Southern Queensland Country 2023 Visitors' Guide by Southern Queensland Country

Southern Queensland Country

Contents

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Contents

Welcome

Getting Here

Regional Map & Itineraries

Events

Active Outdoors

Arts, Culture & Heritage

Food & Wine

Savour Tasting Trails

Unique Stays

Pet Friendly

Accomodation

Visitor Centres

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Welcome

Breathe in That Fresh Country Air Discover your ideal spot to unwind, settle in, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere – with endless possibilities to explore and enjoy, you won’t want to leave! Welcome to Southern Queensland Country.

Girraween National Park, Southern Downs & Granite Belt

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Welcome

G r eat B ar

Darwin

Queensland

Australia

Perth

Melbourne

Feel an authentic connection to Mother Nature as you discover a diverse and picturesque landscape of rolling hills, grassy plains, big skies, rainforests, national parks, fields of granite outcrops, as well as unique and rare flora and fauna. Each corner of the region is distinctly different offering the ultimate day trip, weekender, or a little longer for the getout-of-towners, wholesome family getawayers, part time explorers and even the most daring of adventure-seekers. Climbing precariously balancing granite boulders, hiking through UNESCO-listed rainforests, stunning waterfalls, fields of bright yellow sunflowers, award-winning wines, as well as museums full of foundational history and heritage – these are just some of the experiences awaiting you.

Tourism and Events Queensland

This is your ultimate guide to planning your escape to some of Queensland’s most interesting and beautiful countryside. From the Lockyer Valley and Somerset in the east to Goondiwindi in the west; from the Bunya Mountains, south to Stanthorpe with Toowoomba right in the middle and over 120 small quintessential country towns dotted in between bursting with friendly hospitality and tales to tell, this guide is all you need to plan an authentic, bespoke country drive and be inspired on where to stay, what to do as well as where to eat and drink along the way. Take your time to wander its pages and explore the specially curated travel notes and stories to discover the best places to go fishing, camping, art, nature, food, and wine or build bespoke stories to create unforgettable memories. If you think you have seen it all before, each season creates a vastly different experience. Plan your trip around an event ... from cultural to

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country Brisbane

Canberra

Adelaide

Re ef

Sydney

Hobart

quirky we have it all here in Southern Queensland Country. Choose from one of our prepared itineraries or create your own, with helpful tips to make your planning a breeze. With such an abundance of choice, we have included QR Codes on many sections of this guide to help you find out more detailed information on that subject. Be sure to follow and share your stories with us on Facebook and Instagram, as well as **subscribe to our fortnightly newsletter to stay up to date and in the know of the latest experiences waiting to be explored! We look forward to welcoming you in Southern Queensland Country soon.

Connect with us Tag, follow & post your moments with us on social media so you can be featured on our channels and so we can share more of our country with you. instagram @sqcountry #sqcountry FACEBOOK SouthernQueenslandCountry southernqueenslandcountry.com.au INBOX-PRIMARY admin@sqct.com.au phone-square-alt-primary (07) 4632 1988

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Southern Queensland Country

Welcome

Mt Moffatt

We pay our respects to all the traditional custodians of the land, elders past, present and emerging, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders of other communities who may live here. The Toowoomba region acknowledges the Jagera people, who were of the foothills and escarpment, the Giabal people, who were of the Toowoomba area and the Jarowair people, who were of the northern areas towards and including the Bunya Mountains. The Southern Downs and Granite Belt region acknowledges the traditional custodians who connect with country within the Southern Downs Regional Council area. The Goondiwindi region recognises the Bigambul people who are the Traditional Owner group. The Western Downs region acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Western Downs; the Barunggam people to the west of Dalby, the Iman (Yiman) people around the Wandoan area, and the Jarowair people around the Bunya Mountains area. The Lockyer Valley region acknowledges the Traditional Custodians, the Ugarapul and Yuggera people. The Somerset region acknowledges the Traditional Custodians, the Yuggera people. 6

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Welcome

Gummingurru, Toowoomba Region

Carnarvon

Nuga Nuga

Isla Gorge

Lonesome Section Expedition

Precipice Expedition

Iman / Yiman • Wandoan

Wakka Wakka • Kingaroy

• Miles

• Bunya Mountains

Barunggam • Dalby

Jarowair

• Tara

• Crows Nest

Giabal

• Gatton • Toowoomba

Bigambul

Githabul • Warwick

• Goondiwindi

Kambuwal

Brisbane

Jagera/ Yuggera/ Ugarapul Gold Coast

This map is based on information compiled from several different sources, which are listed below. Note that the borders between groups are not meant to be exact and this map is not suitable for native title or other land claims. AIATSIS. 2023 Map of Indigenous Australia. aiatsis.gov.au/explore/map-indigenous-australia National Native Title Tribunal. 2023 nntt.gov.au

• Stanthorpe

Natural Resource Management Regions

• Sundown • Girraween

Queensland - nrmrq.org.au

Kite, S. and Wurm, S., 2004. The Duunidjawu language of the southeast Queensland. p.7.

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Getting Here

Getting Here & Around

Spread over a large swathe of countryside, there are an abundance of ways to discover Southern Queensland Country. Choose your best mode of transport and pack a bag, your next adventure awaits.

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Getting Here

Feeling the pull of country roads, wide open spaces and time to recharge, reconnect and relax? Jump heart first into the call of a country drive with a region that is well connected via highways and road networks including the Cunningham, New England, D’Aguilar, Brisbane Valley and Gore Highways, the Warrego Way, the Leichhardt Way, the Great Inland Way, the Adventure Way and Australia’s Country Way – just to name a few. Beginning just a short one-hour drive from the Brisbane CBD, plan your journey, check out our suggested itineraries featured throughout this guide for the ultimate tyre to tarmac experience through out vast area. If you choose to travel by electric or hybrid cars, we have accommodated for you to with over a dozen charging stations across our region with more regularly being added. To find the most convenient station near you, use your EV charging app. Getting to Southern Queensland Country has never been easier with access to Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, Brisbane Airport, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast airports – now with more routes than ever. For those who are looking to travel via coach, regular services operate to and around the region, linking Brisbane, Toowoomba, Warwick, Stanthorpe and beyond, with connections to air, rail and local buses.

Find tips to help plan your journey here.

Allora, Southern Downs & Granite Belt

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Reference Map

Regional Map

10 10

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Visitor Guide

Reference Map

Southern Queensland Country

Getting Here Rainbow Beach

Tin Can Bay

• Proston Toowoomba to South Burnett,

Wandoan

• Murgon Lake Boondooma

Gympie

• Durong

Jackson

Drillham

Miles

• Columboola

Dulacca

• Bell • Macalister

Surat Glenmorgan

• Tara

Hannaford

The Gums

• Dalby

• Cooyar Lockyer Valley to Toowoomba,

Crows Nest National Park

• Caboolture

• Crows Nest

South Burnett to Condamine, Bunya Mountains National Park • Cecil Plains

• Esk

• Moreton Island

Goondiwindi to Southern Downs, Girraween National Park, Return to Brisbane 6

• Jondaryan

• Toowoomba • Moonie

• Ipswich

• Pittsworth

Brisbane to Lockyer Valley, Glen Rock State Forest

Westmar

• Maroochydore

• Bunya Mountains

• Jimbour

• Condamine

• Nambour

• Nanango

• Maidenwell

• Jandowae

• Noosa Heads

• Eumundi

• Kingaroy

Brisbane

• Maryvale • Gold Coast • Main Range Toobeah

• Warwick

• Inglewood

Talwood • Goondiwindi

• Killarney

Condamine to Goondiwindi, Yelarbon Recreation Grounds

• Stanthorpe • Texas • Moree

• Sundown

• Girraween

6 Day, Self-Drive Tour DAY ONE

DAY TWO

Brisbane to Lockyer Valley, Glen Rock State Forest

Lockyer Valley to Toowoomba, Crows Nest National Park

Once you are on Ipswich Road/A7, take the M2/Warrego Highway exit towards Esk/Toowoomba, and head to the Lockyer Valley [92.4km]. Take the Mount Sylvia Road and then take a slight left onto East Haldon Road to enjoy the panoramic mountain views and country roads to finally reach the Glen Rock State Forest [50km]. Hike the ‘Christies Loop’ walking trail [5km return] to see Glen Rock, the red volcanic outcrop.

Head north towards East Haldon Road and continue on to Mount Sylvia Road for a worthwhile pitstop at Toowoomba's Picnic Point Lookout [73km]. Explore the sweeping views of the surrounding valley and bushland from 700 metres above sea level and tour the parklands and waterfall. Take the Warrego Highway/A2 on to Seventeen Mile Road to explore the surrounding high country and visit Ravensbourne National Park [48km]. Take the Esk Hampton Road/State Route 85 and on to New England Highway/A3 to reach and explore Crows Nest National Park [34km].

approx. 143km / 2hrs 15mins

approx. 126km / 1hr 55mins

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Getting Here

Boondooma Dam

South Burnett

Boondooma Dam, 20ks north of Proston, is a peaceful destination for families, anglers, campers, birdwatchers, and water sports enthusiasts. Escape the stress for a weekend or longer, and choose a caravan, tent, or cabin. Fish to your heart’s content by launching your boat from the maintained ramp. Enjoy a new playground, camp kitchens, hot showers, toilets, and kiosk. Remember to get a fishing permit. Relax and rejuvenate at Boondooma Dam.

40 Bushcamp Rd, Okenden Via Proston QLD 4613

To book visit: lakeboondooma.com.au or call +61 7 4168 9694 Facebook: lakeboondooma

DAY THREE

Toowoomba to South Burnett, Lake Boondooma approx. 201km / 2hrs 30mins

Start the drive on the New England Highway towards the South Burnett region [72km]. Enjoy a bite and a coldie at the historic Maidenwell Pub in the quaint village of Maidenwell. Travel another 3km to Coomba Falls for the natural waterhole surrounded by granite boulders. Once you are on the Chinchilla Wondai Road/State Route 82, take the Mundubbera Durong Road/State Route 75 for the next stop – Lake Boondooma [168km]. Relax waterside by Lake Boondooma and try your luck at fishing from your camp onsite. Look out for kangaroos and wild horses that call this spot home. DAY FOUR

South Burnett to Condamine, Bunya Mountains National Park approx. 132km / 1hr 52mins

Journey south to the Western Downs on the Mundubbera Durong Road/ State Route 75 and then take the Chinchilla Wondai Road/State Route 82 [132km]. Travel through rainforest canopies and ancient bunya pines to reach Bunya Mountains National Park. Soak up the panoramic mountain views from 1,100 m above sea level and follow the walking trails to explore nine different types of rainforest, native wildlife and birdlife. Take the Bunya Highway/State Route 49 through Western Downs and visit Lake Broadwater and Caliguel Lagoon [additional distance to cover – approx. 280km]. Visitor Guide

DAY FIVE

Condamine to Goondiwindi Region, Yelarbon Recreation Grounds approx. 362km / 4hrs

Drive through country fields on Leichhardt Highway/A5 to Goondiwindi [192km]. Grab a bite and check out the town’s art and shops. Walk 400m to the river walk, which follows the 3km riverbank hugging the New South Wales border. Take Kildonan Road (a designated Tourist Drive) to Yelarbon [approx. 55km] to see the silos, visit the museum and machinery yard and discover local history. Stretch your legs at Yelarbon Lagoon [1.2km], then dine at Oasis Hotel. DAY SIX

Goondiwindi Region to Southern Downs & Granite Belt, Girraween National Park, Return to Brisbane approx. 203km / 2hrs 38mins

Travel along Texas Yelarbon Road and Mingoola Road/State Route 89 [113km] to explore Sundown National Park and the breathtaking Red Rock Gorge [experienced 4WD travelers only]. Visit a local vineyard or cellar door to sample your favorite vintage. Continue your journey on Bruxner Highway and New England Highway/A15 to reach Girraween National Park [90km]. Discover balancing boulders, abundant birdlife, and gentle or adventurous bushwalks with grazing kangaroos, waterfalls, and rock pools. Return to Brisbane via New England Highway [additional 253km].

Southern Queensland Country

Getting Here

Eumundi

Kingaroy Nanango

Maidenwell

wae

mbour

Noosa Heads

Sunshine Coast Maroochydore

Bunya Mountains

Gold Coast to Southern Downs

Wander the Southern Downs & Granite Belt to discover award-winning wine, apple orchards, hand-made jams and preserves, farmhouse cheeses, and chocolates. Take in some of the history and hit the hiking trails and national parks to discover a countryside dotted with prehistoric Caboolture granite boulders.

