Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Warwick, Australia

In the southeastern region of Queensland, Warwick is a charming historic town with roots extending back over 170 years.

Situated in the central business district are churches, hotels, and civic buildings constructed from local sandstone, which emerged during a period of rapid development at the turn of the 20th century.

You will find these structures along aesthetically pleasing tree-lined streets, enhanced by flowerbeds that have earned Warwick its moniker, “Rose City.” The town boasts a rich equestrian heritage, commemorated by a notable rodeo and campdraft event held each October, while the annual Jumpers and Jazz in July festival adds an intriguing cultural flair.

Venturing beyond the town, one encounters the scenic Southern Downs, recognized for its granite formations and fine vineyards.

1. CBD Walking Tour

Warwick ranks among the earliest European settlements in Queensland, and consequently, it possesses a wealth of history embedded in its streets.

What distinguishes this townscape is its cohesive architectural style: the grand sandstone edifices throughout the CBD primarily originate from a redevelopment phase during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, following significant flooding.

There exists a concentration of Federation-style architecture across several blocks along Palmerin, Albion, and Guy Streets, eagerly awaiting exploration during a leisurely stroll.

Notable structures include Warwick Town Hall (1888), the Court House (1886), St Andrew’s Uniting Church (1870), the Post Office (1898), the Criterion Hotel (1917), Condamine Sports Club (1913), and St George’s Lodge (1887).

2. Warwick Museum – Pringle Cottage

Located south of the CBD, Warwick’s town museum is situated within a historical village complex centered around the heritage-listed Pringle Cottage.

This two-story residence, believed to date back to the 1860s, was constructed by the Scottish stonemason John McCulloch.

Over the ensuing decades, McCulloch contributed to numerous sandstone structures across Warwick.

The cottage is adorned with various intriguing artifacts donated by early settler families, and since the 1970s, it has been joined by historic buildings and agricultural machinery from the town and its surrounding areas.

A significant feature is the timber-built Overseers Cottage (c. 1890), which displays artifacts ranging from saddles to hotel and office furnishings, while the quaint Emporium was built in 1982 as a reception and display area.

Visitors can explore the evolution of printing technology at the Printery and experience the rustic charm of the primitive Old Shepherd’s Hut.

3. Glengallan Homestead & Heritage Centre

Located in the Darling Downs region, north of Warwick, resides a magnificent homestead built between 1864 and 1904, saved from neglect in the 2000s.

The current view of this sandstone structure, featuring its exquisite verandah, is hard to reconcile with its abandonment for over three decades.

Visitation is available from Wednesday to Sunday, allowing guests to appreciate its interiors, learn about the ongoing restoration project, and uncover the rich history of Glengallan dating back to the 1830s with its initial squatters.

Visitors may purchase local produce and handmade items from the farm shop, and the Heritage Centre Cafe is a delightful spot for tea and scones.

4. Downs Explorer

Warwick’s historic railway station offers an ideal starting point for a steam train journey through the Southern Downs and Granite Belt.

These excursions operate on the Southern Line, connecting Warwick, Toowoomba, and Wallangarra, and further details are available on the Downs Explorer Website.

The highlight of the fleet is a Queensland Railways C17 class steam locomotive, one of 227 crafted between 1920 and 1953, which was restored to operational condition in 2000. Additional heritage rolling stock can be found at the Warwick Locomotive Depot, located adjacent to the station, where visitors can see an original turntable, workshops, locomotive sheds, and a water tower.

This site opens to the public on Wednesdays and Thursdays, featuring a wealth of railway memorabilia as well as rolling stock in various stages of restoration.

5. St Mary’s Catholic Parish Church

Standing at just under 30 metres, the tallest edifice in Warwick is this elegant neo-Gothic church, completed in 1926, serving as a prominent landmark for the town.

St Mary’s holds a Queensland heritage listing, particularly due to its high aesthetic significance and exceptional craftsmanship.

This craftsmanship is evident in the façade’s rusticated sandstone blocks, paired with smooth sandstone used for the dressings.

The quatrefoil tracery on the main window showcases intricate artistry.

As you walk through the granite columns in the porch, look up to appreciate the joinery in the roof of the nave.

At the far end, take time to observe the rose window in the chancel, along with the high altar, crafted from fine Sicilian marble embellished with Red Verona and Verde Antico panels.

6. Morgan Park Raceway

Situated in the bushland south of Warwick, Morgan Park Raceway is a racing circuit with a history spanning over 50 years, hosting a busy calendar of racing events and track days.

In its extended format, Morgan Park Raceway resembles a boot shape, similar to Monza, but can be modified into five distinct layouts.

Although the track has been operational for decades, its acclaim has surged since the late 1990s, currently hosting significant events such as the Queensland Super Sprint Championships and the WDSCC Southern Downs Challenge.

