Queen Mary Falls, Main Range National Park

A landscape of rugged mountains, spectacular lookouts, exhilarating walks, dappled forests and unique wildlife is waiting to be explored in this Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area park.

Settle in for a morning cuppa or barbecue picnic lunch at the shady day-use area nestled in fragrant eucalypt forest. Set up on one of the picnic tables or spread out a picnic rug on the lush lawn beneath the trees.

After your picnic head of to explore spectacular Queen Mary Falls, where Spring Creek tumbles 40m to the valley below. Choose from the Cliff or Queen Mary Falls circuits or, if you’re keen, do both! As you’re walking, keep an eye on the canopy, you might just spot a koala snoozing in the fork of a tree.

Mount Colliery QCWA Hall

The Mount Colliery QCWA Hall is a concert, performance, and event venue on Githabul Country in the Southern Downs region of Queensland. It was built in 1918 as a social hub for coal miners, timber getters, and farming families.

It was the library, a picture theatre, a stage for musical productions, and a place for card evenings and dances. In more recent times, the hall has been a venue for the Festival of Small Halls and the Jumpers and Jazz Festival.

Tannymorel Shed Mural

The Tannymorel Shed Mural is a popular tourist attraction in the Southern Downs region of Queensland.

The mural was created by artists Malcolm and Kerry Robertson and it spans the entire side wall of the Tannymorel Grain Shed that dates back to the 1890s.

It honours the town’s rich history of involvement in the railway and the settlement of the community. The artists undertook research at the Railway Museum in Ipswich to make sure that the mural accurately depicts the type of train that ran on the local tracks in the early days of the town.

Wynola Country Cousins

Located in the ’14 river crossings’ Cambanoora Gorge in Killarney, SE Queensland, Wynola Country Cousins is just two and a half hours from Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Wynola is a 1500 acre working cattle and horse property offering limited, secluded, riverside campsites.

Wynola Country Cousins have seven bush campsites. Each is located in a picturesque riverside spot with views of surrounding mountains, escarpments and farmland. Visitors can swim, explore bush tracks, spot wildlife and enjoy star watching beside a cozy campfire at night. Your campsite will be exclusive to you and your group. Your hosts guarantee there won’t be any strangers turning up within coo-ee of your peaceful hideaway. There are no facilities so campers must be self-contained and abide by their strict ‘leave no trace’ policy.

Your hosts, Bernie and Jo Brosnan breed beef cattle and Australian Stockhorses on Wynola. They believe the divide between rural and urban Australia has widened and there are fewer city-based people able to experience the joy of spending school holidays and weekends at their country cousins’ farms.

Spring Creek Farm

This is a hosted stay through Hipcamp, below is the information provided by the Host regarding their offering.

This 70 acre farm is nestled at the base of the great dividing range, 5 minutes from Queen Mary Falls and the centre of Killarney.

The property is bordered on one side by Spring Creek (which comes from the falls) and is a great spot to take a dip, have a fish and even try to spot a Platypus.

Located close to town for those looking to pick something up or check out the shops and restaurants. The property is accessible by 2wd.

Killarney View Cabins and Caravan Park

Killarney View Cabins and Caravan Park is set on five acres of land with spectacular views of Killarney and the surrounding mountains. Killarney View has seven modern fully self-contained Cabins catering for couples and families; these are situated at the front of the park with great views. They have a spacious two-bedroom cottage and a pet friendly cabin complete with a fenced yard. The park is within walking distance to the Killarney township, only 10 kilometres to the spectacular Queen Mary Falls and less than an hour’s drive to the award-winning Granite Belt wineries.

The park has a great flat grassed camping area with open fireplaces. The camp kitchen has a great ambience with a new wood burner stove for those colder nights; there is also a gas barbecue, pizza oven, microwave oven and refrigerator.

An outdoor camp kitchen has been added to enjoy the outdoors. Good mobile phone and television reception. Killarney View welcomes dogs by prior arrangement.

Arborlee

Arborlee, a nature lovers paradise is situated high in the Border Ranges above the Condamine River Gorge. It is two and a half to three hours drive from Brisbane. The closest town is Killarney 25 minutes. The village of Mount Colliery is seven kilometres down the mountain.

