Experience Dalby
Welcome
From the Community...
Dalby Chamber of Commerce
Welcome to Dalby, where lifestyle and opportunity go hand in hand.
Dalby is ideal for raising a family and growing your career, with quality schools, reliable medical services, and diverse job opportunities. Enjoy a 10-minute commute anywhere in town, giving you more time for what matters.
Dalby’s laid-back country lifestyle
From the Mayor...
Mayor Andrew Smith Western Downs Regional Council
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the wonderful Western Downs!
I invite you to explore everything that our vast and vibrant region has to offer. Whether you’ve recently moved to the Western Downs, or are thinking about making a move, our Welcome Guides will give you an overview of the opportunities that await you and your family in our region.
This guide is packed full of helpful information about our local schools, community and sporting groups, essential services, regional events, attractions, and much more. Offering the best of the laid-back
is matched with a strong sense of community. Local events, race days, and sport bring people together, creating lasting connections.
The Dalby Chamber of Commerce and Industry supports local business and community growth.
We’re excited to welcome you and glad you’re here.
rural lifestyle combined with urban convenience, stunning natural landscapes, and active communities filled with friendly locals, there really is something for everyone in the Western Downs.
We have a saying on the Western Downs - it’s the people that make it. I am excited to be able to offer support to our newcomers, and hope that these guides will help you to learn more about your new home and the wonderful, vibrant Western Downs community.
Dalby is the gateway to the Western Downs region and is a short 85km drive from Toowoomba.
There’s a reason more than 12,000 people choose to call Dalby home — with both city amenities and country town hospitality within its borders.
From agriculture to livestock, manufacturing, coal seam gas extraction, coal mining and renewable energy, Dalby lies in the heart of a diverse industry base. The Dalby Regional Saleyards is home to the largest sameday cattle selling yards in Australia and the second largest selling centre in Queensland.
Including the towns of Bell, Kaimkillenbun, Kogan and the Bunya Mountains, Dalby enjoys the country charm of wide open spaces with all the essential services.
Four reasons to call the Western Downs
h ome...
The Western Downs is home to more than 35,000 residents and almost 10,000 families. The median age of our population is 37 years, and 8% of our residents were born overseas. We are proud to be a multicultural community and support diversity and inclusivity.
Combining a country lifestyle with modern living and conveniences, the Western Downs has an assortment of urban centres, quiet small towns, rural lifestyle blocks and an abundance of recreation spaces — something to suit everyone!
Living in the Western Downs is affordable compared to many parts of Queensland. Our average weekly rent is 45% cheaper than Brisbane. Across the region, the average residential home price is around $300,000 — almost half of the median regional Queensland house price.
The Western Downs’ diverse economic base means that opportunities are plentiful across agriculture, intensive agriculture, energy and manufacturing industries. With large projects in infrastructure, energy and agriculture on the horizon, our local economy is buzzing with investors from all over the world.
Getting Around
The Western Downs covers an area of 38,000 square kilometres — roughly the size of Switzerland. We invite you to explore our vast region and enjoy what the Western Downs has to offer.
Dalby to...
Brisbane
Gold Coast
Goondiwindi
Jandowae
Miles
Roma
Sunshine Coast
Tara
Toowoomba
Wandoan
Brisbane Airport
Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport
Chinchilla
Events
Jan Australia Day
Mar
May
Jandowae
Timbertown Festival
Bell Show and Rodeo
Opera at Jimbour
Dalby’s Delicious & DeLIGHTful Festival biennial Bell Bunya Trail Bike Ride
Creekside Markets
Nov
Life in the Western Downs is rich with experiences and events that attract Queensland and interstate travellers. See what’s on the calendar for the Dalby district...
