PDF - RACQ Tourist Information Centre

www.leichhardthighway.com
When travelling in Central Queensland
take the time to discover
The Gorges Way
Banana
Biloela
To Carnarvon Gorge,
Emerald and the
Gemfields
Moura
Gladstone
Calliope
Theodore
Cania
Gorge N.P.
Kroombit Tops
N.P.
To Tannum Sands,
Miriam Vale,
Agnes Water
and 1770
Isla Gorge
N.P.
Leichhardt Hwy to Taroom and
Miles
MORE
INFO
>>
• Theodore Information Centre (07) 4993 1900
• Gladstone Information Centre (07) 4972 9000
• Miriam Vale Information Centre (07) 4974 5428
• Tannum Sands Information Centre 07 4973 8062
• Agnes Water Information Centre (07) 4902 1533
• The Rural Hinterland Information Centre (07) 4992 2400
• Biloela Promotions Bureau (07) 4992 2405
• Moura Information Centre (07) 4997 2084
Local, Murilla Shire
Condamine River Lorikeet
TOURING THE LEICHHARDT
Set off on a modern day adventure as you ‘blaze a trail’ along the fully sealed Leichhardt
Highway. Together with the adjoining Newell Highway, the Leichhardt links Australia’s second
largest city, Melbourne, through Queensland’s border town, Goondiwindi and onto the
charismatic heart of the Capricorn Coast, Yeppoon.
Follow in the tracks of the intrepid explorer, Ludwig Leichhardt, along this inland route
named in his honour. The Leichhardt and Newell Highways combine to make the fastest
touring route from Melbourne to the Tropics. It takes you away from the hustle and bustle
and avoids the more hectic pace of travel associated with the coastal routes making it a
perfect choice for your next trip.
This is a journey rich in discovery from the vast rolling pastures of the inland grazing districts
to the astounding beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. Along the way you’ll encounter
spectacular gorges, peaceful lagoons, inland waterways ideal for casting a line, world
acclaimed botanic gardens, historical treasures and unspoilt natural treats just waiting to be
discovered. Friendly locals in quaint country towns provide a warm welcome and useful tips
for where best to fish, explore, and relax.
Uncover the history of past generations in museums and historical collections that will truly
amaze you and explore what was once the world’s largest and richest gold mine as you
chart a course to Queensland’s topical coast. With a range of accommodation options
fitting every budget and so much to discover you’ll soon understand why this acclaimed
historic route lives up to its reputation as one of excitement and discovery.
CONTENTS
. Goondiwindi
2
3. Tara
4. Miles
5. T
aroom
7. M
ap
8. Theodore & Banana
9. Mount Morgan
10. Rockhampton
11. Capricorn Coast
12. Travellers Info
• Travel Planner
• Visitor Info Centres
• Advertisers Directory
LUDWIG LEICHHARDT
One of Australia’s most heroic explorers, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludwig Leichhardt, first
arrived in Australia from his native Prussia in 1842. The talented naturalist had come to
explore Australia’s interior and discover more of its flora. After spending time in the
coastal regions between Sydney and Moreton Bay he finally mounted his epic
expedition to explore the region from Moreton Bay to Port Essington in September
1844. The party of five men braved the arduous journey arriving at the small settlement
in the Gulf of Carpentaria 14 months later in December of 1845. In recognition of the
great explorer the highway from Goondiwindi to Rockhampton was named the
Leichhardt.
Ludwig Leichhardt (Image courtesy of Queensland State Library, Image No.111753)
Goondiwindi
Mt Morgan
Great Keppel Island
www.leichhardthighway.com
GOONDIWINDI SHIRE
WAGGAMBA SHIRE
Goondiwindi
Yelarbon ~ Toobeah ~ Bungunya ~ Talwood ~ Weengallon
Gunsynd Statue
Moree
GOONDIWINDI
< 123km >
Moonie
< 94km >
Tara turnoff
< 45km >
Goondiwindi lies on the banks of the Macintyre River that marks the divide between NSW
and Queensland. It is the first port of call on the way north, where the Newell Highway
becomes the Leichhardt. As the gateway to the Western Downs, Goondiwindi sits at the
heart of the region’s agriculture of cotton and wheat growing together with the beef and wool
industries. It is also the home to the legendary racehorse Gunsynd, ‘the Goondiwindi Grey’.
Spend a day enjoying this pretty border town, visit the sights and take a stroll along the
riverwalk. In Apex Park visit the Gunsynd statue (one of the Top 12 Queensland Icons) and
nearby at the Visitor Centre is the Gunsynd Memorial. They are close to the historic Border
Bridge, which dates back to 1914. The Botanic Gardens and Natural Heritage Water Park
are ideal locations for a picnic with plenty of van parking and facilities for travellers. In town
visit the Fairway Studios gallery and explore the former border Customs House – now a
museum. Local history is also recorded in the Callandoon Pioneers Cemetery.
