Darling Downs South West region

​Gateway to the Great South West

The Darling Downs South West region is an area on the western slope of the Great Dividing Range in Queensland and covers an impressive 480,000km² of land.

Agriculture is one of the economic pillars of our region and compliments the energy, tourism, services, infrastructure, processing and manufacturing industries.

Toowoomba is the largest city in the region, which is approximately 90 minutes drive west of Brisbane. Quintessential country towns like Stanthorpe, Chinchilla, Dalby, Warwick, Kingaroy, Murgon, Oakey, Roma, Charleville and Goondiwindi are part of our diverse region, with lots of smaller towns branching off in all directions from these towns.

Darling Downs South West schools at a glance

The Darling Downs South West region currently has:

• 156 primary schools
• 22 secondary schools
• 27 P-10/12 schools
• 3,571 teachers
• 42,449 students.

The Darling Downs is the heart of the South-East Queensland farming region and, thanks to its elevated position, rich soil and open spaces together with long tradition of family farming and adoptive cultures, our region has something for everyone.

You can search our schools directory map for a list of the schools located in this region and their contact details.

Teaching and living in the region

As a place to teach, the Darling Downs South West region offers a desirable working and relaxed lifestyle conditions.

While living here, you’ll enjoy diverse climates, with cooler temperatures in the higher altitudes of Toowoomba and the Southern Downs, combined with the outback way of life. Singles and families are well-catered for with an affordable and community-oriented lifestyle with access to essential facilities and experiences for everyone.

Teaching in schools outside major cities and regional towns may mean you're eligible to receive additional rural and remote benefits​.

Priority opportunities

We are passionate about finding the 'right fit' teaching position for you. We welcome applications for all teaching areas and geographical areas across the region. Some of our specific locations include:

• the outback community of Cunnamulla
• flora and fauna-rich Charleville
• the beautiful Balonne where opportunity meets lifestyle (St George, Dirranbandi, Mungindi, Bollon, Hebel and Thallon
• scenic Laidley
• strong and vibrant communities of the South Burnett (for example, Kingaroy and Murgon)
• the historical township of Miles.

Things to do

Whether it's day-tripping and exploring the local area or embracing our beautiful big outdoors, you will discover lots of history, quirky festivals, national events and plenty of tourist attractions. Be prepared to experience a sense of proud communities showcasing their unique local attractions with winning combinations of great accommodation options, local cuisine, wine, art and must do festivals/events.

We enjoy a thriving tourism industry, rich heritage and proud Indigenous cultures.

Here are some ways to explore the Darling Downs South West region in your downtime:

1. Experience Toowoomba's famous Carnival of Flowers.
2. Make a day of it at Queen Mary's Falls and Falls Drive.
3. Big Skies Festival kicking off the 9-day festival with the picnic races at Dalby.
4. Music to your ears with the Opera at Jimbour House.
5. Experience the tranquillity and the spectacular wilderness at the Bunya Mountains.
6. Get your melon on at the 4-day Chinchilla Melon Festival.
7. Explore the Solar system at Kingaroy Observatory.
8. Admire the Silo Art at Thallon.
9. Do a dinosaur dig at the Eromanga Natural History Museum.
10. Celebrate all things country at Roma’s Easter in the Country Festival.