Welcome
From the Community...
Tara Futures Group
Our town offers a well-rounded, vibrant community! Having great schools, health services, recreational parks, and retail options makes it an attractive place to live. It shows a commitment to both quality of life and convenience.
Our calendar offers a wide range of community events designed to bring people together, from fun
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
outdoor activities to engaging cultural celebrations, and everything in between. Whether you’re interested in arts, fitness, or family-friendly gatherings, we have something for everyone!
Tara offers a unique lifestyle that blends the best of both worlds by combining modern conveniences with the charm and benefits of rural living. Tara is a friendly community where individuals can feel welcome, supported, and valued.
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.
In the south-west pocket of the Western Downs, an hour drive from Dalby and Chinchilla, the Tara district extends to Flinton, Glenmorgan, Hannaford, Meandarra, Moonie, The Gums and Westmar.
Tara has a rich history in cattle grazing and sheep shearing, with annual events that see the town swell from 2,000 to over 16,000 people. From the Tara Festival of Culture and Camel Races to the Sheepdog Trials, visitors from far and wide flock to Tara for a weekend of true country hospitality.
The wide main street of Tara features beautiful gardens, a leafy-green park and an interesting array of retail shopping and cafes. The town is home to a popular FoodWorks store with a well-stocked delicatessen, perfect for all your daily conveniences.
Put simply, Tara offers everything you need for a quaint rural town.
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.
Tara to...
Brisbane
Chinchilla
Dalby
Gold Coast
Goondiwindi
Jandowae
Miles
Roma
Sunshine Coast
Taroom
Toowoomba
Wandoan
Brisbane Airport
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 Tara district...
Tara Sports
Shears
Glenmorgan
Snake Gully Campdraft
Glenmorgan Trail Ride
Tara RSL Commemoration
Service
Tara Races
Pink Ribbon Day
Tara Polocrosse Carnival
Moonie Yabbie Races
Hannaford Community Campdraft
Meet a Local Scott,
Owner of Nice & Icy Air Conditioning
Originally from Tamborine Mountain, Scott met Tara-born Sharnee and decided to make the move west in 2023. Initially drawn by the affordable living and housing market, Scott started his own small business and soon fell in love with Tara’s vibrant sense of community. His ‘work hard, ‘play hard’ attitude means when he’s not on the tools, you’ll often find the pair at a local event or simply exploring what the region has to offer.
Below are Scott’s insider tips for living in Tara.
Since I’ve been in Tara...
the town is the greenest I’ve ever seen. With plenty of rain it’s great to see so much green grass.
I would describe my lifestyle in Tara as...
flexible, enjoyable and rewarding. There’s a terrific sense of community, great work opportunities, and the affordable living means more trips away!
I always look forward to...
taking the truck and caravan on a road trip.
When friends and family come to visit...
the Meandarra ANZAC Memorial Museum is fantastic. You can’t go past a pub meal at Condamine, or Lake Broadwater either.
If
I want to get out of the house for the day...
Sharnee and I will take a walk around the Tara Lagoon. It’s a great spot for camping, fishing, or just enjoying the view. The sunset at Meandarra Creek is very beautiful too, or we’ll head to the Bunya Mountains for a hike.
My favourite time of year...
is Autumn. It’s my time to cool off. Summer is the hottest and busiest time of year for me.
Every two years...
the Tara Festival gets bigger and bigger. I never thought there would be a traffic jam in this town but the line gets longer and longer every time.
Only locals know...
how to back a winner in a Tara yabbie race.
We’re more social than we’ve ever been. There’s more to do out here than what you might think.
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 Tara district has to offer...
