The Great Outdoors
Summer offers the perfect time to get back to nature and the Southern Downs and Granite Belt offers an endless resource for open-air enthusiasts. From rocky cliffs and small subtropical pockets to the rustic Australian bushland and eucalypt forests, you can discover nature's gifts. Within minutes of the region's town centers, you can enjoy the peaceful tranquility of the great outdoors. Explore activities such as camping, freshwater fishing, fossicking, four wheel driving, bushwalking, wildlife viewing, horse riding and golfing. National Parks - the Southern Downs and Granite Belt region is home to some spectacular national parks:
Camping - if you're going camping, the Southern Downs region has a host of ideal camping sites close to an abundance of attractions and activities to ensure you sleep soundly under the stars. Many of the National Parks in the region have camp grounds and there are also a variety of private camp grounds to choose from as well.
Four Wheel Driving - it's not just about having wheels, it's where you take those wheels. Half the adventure is in the driving and the Southern Downs region has the robust tracks to give you the independence and freedom to experience nature's wonder. The Condamine Gorge or '14 River Crossings' trek is a good track for novice four wheel drivers who are keen to try creek crossings. Another great four wheel driving spot is Sundown National Park on the Queensland/NSW border. There are also a number of private four wheel drive parks in the region that offer tracks for novices right through to the experienced four wheel driver.
Fishing - a great many opportunities await for you to cast a line and enjoy your catch. Permits are required for fishing in many local dams. Call in at the Warwick or Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre to obtain your permits, then head out and try your luck catching Golden or Silver Perch, Murray Cod or Jew and Spangled Perch. In the Warwick area you can drop a line in at Leslie or Connolly Dam; Storm King Dam or the Severn River on the Granite Belt or in Inglewood try Glenlyon or Coolmunda Dams.
Fossicking & Gold Panning - try your hand at fossicking on the Southern Downs & Granite Belt. Fossickers in the Southern Downs region will primarily be looking for Gold and Topaz and other gemstones and minerals. A fossicking licence is required and can be purchased from the Warwick or Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centres. Fossicking can be done at the Thanes Creek Fossicking Area (alluvial gold), which is popular with tourists and fossickers as it is easily accessible, only 40km west of Warwick. Gem quality topaz can be found at Swiper's Gully, located in the Passchendaele State Forest, near the small township of Amiens (13km northwest of Stanthorpe). Horse riding - the use of horses is part of the region's cultural and historic heritage and a source of pleasure and enjoyment for a growing number of people. Saddle up and join a trail-ride through the native bushland or be part of the Australian talent for equestrian. Hiking Trails, Birdwatching and Wildlife Viewing - one of the best ways to see the outdoors is to bush walk through them. Pack a picnic, map and camera and discover the Southern Downs' breathtaking backdrops and diverse natural environments. Go birdwatching and hear bellbirds calling, Australian ground thrush, king parrots and the rare Albert's lyrebird. The region has a fascinating native wildlife including the brush-tailed rock wallaby, considered vulnerable to extinction.
For more information contact Southern Downs & Granite Belt Regional Tourism (07) 4661 3122 |