Cooyar

Crows Nest

Plains

Esk

Moreton Island

Toowoomba Ipswich

Pittsworth

Maryvale

Warwick

Main Range

Warwick to Stanthorpe

Brisbane

Gold Coast to Warwick

Gold Coast

Killarney

Stanthorpe

Sundown

Stanthorpe to Gold Coast

Girraween

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Getting Here

Country drive, Southern Downs and Granite Belt Region

DAY ONE

DAY TWO

DAY THREE

Gold Coast to Warwick

Warwick to Stanthorpe

Stanthorpe to Gold Coast

Drive State Route 90 and State Route 93 for 65km to Boonah via Scenic Rim. Have lunch at The Crown Hotel in Maryvale. Drive 31km to Warwick, the Horsepower Capital of Australia. Do a self-guided historic walk and stay at Abbey Boutique Hotel. Catch a race at Morgan Park if possible.

Continue driving on highway 15 to reach Stanthorpe, 60km south of Warwick, stopping at the Big Apple for morning tea at Vincenzo’s café. Detour slightly up the road to Stanthorpe Cheese and stock up on local cheeses. Spend the afternoon visiting Granite Belt’s wineries and stay overnight in Stanthorpe.

Start with a half-day hike through Girraween National Park, 36km south of Stanthorpe. Take the Mount Lindesay Road to drive 89km to Killarney for a pub lunch at Killarney Hotel. Visit Queen Mary Falls and hike the falls trail before heading back to the coast.

approx. 185km / 2hrs 39mins

Visitor Guide

approx. 60km / 43mins

approx. 309km / 4hrs 48mins

Southern Queensland Country

Getting Here

Sunshine Coast to Toowoomba

Queensland’s largest inland city, Toowoomba, seamlessly blends country charm with metro living. Aptly known as the Garden City, you’ll find Toowoomba bursting with vibrant gardens and luscious parklands sitting atop the Great Dividing Range, flanked by the Bunya Mountains National Park, Crows Nest National Park and Ravensbourne National Park. Tin Can Bay

Murgon

Maidenwell

Sunshine Coast to High Country Hamlets

Bunya Mountains

Cooyar

Toowoomba

High Country Hamlets to Toowoomba

Toowoomba to Sunshine Coast

Pittsworth

Crows Nest

approx. 201km / 2hrs 45mins

Take the State Route 85 to depart the Sunshine Coast via Kilcoy. After ascending the Great Dividing Range, make a stop at the Pechey Distilling Co. in Crows Nest, then grab lunch at Harpers Country, also in Crows Nest. Stay at any of the accommodation options in High Country Hamlets micro-region.

High Country Hamlets to Toowoomba

Sunshine Eumundi Coast Nanango

Sunshine Coast to High Country Hamlets

DAY TWO

Gympie

Kingaroy

DAY ONE

approx. 77km / 1hr 5mins

Continue on State Route 85 to enjoy a scenic walk at Ravensbourne National Park before heading to Toowoomba. Check into a hotel in the heart of town and spend 24 hours exploring Toowoomba’s impressive laneway art and the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery, café scene and wine bars before you call it a night.

DAY THREE

Toowoomba to Sunshine Coast

Caboolture

approx. 221km / 2hrs 56mins

Esk

Ipswich

Brisbane

Start your day with sunrise views of the valley from Picnic Point on the escarpment. Enjoy a walk in Queens Park and the Botanic Gardens, followed by a hearty country pub lunch before returning to the coast via Gatton, taking a detour to explore the Queensland Transport Museum before continuing onto Esk.

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Arts, Culture & Heritage

Bunya Mountains National Park

Tree of Knowledge, Barcaldine

Image Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland

Girraween National Park

Fro m Syd n ey, Me l b o u r n e a n d Br i s b a n e to t h e S o u t h e r n Gre a t B a r r i e r Re ef o r t h e Ou t b a c k , t h e j o u r n ey i s a l l a b o u t ta k i n g t h e t i m e to ex p l o re ro a d s l e s s t ra ve l l e d .

driveinland.com.au Visitor Guide

Adventure Way

Southern Queensland Country

Events

2023

Events to Travel For Seek new experiences and discover hero events that define our regions. From the cultural to the quirky, there is an abundance of unique and bespoke ways for you to stay and play. Scan for more events including What’s On this Week across the region

September

November

Big Skies Festival

Stanthorpe Berry Festival

28 September - 2 October Dalby

18 November Stanthorpe

Kilcoy Christmas Cup Races 25 November Kilcoy

Big Skies Festival, Western Downs Region

CelticFest

29 September - 2 October Warwick Immerse yourself in the Southern Down’s rich Scottish and Irish heritage, as well as contemporary Celtic culture across a weekend of festivities.

Lights on the Hill

30 September – 1 October Gatton

October Wandoan Camel Races 7 October Wandoan

Lanescape Street Festival 13 – 15 October Goondiwindi

Kilcoy Christmas Cup Races, Somerset Region

Grazing the Granite Belt 25 – 26 November Stanthorpe

December Christmas Wonderland 2 - 24 December Toowoomba

Dalby Stockhorse Sale 1 - 4 December Dalby

Mort & Co King of the Mountain 27 December – 1 January Toowoomba

International Street Fiesta 28 October Toowoomba

Warwick Rodeo & Gold Cup Campdraft 27 - 31 October Warwick

Warwick Rodeo & Gold Cup Campdraft, Southern Downs

Granite Belt Art and Craft Trail 27 - 29 October Stanthorpe

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Events

2024 February

April

July

September

Goondwindi Picnic Races

Australian Polocrosse National Championships

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

April Goondwindi

Lockyer Valley Heritage Festival

Apple and Grape Festival, Southern Downs & Granite Belt

Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival 23 February - 3 March Stanthorpe

Legends of Beef 24 February Toogoolawah

March Words Out West 8 - 10 March Western Downs

Meatstock Toowoomba 8 - 10 March Toowoomba

22 – 29 July Chinchilla

April Gatton & Laidley

Somerset Rail Trail Classic

May

In its 21st year athletes can run, walk or ride the course along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.

Clydesdale & Heavy Horse Field Days

Jumpers and Jazz in July

4 – 5 May Gatton

Grazing the Granite Belt

July Fernvale

Celebrate the Garden City in all its glory across September, showcasing a bunch of flower, food, wine and cultural events.

18 – 28 July Warwick

18 – 19 May Granite Belt

August

Jimna Rocks

Tara Festival of Culture & Camel Races

May Jimna

13 September – 7 October 2024 Toowoomba

2 – 4 August Tara

June

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, Toowoomba Region

Laidley Spring Festival 6 – 8 September Laidley

See as the Lockyer Valley comes alive for their annual celebration of the colour, flair and delight of Spring.

Elders FarmFest 4 - 6 June Kingsthorpe

Heavy Horse Festival 16 - 17 March Allora

Tara Festival of Culture & Camel Races, Western Downs

ARB Gundy 500 August Goondiwindi

Historic Leyburn Sprints 17 - 18 August Leyburn

Dalby Delicious and Delightful Festival Hell of the West , Goondiwindi Region

Hell of the West 23 - 24 March Goondiwindi

The name says it all! Embark on Queensland’s toughest, oldest and most iconic long course triathlon event along the picturesque Macintyre River.

Visitor Guide

August Dalby

InStudio Art Trail August Crows Nest

Laidley Spring Festival, Lockyer Valley

Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Festival of Cycling September Esk

Rotary Gourmet in Gundy September Goondiwindi

Murphy’s Creek Chilli Carnival September Murphy's Creek

Texas Country Music Festival September Texas

Southern Queensland Country

Active Outdoors

Queens Park, Toowoomba Location Credit

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Active Outdoors

Satisfy your sense of wonder and seek adventure amongst the naturally gifted and largely untouched landscape of Southern Queensland Country. Beginning only a one-hour drive from Brisbane but a world apart in so many ways, discover a pocket of countryside that changes dramatically with the seasons. Days spent wandering ancient forests, nights staring at an ocean of stars, or a week camping beside a sleepy creek will remind you, we never outgrow our fascination with the natural environment, and the outdoors is the best place to connect – with ourselves, the people we love and Mother Nature. Breathe in fresh country air as you explore our captivating outdoors by fishing, four-wheel driving, hiking and camping. Tee up at some of the best golf courses in Queensland and cycle iconic trails - the activities are endless. So, what are you waiting for? Don’t be shy, jump right in!

Discover more outdoor adventures online.

Location Credit

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Active Outdoors

Off the Beaten Track: Exploring our National Parks

Explore nature’s playground boasting precariously balancing granite boulders, lush rainforest-clad mountain peaks, the world’s largest stand of ancient bunya pines, as well as a myriad of waterfalls and bush walks. There are so many more national parks to explore in Southern Queensland Country. Discover more here.

Bald Rock, Girraween National Park, Ballandean, Southern Downs & Granite Belt

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Toowoomba Region

Active Outdoors

Bunya Drive, Bunya Mountains, Western Downs

Taking scenery to new heights Queensland is home to some of Australia’s most stunning natural wonders, including a number of must-see national parks. Zoom in on Southern Queensland Country to discover a naturally gifted region boasting a variety of well-loved locations. The dramatic landscapes of Girraween National Park, located a short 35km drive south from Stanthorpe, attracts more than 120,000 visitors each year. Here, you’ll be awed by huge granite boulders towering above open forests, and delicate spring wildflowers adding splashes of colour to the landscape. There are 17km of walking tracks to explore, all offering spectacular views. Make the most of your visit and stay overnight at the Castle Rock and Bald Rock Creek camping areas. Mount Basalt Reserve is another unique destination that’s a must-do on any hikers bucket list. Here, you’ll find striking volcanic formations across 10ha of scrubland. This one is best explored by following the walking track to two rocky peaks with lookouts boasting spectacular views. To get there, travel from Toowoomba along the Gore Highway to Millmerran, then drive 18km south on Kooroongarra Road to the reserve.

Visitor Guide

Connecting with Indigenous history Sundown National Park, located on the QLD/NSW border, is a rugged wilderness featuring steep-sided gorges, sharp ridges, and peaks rising to over 1,000m. There are sectioned camping areas suitable for both casual and experienced adventurers. Check out the permanent waterhole by strolling 1km along a graded walk. For those with more experience, hike into a bush camp and explore the Severn River. Keep in mind that a 4WD is recommended with 20km of rough track. Main Range National Park – Cunninghams Gap is a World Heritage-listed park that offers spectacular mountain scenery and a range of easy walking tracks. Located 116km south-west of Brisbane or 50km east of Warwick along the Cunningham Highway, it boasts breathtaking views and passes through rainforest, open eucalypt forest, and heath.

Discover the Bunya Mountains National Park, Queensland’s second oldest national park and what is thought to be the world’s largest remaining stand of bunya pine forest. With a strong Indigenous history– Aboriginal people gathered here from afar during bunya nut season for bunya festivals until the late 1800s; learn about the cultural connection to the park while enjoying walks (ranging from 500m to 12km in length) through bunya pine forest, eucalypt forest and rainforest. Discover mountain scenery and grassy ‘balds’ and have fun spotting an incredible variety of birds. Stay longer and relax at one of the camping areas or various accommodation venues where it’s blissfully cool in summer and a misty wonderland in winter. Cafés are located nearby. Take a country drive 55km north-east of Dalby or 56km south-west of Kingaroy. Travelling from Brisbane? Allow 3 hours. The access routes to the park are steep and winding. Not suited to caravans or trailers.

ham

Southern Queensland Country

• Durong

Active Outdoors

Miles

• Columboola

• Jimbour • Bell • Macalister

Bunya Mountains National Park

Yarraman State Forest • Cooyar

• Dalby

• Tara

nnaford

The Gums • Cecil Plains

• Maroochydore

• Bunya Mountains

Barakula State Forest • Condamine

• Nambour

• Nanango

• Maidenwell

• Jandowae

• Noosa Heads

• Eumundi

• Kingaroy

• Crows Nest

Lake Broadwater Conservation Park • Toowoomba

• Moonie

• Caboolture

• Esk

Crows Nest National Park

• Jondaryan

Conondale National Park

D’Aguilar National Park

Glen Rock State Forest

Jimna State Forest

• Moreton Island

Benarkin State Forest

Ravensbourne National Park Lockyer National Park • Ipswich

• Pittsworth

Brisbane

Mount Basalt Reserve

• Maryvale

Main Range National Park • Gold Coast

• Main Range

• Warwick

• Inglewood

• Killarney • Goondiwindi

• Stanthorpe • Texas • Moree

Sundown • Sundown National Park

Girraween National Park

Bald Rock National Park

• Girraween

Perfect for picnics A picnic with a view? Say less! We don’t want to toot our own horn (beep, beep), but the Southern Queensland Country region has an abundance of breathtaking parks to choose from. Here are a few options that offer some of the most beautiful picnic spots around. Lake Broadwater Conservation Park is a fantastic spot for avid bird watching, boating, and camping enthusiasts. This park is home to various waterbirds and wildlife and surrounded by cypress pine, eucalypt, and brigalow open woodland. Camp beside the lake, bird-watch from the hide, or picnic under a shady red gum. The park is situated 20km southwest of Dalby, accessible by turning off the Moonie Highway and driving another 10km. Permits are required for boating, so make sure to contact Lake Broadwater caretakers beforehand. Seeking scenic views? Main Range National Park – Goomburra is an excellent option boasting creek-side campsites, picnic spots, and walks. From the top of the range, you can enjoy stunning views at the lookouts over the Fassifern Valley towards the Border Ranges in the south and across Mount Castle in the north. Explore walking tracks ranging from short easy circuits to longer tracks (5-12km), showcasing woodland, rainforest, creeks, waterfalls, and native Australian wildlife. Be mindful that the road may be closed after heavy rain due to the last 6km of road from the highway being unsealed.

