Gold Coast to Lockyer Valley
The Lockyer Valley is a short one hour’s drive from Brisbane and Toowoomba respectively and is undoubtedly the produce-bowl of south-east Queensland.
While the Western Downs might be best known for its agriculture scene, past the farm gates you’ll find history and heritage in each of its small towns and communities.
Few regions rival the size and scale of the Western Downs, which spans from Dalby to Meandarra, covering a land size some parts of the world would need passports to cross.
While the Western Downs might be best known for its agriculture scene, past the farm gates you’ll find history and heritage in each of its small towns and communities. Turn the pages of history with every town you discover across a three-day trip.
STOP1
DAY 1: Sunshine Coast to Dalby
[APPROX. 255 KM / 3 HRS 7 MINS]
Start your drive from the Sunshine Coast – take State Route 6 and onto State Route 85 to head west to Kilcoy and then onto A17 to reach Yarraman. From there, take the A3 to Wutul then across to Maclagan, then on to Kaimkillenbun. With plenty of boutique café’s, bakeries and pubs, make sure you stop for a bite and a yarn with the friendly locals at these quaint country towns. Continue your leisurely country drive onto Dalby for a lunch stop at Dalby’s Urban Paddock Café. Journey on to take the State Route 49 for birdwatching at Lake Broadwater Conservation Park where 230+ bird species flock, 31 km from Dalby. As the sun begins to set, return to Dalby for an overnight stay at any one of the country motels offering a warm atmosphere, comfy bed and hearty breakfast.
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Miles Historical Village, Western Downs
DAY 2: Dalby to Chinchilla
[APPROX. 204 KM / 2 HRS 17 MINS]
Farewell Dalby and drive 89km on State Route 87 to Tara and marvel in the internationally renowned botanic gardens. Journey on to Leichhardt Hwy for a quick stop at the town of Condamine on your way to Miles. Once in Miles, spend the afternoon exploring the Miles Historical Village Museum – where you can take a guided tour and bring your furry friend as well! From there, drive 47km to the colourful town of Chinchilla on the A2. After a busy day full of adventure, spend the night in Chinchilla at one of the many cozy motels.
STOP3
Jimbour House, Western Downs
DAY 3: Chinchilla to Sunshine Coast
[APPROX. 415 KM / 5 HRS 20 MINS]
Before wrapping up your stay, work up an appetite by wandering the 4.2 hectares of Australia’s Park of the Year for 2020 – the Chinchilla Botanic Parklands. Take a selfie at the Big Melon, and then drive to Jimbour. Spend an afternoon touring historic Jimbour Homestead (make sure you book) a magnificent residence boasting manicured courtyards and its own wooden church before you head home via Dalby and Toowoomba through to Brisbane.
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