Darling Downs

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Dan Proud/Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Dan Proud/Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Peter Lik/Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Dan Proud/Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Peter Lik/Tourism and Events Queensland

Dine on farm-fresh produce and try subtropical highland wines while overlooking the rolling foothills of the Great Dividing Range in Queensland’s pastoral heart.

Grassy plains and rippling crop fields stretch out for miles in the rural region of the Darling Downs. Extending west from the slopes of the Great Dividing Range, the Darling Downs has a subtropical highland climate and the region is prominent for its fertile farmland, high-quality produce, fine wines and cheeses. Get to know the hinterland way of life and explore wide open spaces and cosy country towns as you discover the scenic roads and pioneering heritage of this region.

Toowoomba is Queensland’s largest inland city and a major hub in the Darling Downs, cresting the foothills of the mountain range and Lockyer Valley. You can have the region’s finest produce served up to you in Toowoomba’s local restaurants. Visit during the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers to see the city burst into colour for 10 days in September. Be sure to try local cheeses and ice creams made using Darling Downs’ renowned dairy milk. Sample some of the Darling Downs’ excellent local wines in the city’s bars or go straight to the source on a tour of the region’s boutique wineries, cellar doors and vineyards.

Head west to begin exploring the Darling Downs’ charming townships and pastoral estates. Check out the rolling hills of Killarney and Stanthorpe, framed by the Bunya Mountains named for the ancient native pines that dot the landscape. The Condamine River meanders through the river-plain towns of Warwick, Dalby and Chinchilla. Learn about the region’s pioneering heritage at the Cobb & Co. Museum in Toowoomba or the Jondaryan Woolshed.

Experience some of the region’s wilderness with a trip to the Main Range National Park. Hike along breathtaking mountain ridges and check out the plunging cascade of Queen Mary Falls. You can also enjoy highland scenery from the natural mountain passes of Cunningham’s Gap and Spicers Gap. Go camping in the Goomburra Forest or the Bunya Mountains National Park.

The Darling Downs encompass a large area of southwest Queensland. Reach Toowoomba within a 90-minute drive from Brisbane and its international airport. Enjoy exciting festivities in spring or try fragrant red wines in the region’s cooler wintertime. It is easiest to explore this region by car and take your time exploring the region’s pretty townships and hidden gems.

Where to stay in Darling Downs

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East Toowoomba

Gardens and spas are notable features of East Toowoomba. You might consider a stop by Cobb & Co Museum while you're exploring the neighborhood.

East Toowoomba
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South Toowoomba

Golf courses and spas are notable features of South Toowoomba. You might consider a stop by City Golf Club while you're exploring the neighborhood.

South Toowoomba
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Middle Ridge

If you're spending some time in Middle Ridge, Toowoomba Golf Club and Glen Lomond Park are top sights worth seeing.

Middle Ridge
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Harristown

Visitors to Harristown enjoy its shopping, and if you want to do some exploring, Ju Raku En Japanese Garden is worth a stop.

Harristown
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Newtown

Visitors to Newtown like its restaurants and shopping, and Clifford Park Racecourse is a sight worth a stop.

Newtown
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Rangeville

While visiting Rangeville, you might make a stop by sights like Picnic Point Park and Harman Bushland Reserve.

Rangeville
Park Motor Inn

Park Motor Inn

3 out of 5
88 Margaret St., East Toowoomba, QLD
The price is P4,104 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
P4,104
P4,515 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly motel in Toowoomba. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (668 reviews)
"Great for our needs."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Park Motor Inn
Highlander Motor Inn & Apartments

Highlander Motor Inn & Apartments

4 out of 5
226-228 James Street, South Toowoomba, QLD
The price is P5,371 per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
P5,371
P5,908 total
Aug 21 - Aug 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly motel in Toowoomba. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (608 reviews)
"Amazing place for a family nice accommodation"

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Highlander Motor Inn & Apartments
Burke and Wills Hotel

Burke and Wills Hotel

4.5 out of 5
554 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba, QLD
The price is P6,432 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P6,432
P7,075 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Toowoomba. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (816 reviews)
"The property is fantastic, inside and out. The service and amenites could not be faulted, and will be back to stay longer next time."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

Burke and Wills Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Quest Toowoomba

Quest Toowoomba

4.5 out of 5
133 Margaret Street, Toowoomba, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Toowoomba. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (260 reviews)
"Great hotel, with excellent staff."

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

Quest Toowoomba
Toowoomba Central Plaza Apartment Hotel

Toowoomba Central Plaza Apartment Hotel

4.5 out of 5
532-544 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Toowoomba. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,040 reviews)
"This property was central to everything and clean and tidy. We were greeted by a friendly staff member on arrival which is always nice"

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2025

Toowoomba Central Plaza Apartment Hotel
Athena Motel Apartments

Athena Motel Apartments

4 out of 5
214 James Street, South Toowoomba, QLD
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Toowoomba. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (526 reviews)
"Comfortable bed and pillows, clean and modern amenities."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Athena Motel Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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