Our advice? Do go chasing waterfalls! Queen Mary Falls at the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area in Main Range National Park is a sight to behold. You can take the Falls Drive tourist route from Boonah along the Boonah-Killarney Road to explore the short hikes leading to lookouts overlooking the breathtaking falls or take the 2km track down to the floor of the gorge. All that’s left to do is source your perfect picnic!

Somerset Region

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Active Outdoors

Wildlife wonders Welcome to a nature lover’s paradise! The stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems, make this region a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts with several parks offering unique flora and fauna experiences. Wildlife enthusiasts will be delighted by the abundance of fauna in Jimna State Forest. You’ll find Eastern Grey Kangaroos commonly seen lazing around under the gumtrees scattered across the camping area and platypuses in Yabba Creek, where you can camp on grassy banks or explore one of the three walking tracks. Jimna State Forest also has horse riding and mountain biking trails, and a horse paddock located beside Peach Trees camping area - a dedicated wheelchair friendly camp site. Crows Nest National Park, located 55km north of Toowoomba via the New England Highway or 55km west of Esk via Esk-Hampton Road, is a hidden gem. It boasts spectacular creek scenery with views over the Valley of Diamonds from Koonin Lookout, granite outcrops, a picturesque waterfall and eucalypt forest remnants on the edge of the Great Dividing Range. Visitors can cool off in Bottlebrush Pool while watching for brush-tailed rock wallabies, small forest birds and cliff-nesting peregrine falcons.

Koala, Southern Queensland Country

In Ravensbourne National Park, visitors can see majestic Sydney blue gums, staghorns, elkhorns and twining rainforest vines while exploring a series of four short tracks, including a self-guided walk from Cedar Block picnic area. Panoramic views can be enjoyed from Gus Beutel lookout, and bird enthusiasts can keep an eye out for the regent bowerbird and wompoo pigeons, as well as listen for cat birds, noisy pittas, and paradise riflebirds. Ravensbourne National Park is located north of Toowoomba towards Crows Nest on the New England Highway until Hampton. Home to more than 120 species of wildlife across a diverse range of ecosystems, Conondale National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers. With magnificent forests, deep gorges, boulder-strewn creeks, waterfalls and spectacular views, this national park offers a wide range of activities including walking tracks, scenic four-wheel drives and grassy camp sites near rainforests and mountain streams. Registered high clearance fourwheel drives are allowed on forest roads, and Sunday Creek Road from Jimna to Charlie Mooreland Campground near Kenilworth is a popular track. Visitors should check road conditions and park updates before heading out on the four-wheel drive tracks. Conondale National Park is located in the Somerset Region.

Calytrix tetragona white - Common Fringe Myrtle, Southern Queensland Country

Discover a diverse range of plants and animals at the Lockyer Valley National Park. At this largely un-touched park, you’ll find the nearthreatened mountain guinea flower and vulnerable species such as the Helidon ironbark, brush-tailed rock-wallaby and black-breasted buttonquail. Featuring remote sandstone gorges surrounded by remnant eucalypt forest makes a popular location for recreational activities including remote bushwalking, motorbike and 4WD touring. Travel north of Gatton, 11km along Gatton-Esk Road, then turn left onto Millers Road to reach the entrance of the park. Check conditions prior to travel. Conventional, twowheel-drive (2WD) vehicles can access Seventeen Mile Road only.

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Active Outdoors

Campers Have Smore Fun: Top Spots for Camping & Caravanning Immerse yourself in nature and marvel at big skies as you roll out the swag beside a campfire or indulge in all the luxuries of a caravan.

Make the most of your camping adventure across Southern Queensland Country with our 6 day Self Drive Tour itinerary on page 12.

Luxury meets wilderness Hear us out – camping, but with all the little luxuries we are accustom to… What says luxury more than your own private restaurant and bar? That is what you’ll find at Bestbrook Mountain Resort and Farm stay. Just a stone’s throw from Main Range National Park, relax in a natural bush setting and access an authentic farm-stay style holiday. Set high on the mountains overlooking the Great Dividing Range, discover a rare slice of Australia carved from over 5,000 acres of spectacular wilderness, at Cherrabah Resort near Warwick. Discover a true Australian country experience at Gordon Country in the Goomburra Valley with eco-friendly cabins, camping and endless activities like 4WD, hiking and bird watching. Perfect for pet lovers, Neurum Creek Bush Retreat boasts some of the most stunning camping sites in South East Queensland. Bordering the D’Aguilar National Park with 1.5km of creek frontage, this retreat caters to all camping styles.

Rainforest retreats The beautiful, lush rainforest-clad mountain peaks of Southern Queensland Country lay claim to some of our most beloved locations to getaway and reconnect with Mother Nature. Guaranteeing total seclusion and a relaxed freedom while camping, Webb’s Break Campground encompasses approximately 100 acres of private rainforest including a creek for private use. The lush forest warms and protects in the winter and shades and cools in the summer. Nestled in the western foothills of the Great Dividing Range, Goomburra part of Main Rage National Park is the perfect spot for creek-side camping. Walking tracks cater to a range of fitness levels and gives access to woodlands, rainforest, creeks, waterfalls and scenic lookouts. Coolmunda Dam, Inglewood, Goondiwindi Region

Part of the Gondwana rainforests of Australia World Heritage, experience all the beauty of Queen Mary Falls at Queen Mary Falls Caravan & Tourist Park. Relax in a cabin or caravan while appreciating the natural bush setting.

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Active Outdoors

This is just the beginning of places to camp and caravan in Southern Queensland Country. Find more picturesque locations here:

Glen Rock National Park, Lockyer Valley

Waterfront wonder

Starry skies and stellar stargazing

Southern Queensland Country makes swapping city streets for waterfront views a breeze with an abundance of natural pools, lagoons, lakes, dams and rivers.

Big, vast, undiluted skies is what we do best in Southern Queensland Country. Stargazers can spectate until their hearts content at these spots.

Dive right in at Somerset Dam with a myriad of waterfront camping locations for you to choose from. Camp Somerset boasts three kilometres of waterfront camping onto Somerset Dam and did we mention there’s a boat ramp for exclusive access to the dam? Somerset Park Campsite situated along the Stanley River, is a water sports and freshwater anglers dream. The Western Downs is definitely the host with the most when it comes to waterfront camping! Waterloo Plains Environmental Park, Caliguel Lagoon, Chinchilla Weir, Lake Broadwater and Tara Lagoon deliver on scenic stays, modern amenities and an abundance of flora and fauna. Nestled in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range is where you will find Lake Dyer offering a picturesque water outlook and shaded facilities.

Visitor Guide

Enjoy a night under the stars around an open fire at Killarney View Cabins and Caravan Park, just a few minutes’ drive from the heart of Killarney, and a stones- throw to Queen Mary Falls. Step up your stargazing game at the Bunya Mountains, significantly known as one of the naturally darkest skies in the world. The minimal light pollution and high elevation makes for the pristine conditions for the ultimate experience. Book an astrophotography session underneath the MilkyWay or Magellanic Clouds or constellations. Beautiful by day, spectacular by night. Discover stunning creek scenery, granite outcrops, a scenic waterfall and eucalypt forest remnants on the edge of the Great Dividing Range at Crows Nest National Park. Reconnect with nature and breathe in the fresh mountain air of the High Country.

Southern Queensland Country

Active Outdoors

Off-road Adventures: Buckle Up For Actionpacked Experiences Uncover hundreds of thousands of kilometres of rugged trails, campsites to pitch the tent, and an endless list of activities. There’s an abundance of offroad adventures that await.

Getting off the beaten track has never been so exhilarating. Whether you’re an avid offroader or embracing new ways to explore fresh landscapes, Southern Queensland Country is home to a slew of adrenalinefuelled experiences. Fuel your thrill of adventure, beginning just one-hour from Brisbane at the Lockyer Valley National Park. Drive through the eucalyptus forest and breathe in the fresh country air as you make your way across sandstone gorges and creeks. If you’re just beginning to dip your tyre toes into four-wheel driving, the Crows Nest area has a series of seven “soft 4WD” trails to choose from, all along public roads. All the trails start from the Hampton Visitor Information Centre and are about two hours in duration.

Country in the Goomburra Valley, has a wide range of tracks from scenic lookout loops along the Great Dividing Range to the practice playpen. Also in Goomburra is Janowen Hills 4WD Park, who offer 4WD tracks for both 4x4 beginners and experts through hilly terrain and rocky gullies. Sundown National Park is where you’ll find some of the region’s best off-road adventures in this high, remote, and rough wilderness.

Experience more off-road adventures in Southern Queensland Country here.

Conondale National Park, with its beautiful, unspoilt scenery, lookout points, and scenic drives is a 4WD enthusiast’s playground, boasting a plethora of challenging and scenic drives through lush rainforest. Head 3km south of Jimna for a 4WD adventure. Make your four-wheel drive adventure progressive as you work your way from Warwick to Goomburra and then south to Sundown National Park. The Springs 4x4 park in Warwick boasts some of the most stunning 4x4 tracks in South East Queensland. Every trail rewards you with different views – from creeks and waterfalls (in the rainy season) to endless views on top of Love Hill and Bald Hill. An area of unspoilt beauty, Gordon

Gordon Country, Goomburra, Southern Downs & Granite Belt

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

North Western Fishing Trail Queensland's Western Country is a cultural, agricultural, and heritage-rich pocket of Australia. The region begins less than 3 hours drive west of Brisbane and can be explored while touring some of Queenlands major arterial highways. Enjoy a Southern Queensland Country freshwater fishing experience the local way. Follow the footsteps of local fishing enthusiasts and take in the 7 day self-drive fishing tour from Toowoomba to Mitchell. Destinations include: Lake Cooby, Highfields, Dalby, Condamine, Miles, Injune, Roma, Mitchell, Yuleba.

STOP 1

Active Outdoors

Boondooma Dam, South Burnett

STOP 2

STOP 5

Dalby to Chinchilla

Injune to Roma

Off to the Jandowae Dam and then on to Archers Crossing just outside Chinchilla. Have a picnic lunch and spend the afternoon fishing before making your way to accommodation in Chinchilla. Be sure to try some melons in Chinchilla (it's famous for them! Every two-years in February there is even an event to celebrate the delicious fruit.)

Leave for Lake Nuga Nuga and spend the morning fishing. Have a picnic lunch and then travel South back to Roma. Stay in Roma for the night and experience the Big Rig night show (an interpretative representation of Roma’s Oil and Gas past) or meet locals in one of the numerous pubs.

STOP 3

STOP 6

Chinchilla to Condamine

Roma to Mitchell

See the sun rise at the Chinchilla Weir and fish until hunger gets the better of you. Have a pub lunch in downtown Chinchilla before making your way down to Caliguel Lagoon at Condamine. Spend the night at the Lagoon, or enjoy a local farmstay experience, caravan park, motel or the Condamine pub, the choice is yours.

