Dalby and District Great race days, good coffee and our big cattle sales all make Dalby the epitome of modern country living. Meet us down the main street, walk with us along the Myall Creek trails through town and join us at one of our many country meets and events.
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Dalby • Bell • Kaimkillenbun Dalby • 12,000
Bell • 300
Known simply as ‘The Crossing’ in the 1800s, we have grown due to the fertile black soil plains which surround us, making us one of the most productive agricultural regions in Australia. Some 12,000 people now call Dalby home. Dalby derives its name from ‘Dal’ meaning dale and ‘by’ meaning town, supposedly from a village on the Isle of Man, which was named by the Vikings from Dalby, Sweden.
A town of about 300 residents, nestled at the foothills of the Bunya Mountains, we probably have the best panoramic views of the farming plains on the Western Downs. We take pride in our heritage and have refurbished our railway station and park.
Our main street, Cunningham Street, is where we like to meet, and if you are looking for a good cuppa there are numerous cafes and coffee shops, some open 7 days a week to welcome weary travellers. If you are driving in from the east along the Warrego Highway, just turn right at the first set of lights you come to when you enter town. History buffs will appreciate a visit to our Pioneer Park Musuem, which boasts one of the largest collections of working tractors and agricultural machinery in Queensland. The museum also houses an impressive rock, mineral and fossil collection, and has a letter written by Ned Kelly, asking authorities to allow his mother to visit him in prison. Located not far from the museum are our saleyards where every Wednesday we have one of the largest single cattle sales in Australia. We invite you to view the fast paced auction selling. Lake Broadwater, located approximately 30km south-west of Dalby along the Moonie Highway, is a hive of Aussie bird life and other fauna. To keep fit, a favourite local walking spot is along Myall Creek which runs through town. Just follow the well-sealed track through town and parklands. You can also complete the self guided Heritage Walk where we’ve highlighted buildings from our early European history. Call into the Dalby Visitor Information Centre in Thomas Jack Park on the Warrego Highway for a map of the Heritage Walk and the attractions of town. Local artisans and producers sell local products here at the Visitor Information Centre and in several gift stores in town. One of the best times to visit us is when there is a race meet on the calendar. We host up to nine meets a year including the Dalby Picnic Races held on the May long weekend. Come dressed in your ‘Sunday best’. If you are into horses, we host Australia’s largest Stock Horse Show and Sale every December. We boast a number of good motels, B&Bs and caravan parks. We recommend you book ahead to avoid disappointment. A well-kept secret for the ladies is the numerous beauty and hair salons in Dalby which offer good services at a fraction of the price you’ll pay in many inner city salons. The main street, Cunningham Street has a couple of well supported local fashion and gift boutiques including local handmade gifts, not to mention good shoe sales throughout the year.
Come and visit during our annual Show to observe historic engines in full swing or stay for the weekend for our race day. You will feel our community spirit in the air. We have well-kept camping, caravan and cabin accommodation available. Because we are small, you can easily stroll around town from the caravan park to the general store and have a coldie at the Bell View Hotel on the balcony overlooking the plains. You can enjoy a Devonshire tea at our Visitor Information Centre, which is also home to an array of local arts, crafts and products. Kaimkillenbun • 100 As the Queensland town with the longest single name you may have difficulty pronouncing our name, Kaimkillenbun, but that’s OK, you can just call it ‘The Bun’ like we do. Our town name is significant not just for its number of letters. Kaimkillenbun is a local aboriginal word signifying the rim of the moon coming over the horizon. We are just over 20km north from Dalby and enroute to the Bunya Mountains. You cannot miss the ‘Bun Pub’- where you can enjoy a cold drink, country meal and overnight stay. Our WWII soldiers spent their last night here at the pub before their departure and you can see their signatures on the wall. Our claims to fame include being the setting for the movie ‘Chase Through the Night’ which starred the up-andcoming Nicole Kidman and we are the birthplace of Olympic basket baller, John Dorge. Macalister Macalister is a major grain handling depot and coal loading facility, sometimes operating 24 hours a day. You can see the grain silos on the highway on your right heading west and the coal loading facility on your left. The coal crosses the highway overhead to the railway line on your right, transporting the ‘black gold’ and grain to export markets from the ports on the east coast of Queensland.
