3 minute read
Warrego Way
This drive takes you westward from the state capital to the very edge of the Simpson Desert, first through fertile plains, then Dividing Range, cattle country, oil and gas fields, artesian spas and finally, the Outback where you will experience the wonder of the million star show at night.
First, you’ll pass through Ipswich, rich in mining and railway history, and then on through the fertile Lockyer Valley which supplies vegetables to much of Australia. Then comes Toowoomba, the Garden City at the top of the Great Divide, well-known for its Carnival of Flowers. Here, the Darling Downs begin.
Advertisement
As you cross the Downs, you will pass through Oakey with its Australian Army Flying Museum, Jondaryan with its Woolshed and Dalby, not too far from the Bunya Mountains National Park. Next is Chinchilla which is known for its Melon Festival and then Miles, home of the Historical Village Museum.
Continuing westward, you’ll reach Roma, the centre of a gas and oil hub and home of the Big Rig museum. Travel on to Mitchell with its artesian spa, Morven, Charleville, home of the Cosmos Centre for star gazing, Quilpie, renowned for its boulder opal, and on to Windorah and the historic Coopers Creek.
And finally, you will reach Birdsville with its famous pub and races, an oasis on the edge of the desert.
Warrego Way Must Do’s
Travel west and your journey will be filled with adventure! Here’s our 5 Must Do’s for Warrego Way.
1. Toowoomba Stop in at Toowoomba to relax in the colourful gardens and parks. The city is known for its distinctive seasons and picturesque gardens. When planning your trip through Toowoomba try to visit around September to catch the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. The Carnival is packed with an array of plants, food, music and fun!
2. Dalby The energetic town of Dalby located in Southern Queensland Country is a must visit stop whilst travelling the Warrego Way. Relax and wander the landscaped gardens of Thomas Jack Park whilst enjoying a local bite to eat. Just south-east of Dalby, you’ll get in touch with your country side at Jondaryan Woolshed where you can learn about the region’s rich farming history through a guided tour and finish off with lunch or morning tea at onsite Damper Hut Café.
3. Chinchilla If you love juicy watermelons, rockmelons and honeydew melons then you’ll want to time your arrival in Chinchilla to coincide with the biennial Chinchilla Melon Festival! Chinchilla is the undisputed melon capital of Australia but if that’s not your thing, seek out their renowned fishing spots including Chinchilla Weir and Condamine River, or visit the town’s impressive Cultural Centre and Historical Museum with its unique display of petrified wood and transport pieces.
4. Miles Miles is the perfect stop along Warrego Way to unwind. The Miles Historical Village is a tourist hot-spot with more than 20 historic buildings, including a hospital, café, bank, post office and bakery. Why not take a night cap in Miles and spend the afternoon cruising along the Balonne River with Sandytown River Cruises – we hear this is the perfect way to unwind after a long drive!
5. Birdsville Australia’s iconic ‘must visit’ town is Birdsville, the hub for travellers heading across the Simpson Desert. Birdsville has the largest area of parallel sand dunes in the world. You’ll find the ‘Big Red’ which is the famous 40-metre-high sand dunes situated 35km from Birdsville. There is nothing quite like sitting at the top of the ‘Big Red’ to enjoy the sunset with family, friends or as part of a tour – this is a must do!
