Nothing beats
Queensland Country
The true farm-to-table experience
Yearning to get out of town? Head for the hills in Queensland Country to drink in crisp air, sprawling sunflower fields and some of the tastiest food and drink in the state. Just 90 minutes from Brisbane, go west to hop between granite boulders, sway under Bunya Pines and wade in waterfalls. The scenery alone will make you feel small in the very best way possible. Be warned, the hospitality may leave you longing for a more permanent tree change.
On now
Stargazing Season
June - August
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Avg temperatures
June - August
Min
9°
Max
19°
Plan your holiday
Things to see and do in Queensland Country
From the granite peaks of Girraween National Park to the towering sandstone cliffs of Carnarvon Gorge, Queensland Country is packed with jaw-dropping landscapes. But it’s not just about the views - this is a region bursting with flavour. Explore boutique wineries in the Granite Belt, sip cool-climate wines, and meet passionate winemakers who’ll share the stories behind each drop. For a true paddock-to-plate experience, visit local farm gates and feast on fresh produce straight from the source.
If you time your visit right, you can taste your way through a festival or two. Stanthorpe’s Apple & Grape Festival in March is a must for fruit and wine lovers, while the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers in spring serves up blooms and bites in equal measure.
Need a dose of the great outdoors? Put on your hiking boots for Girraween National Park, where you’ll find balancing boulders and views that do all the talking from The Pyramid. Prefer chasing waterfalls? Head to Queen Mary Falls in Main Range National Park or cool off in nature’s own plunge pool at Carnarvon Gorge. Further north, Cania Gorge is perfect for scenic strolls among fern-covered pools and ancient Aboriginal rock art.
For history buffs, take a scenic drive from Stanthorpe to Toowoomba, stopping at charming country towns along the way. Toowoomba itself is a colourful blend of heritage and creativity, with grand old buildings, vibrant street art, and a thriving café scene.
Need a local’s take on where to go? Drop into a Visitor Information Centre to get all of the good untel from the locals themselves.
Stay a while
ACCOMMODATION
Chinchilla Tourist Park
Located just 5 minutes from the heart of Chinchilla, this beautifully...
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Escape To Nature At Basecamp
This is a hosted stay through Hipcamp, below is the information provided by the...
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Acacia Motel Chinchilla
Forget everything you know about motels. The Acacia Motel - more than a bed -...
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The Palms Motel Chinchilla
The Palms Motel offers a comfortable retreat for both business and leisure...
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Chinchilla Motor Inn
Chinchilla Motor Inn is one of the very few accommodation options in Chinchilla...
How to get to Queensland Country
Getting here is easy - choosing where to explore first is the hard part! Queensland Country borders Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Bundaberg, and Outback Queensland, making it a great road trip destination. From Brisbane, you can reach:
Toowoomba (1.75 hours)
Warwick (2 hours)
Dalby (2.5 hours)
Stanthorpe, Kingaroy & Bunya Mountains (3 hours)
For longer adventures, destinations like Chinchilla (3.5 hours), Goondiwindi (4 hours), Carnarvon Gorge (9 hours), and the Sapphire Gemfields (10 hours) are worth the journey.
Flying in? Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport offers direct flights to Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Townsville, and Mount Isa. Emerald Airport has regular flights to Brisbane and beyond. For a quicker trip to Carnarvon Gorge, fly to Emerald and hire a car for the scenic three-hour drive.
What to know before you go
Where is Queensland Country?
You’ll find Queensland Country in Southern Queensland, hugging the NSW border. Think rolling farmland, mountain ranges, and charming country towns. It’s about a 90-minute drive (130km) from Brisbane to Toowoomba, and just under three-hours (217km) from Brisbane to Stanthorpe.
What are the major areas in Queensland Country?
Start with the Garden City of Toowoomba, then head south to the Southern Downs and Granite Belt (hello, wine country!). Don’t miss towns like Warwick, Stanthorpe and Dalby, or further west to Chinchilla and Carnarvon Gorge.
What airport do I fly into to visit Queensland Country?
Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport is your closest hub. You can also fly into Brisbane, Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast Airports, and even Emerald Airport if you’re venturing further west.
How to get around Queensland Country?
Hit the road! Self-driving is the best way to soak up country charm, national parks, wineries and hidden gems. Try this road trip on for size.
What’s the climate of Queensland Country?
- Summer (Dec–Feb): Warm days (26–30°C) and cooler nights—perfect for a post-hike dip.
- Autumn (Mar–May): Mild days (20–25°C) and crunchy leaves.
- Winter (Jun–Aug): Chilly mornings (0–18°C), especially in Stanthorpe - Queensland’s coldest town. Yes, it can snow!
- Spring (Sep–Nov): Cool nights, sunny days, and flowers everywhere.
Is there snow in Queensland Country?
Stanthorpe can get snow in winter – rare, but magical. Bring a beanie just in case.
When is the best time to visit?
Each season brings its own magic. Winter is stargazing and fireside wine weather. Spring bursts into bloom with Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. Autumn glows gold, while summer is great for chasing waterfalls and sunflower fields.
Where can I see wildflowers or sunflowers?
Spring is wildflower season in Girraween. In summer, look for sunflower fields near Allora and Warwick. Keep your camera ready.
What are the best national parks to see?
- Girraween National Park: Granite domes, giant boulders, epic hikes
- Carnarvon Gorge: Sandstone cliffs, Indigenous rock art, rainforest pockets
- Bunya Mountains: Rainforest walks and wallabies galore
- Main Range National Park: Queen Mary Falls is the star of the show
Where to eat in Queensland Country?
You’re in the food bowl of Queensland, so bring your appetite.
- Stanthorpe: Great cafes, local produce, craft beer and cool-climate wine
- Toowoomba: Boutique bakeries, laneway bars and standout restaurants
- Farmers markets & bakeries: Pull over in every town for fresh produce and country baking like nowhere else
Is Queensland Country family friendly?
Absolutely. Go beyond the wine trails with family-friendly bushwalks, farm stays, museums, and even a ride on a historic steam train. Here’s our family guide.
Where should I stay in Queensland Country?
First, pick your base. Queensland Country spans a huge area so plan what you want to do before choosing your digs – we’ve got everything from national park camping and holiday parks to farm stays and five-star retreats.
Towns like Toowoomba and Stanthorpe have plenty to choose from across all budgets, Bunya Mountains is known for camping and cottage escapes, while those adventuring in Carnarvon Gorge have a few options: camping, caravan or nearby cabins.
Want to spend the night at a brewery or sleep in a giant wine barrel? Our list of quirky accommodation is for you.
Can I bring my dog on holiday in Queensland Country?
Many campgrounds, cottages and even some cellar doors are pet-friendly - but always check ahead. National parks generally don’t allow dogs. This guide can help you get started.
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