BARCALDINE REGION
Incorporating the communities of Alpha, Jericho, Barcaldine, Aramac & Muttaburra
ALPHA & DISTRICT
Population 850
a property called Bowen Downs. As part of the recognition of this feat, you are able to browse through the Harry Redford Interpretive Centre in the main street of Aramac.
Population 1640
The township of Alpha has a population of approximately 400 and is located 168km west of Emerald and 139km east of Barcaldine. The main industry in the area is beef cattle. Alpha is known as the “Town of Murals” and displays a number that have been painted on private and public buildings depicting the area’s history. These murals have been painted by local and ex-local artists and add to the atmosphere of the town. Alpha boasts many other attractions such as the following: The Rowley Roberts Tourist Information Centre, Native Flower Plot, Jane Neville – Rolfe Art Gallery displaying excellent pieces of artwork from local artists and also travelling art shows, and the “Jump Up” which is a natural attraction featuring the different layers of coloured volcanic soil. Alpha possesses most facilities found in larger centres, yet still retains an enticingly peaceful lifestyle. Named after poets, the Alpha streets bear such illustrious names as Tennyson, Byron, Dryden and Shakespeare. This region is known as Mitchell country, named after Sir Thomas Mitchell who went through the area in 1846. Alpha was born when the original railway settlement, Pine Hill, was found to have insufficient water. The town is situated at Alpha Creek which actually does a horseshoe bend and runs underneath the town. Because of this, quite a few bores can be found in the town
JERICHO & DISTRICT
BARCALDINE & DISTRICT
Population 150
With a name like Jericho, it’s not surprising that this little Australian town is filled with residents who know the Biblical story of the Battle of Jericho. The affinity of the little town with its namesake doesn’t stop there. Queensland’s little Jericho is built on the Jordon Creek, south of Lake Galilee. The latter-day Jericho’s history dates back to 1885 and owes its beginnings to the railway. Pine Hill was the original settlement, but there was little water there, so the township split and some people went to Jericho and others went to Alpha. Pine Hill still has some graves dating back to the 1800s, although few headstones remain. Jericho is a picturesque town with its most famous feature being the “Crystal Trumpeters”, constructed in memory of the Biblical story where the Israelites marched around the walls of Jericho for six days and blew their trumpets; on the seventh day, watching as the city walls collapsed. The town has one of Australia’s smallest drive-in theatres, which holds 36 cars plus walk-ins. Redbank Park, located on the banks of the Jordon Creek just east of Jericho, has become a popular tourist attraction. The park includes a barbeque area, amenities block and also a playground area. Jericho is located on the Capricorn Highway 86km east of Barcaldine.
Barcaldine is situated at the crossroads of the Landsborough and Capricorn Highways. It is a town filled with history and colour, often referred to as the Garden City of the West because of its beautiful gardens and wide tree-lined streets. Barcaldine is a wonderful place to spend a few days which boasts five “outback” pubs in the main street as well as an eclectic mix of modern and historical buildings.
Points of Interest A ustralian Workers Heritage Centre – Is a unique attraction which celebrates the achievements of the working men and women of Australia. It also features displays on the Shearers’ Strike of 1891. T ree of Knowledge – Is the historical site of the 1891 Shearers’ Strike. Sadly, the tree was poisoned in 2006 and a traffic-stopping memorial now stands on the site. The trunk and some branches were preserved and form the heart of this unique memorial.
Points of Interest G ray Rock Reserve and Horsetailers Gorge where Cobb & Co. stopped and spelled their horses Mailman’s Gorge Lake Dunn Aramac Tramway Museum
B arcaldine and District Historical Museum – A country museum which houses collections of memorabilia from Barcaldine’s past. Mini train rides are held on the last Sunday of the month. Open 7am to 5pm daily.
The White Bull
MUTTABURRA & DISTRICT Population 150
A rtesian Country Tours – Tom Lockie, a local living legend, conducts tours to historical Aramac and Gracevale. B etween the Bougainvillea Heritage Trail – An award-winning heritage trail that encompasses the historical sites of Barcaldine. Pick up a copy of “Between the Bougainvilleas” Heritage Trail booklet from the Information Centre for $2 each. L loyd Jones Weir – A popular fishing, camping and water spot 14km from Barcaldine.
Travel a further 87km from Aramac northwest to Muttaburra where the Landsborough and Thomson Rivers meet and experience the sensation of where the sky stretches undisturbed from one horizon to the other – spectacular by day, glowing with stars by night. Muttaburra is the closest town to the geographic centre of Queensland and justly boasts of being the heart of Queensland. Explore the natural environments and fishing spots along the Thomson or Landsborough Rivers. If you are a keen angler you will be attracted to the headwaters of the Thomson River, the Muttaburra Pump Hole and the local camping spot at Broadwater where you will be among some of the Thomson’s biggest yellow belly and black bream.
M urals – Barcaldine has several murals which have been painted by a diverse range of artists.
ARAMAC & DISTRICT
If droving is something you’ve always wanted to do, then Aramac is the destination for you, where you can actively participate in “The Harry Redford Cattle Drive”, run annually through May. Take part in the associated events while you are on the cattle drive, such as the Aramac Races, various live entertainment opportunities, the Harry Redford Rodeo, enter the camp cookout competition or visit one of the camp sites to join their nightly, hearty camp oven droving meals. While in town visit the Aramac Tramway Museum and step back in time with relics like Aunt Emma, the longserving railmotor. Discover the fascinating country surrounding the township. Drive through the desert country and discover Lake Dunn and enjoy fishing, water sports (sailing, water skiing), birdwatching, tennis, cabins, camping and very little traffic.
Population 630
Points of interest Described as “an oasis in the dry of the Central West”, Aramac continues to thrive, which has much to do with the holding of the town’s annual Harry Redford Cattle Drive. In the main street of Aramac stands the White Bull replica which tells the story of the most historically significant cattle stealing case ever recorded in Australia. Henry “Harry” Redford (better known as Captain Starlight) commenced his daring cattle duffing feat on
he full life-size replica of the T Muttaburrasaurus Langdoni – First discovered in 1963 by a local grazier.
D r Arratta Memorial Hospital Museum – Displaying medical history from the turn of the century. Cassimatis Store – A display recognising the contribution of the Cassimatis family, one of many Greek families who took up the challenge to live in the Outback. uttaburra Events – Annual Race Meeting M and the Landsborough Flock Ewe Show.
Outback Queensland Travellers’ Guide 2015/16
47