Goondiwindi Qld 4390 (Pop 5 600)

Goondiwindi is a prosperous service town on the NSW border 357 km west of Brisbane. Sitting on the Macintyre River, this is a typical Darling Downs/Outback town but is uniquely positioned at the junction of 5 highways - Cunningham, Newell, Bruxner, Barwon and Leichhardt. Goondiwindi was settled in 1830s and the name is thought to derive from the Aboriginal word 'Gundawinda' meaning 'a resting place for birds'. Markets 2nd Sun each month. Hell of the West Triathlon (Feb), Rodeo (Sept), Spring Festival (Oct).

Accommodation: Goondiwindi has 10 hotels/motels and a couple of caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: Cnr McLean & Bowen Sts. Tel (07) 4671 2653.