Western Downs Region Guides Attractions Events in Queensland

On the banks of Wallam Creek Bollon is the habitat of a large koala population which thrives on the abundant Red River Gums in the area. More than 110 species of birds have been recorded in the area. You can set up camp on Wallam Creek and enjoy the wildlife.

Bollon was first recognised as a town in 1879. Bollon now stands as a small community in the Balonne Shire, characterised by friendly and helpful country people.

While in Bollon, visit the Rosehill Aviary - the most complete collection of parrots in Australia!

Bollon is situated near Thrushton National Park.

In the town of Cecil Plains you'll find murals and the historic Cecil Plains Homestead.

Guests staying at the Homestead on the Condamine, now a bed and breakfast, should be prepared for unearthly presences, one apparition bearing a strong resemblance to Ludwig Leichhardt, the Prussian explorer who long ago sat on the veranda and discussed his expeditions with the two brothers who founded Cecil Plains.

The third weekend in May is Ludwig Leichhardt Weekend, so time your trip to coincide with this celebration.

There are more hints of spirits long-departed at the Old Station Cemetery. Tombstone details have been preserved in a rustic hardwood memorial surrounding a huge gum tree in the centre of this historic cemetery.

Stay at the new caravan park located in the centre of town, with easy access to the library, general store, hotel, swimming pool and the Condamine River. During the harvest season (April to July), be sure to take in a tour of the Cecil Plains Cotton Gin, one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.

Just over three hours drive from Brisbane along the Warrego Highway, you will come across the friendly town of Chinchilla.

Chinchilla is known as the ‘Melon Capital’ of Australia and biennially the fun and amusing Melon Festival is held in town. In fact 25 per cent of Australia’s total watermelon crop is produced here.

Chinchilla has many sporting clubs, facilities and fishing spots, with Chinchilla Weir a great venue for water sports.

The name Chinchilla is believed to be derived from the Aboriginal word for cypress pine: ‘Jinchilla’. The town itself is still noted for its supply of cypress pine, a termite resistant building material.

A monument erected in explorer Ludwig Leichhardt's honour can be seen in the Pioneer Cemetery on the highway through town.

Chinchilla is renowned for the quality of its petrified wood, known as ‘Chinchilla Red’. Make your way to the Tourist Information Centre for a fossicking licence.

Columboola is a small community offering a outback style holiday experience at Columboola Country, with camping, caravanning, cabins and group function facilities, just east of Miles on the Warrego Highway.

One of the favourite activities of guests at Columboola Country is fishing in the permanent creek. A number of deep holes are to be found along the creek, populated with native species including yellow belly, jew and cod. The creek itself is located only a stones throw from the camping grounds and cabins.

The beautiful rock hole is a mere 30 metres from the camping area. A tranquil recreational venue, it is surrounded by native vegetation and populated by native fish and crustaceans. Running directly off Punchbowl creek, the rock hole is an unpolluted, unspoilt, naturally occurring waterhole. Used by Aboriginals many years ago as a food and water source, it is still appreciated today - especially on those hot Queensland summer afternoons!

Columboola is also the location of an outdoor education centre for school groups. The complex has a wide range of facilities for outdoor recreation.

Town facilities are available 14 kilometres away at Miles.

The township of Condamine is located south of Miles on the meandering Condamine River, well-known for its excellent fishing.

Condamine is famous for the invention of the Condamine, or Bullfrog Bell. Designed to be hung from the necks of working bullocks, the bells ensured the stockmen were able to locate their cattle when left to roam and graze. Stockmen were even able to determine the distance of a bullock by the sound of its bell. Visitors can learn more of this history when they stop to read the inscription on the side of the large replica bell in Bell Park.

Condamine is rugby mad with no less than three rugby teams, no mean feat for a town with 85 residents! Drop in to watch one of the Condamine Cods weekend matches. Surrounding Condamine are many feedlots and a freshwater fish farm. Book ahead with Andrew at the Condamine Hotel for a tour of these properties.

