Looking for a rural escape? Discover the peaceful little town of Goondiwindi on the Queensland-NSW border. A popular spot for many passing through on an interstate road trip or attending the Hell of The West triathlon, the community spirit and local attractions named Goondiwindi Queensland’s Best Country Town in 2018. In town, horse racing enthusiasts can pay tribute to Gunsynd the ‘Goondiwindi Grey’ - a Thoroughbred voted Australian Champion Racehorse of the Year in 1972 - at the Gunsynd Museum and Statue, and art lovers can spot unique symbols, statues and pillars throughout. Prepare your itinerary and uncover the best of Goondiwindi and Southern Queensland with our handy guide below.
Art, Beauty and Culture in Gundy
Get your dose of arts and culture right here in the heart of Goondiwindi at the Customs House Museum. Set in a heritage-listed building that was believed to be the collection point for goods crossing into QLD from the NSW border, history buffs can browse through photographs, displays and exhibits that tell the story of the town’s settlement. Learn about Goondiwindi’s contribution to the Australian wool industry in the Pioneer Shed and deep-dive into the region’s past with a tour by a knowledgeable guide. Next door to the museum, you’ll find the OK Milk Bar. This isn’t your average milk bar - prepare to step back with a visit to this 1950s-themed cafe. Complete with checkerboard floors, a vintage jukebox and vinyl record light fixtures, head up to the bar and indulge in a thickshake or spider, just like Danny and Sandy! Also in town, you’ll find the Goondiwindi Regional Civic Centre Art Space where works from local and touring artists are displayed, giving you an insight into the community culture and talent here in ‘Gundy’.
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Ready to feel the wind in your hair as you hit the open road? The ‘Garden City’ of Toowoomba is a 2.5-hour drive from Goondiwindi in the rental car. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting in spring, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is a must-see! Whether you’re a green thumb or not, you’ll be entranced by the beautiful blooms and the floral parade regardless. If vintage steam trains spark your interest, take a journey through history on a five-hour heritage train excursion at the DownsSteamTourist Railway and Museum. Hop onboard the Westlander Diesel train and enjoy a tour of the city with commentary from a local expert. Browse the DownsSteam Train Museum to see historic sleeping cars, steam engines and tank wagons before finishing with lunch at the Loco Cafe. Also home to the heritage-listed Empire Theatre, Toowoomba boasts one of the best performing arts venues in the country. Here you can catch a show in the heritage-listed building for a Hollywood-style experience.
Directly east of Goondiwindi, you’ll find the Granite Belt Wine Country, which includes the towns of Stanthorpe and Ballandean. With Strange Bird classification, wine lovers can visit the esteemed Pyramids Road Wines for tasting and cellar-door experiences unlike any other. As the Granite Belt represents less than 1% of Australia’s vines, it’s rare to find wines in this region anywhere else in the country. Remember to always appoint a designated driver when tasting. Aside from its prosperous vineyards, Stanthorpe also boasts a charming Lavender farm. Stroll the heavenly-scented gardens at Aloomba Lavender and browse the gift shop to discover a range of items made on-site. From soaps and oils to jewellery and cosmetics, take a piece of Stanthorpe home for yourself, your friends or your family - they’ll certainly appreciate it!
With a town full of history, and so many places to learn about it, you won’t get enough of Goondiwindi. From the ‘Tree of Knowledge’ - a local meeting place during floods - to inspiring Indigenous water tank art, each piece of Gundy makes the town as unique as it is. Plus, with hotspots like Toowoomba and Stanthorpe just a drive away in the rental car, you’re in for a memorable adventure across Southern Queensland.
Looking for a nature fix? The Goondiwindi Botanic Gardens offers the best spots to chill out and soak in that holiday feeling. Nature lovers will discover native plants, trees and shrubs throughout the 25-hectare gardens and kids can make a splash in the lake. Whether you’re heading here for a family day out, keeping an eye open for rare birds or relaxing under a shady tree with a good book, there’s something for every visitor. Take to the water with a trip to the Goondiwindi Natural Heritage and Water Park. Here, visitors of all ages can waterski, canoe and wakeboard through crystal-clear waters and embrace lakeside living with a picnic on the grass. There are six themed walking trails around the park if you’re looking to get your steps in and connect with nature.