Experience Miles
Welcome
From the Community...
Miles & District Chamber of Commerce
Welcome to our beautiful and diverse district!
Miles and the surrounding towns have a strong agricultural history and support extensive grain and grazing industries and a large intensive feedlot sector and some irrigated crops. In more recent years the energy and renewable sectors having a large and growing
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
presence in the area. This provides for job security and diversity, and many entrepreneurial opportunities.
Education, sport, and the creative arts are strongly supported and are thriving in our part of the region. Be sure not to miss two of our treasured jewels – the Miles Historical Village and the Dogwood Crossing Centre.
Enjoy your time in the bush!
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.
Situated along Dogwood Creek, with bottle tree-lined streets, Miles sits on the intersection of the Warrego and Leichhardt Highways, 330km northwest of Brisbane. It’s a picturesque town with a lot to do.
Stop by the Miles Historical Village and you’ll understand the town’s proud pioneering heritage, as you take a step back in time walking through streetscapes recreated from the 1920s.
The same pioneering spirit is evident today at Dogwood Crossing, where there’s a strong focus on arts and culture with regular art exhibitions on display.
Including the townships Condamine, Drillham and Dulacca in its district, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities to explore, from camping and fishing to watersports.
This culturally rich town and active community offers all essential services from arts and culture, education, medical facilities and sporting clubs.
Downs
Four reasons to call the Western
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.
Brisbane
Chinchilla
Dalby
Gold Coast
Goondiwindi
Jandowae
Roma
Tara
Taroom
Toowoomba
Wandoan
Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport
Events
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 Miles district...
Women’s Wellness Day Pink Up Your Town
Miles Memorial Trail Ride
Meet a Local Brenton,
Owner of BASO Constructions
Brenton, his wife Kate, and their three children are proud Condamine locals and familiar faces in this tight-knit community. After moving to the area 14 years ago to be closer to family, Brenton, who owns and operates a construction company from Condamine, is an active volunteer at Condamine State School and a coach at the mighty Miles Devils Junior Rugby League Club.
Below are Brenton’s insider tips for living in Condamine.
The sense of community...
our friendships, and the support of a great school where our kids can comfortably be themselves has kept us in the Western Downs.
As a family...
we have a very outdoor lifestyle. We love the open spaces and the country lifestyle that is still close enough to the comforts of the city.
Our favourite thing about Condamine...
is the friendly and supportive nature of our friends and their families. I always love running into friendly faces.
Since I’ve been here...
there is a lot more agricultural, mining and gas activity that has bought new families into the town, school and sporting teams.
If I want to get out of the house for the day...
we head out to the lagoon with friends for a swim or a BBQ, go fishing in the Condamine River, support our local sporting teams or go to family owned farms where there’s always something to do.
My favourite time of year...
is when the river is clean and the fish are biting!
We love the open spaces and the country lifestyle that is still close enough to the comforts of the city.
Eat
The Western Downs is one of Australia’s largest primary producers, providing residents with an opportunity to explore our plentiful local produce. Here’s a taste of what the Miles district has to offer...
Bullocky’s Rest 5 Wambo St, Condamine 0418 961 929
Condamine Hotel 1 Wambo St, Condamine 07 4627 7219
Hotel Australia Miles 55 Murilla St, Miles 07 4627 1106
Mace’s Hot Bread Miles 3 Pine St, Miles 07 4627 1592
Miles Bowls Club 2/4 Eleanor St, Miles 0433 186 436
The Creek Café Miles 49 Murilla St, Miles 07 4627 2797
The Q Hotel Miles 31 Murilla St, Miles 07 4627 1152
Windsor Hotel Miles
The Dulacca Hotel (The Pink Pub)
39 Murilla St, Miles 07 4627 1159
Lot 4 Glynn Ave, Dulacca 07 4627 6101
Chaplain Butchery (inside IGA)
Miles Foodworks
Miles IGA
110 Murilla St, Miles 07 4627 1028
37 Murilla St, Miles 07 4627 1178
112 Murilla St, Miles 07 4627 1521
T&J Butchery Miles 24 Murilla St, Miles 07 4627 2193
Condamine Roadhouse 16 Wambo St, Condamine 07 4627 7106
Play
Gil Weir
A short 5 kilometres from Miles on the Dogwood Creek is Gil Weir. A local favourite for fishing and water sports, you’ll also find rare pink waterlilies during summer and early autumn.
Possum Park
Once a Second World War ammunition dump, sleep in an underground bunker and enjoy early morning birdwatching at this unique holiday destination.
Miles Historical Village
Walk through the open-air museum and learn about the district’s strong pioneering history with 30 replica shopfronts from the 1920s.
Miles Parkrun
Held every Saturday from 7am at Moraby Park, get active and meet new friends.
Dogwood Crossing Art Gallery
The gallery holds regular local and touring art exhibitions, as well as school holiday activities for children.
Welcome to
Experience Miles: our small town has a big heart. With plenty to do, including cultural experiences, 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.