Situated in the black soil plains of the Northern Darling Downs, Dalby is a hive of rural enterprise.

But it's not all work in this picturesque town. Every March, townsfolk celebrate Dalby Cotton Week, a festival run over 10 days.

Thomas Jack Park situated on the edge of the town centre is a good place to stop and stretch your legs.

There is plenty of local history and culture on display at Pioneer Park Museum, with its wide range of exhibits. Follow the Heritage Trail, which takes you past historic, late 19th Century buildings.

Dalby is a great place to base yourself before exploring the Bunya Mountains National Park and historic Jimbour House, a short drive north-east. South-west of Dalby lies Lake Broadwater Conservation Park, a popular spot for bushwalking and birdwatching.

Dalby has all essential services. Major industries include rural, wheat, sorghum, cotton, sheep, pigs and cattle. Dalby also has an agricultural college.

Dirranbandi is located in the Balonne Shire and is a one and a half hour drive from the nearest major town of St George. The district around the town of Dirranbandi has been described as some of the finest wool growing country in Australia.

In 1885, the town site was surveyed and named Dirranbandi which means 'swamp abounding in frogs and waterfowl' or 'frogs around the waterhole.' Dirranbandi is the gateway to the Culgoa Flood Plains National Park. The park is situated on the Queensland/New South Wales border and is ideal for birdwatching. Visitors wanting to camp at the National Park should contact the Ranger in Charge or talk to the Balonne Shire Information Centre in St George.

At the centre of a cotton-growing area, Dirranbandi's population almost doubles at harvest time when backpackers flock into town to pick the crop. Dirranbandi is also home to 'Cubbie Station'' which is believed to be the largest privately owned cotton property in the Southern Hemisphere.

In common with Miles and Dulacca, Drillham originated as a railway service town in 1878. Once a thriving metropolis, Drillham was closely linked to the railway. A railway weir on the creek provided water for steam locomotives and a camp was established while a bridge was built over the river. Reminders of the hardships endured by the railway workers can be seen today in the form of roadside cairns commemorating their efforts. The town soon became a thriving centre for regional settlers, and the area became known for its quality grain crops and livestock.

Grain crops, livestock farms and a strong visible history of railway activity give the community of Drillham its rural character. Today a variety of quality grain crops and some of Australia's best livestock are produced here.

The town was established with the coming of the railways in 1879 and is named after the Dulacca Station nearby. Originally spelt 'Doolackah,' the name was derived from an Aboriginal name meaning 'emu tracks.'

An interesting point to note about Dulacca is that it was the site of the first efforts to eradicate the invasive prickly pear cactus. The fight to eradicate the prickly pear was spurred on by the Government's reward of 40,000 hectares of land to whoever could restore their land to its original state. It is estimated that the menacing plant covered more than 50 million acres of Queensland at its peak.

The town's hotel, known as the Waterhole on the Hill, dates back to 1908 and a brief history of the town is displayed at Lions Park. Join the locals for a yarn and learn a little more about the towns interesting beginnings and history.

Glenmorgan is a small community with lots of character. Visit the end of the railway extension, 'End of the Line' and view memorabilia of the railway in the Shire. Housed in the Glenmorgan Railway Station, it's a must see for railway buffs. Don't forget to check out the street names, all named after the Member for State and Minister for Railway, Godfrey Morgan's family.

Glenmorgan is also home to Myall Park Botanic Gardens, which is an internationally recognised botanic garden, boasting Queensland's oldest collection of Australian semi-arid zone flora. The gardens were developed by amateur botanist David Gordon, AM in the 1940s on the ridge behind his home. He and his family then spent the 1950s gathering seeds and cuttings of Australian plants from all over the continent, which they then propagated and then planted over an area which covers more than 130 hectares. Many species planted by David are now extremely rare and sometimes extinct in their own natural habitat. The onsite gallery exhibits superb botanical paintings by his wife, the late Dorothy Gordon. Follow the interpretive signs off the beaten track on foot or on bike, to see the very best specimens.

