Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
TRAILSOF THEMARANOA
Explore the culture, history and areas of the Maranoa towns that cannot be seen from a bus or car
ROMA’S HISTORIC WALKWander back through time along Roma’s Historic Walk to discover the early settlement of this important outback Queensland town in the 1860s. Roma’s landmarks chronicle the economic and social development of the district and its reaction to major events like cattle duffing and the arrival of rail in the 19th century, the growth of agriculture and commerce and the town’s contributions to two World Wars.
See where Roma locals gathered to shop, conduct business, worship and catch up on the news of the day for almost 150 years. Allow an hour or two for your walk. If time is short, consider covering sites 1-19 on one walk, and sites 20-25 on another. This brochure provides a map and an overview of the walk, and plaques at each landmark provide more information about the site’s contribution to Roma’s exciting and diverse history.
The Queensland Government established Roma as an administrative centre for the growing district in 1862. The town took its name from the wife of Queensland’s first Governor, the Countess Diamantina Roma, and was the first gazetted settlement following Queensland’s separation from New South Wales in 1859.
Steeped in colourful history since its inception, Roma gave Queensland its first wine in 1866 and, in 1900, the town was the site of Australia’s first natural gas strike which sparked a short-lived oil ‘boom’ during the Depression years. Notorious bushranger Harry Redford (the legendary Captain Starlight) was cleared of cattle rustling in his controversial trial in Roma in 1873, having stolen 1,000 cattle, which were driven to South Australia, a feat immortalised in the novel “Robbery Under Arms”.
Roma grew quickly, especially after the arrival of the rail line in 1880, and became a bustling centre for trade and commerce. The community contributed magnificently to the 20th century’s wars and the district’s World War I fallen are commemorated in Roma’s Heroes’ Avenue of bottle trees. The landmarks along this walk represent the ups and downs of life in and around Roma over two centuries. Discover their stories.
2 TRAILS OF MARANOA
Distance: . . . . . . . . . . . .1.5 km – 2 kmsTime: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 – 2 hoursTerrain: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FlatDifficulty: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Easy
Picnic area/seating: . . . . . . . . . . . . .YesExercise Equipment: . . . . . . . . . . . . . NoWater Fountain: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NoPublic Toilets: . . . . . . . Yes, in CBD area
TRAILS OF MARANOA 3
1 Uniting ChurchUntil this church was built in 1896, church-goers worshipped at the Congregational Church which was built in 1872 and survives today as the Christian Outreach Centre (3).
2 St Paul’s Anglican ChurchBuilt in 1913, this beautiful church features magnificent stained glass windows, some of which were shipped from England in the 1870s.
3 Christian Outreach CentreOriginally the Congregational Church and built in 1872, this is possibly Roma’s oldest surviving public building.
4 Commonwealth BankThis site has been occupied by various businesses over the years. The current 1987 building replaced a classic art deco structure built in the 1930s.
5 Royal HotelThe Royal Mail, as it was originally known, was a stop for Cobb and Co’s mail coaches. The present building was built in 2016 after the previous building built in 1920, was destroyed by fire in November 2014.
6 Western StarEstablished in 1875, few regional newspapers can boast the Western Star’s continuous service to a community.
7 School of ArtsThe glassed turret of this classic early 20th century building was used as a lookout for enemy aircraft during World War II.
8 Hunters Store and the Queen’s Arms Hotel
These historic buildings have fronted McDowall Street since 1916 and today trade as Ace Drapers and Irish McGann’s.
9 Ladbrook’s ButcheryOriginally built in 1919 as one of only six purpose-designed State butchershops, this store has supplied meat to Roma almost continuously since then.
10 James Saunders ChemistJames Saunders established his chemist and dentist business on this site in 1871. Today, it is Australia’s longest surviving continuous pharmacy site.
11 Westpac Bank (Bank of New South Wales)
Because the original 1906 building on the South West corner of McDowall and Charles Streets, was constructed around a concrete vault, it could not be relocated and had to be demolished.
12 Capitol TheatreEstablished in 1928, the Capitol Theatre hosted Movie Balls and visits by famous performers before it was destroyed by fire in 1989.
13 Commonwealth HotelThe current building opened in 1927 and replaced the original Queensland Hotel or Diggers’ Arms built in 1881.
14 Town Hall (former Municipal Buildings)
The Roma Town Council originally owned the buildings presently extending along the north side of McDowall Street, between Arthur Street and the present Post Office.