If time permits then explore the local district and a collection of appealing small towns including
the former tobacco town of Yelarbon to the east and south to picturesque Macintyre Falls. To
the west lie the towns of Toobeah, Bungunya and Talwood – famous for its picnic races. Further
west still is Weengallon with its Aboriginal rock wells. Boobera Lagoon lies to the south-west.
Framing & Art Gallery
Fairway Studios exhibits outstanding
works by local & regional artists.
From Goondiwindi head north to Moonie, the oil capital of inland Australia. It lies at the
crossroads of the Leichhardt and Moonie Highways and is a popular rest spot for travellers.
It’s followed by the tiny settlement of The Gums.
HIGHLIGHTS
Open Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm & Saturday 9am-1pm
Opposite the Town Park, 8a Moffatt St,
Goondiwindi Q. 4390, Ph/Fax 07 46713101
www.fairwaystudios.com.au
•Statue of Gunsynd – the Goondiwindi Grey
•Customs House Museum
•Border Bridge
•Fairway Studios – art gallery and gift shop
•Natural Heritage and Water Park
•Botanic Gardens
•Callandoon Pioneer Cemetery
•Gunsynd and Rodeo Memorial (Visitor Centre)
Waggamba Shire:
•Yelarbon – former tobacco district (50kms)
•Toobeah – famous for horse sports (50kms)
•Bungunya – pretty village in wheat belt (70kms)
•Talwood – attractive country town (90kms)
•Weengallon – Aboriginal Rock Wells (135kms)
Country Comfort
Goondiwindi
If you’re crossing the New
South Wales / Queensland
border at Goondiwindi, why
not stay at Goondiwindi’s
premium motel – the
Country Roads Motor Inn.
Featuring licensed
restaurant, mini-bar &
facilities for the disabled
traveller. Make us “your
home away from home”.
11-13 Cunningham Hwy, Goondiwindi, Qld 4390
Ph: (07) 4671 3930 Fax: (07) 4671 3838
Email: countryroadsgundy@bigpond.com
www.countryroadsmotorinn.com
GOONDIWINDI RSL MEMORIAL CLUB
GOONDIWINDI’S COMMUNITY CLUB
• Bistro 7days Lunch & Dinner • Ample Off Street Parking
• Coaches Welcome • Conference Facilities • Functions
Catered For • Courtesy Bus Available • Jupiter’s Keno
• Poker Machines • Eftpos & ATM Facilities
• Bingo – Wed & Sunday • Club Raffles – Wed, Fri & Sat
• Coldest Beer in town
VISITORS WARMLY WELCOME
23 ALBERT STREET (07) 4671 1269 gundyrsl@bigpond.net.au
www.leichhardthighway.com
Ideally located in the centre of Goondiwindi. Our motel
provides all the traditional country comforts and facilities in
21 well appointed rooms.
• Minibar • Austar TV • Air-Con • Swimming Pool
The Town House Restaurant & Cocktail Bar is open for Dinner:
Mon-Sat & Lunch: Tue-Fri. Room service at no extra charge.
RESERVATIONS: 1300 650 464
110 Marshall Street Goondiwindi QLD 4390
t: 07 4671 1855 f: 07 4671 2918
TARA SHIRE
Tara
Moonie ~ The Gums ~ Meandarra ~ Glenmorgan
Wheat field, Tara Shire Moonie
Robyn Gordon Grevillea
TARA Tara turnoff < 45km >
Tara turnoff
< 28km >
Miles
< 80km >
The tiny pioneer village of The Gums has an excellent Nature Reserve with free camping
on the banks of a picturesque lagoon and a nine hole bush golf course. The reserve is
home to a wide selection of native flora and attracts parrots and other birds while the
resident kangaroos lie idly in the shade watching the golfers play a round on one of the best
value courses - just $2.00 for a round.
Tara Shire is home to vast wheat fields but it is also in the heart of some of Australia’s finest
Merino country. Some 30kms east of The Gums and the Leichhardt Highway Tara is the
main town for the shire and the centre for the local sheep and cattle industries. Stroll
through the main street and meet the locals. Try a pie at the Woolshed Bakery or enjoy a
drink in the Commercial Hotel, noted for its original Hugh Sawrey paintings.
Tara hosts the National Sheepdog Trials (Easter) and shearing competitions as well as
camel races. Explore the town’s heritage and see the gallery of internationally renowned
artist Barbara Geisel (by appointment only) famous for her wool paintings. The Tara
Historical Society Museum has local folk history displays including shearing memorabilia
and projection equipment from the Blue Moon Picture Theatre. South of The Gums, Wattle
Downs is a working Merino station offering farmstay experiences.
Meandarra
West of the highway and well worth a visit is the internationally recognised Myall Park Botanic
Garden on the outskirts of Glenmorgan. Birthplace of the Grevillea Robyn Gordon, the garden
presents Queensland’s oldest collection of Australian semi-arid flora as well as a gallery and
provides accommodation and camping. Meandarra, midway between Glenmorgan and The
Gums, is popular for fishing and camping. The town has an extensive collection of wartime
militaria and combat vehicles and its architectural heritage includes an early School of Arts.