Settled in the 1840s by pastoralists, Goondiwindi emerged in the latter half of the 19th century as an important administrative and commercial centre. Goondiwindi's name stems from Aboriginal origin, meaning 'resting place of the birds'.

The town's major rural products include wheat, cotton, beef and wool, while major industries include service industries, machinery sales and repairs. Goondiwindi is also home to one of the largest cotton gins in the world and tours are available.

Goondiwindi is situated on the Queensland and New South Wales border. The border is marked by the McIntyre River, which creates a great scenic backdrop. The Newell Highway also runs through Goondiwindi and is described as the gateway to the Western Downs.

Racing fans will know Goondiwindi as the home of the famous Gunsynd racehorse, affectionately nicknamed the 'Goondiwindi Grey'.

Distance From Brisbane: 368 kilometres

Hebel was established in 1889 under the name Kelly's Point. It has been claimed Dan Kelly and Steve Hart, members of the infamous Kelly gang resided in the Hebel area under assumed names. The name was changed to Hebel in the early 1890's. There's a suggestion that when the name was changed, there was a family of German people residing in the town whose surname, or the Christian name of the father was Hebel.

The Hebel Store established in 1897 today stands as two buildings: the original store and the Hebel Dance Hall, built around the same date. Visitors to the store need to watch their step as the old dance floor moves, telling a tale of the bygone era. The Hebel Store sells local arts, crafts and history books.

The distinctive Hebel Hotel was originally a Cobb & Co stopover, which opened in 1894. This wonderful hotel has a colourful history and cannot be missed on a visit to Hebel. Another place that must be visited is The Crafty Yum Yum Cottage. This is a surprising gourmet delight in this isolated community.

With a population of about 500 people, Injune is rich in both European and Aboriginal cultural significance. With an abundance of natural pastures and natural resources, Injune is a microcosm of outback development, from old time family dairy farms to intensive modern farming and gas fields.

The best place to catch up with the locals is either at the bowls club on a Wednesday night or at the local Injune Hotel on Friday night. Pull up a chair, have a drink and become immersed in true country hospitality. While there ask them about Ludwig Leichhardt's association with the area, or ask about the many legends that best explain the origins of the name Injune.

Nestled in the Great Dividing Range, Injune is blessed with a climate that takes you to the depths of cold crispy winters to hot summers and perfect spring and autumn weather. Like most small towns west of the Great Dividing Range, the town was built on a natural water system and the surrounding ranges give birth to five of the major river systems in South West Queensland and New South Wales. Mount Moffatt is part of these mountain ranges and from here, the views of the surrounding land is nothing short of spectacular. Often sited as the second coldest place in Queensland , Mount Moffatt almost qualifies as 'alpine'.

While visiting Injune, pay a visit to the Information Centre, have a swim in the town's modern swimming pool and stop at the stunning lookout across Arcadia Valley and explore its beauty.

An interesting sight in Jackson is the Old Play Shed, which is part of the original Jackson School Play Shed. In conjunction with the Year of the Outback, local history has been documented for display at the Old Play Shed.

Jackson is situated about four hours drive from Brisbane.

The Jackson Public Library with Internet Access is open every Wednesday from 9.00 a.m. until 7.00 p.m. or by appointment. There is a public park with toilets.

Kogan was once a Cobb and Co change over station, boasting seven saw mills and is now the location of an interesting emu farm.

Just west of Kogan, an emu farm offers visitors the chance to witness eggs being artificially incubated and the young chicks being reared between June and October. The farm is open all year round.

The Tara-Kogan Road is a picturesque drive taking you past historic places like Honey Road and the 226 Mile. You'll find the Native Bird Aviary near the Hard Country Native Nursery. Kogan's newest attraction is the Kogan Creek Power Station, which will be completed shortly.

Kogan was also the home of famous artist Hugh Sawry. Remnants of his home and old cheese factory can still be found.

Meandarra is the hub of a prime production area of grain, cattle, and sheep and is the location of a popular fishing and camping spot. Meandarra is considered the cultural centre of the Tara area, with the historic School of Arts Hall, local artists and hand-crafts.

