Darling Downs

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Dan Proud/Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Dan Proud/Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Peter Lik/Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Dan Proud/Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Peter Lik/Tourism and Events Queensland
Dine on farm-fresh produce and try subtropical highland wines while overlooking the rolling foothills of the Great Dividing Range in Queensland’s pastoral heart.

Grassy plains and rippling crop fields stretch out for miles in the rural region of the Darling Downs. Extending west from the slopes of the Great Dividing Range, the Darling Downs has a subtropical highland climate and the region is prominent for its fertile farmland, high-quality produce, fine wines and cheeses. Get to know the hinterland way of life and explore wide open spaces and cosy country towns as you discover the scenic roads and pioneering heritage of this region.

Toowoomba is Queensland’s largest inland city and a major hub in the Darling Downs, cresting the foothills of the mountain range and Lockyer Valley. You can have the region’s finest produce served up to you in Toowoomba’s local restaurants. Visit during the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers to see the city burst into colour for 10 days in September. Be sure to try local cheeses and ice creams made using Darling Downs’ renowned dairy milk. Sample some of the Darling Downs’ excellent local wines in the city’s bars or go straight to the source on a tour of the region’s boutique wineries, cellar doors and vineyards.

Head west to begin exploring the Darling Downs’ charming townships and pastoral estates. Check out the rolling hills of Killarney and Stanthorpe, framed by the Bunya Mountains named for the ancient native pines that dot the landscape. The Condamine River meanders through the river-plain towns of Warwick, Dalby and Chinchilla. Learn about the region’s pioneering heritage at the Cobb & Co. Museum in Toowoomba or the Jondaryan Woolshed.

Experience some of the region’s wilderness with a trip to the Main Range National Park. Hike along breathtaking mountain ridges and check out the plunging cascade of Queen Mary Falls. You can also enjoy highland scenery from the natural mountain passes of Cunningham’s Gap and Spicers Gap. Go camping in the Goomburra Forest or the Bunya Mountains National Park.

The Darling Downs encompass a large area of southwest Queensland. Reach Toowoomba within a 90-minute drive from Brisbane and its international airport. Enjoy exciting festivities in spring or try fragrant red wines in the region’s cooler wintertime. It is easiest to explore this region by car and take your time exploring the region’s pretty townships and hidden gems.

Where to stay in Darling Downs

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East Toowoomba

Gardens and spas are notable features of East Toowoomba. You might consider stopping by Cobb & Co Museum while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

East Toowoomba
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South Toowoomba

Golf courses and spas are notable features of South Toowoomba. You might consider stopping by City Golf Club while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

South Toowoomba
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Middle Ridge

While visiting Middle Ridge, you might make a stop by sights like Toowoomba Golf Club and Glen Lomond Park.

Middle Ridge
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Kearneys Spring

Kearneys Spring is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Toowoomba Plaza and Ruthven Street South Reserve.

Kearneys Spring
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Harristown

Visitors to Harristown enjoy its shopping, and if you want to do some exploring, Ju Raku En Japanese Garden is worth a stop.

Harristown
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Glenvale

While Glenvale isn't home to many top sights, Toowoomba Showgrounds and Clifford Park Racecourse are some notable places to visit nearby.

Glenvale
Park Motor Inn
Park Motor Inn
3 out of 5
88 Margaret St., East Toowoomba, QLD
The price is €84 per night from 21 Mar to 22 Mar
€84
includes taxes & fees
21 Mar - 22 Mar
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly motel in Toowoomba. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (601 reviews)
"The staff over our ‘Alfred’ enforced stay were excellent. Accommodating and friendly."

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2025

Park Motor Inn
Burke and Wills Hotel
Burke and Wills Hotel
4.5 out of 5
554 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba, QLD
The price is €114 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
€114
includes taxes & fees
13 Apr - 14 Apr
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Toowoomba. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (772 reviews)
"Large room, comfy bed, very friendly staff"

Reviewed on 1 Feb 2025

Burke and Wills Hotel
Highlander Motor Inn & Apartments
Highlander Motor Inn & Apartments
4 out of 5
226-228 James Street, South Toowoomba, QLD
The price is €92 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
€92
includes taxes & fees
22 Mar - 23 Mar
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly motel in Toowoomba. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (552 reviews)
"Easy to find, clean, spacious, easy parking. A brisk walk into the centre of town, information for the area available. Bed was good, TV and bathroom also a good size. Fold out couch available."

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2025

Highlander Motor Inn & Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Athena Motel Apartments
Athena Motel Apartments
4 out of 5
214 James Street, South Toowoomba, QLD
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Toowoomba. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (503 reviews)
"Very clean and comfortable. Quiet and peaceful."

Reviewed on 7 Mar 2025

Athena Motel Apartments
Toowoomba Central Plaza Apartment Hotel
Toowoomba Central Plaza Apartment Hotel
4.5 out of 5
532-544 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Toowoomba. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,024 reviews)
"Good location"

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2025

Toowoomba Central Plaza Apartment Hotel
Wisteria Cottage and Cabins
Wisteria Cottage and Cabins
4 out of 5
2117 Pyramids Road, Wyberba, QLD
Stay at this 4-star cottage in Wyberba. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Rock Rose Nature Refuge and Five Acre ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (82 reviews)
"Very quiet and peaceful with a lovely outlook. Close to the N.P. which was very well kept and great walks."

Reviewed on 20 Sep 2024

Wisteria Cottage and Cabins
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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