Warwick

Situated in the fertile Darling Downs, 162km south-west of Brisbane, Warwick, the &dbquo;Rose and Rodeo City&dbquo;, is the centre of a rich pastoral area, producing wool, grain, vegetables and dairy products, together with famous horse and cattle studs.

The city has wide, tree-lined streets and imposing sandstone buildings. There is a heritage walk that takes in many of the city"s historic buildings. In the spring, the city"s parks blaze with colour when the roses are in bloom. The red "City of Warwick" or Arafuto Rose was developed especially for the town. And its not just the public gardens that put on a show - many of the citizens are green thumbs whose rose displays rival the municipal ones!

In October, huge crowds descend on the city for the Warwick Rodeo, known as &dbquo;Australia"s Most Famous&dbquo;. Drawn by big prize money, competitors come from all over Australia to try their hand in the various events.

Fishing enthusiasts will find the golden and silver perch in Leslie Dam irresistible. The dam is surrounded by manicured lawns dotted with sheltered picnic tables and BBQs.

Warwick has a rather odd claim to a place in the history books. In a seemingly trivial incident in 1917, Prime Minister Billy Hughes was struck by an egg while giving a speech about conscription in Warwick. Enraged, Hughes ordered a local policeman to arrest the man, but the officer refused. As a result, Hughes set in motion the wheels to establish the Federal Police Force.

Festivals: Jumpers and Jazz in July (July), Warwick Rodeo (October)

Things to do:

Historical Museum - extensive photo collection

Regional Art Gallery

Rose displays in the public parks in spring

In the area:

Leslie Dam - fishing, picnics and BBQs