Tara Café 2/25 Day St, Tara 07 4665 3152
Tara Hotel 35 Day St, Tara 07 4665 3214
Tara Bowls Club 1 Fry St, Tara 07 4665 3329
Sara Street Café Sara St, Meandarra 07 4665 6121
Meandarra Royal Hotel 3 Sara St, Meandarra 07 4665 6183
Moonie Crossroads Hotel Cnr Leichhardt & Moonie Hwy, Moonie 07 4665 0200
Glenmorgan Bottle Tree Inn Cnr Godfrey & Lorna St, Glenmorgan 07 4665 6727
Westmar Roadhouse Moonie Hwy, Westmar 07 4663 0751
FoodWorks 22 Milne Street, Tara 07 4665 3188
Public Art Play
Tara Lagoon Parklands
Enjoy a BBQ or picnic at the Tara Lagoon Parklands, and check out the Walk of Remembrance Gardens and nearby Settlers Park.
Myall Park Botanic Gardens
One hour west of Tara you will find the Myall Park Botanic Garden near Glenmorgan, famous for the ‘Robyn Gordon’ grevillea. Enjoy the gardens, camping ground, accommodation, cafe and art gallery.
The How Ya Goin? mural by Western Downs artists Regina Hyland is a playful reminder to check in on your mates — as well as the perfect selfie spot!
Meandarra ANZAC Memorial Museum
Take a history tour at the Meandarra ANZAC Memorial Museum with the comprehensive display of military memorabilia from all three Armed Services: Navy, Army and Air Force. Learn about the battles our local war veterans fought, while you cast your eyes over the collection, which includes a Canberra Bomber, a Grant Tank and a Water Buffalo tank.
Welcome to
Experience Tara: 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.
C&K Childcare
Children 6 weeks to 5 years (daytime care)
Children 5 years to 12 years (after school care)
Operates 7:30am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday
Glenmorgan State School
Prep to Year 6
Hannaford State School
Prep to Year 6
Meandarra State School
Prep to Year 6
Moonie State School
Kindergarten to Year 6
St Joseph’s
Prep to Year 6
Tara Shire State College
Primary: Prep to Year 6
Junior: Year 7 to Year 9
Senior: Year 10 to Year 12
The Gums State School
Prep to Year 6
Westmar State School
Kindergarten to Year 6
41 Porter St, Tara QLD 4421
07 4665 3376 candk.asn.au/tara
Clive St, Glenmorgan QLD 4423
07 4665 6757 glenmorganss.eq.edu.au
Hannaford Rd, Hannaford QLD 4406
07 4665 9239 hannafordss.eq.edu.au
Sara St, Meandarra QLD 4422
07 4678 533 meandarrass.eq.edu.au
11305 Moonie Hwy, Moonie QLD 4406
07 4665 0133 mooniess.eq.edu.au
3 Fry St, Tara QLD 4421
07 4665 3259 tara.catholic.edu.au
22 Binnie St, Tara QLD 4421
07 4678 7333
tarashiresc.eq.edu.au
11935 Surat Development Rd, The Gums QLD 4406
07 4665 9170 thegumsss.eq.edu.au
18425 Moonie Hwy, Westmar QLD 4422
07 4663 0777 westmarss.eq.edu.au
Connect
Community Groups
50 and Better Program
54 Reasons
Friends of Tarcoola
Glenmorgan Art Group
Glenmorgan CWA
Hannaford Patchwork Club
Hannaford Rose and Geranium Club
Inglestone CWA
Meandarra / Glenmorgan RSL (QLD) Sub Branch
Meandarra Ambulance Committee
Meandarra ANZAC Memorial Museum Committee
Meandarra School of Arts Hall Committee
Meandarra State School P&C
Moonie RTC Volunteers
Moonie State School P&C
Moonie Visual Arts Group
Keen to volunteer?
Myall Park Botanic Garden
St Joseph’s School P&F Association
Tara and District Historical Society
Tara Apex Club
Tara Country Chatters Toastmasters
Tara Craft Association
Tara Crisis Support Association
Tara Decorative Artist & Tara Quilters
Tara Festival Inc
Tara Futures Group
Tara Hospital Auxiliary
Tara Lioness Club
Tara Masonic Club
Tara Meals on Wheels Association
Tara Neighbourhood Centre
Tara RSL (QLD) Sub Branch
Tara Senior Citizens Club
Tara Womens Show Auxiliary
TSSC P&C Association
Westmar State School P&C
Association
Wieambilla South Country Club
Visit www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/community-recreation/volunteering
Welcome to
Enjoy a warm connection and immerse yourself in Tara, where a wide variety of community and cultural groups— from the arts to social gatherings and volunteering—await you.
