Western Downs | Queensland

Located 100km inland from Brisbane, the verdant plains of the Darling Downs are dotted with farmhouses, pastures, crops and grazing lands. The regions fertile black soil is a by-product of ancient volcanic activity, as are the mountain peaks of the Great Dividing Range, which form the eastern boundary of this region.

Sprawling from Crows Nest in the north to Dalby in the west, the Darling Downs offer visitors many diversions. Among the farmlands and cotton country there are also wineries, national parks, quaint villages, bustling townships, grand colonial architecture and remnants of the legends created by Arthur Hoey Davis alias Steele Rudd. Dad and Dave are the famous country characters created by Rudd.

The Darling Downs are often associated with the grand old pastoralists of south-east Queensland. The region is ideal for combining outdoor activities: bushwalking, camping, cycling, horseriding and golf, with more refined and sedate pursuits such as shopping for antiques, farm stays, historical tours, enjoying Devonshire teas and exploring quaint rural villages.

Queensland's largest, and Australia's second largest, inland city, Toowoomba is the capital of the Darling Downs. Known as the 'Garden City of Queensland', Toowoomba has many historic buildings and excellent gardens, which are showcased in late September during the world-famous Carnival of Flowers.

Road Rules: The famous transport company Cobb & Co had rules for passengers displayed on notices in its carriages. These included - no discussion of bushrangers, accidents, politics or religion, and no snoring or removal of shoes.