Enjoy country hospitality in spades at vibrant Goondiwindi, a border town set against the banks of the MacIntyre River. Here, cast out a line as birds nest near the banks and local wetlands.
HOLIDAY IN GOONDIWINDI
Goondiwindi is an elegant Art Deco town with wide, welcoming streetscapes. The Civic Centre is an absolute highlight, though the Victoria Hotel also cuts a fine figure, peaking at four storeys tall. It’s beautifully lit at night and a true country pub, with hearty pastry-topped pies and home-made tortilla chips dressed in fresh nacho toppings.
Enjoy gourmet sandwiches at the The Larder, too, and find organic produce and locally-made preserves at the Woody’s Real Food Store.
HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS
Goondiwindi graciously tips its hat to Gunsynd, known as the ‘Goondiwindi Grey’, an affectionate racehorse and inductee to the Australian Racing Hall of Fame. A stunning monument tributes the thoroughbred at the Goondiwindi Botanic Gardens of the Western Woodlands.
It’s a short stroll to the Gunsynd Museum opened by the Grey’s former owner Bill Bishop.
For local farming traditions, walk among restored machinery at the Agricultural Customs House Museum.
GOONDIWINDI COTTON FARM AND TOWN TOURS
Discover the latest irrigation innovations on a working cotton farm, 10km from the Goondiwindi’s heart. Stops on the Farm and Town Tour include the Gunsynd Memorial Statue, Alcheringa Farm, Natural Heritage Water Park, heading past Namoi Cotton Gin for morning tea at Goondiwindi Cotton’s showroom.
WATER VIEWS
A short stroll from town past Goondiwindi’s famous grey, you’ll find a delightful sculpture trail set against the MacIntyre River. Wander the path through bushland or head for the wetlands and bird habitats at the manicured Natural Heritage Water Park.
FURTHER AFIELD
Goondiwindi sits on a five-way junction, between Brisbane, Toowoomba and Hervey Bay. But closer into to town, you’ll find the Texas Rabbit Works Museum and tastings at the Coolmunda Olive Grove.