Experience Wandoan
Welcome
From the Community...
Wandoan Community Commerce and Industry
Wandoan Community Commerce & Industry welcomes you to the serene town of Wandoan.
Wandoan is a small town in this big country, but we don’t let that stop us living big lives.
The town hosts a number of events and community groups to cater for every interest.
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
Our town is abundant with natural resources and our region leads the change in harnessing them.
With fresh air and a friendly neighbourhood, Wandoan is a fantastic location for an escape.
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.
Located on the Leichhardt Highway, Wandoan is 69km north-west of Miles. On your travels, you will pass through the community of Guluguba.
Set on a backdrop of towering grain silos and prime farming land, the town is the perfect place to call home, balancing country charm with modern amenities. Within the Wandoan business area, you’ll find a number of community facilities, including the Wandoan Cultural Centre which houses a library and several function rooms.
In addition to a long-established history in wheat and cattle farming, thanks to the fertile Brigalow country soil, the coal and gas industries have also secured their footprint locally.
If you’re looking for somewhere to explore the outdoors, Wandoan has plenty of activities on the annual events calendar and peaceful spots for a relaxing picnic.
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
Welcome to
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.
Wandoan to...
Brisbane
Chinchilla
Dalby
Gold Coast
Goondiwindi
Jandowae
Miles
Roma
Sunshine Coast
Tara
Taroom
Toowoomba
Brisbane Airport
Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport
Events
Jan Australia Day
Chinchilla Melon Festival
Apr
May
Anzac Day
Wandoan Polocrosse Carnival
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 Wandoan district...
Mar
Miles Memorial Trail Ride
Lindsay Williams Shield
Miles Show
Sep
Wandoan Under the Stars
Wandoan Campdraft
Feb
Wandoan Show and Wandoan Photo Competition
Miles Back to the Bush Festival
Oct
Nov Dec
Wandoan Rodeo
Meet a Local Karen, Centre Services
Officer at Wandoan Cultural Centre
Karen has proudly called Wandoan home for the past 29 years. Moving after marrying her husband, Karen jumped head first into local organisations as a way to connect and meet new people — and to this day, her welcoming spirit and commitment to the community means she’s a pillar of this tight-knit town. She says the ‘sense of community and opportunities to give back’ make Wandoan a truly special place to live.
Below are Karen’s insider tips for living in Wandoan.
One of the things I love most about Wandoan...
is the ability to walk up the street, attend local functions, and feel a deep sense of connection by knowing most of the people. The Wandoan community takes great pride in the events it hosts, and there’s a unique sense of unity and enthusiasm that brings everyone together. Whether it’s a fundraiser, a celebration, or a social gathering, the community spirit shines through, making each event truly special.
I cherish...
the close-knit bonds I’ve formed with friends through community involvement, whether it’s volunteering, attending local events, or participating in organisations. I enjoy the quiet beauty of country life, with its wideopen spaces and a pace that allows time for meaningful relationships and personal growth and appreciating the little things that make rural living so rewarding.
When friends visit...
it’s usually around a special event or social occasion, which makes it even more enjoyable. A favourite spot to take them is the local pub for a hearty meal, where we can relax, catch up, and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere that Wandoan is known for.
Only locals know...
the best places to enjoy the simple pleasures of life in Wandoan: like the quiet spots to watch a stunning sunset and the small-town traditions that make this place feel like home.
For anyone new...
my advice is to get involved in the community. There are plenty of organisations actively looking for volunteers, and it’s one of the best ways to connect with others, build friendships, and truly feel a part of this welcoming town.
My lifestyle revolves around the simple joys and strong community connections that come with living in a rural area.
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 Wandoan district has to offer...
Welcome to
BP Wandoan Truck Stop Zupps Rd, Wandoan 07 4627 4233
Bushlander Motel 17 Henderson Rd, Wandoan 07 4627 5500
Cafe 4419 35 Royd St, Wandoan 0473 203 361
Juandah Hotel Motel Lawton St, Wandoan 07 4627 4155
The Park Bistro 53 Royd St, Wandoan 07 4627 5222
FoodWorks 31 Royd St, Wandoan 07 4627 4440
Play
Juandah Historical Museum
Trace the town’s early European origin back to Ludwig Leichhardt’s journey at Juandah Station. Original pioneering buildings are still standing.
Silo Art Trail
Parkrun
Held every Saturday from 7am at Waterloo Plains, get active and meet new friends.
Waterloo Plains
Environmental Park
Enjoy a picnic, pitch a tent or enjoy an overnight stay in your caravan at this 11 hectare recreational space which also has an abundance of birdlife. Snap a picture of the impressive painted water tank during the day and illuminated silos at night, both a part of the Australian Silo Art Trail.
Mick the Cattle Dog
Wandoan’s local hero, Mick the cattle dog sits proudly in O’Sullivan Park. This family-friendly recreation space is also home to the Visitor Information Centre
Wandoan Soldier Settlers Avenue of Honour
Discover and celebrate each of the 103 families who established Wandoan through the Soldier Settlers Scheme of the 1950’s at this peaceful memorial walk.
