Things to Do

Texas is a great backdrop for all the great things that we take for granted and yet never do.  Sometimes the simpler things in life are the best and there is no better place to do them, than in Texas.  We have numerous local characters who delight in nothing more than having a yarn, and sharing stories about our wonderful town.  There is a fantastic array of things that you can do and see whilst in the Texas area.  Things like picnicking with your kids, laying out on the grass at night to look at the stars, watching the antics of native birds and animals.  Below you will find some things to do in Texas and where and how you can do them.

Picnics

Grab an old blanket, or a couple of chairs, some good food, and head for the great outdoors.  A picnic is a great chance to enjoy the fresh air and peace and quiet.  No interuptions, no stress, all with stunning views!  There is plenty of places in the Texas area for a great picnic.  Texas has several parks where there is also picnic tables and chairs.  The Avon Street Park is right in the centre of town, just off the main street and has tables and chairs, as well as toilet facilities.  The Apex Park on the Southern approach to town also has toilets, covered tables and chairs, and a fenced in playground for the kids.  The All-Abilities Park is under construction and is right next door to the swimming pool and when completed will have bbqs, play equipment, skate park, tables and chairs. 

Just out of town you can sit on the edge of the river and enjoy the sound of flowing water and the shade of the huge gums, you can’t beat it in summer.  Also on the Dumaresq River, is the Cunningham and Bonshaw Weirs.  Cunningham Weir has no facilities but it is a great place to enjoy the river.  The Bonshaw Weir on the other hand, has covered tables and chairs and toilets.  From the Beacon Lookout you can see out over Texas and there is also lovely tables and chairs.  Glenlyon Dam also has great facilities for picnics and other activities and if you don’t want to take your own food, there is a kiosk there.  Another great place for a picnic is at Goat Rock, with stunning views over the Texas area and enormous granite boulders, there is plenty to see and take in.  Goat Rock has covered tables and chairs, bbqs and toilets.

Now if you don’t like the idea of filling your own picnic basket to take with you, get the local cafe or takeaway to do it for you!  Grab one of the local wines and you will be set!

Birdwatching

 Texas has a range of environments and as such has a large variety of birdlife in the area.  Birds are incredibly interesting and are a vital part of our ecology, it doesn’t matter if you are an expert or a complete novice, watching them in their natural environment is uncomparable.  Select an area with ample food, water and sunlight.  Some great spots in the area include along the Dumaresq River near the bridge, camping and stock reserves along the River, Goat Rock, and Glenlyon Dam.  Please remember to repect people’s property – do not enter without owners permission.

There are numerous tips to remember to make your time birdwatching more enjoyable:

• Take a pair of binoculars – but find birds with your naked eye first, as binoculars have a narrow field of view making it hard to search for birds.
• If you want to identify what birds you are seeing, buy a good field guide.
• The best time to go birdwatching is the mornings when the birds are searching for food.
• Respect the environment and the birds – don’t get too close to nests, colonies, roosts, or important feeding sites.
• Dress appropriately, it is best if you blend in with the rest of the environment.
• Don’t make loud noises or sudden movements as you will frighten the birds away.

Stargazing

This past time provides hours of endless fascination for adults and children alike.  The clear dark skies of the Texas area allow you to get a great view of what our night sky has to offer.  To get the best view of the night sky, you need to find a dark location.  Viewing from a backyard in Texas provides a great view but even better viewing can be achieved by getting away from the town lights.  The Beacon Lookout, Goat Rock and the area near the bridge at the Dumaresq River are several spots that are excellent for stargazing.  Get yourself comfortable, let your eyes adjust to the dark and just look!  Grab yourself a sky chart which will help you to identify what you are seeing.  Positions change depending on the time of the year so make sure you have a current map.  Crisp, winter nights are the best time to see the Milky Way arching across the sky, so rug up and enjoy the blanket of stars, constellations, planets, moons and satellites that are out there.

Walking Tracks

Everywhere in Texas is within walking distance and there is a great deal of facinating things to see on your way.  We are currently developing maps and information on different routes of interest.  Check back for more information!

Scenic Drives

 Texas is set amongst a vast array of differing environments and some interesting landmarks.  We are currently developing maps and information on various drives within the area.  Check back for more information!

We love to hear from people who have enjoyed the “Texas” experience, let us know what you think about Texas and some of the great things that you can do and see here.