Only three hours west of Brisbane, the Western Downs is an easy escape from fast paced city life. This is Big Sky country where days unfold under vast, wide open skies before the sun sets in vivid splendour and a blanket of stars appear in the clear nights. Discover country towns, rich with pioneering history and friendly local characters. Vibrant and distinctive festivals are truly special celebrations of what makes this region so special.

Our country landscapes, national parks and freshwater lakes provide natural settings for camping and all kinds of outdoor adventures, from water sports to bird watching, fossicking for rare petrified wood, hot air ballooning and much more. Join in the crazy fun of the world’s biggest watermelon festival; experience a grand night of opera in the grounds of the magnificent Jimbour House; watch the camels racing at Tara’s Festival of Culture and Camel Races or immerse yourself in country-style fun at the Back to the Bush Festival in Miles.