Apr
Dalby Eisteddfod
Bell Race Day
Anzac Day
Dalby Wheatmen Ladies Day
June
July
Rugby Races
Dec
Dalby
Diehards Ladies Day
Sep
Dalby Australian Stock Horse Sale
Meet a Local
Zac, Teacher & Dalby Wheatman
Zac is a proud second-generation Dalby local with deep ties to the region, thanks to his parents, who are both successful local business owners. Growing up as a keen athlete and advocate, he developed a strong sense of community, leadership, and a love for learning through sports. This passion evolved into a dedication to teaching, and today, you can find Zac as a high school teacher at his alma mater.
Below are Zac’s insider tips for living in Dalby.
The Western Downs...
has so many things to do. Personally, I sway towards involving myself in sporting activities. Playing rugby union every Saturday continues to gather a large crowd of supporters each and every week, which is fantastic. New or old members can socialise or play for the Wheatmen as they are such an inclusive club.
I’ve stayed in the region...
because of the people. I’ve held and developed many close relationships with longtime friends, associates and new people I meet. I’ve seen Dalby develop into the caring community it is.
Dalby has the luxury...
of being located close to so many attractions. Each surrounding town has their own thing to offer.
For visiting friends and family...
especially those who don’t get to experience wide-open landscape like we do, it’s hard to go past just jumping in the car and seeing what there is to be found. Creeks and rivers, big skies, the bush: we’re very lucky out here!
My lifestyle is...
quite diverse, particularly with the variety of activities Dalby has to offer. Having a work/life balance is my priority... I love to stay physical, be involved in the community, network, and spend time with family and friends.
Over the years, Dalby...
has changed a lot, and will probably continue. With the development of new homes and facilities, people are continuously relocating themselves here.
Dalby has changed a lot and will probably continue... it’s a great thing to see the town moving forward and expanding our shared views and values.
Eat
The Western Downs is one of Australia’s largest primary producers and our abundant local produce offers a chance for residents to explore our local produce. Here’s a taste of what the Dalby district has to offer...
Aldi
Brew Dalby
Burrito Bar
Butcher’s Pantry
Coffee & Takeaway
Cafe 63
Coles
Criterion Hotel Dalby
Curry Resort
Dalby Health Foods
Dalby Hotel
Dalby Kebabs
Dalby Leagues Club
Dalby Sushi
DayDay Wants
Noodle Bar
Dingers Fish & Burger Co
Domino’s Pizza
Donut King
Foodworks
Hungry Jacks
KFC
Kobbers Restaurant
Lotus River Chinese
Smorgasbord Takeaway
Lum’s Chinese Restaurant
Marissa’s Espresso
McDonald’s
Michaels Café Dalby
North Dalby Bowls Club (Friday Night Meals)
Northside Convenience & Takeaway
Pips ‘N’ Cherries
Bell Store
Bellview Hotel
Bunya Mountains
Tavern
Poppies on the Hill
Bunya Mountains
General Store
Welcome to
Off the Grid Cafe
Red Rooster
Russell Tavern
South Side Supermarket
Squires Restaurant (located in Dalby Manor Motor Inn)
Subway
Sushi on Cunningham
The Australian Hotel Motel Dalby
The Coffee Club Café Dalby
Urban Paddock
Windsor Hotel
Woolworths
The Bun Hotel
Kogan Hotel
Bunya
Mountains Play
Head to the Bunya Mountains lookout for amazing views of our region, or go for a walk on one of the hiking trails.
Lake Broadwater Conservation Park
Perfect for birdwatching, camping and watersports, the lake is the only naturally occurring water body of this type on the Darling Downs.
Dalby Aquatic Centre
Cool down and get fit in the Olympicsized outdoor pool or heated 25m pool.
Myall Creek
Put on your sneakers, get the dog and kids and walk or run along the Myall Creek, day and night. On Saturdays, meet at the Jimbour Street parklands for weekly parkrun.
Bell Biblical Garden
Uncover locally made artworks depicting scenes from the bible at this unique tourist hot-spot. While you’re in town, duck into the Bell Bunya Community Centre for freshlymade scones with rosella jam.
Pioneer Park Museum
Walk through and experience times of old with vintage machinery, authentic colonial buildings and even a working blacksmith shop on display. Mark your calendar for the annual Field Day held on the fourth weekend in May.