This community has the largest store facilities for Queensland grown wheat, with harvesting from mid-October to mid-November.

Brigalow Creek is well known for its water-lilies and fishing for golden perch and jewfish. Camping is permitted on the creek.

Meandarra is home to an extensive display of military equipment. The fascinating display is on a modern broad acre, dry land farming and grazing property with cereal crop production and beef cattle. Also on-site, a native wildlife preservation programme offers excellent opportunities to observe and photograph a diverse range of flora and fauna.

Stop off at the Leo Gardon Apex Park where free electric barbecues and picnic facilities offer pleasant surrounds.

Miles was originally named Dogwood Crossing and was established on a track blazed by the explorer, Ludwig Leichhardt in 1884.

The Miles Historical Village is a big talking point among all who have travelled this way before. Here the visitor will literally step back into history when they step into the many buildings in this turn-of-the-century village. There are more than 20 historic buildings, including a hospital, cafe, bank, post office and bakery.

Another must see when in town is Dogwood Crossing @ Miles, which is home to the local art gallery, library, IT centre and social history. The lovely staff will be more than happy to help you out with any information.

The town has a shopping centre, hospital, commercial, educational and professional facilities available. Sporting amenities include an Olympic swimming pool.

Miles is the centre of a native wildflower region extending north to the Great Divide. In the heart of the Western Downs the region has diversified primary production, and successful mining of Bentonite Clay. The beautiful Balonne River highlights the beauty of Miles, particularly in September when the wildflowers bloom in abundance.

Closest major town: Toowoomba, approximately212 kilometres.

Located on the western fringe of the Darling Downs, Millmerran offers a fascinating mix of experiences, sights and characters. You will see the best of Darling Downs living in the rich agricultural area of the Condamine and Macintyre catchments, and experience the spirit of the Western Downs through the town's unique attractions and festivals.

Millmerran is home to a series of larger than life murals placed throughout the town to depict stages of the town and district’s history. The Commodore Peak lookout has a panoramic view over Millmerran.

The Mount Basalt reserve, just 19 kilometres south of Millmerran, is well worth the look, and from here you'll find a variety of walking trails and a lookout offering spectacular views. Mt Basalt is a unique geological and environmental landmark that features rare volcanic formations.

The Australian Camp Oven Festival, held in Millmerran, is a biennial event that occurs in even-numbered years. Millmerran is the national headquarters of the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia, and is renowned for the shooting facilities on offer.

Moonie, the oil capital of Queensland is a tiny settlement on the intersection of the Leichhardt and Moonie Highways.

This was Australia's first commercial oil field, established in 1961, it still operates today pumping Crude Oil at a rate of 35 kilolitres (7777 gallons) every 24 hours. Now the area is now also noted for its quality grain, cattle and prime lamb production.

The Moonie Transaction Centre can assist with all your information needs, and offers a wide range of local arts and crafts. The Moonie Crossroads is a must see, with the history of Moonie depicted in the brilliant murals in the bar area. The Sports Club serves as the hub of the district's social activities providing a range of sporting facilities. Legend has it that bushranger Captain Starlight once passed through the area on one of his escapades.

While in Moonie also pay a visit to Southwood National Park, home to the rare silky black cockatoo or drop a line in at the Rocky Water Hole.

Travel some 40 kilometres west of Roma, along the Warrego Highway and discover the whistlestop town of Muckadilla. Once home to the famous Muckadilla Baths, this town may lack the bustle of bigger towns, but not the hospitality.

While in Muckadilla you can stop and see the Whistlestop Railway Siding, take a walk through the native gardens alongside the highway and let the children play in the new playground equipment situated in the native gardens. Once you have finished exploring, pop into the local hotel and have a cool drink and a meal. This is the perfect place to meet some of the locals and have a chat about the town today and its history of years gone by.

The town also has a service station for you to fill up on fuel. Muckadilla is predominantly a grain producing area and has its own grain depot. The town also has a small primary school.

