Dalby and District Things to see and do, Drive itineraries Bell, Dalby, Jandowae, Kaimkillenbun, Warra
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Our attractions and experiences include museums and heritage collections, art galleries with local art, fishing, birdwatching, heritage walks, cattle sales, nature walks and opportunities to meet the locals.
Queensland Cotton Gin. In Kogan why not have a counter meal at the pub before you continue to the Kogan Creek Power Plant. This drive takes you through Warra and you pass under the coal loading facility at Macalister.
Day trips or half day trips are an ideal way for you to fully enjoy all we have to offer. We have done the planning for you and our drive itineraries will take you from the arid vegetation of the Lake Broadwater area to the rain forests of the Bunya Mountains. Along the way you will see some of the finest farming country in Australia planted with crops such as cotton, wheat and sorghum.
Our towns offer a range of dining options from coffee shops, cafĂŠs and restaurants to bakeries and classic old Queensland pubs that serve great counter meals. Or take a picnic and enjoy a leisurely lunch in one of our many picnic spots.
But it’s not only farming that makes us a vibrant and interesting area. Our Energy Drive starts at the Dalby Bio-refinery which uses local sorghum to produce ethanol. Although there is no access into the plant it is clearly visible from the road. As you head out to Kogan you will pass the 2
Come and share our country lifestyle and plan your visit around our events. Camel races, model aeroplanes, opera, race meetings, festivals, rodeos, shows, campdrafts and a horse sale are just a few. Our events are so varied you can come time and time again without tiring of us. Our events calendar can be found on our web site www.wdrc.qld.gov.au Enjoy your stay in Our Western Downs!!
DALBY • 12,000 Thomas Jack Park – This park is named in honour of Thomas Jack a prominent business man and mayor of Dalby for 22yrs. The park is 3.5ha of tranquil gardens, native trees, and a fabulous water feature. Facilities - BBQ, picnic tables, playground and toilets. Pioneer Park Museum – The museum has possibly the largest collection of working tractors and agricultural machinery in Queensland. Displays include a Chandler Hearse (one of only two in the world), late 1800s model working threshers, a 1930s model reaper and binder and a pre-war hay baler. There is an extensive rock, mineral and fossil collection. The museum also features a flying saucer and a well stocked shop with locally made crafts. Open: 8am5pm, 7 days a week. Adults $5, Pensioners $4, Children $1 (Groups by negotiation). Take an hour or take all day. Dalby Family History Society - The society has a range of research materials and a comprehensive collection of local historical information. It is located at the Pioneer Park Museum. The Dalby Family History Society is open Wednesdays (1pm3pm), Fridays (1pm-3pm) and Saturdays (12noon-4pm). Heritage Walk - Take a pleasant walk around some of Dalby’s historic buildings, homes and churches. Self-guided brochure available from the Visitor Information Centre. Time - 1 hour.
Myall Creek Walk - The Myall Creek Walk details the history of the creek with interpretive signage along the path. BBQ and toilet facilities situated at Bunya Street. Time - 40 mins. Darling Downs Soaring Club - Go gliding and have a fun flight, see the varied rural landscape of our area. www.ddsc.org.au Saleyards - Dalby has one of the largest selling single day sales in Australia with 150,000 head of cattle marketed annually. Cattle sales are held on Wednesdays from 7.30am. The Dalby Regional Art Gallery Exhibitions of local art and craft. Travelling exhibitions are held periodically. The gallery is located at 107 Drayton Street. GRAZART Gallery - showcasing works of local artist Graeme McCullough. The gallery is located above the ‘Golders’ building on Cunningham Street. Examples of Graeme’s work are the puzzle pieces on the exterior wall of the Visitor Information Centre and the paintings at the Moonie Crossroads. Cactoblastis Cairn - A monument to the Cactoblastis Moth which helped stay the spread of Prickly Pear was erected in 1965 to record the indebtedness of the people of Dalby. The cairn is located on Myall Creek. See Heritage Walk Brochure. 3
Dalby Drive Tour - Follow the drive through industrial, recreational, historical and cultural sections of our town. Brochure available at Visitor Information Centre. Time - 1 hour. Lake Broadwater Conservation Park - Covering 350 hectares, the conservation park is the only naturally occurring body of water on the Darling Downs and is home to a diversity of vegetation and animal life. The recreation area has toilets, showers, boat ramp, fireplaces, and camping ground. Located 30km S.W of Dalby off the Moonie Highway. Things to do - take a picnic, watch the sunset, follow the walking trails, enjoy the view from the bird hide.
