CUTE COUNTRY CHARMERS

In between the major centres of the Western Downs, smaller towns beg to be discovered.

Swap the main arterials for smaller sealed country roads to discover these cute country charmers of the Western Downs. “Our goal is to highlight the history of our town, and to create a better environment for people living here and people travelling through.”

Anne Wunsch

Warra

The towns of the Western Downs don’t get much older than Warra which was settled in the 1840s.

The history of the railway through the region is best told in Warra, whose restored railway station in the centre of town is the perfect spot for a cuppa and picnic while passing through.

While there, explore the Haystack School Building in the Warra Park, which celebrates the many small one teacher schools in the district.

If you’re thinking of staying and playing a while, local produce can be purchased at the Warra markets held on the second Sunday of the month.

For your early Australian explorer fix, visit Lytton Street, where you’ll find the campsite of Ludwig Leichhardt and his party, which they passed through on 4 October 1844.

Time your visit for July if you can when the town of 200 people swells to 700 for the Warra Country Race Club meet.

Kogan

There’s plenty of reasons to pay a visit to Kogan, and the legendary artist Hugh Sawrey who grew up here is just one of them.

You’ll also find a bronze sculpture of two men playing cards, which captures the essence of friendship in the bush with Kogan publican Darkie Dwyer. “It’s the art and culture displayed throughout town that brings both the locals and visitors together. A town proud of its history.”

Sue Mantell

If the walking around and exploring has got you thirsty, the Kogan Hotel has you covered for icecold beers and a bite to eat.

The Leichhardt Highway & Cute Country Charmers

Follow the interpretive panels located at the start of the town walk which tell the story of Kogan.