Travel a bit further west to Mitchell along the Warrego Highway and visit the Great Artesian Spa for a soak in the thermal mineralised artesian waters (relaxing for the body and therapeutic for the soul). Pick up some more supplies, and continue your relaxing day with some fishing at Neil Turner Weir before camping the night.

STOP 4

STOP 7

Toowoomba to Dalby

Condamine to Injune

Mitchell to Yuleba

The day begins two hours from Brisbane at the picturesque Lake Cooby (North of Toowoomba). Stop at Highfields for lunch and then drive out to Dalby via Toowoomba for a relaxing afternoon at Loudoun Bridge. Camp here or head back to Dalby for a night on the town embracing western hospitality at its best.

Leave Condamine and make your way North to Gil Weir at Miles. Have lunch in Miles and then travel along the Warrego Way to Roma before heading North again to Injune. Stay the night in Injune and make sure to pick up some supplies for tomorrow. Depending on how you are feeling you might sneak in a quick trip up to Carnarvon Gorge, it’s amazing!

Say farewell to Mitchell and travel east back towards Brisbane stopping in on the quaint town of Yuleba. Have a picnic lunch in Yuleba and spend the afternoon fishing at Judd’s Lagoon. Stay the night at the lagoon or make your way to Miles. That concludes that North Western Fishing Trail.

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Active Outdoors

How to do the Southern Queensland Country Camping Trail Waking up to fresh air, birds chirping and the smoking charcoals of last night’s campfire – that’s what camping in the country is all about. From Goondiwindi in the west to Kingaroy in the north, watch as the landscape dramatically changes as you wind your way through our countryside. Follow our Southern Queensland Country camping trail for a journey packed to the bitumen with natural beauty, hiking trails and inland lakes. Dust off the camping gear and get ready to experience the very best country camping spots with this guide.

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Active Outdoors

STOP 1

STOP 3

Brisbane to Lockyer Valley, Glen Rock State Forest

Toowoomba to South Burnett, Lake Boondooma

Explore Lockyer Valley in the Great Dividing Range foothills, west of Brisbane. Glen Rock State Forest, neighboring Main Range National Park, offers breathtaking views of the red volcanic outcrop. Book your campsite in advance and take the 5.2km Christie’s Loop trail to see Glen Rock up close.

Depart Toowoomba and head north-west towards Lake Boondooma in the South Burnett region, every avid fisherman’s dream and your destination for the next few nights.

STOP 2

Lockyer Valley to Toowoomba, Crows Nest National Park Visit Toowoomba Region, 100km west of Lockyer Valley, and head 40km north to Crows Nest National Park for a serene camping experience. Book your camping permit and enjoy a few days exploring Crows Nest Falls and the surrounding high country.

If you’d like a night off from camping, check into one of the cabins at Lake Boondooma near Proston, otherwise set up camp beside the lake - book ahead for a powered campsite. In between relaxing by the waterside, keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos and wild horses that call this patch of country home. STOP 4

South Burnett to Western Downs, Bunya Mountains National Park Only after you’ve got your fix of lakeside living, head south again to the Bunya Mountains. With three campsites to choose from, camping in the Bunya Mountains is a bit like a choose your own adventure novel with Dandabah, Westcott and Burtons well catering for a range of camping experiences. Psst… the roads into the Bunya Mountains are steep and winding - sorry owners of long or heavy vehicles, this isn’t the campsite for you.

STOP 5

Western Downs to Goondiwindi Region, Yelarbon Recreation Grounds

As you make your way south-west, keep an eye out for the fluffy white fields of cotton as you drive through the surrounding farmlands (if you happen to be visiting during the Autumn months that is).

Bunya Mountains, Western Downs

Visitor Guide

Country drive, Southern Queensland Country

The Goondiwindi Region is overflowing with riverside campsites but be sure to spend at least one night at the Yelarbon Recreation Grounds – remember to bring a $10 note for the honesty box to enjoy the full amenities! Explore the onsite museum and machinery yard.

STOP 6

Goondiwindi Region to Southern Downs & Granite Belt, Girraween National Park

Head deep into granite country for a night among the stars at Girraween National Park with its precariously balanced boulders and 17 kilometres of walking trails for you to choose from. Here you’ll find two campsites catering to tents, camper trailers and caravans – while both have amenities, choose Castle Rock if you’d like a shower after a long day of hitting the trails. Finish your trip on a high note (pun intended) and scale the Pyramid Track.

FOREST HILL • GATTON Southern Queensland Country• GRANTHAM • HELIDON • LAIDLEY • MULGOWIE • MURPHYS CREEK • PLAINLAND • WITHCOTT Active Outdoors

LOCKYER VALLEY

Queensland



EMB 6-8 SEPT

ER 2024

Lake Apex Visitor Information Centre 34 Lake Apex Drive, Gatton • Ph: 07 5466 3425

LU V YA LO C K Y E R .CO M . AU

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Active Outdoors

Tee Off at Courses Well Above Par Have a putt and discover the ultimate hidden gems of Southern Queensland Country – home to some of Queensland’s top golf courses. Looking for good times as par as the eye can see? Home to some of Queensland’s best golf courses, it makes sense that these thriving regions would attract the wanted attention of some big names in golfing events. The Southern Queensland Country golfing events calendar is stocked with dates for the whole family including the juniors. First date claimer is in July each year – the Laidley Junior Classic at the Laidley Golf Club. This event is labelled as a Greg Norman Junior Master’s Qualifying event, open to male and female golfers aged 17 years and under. For those Juniors who are serious about their golf, lock in the Goondiwindi Junior Classic held in October, annually at the Goondiwindi Golf Club. This event also falls under a Greg Norman Junior Masters Qualifying event and is an 18 hole tournament.

metres above sea level, this 18-hole course is defined by tree-lined fairways of Kikuyu which are complimented with Penncross Bentgrass greens. Or, if you consider yourself the king of the course, you’ll want to tee off where the legends locate at City Golf Toowoomba. Discover the 12-hole, 72 par course at Laidley Golf Club boasting greens stretching over 6,074 metres, as some of the fastest in the area. Looking for a course with a “million-dollar view”? That’s what the 18-hole course at Gatton Jubilee Golf Club promises. With a reputation for being one of the best country courses in Queensland, and originally a sand green course, the Goondiwindi Golf Club

is an 18-hole, 71 par course designed around a natural watercourse and stretched across 6,037 metres of rolling green landscapes. For rolling green hills and perfectly positioned trees to work your club magic around, head along the New England Highway towards the quaint nine-hole, 68 par course at Allora Golf Club. Regarded as some of the best greens on the Downs, the renowned 18-hole, 72 par country course at Dalby is situated beside a running creek and lined with Kikuyu fairways and towering gums, leaving room for little error.

Explore further insights into golfing experiences available in Southern Queensland Country here.

For the men who are serious about golf, the Queensland Men’s Country Championship comes to Toowoomba every August. Played over three days at the City Golf Club, the week is open to male amateur golfers with a Golf Australia Men’s Handicap who are members of a club affiliated with Queensland Country District and Golf Queensland.

Ace Golf Courses of a Different Calibre Want to level up your golf game and conquer some of Queensland’s best golf courses with some of the most interesting layouts? Check out a few of our top spots to see if you have met your match. Begin at one of Queensland’s best-recognised clubs, Toowoomba Golf Club. Resting 700

Visitor Guide

City Golf Club, Toowoomba

Southern Queensland Country

Active Outdoors

Making Waves: Top Waterholes that’ll Have You Hooked

Discover picturesque natural pools, lagoons, lakes and rivers scattered throughout Southern Queensland Country to experience the perfect places to relax, rejuvenate the body and soul, cast a line or launch a kayak. For more wet and wild adventures, scan the code.

Leslie Dam, Warwick, Southern Downs & Granite Belt

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Active Outdoors

Dive in – best spots to make a splash

Hook, line and sinker – where to drop a line

You heard it here first, there’s an inland water sports scene making waves across our country and you can find it right here in Southern Queensland Country.

All we can say is expect the unexpected in Southern Queensland Country with the rich, nutrient dense soils not only delivering abundant crops on land but also flourishing fishing facilities, lakeside too. Packing essentials include sunhat, sunscreen, a cool beverage and your fishing permits.

Discover adrenaline-pumping adventures at the Goondiwindi Natural Heritage and Water Park. This premier water sports location is a Nationally credited water ski site. Dialling it down just slightly, Coolmunda Dam is perfect for all paces of activities including water sports, fishing, birdwatching, and hiking with camping and cabins available too. Did we mention the stunning sunrises and sunsets? Looking for a side of wildlife viewing with your water sporting? Glenlyon Dam is the spot for you, boasting top notch skiing, sailing and fishing. We love options, so while you’re there, check out Storm King Dam which is also a popular spot for water skiing, canoeing, kayaking and rowing. Forgot to BYO canoe? Easy! Hire one from Sommerville Valley Tourist Park. Does a day out on the boat sound delightful? Look no further than Lake Cooby with both electric motors and non-powered vessels permitted. Make sure to pop in a picnic to be set all day long. This one is for the water-lovers who like a bit of variety. Lake Dyer offers a great location for water activities in addition to fishing including, canoeing, motorised boats, sail boats and jet skis. And you better believe that snorkelling and scuba diving are not just reserved for the beach! Lake Wivenhoe has you covered at Logan’s Inlet designated swimming area.

Bjelke-Petersen Dam

Cast your line at one of the area’s best ‘sweet water’ fishing spots – Macintyre Brook where you’ll find Golden Perch (Yellowbelly), Murray Cod, Silver Perch, Eel-Tailed Catfish (jewfish), Boney Bream and Spangled Perch ripe for the taking. Head west for a true fisherman’s paradise with Caliguel Lagoon, Chinchilla Weir, Gil Weir, Archers Crossing and Tara Lagoon all within a two hour radius for the ultimate angling adventure. Many also offer active restocking programs, ensuring there’s plenty of fish to go around, all year round. Reel in some Redclaw at Lake Somerset as well as a variety of other freshwater fish before making your way to Lake Wivenhoe – the largest lake in South-East Queensland. Freshwater catches include Australian Bass, Yellowbelly, Silver Perch, Mary River Cod, Saratoga. Want to test out your spinning lure? Check out Severn River in the Granite Belt, boasting great spots to cast a line off the banks. While you’re there, Storm King Dam is also a famous fishing hotspot. Catches include EelTailed Catfish, Murray Cod, Yellowbelly, Silver Perch, and Spangled Perch. If BYO-ing a boat is not an option, Conolly Dam also offers shore-fishing where you might even nab a Golden Perch.

South Burnett

Escape your routine by spending a night at Bjelke-Petersen Dam. Pick your accommodation, whether it's a caravan, tent, or a cozy cabin. Bring your family and enjoy on-site facilities like a pool, tennis court, basketball court, play equipment, hot showers, and camp kitchen. Don't worry about groceries, as there's a kiosk for essentials, and Murgon township is just a short drive away. Engage in water activities such as kayaking, tubing, fishing, and more. Remember to get your fishing permit if you plan to fish.

Hagger Drive, Moffatdale, Via Murgon QLD 4605

To book visit: yallakoolpark.com.au or call +61 7 4168 4746 Facebook: yallakoolonbpdam

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Active Outdoors

Mount Marlay, Stanthorpe, Southern Downs & Granite Belt

Put the Pedal to the Metal From gentle runs along quiet country roads in the heart of wine country to the thrill of purpose-built trails through the mountains, see our sights from a different perspective. If there’s one thing we do know here in Southern Queensland Country, it’s outdoor adventure and it’s safe to say we know it WELL. Now, we are no gate-keeper of secrets so let us share how you can gain a whole new appreciation for our abundant and naturally gifted region and experience the thrill and adrenaline of adventure in the great outdoors for yourself. It all begins with two wheels and some pedal power. If you guessed cycling, then you are correct, and it’s easy to see why this slice of paradise is a magnet for two-wheel enthusiasts. We’re talking mountain biking, leisurely rides through the vines and along back country roads as well as the holy grail of trails - Australia’s longest recreational rail trail, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. But that’s just the beginning. Read on to discover how you can create your ultimate bespoke cycling journey.

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Active Outdoors

Bunya Mountains Mountain Bike Trails.