...Warra Railway Subway is one of only two in Queensland...
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WARRA • 120
‘Warra Warra’ was settled in the 1840’s at the start of the rush for Darling Downs land when the Western Railway line was opened in 1877, the township which had been established beside the railway track was called ‘Warra’. A government owned coal mine was opened west of the town in 1914 and the town prospered following its establishment. Unfortunately due to the rising water table causing serious flooding in the mine, it was closed in 1919. Following the closure of the mine blocks of land were made available for selection. Soldier selection blocks were made available following World War I and World War II. Farming continues to be the mainstay of the district since the 1920’s. The area is known for grain, cotton, beef, and coal and gas extraction. Warra is an RV Friendly location which offers free camping in the Richard Best Park.The community is active in preserving its heritage with memorials and interpretive signage.
Richard Best Park - The park is named after Richard Best a prominent Warra citizen in the early years. There are several buildings of historic significance located in the park. Facilities include toilets, BBQ and free camping.
Warra Cemetery – The cemetery dates back to 1900.
Warra Railway Station - On 1st December 1877, the Warra Railway Station was described as ‘unduly lavish’.
Leichhardt’s Camp Site on the bank of the Cooranga Creek celebrates Leichhardt’s Journey in 1844.
The Haystack School - The school was relocated from the Haystack area and restored in 2006 as a tribute to the many one teacher schools in the district.
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Warra Memorial Hall honours those who served in war. The Warra Remembers Exhibition is housed in the hall. St Francis Xavier Church Site – This site is marked by the Memorial Bell Tower located on the western approach to Warra. Warra Subway - Located a stone’s throw from the Warra Hotel. Follow the path past the Hotel and through the subway. Warra Hotel – Originally known as ‘The Rising Sun’ the Warra Hotel was built in 1906. It is a friendly place to catch up and enjoy a drink. All Saints’ Church – The Anglican Church of All Saints’ was dedicated on 26th February 1907. It was a busy day with the dedication followed by two baptisms. All Saints’ is now Warra’s only church with the Anglican congregation pleased to share All Saints’ with the congregations of the Uniting Church and Catholic Church.
Warra State School – The school was gazetted in 1881. Since 1889 classes have been held on the present site.
Recognised as the town with the longest single name in Queensland and affectionately known by locals as ‘The Bun’, Kaimkillenbun is a local aboriginal word signifying the rim of the moon coming over the horizon. Kaimkillenbun or Cumkillenbar was a sheep station carved out of Jimbour Station in the late 1840’s. The Bun Pub - Built in 1911 by local farmer Edwin Higgs. In 1908 a local temperance lobby rejected a license for a pub to be built but another poll was held three years later and the vote was reversed. The quaint old pub was used as a set in the 1983 Nicole Kidman movie ‘Chase through the Night’. Of historical interest is a panel of wall which the local soldiers signed before leaving to join the fighting in World War One.
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Note the grain silos near the railway line. Although these are no longer in use they are typical of the silos you will see throughout the region. During harvest it is not unusual to see grain being loaded into the silos well into the night. The Dalby - Kaimkillenbun - Bell railway branch line opened in 1906, coinciding with government surveys for town sites at Kaimkillenbun and Bell. Today Kaimkillenbun is home to an engineering firm that manufactures equipment for the agricultural industry.
