Nestled on the banks of the picturesque Macintyre River is the historic country town of Goondiwindi. Marking the New South Wales - Queensland border, Goondiwindi (Gund-a-windy) comes from the Aboriginal ‘Goonawinna‘, meaning ‘resting place of the birds’. This friendly country town is home to 6000 residents and is the hub of the border region with a packed arts, festival, and events calendar.
Gundy, as it's known to locals, boasts an art-deco-inspired main street filled with boutiques, cafes, and local produce. The surrounding rich farmland supports a thriving agricultural industry yielding wool, cotton, and a plethora of organic and free-range products. With a peaceful atmosphere, a fabulous Victorian-era country pub, and one of the biggest silo artworks in Australia, Goondiwindi makes for a perfect Southern Queensland getaway.
Join us as we head out west to experience the outback way of life, learning about how the graziers and producers of this region carry out their impressive operations all whilst enjoying the local sights and country hospitality. Spending nights out under the wide open sky away from the bright city lights you will be able to discover the cosmos in all its glory. Take the opportunity to see some of the endangered species of native Australian animals up close and personal as we visit them in their natural habitats. Discover and learn the history of Australia’s National Gemstone, the opal as we are shown how they are mined,processed, and turned into beautiful jewellery.
There is an abundance of Goondiwindi attractions to keep any visitor busy. Visit the Yelarbon silos, a 96m long silo artwork named ‘When the rain comes’. It’s the biggest in Australia and a must-see along the now-famous Silo Art Trail. Take a Goondiwindi cotton tour; visit a working cotton farm, and learn about the journey from field to fabric. Check out the Gunsynd Statue and Gunsynd Museum, Goondiwindi’s legendary 1972 ‘Horse of the Year’. And visit the Texas Rabbit Works to learn about the region's survival during the depression years, thanks to this burgeoning local business.
Other Goondiwindi tourist attractions to add to your list include the Customs House Museum, a trip to Lake Coolmunda, and a walk along the 3km Goondiwindi River Walk. Of course, after all of this, you’ll want to see back and admire the Victorian and early colonial architecture at the Victoria Hotel on Goondiwindi’s main street. And perhaps you’ll have a cold beverage and a bite to eat too.
Goondiwindi is a favourite destination at Fun Over Fifty. Many of our tours heading into New South Wales stay a night here and get to know the local surrounds of this well-established border town.
Summers are hot in Goondiwindi (daytime temperatures average 32°C), and winters are cold (days hover around 11°C), so plan to visit in spring or autumn when things are just right.
Goondiwindi is renowned for being a prominent agricultural and farming region. It is known for its cotton production, wheat farming, and cattle grazing. The town also holds the reputation of being the "Gateway to the Bush" due to its location on the border and its connection to rural and outback areas.
Five highways intersect at Goondiwindi, meaning you can arrive from just about anywhere! It’s a four-hour drive from Brisbane or a nine-hour journey from Sydney. The Macintyre River forms the border between New South Wales and Queensland, with Goondiwindi sitting on the Queensland side.
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