Tara and District From oil wells, our camel and yabbie races, to B&S Balls and botanic gardens of rare Australian flora, our district gives travellers a unique and different experience. We reckon it’s because we’re off the major highways, but less than an hours drive from Dalby and Chinchilla.
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Tara
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We’re a small rural RV friendly town off the main highways south of the Warrego Highway where our serene lagoon environment will captivate your heart as you take time to explore our town.
Share our history with ‘Tara Yesteryears by Shanks’ Pony’ self tour of our friendly country town where you’ll learn of the difference between the era’s of the buildings then and now.
Things to see and do Our Tara Lagoon Parklands are an ideal scenic setting for your affordable short term camping with facilities nearby the waters edge. Experience the serenity of the Walk of Remembrance Garden or the adjoining Settlers Park with a BBQ or picnic. Relax in the tranquil setting of the lagoon, casting a line for your freshwater cod, perch or yellow belly before taking a stroll into the sunset admiring the birdlife.
Discover the Tara & District Historical Society housing much of our heritage ranging from a 1929 fire engine, shearing memorabilia, Blue Moon Picture Theatre projection equipment and a 1912 slab hut. Get locked up in the towns first goal or take a view from the railway station platform. We are a popular destination with bus tours, catering is available, for bookings contact Lorraine (07) 4665 3274. Hours of Operation: Monday 10am - 2pm.
...Festival of Culture & Camel Races A biennial 3 day celebration of multiculturalism in August, jam packed weekend featuring cuisine from around the world, cultural entertainment, camel racing and much more....
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Continuing on your Shank’s Pony journey, within a short distance is the photogenic Tara Scout Den, constructed by volunteers and scouts in 1957 being a replica of the first scout cabin built in the United Kingdom. A highlight of the town’s possessions on display are the Hugh Sawrey Paintings accomodated by the Commercial Hotel with one of the paintings being received in lieu of a car payment. Come and meet the locals and share a yarn in comfort. You’ll be inspired by the talents of internationally renown artist Barbara Geisel after viewing her wool pictures, which remind people of the local region and Australian beauty. “ I have enjoyed the challenge of creating wool pictures using wool straight from the sheep’s back, depicting scenes of the early days of Australia, with the earliest product of Australia”. The coloured wool pictures have been made with natural wool and dyes such as brigalow leaves etc. Barbara welcomes your company, viewing by appointment Ph: 07 4665 3285.
What to do in a day….. Take in the fresh country air with a stroll along the Tara Lagoon Walkway and adjacent parks. Admire the birdlife and discover more about the natural environment with the interpretative panels along the way. Reward yourself with a freshly brewed coffee at one of our cafes, whist you plan the rest of your day. Drop by Council’s Customer Service Centre to collect a copy of our self guided tour, ‘Tara Yesteryears by Shanks’ Pony’ and unearth the towns characteristics of days gone by. Purchase a picnic lunch from one of our local eateries and relax in the attractive native garden of Grevillea Park while you choose how to explore the outer surrounding area. Our friendly locals will be keen to say g’day and share a yarn or two. Don’t forget to visit our local stores and peruse the merchandise, you might be surprised at what you find. Capture the perfect snapshot of one of our striking sunsets in the background of the lagoon before completing the day with a country meal, followed by a peaceful stroll under the night sky.
Events Tara has a diverse and creative range of events from a Festival of Culture and Camel Races, Annual Working Sheepdog Trials, Family Fishing Competition, Campdrafts, Gymkhanas, Trivia Night, Youth Discos, Bloomin’ Creative Showcase, seasonal sporting events of tennis, football, cricket and golf. The Wieambilla South Country Club, 30km’s north of Tara, is renown for hosting weekend entertainment.
...Bloomin’ Creative Showcase is our one week professional May biennial exhibiton of local arts, you’ll be inspired by the creations of our working artisans...
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The Gums A small settlement named by the first postmistress, after what the drovers called their meeting place from an area nearby. Today, it’s an iconic crossroads to the west of Tara with a petrol station serving hearty meals or simply relax in nearby settings for short a term stay.
Nestled between the beauty of nature is The Gums Sports Club which hosts a playground, Golf Days, local cricket matches and several local events from Bingo,
Did you know?
Hannaford
The Gums is proud of its history contribution….Cabawin Oil Well was the first found in the Tara region. The Gums school has been operating since 1912, with the beloved first principle now accommodated in the region’s 1908 cemetery. Towards Tara you can witness one of the largest aboveground Australian Grown Wheat bunker storage/grain silos. ...A small settlement named by the first postmistress... 4
Events
Ladies Indulgence Day to social evening and entertainment. Keep an eye out for our calendar of events for upcoming activities.
