A weekend in Goondiwindi: Things to see and do
Published on 28 October 2024
Weekends in Goondiwindi can look and feel a little different to the mid-week grind, as travelling professionals retreat to their home bases, leaving a local experience that’s charming and packed with all the reasons you travelled to the country in the first place.
Things start to move at a slower pace, and the first thing you’ll notice is that a lot of businesses honour time old traditions of shutting up shop at 12noon on a Saturday – only to reopen on a Monday.
The weekend is therefore yours to explore and enjoy – and those errands will simply have to wait for another day.
If you need some inspiration of things to do on the weekend in Goondiwindi - we’ve got you covered.
Saturday morning
Saturday mornings in Goondiwindi see Marshall Street bloom with people strolling, coffee in hand, kids racing around in their Saturday sports gear and the faint waft of a classic BBQ being cooked up by the local Lions or Kindy fundraisers. This is your moment to meander through Gundy’s many beautiful shops, sit down for a leisurely cooked breakfast or disappear into a local beautician for a well-deserved facial, manicure or massage – setting the relaxed tone for the rest of your weekend.
Saturday afternoon
Begin your Saturday afternoon in the Visitor Information Centre, which is open until 1.00pm. Enter from Bowen Lane, where you’ll find volunteers are happy to share their local knowledge and insights into What’s On this weekend.
With most of the CBD’s attractions closed from midday, this afternoon’s agenda is best served al fresco. Stock up on picnic or BBQ essentials from the local Gibsons Butcher (open til 2pm on a Saturday), Foodworks or Coles (open til 7pm and 6pm respectively) and get outdoors.
Stroll along the River Walk taking in the river gums and public artworks and pick a spot beside the Macintyre River. Alternatively, choose from one of the many parks and gardens in town with shady mature trees, picnic tables and BBQs.
The Town Park on Marshall Street has an enclosed playground for the kids and is next to the refurbished public Swimming Pool where you can take a dip from 2.00pm. Psst – if you’re looking for more things to see and do with the kids in Gundy, we’ve written a blog for you.
When the temperature starts to drop, take the self-guided Art Trail and explore the public art created by commissioned artists and the community, from the wall murals in Bowen Lane through to the sculptures along the River Walk.
Check out the mural, ‘Synchrony’ created by local high school students on the corner of Bowen Lane and Herbert Street, and the ‘Macintyre Cod Fossil’ sculpture by local artist and farmer, Angus Wilson, overlooking the boat ramp.
Got time to relax? Catch a movie in the restored Cinema and Theatre, but before the lights dim take in the heritage-listed Art Deco features of the grand interior.
Saturday night
End your Saturday with a drink and dinner at one of our many pubs or restaurants including Modern Australian, Thai, Indian and Chinese options, or you can grab a takeaway. Get along to ‘The Backyard’, Queensland Hotel’s beer garden, for live music and outdoor dining.
Sunday morning
On Sundays, follow the locals-lead and head into town for an eat-in or takeaway morning coffee and breakfast. Try the Eggs Benny at Gather 4390 or the iconic rustic roll or fresh cold-press juice from The Larder, both found on Marshall Street.
If you’re feeling energetic, the walking paths, bikeways and trails winding through our streets and parklands offer opportunities to explore nature and exercise at the same time. Take your pick from the Macintyre River and Macintyre Brook walkways to the bushland walking trails of the Botanic Gardens or Goondiwindi Natural Heritage and Water Park.
If you’ve packed your clubs, squeeze in nine holes at the Goondiwindi Golf Club, or join the locals for social bowls and a sneaky coldie at the Bowls Club beside the Macintyre.
Sunday afternoon
If you didn’t get that walk in earlier, late afternoon is the perfect time to catch a Goondiwindi sunset from the main street or beside the river where you’ll hear the noisy chorus of the native birds as night falls.
To end your weekend, enjoy the country hospitality of our pubs and restaurants, or grab a takeaway and settle in for the night.
To get more from your weekend in Goondiwindi plan your stay around one of our annual events including the Goondiwindi Show, Picnic Races and ‘Gourmet in Gundy’. You can check out our events calendar here.