Jump straight into the action with over 30km of trails including tracks for beginners and tabletops, jumps and berms for the experienced, there’s no bigger mountain biking playground than Toowoomba Jubilee Park. All that pedaling, puffed you out? Bikeline Toowoomba can hook you up with their range of pedal assisted bicycles or electric bikes that can keep you biking for longer. Discover the mountain biker’s Mecca at Crows Nest with trails winding around charming and rustic farmyards, meandering glassy creeks, and rolling mountains with views stretching as far as the eye can see – perfect for sunrise or sunset rides. There are seven trails to choose from with more in the works.

Western Downs Regional Council

Looking for a route carved by Mother Nature herself? Point your handlebars towards the signature red volcanic outcrop, known as Glen Rock State Forest. Work your way through rugged gorges and ridges of the park, broken up by steady downward slopes and fertile flats of the Blackfellow, Shady, Flaggy and Black Duck Creeks. Or, tackle the bizarre rock formations and twisting tracks as you give granite a go under the tyres at Mount Marlay in Stanthorpe.

from low and moderate difficulty to advanced or challenging terrain, you can customise your journey to suit your endurance and experience levels. Beginners can safely explore shorter and smoother sections of the trail, while experienced adventurers can challenge themselves on the twists and turns of the track’s tougher terrain.

Make the most of your visit to Stanthorpe by indulging in some of your favourite wineries and pick up some amazing local produce as you cycle along 34km of quiet country roads, past fruit orchards, vineyards and dramatic granite landscapes on the Granite Belt Bike Trail. BYO bike or hire one (personal tours also available) from Granite Belt Bicycle Tours & Hire.

Opened September 2023, explore Queensland’s second oldest national park by bike or by foot via the Bunya Mountains Mountain Bike Trails. Challenge yourself with 28km of trails made up of a series of three designated mountain bike loops and one shared use trail for hikers and bikers to explore in unison amongst the ancient landscape of the world’s oldest stand of Bunya Pines.

The Goondiwindi Bike Route covers 21km, following the Macintyre River and winding through the town as well as the Goondiwindi Weir and the Botanic Gardens. Add this experience to your bucket-list – Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail at 161km long, ranging from Wulkuraka to Yarraman. People of all ages and fitness levels can explore the trail with sections from 7km to 24km. Ranging

Visitor Guide

New Bunya Mountains Mountain Bike Trails

Ready for the ultimate memory - making outdoor adventure? Well, as Queen famously said, “get on your bikes and ride”. Here’s everything you need to know to discover Southern Queensland Country from an entirely different perspective.

Southern Queensland Country

Arts, Culture & Heritage

Arts, Culture & Heritage Yelarbon Silos, Goondiwindi Region

Location Credit

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Arts, Culture & Heritage

Experience a region where the breathtaking natural landscapes are as vibrant and rich in colour as they are in art, history and heritage. As you travel through the region, turn the pages back in time and learn the tales of a bygone era, admire grand and architecturally distinct buildings and uncover inspiring works of art. Immerse yourself in the cultural identity of the region through significant sites, interactive museums and private collections piecing together the stories that bring to life the Indigenous and pioneering history and the people who have shaped this unique region. It rings ever true that the present continues to pay homage to the past in every corner of our region, depicted in sculptures, buildings, streetscapes, heritage trails, museums and galleries. The only question left unanswered is - Are you ready to paint Southern Queensland Country red?

Discover more arts, culture & heritage online.

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Arts, Culture & Heritage

Southern Queensland Country: A Memoir Experience historic and grand interactive museums and private collections that piece together stories and bring to life the Indigenous and pioneering history as well as the people who have shaped this unique region.

Jimbour House, Jimbour East, Western Downs

Wallangarra Station, Southern Downs & Granite Belt

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Arts, Culture & Heritage

The days of yore Since the beginning of the region’s settlement in 1840, the area has forged ahead, quickly becoming the ‘jewel in the diadem of squatterdom’. The innovation of the early settlers built a strong foundation for the following generation to grow from, leaving a myriad of tales and conjecture from bygone eras. As you journey through each quaint country town, you’ll find there is more to learn and tales to be told about the history and heritage of Southern Queensland Country. Read on for a sneak peak of the historical experiences awaiting you. Begin your journey immersing yourself in Toowoomba’s natural and cultural history by revisiting the Australian transport era. Part of the Queensland Museum Network and home to the National Carriage Collection, discover a variety of interactive displays, exhibits and heritage trade workshops at Cobb+Co Museum, Toowoomba. Continuing on down the transportation track, the Queensland Transport Museum in Gatton features a magnificent display of different modes of transport through the ages and displays over 200 models that explore the creation, founders, and operation of the Transport Industry. Are you an avid train aficionado? Well then, the Downs Explorer and Warwick Railway Precinct is for you. Experience a range of unique heritage rail experiences on a steam train through some of the most picturesque countryside in Australia. Regular tours run from Warwick to Stanthorpe and Wallangarra, Clifton, Wheatvale, Hendon, Toowoomba, plus special long weekends to Goondiwindi and Tenterfield, NSW. While at Wallangarra station, make sure to check out the Museum and Café at the historic railway station as well as find famous Australian Bushranger Thunderbolt’s hideout with the path clearly marked. Nearby, also locate remnants of the WWII Brisbane Line Tank traps where 10,000 troops were stationed in wartime.

Visitor Guide

Glengallan Homestead, Warwick, Southern Downs & Granite Belt

If you find grand old homes and working farms captivating, well we have some truly fascinating experiences for you too. Embark on the journey of the first fully stocked property on the Darling Downs once European settlement commenced at Jimbour House. Discover the ups and downs of early pioneering days, as well as learn the stories, secrets twists and turns of Jimbour’s past. From there head two hours south to relive the Glengallan Homestead story from squattocracy to farmer settlement through an innovative interpretation that allows the place to tell its own story.

Pair your journey through yesteryear with a country drive through Southern Queensland Country – Check out our itineraries on pages 12-16.

There’s plenty more History and Heritage to share with Museums scattered around the region for you to explore. Like the Toogoolawah History Museum, housed in the old Toogoolawah Railway Station, the museum’s shelves are lined in antiquities and stories of the past. Or marvel at the large collections of local Australia history at the Pioneer Village in Highfields, including shells, antique radios and vintage machinery, alongside over 60 stunningly restored historical buildings. It would be remiss of us to not mention the Miles Historical Village Museum which is one of Australia’s leading regional museums. Originally named “Dogwood Crossing”, life as it was in the 1800’s has been realistically preserved inviting you to step back in time to explore more than 30 exact replica turn of the century buildings in a streetscape setting. Have we piqued your interest? There’s so much more for you to explore. Continue adventuring here.

Southern Queensland Country

Arts, Culture & Heritage

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Arts, Culture & Heritage Warwick

Southern Downs Steam Railway

Fun For the Whole Family

Join us on the Downs Explorer, on one of our twice monthly heritage rail tours. Destinations include Stanthorpe, Wallangarra, Toowoomba, Goondiwindi, Miles. Full timetable and 24/7 booking on our website. downsexplorer.org.au

+61 7 4661 9788 [9–3 enquiries only]

Departs Warwick Railway Station, Lyons St, Warwick QLD 4370

Visit our museum Hamilton St Warwick Wednesday and Thursday Pilton

Highfields

Visit Southern Queensland Country’s only zoo and see a wide range of animals from around the world, including Queensland’s only Pygmy Hippopotamus and White Lions! Open every day except

Home of the Big Cow. Highfields Pioneer Village, only a 15-minute drive from Toowoomba, features 70+ historic buildings, Fire Engine Museum, vintage cars, billy tea, damper, and picnic spots.

+61 4696 4107

+61 7 4696 6309

darlingdownszoo.com.au

highfieldspioneervillage.com.au

Darling Downs Zoo

Highfields Pioneer Village

With attractions for all ages, it's an excellent day trip destination.

Christmas Day. Enjoy picnic tables, a kiosk, and souvenirs.

73 Wirraglen Road, Highfields QLD 4352

Gatton-Clifton Road, Pilton QLD 4361

Miles Historical Village Museum

Miles

Cobb+Co Museum

Toowoomba

A Must See Experience. Add Miles Historical Village Museum to your bucket list! This “Best of Queensland Experience” showcases over 34 historic buildings and countless displays. Savour the atmosphere of this authentic, turn of the century village including our specialised collections: Artesian Basin Centre, World class Lapidary display, Shell collection and War Museum. Book a tour online with our local tour guides for a unique perspective of the Village. A “Step Back in Time” for the whole family to enjoy. Why wait – book your ticket now!

Experience Australia’s finest collection of horse-drawn vehicles at Cobb+Co Museum, a must-see on your visit to Toowoomba. Explore exhibitions for all ages and interests. Learn stories of the Traditional Owners in The Binangar Centre, see prehistoric fossils in Megafauna, get hands-on in Sciencentre and more. The museum offers free daily tours, artisan workshops and demonstrations, plus Toowoomba’s best scones in Cobb’s Coffee Shop.

P: +61 7 4627 1492 W: mhv.org.au E: enquiries@mhv.org.au

27 Lindsay St, Toowoomba QLD 4350 – Open daily 9.30am – 4pm

Instagram: @mileshistoricalvillagemuseum/ Facebook: Miles Historical Village Open every day except Christmas Day

Visitor Guide

+61 7 4659 4900

museum.qld.gov.au/cobbandco

Southern Queensland Country

Arts, Culture & Heritage

Toowoomba Laneway Art Trail

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Arts, Culture & Heritage

Discover Southern Queensland Country’s Best Art Trails Escape to our country canvas where no surface is off-limits. The walls of local galleries, lanes, even gigantic silos, are now adorned in vibrant works of art.

Granite Belt Art Trail

Goondiwindi Region Art Trail

Discover the talent of the region’s best artists as they exhibit at studios and galleries during the annual festival, GBART. Test your brush strokes or put pen to paper in a workshop, take part in a hands-on display, meet the artists, watch the experts in action and more. See the talent of the Granite Belt’s local community, alongside international artists, dotted around the region. From intricate mosaic tiles snaking along the pavement to detailed paintings sprawled around the town, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of culture, history, and artefacts in the area.

The Goondiwindi Region might have joined Australia’s silo art trail in 2019 with their iconic Yelarbon Silo Mural, but closer to town there’s plenty of art works to explore. The town’s been painted from the ground up, thanks to the annual Lanescape Festival, which sees artists adding to its permanent art trail.

Condamine Country Art Trail Stay a bit longer on the Southern Downs after GBART, as the Condamine Country art and open studio trail kicks off. Studio Visits: Meet and talk to artists as they work in their private studios. Learn about their technique, inspiration and motivation. Collectives: Learn why the Condamine Country art scene is thriving. Chat to groups of likeminded artisans working and sharing conversation and ideas. Visit the Willow Gallery in Killarney showcasing their local artists on the trail.

Western Downs Sculpture Trail With works from some of Australia’s best-known artists hanging in galleries across the Western Downs, there’s more to the region’s connection with arts and culture than meets the eye. Renowned artists Hugh Sawrey’s works can be seen throughout parks and galleries, with some of the best examples of his work on the Grand Tara Commercial Hotel’s walls.

Put these stops on your agenda: Lockyer Valley: Find iconic murals by local artists on both Railway and Spencer Streets in Gatton

Toowoomba Laneway Art Trail Marvel at over 55 masterpieces from local and international artists covering the walls of the city with a wander through Toowoomba’s Laneway Art Trail. Thanks to the First Coat festival, which kicked off in 2014, Toowoomba’s laneways are permanently home to some of the country’s most renowned street art. Grab a croissant and coffee at Ground Up, tucked away between vibrant murals in Searles Lane, before snapping shots of the city’s most photographed large-scale artworks.

Visitor Guide

Discover Southern Queensland Country’s Best Art Trails

Southern Queensland Country

Arts, Culture & Heritage

Uncover Hidden Stories and Tales From Times Past

Discover a fusion of stunning scenery paired with vibrant artwork adorning laneways, water tanks and silos, juxtaposed with a myriad of museums making this region a must-see arts and culture destination.

Warwick Art Gallery, Southern Downs & Granite Belt

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Cobb+Co Museum, Toowoomba

Arts, Culture & Heritage

Dogwood Crossing, Miles, Western Downs

A walk down memory lane

Take it outdoors

Some stories stay etched in our minds while others you have to see to believe. If you are the later, but enjoy a good tale or two as well, take a wander through some of Southern Queensland Country’s most captivating and immersive museums.