15 Roma Post OfficeThe district’s first Post Office was at Mount Abundance Station. The present site housed a permanent Telegraph Office in 1866 and a timber Post Office was erected in 1874.
16 The Grande HotelThe Grande Hotel was built in 1904 and extended in 1908 to cater for the town’s growth. The hotel was demolished in 2011.17 State SchoolRoma’s first state school was built in 1870. The present structure was built in 1938.
18 ANZ BankThe original 1913 structure from this site can now be seen on the German Square historic site (24).
19 National BankEstablished in 1874 as the Queensland National Bank, this Roma landmark has had a chequered history including destruction by fire in 1912 and four relocations.
20 Club HotelThe first hotel built on this site was built in 1885 and was popularly referred to as the Dew Drop Inn.
21 White Bull TavernThis tavern is named after the famous ‘white bull’ that featured in Harry Redford’s 1873 cattle stealing trial in Roma, on which Thomas Alexander Browne (Rolfe Bolderewood) based his famous novel, Robbery Under Arms.
22 Roma Railway ComplexThe arrival of the railway in 1880 prompted an influx of residents and a flush of new businesses.
23 Maranoa BroadcastingRadio 4ZR had humble beginnings in a small building housing both the transmitter and studio on Hospital Hill in 1937.
24 German SquareSo named because of the nationality of many early settlers, this was the original site of Roma’s settlement. A flood, rare for the Western Downs, prompted the relocation of Roma’s central business district to its present site.
25 Roma’s Largest Bottle TreeThis magnificent tree measuring 9.51 metres in circumference is the largest bottle tree in the township of Roma.
4 TRAILS OF MARANOA
ROMA HISTORIC WALK – HISTORICAL LANDMARKS
BOWEN ST
QUIN
TIN
ST
EDW
ARDE
S ST
GREG
ORY
ST
LOVELL ST
BUNGIL ST
GEORGE ST
STATION STMAYNE ST
MCDOWALL ST
CHAR
LES
STWYN
DHAM
ST
ARTH
UR S
T
HAW
THOR
NE S
T
ARTH
UR S
T
LEW
IS S
T
RAE ST
SHADY’SLAGOON
2
1
3
45
67 8
9
10
14 15
16
17
11
12
18
1923
24
25
20
13
21
22
StPauls
LARGEST Bottle Tree
RecreationCentre
Cenotaph
CulturalCentre
RailwayStation
Bowls Club
TRAILS OF MARANOA 5
ADUNGADOO PATHWAY (ROMA)
If you’d like some exercise or just want to enjoy the outdoors, take time to step it out along the Adungadoo Pathway.
The two kilometre recreational path follows the banks of the Bungil Creek through Roma from the Big Rig to Apex Park. In 1847, Allan McPherson the first white settler in Roma mapped the area and was guided by the Aboriginal community who had names for each section of the creek. The present walkway follows that section of the creek called Adungadoo.
This area recognises the importance to the local indigenous community. The walk passes by a recreated Aboriginal ceremonial smoking pit, meeting place and bush knowledge garden.
A feature of Adungadoo Pathway is the ancient river gums which line the trail. The native birdlife, local plant species and shady lagoons complete the beauty and tranquillity of the walk, best experienced at the end of the day.
Distance: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 kmsTime: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 minutesTerrain: . . . . . . Flat, gentle undulationsDifficulty: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Easy
Exercise Equipment: . . . . . . . . . . . . .YesPicnic Area/seating: . . . . . . . . . . . . .YesWater Fountain: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .YesPublic Toilets: . . . . . . . . . .At either end
6 TRAILS OF MARANOA
SHADY’SLAGOON
CHRYSTAL ST
BOWEN STQUIN
TIN
ST
EDW
ARDE
S ST
EDW
ARDE
S ST
GREG
ORY
ST
LOVELL ST
BUNGIL ST
GEORGE ST
STATION ST
MCDOWALL ST
CHAR
LES
ST
WYN
DHAM
ST
ARTH
UR S
T
HAW
THOR
NE S
T ARTH
UR S
T
LEW
IS S
TLE
WIS
ST
MAJ
OR S
TM
AJOR
ST
TIFF
IN S
TTI
FFIN
ST
RAE ST
StPauls
1
BIG Bottle Tree
RecreationCentre
Cenotaph
CulturalCentre
RailwayStation
Bowls Club
TRAILS OF MARANOA 7
HOSPITAL HILL WALK
8 TRAILS OF MARANOA
Hospital Hill in Roma was the site of Australia’s first natural gas discovery made in 1900 which led to a boom in gas and oil exploration and production in the region.