JIMBOUR • 40 Jimbour or Gimba is an aboriginal word. There is some controversy about the meaning. One thought is that it is derived from an aboriginal word for cloud, with another meaning being aboriginal for good grass or good pastures. The grazing lease for Jimbour Station was taken up by Richard Scougall in the early 1940’s. 6
Thomas Bell bought the land after Scougall went bankrupt in 1843. Under the management of Bell & Sons Jimbour flourished and by the 1870’s was well on the way to being a grand estate. Opera @ Jimbour - A biennial event hosted by the Queensland Music Festival in conjunction with Western Downs Regional Council. This ever-popular event is staged on the grounds of Jimbour Station; home to heritage-listed Jimbour House, one of the nation’s most gracious historical homes. Jimbour Ampitheatre comes alive with the magnificent sounds of talented musicians, a performance that is enjoyed by thousands gathered on chairs and picnic blankets out on the lawn in front. Roving entertainers and a colourful array of market stalls displaying and selling local arts and produce make this event simply delightful. Next event 2013 & 2015
Jimbour House - Constructed between 1874 and 1876, Jimbour House is a magnificent stately home. Although there is no access to the house, the grounds are open to visitors. Signage in the grounds and stables tell the story of Jimbour Station.
When the railway branch line extended to the town it was renamed Jandowae to avoid confusion with Jondaryan. In 1925 Jandowae formed its own troop of Light Horse. A national annual contest was staged between Light Horse troops.
Jimbour Tractor - The first kerosene powered tractor which worked the land in the area. Located in Jimbour township.
The Governor General Lord Forest donated a trophy with the stipulation that any troop winning over three successive years could claim it in perpetuity. The Jandowae Troop were triumphant in 1927, 1928 and in 1929.
Memorial to Leichhardt – Campsite of expedition 1844. Located alongside the Jimbour Tractor. Placed by National Geographic Society in 1955 Lecihhardt Cottage monument - Jimbour Station – to commemorate Leichhardt’s journey as he set off from Jimbour Station for Port Essington. See Leichhardt Trail brochure. Jimbour Cemetery – Follow signage from Jimbour House road.
JANDOWAE • 1,000 The township of Jandowae was proclaimed in 1862. It has had three name changes. It is believed that the name is taken from a local aboriginal word Jindowie meaning water hole. In the early 1870’s a John Dowaie leased a holding paddock. and opened a store close to the town. Drovers and teamsters would lease the paddock to rest their stock and Jindowie became John Dowaie Camp.
The rail service linking Jandowae to Dalby opened in 1914. This opened up commercial and economic opportunities. A butter factory opened in 1937 and Jandowae became a center for beef and dairy cattle. The 1950’s-1960’s were bustling years for Jandowae. Changes in the agricultural industry impacted on Jandowae in the 1970’s. With a dwindling population and loss of services the town has had to look to other means to boost the opportunities for the town. In 2001 the former Wambo Council offered 48 blocks of land for sale for $1. The blocks sold quickly and resulted in new businesses opening up.
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Jandowae is a great day trip from any of the nearby towns. It boasts a coffee shop, 3 classic Queensland pubs - known as the Top, Middle and Bottom pubs, locally made melt-in-your-mouth pastries at the general store, a café renowned for it hamburgers, a Bowls Club and Golf Club Jandowae has a dump point located adjacent to Lions Park on the Dalby side of the bridge in Dalby Street. Dingo Fence – Follow the sign halfway between Jandowae and Jimbour to the start of the Dingo Fence. This road is about 4kms off the highway and is partly gravel. The fence is the longest man-made structure in the world, stretching 5,400m to the Great Australian Bight. A Dingo Fence Tourist Drive brochure is available at the Dalby and Jandowae Visitor Information Centres. Jandowae Dam – This is a popular fishing, swimming, skiing, boating and BBQ spot. 8
Jandowae Heritage Walk – This walk features the Athlone Cottage Precinct - old shearers hut, dairy, baker’s oven, windmill and gardens. Athlone Cottage is open Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am-12noon. The Heritage Walk brochures are available from the Jandowae Visitor Information Centre. Lions Park - This grassed park features a miniature railway, murals of the rail story and the Jandowae Railway Station Office. Facilities - toilets. Dingo Sculpture - A sculpture in steel by Andy Scott takes pride of place behind a replica of the “Dingo Fence.”
...Jandowae Miniature Railway operates every 4th Sunday in Lions Park...