When you’re in a part of the Sunshine State where the weather is good one day and better the next, it makes sense to seize the opportunity to soak up some rays, stretch your legs and see the sights. Southern Queensland Country is bursting with artwork to explore outdoors.

Miles Historical Village Museum is one of Australia’s leading regional museums, displaying replica village streetscape depicting Queensland’s rural history during the 1800’s.

With one painted silo artwork, three painted water tanks, and nearly 100 murals to discover, it’s safe to say everything is a canvas in our country. Beginning just 2 hours from Brisbane follow this guide to explore our region’s best outdoor artwork. Discover one of Queensland’s bustling street art scenes with over 55 murals (and counting) in Toowoomba or see Millmerran’s pioneering history come to life in a series of six installations across the town. Further on you will find an absolute must-see, the silo mural at Yelarbon, Queensland’s largest mural silo artwork with a 1,800m2 painting across eight silos.

Did you know the rabbit industry was bigger than mining and agriculture in Texas in the 1930s? Texas Rabbit Works, which was once the Riverside Freezing Works in 1928, is now one of the region’s top tourist attractions, with interactive displays sharing the history of the rabbit industry during the depression. Set along the original Cobb+Co route, Cobb+Co Museum is home to the National Carriage Collection, boasting a variety of interactive displays, exhibits and heritage trade workshops. A visit to the Chinchilla Historical Museum will reveal heritage and history dating back to the Jurassic era, with prehistoric fossil woods and the Green Plague featuring.

The journey doesn’t end there, check out at least another 15 stops sure to take your fancy.

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Toowoomba, The Garden City in Bloom Uncover a place bursting with hundreds of parks and gardens as well as an iconic month-long flower festival defining what is fondly known as the Garden City. Experience a bloomin’ beautiful time in the Garden City, here’s how.

Arts, Culture & Heritage

Take a moment to stop and smell the roses

One of the regions most recognised icons, the State heritage listed Queens Park and Botanic Gardens is an absolute must for any visitor to Toowoomba. Laurel Bank Park is also heritage listed boasting a special section dedicated to the vision impaired, bursting with an array of sweetly scented blooms to ignite the senses. While the Toowoomba's Queensland State Rose Garden is home to over 2000 roses including Heritage Roses in Australia, Frank Reithmuller and Alister Clark collections. Find a connection to local indigenous culture at the Gumbi Gumbi gardens featuring extensive plantings of flora used by local Aboriginal communities for food, medicinal and other purposes. The Japanese Gardens is also known as “Ju Raku En”, a term that describes this location perfectly, roughly translating to enjoying peace and longevity in a public place.Boasting more than 400 different species of native plants and scores of birds and wildlife, Peacehaven Botanic Park is stunning at sunrise and sunset.

Explore beautiful parks and gardens, listen to live music, indulge in tasty treats and experience one of the most colourful events in Australia. 4 BIG weekends from 13 Sept - 7 Oct 2024

You’ll Dig It! 48

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Arts, Culture & Heritage

Nature Like This: Connection to Mother Nature and the Country

Gus Beutel Lookout, Ravensbourne, Toowoomba Region

Discover a pristine paradise in Southern Queensland Country, with abundant birdlife, ancient gorges, granite outcrops, and unique flora and fauna. Nature unearthed Discover the moments that create core memories and satisfy the adventurer in all of us. Everywhere you look, there is a new ‘moment like this’ ready for you to create but if you need some inspiration to kickstart your memory bank, check out our catalogue of core memory builders and recommendations throughout Southern Queensland Country. Explore a spectacular and ancient wilderness at the second oldest national park in Queensland and home to the world’s largest forest of bunya pines at the Bunya Mountains. If a landscape of rugged mountains, spectacular lookouts, exhilarating walks, dappled forests and unique wildlife fills your heart’s desire, then Cunninghams Gap at Main Range National Park is a must. Take in views of ancient peaks, dramatic escarpments and forest-cloaked slopes and valleys. Spanning 4.2ha, Chinchilla Botanic Parkland has accolades and we’re not afraid to boast either! It’s no surprise it took out the 2020 Queensland Park of the Year, and is the winner of the Green Flag Award for the fourth year in a row showcasing beautiful native trees, scrubs

Visitor Guide

and a plethora of birdlife. Speaking of birdlife, of the 850 bird species found in Australia, the Lockyer Valley has recorded more than 300 species in their region alone!

Discover more of Southern Queenslands bloomin’ beauty with a country drive from the Coast to the City – Check out our itinerary on page X

Wanting to spot some furry along with the feathery friends? Jensen’s Swamp Environmental Reserve is 20 hectares of natural bushland promoting a protected habitat for native flora and fauna. Discover over 67 species of birds, brushtail possums, squirrel and sugar gliders, bandicoots and echidnas. Fields of bright yellow sunflowers just make us happy. It’s definitely a ‘see it to believe it’ moment so plan a road trip between December and March to see fields of blooming flowers lining the roads between the Southern Downs and Toowoomba Region. Keep an eye on our ‘What’s On’ calendar for farm open days where you can picnic between the blooms and even pick one to take the joy with you.

We got 99 (plus) more memories to make but not a big enough word limit so find more here.

Southern Queensland Country

Food & Wine

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Food & Wine

Special occasions enjoyed with food and wine, family and friends, are often at the cornerstone of our memories, anchoring our stories, building connection and reminding us of celebrations. The oaky scent of a wine barrel, a child’s grin as they taste cream fresh from the churn, the crunch of an apple enjoyed at the farm gate are memories that bring us joy throughout our lives and are some of life’s most simplest pleasures. Southern Queensland Country is filled with places where food and wine are more than something to eat and drink; they are grown, prepared and served to create the moments that become memories. Let us introduce you to Queensland’s premier destination known for its distinct seasons and regional flavours. This flourishing crop country with rich, granitic soils and hearty character is ready to welcome you. Are you ready for the most unforgettable foodie time of your life?

Tease your wanderlust and savour Southern Queensland Country’s tasting trails – let your journey begin.

Hidden Creek Winery, Ballandean, Southern Downs & Granite Belt

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Food & Wine

Relish the Foodie Time of Your Life Discover a region defined by its rich, wholesome food and beverage culture, intertwined with the abundant and naturally gifted landscape, paired perfectly to excited, delight and inspire your inner foodie.

Relish some of the most memorable culinary adventures with a collection of specially curated experiences. Set your sights on drives where you can experience the wholesome and authentic connection to nature and country showcased throughout Southern Queensland Country. With an abundance of foodie adventures to be savoured, read on for the most delicious time of your life. Discover the flavours of the region by filling baskets, unfurling picnic blankets and finding the perfect spots between the vines, by lakes, waterfalls, granite boulders or at park tables surrounded by floral beauty. You can get acquainted (or-reacquainted) with Aussie pub culture and discover some of the best or sip and swirl your way through elegance and complexity at the highest wine region in Australia, sampling from some of the top producers of alternative variety wine (AKA Strange birds). Pick ripe berries, pluck apples straight from the tree or dig in rich, dark soil for truffles. See and taste the season’s finest produce where it is grown and enjoy the rhythm of nature at its best. Build deeper connections to the source of your food through cooking, cheesemaking

and winemaking classes. Experience events defined by the produce iconic to the region or forage, taste and source local produce, meet the farmer and learn the story. Hungry for a deeper, richer, more immersive experience where you’ll discover the best local flavours and meet those who make them? Explore Savour Southern Queensland Country’s’ tastings trails. Guided by local experiences, you can be in charge of your food story and create your own bespoke journey - we guarantee you’ll taste the difference. The only thing missing from these epic savour sensations is the special ingredient - YOU!

Satisfy your inner foodie here.

Summit Estate

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Food & Wine

Thulimbah

Sutton’s Juice Factory & Cidery Discover a farm-to-plate experience at Sutton's apple cidery. Taste a variety of apple-centric products from varietal apple juice, crispy ciders, vinegars, and more. Enjoy an honest in-house menu and their signature apple pies. +61 7 4685 2464

10 Halloran Dr, Thulimbah QLD 4376 suttonsfarm.com.au

Stanthorpe

ridgemill estate winery & cabins in the vineyard A contemporary cellar door offering a range of tasting experiences, ridgemill estate also provides stylish accommodation nestled amongst the vines. Choose to stay in one of our contemporary studio style cabins, or retreat to luxury in our 3-bedroom winery escape house.

Stanthorpe

Filippos Stanthorpe Tours Filippos Tours has been operating since 1985, offering tours in the heart of Queensland's wine country. With over 50

ridgemill estate, is a family-owned boutique winery nestled down a sleepy country lane in the beautiful Severn River Valley. Located only 2.5

wineries, 38 cellar doors, fresh produce and national parks, we're based in Stanthorpe, just 2.5 hours from Brisbane via the New England Highway.

hours drive from Brisbane, 1.5 hours from Toowoomba and five minutes from Stanthorpe - ridgemill estate will make your senses come alive!

Our values focus on offering a fun and authentic guest experience, paired with quality wines, personal service and a touch of humour. We like to try new things, explore new ideas, and play!

+61 409 877 973

Granite Belt Stanthorpe

W: stanthorpetours.com.au E: filipposstanthorpe@gmail.com

Established in 2004, ridgemill estate was the first winery in Queensland to plant Tempranillo and the first on Granite Belt to plant the world’s oldest varietal – Saperavi. The estate’s mantra is to produce wines of timeless elegance and finesse. It’s a task that demands tireless dedication, an unflinching commitment to quality and a passion to perfect each variety we grow. Our accommodation options present that perfect opportunity for a romantic getaway or celebratory event for groups. We cater for diverse needs with an accessible cabin and pet friendly stays. Delve into the world of winemaking and soak up friendly country hospitality while staying in superior accommodation in a region as famous for its great wines as it is for its dramatic granite outcrops. +61 7 46 835 211

Open 7 days: 10–5 Mon to Sat and 10-3 Sun (public holiday hours may differ)

218 Donges Rd, Stanthorpe QLD 4380 ridgemillestate.com

Granite Belt Wine Country, Stanthorpe

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Savour Tasting Food & Trails Wine

Savour Southern Queensland Country as you discover a region DEFINED by its rich, wholesome food and beverage culture. Discover more about the Savour Tasting Trails online

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Savour Tasting Food & Trails Wine

Picnic platter, Southern Queensland Country

Savour the pairing of the rich, wholesome food and beverage culture and the opulent, and naturally gifted landscape as you take country drives along roads that crisscross farmlands, traverse through winding creeks and rich pastures where beef and dairy cattle roam and graze freely. Fill baskets, unfurl your picnic blankets and find the perfect spot between the vines, by a lake, waterfall or granite boulder or at a table in a park surrounded by floral beauty. Sip and swirl your way through elegance and complexity at the highest wine region in Australia, sampling alternative variety wine (AKA Strange birds). Build deeper connections to the source of your food through cooking, cheesemaking and winemaking classes. Experience events defined by the produce iconic to the region or forage, taste and source local produce, meeting the farmer and learning the story.

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Savour Tasting Food & Trails Wine

Country Pubs Trail Savour an authentic country pub experience in Southern Queensland Country with this tasting trail. There are 25 pubs waiting to be sampled, all within easy travelling distance from Brisbane. You’ll find history in every footstep, from iconic authors to gold rush prospectors. Each pub has a unique yarn to spin paired with a warm welcome, cold beverage and a hearty meal.

Stop

Bull and Barley Inn, Cambooya Two stories full of classic country charm, grab a bevy, watch the sun sink behind the silhouetted silos from the verandah, or play a game of pool while waiting for the meat tray raffle to be drawn.

Here’s a sample of what you can find on the trail.

Stop

Club Hotel Chinchilla, Chinchilla Behind the classic exterior of the oldest pub in town, Chinchilla’s pride and joy, the Club Hotel is all modern. You’ll find the locals in the public bar, while families prefer the beer garden with its childfriendly playground.

Stop

Condamine Hotel, Condamine

Thirsty for more? Follow this code for the full experience.

Located in the heart of Western Queensland’s cattle territory, the Condamine Hotel is all about meat! So, if you love local steak and lamb, playing darts with friendly locals, and a good yarn, this is your stop.

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Savour Tasting Food & Trails Wine

Stop

Suttons Juice Factory Cider & Café, Thulimbah Dave Sutton makes awesome cider and his wife Ros, makes an even more delicious apple pie served with a mountain of whipped cream. The only thing to do is sample them both together at Suttons Juice Factory Cafe and repeat.