The discovery was made accidently after the Queensland Government’s first attempt to find an artesian water supply for Roma from a well known as QG1. A second well drilled nearby named QG2 successfully produced not only water but gas. In 1906 the gas from QG2 was reticulated to Roma for town lighting but this venture failed after two weeks when the gas ran out.
In 1908 during drilling of QG3, gas was encountered again and set alight by the wood burning steam boiler of the rig. After 45 days the blaze was finally extinguished with an ingenious iron tank, suspended over the well and lowered from steel cables.
In the years following, the Roma Oil Corporation drilled three wells on Hospital Hill which produced significant flows of oil and gas. The company erected an absorption plant at Hospital Hill which manufactured petrol from oil and condensate.
Distance: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 kmsTime: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 hoursTerrain: . . . . . . Flat, gentle undulationsDifficulty: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Easy
Exercise Equipment: . . . . . . . . . . . . . NoPicnic Area: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NoWater Fountain: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .YesPublic Toilets: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Yes
TRAILS OF MARANOA 9
WARREGO HWY
MCDOWALL ST
BOWEN ST
HOFFMAN ST
BOWEN ST
SOUTH ST
BEITZ ST
FOOT ST
COTT
ELL
ST
COTT
ELL
ST
HOLL
AND
ST
WHI
P STJA
CKSO
N ST
DOW
NS S
TDO
WNS
ST
LUFF
ST
CURR
EY S
T
WHI
P ST
DUKE
ST
RailwayDam
RomaHospital
Skate and Bike Park
Dean O Dea Oval
PinarooRetirement
Village
LocalStore
2
3
4
5
6
8
9
11
12
10
7
1
HOSPITAL HILL WALK1 ROC 12 ROC 23 ROC 34 QG15 QG26 QG37 QG48 Gasometer9 Separator Base10 Absorption Plant11 ROC Water Bore12 Lander 4
10 TRAILS OF MARANOA
HOSPITAL HILL WALK
WARREGO HWY
MCDOWALL ST
BOWEN ST
HOFFMAN ST
BOWEN ST
SOUTH ST
BEITZ ST
FOOT ST
COTT
ELL
ST
COTT
ELL
ST
HOLL
AND
ST
WHI
P STJA
CKSO
N ST
DOW
NS S
TDO
WNS
ST
LUFF
ST
CURR
EY S
T
WHI
P ST
DUKE
ST
RailwayDam
RomaHospital
Skate and Bike Park
Dean O Dea Oval
PinarooRetirement
Village
LocalStore
2
3
4
5
6
8
9
11
12
10
7
1
TRAILS OF MARANOA 11
ROMA BUSH GARDENSThe Roma Bush Gardens is a 14ha site on the edge of Roma specially designed to showcase 15 vegetation communities representative of the Roma area. The two dams were initially built to supply water for the steam engines used on the railway.The gardens are set around a large body of permanent water and interconnected by walking paths. The Roma Bush Gardens, a work in progress, has involved bringing in soil and planting many trees across the area during the past two decades.
Future plans for the Roma Bush Gardens include an amphitheatre, arboretum and further planting of vegetation communities, understory plant species and species that have been traditionally valued by Aboriginal people for food, medicine and tools.
Distance: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.5 kmsTime: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 minutesTerrain: . . . . . . Flat, gentle undulationsDifficulty: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Easy
Exercise Equipment: . . . . . . . . . . . . . NoPicnic Area: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .YesWater Fountain: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NoPublic Toilets: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No
12 TRAILS OF MARANOA
TRAILS OF MARANOA 13
MainEntrance
Dean O Dea Oval
34
5
2
1
6
7
8
9
10
RailwayDam
IntermittentWetland Ring
Tank
MAYNE ST
MAYNE ST
BOWEN ST
SOUTH ST
WHI
P ST
DUKE
ST
SOUT
TER
ST
SPEN
CER
ST
WalkwayPath
1 RiparianRiver red gum communities (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) occur throughout the Maranoa along the banks of major watercourses. Red gum forests are capable of recycling nutrients as a means of coping with nutrient poor soils and drought. The gums are important in the diet of hundreds of native animals and provide hollows for nesting, breeding and protection for native birds, mammals and arboreal reptiles. Riparian environments also provide habitat for water rats, turtles and freshwater fish and are the life-blood of semiarid landscapes.