Nindigully is home to the historic Nindigully Hotel, established in 1864. The hotel is now believed to hold one of the longest continued licenses in Queensland. You can't beat this for a classic outback-style pub with riverside fishing right out front.

Nindigully is also the site where the Australian film 'Paperback Hero' was filmed. In recent years Nindigully has received quite a lot of publicity. It has been named Australia’s 'Best Country Pub' but has also drawn attention when it ran out of beer - after a massive harvest season and hot weather saw the pub inundated with unexpected patrons; receiving the pet name 'the pub with no beer'.

The township also plays host to thousands of visitors each year who come for the New Years Eve Party and the annual B and S Ball. Nindigully usually has a population of about six people, but this swells to a few thousand people when either of these two events take place.

Roma is known as the cradle of Australia’s oil and gas industry and is a fitting location for the Big Rig oil and gas museum. Roma was the very first site where oil and gas was discovered in Australia.

With something for all ages, the museum will take you on an absorbing journey from Australia’s first discovery of petroleum, through the boom and bust years of oil and gas exploration and on to today’s multi billion dollar industry.

Visit Roma's historic winery- Romavilla, operating since 1863. It's the oldest winery in Queensland.

Roma’s Cattle Sales are the largest in Australia and are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The raised walkways around the yards provide visitors with an excellent vantage point over the proceedings.

Visitors to Roma also quickly become aware of the numerous bottle trees growing in town. Hero’s Avenue consists of more than 100 bottle trees - each representing a local soldier who lost his life in the great war of 1914/1918.

Roma is the only place to be each Easter for fun and some real country entertainment. The Easter in the Country Festival offers an action-packed program for the whole family. Roma also has a great range of shops ideal for some retail therapy.

St George is the business centre for a large primary producing district. Major rural products include cotton, grain, sheep, beef cattle, table grapes and other horticultural crops. Beardmore Dam provides excellent freshwater fishing for Yellowbelly and Murray Cod, labelling St George as the Fishing Capital of Queensland.

Often referred to as ‘An Oasis’ or ‘the inland fishing capital of Queensland’, St George is situated on the picturesque banks of the mighty Balonne River.

The town was named by Sir Thomas Mitchell who discovered the river crossing on St George’s Day (April 23), 1846. Mitchell’s monument is located in the landscaped gardens adjacent to the Jack Taylor Weir.

The Balonne River, Beardmore Dam and Jack Taylor Weir present an inland aquatic playground for locals and visitors alike. There are a number of fishing spots where you can drop in a line and try your luck. The waterways also make great places to take lazy afternoon walks. Be sure to wander along the river parkland and spot a koala.

If you visit St George in spring you will be treated to the wonderful colours of the Jacaranda and Bauhinia Trees in full bloom. The Rosehill Aviary near St George supports the most complete population of Parrots in Australia and is a great stop any time of year.

Wine lovers can enjoy a drop of local Riversands wine or for the beer drinkers, visiting one of the historic pubs may be just the thing. Be sure to see the illuminated hand-carved emu eggs at the Unique Egg and visit the Heritage Centre.

The town of Surat, situated on the banks of the Balonne River, is an ideal place to enjoy a little country relaxation. Its position on the Great Inland Way between Roma and St George makes it an ideal stop for visitors heading north from New South Wales.

Founded in 1849 after Sir Thomas Mitchell passed through the area, Surat is also the site of the very last Cobb and Co. coach run.

The Cobb & Co. Changing Station Complex in Surat incorporates the Cobb & Co. Store Museum, the Balonne River Gallery, the Balonne Freshwater Aquarium, the Library and the Visitor Information Centre. In days gone by, the building served as a change over station for travellers and their horses to refresh during long journeys.

On display in the Cobb & Co. Store Museum are progressively changing displays depicting the lifestyles of yesteryear, giving you an insight into the area's social history. Also on display is a 14 seater working Cobb & Co. Coach. The Balonne River Gallery proudly showcases local artists, as well as travelling art exhibitions featuring well-known artists.