Originally called Red Hill, we’re renamed after a prominent settler of the region, Samuel Hannaford and located north-west of The Gums. Events Horses and stock work are not foreign to those of the Hannaford district, which hosts Campdrafts, Gymkhana and Family Fun Day. For a change of pace, the locals strongly support the Quizz and Boule events.
Things to see and do…. We’re proud to share our generations history in the Hannaford Historical Museum located inside the Hannaford Post Office. Hours of Operation: Monday Friday 10am—1.30pm; Saturday & Sunday Ph: 4665 9225 / 4665 9182.
Meandarra 100 We’re a small friendly community on the banks of the Brigalow Creek, a popular short term camping location where you’re welcome to share in our fishing and history. Things to see and do…. Take a casual wander up town, you’ll be amazed by the Meandarra ANZAC Memorial Museum, a tribute to our Diggers which represents the bravery and self sacrifice of those who’ve served in the 3 Armed forces. Don’t forget the camera, the atmosphere will capture your hearts and so will the elevated Canberra Bomber, imagine firing a Twin Mounted Naval Bofor Gun or manoeuvring a Grant Tank. Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 10am 4pm, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 10am - 2pm (Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day) Ph: 07 4665 6147. There is no proven theory for where the town name ‘Meandarra’ came from, one theory is a swaggie was asked ‘who lives here?’ and he answered ‘Me & Darra’ Darra being his dog, hence the statue you see next to the museum.
The scenic Meacle Family Walkway is the ideal location to capture the most picturesque setting of this country’s beauty. Our local koalas are renown for keeping watch in the nearby gums on your early morning stroll, whist a melody of birdlife will treat you to their sounds throughout the day. Admire the abundance of rare waterlilies (Nymphaea gigantea) from mid March to the end of May or throw a line in for some golden perch or freshwater jewfish. The tranquil Leo Gordon Apex Park environment is ideal to share in a BBQ with a few friends whilst planning your next days expedition in nearby localities. The adjacent Railway Siding offers a variety of local Information, we also welcome you to share your feedback of our town in the ’visitors book’.
...Kickstart your year with our annual Meandarra Crazy Cockies B&S Ball in February, come along and share in a terrific night of live entertainment...
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Glenmorgan
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We may be named the “End of the Line at the railway station, but our community spirit is alive and well with much character for you to discover. The locals look forward to welcoming you to pull up a stump, enjoy a chat and share in our beautiful surrounds. Things to see and do…. Our internationally recognised botanic garden established in the 1940’s is the 130 hectare Myall Park Botanic Garden, located 7km outside of town. The garden is home to the famous Robyn, Sandra and Merinda Gordon Grevilleas amongst the oldest collection of Australian semi-arid zone flora. Experience the renovated shearers quarters or the original ’Avochie’ Cottage. Bus tours, campers and caravans welcome. Hours of Operation: Jan 20 - Dec 20 Ph: 07 4665 6705 6
As you return to town for a shady retreat call into the End of the Line Railway Siding which accommodates much of our local history including how the town received it’s name. Our BBQ facilities nestled in an attractive garden of grevilleas is the ideal location to centralise yourself to stroll through our town. A refreshing stop across the road is the Glenmorgan Store Antiques and Collectables offering local knowledge on the best fishing spot and information to plan your extended travels of our region. Not to be missed is Montys Garage Vintage Car Museum displaying automobile memorabilia and approximately 60 vehicles dating from 1921 to 1966. Visit the old style service bay and workshop where you can see mechanical repairs and restoration in progress. These beautifully restored reminders of yesteryear motoring should feature something for everyone’s delight.
Our shady and very popular Bottle Tree Inn is the perfect place to catch up to the locals in comfortable surrounds. The pub holds its own history and aptly named after a long standing bottle tree. Accommodation is limited yet comfortable and friendly service.
Events Flinton Races, our annual Easter event has been dubbed as the Melbourne Cup of the West, with fashions of the field to evening entertainment.
Events
Westmar
Experience the bush with one of our 2 annual Campdrafts drawing the focus of our horsemanship skills in the region. There’s always something going on from dances, youth disco’s to garden days. Come and pay your respects on ANZAC Day and participate in the afternoon activities for the whole family.
Our town name was derived from a fuel depot owned by the WESTern and MARanoa Transport companies. Our treasured stop is the welcoming break at the crossroads of the Moonie Highway and Meandarra Talwood Road. Relax in the nearby rest area or the roadhouse gardens taking in the colourful parrots, there’s a ’larakin’ country mural to add to your snapshot album.
