So you’re ready for a trip to Jimbour but you want to make the most of your time in the Darling Downs. Rest assured, there are plenty of gems to discover throughout the region.
Nestled on the western slope of the Great Dividing Range in southern Queensland, experience delectable paddock-to-plate dining, historic sites, incredible mountain views, family-friendly escapes and warm, cosy accommodation.
The Darling Downs region will help you connect with nature and to Queensland’s countryside, while taking a step back from the hustle and bustle of the big smoke.
Family fun at the Darling Downs Zoo
The Darling Downs Zoo, located in Pilton, is the ideal spot for a family fun day. This zoo is divided into four separate geographical areas and features animals from the likes of Africa, South America, South-east Asia and of course, Australia.
While this zoo offers a range of free activities for you to partake in, they also have a selection of extra zoo encounters that you can add onto your ticket cost. These activities give you the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the zoo animals in an experience you likely won’t forget.
Want to take on the zoo at night? The Darling Downs Zoo offers Zoofari Night Tours to watch the zoo come alive at night.
Hike through Bunya Mountains National Park
Bunya Mountains National Park has a rich history entwined in Jimbour. Wilfred Russell MLA, who together with his wife Millicent Russel purchased Jimbour House and the surrounding property in 1923, acquired 1200 acres of land in the Bunya Mountains, which he donated in 1927 to the public and which remains a dedicated public reserve.
The Bunya Mountain National Park boasts the largest stand of ancient bunya pines in the world and is the second oldest national park in Queensland. Exploring this nature filled gem will bring you to discover mountains, rainforests, waterfalls, grasslands, panoramic views, wildlife and stories of times long ago.
This national park offers park facilities such as barbecues, picnic tables, camping facilities, walking tracks and lookout points.
Cool off at Crows Nest National Park
Grab your hiking shoes and some swimming gear before setting off on an adventure through the Crows Nest National Park. The walks in this National Park offer up beautiful creek scenery, cascading waterfalls and animal filled waterholes.
We recommend the Crows Nest Falls Lookout Walk via Kauyoo Loop. This walk will reward you with Bottlebrush Pool, the ideal place to cool down and animal watch before heading back to your starting point.
Picnic at Picnic Point Lookout and Parkland
Panoramic, picturesque and breathtaking all come to mind when describing the Picnic Point Lookout and Parkland. Located in Toowoomba, this heritage-listed site spans 160 acres and is perched high on the crest of the Great Dividing Range, giving it a stunning view over the Main Range and Lockyer Valley.
Pre-pack a picnic, choose a spot and take in the views and surrounding wildlife. Follow your picnic up with one of the walking trails to stretch your legs or let the kids run free on the playground.
Explore Toowoomba’s Street Art Trail
Take a step back from the gallery scene and into the streets to experience Toowoomba’s street art scene. Queensland’s answer to the laneways of Melbourne.
This street art has slowly been growing since 2012 and now more than 90 murals have been added to the streets and lanes. Take your time to wander through and take it all in.
Take a self-guided history tour of the Jimbour gardens
Our property was first established in 1841, and Jimbour’s gardens contain elements of its history to the present day. There is much to see and experience in this lush garden including formal plantings and landscaping that has surrounded the landmark house for the past century.
You’ll stumble across long standing Moreton Bay Figs, Hoop Pines, a Silky Oak and a Macadamia Nut Tree, plus Jacarandas, Queen Palms, a fountain, grape vines, and many a flower bed, just to name a few.
You’re sure to get lost in its magic.
Time travel at the Royal Bull’s Head Inn
The rooms at the Royal Bull’s Head Inn almost seem to be frozen in time, you’ll feel like you’re taking a step back into the 19th century. This inn turned historic landmark was built by an ex-convict and includes artefacts similar to those used in the early trading days and other items that were used by the members of the Lynch family, who used the property as a family home in 1879.
If you dare, this Inn also hosts monthly paranormal evenings with the Toowoomba Ghost Tours, which will send a shiver down your spine.
Revisit childhood at Mary Poppins House
If you are a Mary Poppins fan and grew up with a spoon full of sugar, then you’ll want to visit this house that was once the home of Mary Poppins creator, P.L. Travers. This Victorian-style property is on the local heritage register and the current owners offer tours of the house by appointment. It truly is a magical spot that will transport you to your childhood.
Horse Riding
Giddy up! Hit the trails on horseback to take in all that the countryside has to offer. Think phenomenal views, native wildlife and peace and quiet.
