Feel the serenity of rural landscapes with stunning vistas of golden sunflowers and be awed by the high country’s dramatic waterfalls. Slip quietly into the national parks for an eco-experience second to none.

Warwick flames with the colours of autumn, snaps to the crisp bite of winter, explodes with the blossoms of spring and warms to the gentle summer sun. Which season will you choose to discover the gifts of Warwick?

By night, Warwick will mesmerise you with sparkling beauty, intriguing hues and clear, starry skies.  By day you’ll feel the mellow sandstone yellows, sky blues and rose reds enter you very soul.  Famous as the Rose and Rodeo City, Warwick lives up to its name in every way.  In a multitude of shades and varieties, roses bloom abundantly throughour the town.  Wander through Leslie Park, in the heart of Warwick and allow the roses’ wafting perfume and glorious colours to send your senses reeling.  Experience the excitement of the biggest and finest rodeo in Australia.

The Warwick rodeo is in its 77th year and is officially recognised as an Australian icon. Although the most famous, the rodeo is only one of many events in the Warwick Shire calendar that combine colour, movement and music to provide fascinating entertainment and enjoyment all year round.

Tapping into Warwick’s four distinct seasons, all of the towns in the Shire celebrate spring, summer, autumn and winter with style, festivity and pride. Participate in Warwick’s trademark cultural evolution as jazz, blues and country music festivals, outdoor art exhibitions and celebrations of multiculturalism are held throughout the year. Continuing a rich tradition of culture, the Warwick Art Gallery hosts inspiring exhibitions of local and touring collections regularly. The gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday and is conveniently located near the town’s central business district. In Warwick, you can feel the history in the air and see the buildings involved in landmark events for Queensland and Australia. Graceful colonial homes, superb old churches, majestic sandstone buildings and the historic railway precinct lend an almost regal ambience to Warwick’s architecture and character.

Liven things up with a visit to Warwick’s Indoor Recreation and Aquatic Centre. This state-of-the-art complex blends health and pleasure with four heated pools including a rapid river ride, international standard sports courts, a hydrotherapy pool, gymnasium and much more. Head outdoors for a round of golf in a natural bushland setting and enjoy a cold drink at the 19th hole.

Soak up all the spirit and personality of the country at the weekly Pig and Calf Market. This is the longest continually operated market in Queensland, offering much more than livestock. A paradise for trash and treasure hunters, the jumble style auction has everything from guinea pigs to goats, farm equipment to furniture and intriguing bric-a-brac. When it comes to shopping, Warwick is truly country-chic. Friendly country stores, boutiques and charming shops brimming with antiques, gifts, arts and crafts provide endless opportunities for buyers, browsers and bargain hunters. Rose City Shopping World, in the heart of town, is a contemporary undercover shopping centre with every modern convenience. Fine cuisine with great atmosphere is on offer at many wonderful restaurants, bistros and historic pubs. The cafe culture is alive and well in Warwick with sidewalk tables providing ideal venues to meet with friends over coffee and cake.

The Condamine River, source of the longest continuous river system in Australia, meanders gently through Warwick before making its way south-west to the ocean near Adelaide. Following the river and encircling the town is the Warwick Greenbelt; a natural corridor of open space with sealed tracks for walkers and cyclists, historical trails and shady picnic spots. Bring your walking shoes to join the locals in a rejuvenating stroll along this tranquil walking trail by the banks of the river. Take time to read the 15 plaques along the walk, commemorating significant historical moments including the longest on-foot recruitment drive in Australia.

A giant sculpture of Tiddalik the Frog (from aboriginal legend) is the mascot of the Greenbelt and stands proudly by the banks of the Condamine. Visit Tiddalik while you are in Warwick, learn more of the legend and give him a rub to discover his stunning surface colours.

If you are driving south to the wineries, stop at the tiny town of Dalveen on your way. Dalveen enjoys a growing reputation as an artisan village and the gifted locals sell genuine handmade wares including original lead lighting pieces, porcelain dolls, and inexpensive t-shirts sewn by a local seamstress. Warwick is a wonderful base to explore the Granite Belt wineries. Nearly all the tours do pick-ups in Warwick, which means you can indulge in taste-testing without worrying about the drive home.