Carnarvon Gorge, Carnarvon National Park
An oasis of birdlife, unique plant species and freshwater creeks, the Carnarvon Gorge is a sparkling gem amongst the dusty heart of Central Queensland. Is it any wonder it’s the region’s most popular attraction? Climb over boulders, marvel at the colours of sandstone cliffs, walk through quiet eucalypt and cabbage palm forests. There are several trails of various difficulties to help you explore this special place which is home to over 170 bird species.
Check out the view from Boolimba Bluff, discover swamp wallabies in Mickey Creek Gorge, then let yourself be taken back in time as you soak up the Aboriginal engravings, ochre stencils and freehand paintings adorning the sandstone walls on Art Gallery walk.
There are plenty of places to picnic. During the Queensland school holidays, you can camp in the official visitor area at the gorge but bookings are essential. At other times of the year you can find accommodation and camping facilities five minutes from the gorge
Mount Moffatt Section – Carnarvon National Park
Mt Moffatt section of Carnarvon National Park is remote and situated Queensland’s highest plateau. Rugged ranges sweep down to sandstone cliffs, with open woodlands and sandy valleys below.
From any of the four basic campsites, take a long, scenic four-wheel drive to the park’s features. Short walks to nature’s amazing sculptures at Lot’s Wife, Marlong Arch and The Chimneys; and to cultural heritage sites. View Aboriginal rock art from the boardwalks at The Tombs and Kookaburra Cave. Picnic at the Top Shelter Shed. From the Consuelo Tableland, enjoy sweeping views over the park. Go birdwatching for honeyeaters, parrots and raptors by day, and spotlighting for feathertail gliders and sugar gliders at night.
The Big Rig
Over a hundred years ago, on Roma’s Hospital Hill, a drilling crew was boring for water when, suddenly, the unexpected happened: ‘Strewth, it’s gas!’ exclaimed a surprised driller as gas, mud and water gushed out of the well. With this event, quite by accident, Australia’s oil and gas industry was born.
The Big Rig celebrates the unique history of Australia’s oil and gas industry, collecting together intriguing stories, photos, facts and objects, in a variety of fascinating multi-media exhibits.
You can also experience this fascinating story of Roma’s oil and gas history, born out of ancient earth, fire and water, whilst relaxing under the outback skies at The Big Rig’s Night Show.
The Big Rig is fun for the whole family with children enjoying learning whilst trying the Kids Oil Patch Challenge.
Roma Saleyards
Australia’s Largest Cattle Selling Centre, Roma’s Cattle Sales, are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The excitement of the sales is appealing to an increasing number of visitors. The raised walkways provide visitors with an excellent vantage point.
Three Dimensional Clay Mural
The 18 square metre Clay Mural has been brought to life and interpreted by means of an audio and moving light presentation, which interprets the 17 elements that make up the mural.
The mural is located in the Cultural Centre. There are one hundred and seventy-five individual tiles that comprise the artwork.
St Paul’s Anglican Church
St Paul’s Anglican Church has a series of colourful stained glass and lead light windows dating back to 1876. Guided tours operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am during the tourist season or by appointment. Information available at the Visitor Information Centre at The Big Rig.
Heroes Avenue
A memorial avenue of 138 bottle trees extend from the Railway Station (the traditional rallying point for Anzac Day marches) to the Cenotaph in Bungil Street. Each tree is dedicated to a local soldier who fell in World War 1. A plaque at the base of each tree bears the name and details of the soldier to whom that tree is dedicated.
Meadowbank Museum
The highlight of any visit to Roma is a visit to Meadowbank Museum which is located 12 km west of the town on the road to Charleville. It is clearly signposted.
The Museum has one of the finest and most unusual collections of memorabilia in the country. Of particular interest is the deadly ‘man trap’ used to trap Aborigines who were stealing cattle. It is a huge and ugly variation of a rabbit trap devised to break the leg and almost impossible to open once caught in it. There’s a wonderful collection of old horse drawn vehicles and old motor cars (including a T model Ford) and a hay loft which dates to 1859. This is only to hint at the riches the museum offers.
There are bird and animal enclosures, a picnic and play area, and for people who enjoy exploring a vast collection of local artefacts there is enough to keep even a cursory visitor busy for half a day.
There is camping available and campers can inspect the museum during their stay. A phone call to (+61) 7 4622 3836 will usually open the museum although the owners do protest that they are operating a working farm as well as a museum.
Roma Turf Club
Experience the thrill of bush racing at one of outback Queensland’s best turf clubs. The Roma Turf Club boasts great horse racing, entertainment and a lively atmosphere.
The Roma Turf Club boasts three major race meets – the Roma Cup, Easter in the Country and the Rugby Race Day.
There are also several meetings throughout the year that attract the bush racing scene.
Roma Farmers and Artisans Market
Each 3rd Saturday of the month at the Big Rig Parklands between 8.00am and 12.30pm is the Roma Farmers & Artisans Market.
On offer is locally grown produce, handmade products and much much more, so bring your own bags or basket and discover what the wonderful community of Roma has to offer.
For more information on all that Roma and its surrounding neighbours have to offer visit the Roma & District Tourist Centre at 71 Arthur St, Roma QLD 4455.
Telephone: (+61) 7 4622 1416 or (+61) 7 4622 1409