Welcome to
Experience Wandoan: 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.
Wandoan & District Kindergarten
Children 3–5 years
19 Waterloo St, Wandoan QLD 4419 07 4627 4102 candk.asn.au/wandoan
Guluguba State School
Prep to Year 6
Fosters Rd, Guluguba QLD 4418 07 4628 2141 gulugubass.eq.edu.au
Wandoan State School
Prep to Year 10
49 North St, Wandoan QLD 4419 07 4628 8888 wandoanss.eq.edu.au
Connect
Apex Australia
Juandah Heritage Society
Lions Club
Wandoan Ambulance Committee
Wandoan Arts Council
Wandoan Campdraft Association
Wandoan Community Commerce and Industry
Wandoan Creative Sewers Community Groups
Wandoan Diggers Race Club
Wandoan Health Auxiliary
Wandoan Housing Association
Wandoan RSL
Wandoan Rodeo Association
Wandoan Senior Citizens
Wandoan Showgrounds Improvement Committee
Wandoan Show Society
Keen to volunteer?
Visit www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/community-recreation/volunteering
Welcome to
Enjoy a warm connection and immerse yourself in Wandoan, where a wide variety of community and cultural groups—from the arts to social gatherings and volunteering—await you.
Activities & Sporting Clubs
Wandoan Amateur Swimming Club
Wandoan Bowls Club Inc
Wandoan Diggers Race Club
Wandoan and District Pony Club
Wandoan Gymnastics Club
Wandoan Gun Club
Churches
Wandoan Presbyterian Church
St Joseph’s Catholic Church
Wandoan Assembly of God Church
St Margaret’s Anglican Church
Wandoan Junior Rugby League Football Club Inc
Wandoan Polocrosse Club
Wandoan/Taroom Active Riders
Wandoan Tennis Club
Wandoan Touch Association
Waterloo Plains Parkrun
Welcome to
Essential Services
Emergency Medical
Ambulance, Police & Fire
000
Wandoan Police Station 07 4631 6919
State Emergency Service (SES)
Ergon Energy Faults
Wandoan Primary Health Care Centre/ Outpatients Clinic 07 4627 4444
The Wandoan Pharmacy 07 4627 4191
Miles Hospital 07 4628 5600
Miles Medical Centre 07 4627 1388
Taroom Hospital 07 4628 9900
Aged Care Additional Services
Australia Post 07 4627 4170
Wandoan Library 07 4558 3045
QGAP 07 4627 4170
Juandah Gardens Aged Persons Complex 4627 4475
Southern Cross Care Miles - Carinya 07 4628 5395
Milton House (Miles) 07 4628 5600
Murilla Respite Services (Miles) 07 4627 2027
In this town, everyone looks out for each other... since opening the cafe, I’ve been so welcomed and shown unwavering support.
Welcome to
Meet a Newcomer
Vanessa, Owner of Cafe 4419
Vanessa, and her daughter Frankie, have lived in Wandoan for three years. After initially visiting family in the area, they fell in love with the community and decided to make the move to call the town home. Now the owner of local hotspot Cafe 4419, expect to see Vanessa’s warm smile during your daily caffeine run or onsite at the many local community events with her coffee trailer.
Below are Vanessa’s insider tips for living in Wandoan.
My favourite thing about Wandoan...
is the incredible sense of community. In this town, everyone looks out for each other and comes together to uplift one another. Since opening the cafe, I’ve been so welcomed and shown unwavering support.
We both appreciate being involved in small-town life...
and the opportunities that brings. Frankie goes to school and is involved in local sports — she’s excelled at gymnastics thanks to the great teaching staff. With me owning the cafe, I get to meet and chat with all of the locals and travellers passing through. What’s not to love!
The
first person I met...
in Wandoan was Hope, who is now my good friend. I came for Taroom Ladies Day a few years ago and was introduced to Hope. It’s safe to say we kicked things off (literally!) — we both ended up in a ladies kick competition and got along so well. She left a lasting impression on me, and is typical of the kind of people that are in this community.
My favourite time of year is...
autumn. The temperature is just right, and flowers are in bloom. Being at the cafe at 4am, with fairy lights twinkling in the towering tree next to the building — it really just feels magical.
Wandoan Customer Service Centre
6 Henderson Rd, Wandoan QLD 4419
1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 624) www.wdrc.qld.gov.au info@wdrc.qld.gov.au
O’Sullivan Park, Zupp Rd Wandoan QLD 4419
07 4627 5227
www.westerndownsqueensland.com.au tourism@wdrc.qld.gov.au
Wandoan Community Commerce and Industry
32 Royd St, Wandoan QLD 4419
www.wandoansurfclub.com.au wandoansurfclub@bigpond.com w.c.c.i@outlook.com
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 Rachel Osborne Photography, Karen, Vanessa and Frankie.
Notes
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