Welcome to
Experience Dalby: our small town has a big heart. With plenty to do, including cultural activities, active sporting clubs and groups, and the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, there’s fun activities for the whole family.
Learn
Education for all ages is a priority in the Western Downs. There are 33 schools and 25 regulated childhood education and childcare services in the region. Our libraries also offer online education programs.
Connect
Dalby Area Historical Motorcycle Club of QLD
Dalby Australian Football Club Inc
Dalby Bowls Club
25th / 49th Royal
Queensland Regiment (Cadets)
Bunya Mts & District AmCom Inc.
Condamine River Poultry Club
Dalby & District Rugby
Union Football Club
Dalby Amateur Picnic Races Club Inc
Dalby and District
Campdraft Club Inc
Dalby and District
Horticultural Society
Dalby and District Pony and Hack Club Inc
Dalby and District
Swimming Club
Dalby and District
Tennis Association
Keen to volunteer?
Dalby Bridge Club
Dalby Country Music Club
Dalby Cricket Assoc
Dalby Croquet Club
Dalby Devils Junior Rugby League
Dalby Diehards Rugby League
Dalby Feather Club
Dalby Football Inc
Dalby Girl Guides
Dalby Golf Club Inc
Dalby Gun Club
Dalby Indoor Bowls Club
Dalby Kart Club Inc
Dalby Model Aero Club
Dalby Motocross Club
Dalby Netball Assoc.
Dalby North Bowls Club
Dalby PCYC
Dalby Players Little Theatre Inc
Dalby Quilters
Dalby Singers
Community Choir
Dalby Squash Centre
Social Club
Dalby Toastmasters
Dalby Touch Association
Dalby Yumborra Scout Group
Kaimkillenbun Indoor Bowls Club
Karate 4 Kids Dalby
Restored Vehicle Association
Southern Star Academy of Dance
U3A Dalby
Waminda Services
Western Downs Winds
Visit www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/community-recreation/volunteering
Welcome to
Enjoy a warm connection and immerse yourself in Dalby, where a wide variety of community and cultural groups— from the arts to social gatherings and volunteering—await you.
Community Groups
Apex Club of Dalby
Bell Recreation
Reserve Committee
Bell RSL Sub Branch
Bell Show Society Inc
Bush Kids
Dalby and District Senior Citizens Inc
Dalby and District Show Society
Dalby Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Dalby Eisteddfod Association Inc
Dalby FilipinoAustralian Community Association
Churches
Dalby Adventist Church
Dalby Baptist Church
Dalby Christian Family Church
Dalby Local Ambulance Committee
Dalby Masonic Lodge
Dalby Mens Shed
Dalby Probus Club
Dalby RSL Sub Branch
Dalby Salvation Army
Dalby Welcoming Community
Darling Downs Branch Australian Stockhorse Society
Helping Hands Outreach Project
Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Qld Ltd
Lions of Dalby Inc
Meals On Wheels Queensland
Myall Youth and Community Network Centre Inc
Regional Arts Council
Dalby Inc
Rotary Club of Dalby
Springvale/Kupunn
QCWA
Western Downs Friends of the Library Assoc Zonta Club Dalby
Dalby Uniting Church
St Marks Lutheran Church Dalby Dalby Christian Outreach Centre
Dalby Church of Christ
Dalby Presbyterian Church
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Dalby
Pioneer Independent
Baptist Church Dalby
Saint Johns Anglican Church Dalby
Saint Josephs Catholic Church Dalby
Bell Presbyterian Church of Queensland
Our Lady Help of Christians Bell
Essential Services
Emergency Medical
Ambulance, Police & Fire
000
State Emergency Service (SES)
132 500
Ergon Energy Faults
132 296
Dalby Ambulance Station 07 4616 1521
Dalby Police Station 07 4669 9222
Dalby Fire Station 07 4662 2333
Bell Police Station 07 4631 6900
Dalby Hospital 07 4669 0555
Dalby Chemist
07 4580 1144
Dalby & District Friendly Society Dispensary
07 4662 5333
Dalby Wholelife Pharmacy & Healthfoods
07 4662 2777
Bell Care Pharmacy
07 4503 3003
Goondir Health Services
07 4679 5900
Myall Medical Practice
Western Downs Health Centre 07 4669 6663
Dalby Family Dental
07 4662 2347