2 Brigalow/BelahBrigalow (Acacia harpophylia) and belah communities had a wide distribution to the northwest, north and east of Roma. Clearing for cropping and pasture improvement has significantly reduced the area of these communities – all are now endangered. Like all Acacia species, brigalow converts atmospheric nitrogen into a form used by plants. Brigalow provides good shade and belah in an excellent windbreak. Remnants are a valuable habitat for many endangered reptiles in the region.
3 Cypress PineCypress pine (Callitris glaucophylla) occurs throughout the region, on sandy, loamy or stony soils. It forms pure stands, or is associated with carbeen, poplar box, iron wood, ironbarks, and smooth-barked apple. It is habitat for the rare golden-tailed gecko, and its seeds are eaten by Major- Mitchell cockatoos. Cypress forestry is a major local industry. The timber is highly resistant to termite attack.
4 Poplar Box WoodlandPoplar box (Eucalyptus populnea) is a dominant tree found within the Maranoa. It is a major hollow-forming eucalypt in southern inland Queensland
providing habitat for many arboreal mammals, bats and birds. Box woodlands are an important habitat for koalas in the west. Aboriginal people make didgeridoos from the hollowed out branches and trunks of poplar box trees.
5 Grassy Downs with MyallGrassy open downs occupy a significant area in the region. The main grasses are blue grass, Mitchell grass and Flinders grass. These grasses are important to native mammals and birds, and provide valuable grazing for livestock. Trees on the downs are fairly sparse or occur in small clumps. Myall (Acacia pendula) is a dominant species that occurs in heavy black clay soils in association with boonaree and whitewood. Myall’s silver-grey weeping foliage is distinctive.
6 Downs SoftwoodDowns softwood occurs on the crests of the undulating Mitchell grass downs country to the west of Roma. It is a scrubby open woodland community with unique biodiversity because most of the trees are neither eucalypts nor acacias. Species include boonaree, beefwood, whitewood, desert lime, emu apple, sandalwood and supplejack.
7 CoolibahCoolibah (Eucalyptus Coolabah) trees are well adapted to coping with floods and fire. Special structures within the coolibahs allow the plant to breathe even after weeks of the trunk and the roots being underwater. Underground lignotubers and epicormic buds protected by the bark enables these trees to reshoot after fire. The historical and social importance of coolibahs in Australia is illustrated in Banjo Patterson’s classic poem ‘Waltzing Matilda’ which mentions a swagman who camped under one of these shade trees near Winton. The timber of coolibah is hard, durable and termite resistant and is useful for construction.
8 MulgalandMulga trees (Acacia aneura) grow in many parts of inland Australia. In favourable conditions plants will grow one metre every 10 years until they reach 10 metres tall. Removing mulga for fodder during drought decreases nitrogen levels in the soil, depriving other valuable desert plants of food. There is a symbiotic relationship between acacias (such as brigalow and mulga) and a nitrogen binding bacteria. Mulga was an important source of food for Aboriginal people. Seeds were separated from the pod by rubbing, threshing, parching and winnowing then moistened with water and ground to an edible paste.
9 Bendee Open ForestBendee Open Forest (Acacia catenulata) grows in red loamy soils in eroded tertiary landforms and weathered sandstone outcrops. It is found in the 150-700mm annual rainfall belt in isolated pockets from south of Charters Towers to the western Darling Downs and the Grey Range west of Thargomindah. The ground flora in bendee country is usually sparse – mainly wire grasses (Aristida spp.) of little grazing value.
10 BelahBelah (Casuarina cristata) is a deep-rooted, salt tolerant tree. It grows around the Marano in very heavy soils that are highly valued for pastoral production. Belah communities have been cleared extensively for agricultural developments in the region. Efforts by Queensland Government and community groups to protect the remaining stands of belah forest have given this ecosystem a helping hand. Land owners are encouraged to protect remnants of this endangered ecosystem so that it is conserved for all to enjoy and utilise in the future.
14 TRAILS OF MARANOA
ROMA BUSH GARDENS
MainEntrance
Dean O Dea Oval
34
5
2
1
6
7
8
9
10
RailwayDam
IntermittentWetland Ring
Tank
MAYNE ST
MAYNE ST
BOWEN ST
SOUTH ST
WHI
P ST
DUKE
ST
SOUT
TER
ST
SPEN
CER
ST
WalkwayPath
TRAILS OF MARANOA 15
Injune, located 100 kilometres north of Roma, is well known for its role in the timber, cattle and natural gas industries. Injune, considered the ‘Gateway to the Carnarvons,’ is a stopover for travellers on their way north to one of Queensland’s most visited National Parks, the Carnarvon National Park, or to smaller parks such as Lonesome, Beilba, Nuga Nuga and Mt Moffatt.
