Grab some brekkie to go from the establishment that shares its name with our own local historical icon 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.
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. Stroll through the various displays, relax in the beautifully curated gardens and embrace one of the region’s signature tourism experiences.
Just across the road is the Old Bridge Precinct, featuring the Tree of Knowledge and Levee Monument, as well at the Gunsynd Statue. The Tree of Knowledge is a native Carbeen tree that has historically been a meeting place for locals during times of impending flood. Residents would gather under the tree to read the river height and discuss estimated peaks with each other. The tree is wrapped in a monumental structure by Jamie Sargeant, which pays homage to levee bank that has spared the Goondiwindi township from major flood impacts since its construction in 1956. Follow the footpath upstream past the original border bridge (constructed in 1914) and grab a selfie with Gunsynd’s statue. He stands in the Apex Park with a backdrop of stunning jacaranda trees.
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 our hidden historical gems off the beaten track: Goondiwindi War Memorial (at the Town Park), Goondiwindi Cemetery (Old Section), the Water Towers, Holy Trinity Church and St Mary’s Church. Each of these landmarks are of significant historical significance to the heritage of the Goondiwindi community. Don’t forget your camera!
The Queensland Hotel is the perfect place to grab some dinner and immerse yourself in local history. 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 at one of the cinemas in the historical Goondiwindi Regional Civic Centre. 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!
Stop in for a coffee and cooked breakfast at The Larder.
Let the road trip begin! Head east – destination: TEXAS.
First stop in Texas is the Texas Rabbit Works, an interactive and interesting museum that celebrates the rabbit industry and its role in saving the Texas region, from the grips of the Great Depression.
Explore the history and heritage of Texas and surrounds at the Texas Heritage Centre and Tobacco Museum and the Texas and Inglewood Heritage Railway Society. Both of these attractions are within walking distance of each other and boast an impressive collection and display of relics and artefacts that all contribute to the Texas story.
Lunch at the famous Stockman Hotel – formally known as the Royal Hotel, the pub was relocated to its present site after the disastrous floods of 1890 and 1921, when the whole town was shifted from the river flats further up the hill.
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 St Shops.
Before you begin your journey back to Goondiwindi, pop into one of the Texas cafes for a quick afternoon bite to eat – they are all equally great with country hospitality to boot!
Jump in the car and head west to YELARBON. Along the way keep your eye out for the many stations and homesteads that align the road back to Goondiwindi. Some of them have been there for well over a century.
As you come into Yelarbon, you will not be able to miss the Yelarbon Silos. Find a park in the viewing area for the best photo angle and check out the community’s historical display.
On your way through Yelarbon, it well worth a stop into the Yelarbon Railway Museum at the Recreation Grounds. Here you find a curated collection of relics and artefacts from the history of the Yelarbon district, including an old jail building and farm machinery. Gold coin donations are appreciated.
The Yelarbon community is proud of its history and such little odes to the past can be found all throughout the town – take some time to wander around and check out the Yelarbon Memorial Hall, the Dingo Fence and the ANZAC tribute.
Return to Goondiwindi for a good night’s sleep.
Rise with the birds and head east to INGLEWOOD. Grab yourself some breakfast at one of the local cafes and get ready for your last day of heritage hunting in the Goondiwindi Region.
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. You can also find a life- size replica tobacco barn and an example of a tobacco share farmer’s cottage on site.
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 in your adventure – Inglewood War Memorial, Inglewood Railway Station, Inglewood Butter Factory, Inglewood Government Office Building.
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.
On your way back into town, stop by Coolmunda Dam. The 69,000 ML damn was built in 1968 and is still considered one of the major infrastructure projects of the region.
Head west and return back to Goondiwindi and pop your feet up – you have earned it!
As a small region, some tourism locations require bookings. Please always check before arriving.
