Our locals enjoy the benefits of a rural lifestyle with the reassurance of high quality infrastructure, medical facilities, professional services, national brands and shopping centres, public transport and nbn™. There are also major cities on our doorstep, with Toowoomba only 60 minutes away and both Brisbane and the Gold Coast around two hours away.
Health and Aged Care Services
The Southern Downs offers a range of health services and aged care facilities. The region enjoys outstanding medical facilities and practitioners, whether in Warwick and Stanthorpe or within a short drive to nearby Toowoomba. The region is serviced by large hospitals in both Warwick and Stanthorpe with additional medical facilities, including general practitioners, allied health, x-ray services and more, readily available with the availability and attention you would expect from a close knit community.
Shopping
Boasting a vibrant and growing retail sector, the Southern Downs offers a range of shopping options including exclusive shopfronts you won’t find anywhere else. For those who prefer national brands, the region has a large modern shopping centre in Warwick, Rose City Shoppingworld, as well as national retailers in Stanthorpe and Allora. From fashion to farm equipment – the Southern Downs has it all.
National Parks
The Southern Downs is home to three of Queensland’s largest national parks – Main Range, Girraween and Sundown – all offering exhilarating experiences in nature, with a range of walks to suit all fitness levels.
Arts and Culture
The rich history of the Southern Downs is celebrated in the majestic sandstone buildings that still dominate our major towns. Our locals love the art galleries, libraries, museums and regular cultural events across the region.
Sports and Leisure
The Southern Downs offers outdoor activities for everyone with dams and rivers for keen anglers, international quality sporting facilities, four wheel drive tracks, cycling routes, four golf clubs and motorsport racing tracks. We also have a large range of sporting, social, cultural, artistic and historical clubs across the region.
Food and Wine
The region is home to some of the freshest produce in Queensland, with roadside delis, restaurants, country pubs and local markets all making the region a foodie’s paradise. The Granite Belt is a premium wine destination, with more than 40 cellar doors.
Events
The Southern Downs region is home to some of the State’s largest events including Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival, Warwick Rodeo, Jumpers and Jazz in July and the Historic Leyburn Sprints.
Visit Council's Southern Downs and Granite Belt tourism website for events, things to do and more.