Come for the Torture – Stay for the Fun!

Published on 27 January 2026

For one weekend a year, Goondiwindi transforms from a bustling rural town into an athlete’s dream - or nightmare, we’re still unsure! - as thousands of competitors descend on Gundy to take on the challenge of the oldest and toughest tri on the calendar.

The Hell of the West (HOTW) triathlon is iconic and well-known for torturing the country’s finest athletes.  Being one of Goondiwindi’s biggest events, this is a weekend filled with numerous sporting events over two days and is not one to be missed! 

While we leave all the sporty stuff up to the HOTW committee, it’s our job to plan the ‘fun bits’ for our visitors and make it a weekend to remember. We are staunch believers that it’s all about balance – and have curated the perfect itinerary to even out the torture about to be dished out to you... 

FRIDAY:

Arrive in the afternoon to check in to your accommodation with our friendly and helpful operators who love Goondiwindi as much as we do. The choices are endless on where to stay from boutique motels (such as 40 on Marshall pictured above), an impressive Air B&B that sleep 16, hosted B&B stays, cute cabins at caravan parks and our Showgrounds camping facilities. HOTW weekend is very busy for our region so definitely book early to avoid disappointment. 

Have time to burn for the afternoon?  Here are our best tips:

• Stretch your legs along our majestic river walk with the Macintyre River as your backdrop.  You will bump into locals along the way while also being able to admire the artwork completed by local legends
• Visit the Larder Market to grab some delicious supplies for your weekend. From homemade meals ready to re-heat to the perfect ingredients for a killer cheese board, The Larder has you sorted
• Visit our friendly volunteers at our Visitor Information Centre and check out the street art on the way.  While you’re there, check out the latest exhibition in our Art Space or read all about our local legend Gunsynd – at our Gunsynd Memorabilia tribute also within the Library
• If you feel like a 5-minute drive, or even a bike ride – head out to Nungwai Artworks (pictured below) to check out the coolest art sculptures this side of the range!  The local artist and legend, Angus Wilson is heavily involved in the tri club and has plenty of HOTW tris under his belt.

Feeling hungry?

Head for dinner at Alfie’s Goondiwindi – renowned for being high on vibes, great food and cocktails.  It’s one of the hottest places in town and a favourite with the locals so bookings are essential! 

Or if you would prefer woodfired pizza with a pint of locally brewed ale, Border Brewing is the place to be.  These places pack a punch with friendly smiles, great food and the perfect way to start off your weekend in the Country. We recommend booking ahead for both venues.

SATURDAY:

The HOTW schedule kicks off today with Super Saturday being a crowd favourite amongst the locals.  The atmosphere is guaranteed to be electric, and you won’t be disappointed with a walk down to the Town Park to cheer on our local legends, especially the tiny but mighty ones participating in the kids' tri!   

Take a detour via the main street to grab yourself a delicious breakfast from a selection of cafés - Kitsch, Sweet az Bro, The Larder or Laurenz – and enjoy the hustle and bustle of our gorgeous main street on a Saturday morning.  Gundy is a mecca of shopping with stores stocking major brands, unique homewares and everything you want *ahem* we mean ‘need’. 

For dinner and carb-loading, we suggest any one of our great pubs who love to take on the very important task of fuelling legends! The Queensland Hotel or ‘The QL’ is perfect to grab a meal under the stars (or gorgeous festoon lights) in ‘The Backyard’.  With plenty of room for everyone, the QL is owned by local legends and a great way to enjoy good old fashion country hospitality! The Victoria Hotel (pictured at right) is also a crowd favourite, with iconic architecture to boot. 

Make sure on the way home, you catch the illumination on the water towers with local artwork lighting up the skies every night.  

SUNDAY

We’re officially handing over to the Hell of the West Committee to hand out the ‘fun’ today! Good luck as you conquer the toughest tri in Australia. We’re all cheering for you and have loved having you visit - come back soon!