BELL • 300 Bell was established in 1906 coinciding with the opening of the Dalby-KaimkillenbunBell railway line. It was named in honour of Joshua Peter Bell owner of Jimbour Sation. Most farmers engaged in dairying and railed their produce to the dairy factory in Dalby. By 1920 a town of about 500 people had grown. The Post Office directory recorded the Bell View and Bunya hotels, a school of arts, a stock and station agent, a bank, two refreshment rooms and a store. Dairying had consolidated in the district by the 1940s’, with the Maxam Cheese factory at Cooranga (to the north) and the Sunnyside Cooperative Cheese factory in Bell. A noticeable decline in population occurred in the 1960’s as dairying fell away, to be replaced by sheep and grain production. Large silos now form a backdrop to Bell, along with the Bunya Mountains. Catholic Church - Built in 1912, Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church features the religious art works of local artist Megg Cullen. A series of eight murals depict the story of salvation as told in the Bible. Alongside the church are magnificent gardens established by Megg Cullen featuring plants from biblical times and Mediterranean regions. Alongside the church are magnificent gardens established by Megg Cullen featuring plants from biblical times and Mediterranean regions. Follow the paths and the interpretive artworks that represent the Stations of the Cross. It is a truly memorable experience. Popey’s Shed - This machinery was collected of Arthur Pope.
Bell Gallery Call into the Bell Gallery to see the art work by well known local artist Megg Cullen. Megg’s subjects are varied and she is happy to spend time talking about her work. The Bell Gallery is situated on the corner of Dennis and Ensor Street. Open all day every day. Bell Railway Heritage Parkland - On the site of the railway terminus, this features an early model diesel locomotive, a vintage passenger carriage and a historical mural painted on the shed wall. Bell Heritage Walk - The walks features some of Bell’s beautiful buildings, homes and churches. The Bell Bunya Community Centre is a one stop place for coffee, local craft and handiwork, depression glassware, locally made condiments, tourist information and local art. Enjoy your coffee overlooking the rose garden that has been established by the local residents. The Bell Visitor Information Centre stocks local and regional brochures and the volunteers can help with all of your enquiries. The Bell VIC is located in the Bell Bunya Community Centre. Bluebells Art Gallery The Gallery showcases the original work of local artists and stocks cards and calendars featuring local art work. The Bluebells Art Gallery is located in the Bell Bunya Community Centre Look for the signs directing you to the Bell Bunya Community Centre in Wallace Street. Open - 7 Days 10am-3pm
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View from Codys’ Hill - This is a must see. A panorama that takes in the mountains, farmland and grazing land. Beautiful Bell nestles in the foothills of the Bunya Mountains and is an ideal place to use as a base as you explore the region. You can drive directly from Bell to the Bunya Mountains (36kms) along a partly gravelled road, or along a sealed road. Both of these roads pass through farming country with easy viewing of the crops. Koehler Park is situated on the Bunya Mountains road just past the Yamsion sign. It is an ideal spot for a cup of tea or picnic with tables and bbq facilities and a ‘bush’ toilet. A creek runs alongside the park and creates great photo opportunities. As the road to the Bunya Mountains is not suitable for caravans and buses we suggest you leave your caravan at the caravan park in Bell. 10
Facilities in Bell include a general store, pub, coffee shops, visitor information centre, art galleries, churches, fuel, bowls club, golf club, race track, Bell Bunya Community Centre and caravan park.
NEIGHBOURING ATTRACTIONS
RANGEMORE ESTATE (WINERY & B&B) 37km from Dalby. Rangemore Estate is a farm stay and vineyard property situated high up in the foothills of the Bunya Mountains (520 metres) with expansive views of the Bunya Mountains and surrounding hills. Rangemore Estate has its own Cellar Door with Cafe and Bed and Breakfast accommodation. Camping is also available. Cellar Door is open 10am to 5pm, Friday to Sunday or by appointment. ... Dalby was originally founded as ‘Myall Creek’...
