Take the time to discover Dalby

Endless blue skies. patchwork fields. the serenity of open spaces. Dalby has a beauty all of its own.

For metropolitan visitors the appeal is obvious. A laid back country town, uncluttered landscapes and the opportunity to sample home-grown produce in a regional setting.

And while locals may take all this a little for granted, those that find the time for a closer look will discover a surprising wealth of charm, history and natural beauty that is well worth exploring.

In the heart of Dalby, the busy main street, adorned with colourful garden beds and quaint bell towers, suggests a town with pride. Thomas Jack Park is the ideal place to relax with landscaped gardens and shaded picnic areas.

A stroll down the Myall Creek walkway that runs adjacent to the town provides a glimpse at the region's past. Plaques pinpoint places of historical interest including the site of first settlement dating back to 1841and architectural relics such as the town's original arts centre.

And for those wanting to continue on the history trail, Pioneer Park Museum houses a vast collection of locally sourced historical artefacts making it a must-see tourist stop-over.

It's said that country people like to make their own fun and the town's full calendar of events is evidence of this.

Thousands turn out to enjoy the Australian Cottonweek Festival in March, and the Dalby Picnic Races in May is not only one of Queensland's biggest regional race days it's an established social tradition.

Local youth get together to enjoy the Battle of the Bands and live music at the PCYC concert. In September regional harvests are celebrated with the Dalby Spring Temptations food and wine festival featuring a colourful street parade.

The surrounding district also has its share of festivals including the Opera at Jimbour held at historic Jimbour Station where an impressive sandstone mansion (built 1874-6) provides the backdrop for inspiring operatic performances.

Set high on the Jimbour Plain the station also offers a sophisticated cellar-door café - one of a number of cellar door outlets to emerge within the Dalby district in recent times.

The region also boasts some unique places of environmental beauty such as the naturally occurring Lake Broadwater - home to an array of native birds and wildlife - and the majestic Bunya Mountains reserve with its cool rainforest walks, waterfalls and world renowned Bunya Pines.

For more information on all the events and attractions offered throughout the year visit the Dalby Tourist Information Centre in Thomas Jack Park.