Murilla Long Day Care & Kindergarten
Centre
Children 0 to 12 years
Operates 6am to 6pm, Monday to Friday
Murilla Kindergarten Association Inc
Children 3.5 years to 4.5 years
Operates 8.30am to 2.30pm, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Condamine State Primary School
Prep to Year 6
Drillham State School
Prep to Year 6
Dulacca State School
Prep to Year 6
Miles State School
Prep to Year 6
Miles State High School
Junior School: Year 7 to Year 10
Senior School: Year 10 to Year 12
Welcome to
131 - 133 Murilla St, Miles QLD 4415 07 4627 2108 mccm.org.au/long-day-care
86 Marian St, Miles QLD 4415 0492 022 504 candk.asn.au/centre/murillakindergarten-assn-inc
5 Kennedy St, Condamine QLD 4416 07 4627 7147 condaminess.eq.edu.au
13 Jardine St, Drillham QLD 4424 07 4627 6289 drillhamss.eq.edu.au
North Rd, Dulacca QLD 4425 07 4627 6155 dulaccass.eq.edu.au
Constance St, Miles QLD 4415 07 4628 0333 milesss.eq.edu.au
Pine St, Miles QLD 4415 07 4628 5111 milesshs.eq.edu.au
Connect
Condamine-Arubial QCWA
Condamine State School P&C Association Community Groups
Drillham Hall and Recreation Committee Inc
Drillham State School P&C Association
Dulacca State School P&C
Friends of Carinya Inc
Grosmont State School P&C Association
Guluguba State School P&C Association
Miles & District Chamber of Commerce
Miles & District Hospital Auxiliary
Miles & District Show Society Inc
Miles Ambulance Committee
Miles Back to the Bush Festival Committee
Miles Driver Reviver
Miles Historical Village Museum
Miles Local Chaplaincy Committee
Miles Meals on Wheels
Miles QCWA
Miles R.S.L Sub-branch
Miles Regional Arts Council
Miles Senior Citizens Association
Miles State High School P & C Association
Miles State School P & C Association
Murilla Community Centre
Murilla Garden Club
Murilla Landcare Group
Queensland Country Fishing (Miles)
Rural Fire Service South
Western Region
Keen to volunteer?
Visit www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/community-recreation/volunteering
Welcome to
Enjoy a warm connection and immerse yourself in Miles, where a wide variety of community and cultural groups— from the arts to social gatherings and volunteering—await you
Activities & Sporting Clubs
Condamine Cods Rugby Club
Condamine Gun Club Inc
Condamine Bell Campdraft
Dogwood Motor and Auto Group
Dulacca Needles and Patches
Dulacca Sports Club
Miles & District Amateur Picnic Race Club Inc
Miles & District Amateur Swimming Club Inc
Miles & District Football Club Inc
Miles & District Junior Netball Club
Miles & District Netball Association Inc
Miles Bowls Club
Churches
Miles Presbyterian Church
Holy Cross Catholic Church
St Luke’s Anglican Church
Redeemer Lutheran Church
Crossroads Christian Outreach Centre
Miles Jehovah’s Witnesses
Miles Cricket Club
Miles Devils Junior & Senior Rugby League
Miles Golf Club Inc
Miles Horse & Pony Club Inc
Miles Memorial Trail Ride
Miles Parkrun
Miles Tennis Club Inc
Miles Touch Football Club
Murilla Garden Club
Saints Weightlifting Club
Essential Services
Medical
Ambulance, Police & Fire
000
Miles Fire Station
07 4596 9400
Miles Police Station 07 4622 9797
State Emergency Service (SES)
132 500 Emergency
Ergon Energy Faults
132 296
Aged Care
Southern Cross Care Miles - Carinya 07 4628 5395
Miles Milton House 07 4628 5600
Murilla Respite Service 07 4627 2027
Miles Medical Centre
07 4627 1388
Miles Pharmacy
07 4627 1522
Miles Hospital 07 4628 5600
Additional Services
Australia Post 13 13 18
Murilla Community Centre 07 4627 2027
Dogwood Crossing, Miles (Art Gallery and Library) 07 4628 5330
Miles still upholds its historical charm, cultural richness, natural beauty & offers plenty of opportunity which is what has kept us here for all this time.
Meet a Local Steph, Finance Broker at Homestead Agribusiness
When Steph first met her husband Kurt over 17 years ago, the pair had only planned to stay in Miles for a few years — but naturally, they fell in love with the people, opportunities and family values a rural lifestyle brings. Outside of their businesses (with Steph opening a new office on Murilla Street, and Kurt juggling multiple roles) you can find them volunteering for community groups, at local events, or just spending time with friends and family.
Below are Steph’s insider tips for living in Miles.
I’d describe Miles as...
a laid back, relaxed community where everyone is so helpful. The town wouldn’t be what it is without the input from the community to keep local organisations and businesses thriving.
There’s so much to explore...
when friends and family come to visit. We love eating at the Windsor – it’s our favourite pub and you can always count on a great meal. The Historical Village Museum is a real highlight, featuring authentic structures from the 19th and 20th centuries that offer visitors a glimpse into the town’s pioneering past. Another favourite is Dogwood Creek, which offers picturesque natural settings and is great for nature walks and scenic views. We also love attending the Back to the Bush Festival, where the whole town comes together to celebrate with music, food, and a true taste of country life.
If
we want to get out of the house for the day...
we like to take our children bike riding, helping on the farm, scooter rides, eating out at the local pubs, visiting the local weir, visiting friends, going to the local parks, getting a coffee from the café or having morning tea at Mace’s Hot Bread Miles. Only locals know that the best pies and bread are from Mace’s and no other bakery compares!
Miles provides a multitude of opportunity...
for anyone willing to bring services to the area. With the town’s community so closeknit, Miles offers a peaceful rural lifestyle with a strong focus on family values and community events.
Dogwood Crossing 81 Murilla St, Miles QLD 4415 1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 624) www.wdrc.qld.gov.au info@wdrc.qld.gov.au
Miles Historical Village & Museum 141 Murilla St, Miles QLD 4415 07 4678 7804
www.westerndownsqueensland.com.au tourism@wdrc.qld.gov.au
www.facebook.com/mileschamberofcommerce
www.mycommunitydirectory.com.au/
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 Rachel Osborne Photography, and the O’Brien and Logan families.
Notes
