In & Around Goondiwindi
Things to see, do, and enjoy around Goondiwindi
Stay & Explore
Goondiwindi is a friendly regional town with plenty to explore. From river walks and birdwatching to local pubs, cafes, and boutique shops, everything is just a short stroll from the park. Perfect for mature travellers and couples exploring Australia, Rivergums is a 5-10 minute walk from the town centre and the Tourist Information Centre.
Central, quiet and convenient, Rivergums is the only caravan park located right in the centre of town — close to everything, yet tucked away in a peaceful residential area.
Riverside Walk MacIntyre River
0 km — at the door
Step out of the park gate and you’re on the trail — no drive, no fuss. The riverside path winds under the shade of river red gums alongside the MacIntyre, passing picnic spots and quiet stretches where waterbirds congregate at the water’s edge.
It’s flat, unhurried and completely free, making it perfect for an early-morning walk with the dog, a gentle evening stroll, or a leisurely amble into town. The path connects Rivergums directly to the town centre in around ten minutes.
Gunsynd "The Goondiwindi Grey" Statue
500m / 1 min drive
Gunsynd — “The Goondiwindi Grey” — is one of Australia’s most beloved racehorses, and Goondiwindi claims him with quiet pride. The bronze statue in the centre of town is a genuine pilgrimage point for racing fans and a natural photo stop for everyone else. Gunsynd won 29 races across the country in the early 1970s and was known as much for his character as his speed.
Worth a five-minute detour on the walk to town.
Customs House Museum
500m / 1 min drive
Goondiwindi’s oldest surviving building tells the story of a town built on the border. Since 1861, the MacIntyre River marked the line between Queensland and New South Wales, and the Customs House collected duties from travellers and traders crossing between the two colonies.
The museum’s displays bring that era to life with artefacts, photographs and local history. A compact but worthwhile stop for anyone with an interest in Australian history.
Botanic Gardens of the Western Woodlands
~3 km / 5 min drive
Covering 21 hectares on the edge of town, the Botanic Gardens of the Western Woodlands is a serious collection of inland Australian native plants, eucalypts, acacias, grevilleas, native grasses and wildflowers that thrive in the semi-arid climate of the western plains.
Walking tracks wind through themed garden beds and open bushland areas with picnic tables and shaded spots throughout. In spring, the colour and birdlife are remarkable. A peaceful hour or two, and entirely free
Border Bridge (NSW/QLD)
~1km / 2 min drive
The heritage bridge spanning the MacIntyre River is one of the few places in Australia where you can walk from Queensland into New South Wales in under a minute. It’s a simple pleasure — cross to the NSW side, look back at the Goondiwindi riverbank, then stroll back — but there’s something genuinely satisfying about standing on the border itself.
The bridge is part of the riverside walk and makes a good turning point for the evening stroll..
Natural Heritage & Water Park
~3 km / 5 min drive
A great find for families travelling with children in the warmer months. The facility combines a natural heritage precinct with a water play area, splash pads, water jets and shallow pools that kids can enjoy safely while adults relax in the adjoining picnic ground.
Set in a landscaped area with shaded seating, it’s a genuine summer relief stop for any family that’s been on the road. Ask at reception for current opening times and entry details.
Goondiwindi Cotton Tours
~1 km / 2 min drive
The Goondiwindi region is one of Australia’s most productive cotton-growing areas, and these behind-the-scenes tours offer a rare look at how the crop goes from seed to bale. During picking season you can see the cotton harvesters at work across the wide flat paddocks — an impressive and unexpectedly photogenic sight.
Tours must be booked in advance by calling (07) 4671 5611.
Hell of the West Triathlon
Held in town
The Hell of the West is one of regional Queensland’s most famous endurance events — a gruelling February triathlon that draws competitors from across Australia and fills Goondiwindi to capacity every year.
If you’re not racing, it’s a fantastic spectator event: the atmosphere in town during race weekend is electric, with competitors and supporters packing the streets, pubs and cafés. Book well ahead if you plan to visit in February — accommodation goes fast.
