5 Must See Attractions in Darling Downs

If you’re looking to experience local history, get lost wandering around boutique wineries, amaze yourself with wildlife and exotic creatures, expose your tastebuds to unforgettable flavours, and more, it’s time you head to the Darling Downs.

The abundance of natural wonders await keen explorers and adventurers looking to capture magnificent moments that will be recounted for years to come. Discover the 5 top attractions in the Darling Downs and make it a point to tick every one off your to do list.

The Darling Downs Zoo

Acting as Queensland’s major regional zoo, the Darling Downs Zoo is privately owned by Steve and Stephanie Robinson who have over 70 years of animal care experience combined.

Offering a beautiful and immersive experience, explore the zoo’s four sections that have been designated based on geography, featuring animals from South America, Africa, South East Asia and Australia. The naturally themed habitats and well maintained areas make this zoo a great place to support wildlife while learning more about them.

The great thing about the Darling Downs Zoo is the level of care and compassion the people who run this place have for the animals – and it definitely shows through the behaviour of the animals. Staff are extremely knowledgeable about the animals in the zoo and clearly care about them.

Interactions with the animals are more hands on than bigger zoos, with a wide range of species including exotic animals like lions, giraffes, zebras, emus, and so much more. 

Entry fees are reasonable at $40 for adults, $26 for children and $33 for concession holders. The future prospects of the zoo are promising given how the land adjoining the zoo has been purchased for expansion. 

A definite must visit for animal lovers and it’s an attraction you won’t want to miss. 

Gabbinbar Homestead

A heritage listed estate that has a history of hosting Queensland governors, the Gabbinbar Homestead is a stunning estate that boasts elegance and glamour with secluded gardens to explore.

Designed with iconic features such as marble and slate mantelpieces, wide verandas and leadlight windows, these historic masterpieces have been carefully maintained to signify its best. The gardens have a tree lined entrance with towering trees trimmed to perfection, a croquet lawn and tennis court for those looking to take a swing.

The venue is popular for destination weddings too.

Girraween National Park 

If you’re looking for spectacular, Girraween National Park is where you want to be. Home to curious, natural rock formations that form the Granite Belt, these formations are often compared with the UK’s Stonehenge, luring 120,000 visitors to the park every year. 

Girraween National Park is renowned for spectacular flora, unique fauna and dramatic landscapes that make an experience once in a lifetime. Spread across 117 square kilometres, the natural granite landscape dates back tens of millions of years, and attracts rock climbers and bushwalkers alike. 

When visiting the park, set aside a day to explore the best of it. The uniqueness lies in granite boulder formations balancing in curious, gravity-defying positions that will make you stare in awe and question possibilities.

Pack your hiking shoes and choose a walking adventure to explore. Walking tracks begin from Pyramid Road, the Bald Rock Creek Camping Area and Dr Roberts Waterhole car park. 

Cobb+Co Museum

Home to the National Carriage Collection and part of the Queensland Museum Network, the Cobb+Co Museum features some of Australia’s finest horse drawn vehicles. 

With interactive displays, exhibitions, vintage trade workshops and events, you can easily immerse yourself in a hands-on experience that exemplifies the best of the era.

Cobb+Co is perfect for all ages with plenty of activities and interactions that will amaze all. 

The Lake Broadwater Conservation Park

Only 32 kilometres from the town centre of Dalby lies Lake Broadwater Conservation Park, where you can enjoy water fun and views in the Darling Downs. 

Explore the 2-kilometre walking track or be on the lookout for the 230 species of birdlife in the area. Birdwatching enthusiasts should make it a point to grab yourself a guide of the birds at Lake Broadwater Conservation Park at the Visitor Information Centre. 

When in Dalby, don’t miss out on trying to best parmies in town at the Windsor Hotel Bistro. With meals made from fresh local produce, the quality of food at the Windsor Hotel Bistro ensures a Darling Downs dining experience not to be forgotten. 

Make a reservation by calling 07 4662 2911 to avoid disappointment.

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