Nestled on the banks of the Macintyre River, Goondiwindi is located on the border of QLD and NSW, just under four hours drive from Brisbane. The town is a popular stopover on a road trip from Brisbane to Sydney, for good reason: this quaint, charming country town boasts a close-knit community, nostalgic blast-from-the-paststreetscapes, and beautiful scenery.
Cascades Restaurant is a perfect place to start your day with nutritious and filling high-quality contemporary Australian fare. Next, you could take a stroll along the river, enjoy the classic architecture of the city centre, or take a short drive to visit the picturesque Macintyre River Park, home of a memorial to the iconic racehorse, Gunsynd The Goondiwindi Grey.
From the River Park, you’re a short walk from Bowen Street, where the proud volunteers of the Goondiwindi Visitor Information Centre will tell you what they love about their town. Adjacent to the centre, you’ll find The Holy Trinity Church: this beautiful, historic church dates back to 1939, replacing the first church on this site (1882). The church building is gorgeous, and there’s another visual treat to enjoy: 26 gorgeous stained glass windows, half of which were created by the famous glass artist William Bustard.
History and art aficionados will find plenty of interest in Goondiwindi and surrounds: the Customs House Museum explores the town’s rich 19th-century history, and the Gunsynd Museum tells the story of the iconic horse. There’s also the Inglewood Heritage Centre, focusing on the role that the tobacco plant played in regional development. The Texas Regional Art Gallery and Goondiwindi Regional Civic Centre Gallery exhibit the works of talented local creatives.
Nature lovers will be delighted by Goondiwindi’s stunning botanic gardens, and natural heritage and water park. Half an hour’s drive away, Boobera Lagoon is a must-see: as well as being loved by the townsfolk, it is sacred to the local indigenous community: regarded as the home of the Rainbow Serpent, it has been described as “like Uluru to the Top Enders”. The lagoon is an amazing place to watch the sun set, and to appreciate a wonderful site of cultural significance.
Goondiwindi is a hidden gem on the border, full of history, beauty and regional hospitality that you’ll remember fondly for years to come.
