Queensland Southern Downs Attractions

Bunya Mountains National Park was established in 1908 to prevent further felling of the forest. It is part of the Great Dividing Range, with hills rising to 1100m (Mount Kiangarow, Mount Mowbullan), forests of bunya pine, expanses of rain forest, impressive waterfalls and areas of grassland. From some points there are magnificent views. Many kangaroos and wallabies.

Dalby (pop. 10,000) is in the fertile Darling Downs, in the center of a rich grain-growing area in which there is also much stock farming. It is well served for roads at the junction of the Warrego, Bunya and Moonie Highways.

In Edward Street is an obelisk marking the spot where the explorer Henry Dennis camped in 1841. Pioneer Park Museum is worth a visit.

The name of the little country town of Goondiwindi (pop. 4390) is derived from an Aboriginal word meaning 'resting place of the birds'. The economy of the area is based on cattle raising and the growing of grain in irrigated fields (huge grain silos).

The old customs house, in use until the establishment of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901, is now a museum. The Victoria Hotel dates from 1898.

The Spring Festival is celebrated in October.

Kingaroy (pop. 6250) is famed as the 'Peanut Capital of Australia'. Peanuts flourish in the red soil of the area, and over 50,000 metric tons are harvested annually and stored in giant silos. Other local crops are beans and grain.

11,500ha.

The park extends for 40km along the Great Dividing Range. It has an extensive network of walking trails through woodland and rain forest and over unspoiled bush country, with magnificent views.

333ha.

Queen Mary Falls National Park takes in a hilly region on Spring Creek, a tributary of the Condamine River. Its particular attractions are the falls from which it takes its name and the gorge on the river. There are walking trails with fine panoramic views.

5560ha.

Mount Mistake National Park is an expanse of wild unspoiled country.

Roma (pop. 7000) is the largest town in southern central Queensland. The town was founded immediately after the separation of Queensland from New South Wales, and was named after the wife of the first governor of Queensland, Sir George Bowen. Thereafter it rapidly developed into the center of a large cattle and sheep farming district.