History and Heritage Hunt

Wake up refreshed after a night’s camp at any one of the Caravan Parks in Goondiwindi and grab some breakfast to go from The Gunsynd Bakery. Pop on over to the Goondiwindi Civic Centre to visit the Gunsynd Memorabilia Tribute and Rodeo Museum and learn all about our very own local champions.

FREE

Just a short walk from the Goondiwindi Civic Centre is the Customs House Museum. A border customs point before Federation; this authentically restored building and its surrounding buildings house a rich and colourful collection of mementos of yesteryear.

Just across the road is the Old Bridge Precinct, featuring the Tree of Knowledge and Levee Monument, as well at the Gunsynd Statue. Follow the footpath upstream past the original border bridge (constructed in 1914) and grab a selfie with Gunsynd’s statue in Apex Park.

FREE

Lunch at the Victoria Hotel is a must for every visiting history and heritage enthusiast. The eye-catching building is a statement piece of the Goondiwindi CBD and has been a popular social spot for the community since 1920.

Jump in the car and discover these historical gems: Goondiwindi War Memorial (at the Town Park), Goondiwindi Cemetery (Old Section), the Water Towers, Holy Anglican Trinity Church and St Mary’s Catholic Church. Don’t forget your camera!

FREE

The Queensland Hotel is the perfect place to grab dinner – although newly renovated, the “QL” as it’s affectionately known by locals, has been serving cold drinks and scrumptious food for over 100 years.

Finish a packed but perfect day of history hunting by catching a flick in the historical Goondiwindi Cinema. Take in the art deco architecture and beautifully restored surroundings as you watch your movie – don’t forget to grab the popcorn and choc tops from the kiosk.

Pack up camp and start with a coffee and easy breakfast in Goondiwindi’s oldest brick building – The Larder.

Let the road trip begin! Head east – destination: Yelarbon. Along the way keep your eye out for the many stations and homesteads that line the road back to Goondiwindi.

Goondiwindi – Yelarbon 51 km / 37 mins

Take in Yelarbon’s history checking out the Yelarbon Memorial Hall, the Dingo Fence and the ANZAC tribute. At the Recreation Grounds you’ll also find the Yelarbon Railway Museum which houses a curated collection of relics and artefacts from the district.

Soaring 24 m into the sky, there’s always a vantage point to see the award-winning silo art. Find a park in the viewing area for the best photo angle and check out the community’s historical display.

FREE

Time to hit the road and continue on to Queensland’s very own Texas.

Yelarbon – Texas 63 km / 45 mins

First stop is the Texas Rabbit Works, an interactive museum that celebrates the rabbit industry and its role in saving the Texas region from the grips of the Great Depression.

Your tummy is probably telling you it’s lunch time by now. You won’t miss the sunny yellow exterior of the famous Stockman Hotel. Enjoy a delicious pub-style meal to fuel your next adventure.

Continue exploring the history and heritage of Texas and surrounds at the Texas Heritage Centre & Tobacco Museum and the Texas and Inglewood Heritage Railway Society. Both attractions are within walking distance of each other and share the story of Texas.

Embark on a self-drive tour to see important Texas heritage sites for yourself – Old Texas Town Site, Texas Memorial Hall, The Old Bank Building and the Texas High Street Shops.

FREE

If you brought your own caravan or camper, look no further than the Dumaresq River free camp. Stunning starry night skies will see you sleep well after a big day of exploring. For those who prefer comfort over creatures – Texas can put a roof over your head with its cute cottage BnB’s too.

Rise with the birds and head east to INGLEWOOD. Grab yourself breakfast at one of the local cafes and get ready for your last day of heritage hunting in the Goondiwindi Region.

Texas – Inglewood 55 km / 40 mins

First stop on the list is the Inglewood Heritage Centre and Australian Tobacco Museum. This must-see experience features pictorial displays and relics of Inglewood from a bygone era.

Get your dose of country hospitality with a side of scrumptious pub grub at the historical Inglewood Hotel.

Explore the Inglewood township on your self-drive tour and find these hidden gems on your adventure – Inglewood War Memorial, Inglewood Railway Station, Inglewood Butter Factory Building, Inglewood Government Office Building.

FREE

A trip to Inglewood is not complete without an afternoon tea stop at CC Café. Head out of town and experience a little bit of luxury in the bush.

Inglewood – CC Café 28 km / 20 mins

Last stop is Coolmunda Dam. Try your luck at wetting a line, have a crack at water-skiing, or just sit on the bank and watch everyone else come unstuck.

FREE

CC Café – Coolmunda Dam 10 km / 11 mins