The Injune Lagoon Walk is fun for the whole family, whether a stroll or faster paced jog or cycle around the shaded, peaceful lagoon area to the east of Injune township. The walkway is located 380 metres from the town centre and 100 metres from the Injune Caravan Park.
The main feature of the Injune Lagoon walk is the spectacular up-close views of
the lagoon. Be tempted to throw in a line as the locals catch fish here. The bird life and friendly marsupials are in abundance early and late in the day.
Alongside the walk is outdoor fitness equipment, so enjoy a short work out before, during or after your walk.
Seating is available near the Caravan Park and you will need to take a drink with you as there is no water along the walk.
The walk is flat and can be easily navigated by those pushing prams. Although not fully disabled accessible, the walk does suit those in all types of wheelchairs, with assistance.
Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.2 kmsTime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 minutesTerrain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FlatDifficulty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Easy
Exercise Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . .YesPicnic Area/Seating . . . . . . . . . . . . . .YesWater Fountain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NoPublic Toilet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No
INJUNE LAGOON WALK
16 TRAILS OF MARANOA
INJUNE RACETRACK& POSSUM PARK
FACILITY
CARNARVON HWY
HUTTON ST
HUTT
ON S
T
CARN
ARVO
N HW
Y
INJUNE TAROOM RD
FLOWER ST
FIRST AVE
FIRST AVE
SECOND AVE
THIRD AVE
THIRD AVE
FIFTH AVE
BROUGHTON ST
CEMETERY RD
ANNA
NDAL
E ST
CORO
NATI
ON S
T
RACECOURSE RD
RACECOURSE RD SECOND AVE
STAT
ION
ST
RONA
LD S
T
RAIL
WAY
PRD
WOMBLEBANK GAP RD
To Mitchell and Mt Moffatt National Park
To Taroom
89km To Roma
To Rolleston, Emeraldand Carnarvon National Park
1
4
3
2
INJUNESPORTS OVAL
Bowls Club
Tennis Courts
Pool
Skate
School
AMBULANCE
FIRE STATION
1
2
3
4
HENRICKS PARK
HISTORICAL STEAM TRAIN
OLD INJUNE CEMETERY
MINI MUSEUM
WALKING TRAIL
FOURTH AVE
Lago
on W
alk
TRAILS OF MARANOA 17
Mitchell, known as the ‘Gateway to the Outback,’ is situated 90 kilometres west of Roma on the Maranoa River. The Maranoa River heads in the magnificent Mt Moffatt National Park to the north where legendary bushrangers, the Kenniff brothers, roamed in the early 1900’s. Along with its bushranging history, Mitchell is proud of its local indigenous culture, pioneering past and the pristine natural beauty of the area.
Commence your River Walk journey at the Mitchell Hall complex which incorporates the Great Artesian Spa Complex and Mitchell Swimming Pool. Here you can view the names of the valiant local men and women who served their district and country during war. Beside the river, view the A Maze in Gates with its musical cattle grid at the centre. This is a work in progress
and the gates bear the names of local properties and the handicraft of local property owners.
Ask a local the best spots to catch fish and throw in a line.
As you walk, watch for local birds and marsupials as they have a drink or swim.
Return to the top of the river bank near the bridge and head north along the roadways parallel to the Maranoa River. Walk for 4.2 km in mown grassland, along the road reserve and vehicle tracks from the Warrego Highway Bridge to the Neil Turner Weir.
This walk is not suited to wheeled transport as the sand becomes heavy on local tracks when it is dry.