HIGHLIGHTS
•Myall Park Botanic Gardens
& Gallery
•The Gums Nature Reserve
•Woolshed Bakery’s famous
pies
•Barbara Geisel Gallery
•Commercial Hotel’s Hugh
Sawrey paintings
•Tara Lagoon and walkway
•Tara Pioneer Village
COMMERCIAL HOTEL TARA
•Wartime vehicles and
militaria at Meandarra
•End of the Line, Glenmorgan
•Wattle Downs Farmstay
Glenmorgan
TARA RURAL SUPPLIES & TARA REAL ESTATE
Myall
Park
BOTANIC
GARDEN
GLENMORGAN
New Owners Owen and Tracey welcome you
to their historic pub est. 1912. Gaming room,
pool room, drive thru bottleshop, budget a/c
accommodation, great meals, bars, beer garden
and hospitality plus.
35 DAY STREET TARA. QLD 4421
Ph: 07 4665 3214 Fax: 07 4669 4067
Two Great Locations:
46 Day St (07 4665 3366)
• Gas Bottle Refills • Produce/Dog & Cat Food
• Batteries & Camping Equipment • Plus much more!
15 Fry St (07 4669 4100)
For all your Real Estate needs –
why not look for an investment property while you’re here!
Mobile: 0427 818 874
www.leichhardthighway.com
• One of Australia’s oldest collections of native plants
• Home of the “Gordon” Grevilleas
Perfect for
• Gallery of Dorothy Gordon botanical paintings botanists,
and gift shop
gardeners, bird
• Accommodation - comfortable 1950’s style
watchers,
• Walks and trails with interpretive information photographers,
artists
and bush
• Camping - powered and non-powered sites
walkers
• Follow the signs from Glenmorgan
Phone/Fax (07)4665 6705
mpbglimited@itconnect.net.au www.myallparkbotanicgarden.org.au
MURILLA SHIRE
Miles
Condamine ~ Dulacca ~ Drillham
Dogwood Crossing @ Miles
Miles Historical Village
Tara turnoff MILES < 80km >
Taroom
< 124km >
Miles is the next major centre on the road north but along the way take in the sights around
Condamine. Caliguel Lagoon lies 7km south of Condamine and offers an excellent site for
an overnight stay. In the heart of cattle country, Condamine is home to the Condamine
Rodeo and the ‘Condamine Bell’ – cow bells forged from sheet metal to help locate grazing
bullocks. The Condamine River is a popular fishing spot with locals and visitors alike.
On your journey to Miles, during late summer and autumn you’ll witness the rare pink water
lilies in bloom across the tranquil waters of Chinaman’s Lagoon. Miles wouldn’t be
complete without a visit to the outstanding Miles Historical Village and its recreated village
street of heritage buildings. Authentically restored and stocked, it will take you back to the
pioneer days of this vibrant bush community. Add to that a magnificent lapidary and shell
collections, the impressive war museum, restored vehicles and numerous other artefacts,
friendly staff, and the chance to meet local identities such as Condamine Jack. You’ll soon
understand why they say this is a ‘world class facility’.
Fishing on the Condamine
MILES HISTORICAL VILLAGE
Open daily
8am to 5pm.
Closed
Christmas
Day.
Visitors
Information
Centre
Ludwig Leichhardt originally named Miles ‘Dogwood Crossing’. At the state of the art
Dogwood Crossing @ Miles you can witness the heroic tales of local pioneers. This is
native wildflower country and after spring rains, the surrounding bush erupts into a
kaleidoscope of delicate blossoms. Grab a Self-Drive Tour brochure to explore the bushland at your leisure.
West of Miles along the Warrego Highway are the towns of Dulacca (Aboriginal for ‘emu
tracks’) and Drillham – both established as railway towns.
• Historical village
• “Dogwood Crossing”
- early street of shops
and other buildings
• The finest private sea
shell collection
• Magnificent lapidary
display
• Artesian basin centre
• war museum
• Catering for groups
by arrangement
Warrego Highway, Miles
Ph/Fax
HIGHLIGHTS
•Caliguel Lagoon
•Condamine Bell
•Condamine Pioneer Park
•Gil Weir
(07) 4627 1492
•Chinaman’s Lagoon
•Miles Historical Village
•Historical Cemeteries
•Murilla Shire Self Drive Tours
•Dogwood Creek Walking
Tracks
•Dogwood Crossing @ Miles Cultural Centre
MILES OUTBACK MOTEL

AAAT

DOGWOOD CROSSING @ MILES
THE BEST VALUE FOR MILES AROUND
• 22 newly refurbished, reverse cycle air-conditioned units
• Fully licensed with Austar • Queen Beds
• Wireless broadband • All units are on ground floor
• RSL/Memorial Club at rear gate
• Evening meals to units with charge back facility
• Ample secure parking for coaches, boats and trailers.
97 Murilla St, Miles
Ph: 07 4627 1322
Open 7 days a week
On the corner of the Leichhardt and Warrego
Highways, Miles, Queensland.
