Best action-packed experiences in Southern Queensland Country

Mountain biking

Southern Queensland Country is a Mecca for two-wheel enthusiasts.

With over 30km of trails including tracks for beginners and tabletops, jumps and berms for the experienced, there’s no bigger mountain biking playground than Toowoomba Jubilee Park.

Looking for a route carved by mother nature herself? Tackle the bizarre rock formations and twisting tracks as you give granite a go under the tyres at Mount Marlay in Stanthorpe.

The summit has four mountain biking tracks to choose from, with varying grades of difficulty from beginners’ terrain to black diamond tracks for experienced riders.

For a treat at the end of a challenging and rocky road, Christies Loop in the Lockyer Valley offers rewarding views over Blackfellow Creek Valley and Glen Rock.

This 5km loop, loaded with natural obstacles like gravel and steep rockfaces is a favourite among mountain bikers.

For even more action, head to the foothills of the Bunya Mountains on the Western Downs for 18km of trails of varying lengths, each linking up with lookouts and picnic areas to stop and enjoy the views. 

Others to explore: Murphys Creek Escape, Nanango Circuit Ride, and Goondiwindi Trails. Or gear up to take on all, or some of the 161km long Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, taking you through stunning countryside and a mix of flat to challenging terrain. 

Water sports

The Goondiwindi Natural Heritage & Water Park is the ultimate destination for water sports fanatics, built purposely for tubing, tricks and hot-dogging.

Not only an ideal location for water skiing, canoeing, and boating, but the area is also abundant in local wildlife, with perfectly positioned picnic spots to relax after a day on the water.

For a destination that has it all, Lake Cressbrook is Toowomba’s top spot for activity on the water with plenty of extra amenities (i.e. boating, rowing, fishing, bushwalking, sailing, camping, picnicking, kayaking).

Short on the gear but still want to take part in the fun? Find your way to Leslie Dam in the Southern Downs & Granite Belt where you can hire a boat and not miss out on any of the action.

A little closer to Brisbane head to Lake Somerset in the Somerset region, a haven for skiers, wakeboarders, tube riders and jet skiers with both motorised and non-motorised watercraft allowed on the lake.  

Others to explore: Chinchilla Weir, Lake Broadwater, Gil Weir and Lake Coolmunda. Or if you're heading further north jump in at Lake Maraboon in the Central Queensland Highlands. 

Motorsports

Rev your engines and join the hundreds of racing enthusiasts at the Millmerran Reserve Raceway for the Millmerran Auto Club’s dirt sprints held once a month in the Toowoomba region.

The onsite canteen, camping spaces, parking and toilets offer rev-heads the opportunity to plan a weekend around any event.

You won't get much closer to the action than at the Morgan Park Raceway.

Feel the thrill in the grandstand along with thousands of spectators, snap an unforgettable photo with access to the pits and have a yarn with the drivers over their prized race cars.

While you’re at it, get out your calendar and pencil in the Leyburn Sprints coming up this August, which is one of Southern Queensland Country’s top horsepower events guaranteed to get your engine revving.

Others to explore: Pittsworth Sprints, Warwick Dragway, Sandy Creek Raceway, Carnell Raceway.

Rodeos and bull rides

Whether this is your first rodeo or not, “Australia’s Most Famous” rodeo in Warwick is a must for those chasing an adrenaline rush.

Hold on to your hats as bulls, horses and elite riders fly out of the gates and put on a heart-stopping performance for spectators at the annual Warwick Rodeo and Gold Cup Campdraft set to go ahead this October.

Make sure you read our guide on 7 things to do in Warwick to make the most of your visit while you’re there.

For another great night out with the family, plan your trip around the Mulga Bull Ride in the Lockyer Valley in September, and dance the night away until late with entertainment organised after the show.

Horseback riding

If watching the action doesn’t quite meet your adrenaline requirements, try trekking through our country on horseback yourself.

Saddle up with Fordsdale Horseback Adventures and explore the 1,000-acre grazing property in the Lockyer Valley.

Uncover country treasures and explore lush scenery horseback along Australia’s longest recreational rail trail, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.

Bestbrook Farmstay in the Southern Downs & Granite Belt offers a wide variety of horse-riding experiences, lessons, and different trails to suit all ages and groups.

If you have your own steed, go for a ride along the picturesque Bicentennial National Trail.

Adventure Camping

After chasing adventures, go to sleep under the stars and wake up to fresh air at one of Southern Queensland Country’s top spots to set up camp. Not sure where to set up? Make your way through our list of favourite campsites.

• Gordon Country Campground (with 4x4 adventure park)
• Manar Park, South Burnett
• Murphys Creek Escape, Lockyer Valley
• Glen Rock State Forest, Lockyer Valley
• Lake Cressbrook, Toowoomba
• Chinchilla Weir, Western Downs
• Fordsdale Horseback Adventures, Lockyer Valley
• Millmerran Raceway, Toowoomba Region
• Lake Coolmunda, Darling Downs