Check out our list of the best activities in the Western Downs for families travelling with older kids and teenagers.
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.
Bunya Mountains
Get the adrenaline pumping on the Mountain Bike trails at the Bunya Mountains! Long revered by generations of Aboriginal people, the Bunya Mountains are a worthy destination for everyone. 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.
Whether a mountain bike enthusiast or leisure pedaller, teens will love the challenge and unique outlook of the trails. Treat everyone to a Bunya Nut icecream before you leave!
Bunya Mountains Mountain Bike Trails – Western Downs Queensland
Skate Parks
Try out some cool new tricks for your bike, scooter or skateboard at one of our many skateparks located at Bell, Chinchilla, Dalby, Jandowae, Miles, Tara and Wandoan.
Swimming pools
Cool off and make a splash 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 heated, indoor pools – find out more at Aquatic Centres Western Downs Regional Council (wdrc.qld.gov.au)
Cinema
Chinchilla Cinema – All the latest blockbusters, delicious snacks and great prices! Take a moment out of your busy schedule to sit in air-conditioned comfort and watch a new-release flick. Check movies and viewing times here: Western Downs Cinemas – “Cinema is Public Dreaming”
Movies@Mary’s – free, outdoor 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)
Museums
Retrace the footsteps of the early explorers through original buildings and well-preserved slab huts.
Miles – Imagine life as an early setter as you wander through the pioneer village streetscape of the Miles Historical Village Museum.
Meandarra – The Meandarra Anzac Memorial Museum is jam-packed with an extensive display of military equipment, including a tank, artillery guns and a real-life air bomber.
Museums are also located in Chinchilla, Dalby, Wandoan (Juandah), with many more interesting historic sites sprinkled throughout the region.
History & Heritage – Western Downs Queensland
Geocaching
Join the world’s largest treasure hunt. Very popular a few years ago, Geocaching requires logging in to the geocache app and using the GPS on your phone to locate hidden ‘treasures’ A number of caches have been hidden all over the Western Downs by players, and makes a fun activity for all ages. Learn more at Geocaching.com
Fossicking
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
Be introduced 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
Fishing
For the uncommunicative types, fishing might be the perfect way to bond. 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.
Parkrun
Keep up your fitness levels and gain a new personal best time by participating at one of the free Parkrun events held every Saturday.
Parkruns are located at Chinchilla (Charley’s Creek), Dalby, Miles and Wandoan (Waterloo Plains).