The special features of Arborlee are birds, frogs, plants, fungi and other wildlife of the rainforest setting, the peaceful atmosphere, guided walks and scenic views. The setting is perfect for the bird watcher, amateur botanist, artist and photographer.
Birds include Australia’s rare Albert’s Lyrebird and many other uncommon birds.

No breakfast is provided at present. The unit has a simple kitchen.

The guest unit opens through French doors onto a verandah and views to the rainforest. Guided walks can be arranged around the property.

Booyong (rainforest tree)

This is a hosted stay through Hipcamp, below is the information provided by the Host regarding their offering.

335 acres of undulating rainforest and eucalyptus forest bordering the Condamine River within the Cambanoora Gorge. 4WD access required. We prefer campers to have their own amenities and leave no trace, however, I am building a toilet block. if you do not have your own (please BYO toilet paper). Dog friendly. I welcome people to visit my art studio by donation. I’ve been sculpting for over 25 years specialising in extinct animals including taxidermy of some of Australia’s rarest marsupials. Camps have 500m of river frontage (access through the gate or fence) flanked by beautiful hoop pine trees and river oaks. We prefer campers to have their own amenities and leave no trace. Toilets facilities will are under construction.

Adjinbilly Rainforest Retreat Cabins

Set in an exclusive secluded rainforest gorge, Adjinbilly is the ultimate private rainforest hideaway. It is a place to relax to the rhythm of nature, to truly get away from it all. It is a place of intimate romance and discovery with just a twist of adventure!

Adjinbilly is reached by 4WD, travelling through Cambanoora Gorge through the river crossings, 12km from Killarney.

There are three self-contained cabins set within the rainforest, offering comfortable privacy and intimacy. All power is 12 volt, solar and hydro-electric renewable energy. Each cabin can accommodate 5 people with a fireplace near the queen-size bed. The cabins are rainforest cool in summer and fireside warm in winter.

Enjoy the outdoor campfires, hammocks over Adjinbilly Ck, swimming in the Cascades, glow worm tours, fireflies in season, platypus tours, plus trails through the rainforest and day trips to the falls.

You can do very little at Adjinbilly and feel recharged – birdwatching, observing wildlife or just relaxing on the cabin verandahs, listening to the cascades.

Adjinbilly is a great escape from the pressures of everyday life. You are in direct contact with nature, without distractions and stresses as there are no mobile phones, computers or TVs – Heaven! It is about sharing family time, and getting back in touch with each other. It’s about replacing stress with the calm energy nature provides.

Pinot & Providore Plate

An event not to be missed!

Held at the famous “Melrose Station” with magnificent vistas across the lake to the mountain ranges overlooking the lovely township of Killarney.

Wonderful food, mainly produced in the region as well as award-winning wines. Raffles and auction of wonderful sports memorabilia, entertainment of both humour, in the form of poetry as well as music and singing.

Untamed Border Run

A trail running/walking/skipping event will take place through private farmlands, temperate rainforests, and forestry and will be on back country roads in the glorious hills of the Southern Downs and Tenterfield regions.

Competitors can be challenged by entering one of three courses: 50km, 21km & 10km, and will pass beautiful dams covered with lilies and enjoy prolific bird life. And cattle!

Runners will pass through cattle paddocks on slashed tracks. Views for up to 120km on a clear day will ease the pain of climbing some big hills. The downhill run to the finish line at the Killarney Showgrounds, where spectators will be cheering, will be a huge reward.

The inaugural event in 2023 was hugely successful with overwhelmingly positive feedback from seasoned ultra runners and first-timers alike. This event will only grow in popularity.