Denture Clinic Dalby 07 4638 7854
Renner Dental 07 4662 5630
John Davies Optometrists 07 4662 3725
Eyecare Eyeware 07 4669 7072
Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology
07 4662 3922
QML Pathology 07 4662 1660
Aged Care Additional Services
BlueCare Dalby Community Care
1300 258 322
Ningana Retirement
Karingal Aged Care
Australia Post 13 13 18
Bell Bunya Community Centre
07 4663 1087
Dalby Library 07 4679 4474
Welcome to
Meet a Newcomer
Shawnee, Owner of Dalby Florist
The friendly face of Dalby Florist - a popular and longstanding business in the Western Downs community - Shawnee moved with her family from North Queensland to Dalby seven years ago. Leading a ‘purposeful, adventurous, wholesome and happy’ lifestyle, she is a proud advocate for the town and the people in it.
Below are Shawnee’s insider tips for living in Dalby.
There are so many wonderful things about Dalby...
the beautiful countryside and sunsets, local sporting competitions and country race days, but undoubtedly the best part is its people. They’re hard-working, kind-hearted, and always welcoming. They foster a strong sense of community and they truly bring the region to life!
I
always talk to my friends about...
how much I love Dalby. Its agriculture, welcoming country people, great range of local shops, restaurants and cafes, excellent venues and events, and so much more.
The level of development and growth...
has surprised me. There are many new businesses, facilities and events in the region, and I’ve met lots of people who’ve made the move from the city to the Western Downs to enjoy a more relaxed and wholesome lifestyle.
We regularly enjoy...
water skiing at Lake Broadwater, but I am yet to explore more of that lovely Conservation Park area.
My favourite time of year...
is Spring - I’m a florist, of course! Lovely weather, gorgeous flowers blooming and lots of beautiful weddings in the countryside. I look forward to trying...
the new menu items our cafes and restaurants regularly come up with. I’m a bit of a foodie and I love how our region’s chefs use local produce to create delicious new combinations.
A local taught me...
to always pack a pair of flats when attending a country race day, because you’ll need them for all of the dancing after the sun goes down!
Dalby Customer Service Centre
30 Marble St, Dalby QLD 4405 1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 624) www.wdrc.qld.gov.au info@wdrc.qld.gov.au
Visitor Information Centre
Drayton St (in Thomas Jack Park), Dalby QLD 4405 07 4679 4461
www.westerndownsqueensland.com.au tourism@wdrc.qld.gov.au
Dalby Chamber of Commerce & Industry
P.O Box 663
Dalby QLD 4405 07 4662 4050
www.dalbychamber.com.au admin@dalbychamber.com.au
Want to know more about who’s who and what’s happening in your town?
www.mycommunitydirectory.com.au/ Queensland/Western_Downs
Welcome to
Acknowledgements
With thanks to Shell’ s QGC Business
With a third of our staff and contractors calling the Western Downs home, we know the region is a fantastic place to live, work and raise a family.
We want more of our employees living locally and we know the Western Downs has so much to offer. We are proud to support the production of these welcome guides for people moving to the area.
Relocating anywhere new is often daunting, with many factors unknown. With information on key resources such as schools, services, businesses and community groups easily accessible in these packs, we’re confident the transition for individuals and families will be made easier.
And by showcasing the unique character of what brings the towns ‘alive’ we are confident your new life in the Western Downs will be exciting.
This guide was funded by Shell’s QGC Business and produced by Western Downs Regional Council. Information is current as at 1 January 2025. With thanks to Susan Jacobs Photography, Zac and Shawnee.
Notes