Local Stories “A” Class Art Gallery
Library IT Centre
Phone: (07) 4627 2455
Email: dogwoodcrossing@murilla.qld.gov.au
www.leichhardthighway.com
27 Ground Floor Units
All with air conditioning
Covered car parking (10 with lock up garages)
Evening meals and Breakfasts to units
milesoutbackmotel@hotmail.com
www.milesoutbackmotel.com.au
Ph 07 4627 2100 Fax 07 4627 2172
TAROOM SHIRE
Taroom
Leichhardt Country ~ Guluguba ~ Wandoan
The
Juandah
Historical Site
Ampl
e
parki
ng
Give your imagination
free reign as you
Admission
wander past the
by donation
interpretive signage
placed around this old settlement dating
back to 1848. The original old store, with an
internal room built of slabs is still standing.
92 Windeyer Rd, Wandoan
Open most days 10am to 4.00pm except Mondays
Ph 07 4627 4191
Isla Gorge
Miles TAROOM
< 124km >
Theodore
< 94km >
Cattle Camp Motel
From Miles the highway tracks north into Leichhardt Country where the explorer literally left
his mark ‘L.L. 1844’ on what is now an historic Coolibah tree in the main street of Taroom.
Taroom and Wandoan are the two towns for the region but travellers from Miles will first
pass through Guluguba, which lies at the bottom of the Great Dividing Range.
Leichhardt was a diligent observer of all he encountered and his journals record the
Aboriginal sites, fauna, flora and topography of the inland. In 1848, four years after
Leichhardt traversed this region, the historic Juandah Station was first established and from
it has grown the town of Wandoan. Stop at the Wandoan Visitor Centre for advice on the
local heritage trails and see the pioneer settlement of the Juandah Historical Site.
Taroom is the main town for the region and lies on the banks of the Dawson River where
Leichhardt and his party camped. There is a monument to the explorer in the town and
another to fellow botanist in his party, John Gilbert at Gilbert’s Lookout overlooking the
township. The entrance to the town is marked by the ‘Steel Wings’ model windmill.
15km north of Taroom is Palm Tree Creek with its unique Livistona Palms, which contrast
vividly with the eucalypt forest. Lake Murphy Conservation Park and Glebe Weir, both north
of Taroom, offer further alternatives for anglers and campers. For those with a 4WD, the
120km road northwest to Expedition National Park rewards with views of dramatic cliffs,
Aboriginal stencil art, wildflowers in spring and impressive views across the Arcadia Valley.
Camp beside a permanent waterhole flanked with wattles and listen for the King Parrots
and Rainbow Lorikeets and see the Honeyeaters feasting on the flowers.
Isla Gorge National Park sits alongside the Leichhardt Highway. A short drive takes you to
the lookout and camping ground where sunsets can be spectacular. For those with an
eager eye try spotting the shy Herbert’s rock-wallaby.
HIGHLIGHTS
•Juandah Heritage Centre
•Heritage Trail
•Waterloo Plains Environmental
Park
•Leichhardt Tree (Taroom)
•Steel Wings windmill
•Gilbert’s Lookout
•Glebe Weir
WANDOAN ACCOMMODATION PARK
•Lake Murphy Conservation Park
•Expedition National Park
•Isla Gorge National Park
•Palm Tree Creek
LEICHHARDT
Hotel Motel
P OOL & R ESTAURANT
Hosts: Dennis & Janice
Ph: 07 4627 3412 Fax: 07 4628 6188
Arrive a Guest, Leave a Friend
TA R O O M B O W L S C L U B
Members, guests and visitors always welcome.
Enjoy our friendly service. Spacious facilities.
Evening meals at popular prices. Pokies.
Green open all year round.
A short stroll from Caravan Park and main street.
26 Martin Street Tel: 07 4627 3205
COUNTRY CHARACTERS
Country character
s cover.qxd
• AIR-CONDITIONED UNITS
• PHONES & INTERNET
• DRIVE THROUGH SITES
• CLEAN AMENITIES
• LAUNDRY FACILITIES
4 ZUPPS ROAD
WANDOAN
QLD 4419
TEL: 07 4627 4407
FAX: 07 4627 4177
Phone: 07 4627 3137 • Fax: 07 4627 3397
leichhardt.hotel@bigpond.com
• Ensuite Fully Air-conditioned Motel Units
• Superb Country Meals, Great Rump Steak
• Full Hotel Facilities
• Pokies • Pub TAB • Keno
• Children’s Play Area
• Bottleshop
DAWSON STREET TAROOM QLD 4420
www.leichhardthighway.com
Life away from the bright city lights. That is
where you find country characters and townsfolk
anywhere in Australia.
