘Shirbar’. Her rich red soils and undulating country make for glorious sunrises and sunsets, with truly breathtaking night skies.

After taking a farm tour in the retreat’s buggy, relax in your off-grid recrafted woolshed accommodation and indulge in one of our paddock-to-plate food hampers.

All this is exclusively yours to enjoy. We look forward to welcoming you to Lanarium.

07 4620 7020 • 0429 207 020 info@lanariumretreat.com.au www.lanariumretreat.com.au ‘Shirbar’, 509 Mulga Road, Daymar

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I Nati

Jundah

Windora

Eromanga

Quilpie

Durham

Yowah

Noccundra Thargomindah Burke & Wills Dig Tree

Lake Wyara Cameron Corner

Curraw Lake Nati Numalla Pa Hungerford

Rollest

Blackall

Idalia ional Park

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Tambo Rewan

Carnarvon National Park

Yandarlo

Upper Dawson Forrest A55 State Forest

Oakvale State Forest

A2

Augathella

Injune Clara Creek

Charleville

Chesterton Range National Park Morven Mungallala A2

Cooladdi

Mitchell

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Bakers Bend Murweh

A71

Wyandra

A55

Coongoola

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Eulo

49

Cunnamulla

St George

Bollon

Dirranbandi

Queensland New South Wales A71

Hebel

A55

Queensland New South Wales

Mungi

Biloela

60

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Banana

Bauhinia

60

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Palmgrove National Park

Bundaberg

Monto

Theodore

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Childers

Eidsvold

Belington Hut State Forest

Torbanlea

Biggenden Taroom

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Mundubbera

Gayndah

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Ban Ban Springs

Tiaro

75

Grosmont Boondooma Tansey 49 Dam Kilkivan Goomeri Gympie Murgon Wondai 82 Lake Barambah Cherbourg Durong National Park Kingaroy

Wandoan Barakula State Forest

A3

Roma Yuleba Wallumbilla Tingun

Jackson

Yuleba State Forest

Miles

A2

Dulacca

49

Chinchilla Condamine

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87

A5

Glenmorgan

MacAlister

Tara

Meandarra

87

The Gums

71

Ula Ula State Forest 85

North Talwood

Southwood National Park

Kumbarilla State Forest

Moonie Western Creek State Forest

Westmar

Nanango

Bunya Yarraman Benarkin State Forest Mountains 85 Bell Cooyar

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68

Dalby

A3

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Condamine State Forest

Surat

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Billa Billa A5

Toobeah

Whetstone State Forest Inglewood

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Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland

Published by: The Chronicle Level 1, 5 Keefe Street, Toowoomba QLD 4350

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