Darling Downs Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Darling Downs which includes a garden, a pond and autumn leaves
Dine on farm-fresh produce and try subtropical highland wines while overlooking the rolling foothills of the Great Dividing Range in Queensland’s pastoral heart.

Grassy plains and rippling crop fields stretch out for miles in the rural region of the Darling Downs. Extending west from the slopes of the Great Dividing Range, the Darling Downs has a subtropical highland climate and the region is prominent for its fertile farmland, high-quality produce, fine wines and cheeses. Get to know the hinterland way of life and explore wide open spaces and cosy country towns as you discover the scenic roads and pioneering heritage of this region.

Toowoomba is Queensland’s largest inland city and a major hub in the Darling Downs, cresting the foothills of the mountain range and Lockyer Valley. You can have the region’s finest produce served up to you in Toowoomba’s local restaurants. Visit during the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers to see the city burst into colour for 10 days in September. Be sure to try local cheeses and ice creams made using Darling Downs’ renowned dairy milk. Sample some of the Darling Downs’ excellent local wines in the city’s bars or go straight to the source on a tour of the region’s boutique wineries, cellar doors and vineyards.

Head west to begin exploring the Darling Downs’ charming townships and pastoral estates. Check out the rolling hills of Killarney and Stanthorpe, framed by the Bunya Mountains named for the ancient native pines that dot the landscape. The Condamine River meanders through the river-plain towns of Warwick, Dalby and Chinchilla. Learn about the region’s pioneering heritage at the Cobb & Co. Museum in Toowoomba or the Jondaryan Woolshed.

Experience some of the region’s wilderness with a trip to the Main Range National Park. Hike along breathtaking mountain ridges and check out the plunging cascade of Queen Mary Falls. You can also enjoy highland scenery from the natural mountain passes of Cunningham’s Gap and Spicers Gap. Go camping in the Goomburra Forest or the Bunya Mountains National Park.

The Darling Downs encompass a large area of southwest Queensland. Reach Toowoomba within a 90-minute drive from Brisbane and its international airport. Enjoy exciting festivities in spring or try fragrant red wines in the region’s cooler wintertime. It is easiest to explore this region by car and take your time exploring the region’s pretty townships and hidden gems.

Where to stay in Darling Downs

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East Toowoomba

Unique features of East Toowoomba include the gardens and spas. Make a stop by Cobb & Co Museum or Queens Park while you're exploring the area.

East Toowoomba
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South Toowoomba

Golf courses and spas are notable features of South Toowoomba. You might consider stopping by City Golf Club while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

South Toowoomba
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Middle Ridge

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Middle Ridge and surrounding area, you can visit City Golf Club and Empire Theatre.

Middle Ridge
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Kearneys Spring

You'll appreciate the restaurants during your time in Kearneys Spring and you might want to plan a stop by Japanese Gardens and City Golf Club while you're in the area.

Kearneys Spring
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North Toowoomba

North Toowoomba is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can plan an outing to Cobb & Co Museum and Queens Park while you're in town.

North Toowoomba
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Newtown

Visitors to Newtown like its restaurants and shopping, and Clifford Park Racecourse is a sight worth a stop.

Newtown
Platinum International
Platinum International
4.5 out of 5
326 James Street, Harristown, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$175 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$175
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star business-friendly motel in Toowoomba. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (586 reviews)
"Fantastic! Loved the spacious room, mini-bar, safe parking and clean. Will definitely stay there again when we’re next in the area."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Platinum International
Burke and Wills Hotel
Burke and Wills Hotel
4.5 out of 5
554 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba, QLD
The price is AU$190 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
AU$190
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Toowoomba. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (661 reviews)
Burke and Wills Hotel Toowoomba
"High quality hotel and good value for money"

Reviewed on 19 Mar. 2024

Burke and Wills Hotel
Oaks Toowoomba Hotel
Oaks Toowoomba Hotel
4 out of 5
25 Annand Street, Toowoomba, QLD
The price is AU$198 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
AU$198
per night
8 Apr - 9 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Toowoomba. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (253 reviews)
"Great place to stay, had a 2 room apartment booked, was very expensive and I had to go back to reception to get a key to power the second room!"

Reviewed on 10 Mar. 2024

Oaks Toowoomba Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Athena Motel Apartments
Athena Motel Apartments
4 out of 5
214 James Street, South Toowoomba, QLD
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Toowoomba. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (460 reviews)
"Good facilities. Kitchenette and large fridge/freezer very good. Quiet room. Comfortable bed."

Reviewed on 19 Mar. 2024

Athena Motel Apartments
Toowoomba Central Plaza Apartment Hotel
Toowoomba Central Plaza Apartment Hotel
4.5 out of 5
532-544 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Toowoomba. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery and Empire ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (977 reviews)
Fix the lift
"Over all good stay except for 1lift being broken as it was when I stayed last time"

Reviewed on 22 Mar. 2024

Toowoomba Central Plaza Apartment Hotel
Quest Toowoomba
Quest Toowoomba
4.5 out of 5
133 Margaret Street, Toowoomba, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Toowoomba. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Empire Theatre and Queens Park are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (173 reviews)
"All in all a great experience - friendly staff, clean facility and close to all amenities."

Reviewed on 9 Feb. 2024

Quest Toowoomba
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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