WESTERN COUNTRY

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Western Country

W E LCO M Eto

Queensland

WESTERN COUNTRYW E LCO M E

to

Western CountryThe Western Country encompasses a vast and varied region that stretches between the beautiful Bunya Mountains, over flat, grassy plains and across the red dust roads of outback Queensland.

The Western Country is a gateway to the outback, an ideal region to explore wide, open spaces, to enjoy the warmth of country hospitality and uncover the rich heritage of early pioneers. Stop in for a cold one at the counter of a classic Aussie pub and meet the locals. Find out where the best inland fishing spots are and take some time to venture off the beaten track. Unwind as you bushwalk through spectacular national parks and appreciate the fresh air.

There are fascinating attractions unique to this area that are well worth visiting. Historic villages, museums and galleries provide the opportunity to revisit bygone eras when Cobb & Co coaches operated and bushrangers roamed the countryside. Some of the finest Aboriginal rock art in Australia is preserved upon an escarpment in Carnarvon National Park, and is known as The Art Gallery. Containing more than 600 stencils and 1,300 engravings, the site has boardwalks, interpretive signs and seating facilities for visitors to appreciate the range of rare Aboriginal artwork.

The towns in the Western Country region have a distinctive regional character and offer visitors an authentic rural Queensland experience. Discover the local sights and immerse yourself in the peaceful country atmosphere that makes touring this region so relaxing and rewarding.

For more information on the Western Country, please visit www.visitmaranoa.com.au and www.wdrc.qld.gov.au.

Things toSee & Do1. Bushwalk through the magnificent

Carnarvon Gorge and see the amazing Aboriginal rock art.

2. Experience the story of oil and gas at the Big Rig’s Oil Patch and be entertained by the spectacle of the Night Show.

3. See the exhibitions at Dogwood Crossing Art Gallery and browse the impressive library in Miles.

4. Do some inland fishing in St. George on the beautiful Balonne River.

5. Witness the excitement of cattle sales at the Roma Saleyards – Australia’s largest.

6. View the stained glass windows of St Paul’s Church in Roma.

7. Enjoy the Scenic Walking Track and unique views of Bunya Mountains National Park.

8. Soak in the thermal mineralised waters of the Great Artesian Spa at Mitchell.

9. Experience the Cobb and Co Changing Station at Surat.

10. Visit Miles Historical Village for a memorable trip back through time.

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PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE MAP FROM ROOM

WESTERN COUNTRY

Roma With a rich history filled with colourful stories of its pioneering past, Roma offers visitors an array of activities and a popular base from which to explore the Western Country region.

Roma has preserved many impressive public buildings including the Roma Court House, opened in 1901. The heritage-listed Heroes Avenue is lined with more than 100 bottle trees planted in dedication to local soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. Roma’s Historical

Walk will take you from the beginnings of this unofficial capital of the Western Country region on a tour through time as you take in significant landmarks.The Farmers and Artisans Market offers the opportunity to buy local produce and wares. Held in the Big Rig Parklands, the market occurs every 3rd Saturday of the month between February and November.The Big Rig Interpretive Centre and Night Show is an interactive display of Australia’s oil and gas industry that offers activities for kids and an outdoor light and sound presentation of local early 20th century oil and gas exploration. Roma is also famous for its picnic and country race meets and annual ‘Easter in the Country’ festival.Other things to see and do include bushwalking in the magnificent Carnarvon Gorge, witnessing the cattle sales and giving your taste buds a treat at the many divine eateries and restaurants in Roma.

Miles Miles is a vibrant rural township with an active arts and cultural community. It’s an ideal base for travellers to explore a region rich in history and natural attractions.

The Historical Village Museum is where the history of the district comes to life in a remarkable streetscape of authentic and replica buildings from the pioneering era. The history is also celebrated at Dogwood Crossing. An architecturally stunning building with 7m tall stylised bottle trees forming a colonnade down its centre, Dogwood Crossing provides a comprehensive display of the town’s social history and houses the John Mullins Memorial Art Gallery.Close to town, nature lovers can take in the iconic Dogwood, or Jacksonia Scoparia, and other native trees and shrubs along the relaxing Dogwood Creek Walking Track. The rare pink form of the native waterlily produces a spectacular display on Chinaman’s Lagoon during the summer and autumn months. The district is also renowned for its landscape blanketed in delicate wildflowers, which can be enjoyed throughout spring via a self-drive tour.

The Beef, Bells and Bottle Tree Festival coincides with the anniversary of the Miles Historical Village Museum and the beginning of the wildflower season in spring.

WESTERN COUNTRY

Chinchilla Chinchilla is renowned for producing twenty-five percent of Australia’s watermelons and plays host to the Melon Festival in celebration of all things melon.

