Boarding At Downlands

Boarding from YEAR 7

Boarding is integral to the Downlands community, and our boarders are the heart and soul of the College. Established in 1931, Downlands welcomed day boys and girls in 1971 and has been fully co-educational since 1993. Coeducation has the advantage of keeping families together - brothers and sisters can stay, live and grow up alongside each other, forming memories that last a lifetime.


Downlands is the boarding school of choice for many rural families in Queensland, New South Wales, and the Northern Territory, and international students are also welcomed. Up to 300 students and eight residential staff call Downlands home during school terms, and three families live on campus full time.


The boarding experience is much more than just meals and beds. Downlands provides an environment that promotes growth as an individual, the development of patience, consideration and interpersonal skills, and access to a wide variety of opportunities and activities. All of which is included in the Boarding fees. For more information, please see our Boarding Handbook.


Boarding Handbook 2025

To help busy families manage their student's schedules, consider our Casual Boarding or Extended Day Student program. Casual boarding offers flexible overnight stays with meals, study routines, and access to sports and cultural activities. The Extended Day Program lets students stay at the College until 8:10pm, sleep over for one or two nights, or use the after-school service from 3:10 pm to 8:10pm. Advanced notice is required for the Extended Day Program.


Full-time (7 days a week), weekday (4 or 5 days) and casual boarding options plus an extended day student program are available. 

All Boarding students' meals are included in our all-inclusive fee structure. Both Boarding and Day students have access to the dining room and Manor Cafe throughout the term. Hot and cold menus are available for every meal. The kitchen and dining areas have been refurbished in partnership with Chartwells, creating an exciting culinary adventure for students and staff. Students praise the fresh, healthy meals. The changes have had a positive effect on the community experience, say students. School leaders are pleased with the partnership, emphasizing the importance of providing nutritious meals for growing young people. Day students can also pre-order meals from the Manor Canteen Boarder Dining.

Our staff view caring for boarding students as more than a job; it's a vocation. The family is a model for the level of care provided by our dedicated staff. A busy boarder is a happy boarder, and through an energetic Activities committee, boarding students enjoy a full calendar of events such as theme parks, climbing Tabletop Mountain, attending sporting events, rock climbing, go-carting, pool parties, trivia nights, and social events with other boarding schools. Downlands’ all-inclusive boarding fees cover these activities. Downlands is a proud member of the Australian Boarding Schools Association (ABSA), supporting and developing best practice in school residential communities across Australia.