Inglestone We’re a small settlement about 40km south of Meandarra. Try your swing on our 9 hole rural golf course, as you take a break between townships of Meandarra and Westmar. Events We’re renown for our fundraising for Cancer and Garden days catering for the family.
Flinton In Flinton, we’re a nice quiet rural settlement where you’re welcome to camp on the banks of the Moonie River. You’ll find our secret piece of paradise to the west of Westmar.
Events The Westmar Sports Club conducts local events which you’ll see on the noticeboard. Unite to the roadhouse for the dart and pool competitions, a terrific opportunity to share in our local spirit. ...Circle Easter Saturday on your calendar for a weekend in the country. Don’t forget your swag and enjoy a terrific day of racing and country activities into the evening...
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Moonie 40 Moonie is the site of Australia’s first commercial oil field. Established in 1961, it still operates today pumping crude oil. Take a well earned rest at the crossroads off the Moonie and Leichhardt Highways. Call into the Rural Transaction Centre our one stop shop where you’ll find the Visitor Information Centre displaying an extensive range of local arts ‘n’ crafts, your travel guides of our region and friendly local knowledge. Enjoy a picnic in the garden and discover our history via the interpretative panels or the static displays of the oil equipment. The nearby Moonie Crossroads roadhouse is a must see with their brilliant murals depicting the history of Moonie.
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Events Grab a syndicate of 6-10 friends and buy one of our fine bred yabbies to be part of the auctioneers call at our annual Moonie Yabbie Races in November. Your opportunity awaits to purchase a piece of local art at our annual exhibition. The Moonie Sports Club and the Moonie Crossroads roadhouse deliver many local social evenings throughout the year, be sure to view the noticeboards at the Rural Transaction Centre when you’re in town. ...Grab a syndicate of 6-10 friends and buy one of our fine bred yabbies, to be part of the auctioneers call. Our annual event is a popular November activity with a big screen so you don’t miss out on the action!...
Suggested Itinerary Tara to Meandarra - 66km Drive to Meandarra {{ Explore the Meandarra ANZAC Memorial Museum {{ Have your photo taken with the “Me and Darra’ statue {{ Take a walk along the Meacle Family Walkway admire the birdlife {{ Enjoy a BBQ / picinic at Leo Gordon Apex Park {{
Meandarra to Glenmorgan - 23km {{ Travel to Glenmorgan {{ Wander through the grounds of Myall Park Botanic Garden {{ View the End of the Line historic railway siding {{ Admire Antiques and Collectables at Glenmorgan Store {{ Visit Monty’s Garage Vintage Car Museum {{ Relax at the Bottle Tree Inn Glenmorgan to Tara - 85km {{ Discover our town with Tara’s Yesteryear Shank’s Pony self tour {{ Finish the day with a walk along Tara Lagoon Walkway, enjoy the birdlife and sunset Tara to Moonie - 73 km {{ Appreciate the local talents Arts/Crafts {{ Lunch in the garden or have a sit down meal at the Moonie Crossroads {{ Birdwatch or cast a line nearby in the local waters
Accommodation Additional camping sites can be found on page 12. Commercial Hotel 35 Day St Tara Ph: 4665 3214 Tara Hotel Motel 1 Baddleys Lane Tara Ph: 4665 3410 Tara Spa Apartments 18 Milne St Tara Ph: 4669 4001 Royal Hotel 3 Sara St Meandarra Ph: 4665 6183 Sara St Motel Sara St Meandarra Ph: 4665 6121 Glenmorgan Bottle Tree Inn Cnr Godfrey & Lorna Sts Glenmorgan Ph: 4665 6727 Westmar Roadhouse 18447 Moonie Hwy Westmar Ph: 4663 0751 Moonie Crossroads Hotel Motel Cnr Moonie & Leichhardt Hwys Moonie Ph: 4665 0200
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Dining Tara Café 25 Day St Tara Ph: 4665 3152 Woolshed Bakery 38 Day St Tara Ph: 4669 4400 Commercial Hotel 35 Day St Tara Ph: 4665 3214 Tara Hotel Motel Baddleys Lane Tara Ph: 4665 3410 Tara Bowls Club Bilton St Tara Ph: 4665 3329
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Wieambilla South Country Club 22 Billabong Lane Tara Ph: 4665 3166 The Gums Store Cnr Surat Developmental Rd & Leichhardt Hwy The Gums Ph: 4665 9176 Royal Hotel 3 Sara St Meandarra Ph: 4665 6183 Sara St Café Sara St Meandarra Ph: 4665 6121 Meandarra Bowls Club Walton St Meandarra Ph: 4665 6159
Glenmorgan Store Sybil St Glenmorgan Ph: 4665 6886
Useful Websites
Glenmorgan Bottle Tree Inn Cnr Godfrey & Lorna St Glenmorgan Ph: 4665 6727
Westmar Roadhouse 18447 Moonie Hwy Westmar Ph: 4663 0751
To find out more about our region, here are some websites you might find useful. Western Downs Regional Council www.wdrc.qld.gov.au www.library.wdrc.qld.gov.au www.advancewesterndowns.com Attractions & Destinations www.myallparkbotanicgarden.org.au
Moonie Crossroads Roadhouse
Cnr Moonie & Leichhardt Hwys Moonie Ph: 4665 0200
Events & Festivals
Radio Stations To keep up to date with the local knowledge while travelling through our region, including local weather, news, road conditions and events tune into: ABC Southern Qld local radio (74.7 AM) Rebel FM (Chinchilla 97.1,Meandarra 94.5 & Tara 91.1) 4GR (86.4 AM)
...temperate climate with average annual rainfall...
