Our Stories
The Western Downs is full of rich history and proud heritage. From gardens and parks to food and events, there’s no doubt it’s the people and local stories that make the region so special. Come and experience the Western Downs with us.
Jimbour House
Karl Graham has been looking after Jimbour Station and the heritage-listed Jimbour House for 47 years. Listen to his story as the caretaker of the property and surrounding acreage, from harvesting fields of orange sorghum to the wheat and barley that blankets the landscape in wintertime.
Flinton Races
Along the banks of the Moonie River you’ll find the annual Flinton Races. The Flinton Races are a chance to put on your flashiest fascinator or Akubra and experience a day filled with bush horse racing and fun activities.
Paramagh Watermelons
Welcome to Chinchilla, the watermelon capital of Australia. Melon farmer Daryl O’Leary has been picking and packing watermelons at the Paramagh Watermelon Farm for over 48 years. Let Daryl introduce you to life on the farm and the secret to producing the tastiest watermelons in Australia.
Bunya Mountains Rangers
The Bunya Mountains are a wilderness range forming an isolated section of the Great Dividing Range. The mountains are patrolled and maintained by rangers who share their stories of the history of the Bunya nut and the fauna that surrounds the mountains.
The Laurels
Located by Charley’s Creek in Chinchilla, The Laurels is a timeless homestead teeming with rustic charm. Meet Shara, one of The Laurels’ owners and experience the warmth and old-fashioned hospitality of staying in Chinchilla.
Food in Western Downs
Get ready to tantalise your tastebuds in the Western Downs, where every meal is created with the freshest produce packed full of flavour. Whether you are craving a juicy burger from Urban Paddock in Dalby, or need to satisfy your sweet tooth with homemade goodies from Pips ‘N’ Cherries in Bell, the Western Downs’ is a haven for foodies.Get ready to tantalise your tastebuds in the Western Downs, where every meal is created with the freshest produce packed full of flavour. Whether you are craving a juicy burger from Urban Paddock in Dalby, or need to satisfy your sweet tooth with homemade goodies from Pips ‘N’ Cherries in Bell, the Western Downs’ is a haven for foodies.
Chinchilla Red
Known for its special red colouring, Chinchilla’s red petrified wood draws crowds from all over the world. Meet Chinchilla local, Peter Jeffery and discover the best petrified wood in Australia.
Romantic Weekend
Escape on a romantic getaway for a few days at the spectacular Bunya Mountains, nestled in the wilderness of the Great Dividing Range. Deep dive into the surrounding nature during the day and cosy up by the fire at night in a wooden cabin.
Meandarra ANZAC Memorial Museum
Discover the Meandarra Anzac Memorial Museum, home to a wide display of military artifacts collected over the last thirty years. Located in the small town of Meandarra, the museum pays homage to the local war veterans who fought with the Armed Services of Navy, Army and Air Force.
Miles Historical Village Museum
Step back in time and discover Miles Historical Village Museum. Opening in 1971, this small village is home to an eclectic mix of memorabilia and rich history. Wander along the street to visit the General Store, Bank, Butcher and more, all preserved in their original form of earlier times.
Arubial Farm Condamine
Located on the rich soils of the Western Downs, Condamine is home to Arubial Farm. With a 100-year history of grazing and farming, this family-run farm has never lost its passion for cattle breeding.
Bell Biblical Gardens
Local artist, Megg Cullen tells the story of the Bell Biblical Gardens and her love of her home town Bell. The gardens contain trees and plants mentioned in the bible, such as pistachio nuts, date trees, olive and carob trees.
Possum Park
Just north-west of Miles (20km) is Possum Park, run by husband and wife David and Julie Hinds. This camping and caravan park was built on the WWII Brisbane Line which stored ammunition during the war. The couple bought the property in 1985 and have spent years developing it into a themed accommodation park.
Wandoan Soldier Settlers – Avenue of Honour
In Wandoan, stop and commemorate the 103 families who came to Wandoan through the Soldier Settler Scheme between 1952 and 1954 and read their stories at the Avenue of Honour memorial site.