Attracting people of all ages, the Melon Festival includes popular events such as melon bungee and skiing, pip spitting and melon chef demonstrations. Held every 2nd year, the next Melon Festival will be held in 2015.Tap into some local knowledge at the Chinchilla Visitor Information Centre on the Warrego Highway. Here you can enjoy a Devonshire Tea while you purchase your official Department of Mines & Energy Qld fossicking

license and learn where to find the rare ‘Chinchilla Red’ petrified wood. Be sure to enquire about the Chinchilla Historical Museum, which houses an impressive Cypress Pine Interpretive Centre and the Wongongerra Cottage.The main street of Chinchilla is a beautiful tree-lined haven away from the bustle of the highway. Take a relaxing stroll down the street, encounter a friendly nod and smile from a local, do a bit of country shopping or enjoy a light lunch. Take note of the f lood marker artworks as you enter the main street, which show the heights the water reached during the floods of 2011. Stop in at the Cultural Centre which features the Chinchilla White Gums Gallery, a popular movie cinema and the public library. To enjoy the great outdoors, take Charley’s Creek Riverside Walk or make the scenic drive to Chinchilla Weir for a picnic. East of Chinchilla, on the Warrego Highway, lies Brigalow where you can purchase melons and pumpkins at the roadside farm gate during summer.

Dalby Explore Dalby’s diverse range of country delights and uncover some of the local history of the Western Country. Not far from Cunningham Street, history buffs will appreciate the Pioneer Park Museum, which features one of the largest collections of working tractors and agricultural machinery in Queensland. The museum also houses an impressive rock, mineral and fossil collection. Of notable interest is the handwritten letter by Ned Kelly asking authorities to allow his mother to visit him in prison.Reminiscent of the heritage, the local saleyards continue to flourish with one of Australia’s largest single cattle sales taking place here every Wednesday. If you are interested in horses, Dalby hosts Australia’s largest Stock Horse Show and Sale every December. A favourite local walking spot is along the founding Myall Creek, which runs through town. The track follows the creek bank through beautiful parklands to the CBD.

BUNYA MOUNTAINSLocated approximately 48kms from Dalby, the Bunya Mountains boasts the largest collection of bunya pines in the world. The Bunya Mountains is a vertible oasis for nature lovers and showcases a diverse range of birdlife. There’s a number of walking tracks available here. For more information, visit bunyamountains.com.au.

Other towns to visit in

Western Country WANDOAN – Situated upon the fertile expanses of Brigalow country, the Wandoan Windmill marks the place where explorer Ludwig Leichardt passed through on foot nearly 200 years ago. INJUNE – Injune is a gateway to Carnavon Gorge, an oasis in the semi-arid heart of Queensland. SURAT – Situated on the banks of the Balonne River, Surat is a picturesque place to stay for great fishing, birdwatching and activities such as waterskiing or jet skiing. ST GEORGE – Whether cruising along Balonne River or wandering down St George’s beautiful tree-lined streets, you’ll see why so many visitors comment on how pretty the town is; especially when Bauhinias and Jacarandas paint the town white and purple with their bright blossoms. GOONDIWINDI – Located on the majestic Macintyre River at the junction of six highways on the Queensland-New South Wales border, Goondiwindi is a popular stop-over destination for visitors. TARA – A small town south of the Warrego Highway, Tara gives travellers a unique experience of rural culture.

WESTERN COUNTRY

FEBRUARY

• Chinchilla Melon Festival• Miles Picnic Race Day

MARCH

• Bell Show Rodeo & Campdraft • Jandowae Show • Tara Show

APRIL

• Roma Easter in the Country Festival• Dalby & District Show • Wandoan Show

MAY

• Chinchilla Annual Show

• Miles & District Show

JUNE

• Bell Camel Races• Chinchilla Polocrosse Carnival

JULY

• Opera at Jimbour Jimbour• Roma A Dog’s Day Out

AUGUST

• Tara Festival of Culture & Camel Races

SEPTEMBER

• Tara Bloomin’ Creative Showcase• Jandowae Timbertown Festival• Miles Beef, Bells & Bottle Tree Festival• Dalby Delicious & DeLIGHTful Festival

NOVEMBER

• Roma Cup Race Day

Markets• Chinchilla 3rd Sunday of the month – 7.00am to

12.30pm, Chinchilla Tourist Information Centre

• Dalby 3rd Saturday of the month – 6.00am to 12.00pm, Dalby Showgrounds, Nicholson Street

• Jandowae 4th Sunday of the month – 8.00am to 12.00pm, Lions Park

• Miles 2nd Saturday of the month – from 8.00am Mens Group Shed, Cnr Day & Fry Streets

• Roma Farmers & Artisans Market 3rd Saturday of the month (Feb-Nov) – from 7:30, Big Rig Parklands

• Warra 2nd Saturday of the month – 8.00am to 12.00pm Warra Park, Warrego Highway

POLICE/ FIRE/ AMBULANCE 000 Policelink 131 444Roma Hospital 4624 2700 197-234 Mcdowall Street, RomaMiles Hospital 4628 5600 26 Colamba Street, Miles Chinchilla Hospital 4662 8888 Slessar Street, ChinchillaDalby Hospital 4669 0555 Hospital Road, DalbyMaranoa Medical Centre 4622 2266 27 Quitin Street, RomaMiles Medical Centre 4627 1388 5 Pine Street, MilesChinchilla Medical Centre 4662 7188 58 Middle Street, ChinchillaMyall Medical Practice 4662 2433 40 Archibald Street, Dalby

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Images courtesy of Western Downs Regional Council, T&GWSBT, and Tourism and Events Queensland.

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