For a small country town, St George punches well above its weight when it comes to food and coffee. Start your morning at DeliCate Café, a local favourite that feels more like visiting a friend’s kitchen than a café. The coffee here is excellent — smooth and strong — and the cabinet is full of homemade slices, muffins and hearty brunch plates. It’s also one of those places you end up browsing for longer than you planned. They stock Yeti gear and a small range of homewares that make for perfect little gifts to take home with you, even if you’ve got a few more stops to go.

Come lunchtime, make the short drive out to Riversands Wines. About three kilometres from town, this family-run vineyard is Queensland’s most western winery and a true outback gem. You can sample their range of reds, whites and fortified wines at the cellar door before settling into the shaded courtyard for a platter or light meal from the Riversands Garden Café.

For dinner, Geiger’s Bistro in town is our pick. There’s a relaxed, country-hotel feel here, matched with a menu that makes the most of local produce. Think tender steaks, classic schnitzels and rotating chef’s specials that feel a little more refined than you might expect in a small outback town. Pair it with a cold beer and settle in for the evening.

If you’d rather stay close by, the park’s Camp Kitchen and free BBQ facilities make it easy to cook up your own feast under the stars.

Life here moves to the rhythm of the Balonne River, and the best way to appreciate it is from the water itself. Sandytown River Cruises are a must — pack a few drinks and nibbles, step aboard, and watch the scenery unfold. As the boat drifts downstream, you’ll spot pelicans, cockatoos and the occasional eagle gliding overhead. There are a few options to choose from, including relaxed afternoon cruises, fishing tours, and magical full-moon evening runs. The commentary adds great local insight, and there’s ramp access for those with limited mobility.

Make time for a soak at the Balonne Artesian Thermal Hot Springs at the St George Aquatic Centre. The mineral-rich artesian water stays between 34–38 degrees and is known for its therapeutic benefits — perfect after a long drive or a day out exploring. The centre also has a 50-metre lap pool, a kids’ splash park, shaded BBQ areas and is fully wheelchair accessible throughout.

If you prefer a slower day, grab a book from the park’s exchange shelf, cast a line off the pontoon, or just watch the sunset light up the river gums.

You’ll notice straight away how spotless everything is — from the camp kitchen to the bathrooms, it’s clear real care goes into keeping this place pristine.