Queensland Holidays - Things to See & Do - Towns & Regions

The towns and regions throughout the Leichhardt Highway offer no shortage of things to see and do. From tranquil riverside fishing to drinking beer with the locals at a rustic pub, here's where to plan your day, your way.

Western Downs
Murilla Shire
Central Queensland

Western Downs

North: Northward bound the Leichhardt Highway crosses rolling plains to tiny bush settlements each with secrets well worth uncovering. From The Gums explore Tara, Meandarra and Glenmorgan. Visit the amazing collection of semi-arid plants at Myall Park Botanic Garden, the birthplace of the Grevillia "Robyn Gordon". In Condamine, see the Condamine Bell before arriving in Miles for a special treat at the Miles and District Historical Village and Dogwood Crossing @ Miles.

South: Travelling southwards revitalise your body at Moree's Artesian Spa Baths. Pindari and Glenlyon Dams are fabulous for fishing. Consider a day trip to striking Macintyre Falls particularly picturesque after rain. Naturalists and bushwalkers take note; Kings Plain and Kwiambal National Parks along with the Severn River and Arakoola Nature Reserves are hidden natural delights. Near to Narrabri, Sawn Rocks is truly a natural masterpiece.

East: Take the road east of Goondiwindi to the many tranquil riverside fishing and camping spots. Visit Yelarbon and see the bizarre natural Spinifex desert and old tobacco barns left over from Australia's first tobacco crops planted during the 1870's. At Inglewood, the burgeoning olive capital of Australia, wander through an olive grove then sample the local produce.

West: Journey westwards for a day at 'The Gully', that is Nindigully on the map. The rambling old pub sitting right alongside the Moonie River is believed to be Queensland's longest running hotel. On the way, visit the Aboriginal Rock Wells at Weengallon. Take a picnic and the fishing gear to charming Boobera Lagoon, a sacred Aboriginal dreamtime site.

Murilla Shire

North: Travel north and witness the wonderful wildflowers blooming in Spring. At Taroom see one of the best examples of Leichhardt's blazes on the huge Coolabah in the main street. Just south of Theodore, Isla Gorge lookout is only a kilometre off the highway and well worth your time. The pretty Dawson River in Theodore presents a top free camping spot and the fishing here is fantastic.

South: Southward bound, Condamine was one of the first settlements on the Western Downs. See the huge bell and learn the part it played for early drovers. Caliguel Lagoon is another gem. Camp here free, throw in a line, bird watch and catch the water lilies in bloom. A trip to Myall Park Botanic Garden, the birthplace of the Grevillia "Robyn Gordon", is a delight.

East: Journey east to Chinchilla, the Melon Capital of Australia and view the huge stands of Chinchilla White Gums especially striking when they shed their bark. Spend some time roaming the Chinchilla Folk Museum, fossicking for petrified wood or cast a line into the Condamine River to catch a Murray Cod.

West: Heading west is Roma, the largest service centre on the Western Downs. A visit to The Big Rig complex will enlighten you to the importance of Australia's first oil and gas discovery that took place in the heart of this friendly town in 1900. At the Roma/Bungil Saleyards witness pen after pen of cattle being sold in Australia's largest cattle selling facility.

Central Queensland

North: Travel north to Mt Archer Environmental Park. From the top of Mt Archer, take in the magnificent view across the city of Rockhampton - excellent both during the day and at night. The Capricorn Caves - a series of limestone caverns and wheelchair accessible - are simply fantastic. At Marlborough, call into the historical museum to learn how the most valuable variety of microcrystalline quartz, Chrysoprase is mined.

South: Journey south to the historical township of Mount Morgan - once home to the richest gold mine in the world. At Biloela, discover everything about Australia's primary industries at the Silo. See the remains of the Beautiful Betsy at Kroombit Tops National Park. Obtain an impressive view across rich coal deposits at the Dawson Lookout, near Moura. From Theodore, explore Robinson and Isla Gorges and the pretty Dawson River.

East: On your way east, view the unusual St Christopher's Chapel. For the adventurous, go abseiling and rock climbing at Mt Jim Crow. Byfield National Park, with its ancient cycads and rare ferns, is a nature delight. On the coast, there's Shell World, Joskeleigh South Sea Islander Museum, the Singing Ship and 13 glorious beaches to explore. Out in the sea, the Great Barrier Reef and Great Keppel Island awaits.

West: Pass the big Brahman bull statue travelling west before stoping in for sale day at Gracemere Sale Yards Complex. Worth a visit is Mt Hay for Thunder Eggs, Long Island Environmental Nature Reserve, and Budgeroo Timber. Call in at Dingo - home to the World Championship Dingo Trap Throwing Competition before exploring Blackdown Tableland. In Blackwater, rest awhile at the pretty Japanese Gardens and see the Blackwater International Coal Centre.