Stop

Volcanic Brewing, Toowoomba Brewing in 600L fermenters, Volcanic has 16 different beers on tap with a core range that includes Pale Ale, Stout, Extra Stout and Oat Cream IPA. Six of the taps change regularly to feature different high quality sessional beers.

Breweries & DISTILLERIES Trail Discover 12 new craft breweries and artisan spirit distilleries right on Brisbane’s doorstep! Created by innovative makers, sip and sample the remarkable new tastes of the region. Spanning from Toowoomba, the Bunya Mountains, and the Granite Belt, taste your way through beers and ciders, soft drinks and spirits while you dine from a menu filled with locally sourced produce. Here’s a taste to wet the whistle. Visitor Guide

Stop

Pechey distilling Co, Pechey Hidden away in the high country north of Toowoomba is where you’ll find this gin and vodka distillery producing highquality spirits with a unique connection to the region such as botanicals from the 100-year-old cumquat tree, grapefruit, lemon myrtle and bay trees in their backyard.

Savour the full trail here.

Southern Queensland Country

Savour Tasting Food & Trails Wine

Stop

Picnic amongst the vines at Hidden Creek Vineyard, Ballandean Start with a flight of award-winning wine at the cellar door to pick up your picnic bottle of choice, then, settle in with a glass of your favourite wine, a picnic basket, and your wellbehaved pup in tow.

Stop

Takeaway high tea from 95 Mary Street, Toowoomba Your picnic hamper from 95 Mary Street is a little piece of France in Toowoomba with their gourmet picnic hampers, grazing platters and bespoke High Teas filled with bite-sized savoury and sweet treats. Savour your spread in Queens Park.

Stop

Vintage style picnic hampers at Pips ‘n’ Cherries, Bell Specialising in real country food, homemade and fresh every time, pick up a picnic hamper from Pips ‘N’ Cherries and head to heritage-listed Jimbour House about 15 minutes’ drive from the cute little country town of Bell.

Hungry for more? We’ve got you, follow the code for the full experience.

Easy Picnics to go Trail Delight in a perfect picnic experience in Southern Queensland Country! It’s as easy as ordering a platter, box or hamper full of local eats and treats from one of 25 picnic provision professionals scattered across the region, finding a spot between the vines, by a lake, waterfall, granite boulder or park table surrounded by flowers to unfurl your picnic blanket. Here’s how to do it.

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Savour Tasting Food & Trails Wine

Source & Eat LOCAL Trail

Stop

Gleneden Farm, Maryvale - Know your farmer, know your food Want to milk a cow, watch cheese being made or learn blacksmithing? At Gleneden Farm, you can do all of that, plus camp. Sample pastured pork, pasture-fed lamb and beef, seasonal farm produce and local arts and crafts.

Source and Eat Local is all about finding the best produce Southern Country Queensland has to offer. Forage, pick, pluck, taste, and source a variety of products from farm gates to farmers markets as you journey amongst the foothills of the Great Dividing Range to the Queensland border. Connect with the land and the people that make it. There’s 24 on the trail to discover. Try these on for size

Stop

Australian Organic Farmers, Carpendale It’s all organic! Born from a passion to share organic produce with others, Australian Organic Farmers is an organic farm and shop stocking potatoes, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, carrots, swedes, broccoli, and fruit including apples and oranges, as well as raw local honey.

Stop

Eastern Colour Farm, Applethorpe - Pick your own apples and strawberries Once a month, you are invited to pick your own strawberries and apples while in season. True to the owner’s Italian heritage, they love staring food and enjoy seeing families leave laded with premium fruit.

Feed your wanderlust and check out the full trail here.

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Savour Tasting Food & Trails Wine

Foodie EVENTS and Workshops Trail

Stop

A Day in the Grove At Macintyre Brook Grove, Inglewood

It’s time to immerse yourself in the flavours of Southern Queensland Country with festivals, workshops and fields with the Foodie Events and Experiences Trail. Discover a region defined by their iconic and distinctly different personalities as you savour the synonymous flavours and experiences that are as bold and unique as the people who make them.

Where better to celebrate the start of the olive season than in an olive grove? Head to Macintyre Brook Grove at Inglewood for their annual Spring picnic. Everything you need is in the picnic hamper, including a bottle of champagne.

Tuck in with this appetiser.

Stop

Grazing the Granite Belt Celebrating the region’s produce, Grazing the Granite Belt is an annual weekend of food and wine in November. Join a hop-on, hop-off bus as it winds its way across 10 award-winning wineries and a craft brewery from Stanthorpe to Ballandean.

Stop

Willow Vale Cooking School, Perseverance

Savour the full experience here.

Internationally renowned chef Bruno Loubet ad his wife Catherine run Willow Vale Cooking School at Perseverance. The class schedule reflects the seasons and a sustainable lifestyle focus. Many class ingredients come from Bruno’s prolific permaculture vegetable garden.

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Savour Tasting Food & Trails Wine

Stop

Rosalie House Cellar Door and Restaurant, Lilyvale Located in Lilyvale, about 20 kilometres northwest of Toowoomba, the Rosalie House restaurant menu features local artisanal produce matched with Rosalie House Chardonnay, Viognier, Merlot or Shiraz from grapes grown in the rich Darling Downs soil of Lilyvale Valley.

Cellar Doors and Vineyards Trail Savour the Cellar Door and Vineyards trail as it takes you on a new path of discovery. From the top producers of Strange Bird varietals in Australia’s highest wine region – the Granite Belt, ATV quad bike tours around the vineyard after an indulgent lunch, and the Sunset Sessions amongst the vines, enjoy experiences that will linger long in your memories with these 17w vineyards.

Stop

Heritage Estate Winery, Cottonvale Heritage Estate Winery has two vineyards, two altitudes and two soil profiles. Stop for the wine, stay for a casual mezze platter lunch or step it up with the Vine+Dine progressive lunch experience or a Black Tie dinner. Located 17km north of Stanthorpe at Cottonvale.

Take a sip of these varietals.

Stop

Ballandean Estate Wines, Ballandean Ballandean Estate has been making cool climate, high-altitude wine with granitic terroir since 1932. The Barrelroom Wine Lounge serves daily grazing platters filled with local produce matched with their diverse collection of wines ranging from well-known varietals to rarer Strange Bird drops.

Visitor Guide

Satisfy your taste buds with the full experience, follow the code.

Southern Queensland Country

Unique Stays

Unique Stays: a Getaway from the Ordinary Seek unforgettable experiences, big, bold adventures and a deviation from the ordinary with an abundance of unique stays shining across Southern Queensland Country.

As the saying goes, “The purpose of life is to travel because it introduces you to new experiences”. We tend to agree. So, let us introduce you to the world of unique stays, we’re talking camping, glamping, historic stays, luxury stays, farm stays, bed and breakfasts, romantic getaways, country getaways… you get the picture. Tailor your next escape to paradise with a few of our top picks to really elevate your experience Want to experience life on the farm, without moving to the country? You can jump right in and get your hands dirty at Mount View Homestead. Packed with character, learn about farm life on this 650-acre working stud cattle and grain growing property. Rumour has it the views of the surrounding valleys are pretty great too. Life is better when you’re camping. There we said it. Whether you’re happy rolling out your swag beside a campfire or need all the luxuries and mod cons of the latest caravans; want views of the mountains or the water, we have it all. You just have to choose which of these top camping and caravan spots suit you.

Or, try stays famous for their history and heritage. From a pub where an iconic radio drama was penned to a winery cottage and heritage-listed homestead, turn the pages of history without leaving your accommodation. Discover the piece de resistance of unique stays, boasting grand luxury, romance, at such places as Barrel View Luxury Cabins. Spicers Peak Lodge is where you can indulge in little extravagances such as a chef-hatted restaurant and suites surrounded by world heritage-listed national park.

Discover more unique stay experiences here.

If glamping is more your style, we deliver on the perfect blend of you, the wilderness and 1000 thread count sheets. Did we mention the clawfoot bath with a glorious rain head shower at Murphy’s Creek Escape?

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Spicers Peak Lodge

Unique Stays

Maryvale

Perched atop a mountain on 8,000 acres in Queensland’s High Country, enveloped by the World Heritage Listed Main Range National Park and the Great Dividing Range, Spicers Peak Lodge offers an exclusive, intimate Australian wilderness lodge experience. The Lodge sits 1,100 metres above sea level with views across to the surrounding peaks. From untouched rainforest and rugged mountain escarpments to the pristine backdrop of a World Heritage Listed National Park and ancient volcanic regions, there is no shortage of unspoiled wilderness to experience and admire. The architecturally designed Lodge is an eclectic mix of contemporary and classic and has been created with its stunning natural environment in mind.

Onsite restaurant, The Peak, showcases the best of Australian cuisine and produce to deliver the “Best of Australia’’ on plate. With the everunfolding majesty of the Scenic Rim serving as a seductive backdrop, the team of chefs embark daily on a journey of the best of Australian flavours, produce, creativity and technique. To compliment our cuisine, our Sommelier has designed our wine list to provide the “Best of Australia” in a glass. Myriad adventures await in the sky or on the land. For the active, there’s helicopter scenic flights, nature hikes, 4WD discovery tours and mountain biking. For those wishing for a gentler pace, there’s sunset picnics, star gazing, a guest library, pool table and tennis court. The peerless infinity pool – with yawning views of the mountains – is a temptation impossible to resist for most, as are the indulgent and restorative powers of the Spa Anise Day Spa. 1300 253 103

spicerspeaklodge.com

Instagram: @spicerspeaklodge Facebook: Spicers Peak Lodge

Alure, Stanthorpe, Southern Downs & Granite Belt

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Accomodation

Find the Perfect Accommodation

Unlock Your Ideal Stay: Find the Perfect Accommodation for Your Next Adventure. Kingaroy

Maryvale

John and Karyn look forward to hosting you at the peaceful cottages, with views over local farms and the Bunya Mountains. One, two bedroom cottages available. Romantic spa cottage also on site. Light breakfast supplies provided. Each cottage has a deck, kitchenette and bbqs. Abundant wildlife and birds nearby.

Discover Bestbrook, a familyowned Farm Stay just 90 minutes from Brisbane. Stay in comfy cabins or camp in the bush. Enjoy hands-on farm activities like milking cows, horseback riding, and more. Plus, we have an onsite bar and restaurant.

Bethany Cottages

218 Peterson Drive, Kingaroy QLD 4610

P: +61 427 143 117 W: bethany.net.au E: info@bethany.net.au

Bestbrook Mountain Farmstay

+61 7 4666 1282

9790 Cunningham Hwy, Maryvale QLD 4370

bestbrook.com.au E: bestbrook@bestbrook.com.au

Stanthorpe

Kingaroy

Nestled in 10 acres of bushland and granite outcrops, 31 The Rocks is a deluxe country retreat with superbly appointed self-contained villas. Take a short walk to enjoy nature and stunning sunsets, and explore nearby attractions. Experience warm hospitality and exceptional experiences.

Stay in one of Booie Range's country Cottages in Kingaroy, where history and modern amenities meet. Choose from a century-old Church, converted Dairy, or a 1940s worker's Cottage, each with 1-2 bedrooms, wood fires, air-con, double spa baths, and private decks with BBQs.

+61 7 4681 2726

M: +61 447 747 816 P: 07 4162 1727

31therocks.com E: stay@31therocks.com

hillviewcottages.com.au

31 The Rocks

31 Brunckhorst Avenue, Stanthorpe QLD 4380

Hillview Cottages

297 Birt Road, Kingaroy QLD 4610

Kingaroy

Toowoomba

Relax in nature's tranquility, surrounded by treetops in our modern self-contained cabins. Lounge on your private balcony, cozy up by the fire or explore local attractions. A 10 minute drive from Kingaroy, perfect for yearround travel.

Enjoy nature minutes from Toowoomba with bespoke restaurants and pubs. Stay in self-catering Studio Cabins or a 1910 Cottage at an Eco Farmstay. Land For Wildlife and Recognition of Culture.