JONDARYAN WOOLSHED 40km from Dalby The Jondaryan Woolshed presents the history of Jondaryan Station and its role in the development of the pastoral industry on the Darling Downs. Built in 1859, Jondaryan Woolshed is the oldest woolshed still standing in Queensland and the first purpose built woolshed in Australia. Open 7 days a week from 10am-4pm. BUNYA MOUNTAINS 66km via Kaimkillenbun from Dalby, 90km via Bell from Dalby. The Bunya Mountains is a spectacular wilderness range forming an isolated section of the Great Dividing Range, home to the world’s largest forest of bunya pines. The Bunya Mountains rise abruptly from the surrounding plains to an average elevation of 975m, reaching over 1100m above sea level. Walking tracks range from 500m to 10km. There is plenty of accommodation available to visitors, from camping to privately run chalets. Take a picnic or enjoy the hospitality of the locals at the restaurants, tea house, coffee shop or general store. Maidenwell Astronomical Observatory - night shows and day sessions. Brochure available at Dalby Visitor Information Centre. Museum of Australian Army Flying Oakey. Items of memorabilia date from 1912. Brochure available at Dalby Visitor Information Centre.
MARKETS Warra Country Markets Warra Memorial Hall Park Warrego Highway 2nd Saturday each month. Start 8:00am Finish 12:00pm. Contact Stephen 0422 828 762 Dalby Markets Dalby Showgrounds, Nicholson Street. 3rd Saturday each month. Start 6:00am Finish 12:00pm. Contact Stan 0429 696 775 Jandowae Markets and Miniature Railway at Lions Park. 4th Saturday each month. Start 8:00am Finish 12:00pm. Contact Jack 4668 5103
CROP SEASONS The best time to see: Cotton Growing Picking Ginning
October to February March to May April to September
Wheat, Barley, Chick Peas Growing April to October Harvesting October to December Sorghum, Soy Beans, Mung Beans Growing October to March Harvesting April to May Corn, Sunflowers Growing September & December Harvesting February & May/June 11
DRIVE 1 - 167km
Approx driving time - 2hrs 10mins Dalby - Jimbour - Jandowae - Cooranga Nth - Bell - Dalby Points of Interest {{ Pioneer Park Museum {{ Jimbour House {{ Jimbour Tractor {{ Dingo Fence
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DRIVE 2 - 135km
Approx driving time - 2hrs 13mins Dalby - Kaimkillenbun - Rangemore Estate - Jondaryan Woolshed - Dalby Points of Interest {{ Pioneer Park Museum {{ The Bun Pub {{ Rangemore Estate (B&B and Winery) (Cellar Door open weekends only)
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Jondaryan Woolshed
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DRIVE 3 - 141km
Approx driving time - 2hrs 14mins Dalby - Kogan - Brigalow - Warra - Macalister - Dalby Points of Interest {{ Dalby Bio-Refinery {{ Kogan Pub {{ Hugh Sawry Paintings and Walkway {{ Kogan Creek Power Plant
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Explore Warra Richard Best Park Macalister Coal Loading Facility - Coal from nearby Wilkie Creek mine is loaded here and taken to the Port of Brisbane.
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DRIVE 4
Approx Driving time – various as per distance Dalby – Kaimkillenbun- Bunya Mountains – approx 60 kms Dalby – Bell via the Bunya Highway – Bunya Mountains – approx 76 kms (12km unsealed road) Dalby – Bell – Kaimkillenbun – Bunya Mountains – approx 92kms Points of Interest {{ Catholic church at Bell {{ View from Cody’s Hill {{ Popey’s machinery collection {{ Bunya Mountains National Park & Russell Park {{ Follow walking trails at Dandabah
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See wallabies and kangaroos Sample bunya nut products Take a picnic or enjoy the hospitality of the locals
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Dalby Region.... The place to live, laugh and experience beauty !
Dalby Visitor Information Centre Thomas Jack Park Drayton Street (07) 4679 4461 dalby.vic@wdrc.qld.gov.au
Chinchilla Visitor Information Centre Warrego Highway (07) 4679 4491 chinchilla.vic@wdrc.qld.gov.au
Miles Visitor Information Centre Murilla Street (07) 4627 1492 miles.vic@wdrc.qld.gov.au
Disclaimer: All reasonable measures have been taken to ensure the information contained in this publication is accurate and current at the time of publication. Western Downs Regional Council accepts no responsibility for information that is inaccurate or outdated. This publication is a guide only. Any information provided should be viewed as information only and the user accepts sole responsibility and risk associated with the use of this information. Western Downs Regional Council accepts no responsibility or liability for loss or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of information in this publication. Reference to third parties and associated services and activities are provided only as a convenience, and as such, Western Downs Regional Council does not endorse any associated organisation, product or service.
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