TASTE Jandowae

Welcome to the Western Downs

Jandowae is a small rural town

surrounded by rich alluvial soil and some of Queensland’s richest and most productive agricultural land. Wheat, barley, sorghum, oats, millet, sunflower, safflower, and linseed crops are all grown in this area. Dairy and beef cattle studs are also in the district.

Did you know the Western Downs is home to the longest structure in the world? Erected in 1948 to protect local sheep flocks, the original Dingo Barrier Fence stretched for more than 5,600 kilometres and has its northern end near Jandowae. Stop by to see the replica fence and grab a snap with the two-metre-high dingo statue, created by Scottish artist Andy Scott.

A visit to the town is not complete without a stop at Athlone Cottage. Situated on the banks of the Jandowae Creek, this original slab hut once had an ant bed dirt floor. Filled with pioneering memorabilia from the district and surrounded by landscaped gardens, allow enough time to explore both inside and outside of this heritage building.

NELSON FAMILY MEATS

Set in the heart of Jandowae is family owned and operated, Nelson Family Meats. A butcher shop with its own processing plant, this business is truly paddock to plate.

Keep an eye out for the 5CN brand which is their own label of beef and lamb – owners breed it, feed it, process it and sell it all from their butcher shop. You can be assured of an authentic paddock to plate experience here, with the family slogan being ‘it doesn’t leave our hands until it’s in yours’.

Their award-winning sausages are made from their own secret recipe and have taken out the Outback Region Continental Sausages King title four times over. Produce from the butcher is a staple on the menus of local establishments such as the Exchange Hotel Jandowae and Darr Creek Oasis, as well as being available for purchase at the Jandowae Spar.

EXCHANGE HOTEL

As locals call it, the ‘Middle Pub’ in Jandowae is where you can find wholesome pub meals using locally sourced, fresh produce. You will find two stand out crowd pleasers on their menu, both using meat direct from local butcher Nelson Family Meats – the Jandowae Parmy and Nelson’s Crumbed Steak! This pub has a great local feel and is perfect for those looking for some quintessential pub fare.

Herbs used to flavour their meals are grown locally in Jandowae, as well as fruit such as lemons.

» TRY: Nelson’s Crumbed Steak.

WANDOAN

DULACCA MILES

CONDAMINE

TARA CHINCHILLA

JANDOWAE

BUNYA MOUNTAINS BELL DALBY

BRISBANE → 258km 2hr 59mins

HISTORY: The town’s name reputedly derives from a Barunggam word meaning ‘waterhole’. It was first used by Europeans in a petition to the Secretary of Lands in 1862. It is said that, later, a man named John Dowaie established a rest area for travellers called John Dowaie Camp.