Western Downs Escape

Day 1

Brisbane - Goondiwindi
Travelling west beyond the Main Range and Cunninghams Gap lies the vastly rich and diverse Darling Downs Region. Travel through Warwick to Texas for a tasty lunch beside the Dumaresq River, before travelling to Yelarbon to see the large-scale artwork making up part of the National Silo Art Trail. Continue on to Goondiwindi for a tour of the local town area, the Namoi Cotton Gin and a visit to the Botanical Gardens of the Western Woodlands.

Day 2

Goondiwindi - St George
After breakfast, join the Barwon Highway and pass through the tiny settlements of Toobeah, Bungunya and Talwood to Nindigully. See the historic Gully Hotel, built in 1863, which is said to have the longest continuing licence in the state. This afternoon, arrive in St George for lunch prior to learning about the many industries the area supports during a locally guided tour. Learn about the cotton growing areas, the Jack Taylor Weir and visit Riversands Winery including a tour of the vineyard and wine tasting. A real surprise will be a visit to the Unique Egg with their World Expo accredited display of carved, illuminated emu eggs.

Day 3

St George - Roma
Head north along the Carnarvon Highway to Surat. Enjoy an eagerly anticipated cuppa before visiting The Cobb & Co Changing Station Complex comprising of the Cobb & Co Store Museum, Window to the Balonne Aquarium and Balonne River Gallery. Enjoy lunch before continuing on to The Big Rig complex in Roma. Here we will learn about Australia's living history of oil and gas exploration before welcoming a guide onboard for a town tour of Roma. This evening, we return to The Big Rig to hear the stories of yesteryear during a sound and light sunset experience.

Day 4

Roma - Chinchilla
Bidding Roma's country hospitality farewell, travel to the tiny railway and farming community of Wallumbilla, stopping at Calico Cottage to browse the quality, locally made handicraft. Continue on via Jackson to Miles and following lunch, stroll through the award-winning Miles Historical Village with its artesian bore and numerous displays; including the prickly pear scourge that crippled farming and agricultural pursuits throughout vast areas of the country in the early 1900s. This afternoon, we make our way to Chinchilla for our overnight stay.

Day 5

Chinchilla - Brisbane
After breakfast, we make our way to Bell to view a truly spectacular series of artworks in the Catholic Church. They depict a passion for faith and creativity by the acclaimed artist Meg Cullen who wanted to share her love with the community. Continue on to Highfields for a lunch before making our way back to Brisbane, where your transfers will be arranged.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner