Jondaryan Woolshed: Tickets, Hours, History and Camping

The Jondaryan Woolshed is a heritage-listed shearing shed on the Darling Downs, about 30 minutes’ drive west of Toowoomba, then a few minutes south. Built between 1859 and 1861, it is believed to be one of the earliest surviving woolsheds in the state, and today it is a museum, a historic village and a caravan park.

It started life on Jondaryan Station, which grew to about 300,000 acres and was at one time the largest freehold station in the state. The shed is where the story of Queensland wool is easiest to see: it was a test case for the Queensland Shearers Union and played a part in the lead-up to the 1891 shearers’ strike.

The woolshed

The shed is T-shaped and was built for about 5,000 pounds. It was designed by James Charles White, manager of Robert Tooth’s Queensland stations. The east and west wings held 52 shearing stands, and the shed could hold 3,000 sheep.

It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992.

A short history of the station

The station began in 1840 under the name Gundarnian, thought to mean “neighbouring lagoon” in the local Jarowair dialect. The Tooth family bought it in 1856 and the big woolshed followed a few years later.

The Jondaryan Estates Company was formed in 1894 and wound up in 1946, after which the woolshed was sold separately. In 1972 the owner offered the shed and 12 acres to the people of Jondaryan, and the museum association was formally established in October 1976.

What to see on site

• Shearing collection: the Hugh Tindall collection, built by a shearer from North West Queensland, is described as one of the finest and most comprehensive in Australia.
• Village and old buildings: a recreated 19th-century village, including buildings moved to the site, such as an 1850s blacksmith’s shop.
• Machinery: horse-drawn vehicles, farming implements, early tractors and Sunshine harvesters.
• Group tours: a volunteer guide covers the station history and the shed, and groups can add extras such as clydesdales, blacksmithing, whip cracking, sheep shearing and sheepdog trials when available.

Events

The official site lists events through the year, including the Easter Sheepdog Trial and Heavy Horse at the Woolshed. Admission charges apply to events, so check the dates on the Woolshed’s website before you plan around one.

Camping and cabins at the Woolshed

The Woolshed runs a caravan park beside the museum. Powered sites (30 of them) are $40 a night for up to two people and unpowered sites (more than 100) are $30, with extra adults at $10 and extra children at $5. Some unpowered sites are beside Oakey Creek, but not during weddings or wet weather.

You can also stay in rustic cabins from $80 a night, two self-contained air-conditioned cottages, or the heritage-listed shearers’ quarters at $58 a night. A camp kitchen, shower and toilet block and washing machines and dryer are on site. Pets are welcome (see the conditions of stay). Fees are valid until 30 June 2027; use the enquiry form on the Stay with us page to book.

Planning your visit

• How long: About an hour is enough for a relaxed visit; longer if you are staying or visiting during an event.
• Hours: 9 am to 3 pm daily, including weekends and public holidays. Check the website before you go.
• Cost: Adults $12, concession $10, child $6, family package $30.
• Accessibility: The official site says most of the site and its facilities are accessible to people with disabilities.
• Groups: Self-guided and guided group tours are available, and advance bookings are requested because volunteers provide most services.

Getting there and parking

The Woolshed is at 264 Jondaryan Evanslea Road, Jondaryan, about 3 km south of the town. The Woolshed says it is about 30 minutes west of Toowoomba on the Warrego Highway: turn off at the Jondaryan Hotel and drive south for about 5 minutes. It is about 2 hours 25 minutes by car from the Brisbane CBD (about 173 km). Call 0417 374 536 or email [email protected], or see the Woolshed’s website.

Nearby

• Oakey – about 15 km away.
• More: History and landmarks and Toowoomba.

You might also like

• Cooby Dam – a lakeside picnic spot with walks and fishing, about 45 minutes’ drive away.
• Cobb and Co Museum – more Darling Downs history in Toowoomba.
• Toowoomba Railway Station and Toowoomba City Hall – heritage buildings in the city.
• Japanese Gardens Toowoomba and Queens Park – gardens in town.
• Bunya Mountains National Park – a mountain drive north-west of Toowoomba.

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