5 Southern Downs trails for art and history buffs
Hello culture buffs! The Southern Downs has a thriving arts and history scene, with an abundance of street art, sculpture, and heritage trails waiting to be explored. Delve into the history of Southern Downs, one of the first free settlements in Queensland, and wander through the footsteps of the traditional custodians, uncovering colonial tales and retracing the paths of our European ancestors. The region’s heritage is practically shouting at you through those majestic sandstone buildings in the major towns, telling stories of a booming agricultural past. So, grab your curiosity and let’s soak up the artistic and heritage-rich vibes of Southern Downs on one of these trails:
1. History and Heritage Trail
Explore the region’s historic houses and public buildings with the History & Heritage Trail Book, available online, or at the Warwick Visitor Information Centre.
Some highlights include:
- Delve deeper at Warwick and District Historical Society’s museum and experience the unique Pringle Cottage.
- Take high tea in the gothic elegance of Warwick’s Abbey Boutique Hotel (formerly Abbey of the Roses), a late 19th century convent
- Discover firsthand how graziers lived with a visit to the stunning sandstone Glengallan Homestead and Heritage Centre, north of Warwick.
- Take a drive to Allora and visit the Allora & District Historical Society Museums and the Mary Poppins House, where author PL Travers grew up.
- Head to the Killarney Heritage Centre, which specialises in family history.
- Visit the Stanthorpe Heritage Museum for a journey through the region’s history.
Abbey Boutique Hotel, Warwick
2. Southern Downs Dunny Dash Art Trail
Head off on the Dunny Dash Art Trail, where painted murals have transformed toilet blocks from public loo to public art! Public toilets may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think about art murals, but the Dunny Dash gives art lovers more than one reason to visit the loo!
Download the Southern Downs and Granite Belt App and hold your phone up to the toilet block art murals and information on the artwork and artist will be displayed. There are 10 toilet blocks across the Southern Downs to visit.
Weeroona Park, Stanthorpe
3. Historic Tourist Drives
Ready for a road trip filled with history and surrounded by scenic beauty? Let’s roll! While the Southern Downs is home to eight tourist drives, the Armistice Way in the Granite Belt and the Settlers Route outside Warwick, are the real historical gems.
- Armistice Way takes in the villages of Amiens, Passchendaele and Pozieres, which were part of the resettlement scheme for returning World War I soldiers, and named after the places major battles were fought. Stop at the Amiens Legacy Centre to learn more and discover artefacts, with guided tours available on Sundays. And here’s a tip: it’s the perfect alternative scenic route if you’re cruising down south from Warwick to Stanthorpe.
- The Settlers Route is a 72km round trip which incorporates a number of small historical villages. The route travels through beautiful farmland and historical villages in the foothills of the Main Range. This area was part of Canning Downs Station (est. 1840). The route even criss-crosses the old Warwick to Killarney Railway, with Killarney itself serving up a fantastic halfway pitstop at the historic Killarney Hotel.
Roadtripping across the Southern Downs
4. Artistic Stanthorpe Walking Trail
Dive deep into the vibrant soul of Stanthorpe by wandering through the town and witnessing the stories brought to life by its incredibly talented creative community. The Artistic Stanthorpe Walking Trail weaves these captivating tales using murals, sculptures, and mosaics, turning the town into an open-air gallery.
Ready to embark on this artsy adventure? Download the Southern Downs and Granite Belt Visitor App, follow the map, and let the artistic magic guide your stroll from one masterpiece to the next. It’s about a two-hour journey, jam-packed with interactive murals that practically beg for a selfie, and street art that’ll make every step feel like a discovery. Let’s turn this walk into a work of art!
Farley St Piazza Mural | Image by @youth_yechan
5. Artistic Warwick Walking Trail
Discover the artistic side of Warwick. Start by exploring the visual art and cultural hub that is the Warwick Art Gallery. Then, hit the streets for an eye-catching walking tour, uncovering the many public art installations scattered throughout the city. But here’s the scoop—it’s not just about marveling at phenomenal artwork; it’s an exclusive invite to unravel the layers of thoughtfulness, resilience, local pride, culture, and pure creativity embedded in the community.
To head off on the two hour trail, download the Southern Downs and Granite Belt Visitor App, follow the map and meander from one captivating artwork to the next.
Evening Rain Mural by Gus Eagleton | Located behind the Warwick Twin Cinemas on Grafton St.
While You’re Here
Make a weekend of it by checking out these other things to do in the area:
- National Park lover? Check out more information on Girraween and Main Range National Park.
- Want to spend some more time in Stanthorpe? Here’s a local’s guide on spending 24 hours there.
- Prefer to travel in Spring? These 3 spring break ideas will give you all the travel inspo you need.
- If you have the kids in tow, make sure you check out these 20 family activities in the Southern Downs and Granite Belt.
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