Warwick is situated 160 kilometres south west of Brisbane and borders on fertile farmlands and the rolling hills of the Great Dividing Range. The town is strategically located at the junction of major highways from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
The area was discovered in 1827 by explorer Allan Cunningham and settled in 1840 by the Leslie brothers who began the tradition of the pastoralist, sheep and wool industry in Queensland.
The Warwick area boasts some of Queensland's finest historical sandstone buildings, which were made from local sandstone and now stand today as reminders of their pioneering past.
Known as the 'Rose and Rodeo City', Warwick hosts one of Australia's oldest and most famous rodeos each year in October. The Warwick Rodeo can trace its roots back to 1857 where records indicate the first professional buckjumping contest. Each year riders from around the nation compete for their share of the prize money.
During the spring months, Warwick showcases its wonderful roses throughout its parks and gardens. The red 'City of Warwick' or Arafuto Rose was developed especially for the town.
During the winter months, Brass Monkey Season, the streets of Warwick come alive with the Jumpers and Jazz in July festival. This festival is a unique display of local wit, charm and colour, with custom knitted jumpers for the deciduous trees of the main street.
Warwick has excellent shopping facilities and the Indoor Recreation and Aquatic Centre provides a first class gymnasium with swimming pools which are heated during winter allowing for use all year round. Other attractions include the Historical Museum, Regional Art Gallery, and an 18 hole golf course. Leslie Dam is located 13 kilometres west of Warwick and provides for fishing, swimming, and boating, and also has picnic areas for day visitors and camping areas for longer stays.
