Top 5 adventure activities in the Southern Downs
Go wild in Queensland’s Southern Downs, a region packed with adventure activities. From walking trails to four wheel driving, here’s our top 5 adventure activities worth hitting the road for this summer.
1. Boating and Fishing
The Southern Downs is a popular destination for boating, fishing and other recreational water sports. Explore the mighty Condamine River and the region’s scenic waterways including Leslie Dam, Connolly Dam, Glenlyon Dam and Storm King Dam.
Connolly Dam, near Warwick
2. Mountain biking
Follow winding trails through shady forests, cross monolithic granite platforms, roll through magnificent gorges, or cruise along the country roads past wineries. The crisp country air provides idyllic cycling conditions. There are many trails suited to families, as well as black diamond tracks for more experienced riders. Stanthorpe’s Mount Marlay MTB Trail network is close to the CBD and well worth the trip. Explore mountain biking trails in the Southern Downs.
Mount Marlay MTB Trail network, Stanthorpe
3. Four wheel driving
You’ll find some of the region’s best four wheel driving in remote Sundown National Park south-west of Stanthorpe, plus there’s plenty of wild adventures to choose from at a number of well-maintained private properties and National Parks. See all our four wheel driving destinations across the region.
Four wheel driving at Gordon Country, Goomburra
4. Walking trails and hikes
From serious granite-scaling hikes to leisurely family bushwalks in areas of outstanding natural beauty, there is a track to suit everyone in the Southern Downs. Some of the region’s most popular trails can be found at Girraween National Park and in sections of Main Range National Park, including Queen Mary Falls, Cunninghams Gap and Goomburra. Check out all of the walking trails in the Southern Downs.
Girraween National Park | Image by @spurwaya
5. Camping and caravanning
How wild is your wild? Whether you prefer a tent, a cabin or a caravan you can take your pick when visiting the Southern Downs. Get off the grid, bring the dog and enjoy our wild open spaces, with plenty of popular bush camping sites, farmstyle camping for families and waterside spots too. Book your camping trip now.
Goomburra section, Main Range National Park
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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