Go wild in Queensland’s Southern Downs, a region with breathtaking natural landscapes and rugged adventures, all just 90 minutes from Brisbane.
Explore the wild side of the Southern Downs and Granite Belt with this specially curated local guide. From walking trails to four wheel driving, here’s the top seven wild adventures worth hitting the road for this summer:
The Southern Downs is a popular destination for boating, fishing and other recreational water sports. Explore the mighty Condamine River and the region’s scenic waterways including Leslie Dam, Connolly Dam, Glenlyon Dam and Storm King Dam.
Connolly Dam, near Warwick, Southern Downs & Granite Belt
Follow winding trails through shady forests, cross monolithic granite platforms, roll through magnificent gorges, or cruise along the country roads past wineries. The crisp country air provides idyllic cycling conditions. There are many trails suited to families, as well as black diamond tracks for more experienced riders. Stanthorpe’s Mount Marlay MTB Trail network is close to the CBD and well worth the trip.
Mount Marlay MTB Trail network, Stanthorpe, Southern Downs & Granite Belt
You’ll find some of the region’s best four wheel driving in remote Sundown National Park south-west of Stanthorpe, plus there’s plenty of wild adventures to choose from at a number of well-maintained private properties and National Parks.
Sundown National Park, Southern Downs & Granite Belt | Image by @trippin_defender
From serious granite-scaling hikes to leisurely family bushwalks in areas of outstanding natural beauty, there is a track to suit everyone. Some of the region’s most popular trails can be found at Girraween National Park and in sections of Main Range National Park, including Queen Mary Falls, Cunninghams Gap and Goomburra.
Girraween National Park, Southern Downs & Granite Belt | Image by @spurwaya
How wild is your wild? Whether you prefer a tent, a cabin or a caravan you can take your pick when visiting the Southern Downs. Get off the grid, bring the dog and enjoy our wild open spaces, with plenty of popular bush camping sites, farmstyle camping for families and waterside spots too.
Goomburra section, Main Range National Park, Southern Downs & Granite Belt
Have you ever marvelled at fireflies, hand-fed wild parrots or milked a cow? Country life brings with it stacks of opportunities to get up close and personal with some of the wilder Southern Downs residents. Bring the family for a weekend and weave a magical animal experience into your stay.
Bestbrook Farmstay, Tregony, Southern Downs & Granite Belt
Fill up your ultimate Australian fauna and flora bucket list as you explore the Southern Downs and come face-to-face with the rare and iconic wildlife that call Queensland’s wild country their home.
Ornithorhynchus anatinus (platypus)
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Southern Queensland Country Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waterways that run through these regions. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and emerging.
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