Welcome to the Western Downs
You’re now entering Big Sky country
Welcome to Big Sky Country – Western Downs, Queensland. Discover landscapes alive with heritage and wildlife that carries the song of the bush, where every sunset tells a story.
Experience Western Downs, it’s the people that make it.
Stay
Stay
Stay your way when you visit the Western Downs – camp under starry skies, unwind in boutique retreats, or relax in the comfort of local hotels and motels.
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Experiences
Experiences
From heritage trails and local flavours to hidden fishing spots and vibrant arts scenes – the Western Downs is full of surprises waiting to be explored.
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Towns
Towns
From Dalby to Wandoan and every charming town in between, the Western Downs is a region rich in history, culture, agriculture, and natural beauty.
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Events
Events
Celebrate the quirky and the grand – from the world-famous Chinchilla Melon Festival to Tara Camel Races and open-air opera at historic Jimbour House.
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Getting Here
Getting to the Western Downs is easy, with several travel options to suit your style. Drive at your own pace and enjoy the scenic routes, or take advantage of daily coach services departing from Brisbane. For a relaxed journey, hop on the train, which runs twice weekly from Brisbane. If you’re flying, QantasLink, Regional Express (Rex), and Airnorth offer convenient connections to the region via Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport.
With its beautiful gardens and bustling main street, the thriving regional hub of Dalby is the gateway to the Western Downs.
Experience NowDiscover some truly remarkable treasures in this corner of the Western Downs.
Experience NowFamous for its quirky and fun-filled biennial Melon Festival, a vibrant country town in the heart of the Western Downs.
Experience NowThe charming town of Miles sits at the crossroads of the Warrego and Leichhardt Highways.
Experience NowThe quiet wheat and cattle town of Wandoan, the perfect stopover as you travel along the Leichhardt Way.
Experience NowFirst proclaimed by European settlement in 1862 and referred to as ‘Jindowie’, an Aboriginal word meaning ‘waterhole’.
Experience Now
Towns
Discover what makes the towns of the Western Downs renowned—from vibrant fields of sorghum, wheat, and cotton that showcase the region’s agricultural heart, to colourful festivals like camel racing and the iconic melon celebrations. Explore unique local attractions, including historic villages, breathtaking sunsets, and the dingo-proof fence—Australia’s second-longest manmade structure.
Experience
The Western Downs offers a wealth of experiences for visitors—from fishing in peaceful local spots to camping under expansive skies, birdwatching, fossicking, and strolling through gardens and art galleries. Along the way, you’ll uncover the region’s rich history and heritage, with each place—whether in town or out in nature—sharing its own unique story.
Events
From the nostalgic charm of Miles’ Back to the Bush Festival to the juicy fun of the world-famous Chinchilla Melon Festival, the Western Downs events calendar is home to a vibrant array of quirky and unforgettable events. Enjoy the flavours and lights of Dalby’s Delicious and DeLIGHTful Festival, celebrate diversity at the award-winning Tara Festival of Culture and Camel Races, or embrace the timber heritage at the Jandowae TimberTown Festival.
Bunya Mountains – Mountain Bike Trails
These mountain biking trails are a first for the Western Downs and offer an exciting new way for both residents and visitors to explore the region. Designed to suit all skill levels—from beginners to seasoned riders—the network includes a series of dedicated loops and a scenic link trail connecting Dandabah to Fisher’s Lookout.
Whether you’re seeking adventure or simply a new way to experience the natural beauty of the Western Downs, these trails provide a fantastic opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy everything the region has to offer.
Buying Local
Looking to support local? Buy Western Downs is your go-to platform for discovering the region’s diverse range of goods and services—all in one convenient place. From handmade crafts to fresh local produce and professional services, it’s a great way to connect with the heart of our communities.
Featured Post
The best places to enjoy a coffee and cake in the Western DownsThe best places to enjoy a coffee and cake in the Western Downs
Travelling is hungry business, there’s no doubt about it. Luckily, cafes …
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The Western Downs blog is the best place to stay up to date with local news and events. Get ideas on what to do and where to go when planning your itinerary for the Western Downs.
The best places to enjoy a coffee and cake in the Western Downs
Travelling is hungry business, there’s no doubt about it. Luckily, cafes …
Read More about The best places to enjoy a coffee and cake in the Western Downs
Travelling with Teens – Favourite activities in the Western Downs
Check out our list of the best activities in the Western …
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Keeping the Kids Entertained – Best activities for families travelling in the Western Downs
Whether you’re on an epic road trip or a local looking …
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We would love to hear from you!
Have you visited our the Western Downs recently? We’d love to hear about your experience! Take a few moments to complete our short survey and help us continue to grow and improve the region for future visitors.
