Southern Queensland Country

If you’re looking to escape hectic city life for some time in a tranquil rural setting then a visit to the Southern Queensland Country region may be for you. Southern Queensland Country

If you’re looking to escape hectic city life for some time in a tranquil rural setting then a visit to the Southern Queensland Country region may be for you.

Just 90 minutes from Queensland’s capital, the region offers plenty for visitors to see, do and eat.Breathe in the fresh country air at the bevy of national parks, experience thriving agricultural hubs, learn all about the area’s pioneering history at the heritage towns and museums, or taste the fresh regional flavours whether that be from a vine or a tree.

The region takes in Toowoomba and the Darling Downs, the Southern Downs and Granite Belt, the South Burnett and the Western Country – areas known for their pleasant country scenery and friendly locals.

If visiting the Southern Country for the first time, Toowoomba is a great town to base yourself in. The town offers a cosmopolitan ‘city meets country’ vibe with plenty of cultural things to see and explore, as well as a wide range of restaurants, shops and cafes.

Must-sees include the art deco style Empire Theatre, the Cobb & Co Museum, The Japanese Gardens and the picturesque Picnic Point Lookout.

2 Further afield you will find a network of small towns including Warwick, Goondiwindi, St George, Kingaroy, Dalby and Stanthorpe as well as other quaint country townships. One thing you’ll find where ever you go is the same laidback county lifestyle and home-style hospitality.

Editor’s Pick

Jondaryan is a quaint rural township home to the widely loved tourist attraction – The Woolshed at Jondaryan. Built in 1859, it houses Queensland’s oldest operating woolshed as well as a museum (established in 1975) which illustrates the pastoral history of the station and surrounding area. The iconic Jackie Howe Festival held in September each year is a great opportunity to experience The Woolshed in all its glory. The Woolshed is open daily (except on select public holidays) throughout the year. Guided tours are also available upon request.

Photo Opportunity

The Bunya Mountains National Park is the second oldest national park in Queensland and features the world’s largest remaining stand of bunya pine forest. The stunning wildlife haven is a fantastic place for wildlife photography. From feeding the rainbow lorikeets, rosellas and parrots to picnicking with the wallabies, plenty of photo opportunities await!

3 Things to See and Do

Empire Theatre Toowoomba’s Empire Theatre is a heritage listed art-deco venue 56 Neil Street that provides a wide variety of Toowoomba performing arts for every taste. Queensland 4350 Australia P: 07 4698 9900

Jondaryan Woolshed Located in the heart of the Darling Admission Fees Apply Downs, the Jondaryan Woolshed provides visitors with fascinating 264 Evanslea Road displays of rural heritage. A great Jondaryan day out for the whole family! Queensland 4403 Australia P: 07 4692 2229

Carnarvon Gorge Carnarvon National Park, a spectacular gorge system carved by 36 Quintin Street the ever-flowing Carnarvon Creek, Roma is an oasis in the semi-arid heart of Queensland 4455 Australia Queensland. P:1300 130 372

Picnic Point Picnic Point is a Toowoomba icon. It features beautifully landscaped Tourist Drive parkland with playgrounds, Toowoomba barbecue and picnic facilities and a Queensland 4350 Australia magnificent lookout. P: 07 4639 3797

4 Things to See and Do

Darling Downs Zoo The Darling Downs Zoo is situated Admission Fees apply in a beautiful rural setting on the eastern Downs between Gatton-Clifton Road Toowoomba and Warwick and Corner of Baines Road features an array of animals from Clifton, Queensland 4361 around the world. P: 07 4696 4107

Condamine Gorge The Condamine Gorge is home to striking scenery and a number of Condamine Gorge Road endangered species. Take a hike and Killarney enjoy the view - be sure to pack a Queensland 4373 Australia camera! P: 07 4661 3122

Bunya Mountains The Bunya Mountains National National Park Park, Queensland’s second-oldest national park, protects the world’s Bunya Avenue largest remaining bunya pine Dandabah, Bunya Mountains rainforest. Great walks and wildlife Queensland 4405 await! P: 1300 130 372