In essence, there is some form of racing activity most weekends, ranging from endurance races to touring cars and open-wheel competitions.

Typically held in July or August, the Historic Racing Car Club of Queensland organizes the largest historic racing festival within the state at this venue.

7. Warwick Art Gallery

The cultural cornerstone of the Southern Downs region resides in Warwick.

The Warwick Art Gallery meticulously plans its exhibitions years in advance.

Within three distinct exhibition spaces, visitors can engage with the local art scene and view specially curated displays along with significant touring exhibitions.

Major exhibits are held in the Main Gallery, while the contributions of local artists and community groups are prominently featured at the new Orange Wall gallery.

Every year, the Warwick Art Gallery hosts the Jumpers and Jazz in July festival, an eccentric fusion of live jazz performances and yarn bombing.

8. Leslie Dam

Located just off the Cunningham Highway, approximately ten minutes west of Warwick, lies a reservoir named after Patrick Leslie (1815-1881), the first individual to acquire land in the surrounding area.

A likeness of Leslie has been carved into one of the numerous granite boulders along the shore at the Washpool Reserve.

This location serves as the largest and most well-equipped among the three camping sites available by Leslie Dam.

At Washpool Reserve, visitors can find a scenic lookout, 33 powered camping sites, along with toilet blocks, hot and cold showers, drinking water, and ice facilities.

Leslie Dam is particularly enticing when partially filled, emerging as a popular destination for activities such as canoeing, swimming, waterskiing, and sailing.

Additionally, visitors can engage in freshwater fishing, although a Stocked Impoundment Permit is required.

9. Main Range National Park, Goomburra section

The most extensive stretch of rainforest in southeastern Queensland is preserved within Main Range National Park.

The park features four visitor nodes, with the Goomburra section being the most accessible from Warwick, nestled in the western foothills of the Great Dividing Range.

Here, manna gums and New England blackbutts thrive in exposed dry forest, while vibrant palms and epiphytes inhabit the humid gullies below.

The west side of the Goomburra section introduces two loop trails: The Ridge Track and the Cascade Circuit, originating from the well-equipped Manna Gum Camping Area.

By heading east into the range, visitors will discover point-to-point hikes leading to mountain overlooks and the scenic Araucaria Falls.

10. Queen Mary Falls

One of the major attractions within Main Range National Park is this impressive plunge waterfall, where Spring Creek cascades down 40 meters into a rocky ravine.

Visitors can access the falls via a two-kilometer path that leads to a lookout at the top and descends to the valley floor.

A notable aspect of this walk is the transformation of vegetation, transitioning from eucalyptus forest at the ridge to lush rainforest deep within the valley.

On a hot summer day, there is no better way to cool off than under the refreshing mist generated at the base of the waterfall.

11. Queens Park

Queens Park serves as the principal public park in Warwick, accommodating several local sports clubs.

In the 19th century, this area functioned as barracks and stables for the police before evolving into showgrounds and later hosting sporting events.

Nowadays, a walking track adjacent to the Condamine River allows visitors to explore the space, complemented by interpretive signs highlighting the wildlife present along and within the river.

Queens Park is expansive, featuring facilities for ball sports, a skate bowl, outdoor gym equipment, an off-leash dog park, shelters, and picnic tables.

12. Darling Downs Zoo

Situated approximately halfway to Toowoomba from Warwick, in the beautiful Darling Downs region, is a zoo that houses a variety of animals from around the globe.

Australia’s wildlife is represented by iconic species such as koalas, red kangaroos, cockatoos, swamp wallabies, crocodiles, and wombats.

Moreover, geographical zones showcase animals from South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia, featuring the only pride of African lions and the largest herd of zebras in the state.

Amongst the diverse species at Darling Downs Zoo are cheetahs, the endangered Sumatran tiger, Komodo dragons, boa constrictors, Brazilian tapirs, giraffes, ostriches, tamarins, marmosets, and capuchins, among many others.

Each day, a schedule of complimentary events takes place, offering wildlife talks and opportunities to interact with baby crocodiles or harmless snakes.

13. Warwick Visitor Information Centre

One of the many advantages of the local information center is its venue, which resides within the impressive Town Hall, constructed in 1888. This building, made from local sandstone, features an eclectic architectural style, including an arcade, loggia, roof balustrade, two pediments, and a clock tower with a hip roof.

Upon visiting, you can step onto the loggia for a photogenic view of Palmerin Street.

The staff possesses extensive local knowledge, readily assisting with inquiries regarding dining, outings, events, accommodations, and more.

There is an abundance of brochures and leaflets available, while the shop is well-stocked with local arts, crafts, and produce.