Companies like Cowboy Up Trail Riding will help you to saddle up and lead you on a relaxing ride.
Feast your eyes at the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers
The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers happens to be the longest running floral event of its kind in Australia and as such has become an iconic Queensland event.
It runs every September, and not only showcases the pretty blooms but offers a mixture of events from food and wine to music to arts and crafts and more.
Tour the DownsSteam Railway Museum
This museum will allow you to explore Darling Down’s rich rail heritage. DownsSteam is a volunteer run organisation dedicated to the establishment of a tourist railway for the Darling Downs region and used to preserve and actively restore the last remaining steam locomotive built at the historic Toowoomba Foundry Company, C16-106 Southern Cross Works No. 28. circa 1914.
The Tourist Railway and Museum includes a completely restored station building and two restoration sheds, one of which is open to the public. You’ll have the opportunity to take part in an informative guided tour to see its rolling stock, museum displays and Dreamtime Journey Coach.
Visit the Cobb+Co Museum
The Cobb+Co Museum is a part of the Queensland Museum and is famously home to the National Carriage Collection.
Alongside its coaches it offers a wide collection including a vast variety of vehicles from the horse-drawn era, farm wagons, delivery carts and what it describes as the Rolls Royce of Carriages, the landau.
This museum has many events and exhibitions that you can check out here.
Hit the green at the Dalby Golf Club
Pack your clubs, it’s time to hit the course. If you’re an avid golfer you’re sure to want to check out the Dalby Golf Club. This renowned 18-hole country course is open to public players seven days a week.
Make a day of it as alcohol that is purchased from the clubhouse (open Thursday to Sunday) can also be consumed on the course.
Wander through the Dalby Heritage Trail
Head out on foot for an enjoyable walk around some of Dalby’s historical buildings, homes and churches. There is a range of interesting places to see on your way including the Old Town Council Chambers, the Marble Street Art Centre and the Old Police Station.
Start at St Joseph’s Catholic Church and your final stop will be the Dalby CBD. For more information and to map out your route utilise this fact sheet.
Visit the Dalby Pioneer Park Museum
The Dalby Pioneer Park Museum will take you back in time. It displays one of the largest collections of working pioneer tractors and agricultural machinery in Queensland alongside authentic colonial buildings and heritage artefacts.
In your visit you are sure to learn something about the rich history of the area.
Be wowed by the Glengallan Homestead and Heritage Centre
Entering Glengallan is a time-warp experience. Having been uninhabited for more than half of its existence, this iconic sandstone mansion offers a unique heritage experience. You’ll be able to relive the home’s rich life story and learn how it rose from the ashes to return from ruin.
Gone Fishin’
Pack some refreshments and cast a line in one of the many rivers and dams that this area has to offer. While some spots will require you to secure a permit before you tackle the fishing scene (pun intended), others will allow you to recreationally fish permit-free.
For a full list of the spots you can visit see here.
Visit a winery
The Darling Downs region, and in particular South Burnett, is Queensland’s largest wine region and home to the state’s biggest vineyards. Take your pick from the list of wineries here or choose a winery tour and winery hop at your taste buds’ leisure.
Chase the sunflower fields
The Netherlands have tulips and southern Queensland has sunflowers. Between January and March a carpet of yellow drapes itself across the fields of the Darling Downs countryside. It is a sight and an experience that will fill you with awe and make you feel like you’re walking on sunshine.
Sunflowers can be spotted in Cambooya, Nobby, Toowoomba, Warwick, Felton and Allora. You may find it useful to contact the local Visitor Information Centres for up-to-date information of fields that are in bloom.
Have your camera ready because you’ll want to remember this.
Wildlife watching
The Darling Downs region is surrounded by an abundance of national parks (such as the Bunya National Park, Crows Nest National Park and the Main Range National Park), which are perfect for animal spotting. You’re likely to see birds, koalas, wallabies, pademelons, platypuses and wombats just to name a few.
Don’t forget your binoculars.
Immerse yourself in history at the Crows Nest Museum and Historical Village
Displaying over 21 buildings packed to the brim with local history, a trip to the Crows Nest Museum and Historical Village will be a dream come true for history buffs. This spot has interactive displays, a museum with memorabilia and tributes to the services and 21 buildings from the local district.
You can take a self-guided tour or be guided around the site by a tour guide.