www.tarafestivalncamels.org.au www.flintonraces.com.au www.suratbasinactivities.com.au Median Temperatures Our Western Downs is a temperate climate with average annual rainfall of approximately 630ml. Highest rainfalls occur during the summer months. Our summers average a comfortable mid 30s, peaking to low 40s; with December and January being the warmest months. Our cooler times of the year are June to August, with some overnight temperatures registering slightly lower than zero!
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We encourage travelers to utilise the following facilities whilst exploring the Tara Region... Note: all prices listed in relation to the locations are subject to change without notice. Legend: Amenities, Birswatching, Camping, Fishing, Vans (more bird watching and fishing is also available at nearby areas mentioned to those below) Town
Tara
The Gums
Area
Location
Notes
Tara Lagoon Parklands * A,B,C,F,V
Showground Road
Fees apply. Dump point available
Tara Showgrounds A,C,V
Showground Road
$10 non powered per night, $15 powered per night
Tara Caravan Park Ph: 07 4665 3979 A,C,V
Milne Street
Private Business
The Gums Sports Club A,B,C,V
Surat Development Road The Gums
$5 per night, payment to caretaker
The Gums Store Ph: 07 4665 9176 A,C,V
Cnr Leichhardt Hwy & Surat Developmental Rd, The Gums
Private Business, food, fuel, limited places
Brigalow Creek Caravan Site Walton Street adjacent to Mob: 0400 656 1900 Brigalow Creek A,B,C,F,V
Fees apply. Limited powered sites or camp along creek. Dump point across the road at the Leo Gordon Apex Park
Meandarra Caravan Park Mob: 0400 656 1900 A,C,V
Gibson Street
Powered sites $5 per night (bookings accepted)
Sybil Street
No charge limited spaces and power
Myall Park Road
Fees apply
Meandarra
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End of the Line Railway Siding Ph: 07 4665 6831 Glenmorgan A,C,V Myall Park Botanic Garden Ph: 4665 6705 A,B,C,V Westmar
Westmar Rest Area A,C,V
Moonie Hwy opposite Westmar Roadhouse
Free non powered sites/amenities
Flinton
Moonie River A,B,C,F,V
Access off Moonie Highway
Free non powered sites available.
Moonie
Moonie Crossroads Ph: 4665 0200 A,C,V
Cnr Liechhardt & Moonie Highways
Powered and non powered sites available. Private Buisness.
The fees and conditions schedule applies to the abovementioned areas marked* • Small cost for the first night, 2nd and 3rd nights are free • On conclusion of the free period, charges will apply at the normal local Caravan Park rates • Maximum length of stay is 14 days - following this time a ‘Move on Notice’ will be issued • Pets will be allowed, provided they are restrained at all times. No excess noise will be tolerated. Fees will be collected by an approved person by Council
Tara Town
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Tara Lagoon Walkway
2
Settlers Park
3
Walk of Remembrance Garden
4
Hugh Sawrey Paintings (Commercial Hotel)
5
Tara & District Historical Museum
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Barbara Geisel Wool Pictures
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Tara Scout Den
Milne
St
Surat Develo pmental Rd
DAY ST
...We recommend you visit these destinations in Tara...
