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.
Our sunflower-filled summers let you escape the intense heat of other parts of Queensland, autumn’s deciduous landscapes and crimson and gold hues scream romance, winter brings roaring fires and crisp, clear days and spring is the ideal time to get exploring our National Parks.
So now we’ve convinced you there’s no bad time to visit, when’s the BEST time to visit? Our busy events calendar may help with that. We’ve got a huge calendar of annual events that will make your trip even more unique. How about planning your next visit around one of these major events. For even more events check out our Event Calendar.
Allora Autumn Festival
Held in April annually
Celebrate the changing of the seaons in the ‘Best Little Town on the Downs’, Allora. Allora Autumn Festival brings the streets alive, with local produce market stalls, arta and craft market stalls and more. www.allorafestival.net
Snowflakes in Stanthorpe
30 June – 2 July 2017
Held biennially in June/July
The Snowflakes in Stanthorpe winter festival takes place over three winter themed magical days every second year. The whole family will be kept busy with snowfields, ice skating, snow globes, a petting zoo, and local winter markets. www.snowflakesinstanthorpe.com.au. Image by Glenda Riley, Picture Patch Photography
Jumpers and Jazz in July
20-30 July
Held annually in July
Warwick’s Jumpers and Jazz in July is Queensland’s quirkiest yarnbombing and jazz winter festival, celebrating its 14th birthday in 2017! With live jazz, tastes of country cuisine and a huge program of events spanning 10 days. www.jumpersandjazz.com
Historic Leyburn Sprints
19-20 August
Held annually in August
The Historic Leyburn Sprints, now in its 22nd year, bring over 200 cars, racing around this idyllic country town, vying for trophies. Get amongst the action, as well as the Show N Shine and the Vintage Caravan competition. www.leyburnmotorsprints.com.au
Warwick Rodeo and Gold Cup Campdraft
23-29 October 2017
Held annually in October
Every year the nation’s top rodeo riders and the best broncs and bucking bulls gather for the Warwick Rodeo – known far and wide as “Australia’s most famous”. Over 40,000 spectators travel to Warwick to take in the action! This country experience is a must do! www.warwickshowandrodeo.com.au
Apple and Grape Harvest Festival
23 Feb – 4 March 2018
Held biennially in February/March
Stanthorpe’s Apple and Grape Harvest Festival is one of Queensland’s longest running festivals and must do on the State’s event calendar! The biennial festival is a celebration of the Granite Belt’s produce and booming wine industry. www.appleandgrape.org