Miles Historical Village Located right on the Warrego Museum Highway, the Miles Historical Village Museum is home to over 30 original 141 Murilla Street and replica heritage buildings as Miles, QLD 4415 well as many more displays. P: 07 4627 1492

5 Events

January 2015 April 2015

7th - 17th 12th - 15th 2nd USQ McGregor Chinchilla Melon Easterfest Summer School Festival Toowoomba University of Chinchilla Southern Queensland, 9th - 10th Toowoomba Atherton Show March 2015 Atherton 26th 14th Australia Day at the Wine and Food in the 2nd Jondaryan Woolshed Park Festival Roma’s Easter in the Jondaryan Kingaroy Country Festival Roma 30th 27th - 29th Stanthorpe Show Warwick Rodeo 12th Stanthorpe Warwick Showgrounds Felton Food Festival Felton February 2015 1st Goondiwindi Hell of the West Triathlon Goondiwindi

6 Events

May 2015 September 2015 November 2015

17th 4th - 6th 14th Hampton Festival The Jackie Howe Stanthorpe Rocks Hampton Festival of the Golden Ballandean Shears Jondaryan 29th Oct - 2nd Nov Murgon Music Muster 18th - 27th PCYC Complex, Murgon Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Various venues - Toowoomba

7 Accommodation

Burke & Wills Hotel This landmark hotel is one of the finest accommodation hotels in 554 Ruthven Street the Darling Downs region. It boasts Toowoomba 4350 QLD a central location, only walking P. 07 4632 2433 distance to shops and local tourist attractions.

Garden City Motor Inn Centrally located close to shops, attractions and parks, the 718 Ruthven Street accommodation consists of 15 Toowoomba ground floor units. Queensland 4350 P: 07 4635 5377

Beccles on Margaret B&B Beccles is one of the finest examples of a custom Queensland 25 Margaret Street bungalow. It’s perfect for a romantic Toowoomba getaway and is just a 15 minute Queensland 4350 stroll to the CBD. P. 07 4638 5254

Dalby Tourist Park Set on the bank of Myall Creek which runs through the town of 32 Myall Street Dalby, Dalby Tourist Park is only a Dalby few minutes walk to shops, clubs Queensland 4405 and more. P. 07 4662 4793

8 Accommodation

Bethany Cottages Bethany Cottages are four self- contained cottages set up on the 218 Peterson Drive highest hill in the Kingaroy district. Kingaroy Enjoy the panoramic views from Queensland 4610 your private verandah. P. 07 4162 7046

The Town House Motor Located in the heart of Inn Goondiwindi, visitors can enjoy a great range of facilities in a clean 110 Marshall Street and comfortable environment. Goondiwindi Queensland 4390 P: 07 4671 1855

The Miles Outback Motel This friendly country motel is located on the crossroads of the 11 Murilla Street, Warrego and Leichhardt Highways. Miles Rooms are available in a range of Queensland 4415 configurations. P. 4627 2100

Bunyip Springs Farmstay Bunyip Springs Farmstay provides visitors with genuine farm 503 Maidenwell-Bunya experiences. Visitors can enjoy Mountains Road accommodation in a three bedroom Maidenwell, Nanango cottage and three bedroom lodge. Queensland 4615 P. 07 4164 6175

9 Accommodation

Abbey of the Roses This heritage country manor has Heritage Guesthouse been renovated to include all the modern comforts while maintaining 8 Locke Street the history and charm of the Warwick Queensland 4370 original building. An ideal couples P. 07 4661 9777 retreat!

53 on Victoria 53 on Victoria offers fully self- contained accommodation 53 Victoria Street which combines luxury, style and Warwick Queensland 4370 sophistication in the one location. P. 0447 613 488 Features include modern kitchens, internet and Austar.

Logger’s Rest Bed and Enjoy the warm and friendly Breakfast atmosphere at this luxury bed and breakfast, situated within 33 Sugarloaf Road walking distance of the centre of Stanthorpe Queensland 4380 Stanthorpe. Features include wood P. 07 4681 2572 fire, spa, games room.