Please note: These walks have sustained extensive damage during the February 2012 floods. The worst flooding in history in the Maranoa River
Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.2 kmsTime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 minutesTerrain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FlatDifficulty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Medium
Exercise Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NoPicnic Area/Seating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesWater Fountain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NoPublic Toilet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes
WARRON
G ROAD
BRI
STO
L ST
REET
FOREST VALE ROAD
YUMBA TRAIL
210kms to St George,
7kms to Kenniff Monuments
87kms to RomaTo Major
Mitchell Campsite & Mt Moffat
SchoolSkate
Fire
School BowlsClub
To Mungallala, Charleville &
Fishermans Rest
4
3
1
2
3
4
GREAT ARTESIAN SPA & POOL
HERITAGE MUSEUM
KENNIFF COURTHOUSE
MUSICAL CATTLE GRID
WALKING TRAIL
1 2
MITCHELL RIVER & WEIR WALK
18 TRAILS OF MARANOA
WARRON
G ROAD
BRI
STO
L ST
REET
FOREST VALE ROAD
YUMBA TRAIL
210kms to St George,
7kms to Kenniff Monuments
87kms to RomaTo Major
Mitchell Campsite & Mt Moffat
SchoolSkate
Fire
School BowlsClub
To Mungallala, Charleville &
Fishermans Rest
4
3
1
2
3
4
GREAT ARTESIAN SPA & POOL
HERITAGE MUSEUM
KENNIFF COURTHOUSE
MUSICAL CATTLE GRID
WALKING TRAIL
1 2
TRAILS OF MARANOA 19
The picture-postcard town of Surat is situated on the banks of the tranquil Balonne River, which is an angler’s dream. As locals will tell you, the fishing is plentiful. Surat is steeped in history with links to the Cobb and Co coach service. The Cobb and Co Changing Station houses a museum, which includes a 14 seater Cobb and Co coach, making it well worth a visit.
So enjoy the fishing, soak up the history of Cobb and Co and take a walk at your own pace in the riverside parklands.
This serene and picturesque walk follows the Balonne River, east and west of the Riverside Parklands in Surat for approximately two kilometres.
This walk allows easy walking for all ages. Wheelchairs and prams can safely navigate the level concrete walkway. The features of this walk include fitness and leisure equipment, water fountain, excellent footbridges and a spectacular viewing platform overlooking the river. There are play areas for children.
Commence the walk on Marcus Street near the Memorial Park and head westwards until you reach the Weir Parklands, which is the perfect spot to picnic with a BBQ, seating and shade available. Return to your starting point and continue east on the gravel walkway (600m) where you can experience walking over the footbridge attached to the Balonne River Bridge and continue on to the Fisherman’s Rest Park and Caravan Park.
On the town side of the Balonne River Bridge you can head further eastward along a gravel track to the aboriginal interpretative shelter that tells the story of local family histories and gives an insight into cultural awareness.
Take your camera and a water bottle and be amazed at the beauty of the stark riverscape’s bird life and native plants.
Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 kmsTime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 minutesTerrain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FlatDifficulty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Easy
Exercise Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . .YesPicnic area/seating . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesWater Fountain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesPublic Toilets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Yes
SURAT GOLF COURSE
SURAT HOSPITAL
SURATRECREATIONAL
GROUNDSSchool
CARN
ARVO
N HW
Y
CORD
ELIA
ST
BALONNE RIVER
SURAT DEVELOPMENT RD
MARCUS ST
MARCUS ST
BYMOUNT RD
WILLIAM ST
WILLIAM ST
BURROWES ST
ROBERT ST
AUGU
STA
ST
ALIC
E ST
BERT
HA S
T
SARA
H ST
CHAR