Freedom of wide open spaces
for the children. Take a stroll
through the pages and meet
them all. Books can be
purchased from Taroom and
Country
regional outlets or post
Characters
$18.50 cheque or MO to:
23/02/2007
4:19 PM
Page 1
Heather Corfield
Heather Corfield
MS53 Taroom Q 4420
Te l / F a x : 0 7 4 6 2 7 4 9 3 9
the
newell
m o re
than
just
a
h i g h w ay
w w w . n e w e l l h i g h w ay . o rg . a u
connecting roads maps
information centres
family parks events
distances & times
BANANA SHIRE
Theodore & Banana
Theodore ~ Banana ~ Dululu ~ Biloela ~ Baralaba
Dululu Kroombit Tops
Theodore BANANA < 59km >
Dululu < 81km >
Rockhampton
< 82km >
Theodore is the first stop in Banana Shire and at The Junction on the banks of the
Dawson River you’ll find an ideal free camping and fishing locality or stay at The Theodore
Hotel, one of only two Co-operative hotels in Australia. The Dawson Folk Museum records
the history of the Dawson Valley with entry by appointment at the Theodore Visitor Centre.
OUTBACK LIFESTYLE
Small and personal, genuine cattle farm.
Horse and motorbike riding. Great home
cooking. Clean and comfortable accommodation.
“Myella” , Baralaba
Ph: 07 4998 1290 Fax: 07 4998 1104
Email: myella@bigpond.com www. myella.com
B^hh^i
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Fringed with weeping callistemons and towering palms, the Dawson has a reputation as
one of Queensland’s premier inland fisheries. Catches include barramundi, yellow-belly,
black bream, and sleepy cod. Keen anglers should also explore the Bass to Barra Trail
including Lake Callide, Lake Cania and Lake Awoonga – just a few of the nine impoundment
lakes that offer excellent freshwater fishing in the Central and Southern Queensland regions.
Banana, on the junction of the Leichhardt and Dawson Highways, is not home to
plantations of the luscious fruit. Instead, the town and shire owe their name to a muchrevered bullock, ‘Banana’. In the 1850s Moses Wafer’s now famous yellow bullock was
known for mustering ‘scrubbers’ (unbranded wild cattle). On his death the station, town
and then shire adopted the name ‘Banana’. A monument celebrates the noble beast.
From Banana head east along the Dawson Highway to the thriving town of Biloela
(Aboriginal for ‘white cockatoo’). Visit the former Expo ’88 SILO exhibit, a pioneer village
and the Callide Power Station. Further east lie the port city of Gladstone and the holiday
centres of Tannum Sands and the Discovery Coast’s Agnes Water and Town of 1770 –
gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
20kms west of Banana and upstream of the Dawson is the booming coal town of Moura.
The township of Moura and Baralaba are worth a visit and the river’s sweeping banks and
large flat camping grounds make good stopovers and the chance to wet a line. Myella
Farmstay is nearby and offers a genuine cattle farm experience with camping and
accommodation.
From Banana the Leichhardt Highway is flanked with cotton fields and the brilliant
yellow and green of sunflowers. The tiny township of Dululu reflects the sunflower yellow
in its Queenslander pub. Dululu provides travellers with camping facilities, picnic tables
and BBQ’s.
HOTEL
THEODORE
CO-OPERATIVE
ASSOCIATION LTD
For your FREE Fishing pack
call 1300 761 721
or visit centralqueensland.com.au
Picturesque Hotel/Motel
situated on the banks of
the Dawson River
• Affordable, fully air
conditioned
• Motel/Hotel
• Plus new large selfcontained cabins
• On site Museum &
Laundromat
• Conference room
Visit the only Co-operative
hotel in Australia
Tel 07 4993 1244
Fax 07 4993 1108
www.leichhardthighway.com
HIGHLIGHTS
•Dawson Folk Museum
•Fishing the Dawson River
•Theodore Hotel
•Lakes of the Bass to Barra Trail
•Banana monument
•Moura mine
•Myella Farmstay
•SILO exhibit
•Ruth Maynard Pioneer Village
•Greycliffe Homestead
•Callide Power Station
•Kroombit Tops
MOUNT MORGAN SHIRE
Mount Morgan
Mount Morgan Mine Banana Running The Cutter
Dululu < 81km >
MOUNT MORGAN
< 31km >
Rockhampton
< 38km >
The Leichhardt Highway winds its way from Dululu to Mount Morgan, set in the pretty
Dee Ranges. Once the largest and richest single gold mine in the world, Mount Morgan,
is one of Queensland’s historical gems and is located only 38km from Rockhampton. The
hum of machinery and the bone-rattling days of blasting at the mine are long gone and in
their place are a legacy of history and a spirited community. To discover Mount Morgan’s
unique treasures visit the Mount Morgan Visitor Information Centre where you can get
friendly advice to help plan your visit and arrange your stay at any of several
accommodation options.
A tour of the mine is a must and more than a history lesson on mining. Starting from the
Mount Morgan Historical Railway Complex, complete with its fully restored Hunslett Steam
Locomotive, you’ll head into the mine complex dominated by the Big Stack. It’s the town’s
most distinctive landmark and towers 250 feet high, comprising 749,300 bricks. From
above the open cut mine you can look into the vast pit, now partly filled with water.
Mount Morgan Tourist
Information Centre
Open from 9am to 4pm daily.
Located at the Historical Railway Complex,
the Mount Morgan Tourist Information Centre
is your first stop in discovering the history of
Australia’s single richest gold mine. Town
and mine tour bookings. 3D movie of the
rack rail. Souvenirs, gifts, arts and crafts,
maps and information brochures.