Redrock Retreat

Kiambram Country Cottages

+61 7 4162 4943

0428 617 188

redrockretreat.com.au

kiambram.com.au

45 Millers Road, Booie QLD 4610

kiambram@gmail.com

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Pet Friendly

Where No Man (or Pet) is Left Behind

From camping and cafes, to getting active and exploring new things, there is an abundance of pet friendly experiences for the whole family to discover. We can all agree, life is better when we can share it with the ones we love - that includes the furry four-legged family members. Kiss hello to a holiday experience that is tailored to pawesome and pet-friendly adventures! All within three-hours of Brisbane, discover the abundance of dog-friendly digs and bed and breakfasts (bnb’s) scattered around Southern Queensland Country, guaranteed to have all our tails wagging. Want to experience the finer side of life? Then the designated dog villa, complete with its own luxury dog bed at Alure Stanthorpe is a complete must-stay. Did we mention your furry friend also scores a doggie goodie bag full of treats and a plush doggie robe to lounge in?

of property, and views of the ancient granite boulders of Girraween National Park. Or if you find yourself in the Garden City, take the Road Reserve Trail showcasing views of Table Top Mountain not visible from anywhere else in Toowoomba. While you’re there, explore the laneway art before popping by Burrow, serving all day breakfast, puppa-cino’s and space for the doggos to stretch out and play with other pups in their grassed backyard.

Want more? Discover more petfriendly cafés, hiking trails and wholesome activities here.

Or for the avid adventure seekers at heart, there are no restrictions to the size of your pet at Rosebank Homestead and Farmstay. Your hosts even encourage you to BYO-H(orse) to explore the 200 acres this country house is set upon. Fresh air, wide open spaces, and sleeping under the stars more your thing? The campground at Caliguel Lagoon near Condamine boasts water-front views, modern amenities and the sweet taste of #boatlife as you cruise the lagoon with your four-legged co-pilot. Now that you’ve set up camp with your pooch by your side, hit the local hiking trails at Girraween Country Inn at Ballandean with pristine gardens, birdlife abundant, 42-acres

Visitor Guide

Bestbrook Mountain Farmstay, Tregony, Southern Downs

Southern Queensland Country

Accomodation

Escape to a Local Retreat

Immerse yourself in the culture and charm of the surrounding area.

Abbey Boutique Hotel

Warwick QLD 4370

Quest Toowoomba

Toowoomba

If you are looking for something a little different, then a stay at the Abbey is a must! Built in 1891, this stunning heritage sandstone building was originally a convent, nowadays it’s a boutique, adultonly hotel and events venue. Only two hours’ from Brisbane - the perfect place for a romantic escape to the county; stay, dine & relax as a couple or on a friends escape. Celebrate your birthday or anniversary with our celebration packages. Christmas in July, murder mystery or private dining. Weddings from elopements to gala events.

Stay at Quest Toowoomba for a comfortable accommodation experience, with a range of serviced apartment styles perfect for short or long stays. Located near major attractions, including Queens Park, the Empire Theatre, and the Grand Central Shopping Centre. Enjoy convenient features like conference rooms, on-site parking, and a gym, as well as complimentary WiFi and 24-hour management. Choose from studios with kitchenettes or one, two, and three bedroom apartments with full kitchens and laundry facilities.

+61 7 4661 9777

P: +61 7 4690 2222 W: questtoowoomba.com.au

E: team@abbeyboutiquehotel.com.au W: abbeyboutiquehotel.com.au

Instagram: @questtoowoomba Facebook: Quest Toowoomba Apartment Hotel

8 Locke St, Warwick QLD 4370 Australia

133 Margaret Street, Toowoomba QLD 4350

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Accomodation

The Falls

Walganbar Bed & Breakfast Walganbar Cabins offer private, quality-appointed accommodation on the rim of Cambonoora Gorge. Enjoy breath-taking views of Condamine River, Mount Wilson, and Mount Superbus on the Scenic Rim, Granite Belt and Southern Downs border. +61 7 4664 7196

1503 Spring Creek Road, The Falls QLD 4373 walganbar.com Blackbutt

Wiikirri B&B Retreat

Jubri’s Hideaway

Stay in 4 ½ star accommodation in the heart of Blackbutt. Explore the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. Relax in serene landscaped gardens. Reconnect with those you love. Celebrate a special occasion. Rejuvenate and leave refreshed. A truly boutique experience is waiting for you.

Relax in a unique environment, take a drink whilst enjoying the Jubri’s Experience exploring gardens from Bush to Bali and the memorabilia of yester year. Everyone is so blown away with the experience, you have to see it to believe it, from weekday getaways to weekend retreats, whether it be just yourselves, family get together, corporate, yoga, scrapbooking or maybe a the special Love Day “Destination Wedding.”

+61 409 479 023

63 Chelldan Av, Dalby QLD 4405

wiikirriretreat.com.au

Email: hello@jubrishideaway.com.au Facebook: Jubri’s hideaway

Website: jubrishideaway.com.au Ph: +61 429 025591

ECIALISE SP

0+ PEOP F2 L O

SCHOOL CAMPS WITH A DIFFERENCE, 4X4 CLUBS, ORIENTEERING, MOTOCROSS, ENDURO, RECREATIONAL TRAIL RIDING + MORE

The place to hold your next event that offers several accommodation options in a beautiful bush setting on 5,000 acres of land overlooking The Great Dividing Range!

GROUPS

W E

julie_terry@wiikirriretreat.com.au

Dalby

POWERED & UNPOWERED CAMPING SITES OVERLOOKING A WELL-STOCKED LAKE FOR THE KEEN FISHERMAN! + USE OF RESORT FACILITIES: SWIMMING POOL, TENNIS COURT, BUSH WALKING TRACKS & ESCORTED QUAD BIKE ADVENTURE (OPTIONAL EXTRA)

"The most stunning & accomodating venue our group has ever been at" Cody Schaeffer, Borderline Australia

07 4667 9177 Visitor Guide

operations@cherrabah.com.au

1 Keoghs Rd Elbow Valley QLD (Via Warwick) 67

Southern Queensland Country

Visitor Information Centres

Visitor Information Centres Accredited information centers, identified by blue and yellow signs, provide valuable insights on lodging, activities, and the local area. Seek them out for helpful advice and recommendations.

Goondiwindi Region Goondiwindi Visitor Information Centre 45 Bowen Street, Goondiwindi P: +61 7 4671 7474 goondiwindiregion.com.au

Lockyer Valley

Western Downs

Lockyer Valley Visitor Information Centre

Chinchilla Visitor Information Centre

34 Lake Apex Drive, Gatton P: +61 7 5466 3425 luvyalockyer.com.au

Warrego Highway, Chinchilla P: +61 7 4660 7291

Inglewood Visitor Information Centre 18 Elizabeth Street Inglewood P: +61 7 4652 0270 goondiwindiregion.com.au

Toowoomba Region

Texas Visitor Information Centre

Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre

High Street, Texas P: +61 7 4653 2611 goondiwindiregion.com.au

82 – 86 James Street, Toowoomba P: +61 7 4688 6590 tr.qld.gov.au/vic Hampton Visitor Information Centre

Somerset Region Fernvale Visitor Information Centre 1483 Brisbane Valley Highway, Fernvale P: +61 7 5427 0200 Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre 41 Hope Street, Kilcoy P: +61 7 5422 0440

Southern Downs & Granite Belt Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre 28 Leslie Parade, Stanthorpe P: +61 7 4681 2057 Warwick Visitor Information Centre 72 Palmerin Street, Warwick P: +61 7 4661 3122

8623 New England Highway, Hampton P: 1800 009 066 tr.qld.gov.au/vic Crows Nest Visitor Information Centre 46 Thallon Street, Crows Nest P: +61 7 4698 1776 crowsnestmuseum.org.au Millmerran Visitor Information Centre 24 Charlotte Street, Millmerran P: +61 7 4695 2560 Oakey Tourist Information Centre The Historical Railway Station 176 Bridge Street, Oakey P: +61 7 4619 6693

Dalby Visitor Information Centre Thomas Jack Park Cnr Condamine & Drayton Street, Dalby P: +61 7 4679 4461 Miles Visitor Information Centre Miles Historical Village Museum 141 Murilla Street, Miles P: +61 7 4627 1492 Bell Visitor Information Centre Bell Bunya Community Centre, Lot 71 Maxwell Street, Bell P: +61 7 4663 1087 Jandowae Community And Cultural Centre Cnr George & High Street, Jandowae P: +61 7 4668 4480 Moonie Rural Transaction Centre Cnr Moonie & Leichhardt Hwys, Moonie P: +61 7 4665 0189 Tara Customer Service Centre 19 Fry Street, Tara P: +61 7 4678 7804 Wandoan Visitor Information Centre O’Sullivan Park, Zupp Road, Wandoan P: +61 7 4627 5227

Pittsworth Information Centre 50 Short Street, Pittsworth P: +61 7 4693 2510 tr.qld.gov.au/vic

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Visitor Information Centres

can help you around

The Toowoomba Region

TOOWOOMBA VISITOR CENTRE 82 - 86 James Street, Toowoomba Qld 4350 FREECALL 1800 33 11 55 E infocentre@tr.qld.gov.au

HAMPTON VISITOR CENTRE 8623 New England Highway, Hampton Qld 4352 FREECALL 1800 009 066 E hamptoninfo@tr.qld.gov.au

visittoowoombaregion.com.au southernqueenslandcountry.com.au tr.qld.gov.au

MILLMERRAN VISITOR CENTRE Cnr Mary and Edward Street, Millmerran Qld 4357 PHONE 07 4695 2560 E millmerraninfo@tr.qld.gov.au

Whether you’re visiting for a day, sneaking away for a weekend escape or are gearing up for a week’s getaway, you’ll find plenty to do in the South Burnett. Wander through lush rainforest, ride the rail trails and mountain biking tracks, sample award-winning food and wines, take to the water or wet a line in one of the area’s dams or waterways, visit a weekend market, browse through art galleries and museums, explore indigenous art and culture, follow a heritage trail, or just camp out under the stars. Check out our local music and food festivals scheduled throughout the year, savour the atmosphere and flavours of the area.

That’s just a short list of what you can experience when you explore the South Burnett. A hinterland full of beautiful landscapes, wineries, historical settings, and quirky locations just begging to be discovered. You’ll be spoiled for choice with the variety of accommodation options available from farmstays, Bed and Breakfasts and motels to caravan parks, cabins and camping grounds. The South Burnett - where community spirit and country hospitality are alive and thriving!

Nanango Energy Centre and Visitor Information Centre Murgon Visitor Information - Centre

Visitor Guide

Kingaroy Arts & Heritage Precinct and Visitor Information Centre

Wondai Timber Museum and Visitor Information Centre

Phone: 07 4189 9555 Email: tourism@sbrc.qld.gov.au www.discoversouthburnett.com.au

Southern Queensland Country

Journey Further

Discover the ultimate source of inspiration for planning your next holiday to Southern Queensland Country on our website. Boasting plenty of country drive itineraries, local guides and special offers, your wanderlust will be having a field day! southernqueenslandcountry.com.au

Find your next Southern Downs Adventure Download our official

VISITOR APP

The ultimate free travel resource for our region that helps you explore even more! Southern Downs and Granite Belt

Proudly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Southern Downs R EG I ONA L COUNC I L

Southern Downs &

Granite Belt

Visitor Guide

Southern Queensland Country

Visitor Guide

Queensland Map

Experience Western Downs

WESTERN DOWNS 2.5hrs BRISBANE

Guide Miles Historical VillageVisitor Museum, Queensland

Southern Queensland Country 2023 Visitors' Guide

Articles inside

Escape to a Local Retreat

Where No Man (or Pet) is Left Behind

Find the Perfect Accommodation Unlock Your Ideal Stay: Find the Perfect Accommodation for Your Next Adventure.

Unique Stays: a Getaway from the Ordinary

Cellar Doors and Vineyards Trail

Foodie EVENTS and Workshops Trail

Country Pubs Trail

Relish the Foodie Time of Your Life

Food & Wine

Nature Like This: Connection to Mother Nature and the Country

The Garden City in Bloom

Uncover Hidden Stories and Tales From Times Past

Discover Southern Queensland Country’s Best

Gold Coast to Southern Downs

Fun For the Whole Family

Southern Queensland Country: A Memoir

Arts, Culture & Heritage

Put the Pedal to the Metal

Making Waves: Top Waterholes that’ll Have You Hooked

LOCKYER VALLEY Queensland Tee Off at Courses Well Above Par

How to do the Southern Queensland Country Camping Trail

North Western Fishing Trail

Campers Have Smore Fun: Top Spots for Camping & Caravanning

6 Day, Self-Drive Tour

Off the Beaten Track: Exploring our National Parks

Active Outdoors

Getting Here & Around

Breathe in That Fresh Country Air