Everything you need to know about the Western Downs
The Western Downs is not only vast by land size but also its visitor offering with nature, adventure, heritage, history, art and culture is a plenty.
This December, swap the online shopping cart and lengthy delivery delays for a weekend in the country, where you can not only stock up on some fantastic local fare for under the Christmas tree, you’ll feel good supporting our rural neighbours and friends.
Whether it’s filling your esky with local produce direct from the farmer (think organic hams, fresh berries and the best Queensland wines on offer) or stocking your stocking with local gifts and goodies, make this Christmas all about the country.
Here’s our round up of the best festive season shopping, savouring and celebrating in Southern Queensland Country.
Skip the city crowds and queues this year and support producers from the country by heading straight to the source. You can’t possibly get fresher or more seasonal than buying the best tasting Christmas food at regional outlets, farmers markets or retailers who will thank you for shopping local.
Harvest Season at the Granite Belt Christmas Farm – Visit and pre-order to collect from 29 November open 9am to 4pm (Stanthorpe).
You select your perfect pine tree (which will smell incredible by the way) and staff will cut and net it for you for easy transportation. Bring the family to the farm, with Santa’s animals to feed and weekend appearances by Santa throughout the harvest.
Did you know? Real Christmas trees (cut) will keep in your home for three weeks if you keep them watered and out of direct sunlight and heat.
In country towns and villages it’s the local butcher who’s the hero, sourcing the best cuts directly from farmers and graziers ready for your Christmas table. Kingaroy on the South Burnett is famous for their pork; Central Highlands and the Darling Downs have world-class beef, and the Southern Downs and Lockyer Valley boast some of Australia's best poultry, lamb, orchards and vegetable farms.
Many butchers let you order online with either pickup in person or in some cases, home delivery. To find out where to shop contact the Visitor Information Centre at major regional towns or visit one of our regular farmers markets for supplies, just remember to take your empty esky!
Toowoomba Farmers Market
Granite Belt Farmers Market
Empty the car boot and lace up your comfy shopping shoes as you hit these local markets – remember to pack your appetite too as you taste your way around the region:
Christmas Tree Lighting Twilight Market
Country Christmas Markets
Pittsworth Lions Market
Bush Christmas Exhibition
Christmas Handmade Art & Craft Market
Twilight Eats at the Windmills
Crows Nest Christmas Markets
Oakey Santa Fair
Queens Park Markets Handmade Under the Stars Christmas Edition
Festive Vibes Twilight Markets
Aberfeldy Christmas Twilight Markets
Clifton Christmas Markets
Cambooya Community Christmas Markets
Highfields Christmas Market
Twilight Movie & Markets
Oakey Lions Sunday Markets
Queens Park Christmas Markets
Goondiwindi Christmas Markets
Christmas Markets at Forest Hill
Hatton Vale Christmas Markets
Gatton Christmas Markets
Mulgowie Twilight Christmas Markets
Laidley Christmas Twilight Markets
Plainland Country Christmas Markets
Christmas Funday Markets
Warwick Christmas Markets
Christmas Market in the Mountains
Killarney Christmas Markets
Christmas Pop-up Gift Markets
Miles Handmade Christmas Markets
Make it Market
Christmas Market at Rubyvale Flats
Rotary Emerald RFDS Christmas Markets
Take the family to a Christmas celebration they'll love, with our guide of what's on in December around the region, from Christmas Carols to street parties and light displays.
With the challenges of weather please always call ahead before you travel, to confirm the details of the event. A good place to get local information is the Visitor Information Centre at most regional towns. For a full list click here.
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Southern Queensland Country Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waterways that run through these regions. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and emerging.
Subscribe now to receive a free downloadable Country Drive Bingo template, and let us share our specially curated holiday tips, news and deals.