Regional Markets

The Southern Downs and Granite Belt is home to some of the freshest produce in Queensland. It’s a foodie’s paradise, with seasonal produce available from the paddock to the pantry and the plate. Fill a basket at one of our many local markets happening every week around the region including:

Glengallan Seasonal Markets
1st Sunday of March, June, Sept, Dec
8:00am – 1:00pm
Glengallan Homestead, Warwick
P: 07 4667 3866

Killarney Country Markets
3rd Sunday of the month
8:00am – 1:00pm
Canning Park, Killarney
P: 0427 719 826

Market in the Mountains
2nd Sunday of the month and QLD long
weekends
8:00am – 12:00pm
Stanthorpe Showgrounds, Stanthorpe
P: 0417 760 529
W: marketinthemountains.org

Pig & Calf Markets
Every Wednesday
9:30am – 12:00pm
Cnr Fitzroy & Lyons St, Warwick
P: 07 4661 1411

Granite Belt Farmers Market
Every Friday
8:00am – 12:00pm
Railway Precinct, Stanthorpe (enter via Davadi St)
W: facebook.com/granitebeltfarmersmarket

Stanthorpe Showgrounds Markets
4th Sunday of the month & 3rd Sunday of the month in Dec/Jan
8:00am – 12:00pm
High St, Stanthorpe
P: 0416 169 032
W: stanthorpeshowgrounds.com.au

Stanthorpe Fruit and Vege Markets
Every Saturday
6:00am – 12:00pm
Entry via Folkestone St, Stanthorpe

Wallangarra Border Railway Markets
1st Sunday of the month
8:00am – 12:00pm
Wallangarra Railway Station, Wallangarra
P: Carol 07 4684 3429 or Helen 07 4684 3400

Celebrate Spring on the Southern Downs

Every Spring the Southern Downs and Granite Belt bursts to life with blooming flowers, colourful wildlife and exciting events celebrated across the season.

5 great ways to celebrate the 2024 Labour Day long weekend

Our region is simply extraordinary in autumn. Warm days are followed by crisp cool nights, and the landscape is splashed with the clarets and golds of deciduous trees preparing for winter. As if that isn’t enough, here are more great reasons to spend time with us this long weekend.

5 reasons you ought to visit us this autumn

It’s easy to fall in love with the romantic hues of Autumn on the Southern Downs and Granite Belt.

5 Southern Downs trails for art and history buffs

Hello culture buffs! Ready to explore the region’s thriving arts and history scene? Here’s 5 Southern Downs trails for art and history buffs.

How to have a wildlife filled weekend on the Southern Downs

Hand-feed birds at Queen Mary Falls, see kangaroos at Leslie Dam or say g’day to country life at a local farmstay.

Top 5 adventure activities in the Southern Downs

From four wheel driving in rugged wilderness to camping under the stars, here’s 5 adventure activities you can do in the Southern Downs.

Fantastic family-friendly fun in the Southern Downs

With wineries, mountainous peaks, art galleries and romantic B&Bs, you could be forgiven for thinking Southern Downs and Granite Belt is an adult-only destination. But that’s not the case! Here are 17 things you can do with kids of all ages.

Top 9 picnic spots for your Australia Day BBQ

Pack the cricket set and lay down your rug! We’ve rounded up the top 10 picnic spots in the Southern Downs for your Australia Day BBQ this summer.

Find your next adventure with the Southern Downs & Granite Belt Visitor App

This free travel guide is the ultimate resource for your trip to the Southern Downs & Granite Belt. Install it on your mobile device and start planning your next visit today!

How to Do: Queen Mary Falls Circuit

Visiting Queen Mary Falls is a must do on your next trip. Embark on the easy Queen Mary Falls circuit, a 40-minute walk that takes you from the lookouts at the top of the falls to the creek below.

Your Full List of Pet-Friendly Camping Spots

Can’t leave home without your four legged friend? You don’t have to! We’ve rounded up your full list of pet-friendly camping spots in the Southern Downs and Granite Belt.

Explore two art trail events this Spring

Whether you’re a practicing artist or you enjoy other people’s creative abilities, we have two weekends of art trails to give you the perfect excuse for a country getaway this Spring.

People’s Weekend: Your Long Weekend Plans Sorted

No plans yet for the People’s Weekend? We’ve put together the ultimate guide to enjoying a country escape. Put that ‘out of office’ on and hit the road to enjoy a long weekend here.