T: 07 4938 2312 F: 07 4938 2299 E: mmtic@bigpond.net.au
Railway Complex, 1 Railway Parade MOUNT MORGAN QLD 4714
Above the mine is a network of fireclay caverns – the largest man-made caverns in
Australia, mined for the fireclay to manufacture bricks for use on the mine site. In the ceiling
of the caves is something very special - jurassic dinosaur footprints.
Explore the town and cross the suspension footbridge dedicated to Private Victor Jones –
the first Australian soldier to die on foreign soil. The grand days of the mine are reflected in
the town’s rich architectural heritage from palatial pubs to civic buildings. Visit the museum
embracing indigenous heritage and the history of mining, transport and local folk history in
an outstanding collection of early photographs. The town’s cemetery includes many historic
graves and a rare Heung Lew Chinese prayer oven. The Linda Memorial remembers men
killed in underground mining from 1894 to 1909.
Each year on May Day weekend Mount Morgan celebrates the tradition of ‘Running the
Cutter’ when young lads would run to the pub for the miners after their shifts and collect a
billy can of ale and deliver it to them to enjoy in the lane behind the pub, now called Cutters
Lane. Nowadays, contestants run relay between the four pubs as part of a festive day of
celebrations.
HIGHLIGHTS
•Former open cut gold mine
•Fireclay caverns & dinosaur prints
•Historic Railway Station
•Hunslett Locomotive
•Town and mine tour
•Suspension bridges
•Museum
•Heritage architecture
•Mafeking Bell
•Running the Cutter tradition
Silver Wattle Tourist Park
AAAT

Self-contained cabin accommodation
cooking facilities, air conditioning &
linen included.
www.tmctours.com.au
TMC
TOURS
Mount Morgan Guided Tours Daily
View and Discover
Town - Historic Sites
Mine - Heritage and Environmental Values
Cabins: 40
Powered Sites: 15
$
.00 Double per night
.00
$
per night
Eftpos & credit cards
Email: silwat@bigpond.net.au
 07 4938 1550 Mt Morgan
www.leichhardthighway.com
Caves - Jurassic Palaeontology Importance
• Air Conditioned Bus Travel • Quality Commentary •
• Strategic Stop-offs for Maximum Viewing •
Phone 07 4938 1823
Mob. 0409 815 033
tmctours@iprimus.com.au
ROCKHAMPTON CITY COUNCIL
Rockhampton
Cattle droving
Quay Street Heritage Precinct
C a p r i c o r n C av e s
Banana
Dululu
< 81km >
ROCKHAMPTON
< 82km >
Yeppoon
< 41km >
Australia’s Beef Capital lies on the banks of the broad Fitzroy River. The city was built on the
wealth from pastoral empires and gold mines. That wealth is reflected in the colonial buildings
along Quay Street – one of Queensland’s finest heritage precincts – crowned by the
sandstone and copper domed Customs House. Rockhampton also boasts many impressive
old pubs such as the Heritage and the Great Western – famous for its rodeo ring.
Spectacular Limestone Caves
23km
• Daily Guided Tours
north of
Rockhampton
• Caravan Park & Cabins
Tel: 07 4934 2883 www.capricorncaves.com.au
Rockhampton (Rocky to the locals) offers several interesting landmarks from The Spire
marking the Tropic of Capricorn to the iconic bull statues on the city approaches. In the city
visitors can explore the heritage trail, visit the Art Gallery and Archer Park Station’s rail history
including the Purrey Steam Tram. The outstanding Botanical Gardens, established in 1872,
include magnificent banyan figs, a Japanese garden, aviary and koala park. On the northern
side of the river are Kershaw Gardens that focus on native species. Nearby is the turn-off to
Mt Archer, the highest point in the area, with picnic grounds and lookout that provides vistas
across Rocky to the Berserker Ranges.
Also on the northern side of the city is Rockhampton’s Heritage Village of pioneer buildings
and vintage vehicles. The Dreamtime Cultural Centre, located on Darambal land, showcases
the art and history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities including the ancient
rock art of the Carnarvon Gorge. Natural highlights include the spectacular Capricorn Caves’
magical limestone grottos including the magnificent Cathedral Cave and thunder eggs at Mt
Hay. See the world of cattle at Gracemere Saleyards on market day – one of Rocky’s many
real experiences.