Roberts St Porter St
Adams St
Showground Rd
DAY ST
Coutts St Fry St
Porter St
Adams St
a Rd
– Tar
Sara St
Old Hospita l Rd
Binnie St
be St Smallacom
chilla
Chin
Payne St Bilton St
Payne St
U
Milne St
Fry St K
REE
AC
LL NDU
Porter St
Benn St
Barden St Beardmore
Milne St
Binnie St
DAY ST
Naughtin St
St Wilson St
Bilton St
Old
Tucker St
Hos
pita
l Rd
Gill St Baddleys Ln
Baddleys Ln Rd
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Fishing If you like fishing, discover a secret hole in one of our many creeks, rivers and dams. Yellowbelly, Jewfish and Silver Perch are all found here. For more information and a map, collect a copy of Freshwater Fishing in Queensland’s Western Downs from our local Visitor Information Centres. Southwood National Park One of our not so well known National Park treasures is Southwood. Located 130km south-west of Dalby on the Moonie Highway, this National Park is a refuge for wildlife living in its scrubby forests. Over 92 bird species have been sighted here, including beautiful glossy black cockatoos. There are no official walking trails but you can explore the roads with care and there is a bush picnic table in a superb setting. We recommend you take a 4WD and BYO water. As camping is not allowed in the 14
National Park, the closest township for food, fuel and accommodation is Westmar Roadhouse. GPS Coordinates -27° 49’ 41.3” S150° 06’ 17.8” E Adventure Way • Brisbane to Adelaide Travel the Adventure Way from Brisbane to Adelaide where your journey will encompass a diverse range of landscapes and activities enroute to your destination. True to its title, this tourist route will have you on an adventure you’ll appreciate from the coast to the outback over the next 1077km’s. Explore the numerous historic and cultural sites, cotton producing areas surrounding Dalby and the Oilfields of Moonie; following further west to wineries, national parks, mud springs, opal fossicking, across to The Burke and Wills Dig Tree before crossing the Queensland / South Australian border at Innamincka.
Trek the historic Strzelecki Track to the Flinders Rangers, continuing on your journey to Adelaide. The rewards of your travels are countless. Discover the native flora and fauna, the rich history of our early pioneers; to the locals you’ll meet willing to share their yarns. The Adventure Way truly brings out the Spirit in us all. Leichhardt Highway • Melbourne to Rockhampton Following the footsteps of one of Australia’s first European explorers, Ludwig Leichhardt, this inland route is named in his honour. Joining with the Newell Highway in New South Wales, the Leichhardt Highway links us from Melbourne through to Queensland via Goondiwindi. It traverses through the Western Downs to Miles and onto Rockhampton and the Great Barrier Reef. Leichhardt Highway takes you on a different journey through our region and offers access to some more uncrowded areas including the Moonie, Condamine and Wandoan districts and north to the stunning Isla Gorge. For more information visit www.leichhardthighway.com Road Conditions The main arterial roads leading to our major towns are sealed, however, due care should be taken noting the number of heavier vehicles which share our roads.
Some of our rural roads can be slightly narrower to other highways, with a number of tributary roads being gravel and difficult to navigate in wet weather. Visitors are encouraged to drive safely and to the conditions of the road at the time. If you are seeking advice on road conditions contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads on 13 19 40 or one of the local Visitor Information Centres listed. Local Contacts Western Downs Regional Council Tara Customer Service Centre 19 Fry St Tara Ph: 1300 COUNCIL E: info@wdrc.qld.gov.au W: www.wdrc.qld.gov.au Moonie Rural Transaction Centre Cnr Moonie & Leichhardt Highways Moonie Ph: 07 4665 0189 E: moonie.rtc@wdrc.qld.gov.au Tara Police Cnr Sara & Bilton Streets Tara Ph: 07 4665 3200 Tara Hospital Bilton Street Tara Ph: 07 4678 7900 Tara Medical Centre 33 Day St Tara Ph: 07 4665 3335 15
Tara Region....
The place to live, laugh and experience beauty !
Dalby Visitor Information Centre Thomas Jack Park Drayton Street (07) 4679 4461 dalby.vic@wdrc.qld.gov.au
Chinchilla Visitor Information Centre Warrego Highway (07) 4679 4491 chinchilla.vic@wdrc.qld.gov.au
Miles Visitor Information Centre Murilla Street (07) 4627 1492 miles.vic@wdrc.qld.gov.au
Disclaimer: All reasonable measures have been taken to ensure the information contained in this publication is accurate and current at the time of publication. Western Downs Regional Council accepts no responsibility for information that is inaccurate or outdated. This publication is a guide only. Any information provided should be viewed as information only and the user accepts sole responsibility and risk associated with the use of this information. Western Downs Regional Council accepts no responsibility or liability for loss or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of information in this publication. Reference to third parties and associated services and activities are provided only as a convenience, and as such, Western Downs Regional Council does not endorse any associated organisation, product or service.
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