A local’s guide to a girls’ weekend in Goondiwindi

A vibrant town on the Queensland/New South Wales border, about 2.5 hours’ drive from Toowoomba, Goondiwindi punches above its weight when it comes to cafés and curio shopping. Lil Holcombe, owner of beloved store Harry and Kit (a go-to for floaty dresses and country homewares), says laid-back “Gundy” is an ideal destination for a weekend with the girls. She’s planned the perfect itinerary, starting with tapas by the Macintyre River… 

FRIDAY
First things first, check in to your accommodation. If you’re with a big group, take a look at Wil & Olive (above) or the hotel 40 on Marshall (it’s on the main street, which makes things easy). There’s also Bronte House B & B — a perfect spot for smaller gatherings. 

With that sorted, head over to new hotspot Alfie’s, which serves as a café by day and a tapas-and-cocktail joint by night (to book, call 0400 407 962). From there, a 10-minute walk will get you to the The Queensland Hotel, where you and the girls can sip cocktails beneath the festoon lights in the beer garden. 

SATURDAY
Start the day with a stroll on the Macintyre Riverwalk or join a Pilates session at Sculpt (where classes finish with a cooling lavender-scented washcloth. Bliss!). Grab a flat white from the studio’s coffee shop (above), taking in the views of the river, then make your way into town for brekkie at one of our great cafés. 

Now it’s time to hit the shops. Of course, you have to swing by my store, Harry and Kit, then check out Nutmeg Home and Sterling Belle for homewares, and Suede Goondiwindi, Momera (below) and Goondiwindi Cotton for fashion and shoes. 

If you’re after some spoiling, book blow-dries at florist-meets-salon Blue Rose Designs or The Hair Priestess, where owner Jess has been known to make a killer cheese board for groups. For beauty treatments, there’s Aimer Aesthetics, You at Georgie’s and Beauty 4390; or for a massage, talk to Amy at Balance Therapy. 

Ahead of your stay, be sure to check out the council’s What’s On calendar, as we have lots of crafty workshops throughout the year — everything from ceramics to bush floristry. If you happen to be in town for the iconic Goondiwindi Picnic Races (below), you’re in for a treat. Held in April, it’s a big event, with live entertainment, food trucks and plenty of champagne to go around. Book an Entertainment Package and you and the girls will get a dedicated marquee, catering and a place to rest those weary feet. 

SUNDAY
Before you hit the road, swing by The Larder for a brekkie roll and green smoothie. If you have time to spare, bring a picnic blanket and devour the goods on the Goondiwindi Region Art Trail. You’d need a day or two to see everything, but there are plenty of highlights near town, including the Bowen Lane murals (right by The Larder) and Nungwai by local artist and grazier Angus Wilson, just off the Cunningham Highway. In Yelarbon, about a half-hour drive away, you’ll find one of the biggest silo artworks in the country, When the Rain Comes (below), by Jordache Castillejos, Jodon Bruce and Steve Falco.

For more things to see and do in Goondiwindi, go to visitgoondiwindiregion.com.