Celebrate Spring on the Southern Downs

Every Spring the Southern Downs and Granite Belt bursts to life with blooming flowers, colourful wildlife and exciting events celebrated across the season.

Your Guide to the Southern Downs Dunny Dash Art Trail

Head off on the Southern Downs Dunny Run, where painted murals have transformed toilet blocks from public loo to public art!

5 must-do hikes near Brisbane

If it’s a nature fix you’re seeking, then these five trails in the Southern Downs and Granite Belt will keep you active for days. From walking past waterfalls to taking in epic views, these trails are serving all the outdoor vibes you need.

Killarney Country Markets

Every 3rd Sunday from 8am to 12pm

Cool country music, great food and plenty of stalls fill Canning Park in Killarney from 8:00am to 12:00pm for the Killarney Country Markets. These unique markets offer fabulous jam makers, delightful home-baked goodies, terrific local gardeners, fresh produce, handmade clothing & knitting as well as an all-day hot food stall (just to name a few). Be sure to make a day of it by taking a stroll through Killarney to the cafes and art galleries after your visit at the markets!

Top 6 Must do Moments in the Southern Downs & Granite Belt

From wineries to waterfalls there’s always something to explore in the Southern Downs and Granite Belt.

Where to see fireflies in Spring

Every year in November, fire flies emerge at our beautiful town of Killarney, just over 2 hours from Brisbane.

Your guide to the ultimate winter weekend

Want to experience a true winter this year? You’re in luck! Before you start planning a July jaunt to our southern states, simply head two hours south west to the coldest place in the state!

8 Reasons to Go Chasing Queen Mary Falls

The waterfall chasing in Killarney is next level, with the popular Queen Mary Falls, part of the world heritage listed Main Range National Park, providing plenty of great reasons to jump in the car…

6 Places to Fall in Love this Valentine’s Day

If you think romance is all about chocolates and rose petals, think again. Before you rush off to book another movie night or dinner date, let us play cupid with this guide to the 6 most romantic places to visit this Valentine’s Day.

The Ultimate 4 Day Family Country Road Trip

If it’s time for the kids to breathe in some fresh country air, reconnect with nature (and each other!) and go offline, then bundle them in the car and head south west to the Southern Downs and Granite Belt.

3 Must Do Spring Break Getaways near Brisbane

If you’re looking for a mini spring break from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, get ready to pack your bags, fuel your car and sort your playlist!

3 national parks near Brisbane you need to visit

If it’s a nature fix you’re seeking, then these three national parks in the Southern Downs and Granite Belt will keep you satisfied for days.

Top 7 Must Visit Waterholes

We might be the coldest place in the state, but come December 1, we’re just as ready as the rest of Queensland to head outside, relish the longer days

Better Homes & Gardens Epic Country Road Trip

Better Homes and Gardens recently headed our way to celebrate the Jumpers and Jazz in July and Killarney Bonfire Night, before heading off on a foodie road trip through the Granite Belt.

Carr’s Lookout

Carr’s Lookout is located on Spring Creek Road, approximately 8km north east of Queen Mary Falls. Stop a moment to take in the stunning view from Carr’s Lookout – there is an easily accessible carpark available near the lookout.  A sign board tells the history of a 1955 plane crash on Mt Superbus, the wreckage of which is still there. The Condamine River head waters are also visible, which runs on into the Murray-Darling river system.

Carr’s Lookout forms part of the Falls Drive, which also takes you past Queen Mary Falls, Brown’s Falls and Dagg’s Falls.

Killarney Heritage Centre

The Killarney Heritage Centre is located on one of the main streets of Killarney. The Heritage Centre specialises in researching local family history and has a grand collection of local historical photos, articles and small artefacts. The society hosts tours around the heritage centre.

The Centre is open 10am to 2pm Saturday and Sunday only. Outside of those hours we can open on request via email at killarneyheritagecentre@gmail.com.

Entry fee is $5 per adult.

When to Visit the Southern Downs

With four distinct seasons celebrated across the year, there’s never a bad time to visit the Southern Downs! Each season comes with its own charms, events and unique landscapes.