LOTT
E ST
KING ST
IVAN ST
IVAN ST
CHARLES ST
ALEXANDER ST
CARN
ARVO
N H
WY
78kms to Roma
InterpretiveShelter
BOAT RAMP
CEMETERY
SURAT AIRSTRIP
117kmsto St George
To Glenmorgan
WEIR PARK
SHIRE HALL
Pool
1
4
2
3
1
2
3
4
COBB & CO MUSEUM, GALLERY AND AQUARIUM
FREEDOM TREE
ASTOR THEATRE
SHIRE HALL
WALKING TRAIL
Riverwalk
Riverwalk
Fisherman’s Park
Skate
Tennis
BowlsClub
AmbulanceStation
Fire Station
To Racetrack, Campdraft, Pony Club, Rodeo Grounds
and Gun Club
FITNESSEQUIPMENT
FITNESSEQUIPMENT
FITNESSEQUIPMENT
FITNESSEQUIPMENT
FITNESSEQUIPMENT
FITNESSEQUIPMENT
FITNESSEQUIPMENT
FITNESSEQUIPMENT
SURAT RIVER WALK
20 TRAILS OF MARANOA
SURAT GOLF COURSE
SURAT HOSPITAL
SURATRECREATIONAL
GROUNDSSchool
CARN
ARVO
N HW
Y
CORD
ELIA
ST
BALONNE RIVER
SURAT DEVELOPMENT RD
MARCUS ST
MARCUS ST
BYMOUNT RD
WILLIAM ST
WILLIAM ST
BURROWES ST
ROBERT ST
AUGU
STA
ST
ALIC
E ST
BERT
HA S
T
SARA
H ST
CHAR
LOTT
E ST
KING ST
IVAN ST
IVAN ST
CHARLES ST
ALEXANDER ST
CARN
ARVO
N H
WY
78kms to Roma
InterpretiveShelter
BOAT RAMP
CEMETERY
SURAT AIRSTRIP
117kmsto St George
To Glenmorgan
WEIR PARK
SHIRE HALL
Pool
1
4
2
3
1
2
3
4
COBB & CO MUSEUM, GALLERY AND AQUARIUM
FREEDOM TREE
ASTOR THEATRE
SHIRE HALL
WALKING TRAIL
Riverwalk
Riverwalk
Fisherman’s Park
Skate
Tennis
BowlsClub
AmbulanceStation
Fire Station
To Racetrack, Campdraft, Pony Club, Rodeo Grounds
and Gun Club
FITNESSEQUIPMENT
FITNESSEQUIPMENT
FITNESSEQUIPMENT
FITNESSEQUIPMENT
FITNESSEQUIPMENT
FITNESSEQUIPMENT
FITNESSEQUIPMENT
FITNESSEQUIPMENT
TRAILS OF MARANOA 21
Experience the charm of Wallumbilla and its history as a railway town.The old Wallumbilla Railway Station and Heritage Complex houses memorabilia detailing rail travel which was fundamental to people early last century. It includes archival records of a tragic rail disaster in the district in 1956. Visit Calico Cottage , Wallumbilla’s Visitor Information Centre which is situated under the mammoth storage shed once used to house items awaiting delivery on or off the train.
This trail beginning at Calico Cottage, includes an element of historical folk lore. Locals believe Harry Thompson, a reclusive hermit, to be Steve Hart of the Ned Kelly gang. Read the story at the trailhead and form your own opinion.
This short walk meanders along the Wallumbilla Creek and loops back into the town centre.
It features outdoor fitness equipment, water fountain and seating which allows you to pause awhile and enjoy the views onto the creek with possible sightings of local bird and animal life.
This walk allows safe passage from the Wallumbilla Showgrounds and camping facility to the Visitor Information Centre at Calico Cottage. Please show caution when crossing the Warrego Highway.
Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 kmTime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 minutesTerrain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FlatDifficulty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Easy
Exercise Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesPicnic area/seating . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesWater Fountain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesPublic Toilets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes
RUSSELL ST
MAY ST
WALLUM
BILLA SOUTH RD
WAL
LUM
BILL
A NO
RTH
RD
CHAD
FORD
ST
WES
T ST
STAKE YARD RD
BURK
E ST
FLIN
DERS
ST
LAND
SBOR
OUGH
ST
HILL
ST
TWIN
E ST
EAST
ST
HOUSTON RD
EAST
ST
OLD ROMA ROAD
TRAFFORD PARK RD
MAY ST
HILL ST
HIGH ST
HIGH ST
COLLEGE ST
RUSSELL STSWANS RD
SHOWGROUNDS
WALLUMBILLA CREEK
RECREATIONALRESERVE
WARREGO HWYWARREGO HWY
GEORGE ST
40kms to Roma
19kms to Yuleba
Pool
HallSchool
Skate
1
2
3
RAILWAY STATION
CALICO COTTAGE
HERITAGE COMPLEX
WALKING TRAIL
1 2 3
FITNESSEQUIPMENT
FITNESSEQUIPMENT
FITNESSEQUIPMENT
HARRY THOMPSON WALK
(WALLUMBILLA)
22 TRAILS OF MARANOA
RUSSELL ST
MAY ST
WALLUM
BILLA SOUTH RD
WAL
LUM
BILL
A NO
RTH
RD
CHAD
FORD
ST
WES
T ST
STAKE YARD RD
BURK
E ST
FLIN
DERS
ST