Activities & Sporting Clubs
Flinton Race Club
Glenmorgan Rodeo & Campdraft Association Inc
Glenmorgan Shooting Club
Hannaford Club Inc
Hannaford Community Campdraft
Hannaford Pony Club
Inglestone Sports Club & Community Centre
Meandarra Bowls Club
Meandarra School Show
Moonie Clay Target Club
Moonie Sports Club Inc
Tara & District Cricket Association
Tara Amateur Swimming Club
Churches
Assemblies of God
Glenmorgan Community Church
Meandarra Assembly of God Church
St Martin’s of Tours
Anglican Church
Tara and District Junior Rugby League
Tara Bowls Club Inc
Tara Fish Restocking Committee
Tara Golf Club Inc
Tara P A & H Show Society Inc
Tara Polocrosse Club Inc
Tara Pony Club Inc
Tara Race Club Inc
Tara Shire Social Netball Club
Tara Social Squash Club
Tara Tennis Club Inc
Tara Touch Football
Tara Working Sheepdog Association
The Gums Sports Club
Westmar Inglestone ICPA
Westmar Pony Club
Westmar Sports Club & Campdraft
St Mary of the Angels
Catholic Church
Tara Community Church
Tara Uniting Church
Essential Services
Emergency Medical
Ambulance, Police & Fire
Ergon Energy Faults
State Emergency Service (SES)
Tara Police Station
Tara Hospital 07 4678 7900
Tara Medical Centre 07 4665 3335
Tara Pharmacy 07 4665 3250
Southern Cross Care
Tarcoola (Tara) 07 4678 7892
Aged Care Additional Services
Tara Home Care
1300 306 442
Meandarra Home Care
1300 306 442
Australia Post 13 13 18
Meandarra Library 07 4665 6147
Tara Library 07 4665 3246
Tara Neighbourhood Centre 07 4665 3508
Tara QGAP 07 4665 3130
Tara is so much more than first meets the eye... just come and spend a minute to slow down and take a breath.
Meet a Newcomer
Katie, Caretaker at Tara Lagoon Parklands
Katie first moved to the Western Downs to family property Four Pegs (near Hannaford) at the turn of the century. Since then, she’s never left the region, and more than 20 years later jumped at the opportunity to return to the Tara district. She describes her new caretaker role as ‘the best job!’, keeping busy maintaining the idyllic spot, welcoming locals and visitors, and finally ditching the gym membership in favour of the great outdoors.
Below are Katie’s insider tips for living in Tara.
Tara is...
not only incredibly welcoming as a community, but is also quite socially busy. In the last six months Tara Lagoon Parklands has been involved in Tara Festival of Culture, the fishing competition, the photos for the high school formal, birthday parties, a wedding and baptism, and more BBQs and picnics than I have been able to keep track of!
I want to explore...
so many places! I haven’t had a chance to visit some of the more tucked away places in the region. You know those spots that are a little more remote and have the feeling of being a million miles away from everywhere.
A local taught me...
not to judge a book by its cover! If someone has the opportunity to do good, they almost always do.
I’ve been surprised...
by the Tara Festival of Culture & Camel Races – I cannot believe what a small core group of around a dozen local volunteers were able to make happen! If you haven’t been to the festival, I highly recommend it! A brilliantly run, fantastic, fun weekend.
I love...
how friendly the community is. No matter where you go, you always get a friendly wave, hello and asked how things are going.
I believe that...
after a few tough years, tourism can help make a difference, and Tara Lagoon Parklands is perfectly placed to do just that! I love being a part of something that can make a meaningful change to my community.
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, Katie, Scott and Sharnee.
Notes
