Welcome to Warwick
Famous as the Rose and Rodeo City, Warwick is a thriving regional hub with a relaxed and friendly country town vibe.
Located just 2 hours from Brisbane, the best of both worlds collide here, with modern services and a major shopping centre sitting alongside the town’s rich history.
Discover historic Warwick through heritage walks, steam train travel, museums and historic buildings. The Condamine River, source of the longest continuous river system in Australia, meanders gently through the town.
Also known as the ‘Horsepower Capital of Australia’, Warwick is home to the Warwick Rodeo - Australia’s most famous rodeo, held annually in October – as well as Morgan Park, host of the Polocrosse World Cup for the third time, as well as world-class motor sport events.
For visitor information on Warwick, visit www.southerndownsandgranitebelt.com.au
Click here for information on accommodation options for the World Cup
Warwick Hotel, the Official Downtown Meeting Place
The official downtown meeting place and social hub for the Polocrosse World Cup is a traditional Queensland pub.
...and welcome to the Southern Downs and Granite Belt region
An easy escape from Brisbane, the Southern Downs and Granite Belt takes in the towns of Warwick, Stanthorpe, Killarney, Allora and a string of friendly villages.
The region has the perfect mix of breathtaking natural landscapes, immersive wine experiences, fresh local produce and exhilarating events celebrated across four distinct seasons.
Life’s brisk pace naturally slows to a stroll on the Southern Downs and Granite Belt. Tucked around the next bend and over the next rise are some of the oldest towns and villages in Queensland. Each has a story of its own, history carved into restored buildings, churches, museums and attractions found in quaint towns. Discover local art galleries, antique shops, farmers’ markets, roadside stalls, cosy cafes and the local pub, where you’re sure to find a local keen to strike up a conversation.
Based in the heartland of Southern Queensland Country, our laidback locals and warm country hospitality awaits you.
Visit www.southerndownsandgranitebelt.com.au to find ways to explore our backyard.
Unmissable nearby attractions
Girraween National Park
Huge granite boulders tower above open forests in the spectacular Girraween National Park, 1 hour 20 minutes south of Warwick.
Explore the park on almost 30 kilometres of walking tracks, stroll the 280m Wyberba Walk alongside Bald Rock Creek, capture your own snap of the famed Granite Arch, climb The Pyramid for spectacular views, or spend the day walking to granite monoliths or waterholes along the creek. Camp at Castle Rock or Bald Rock Creek camping areas or relax with a picnic in the shady Bald Rock Creek day-use area.
Queen Mary Falls
Embark on the 80 kilometre Falls Drive, a stunningly scenic route taking in three waterfalls, including the 40-metre-high Queen Mary Falls, as well as Carr’s Lookout.
A landscape of rugged mountains, spectacular lookouts, exhilarating walks, dappled forests and unique wildlife is waiting to be explored. Settle in for a morning cuppa or barbecue picnic lunch at this
shady spot nestled in fragrant eucalypt forest.
Explore spectacular Queen Mary Falls, where Spring Creek plunges 40 metres to the valley below. Choose from the Cliff or Queen Mary Falls circuits or, if you’re keen, do both!
As you’re walking, keep an eye on the canopy - you might just spot a koala snoozing in the fork of a tree. Queen Mary Falls is part of Main Range National Park, which is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, famed for its ongoing geological processes, evolutionary history, and diversity (especially of rare, threatened and native species).
Falls Drive begins 25 minutes from Warwick in Killarney - make sure to stop at the classic Aussie country pub in Killarney for cold one! A whole loop from Warwick via the falls and back to Warwick again is just under 200km or 2 hours and 45 minutes driving. A day you will never forget!
Warwick Heritage Tour
As one of the first free settlements in Queensland and the site of the first state school outside of Brisbane, Warwick holds historical significance on the state landscape. Explore Warwick’s golden sandstone historic houses and public buildings by following the History & Heritage Trail Guide. Don’t miss seeing the stunning elegance of the Abbey of the Roses or Glengallan Homestead and Heritage Centre. Immerse yourself in Warwick’s pioneering past at Warwick & District Historical Society’s museum and experience the unique Pringle Cottage and be part of the excitement and romance of old time steam train travel with the Southern Downs Steam Railway. Be sure to visit the Australian Rodeo Heritage Centre, filled with memorabilia for horse lovers.
Granite Belt Wineries
The Granite Belt around Stanthorpe, 45 minutes south of Warwick, is a premium wine destination, with more than 40 cellar doors, providing the perfect excuse to hit the wine trail to meet the winemakers in the vineyard. A host of cellar doors offer a personal, unhurried and friendly wine experience. Let someone else do the driving with a number of tour companies operating in the area, including bike tours. You can taste mainstream varieties or discover our Strange Birds – luscious and unusual alternative varieties including viognier, mourvedre and tempranillo.
Not a wine fan? Our Granite Belt breweries make exceptional craft beers and ciders.
The Granite Belt is also home to some of the freshest produce in Queensland. It’s a foodie’s paradise thanks to its unique microclimate and granitic soil, with seasonal produce available from the paddock to the pantry and the plate. Look out for apples, pears, berries, stone fruit, persimmons, figs, olives and a huge range of vegetables in season. Fill a wicker basket at a market, savour cheese tastings at roadside delis, dine in one of our hatted restaurants or visit a country-style bakery.
