Your Guide to Queensland's Wild Country
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:
1. Boating and Fishing
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.
2. Mountain Biking
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.
3. Four Wheel Driving and Motocross
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.
4. Walking Trails and Hikes
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.
5. Camping & Caravanning
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.
6. Farmstay Experiences
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.
7. Iconic Nature Wildlife
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.
