Tourism Info
Clifton’s tourism industry is small but impressive, ranging from Zoos, Museums, Pubs, Coffee Shops and Country Drives. The classic streetscape of Clifton and it's building's facades have been used in a number of Australian movies including The Thornbirds and The Love of Lionel’s Life.
Clifton Shire is a member of the Southern Downs Tourist Association further details are available from their website.
Touring
You can also explore Clifton’s heritage with a short walk or drive showing points of historic interest and buildings dating from the 19th century through to our present day era.
Go “TOURING” on some of our country roads and discover Clifton’s Heritage in it’s beautiful homes, interesting churches, historical sites and cemeteries. A ninety minute guided drive touring brochure is available from the Clifton Shire Council Office and other participating business houses, containing sites of interest, directions and map for your enjoyment.
Country Week
October is a beautiful time of the year in our shire and is the perfect time to take advantage of events during COUNTRY WEEK - visit local gardens, window displays, the famous Iris and Rose show, local markets and much more. For a fabulous day out, dress up for the CLIFTON RACES - a unique country race day with fashion parades, marquis lunch and perhaps a small wager or two!
Darling Downs Zoo
Just out of town, on the Gatton-Clifton road you'll find Queensland's newest zoo. Situated in tranquil rural countryside, the zoo is divided into four geographical areas. You can see animals from Australia, Africa, South America and South East Asia including lions, tigers, baboons, monkeys of different species, brilliantly coloured tropical parrots, ostrich, llama, kangaroos, crocodiles, snakes and many more.
The zoo has a shady picnic area with barbecue facilities and a small kiosk serving ice creams, cold drinks, snacks and Real coffee! Plenty of souvenirs of your visit are also available.
The Darling Downs Zoo is open to the public every weekend, Queensland public holidays and every day during the Queensland state school holidays. However, mid week visits can be arranged for groups of 15 or more if booked in advance.
Darling Downs Zoo website
Museum
The Clifton Historical Museum is a worthy tribute to the district's pioneering past. Housed in the old butter factory, you can take a step back in time and visit a 1930s dining room, a pioneer bedroom, an early hospital ward, kitchen and children's room.
The Heritage room allows access to original records of local businesses and schools. Read the memoirs of long-time residents, browse through the photographic collection, or look for your forebears on the database.
An extensive range of early agricultural tools and machinery will evoke memories or yesteryear.
Old movie memorabilia, communication, history, musical pieces; There's something for everyone, discover it for yourself.
The Museum is operated by volunteers from the local historical society and the exhibits have been donated by locals.
Sister Kenny Memorial
Visit the memorial of Sister Kenny, Clifton's local hero! Sister Kenny received world recognition for her revolutionary treatment of polio victims in the early to mid twentieth century.
This memorial chronicles her life and gives an account of the battles she had with the medical establishment of the day.
She is buried in the peaceful Nobby cemetery, overlooking the wide, rolling hills.
Wining & Dining
This Shire is home to some excellent hotels and eateries. We have pubs with history RUDDS PUB Nobby, complete with Steele Rudd Memorabilia, mouth-watering authentic Irish fare at O’SHANLEY’S IRISH PUB AND RESTAURANT, delicious dining at CLIFTON ARMS and CLUB HOTELS in the recently streetscaped King Street, the CLIFTON JAM FACTORY with fabulous food as well as home made preserves, or quick take-away meals from our local Cafe’s. Sit back, relax and enjoy the hospitality!
Fly In
In March the sky surrounding the Clifton district will yet again come alive with sound of countless planes flying in to the privately owned Clifton Airfield, home of the Lone Eagle Flying School. The annual “FLY IN” is the perfect time to “Take to the skies” or just wander around the airfield to see vintage and other aircraft of interest. The Club holds monthly fly together days on the second Saturday of each month, which usually include a BBQ lunch. New members are always welcome.
For more information please phone 4695 8541 or visit Lone Eagle Flying School Website
Roselawn Vintage Machinery
For something totally different why not visit Graham and Dal Berry’s “ROSELAWN” property and discover what is believed to be the Southern Hemisphere’s most complete vintage Caterpillar tractor collection, also the only building left in the district from the Clifton Homestead, as well as other vintage vehicles and memorabilia. Larger groups and coach tours can enjoy live music, Billy Tea and damper, and true country style camp oven cooking.
Entry to “Roselawn” is via booking only – for more information please telephone 4697 3281
If you wish to have your attraction listed here please provide (by email to admin@clifton.qld.gov.au) no more than 150 words to describe your venture.