In the 25,000 litre freshwater fish aquarium 'The Window to the Balonne' you'll see Murray Cod, Yellowbelly and many other freshwater fish species. As you enter the complex the magnificent floor to ceiling mural of the Balonne River bank will captivate you.

Surat is home to Villacoola Winery. Taste the award winning wines at Surat's boutique winery, Villacoola. Open for wine tastings and sales, this cool oasis is situated on the banks of the Balonne River.

Surat has some great fishing thanks to the local Fishing and Restocking club. The club regularly restocks Surat's gorgeous stretch of the Balonne River with Murray Cod and Yellowbelly fingerlings.

Talwood is well known for its annual Picnic Races held on the June long weekend each year. People travel from afar for this event and the town swells to ten times its normal population.

Talwood has a pretty main street, with well kept lawns and trees. The Talwood Hotel, a beautiful country hotel, offers delicious meals and cold beer for the locals and travellers. Talwood is also known for its numerous churches.

Tara has a vibrant rural lifestyle and is well known as a cattle and sheep grazing area. This quaint town has a warm, friendly atmosphere and the locals are always willing to stop and have a chat. Visitors to Tara will be amazed by the impressive collection of rare native parrots. The Town has essential services and there are hotel and motel accommodation plus schools.

If you are in town during a national sheepdog trial, shearing competition, rodeo, country show or race meeting, don't miss the chance to enjoy this great country entertainment.

Relax with the more traditional recreational activities such as fishing, golf and bowls. Or perhaps you will discover Tara's unique talent, internationally acclaimed resident artist Barbara Geisel and her collection of world famous wool paintings.

Native flora and fauna displays are abundant throughout the Shire, and among these you can spot some rare species. The eastern third of the Shire also supports Queensland's best examples of ironbark, spotted gum and cypress pine trees.

Tara is well known for having one of the largest rural subdivisions in the state, with 13 to 40 hectare properties. This has attracted new residents who have introduced many interesting skills and trades. Today, some of the unusual produce in the town's diverse primary production includes ostriches, emus, red claw crayfish and mohair goats.

The township of Taroom lies on the banks of the picturesque Dawson River, 128 kilometres north of Miles. Settlers took up the land here in 1845, just one year after the area’s discovery. Most of these settlers came droving flocks of sheep from the overcrowded New England and Hunter Valley districts. Today the area is focused predominately on prime range cattle and grain production.

Taroom and Wandoan and promote three exciting self-drive tours to explore the region. These include taking in the breathtaking beauty of Isla Gorge, which abounds in native flora, and is excellent for bushwalking. The native animals and the general tranquillity add to the sense of peacefulness that ensures a visit to the Gorge will be a truly memorable experience.

Taroom offers visitors accommodation, supermarkets, well- stocked shops, and is an ideal fuel stop. Taroom and Wandoan offer high quality bore water, first-class swimming pools, scenic 18-hole golf links, year-round bowls, tennis, horse racing and polocrosse and excellent showgrounds which stage agricultural shows, rodeos and campdrafting. Riders from Taroom have become legends on the national rodeo scene. Visitors always enjoy fishing on the Dawson River.

Thallon has long been known as a place of rest and was once a stop for Cobb & Co coaches on the Mungindi to St George route.

This large wheat grain growing area features six large capacity concrete silos of which tours can be arranged. The agricultural infrastructure also includes the railway station, which dispatches grain, wool and freight to the surrounding towns. The railway station is open for visitors on Monday and Thursday.

Two interesting murals painted by local artists exist at the Thallon School.

Bring your tent and do some bush camping at Barneys Beach on the Moonie River. The areas' river banks offer good fishing in unspoilt settings.

In 1911, the St George Progress Association asked the Minister for Lands to resume 'Bullamon' for closer settlement and 780 acres were gazetted as a town reserve. Development continued, stores opened and a hotel was built to cater for employees of the railway line which had arrived from Talwood. The town was named after the then Commissioner for Railways Mr J. F. Thallon.

