Work hard play hard: 9 best day-off activities for business travellers

Published on 28 October 2024

Although the town of Goondiwindi has just 6000 residents, don’t be surprised if it feels like more - the population of Goondiwindi swells from Monday to Friday with visiting professionals and trades.

While many drive in, drive out, there’s no need to rush home on a Friday afternoon – the weekend is only the beginning.

Have yourself a staycation in Goondiwindi. To help, we’ve wrapped up the best nine things to do outside business hours or on a day off so you can work hard and play hard while in the Goondiwindi Region.

1. Start your day right

Goondiwindi is home to three gyms, a city-rivalling Pilates studio and many tree-lined walking, running or biking tracks. Start your day the right way and get your blood pumping before grabbing a coffee and brekky from one of our many cafes or ‘hole in the walls’. Kitsch in Marshall Street has loads of tasty gluten free options or if you’re on the River Walk or attending Sculpt (the aforementioned Pilates studio) grab a Sip by Sculpt matcha or espresso to kick into gear.

2. Take a Cotton Farm & Town Tour

Discover the history of cotton in Australia and the evolution of the crop from field to fabric as you take a guided tour of a working cotton farm – ‘Alcheringa’ just outside of Goondiwindi. Jump aboard the ‘Gundy Cotton’ bus with much loved local tour guides and get ready to learn about our landscape.

Along the way, take in the Gunsynd Memorial, enjoy morning tea at Customs House Museum and finish the tour at Goondiwindi Cotton’s own fashion house and store. Book tours online or over the phone, six days a week. We recommend you book a Farm & Town Tours – Goondiwindi Cotton ahead of time as these tours often book out.

3. Goondiwindi Region Art Trail

Always open and not a winding queue or entry fee to be seen – the Goondiwindi Art Trail is the perfect way to spend an afternoon or day off. From larger-than-life sculptures to vibrant murals, all ages can stand in awe of what our region has to offer. Our highlights? The Yelarbon Graincorp Silos (one of the largest in the southern hemisphere!), Angus Wilson’s Coat of Arms and a wander down Bowen Lane.

4. Rabbit the day away in Texas

Learn the regions rabbits to riches story when you visit the Texas Rabbit Works. Rabbits once plagued the region, which was cause for the Texas Rabbit Works to be established in 1928. In fact, the Texas community survived the Great Depression by trapping and selling rabbits for export to America and England – turning their rabbit problem into an opportunity. During the prime of its operation during the 1930s, the Texas Rabbit Works exported three tons of rabbit meat a week to England and was credited with saving the town during the Great Depression. In our opinion it’s definitely worth the hop, skip and jump to Texas to learn more.

5. Tee off at one of our golfing greens

If you don’t travel without your clubs – good news – you can tee off at one of the Goondiwindi Region’s three golf clubs: Goondiwindi Golf Club (18 hole), Texas Golf Club (12 hole) and Inglewood Golf Club (9 hole). All clubs run social play as well as competitions, so you can meet locals as you work your way across the green.

6. Go fish

There’s a reason the Goondiwindi Region is regarded as one of the best freshwater fishing areas in Queensland – the region is positively brimming with Yellowbelly, Silver Perch and Murray Cod in its inland waterways. Before casting off, you’ll want to make note of fishing regulations regarding licencing, limits and seasons for both Queensland and New South Wales.

7. Unwind at Lake Coolmunda

Explore the great outdoors at Lake Coolmunda, the 16.45 km2 man-made reservoir that promises a dam-good time. You’ll find this patch of water sporting, fishing and camping paradise about 75 minutes from Goondiwindi’s CBD and 50 minutes west of Warwick. Why not make a weekend of it in the great outdoors with cabins and lakeside caravan / camping sites available. Light the campfire, crack open a coldie and bust out the marshmallows – it’s time to relax.

8. Experience Gundy’s night life

No need to hide in your hotel room after hours – swap your doomscroll for the big screen and catch a Hollywood blockbuster at our heritage art deco cinema and theatre. The Queensland Hotel’s, or the QL as it’s known to locals, beer garden comes alive after hours and is the perfect spot for a classic pub meal under the festoon lights and starry sky, or grab a cue and have a game of pool. The Town House or Cascades are both restaurants that offer delicious Australian-fusion menus in stylish settings.

9. Mix with the locals at a regional event

There is always something going on in the Goondiwindi Region. Plan ahead, bring the family and extend your business trip for the following events which see the town swell in size. April sees our town burst with colour, fashion and entertainment (oh and horseracing…) at The Goondiwindi Picnic Races and August sees ponies of a different kind at the Polo and the accompanying Long Lunch. In September the foodies all gather on the green rolling hill for good food and wine, live music and brilliant company at Gourmet in Gundy. Check our events calendar for What’s On.