•Quay Street Heritage Precinct
•Customs House with copper
dome roof
•Botanical Gardens & Zoo
established in 1872
•Kershaw Gardens with model
railway
10
HIGHLIGHTS
•Archer Park Railway historic rail
exhibit
•Heritage Village
•Capricorn Caves – magnificent
limestone caves
•Mt Hay thunder eggs
•Tropic of Capricorn Spire
www.leichhardthighway.com
•Dreamtime Cultural Centre –
Aboriginal and Islander history
and culture
•Great Western Hotel – classic
country pub with its own rodeo ring
•Mt Archer Lookout
•Gracemere Saleyards
LIVINGSTONE SHIRE
Capricorn Coast
Yeppoon ~ Byfield ~ Rosslyn Bay ~ Great Keppel Island ~ Emu Park
Rydges Capricorn Resort Rockhampton Great Keppel Island Resort
YEPPOON < 41km >
Emu Park
< 19km >
Rockhampton
< 45km >
The Leichhardt Highway reaches its natural conclusion at the tropical shores of the
Capricorn Coast, which begins with the colourful seaside town of Yeppoon. It lies just
41kms from Rockhampton and is an ideal family holiday centre with plenty of shopping,
dining and accommodation options. From the parkland and walkway that backs the beach
you can look out to Great Keppel Island. To the south 13 endless sandy beaches divided by
grassy headlands span along a scenic drive of 19 kilometres.
North of Yeppoon is Rydges Capricorn Resort with two immaculate, championship 18 hole
golf courses and 20kms of untouched beachfront as well as vast tracts of bush and
wetland areas. The resort offers spacious 4 star resort rooms, a host of activities, tours and
facilities and one of the largest freshwater pools in the Southern Hemisphere. Further north
is Byfield National Park, home to a wealth of bird-life in its wetlands and rainforest and the
various pottery galleries tucked into the rainforest.
Yeppoon
South of Yeppoon is a string of peaceful seaside communities. A prominent rocky headland
shelters the Keppel Bay Marina at Rosslyn Bay. It’s a picturesque spot for lunch as well as
being the embarkation point for Great Keppel Island. Great Keppel is a holiday paradise of 17
beaches, calm waters and fringing reefs and the Great Keppel Island Resort offers a range of
accommodation and a host of sports and activities plus five pools to help you relax.
Fishing is a popular pastime on the Capricorn Coast ranging from serious reef fishing at
Swains Reef to recreational fishing along the beaches, estuaries and freshwater fishing
spots. Take some time and cast a line. The Capricorn Coast continues to the peaceful
seaside village of Emu Park with its Singing Ship monument to Capt. James Cook. On the
circuit road back to Rockhampton stop off at Koorana Crocodile Farm and get close to the
3,000 resident crocs.
HIGHLIGHTS
•13 endless beaches & scenic drive
•Yeppoon beach, shops & markets
•Rydges Capricorn Resort’s two 18hole championship golf courses
•Great Keppel Island
Resort, beaches and reef
•Byfield National Park
•Nob Creek Pottery
BEACHSIDE
•Rosslyn Bay & Keppel Marina
•Singing Ship monument at
Emu Park
•Koorana Crocodile Farm
Bell Park
CARAVAN PARK YEPPOON
CARAVAN PARK • EMU PARK
A beachfront park in a tropical setting
surrounded by magnificent sea views and a bay
of islands. You are assured of plenty of fishing,
pineapples and tropical fruit and vegies in
season. Yeppoon boasts a multitude of sporting
and recreational facilities for your enjoyment.
Camping and powered caravan sites are
available from where you can view the lights of
Great Keppel Island.
A clean, friendly park situated just a
stone’s throw from Fisherman’s Beach
within walking distance to the tennis
courts and bowls club, pool, indoor
bowling and shops.
Emu Park is a quaint village with modern
amenities, wonderful beaches and
seaviews. Fish, boat or surf and have a
great holiday. The park has three cabins,
powered van sites and camp sites available.
Call (07) 4939 3738
Call (07) 4939 6202
www.leichhardthighway.com
Rosslyn Bay
Bill Kingel
CARAVAN PARK
KEPPEL SANDS
Pleasantly situated in a natural setting with
ample shade, grassy sites, sea views and only
metres from the water. Great for fishing &
crabbing with a choice of reef, estuary, rock
or deep sea catches. Walking distance to the
pub and shop at Keppel Sands. 40km east of
Rockhampton off the Emu Park Road. Camp
sites and powered van sites are available at
this very special place.