LAND
SBOR
OUGH
ST
HILL
ST
TWIN
E ST
EAST
ST
HOUSTON RD
EAST
ST
OLD ROMA ROAD
TRAFFORD PARK RD
MAY ST
HILL ST
HIGH ST
HIGH ST
COLLEGE ST
RUSSELL STSWANS RD
SHOWGROUNDS
WALLUMBILLA CREEK
RECREATIONALRESERVE
WARREGO HWYWARREGO HWY
GEORGE ST
40kms to Roma
19kms to Yuleba
Pool
HallSchool
Skate
1
2
3
RAILWAY STATION
CALICO COTTAGE
HERITAGE COMPLEX
WALKING TRAIL
1 2 3
FITNESSEQUIPMENT
FITNESSEQUIPMENT
FITNESSEQUIPMENT
TRAILS OF MARANOA 23
FITNESSEQUIPMENT FITNESS
EQUIPMENT
FITNESSEQUIPMENT
WARREGO HWY
WARREGO HWY
COBB & CO WAY
STEPHENSON ST
MASSON LN
GARDEN ST
LANG
TON
RD
UNDERPASS RD
FORE
STRY
RD
STAT
ION
ST
STEPHENSON ST
MUGGINS LN
MOSSVALE RD
YULEBA NORTH ROAD
BASS
ST
BANK
S ST
BURK
E ST
FLIN
DERS
ST
PERR
Y ST
PERR
Y ST
CREE
K ST
BEDWELL ST
SCOTT ST
DRURY ST
RECREATIONALRESERVE
Toowoomba289kms
Judds Lagoonturnoff
60kms to Roma
75km
s to Su
rat
Native
Well
s & Th
e Mary
anne
1
1
2
COBB & CO PARK
COBB & CO MONUMENT
WALKING TRAIL
Bowls & Golf Clubs
2
Hall
Skate
School
Yuleba has strong links to Cobb and Co coach service days, with the last Cobb and Co run in Australia travelling from Surat and ending at Yuleba in 1924. Enjoy the street murals and historical Cobb and Co corduroys, south of Yuleba, which allowed coach passage during the wet.The Aboriginal meaning for Yuleba is ‘place of the water lillies.’ Depending on the season, water lillies can be seen at Judd’s Lagoon, a great camping spot east of town. The spot is worth a visit to sit awhile and enjoy the sounds of the bush.
Bendemere Walk remembers the historical significance of the Bendemere
Shire as a pioneer of the local pastoral industry and hub for early modes of transport. It is a short walk along the trail beginning and ending at Garth Cox Park in Stephenson Street, encircling the centre of Yuleba. This walk commences in the main street and takes you past local history murals and into a rural setting along the creek and edge of town.
Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.2 kmsTime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 minutesTerrain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FlatDifficulty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Easy
Exercise Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesPicnic area/seating . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesWater Fountain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YesPublic Toilets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes
BENDEMERE WALK (YULEBA)
24 TRAILS OF MARANOA
FITNESSEQUIPMENT FITNESS
EQUIPMENT
FITNESSEQUIPMENT
WARREGO HWY
WARREGO HWY
COBB & CO WAY
STEPHENSON ST
MASSON LN
GARDEN ST
LANG
TON
RD
UNDERPASS RD
FORE
STRY
RD
STAT
ION
ST
STEPHENSON ST
MUGGINS LN
MOSSVALE RD
YULEBA NORTH ROAD
BASS
ST
BANK
S ST
BURK
E ST
FLIN
DERS
ST
PERR
Y ST
PERR
Y ST
CREE
K ST
BEDWELL ST
SCOTT ST
DRURY ST
RECREATIONALRESERVE
Toowoomba289kms
Judds Lagoonturnoff
60kms to Roma
75km
s to Su
rat
Native
Well
s & Th
e Mary
anne
1
1
2
COBB & CO PARK
COBB & CO MONUMENT
WALKING TRAIL
Bowls & Golf Clubs
2
Hall
Skate
School
TRAILS OF MARANOA 25
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES
www.visitmaranoa.com.au
Roma Visitor Information CentreThe Big Rig, Warrego Highway, RomaPhone: 07 4622 8676Email: [email protected]
Injune Visitor Information Centre32 Hutton St, InjunePhone: 07 4626 0503Email: [email protected]
Mitchell Visitor Information CentreGreat Artesian Spa, 2 Cambridge St, MitchellPhone: 07 4624 6923Email: [email protected]
Surat Visitor Information CentreCobb & Co Changing Station, 62 Burrowes St, SuratPhone: 07 4626 5136Email: [email protected]
Wallumbilla Visitor Information CentreCalico Cottage, Warrego Highway, WallumbillaPhone: 07 4623 4244Email: [email protected]
Recommended walking time for all walks is early morning or/and late
afternoon (especially in the Summer months) as this is the optimum time to avoid the heat and catch sight of
local wildlife and birds.
Scan for more info