The first mention of the Thallon district was made by Sir Thomas Mitchell in his diary when he was held up by flood waters on sand ridge on the Moonie River in 1846. At this site, a bloodwood tree where Mitchell carved his initial still stands today.

Another place of historical significance is Bullamon Homestead. It was built in the 1860's and still retains its original shingle roof, slab and log walls and remains of a Chinese garden. It was part of a huge station that at its peak covered over 3,102,023 acres. The word Bullamon is an aboriginal word meaning 'largest waterhole.' 'Bullamon' was an early Cobb and Co. change over station and appears in Steele Rudd's story 'The Memoirs of Corporate Kelly.'

Where the Leichhardt Highway and the Tara-Surat roads meet, The Gums is a tiny settlement worth more than a second look. The quaint historic church and tiny bush school date back to early 20th Century.

Wattle Downs Host Farm offers award winning accommodation. Guests are encouraged to join in on the fun and adventures of every day farm life on this beautiful working stud Merino sheep, grazing and grain property.

Wollambi Farm Tours are also worth a visit, with its interesting mix of militaria displays and farm life. The farm has adopted a native wildlife preservation programme, creating an excellent opportunity to observe native flora and fauna.

Also see native birds, flora and fauna at The Gums Nature Reserve.

Toobeah with its lovely gum trees growing either side of the highway is famous for its horse sports. A Rodeo is held each September.

Toobeah is amongst the cotton and grain growing region of the Western Downs. The town is well worth a look and is a great place to stop on your journey for a stretch and rest.

Wallumbilla is situated five hours travel from Brisbane, just east of Roma and has a population of approximately 320 residents.

Wallumbilla's Calico Cottage, open seven days a week, is the town's Visitor Information Centre. As well as this, Calico Cottage sells local Arts and Crafts along with refreshments.

Traditionally Wallumbilla's main industries were Dairy and Beef Cattle, now the main industries are Cropping and Beef Cattle.

Just eight kilometres west of Wallumbilla at Pickanjinnie you will find a monument to an aboriginal legend, you can't miss it!

‘Juandah’ Station, selected in 1853, was the beginnings of the Wandoan township. In the 1890’s, a wayside hotel was built there and became a resting place for travellers. By the end of the century the hotel was well established and a township was formed which was later named Wandoan in 1926.

Today the town is still a great resting place half way between Miles and Taroom. Stop off on your way north or south and follow the local Heritage Trail. The trail leads to 23 points of interest, including the Juandah site and the restful Waterloo Plains Environmental Park with its lakes, picnic areas and water birds.

The 'Wandoan Windmill' marks the town entrance on the Highway across from a colourful mural painted on the town's main water tank. Another mural is located close by in the Community Cultural Centre and pictorially shows local history. It is mounted on a huge piece of sandstone from the district.

Drop in at the Wandoan Information Centre on Royd Street to get the locals perspective on what to see and do in the area.

Westmar is a very social community along the Moonie Highway, whose name derived from WESTern and MARanoa.

The community's roadhouse offers everything from fuel and groceries to an evening meal and a cool beer. The community holds gymkhanas, sports days and movie nights.

Southwood National Park lies further east along the Moonie Highway.

Yelarbon meaning water lily which grows in a lagoon, is noted for many interesting things.

The area grew the first commercial tobacco crops in Australia in the late 1870's and tobacco curing barns can still be seen from the highway.

Yelarbon is also known for its spinifex desert, an unusual phenomenon surrounding the town.

Yuleba was involved in the last Cobb and Co coach run on the 16th of August 1924, when the coach ran from Surat to Yuleba. You can retrace the route, but check at the Shire office in Yuleba first as it is a dry weather road only.

Just five kilometres south-east of Yuleba is scenic Judd’s Lagoon which features some magnificent flora and fauna. The locals also know it as a good fishing spot.

Yuleba is situated four and a half hours travel from Brisbane and has a population of approximately 280 residents. Yuleba's main industries are Beef, Cropping and in recent years also mining, since the opening of a Silicon Mine.