Raining on your parade? 9 things to do when it rains in Goondiwindi
Published on 28 October 2024
Don’t let a rainy day stop you from getting out and about in Goondiwindi. Rain is always welcome in our part of regional Australia, so grab an umbrella and go and explore our town.
Morning Walk
Popular with the locals, join us for a morning stroll along the 3 km River Walk and enjoy the natural beauty and ancient river gums of the mighty Macintyre. Keep an eye out for the murals and sculptures created by local and not-so-local artists dotted along the pathway, including the large pelican sculpture and the “Macintyre Cod Fossil” at the western end, created by local artist and farmer, Angus Wilson. No matter the weather, grab a jacket or umbrella and embrace the magic of a misty Macintyre.
Enjoy Smoko
Let the rain form the soundtrack to your smoko, ducking into one of the cafes or bakeries in the main street. Warm up with the pumpkin cake and an espresso at The Larder or the homemade muffins and a chai tea from Sweetaz Bro Cafe. Yum!
Go to therapy … retail therapy
Caffeine fix satisfied; you’ll need some retail therapy. Our shopping precinct is mainly undercover and has a wide selection of fashion, homewares, kids, gourmet deli produce, craft and daily essentials offerings. Little Tots Treasures has gorgeous gum boots or umbrellas in bright patterns for the kids, perfect for a splash in the puddles.
Get your history fix
Discover more about our town by visiting the Civic Centre in Marshall Street. The building also doubles as the Visitor Information Centre where volunteers are always happy to share their local knowledge. You’ll also find our Library, Art Space, the original Council Chambers and the Gunsynd Museum where you’ll be introduced to one of our famous locals – a racehorse named Gunsynd.
Discover a different era
Customs House Museum is a short walk from the main street and worth a visit to gain an insight into the early history of our border town. To learn about the traditional owners of much of this region, the Bigambul people, head to the BNTAC office on the main street for local Indigenous art, photographs, culture and a display of recently returned artefacts.
Take a long lunch
Lunchtime looks good in Goondiwindi and our local pubs, cafés and restaurants offer a choice of delicious meal options with most catering for dietary requirements. Dine in the comfort of the iconic Victoria Hotel or the cosy dining room or undercover beer garden of the Royal - both found on our main street.
Catch a flick
Still raining? 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.
Whet your whistle in the wet
End your day with a drink and dinner at one of our many pubs or restaurants including Thai, Indian and Chinese options listening to the rain on the roof. You can also self-cater, grab a takeaway or perhaps sample a pre-prepared meal. A local favourite is the lasagne or chicken curry from The Larder Market. Remember to check opening times for all venues to avoid disappointment.
Take a self-drive sculpture tour
Grab a takeaway warming hot chocolate and enjoy the comfort of your own vehicle as you take a self-drive sculpture tour of Goondiwindi. Driving along the Cunningham Highway, you won’t miss the ‘Nungwai’ super-sized collection of sculptures created by local artist and grazier, Angus Wilson, sitting prominently in one of his paddocks.
Next, cruise down Bowen Lane for a growing display of murals, sculptures and art installations created by artists, local school kids and the community, all commissioned by local art group, Lanescape.
End your Art Trail travels on the outskirts of town at the Goondiwindi Botanic Gardens where mature native trees, pond and wildlife form a backdrop for another of Angus Wilson’s sculptures ‘Botanicus Coranavus 20’ and artist Jonathan Crowther’s carved sandstone leaf sculpture, ‘Botanica’. There are even undercover picnic areas perfect for a spot of lunch immersed in the magic and mystic of rain falling.