Whether you’re on an epic road trip or a local looking for family-friendly activity ideas, check out this list of our favourite activities to do with toddlers and children when visiting (or living in) the Western Downs.
If you happen to encounter some wet weather during your visit, make sure to take a look at our list of top wet weather things to do and see in the Western Downs.
Parklands and Playgrounds
All kids love a good playground, and our region delivers the goods! Waterplay, sandpits, slides, swings and more. Some of our most spectacular parks include:
Chinchilla Botanic Parkland – This award-winning park is home to a water playground, sandpit and dinosaur dig, and 3km of walking/riding tracks so there’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy.
Thomas Jack Park (Dalby) – Help Farmer Bob! Grab your map from the Dalby Visitor Information Centre, located in Thomas Jack Park, and help Farmer Bob find all his missing animals. There’s also a playground and plenty of open space.
Tara Lagoon – Take a walk around the boardwalk, go fishing or play on the playground equipment.
Numerous other parks and playgrounds can also be found in and around Bell, Chinchilla, Condamine, Dalby, Drillham, Dulacca, Glenmorgan, Kaimkillenbun, Kogan, Meandarra, Miles, Jandowae, Jimbour, Tara, Wandoan and Warra.
Parks and Open Spaces Western Downs Regional Council (wdrc.qld.gov.au)
Swimming pools
Cool off at any of our community swimming pools. Located in Chinchilla, Dalby, Jandowae, Miles, Tara, Wandoan, beat the heat at a pool near you.
Some towns also have toddler splash areas or heated, indoor pools – find out more at Aquatic Centres Western Downs Regional Council (wdrc.qld.gov.au)
Museums
Retrace the footsteps of the early explorers through original buildings and imagine life as an early setter in well-preserved slab huts.
Miles – As you wander through the pioneer village streetscape of the Miles Historical Village Museum, keep an eye out for images of William Miles. Mr Miles is hiding in seven of the 34 buildings on site.
Chinchilla mini train days – Schedule your visit to the Chinchilla Museum for the first Sunday of the month, and you might score a ride on one of their mini trains. Keep an eye on their facebook page for running times.
Museums are also located in Dalby, Meandarra, Wandoan (Juandah), with many more interesting historic sites sprinkled throughout the region.
History & Heritage – Western Downs Queensland
Cinema
Chinchilla Cinema – Blockbuster movies, yummy snacks and great prices! Take a moment out of your busy schedule to sit in air-conditioned comfort and watch the latest animated film. Check movies and viewing times here: Western Downs Cinemas – “Cinema is Public Dreaming”
Movies@Mary’s – free, outdoor, family-friendly movie sessions held at Mary’s Place, Dalby. Subject to weather, so keep an eye on the Council Calendar: Movies@Mary’s Western Downs Regional Council (wdrc.qld.gov.au)
Fishing
Teach your kids the art of sitting still and quiet! (well, maybe…) There’s plenty of places to drop a line in the Western Downs, and perhaps even catch your dinner. Fishing permits apply at some locations, so please check before baiting that hook: Fishing – Western Downs Queensland.
You can also pick up our guide to ‘Camping, Caravanning and Fishing’ at any of our Visitor Information Centres.
Fossicking
What could be more fun that digging in the dirt! You might even find something!
With one of Australia’s best and most abundant stocks of petrified wood, try your luck fossicking for the rare ‘Chinchilla Red’. A fossicking licence and site fee is required, so drop in to the Chinchilla Visitor Information Centre before you get started.
Find out more: Fossicking – Western Downs Queensland
Farm stays and more
Introduce the family to the beauty of rural life by choosing to stay at one of our local farm stays.
With adventure on your doorstep and the opportunity to meet some new four-legged friends, Charleys Creek Campground offer farm tours as well as having canoes and pedalboats for hire.
Looking to stay somewhere a little different? At Possum Park, stay in an underground bunker or converted train carriage!
Check out more farm stay options here: Farm Stays and Rural Retreats – Western Downs Queensland
Libraries
Western Downs Libraries have plenty to keep the kids occupied while you sit and relax or catch up on correspondence, with toys, tech, gaming, and books of course! They also provide regular scheduled activities such as story time and school holiday activities.
Branches are located at Bell, Chinchilla, Dalby, Jandowae, Meandarra, Miles, Moonie, Tara and Wandoan. For more information about services, locations and upcoming events visit Western Downs Libraries – Welcome to Your Library
Bunya Mountains
Long revered by generations of Aboriginal people, the Bunya Mountains are a worthy destination. Picnic and camping areas, bird feeding, and more than 35km of walking tracks and mountain bike trails make it a wonderful place to escape the heat, or the hustle and bustle of modern life. Treat everyone to a Bunya Nut icecream before you leave!
The Bunya Mountains contains a wide variety of tracks to suit different ages and abilities. Information on the length of different walking tracks can be found here: Walking | Bunya Mountains