How to spend a family day out in the Southern Downs

If you’re on the lookout for a family daytrip that delivers a breath of fresh air from the usual suspects, then buckle up; the Southern Downs is your destination. Wide open spaces and waterfalls gift you with just enough adventure to keep the kids buzzing – and there’s just enough country calm to keep the parents sane. Pack the snacks, grab the pram, and set the GPS for just over two hours from Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Here’s how to squeeze the most out of a full day of family fun in the Southern Downs – from breakfast to bedtime, with a few cheeky bites in between.

Chasing waterfalls in the Southern Downs

Queen Mary Falls

To start your day in the Southern Downs, soak up the scenic countryside on the way to Queen Mary Falls – a waterfall trail with the perfect amount of leg-stretching for little travellers with a serious case of the road trip wriggles. The easy 2km return circuit takes you to both the top and bottom of the falls, with misty views and plenty of stops along the way for photos and snacks to make both the camera rolls and kid’s tummies happy.

Pro tip for peacekeeping parents: play eye spy as you stroll with wallabies and native birds making a special appearance in the mornings.

Still have a few minutes before the hangry hits? Just a couple of minutes down the road from Queen Mary Falls is Daggs Falls Lookout. No hiking boots or bribery required, this is an easy pull-over spot where you can admire yet another cascading beauty without breaking a sweat.

Where to brunch in Warwick

Sit down for a well-earned brunch and barista brew at a classic country café in Warwick, such as Warwick’s Gardens Galore or Wild Grounds Cafe, where the coffee is strong, the menu kid-approved, and plenty of outdoor space for the kids to roam. Sweet bonus: these cafes serve up shakes so decadent that they’ll satisfy the sweet-tooth cravings of both kids and kids at heart.

A dose of history on the Downs Explorer

Downs Explorer Steam Railway

Next station, the nostalgia express (Downs Explorer). If your kids are well and truly into their train phase, check if the Downs Explorer is taking a trip while you’re in town. This heritage steam train experience is pure whistle-worthy magic, choo-chooing out of Warwick on select days. Even if the full ride isn’t on the timetable during your visit, a stroll around the historic Warwick Railway Station and a peek at the vintage carriage fleet is enough to get tiny conductors puffing with excitement.

During school holidays you can catch a mini-train ride on the train through the historic Leslie Park located in the heart of Warwick.

Afternoon activities in the Southern Downs

Sutton’s Juice Factory

By now, you and the little ones have earned a sweet treat. Enroute to your overnight accommodation in Stanthorpe, stop by Sutton’s Juice Factory. Sample a freshly-pressed apple juice, and don’t leave without tasting the legendary apple pie with cider ice cream. It may look big enough to share, but one bite in and you’ll be wishing you could keep it all to yourself.

Visiting between October and May? Keep an eye out for nearby pick-your-own farms where you can pluck strawberries and apples straight from the source. Talk about a true Queensland Country experience!

Where to dine country-style

For the perfect recipe for a laid-back evening, take a seat at The Ballandean Pub for an iconic Aussie pub meal, and enjoy big servings, a great kids’ menu, and even a playground to keep the kids occupied for a little longer before bedtime.

Stay a little longer in the Southern Downs

Stanthorpe Holiday Park

Too tired to hit the road back home? Good news, Stanthorpe is well-stocked with family-friendly accommodation for you to stay a little longer.

For a quiet night in, check into Cherry Blossom Cottage for self-contained accommodation right in town. Perfect for winding down without winding up the car again!

Need a little more room to roam before resting? Choose your own style of stay at Stanthorpe Holiday Park with powered and unpowered camping, cabins, and chalets available. With wide open spaces and plenty of space to park bikes or scooters.

Before you hit the road

Donnellys Castle

Before making your way back home, fuel up at Jamworks Gourmet Foods for a taste of what the locals are loving, dishing up brekkie that’s jam-packed with flavour and a healthy serving of local love on the side.

After stomachs are full and kiddies are happy, make one last hurrah before the highway and swing by Donnellys Castle. With giant granite boulders and cave-like formations that acted as an original bushranger hideout for ‘Thunderbolt’ who roamed the area, this is the perfect natural playground to tucker the kids out before buckling up.

As fun as it is making core memories with the little ones, if you’re keen to return sans the kids next time, see our guide to the Strange Bird Wine Trail for grown-up getaway that’ll give you a true taste of the region.

Taste the Southern Downs: Fresh produce and farmers markets

June 11, 2026

From farm gates to café plates, this region is a foodie’s fantasy, dishing up everything from organic eggs to honey, pork and beef. Keep reading for where to fill your basket (and your belly) next time you taste your way through the Southern Downs and Granite Belt.