Beyond Brisbane: Day trips to Southern Queensland Country’s must-see attractions
If you’re looking for unique experiences near Brisbane, we’ve put together a bunch of itineraries to choose from, that promise an unforgettable escape for everyone.
If you’re looking to put the pedal to the metal, mark your diary for these motorsports and car shows in our region.
Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines!
Southern Queensland Country is a petrol head’s paradise with everything from classic car shows to action-packed speedways and off-road racing on its events calendar.
If you’re looking to put the pedal to the metal, mark your diary for these motorsports and car shows in our region.
Southern Downs & Granite Belt
Horsepower Month on the Southern Downs, August
Head to the Southern Downs this August for an adrenaline-packed program featuring some of Australia’s signature horse and motorsport events.
Rev heads will love the Road Racing Series, the Warwick 1000, Drag Racing at Carnell Raceway and the 6th Cottonvale Digout .
Horse lovers should head to the IOR Rosebowl Polocrosse or the Waddle, Saddle & Pedal. The Sustainable Work Horse International 3 Day Event will also be held in Warwick.
See you for super-charged horsepower action in the Southern Downs!
Leyburn Sprints
Do you fancy yourself a classic car connoisseur? Keep mid-August free because the historic Leyburn Sprints are coming back to the Southern Downs for a weekend of classic cars. Front-lining the calendar is Shannon’s Show n Shine Vintage Caravan Displays, with many of Australia’s motorsport stars of the 60s, 70s and 80s making appearances across the weekend.
Barastoc Interstate Series (Polocrosse)
Fancy a horsepower event of the literal variety? Not a lot of people know the game of polocrosse originated in Australia, incorporating strategy and tactics from other sports like netball, polo, rugby and AFL. The Barastoc Interstate Series will gallop into Warwick this August, with teams comprised of both male and female players ranging in age from 7 to 70. Giddy up!
Lockyer Valley
Lights on the Hill Memorial Convoy Weekend
Pay your respects to the hard-working truckers of Australia by stopping by Lights on the Hill for their memorial convoy weekend in Gatton. The memorial service is dedicated to the members of the Australian transport industry and allows the drivers and their families to gather at Lake Apex Park.
Queensland Transport Museum, Open 7 days a week
Got motors on the mind and looking for a year-round mechanical experience? The Queensland Transport Museum is home to ever-changing exhibits including military vehicles, fire engines and crop-dusting planes. The museum also pays homage to the History of Western Maranoa Transport and the men and women who worked for the company.
Scotty’s Garage, Open Friday-Sunday
For true car nuts out there, don’t leave the Lockyer Valley without pulling up the handbrake at Scotty’s Garage. Located at Flagstone Creek outside of Toowoomba, Scotty’s Garage and The Barn provides home-cooked meals from their Australiana café with its laid back country atmosphere. The Barn and Scotty’s Garage is also open to Car and Motorcycle Clubs to gather for a day out, with ample parking for your convoy of cars. Extend your stay in the Lockyer Valley with our guide to 10 things to do while you’re in the region.
Goondiwindi
ARB Gundy 250
Don’t mind getting a little dirty? Join the countries finest offroaders trackside at the ARB Goondiwindi 250. Watch them master the infamous melon hole track in their V8 Trophy Trucks, Turbo Charged Buggies and high powered 4WD’s.
ARB Gundy 500
Come out to the track to see some mean machines tackle the tough demanding circuit. Join the countries finest offroaders trackside at the ARB Goondiwindi 500. Watch them master the infamous melon hole track in their V8 Trophy Trucks, Turbo Charged Buggies and high powered 4WD’s.
Staying in Gundy for one of the off-road rallies? Check out our guide for how to spend 48 hours in the Goondiwindi region.
South Burnett
Proston Car Rally Club, multiple dates
Don’t worry about missing out on the Proston Car Rally Club meetup, the family-friendly event is held quarterly on the first weekends of February, May, August and November. Spectators and racers from all over Queensland and New South Wales gather quarterly to meetup, compete and enjoy a BBQ together.
Kingaroy Speedway
Zoom into 2023 with the Kingaroy Speedway. The South Burnett Speedway Club racetrack is located at the Kingaroy Showgrounds, with a huge selection of racers in Sprintcars, Speedcars, Formula 500’s and late models racing around the oval. In need of some more travel inspo in the region? Follow along this link for 10 things to do in the South Burnett region while you’re there.
Toowoomba
Toowoomba Motocross Club, multiple dates
Located at the Echo Valley Raceway, the Toowoomba Motorcross Club hosts club days and practices throughout the year – with major competitive events ‘Sunny States’ occurring in June and the ‘SEQ’s’ taking place in October. Club days, practices and major events are open to all ages and experience levels.
Toowoomba Speedway
Toowoomba Speedway always has something happening too so check out their 2023-2024 season calendar on their website.
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