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Discover Dalby Spring Sensations
Things to see and do...
First held in 2010, Discover Dalby Spring Sensations is a relatively new festival for Dalby. It’s a month long celebration of spring held in September each year, and offers locals and visitors a wide array of activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Take a walk along the picturesque Myall Creek
A highlight of the festival would be Dalby Delicious & DeLIGHTful, an intimate festival of food and culture held on the banks of the Myall Creek. The main event being a spectacular parade of hand-made lanterns along the creek.
Visit Pioneer Park Museum and see a large collection of working tractors and agricultural machinery Enjoy an exhibition at the Dalby Regional Art Gallery Visit the Saleyards on a Wednesday and see one of the largest selling, single day cattle sales in Australia
Dalby Wings & Wheels Spectacular
View The Crossing monument beside Myall Creek
An interactive event featuring fantastic air and ground displays, Dalby Wings & Wheels Spectacular is a great day out for the whole family. Enjoy a ride on a Harley Davidson, or a joy flight in a plane, helicopter, or hot air balloon.
Sight the Cactoblastis Cairn, a monument recognizing the success of the Cactoblastis Moth
The sky will come alive with high energy aerobatic displays, balloon night glow and fireworks. On the ground there will be impressive displays of aircraft, motor vehicles and motorcycles, and a host of car events, like drags, power skids and burnouts. Amusement rides, market stalls and live entertainment will keep the crowd entertained all day. The next spectacular is set to be held in August 2012, so drive, ride or fly into Dalby, but just don’t miss it! 4
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the tranquil surroundings of Thomas Jack Park
Take a drive out to Lake Broadwater Conservation Park and do a spot of birdwatching or bushwalking Take the self-guided Heritage Walk and see some of Dalby’s historical buildings, homes and churches Visit Graz Art Gallery in the main street and see local artist Graeme McCullough at work Drive to the Bunya Mountains and see the largest stand of ancient Bunya Pines in the world today Admire the work of local artists at Bluebelles Art Gallery whilst enjoying a cuppa from the Coffee Shop Visit the Catholic Church in Bell and marvel at the series of murals painted by local artist Meg Cullen See a collection of restored engines at Popey’s Shed See the old railway station in Bell Heritage Parkland ...why not tick them off as you go
Dalby Town
What to do in a day... Take a leisurely stroll down our main street and indulge yourself at one of our alfresco cafes, while enjoying the aromas lingering in the air. Give in to the temptations on offer in our local shops, from speciality country and local craft stores to modern clothing boutiques. Take time out to visit the Dalby Regional Art Gallery that often exhibits works of local and renowned artists.
We recommend you visit these destinations in Dalby
Head to Thomas Jack Park, an oasis of beautiful gardens and waterways, featuring a lovely rock waterfall. It’s the perfect place for a picnic lunch, or simply for a moment or two of relaxation. While you’re in the park, call in and see our friendly staff at the Visitor Information Centre and browse our local arts and crafts. Be sure to collect your touring maps, bird watching and heritage trail brochures. Travel just 20 minutes west of town and see the scenic Lake Broadwater, a popular site for bird watching and bush walking. This beautiful natural environment offers a unique experience not to be missed.
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Myall Creek Walkway
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Thomas Jack Park
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Pioneer Park Museum
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Dalby Regional Art Gallery
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Dalby Saleyards
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The Crossing
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Cactoblastis Cairn
Did you know?
On your way back to town check out the Pioneer Park Museum, which houses magnificent displays of yesteryear.
Dalby is the birthplace of contemporary poet, BR Dionysis, award winning writer, Andrew McGahan, and national golf and football players, David Gleeson, Jason Little, Andrew McCullough, Steve Price and Carl Webb have all called Dalby home.
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As sundown draws near, appreciate a beautiful sunset as you take a leisurely walk along Myall Creek, before enjoying a relaxing evening at one of our restaurants or clubs.
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