Call (07) 4934 4899
11
Travellers Information
Travel Planner
Goondiwindi
Goondiwindi
Moonie
Tara*
Miles
Taroom
Theodore
Banana
Mt Morgan#
Rockhampton
Yeppoon
94
167
219
343
437
496
608
659
700
Moonie
Tara*
Miles
Taroom
Theodore
Banana
Mt Morgan#
Rockhampton
Yeppoon
94
167
73
219
125
108
343
249
232
124
437
343
326
218
94
496
402
385
277
153
59
608
514
497
389
265
171
112
659
565
548
440
316
222
163
38 B
700
606
589
481
357
263
204
79 B
41
73
125
249
343
402
514
565
606
108
232
326
385
497
548
589
124
218
277
389
440
481
94
153
265
316
357
59
171
222
263
112
163
204
38 B
79 B
41
* Tara is 28kms east of Leichhardt Hwy # Mt Morgan is 31kms east of Dululu (Leichhardt Hwy) ‘B’ is via Burnett Hwy Mt Morgan - Rockhampton
• Melbourne < 187k > Shepparton < 87k > Tocumal < 164k > Narrandera < 138k > West Wyalong < 105k > Forbes < 33k > Parkes
Parkes < 119k > Dubbo < 68k > Gilgandra < 95k > Coonabarabran < 118k > Narrabri < 98k > Moree < 123k > Goondiwindi •
• MELBOURNE < 1,335k > GOONDIWINDI < 659k > ROCKHAMPTON •
Visitor Information Centres
Advertisers Directory
• GOONDIWINDI
Goondiwindi & Waggamba
Visitor Information Centre
Cnr Bowen & McLean Sts
T. 07 4671 2653
E. visit@goondiwindi.org
www.goondiwindi.org
• THEODORE
Theodore Tourism & Cultural
Centre
The Boulevard, Theodore
T. 07 4993 1900
E. theodorevic@
gladstoneregion.org.au
ADVERTISER
• TARA
Tara Shire Council
19 Fry St Tara QLD 4421
T. 07 4665 3133
www.tara.qld.gov.au
• MOUNT MORGAN
Mount Morgan Tourist
Information Centre
Historical Railway Complex,
Mt Morgan
T. 07 4938 2312
E. mmtic@bigpond.net.au
• MILES
Miles Historical Village
Warrego Highway, Miles
T. 07 4627 1492
• TAROOM
Taroom Visitor Information
Centre
17 Kelman Street, Taroom
T. 07 4628 6113
• ROCKHAMPTON
The Spire Visitor Information Centre
Gladstone Rd, Rockhampton
T. 07 4927 2055
E. info@capricorntourism.com.au
www.capricorntourism.com.au
• CAPRICORN COAST
Capricorn Coast Info Centre
Wandoan Tourist Information
Scenic Highway, Yeppoon
& Juandah Historical Site
T. 1800 675 785
Royds Street, Wandoan
E. capcoast@bigpond.net.au
T. 07 4627 5227
www.capricorncoast.com.au
Published March 2007
Published by The Leichhardt Highway Promotions Association Inc.
Produced by Travel Media Services © 2007
Images supplied courtesy of Tourism Queensland, Travel Media Services,
Tara Shire Council, Mount Morgan TIC and Capricorn Tourism.
Editorial and images used in this guide are all protected by copyright and must not be reproduced in any
form, stored in electronic files or transmitted by email or internet without the written approval of the
publisher and copyright owners.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information in this guide no responsibility can
be accepted for errors, changes or omissions. The content and offers made within advertisements are
not the responsibility of either the publishers or producers of this guide. All enquiries related to specific
advertisements should be referred directly to the advertiser concerned.
For more information on other intriguing drive routes throughout Queensland
and New South Wales or to get your FREE copy of these other fantastic
brochures visit www.driveqld.com.au
12
Bass to Barra Trail
Beachside Caravan Park
Bell Park Caravan Park
Bill Kingel Caravan Park
Capricorn Caves & Tourist Park
Cattle Camp Motel
Commercial Hotel Tara
‘Country Characters’
Country Comfort Goondiwindi
Country Roads Motor Inn
Dogwood Crossing @ Miles
Drive Queensland
Fairway Studios
‘The Gorges Way’
Gladstone Region
Goondiwindi Memorial Club
Gundy Star Tourist Park
Great Keppel Island Resort
Hotel Theodore
Juandah Historical Site
Leichhardt Hotel Motel
Miles Historical Village
Miles Outback Motel
Mt Morgan Tourist Information Centre
Mount Morgan News
Myall Park Botanical Gardens
Myella Farmstay
Newell Highway
Rockhampton City Council
Rydges Capricorn Resort
Silver Wattle Tourist Park
Starline Motel
Tara Rural Supplies
TMC Tours
Taroom Bowls Club
True Blue Motor Inn
Wandoan Accommodation Park
www.leichhardthighway.com
SHIRE
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Inside Front Cover
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Livingstone
Livingstone
Livingstone
Rockhampton
Taroom
Tara
Taroom
Goondiwindi
Goondiwindi
Murilla
Leichhardt Hwy
Goondiwindi
Livingstone
Banana
Taroom
Taroom
Murilla
Murilla
Mt Morgan
Mt Morgan
Tara
Banana
NSW
Rockhampton
Livingstone
Mt Morgan
Murilla
Tara
Mt Morgan
Taroom
Rockhampton
Taroom
Can you imagine a place where an endless beach
stretches further than the eye, dotted with the tracks
of cantering horses and solitary walkers, watched
over by spectacular subtropical islands to the east
and ancient volcanic ranges to the west? There’s no
need to imagine. The place is Rydges Capricorn
Resort.
Farnborough Rd, Yeppoon QLD 4703
Ph: 61 7 4925 2525 Fx: 61 7 4925 2526
Email: reservations_capricorn@rydges.com
Resort Features:
- 22,000 acre beachfront sanctuary
- Over 25 Free Activities
- 2 World-Class Golf Courses
- 3 Restaurants & Bars
- Hosted Tours & Activities
- Massage & Beauty Centre
- Kids Fun & Childcare Facilities
www.rydges.com/capricorn
www.capricorngolf.com.au
BOOK NOW
1800 075 902