Apple and Grape Motel The Apple and Grape Motel offers comfortable and affordable 63 Maryland Street accommodation in the heart of Stanthorpe Queensland 4380 Stanthorpe. Walking distance to P. 07 4681 1288 parks, shops, club and cafes.

10 Dining

Bon Amici Cafe Set in the heart of ‘eat street,’ Bon Amici Cafe is a great place to meet 191 Margaret Street up with friends for a coffee or Toowoomba QLD 4350 meal, while soaking up the great P: 07 4632 4533 atmosphere.

Wendland Olives Discover a treasure trove of olives, oils, cheeses, deli style fine foods Shop 1, 76 Bridge Street and cafe dining at Wendland Olives. Toowoomba QLD 4350 P: 4638 8899

The Cherry Tree Coffee & The Cherry Tree prides itself on Dining offering good coffee, fresh food and a range of great products all at an 85 Fitzroy Street affordable price. A great place to Warwick QLD 4370 treat yourself. P: 07 4667 1746

Shingle Inn Spoil yourself with aromatic coffee, decadent desserts and sinful sweets 428 Ruthven Street at Shingle Inn. Stop in and enjoy the Toowoomba QLD 4350 cosy, welcoming atmosphere and P: 07 4632 4470 friendly service.

11 Dining

Aromas Cafe Enjoy a range of delicious light meals, snacks and sweets as well Shop 14/ 52 High Street as quality roasted coffee. Aromas Toowoomba QLD 4350 is the ideal place to meet up with P: 07 4613 6279 friends or have a relaxed meal with the family.

Taste South Burnett Visitors can taste a range of fine foods from the South Burnett area, Shop 4/36 Alford Street including everything from wine and Kingaroy Queensland 4610 cheese to fudge and hampers. P: 07 4162 8222

Spring Creek Mountain The café offers contemporary Cafe Australian cuisine with international flavours and only uses fresh, Spring Creek Road wholesome, local produce from the Killarney Queensland 4373 Killarney area. P: 07 4664 7101

Veraison Classed as modern Australian dining, Veraison offers a truly 205 Margaret Street mouth-watering selection of dishes Toowoomba Queensland 4350 and an outstanding selection of P: 07 4638 5909 wines.

12 Dining

Picnic Point Cafe & Picnic Point Cafe is simply perfect Restaurant for a cup of coffee, glass of wine, an ice cream, or a fabulous meal. Top of the Range Dinner is served in the restaurant 164 Tourist Road Friday & Saturday nights. Toowoomba Queensland 4350 P: 07 4631 5100

Bunnyconnellen Olive Bunnyconnellen is a niche ‘paddock Grove & Vineyard to plate’ gourmet food business producing award winning premium Swain Road quality extra virgin olive oil, Crow’s Nest Queensland 4355 table olives, fine wine and other P: 07 4697 9555 products.

Nindigully Pub Nindigilly Pub is Queensland’s oldest hotel located in its original Sternes Street condition and position on the banks Nindigully Queensland 4497 of the Moonie River. P: 07 4625 9637

Weis Restaurant Weis Restaurant’s award-winning smorgasbord offers the finest and 2 Margaret Street freshest premium quality Australian Toowoomba Queensland 4350 seafood. P: 07 4632 7666

13 Dining

Abbey of the Roses Stop in for a delicious Devonshire Tea and take a tour around the 8 Locke Street beautiful, historic building. The Warwick Queensland 4370 friendly hosts will make you feel at P. 07 4661 9777 home.

Rupert’s Bar & Grill Unwind in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and enjoy a quality 89 Wood Street grill, including MSA graded beef, Warwick Queensland 4370 french trimmed chicken or lamb P. 07 4660 2100 rump.

Claudia’s Country At Claudia’s Restaurant and the Restaurant onsite Thunderbolt winery they pride themselves on offering top 679 Thorndale Road quality classical cuisine and wines at Stanthorpe Queensland 4380 excellent value. P. 07 4683 5117

Aussie Beef Steakhouse Enjoy fresh flavours and local produce along with tender, tasty 1 High Street steaks in a relaxed and comfortable Stanthorpe Queensland 4380 setting.

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