Attractions in Hughenden

FLINDERS DISCOVERY CENTRE This huge display area houses an amazing exhibition of fossils from around the world, as well as an extensive and growing collection of fossils from the local area. ‘Hughie’ is the star attraction; a life size skeletal replica of a Muttaburrasaurus. ‘Hughie’ is a daunting figure as you enter the display area. Although this dinosaur is believed to have been a herbivore, you get the impression he is something that you would not want to meet on a dark night!

Come and witness the amazing light and sound show that takes you back over 500 million years to the beginning of the formation of Porcupine Gorge.

‘Shearing the Stragglers’ tells the story of the demise of the sheep industry throughout the Flinders Shire. Tales of hardship and change are told through stories of men who lived this gruelling life from 1865 to present day times. While wandering around the centre, enjoy a documentary on Hughenden and the district, telling the story of how Hughenden came to be. View the historical and seasonal exhibitions and there’s even an interactive Children’s Discovery Corner!

The Flinders Discovery Centre stocks a large range of souvenirs along with information on local and regional holiday destinations and attractions. Free Wi-Fi is also available.

FEDERATION ROTUNDA The rotunda is constructed from two Comet windmills that have a diameter of 20 ft (6 m) and pumped water for stock at Bogunda Station, south of Prairie, for over 45 years. The structure was commissioned as part of the Centenary of Federation Celebration in 2001.

andreacreagh

ECO WALK ON FLINDERS Enjoy a walk through the diverse bioregions of the Flinders Shire ‘Eco Walk on Flinders’. These natural ecosystems have been replicated along the northern banks of the Flinders River with over 1.5 km of walking tracks. Along the pathway are species of flora relevant to each of the three ecosystems along with local artwork illustrating important events and the biodiversity of the Flinders Shire.

CEMETERY ARTS & SYMBOLISM SELF GUIDED TOUR This self guided tour guides the visitor around 24 selected headstones and describes the symbols carved on them and the meanings they represent.

The Hughenden Cemetery has a large number of elaborate headstones dating back to 1886. The details included on these headstones, carefully chosen by loved ones and skilfully carved by stone masons, tell many stories through symbolism. Get your guide from the Flinders Discovery Centre.

FLINDERS RIVER Queensland’s longest river extends 1004 km and flows into the Gulf of Carpentaria. The river was named after Matthew Flinders by Lieutenant Stokes of HMS Beagle in 1841. The River Walk incorporates a walking trail along the banks of the Flinders River.

HISTORIC COOLABAH TREE & SURVEYOR’S PEG Frederick Walker and Sir William Landsborough, whilst searching for Burke and Wills, blazed this coolabah tree. The cement sculpture of a surveyor’s peg is adorned with four brass plaques representing historical figures and events of the area.

ROBERT GRAY PARK Situated on the northern banks of the Flinders River, this park is dedicated to local characters and pioneers of the district where facilities include free BBQs and picnic areas.

HUGHENDEN RECREATIONAL LAKE The Hughenden Recreational Lake was constructed in 2019 and jointly funded by the Australian Government under the Building Better Regions Fund and Flinders Shire Council. The Hughenden Recreational Lake is a multiple use lake shared by boaters, water skiers, kayakers, rowers and swimmers. We welcome all visitors to the Flinders Shire region and encourage you to enjoy the facilities and your time on the water. At the Hughenden Recreational Lake you can enjoy: • Picnicking and BBQs • Relaxing on the beached area • Swimming, fishing, boating and water-skiing • Non-motorised watercraft activities (canoeing, kayaking and rowing) • Shaded playground • A circular 2.7 km walking trail. SCULPTURES AND PUBLIC ART Hughenden is the home of many impressive sculptural pieces adorning buildings and garden areas throughout the town. The sculptures are made and designed by local artists. Have a look and see what you can find! • Darby the Dinosaur – Large wall sculpture depicting the Muttaburrasaurus • Federation Rotunda – Made from two 20 ft windmills • Leanneosaur – Life sized flying metal sculpture of a Queensland Pterosaur • Flinders River Fish Sculptures – Metal fish made from washers and scrap metal • Pterosaurs – Three metal sculptures on the roof of the Flinders Discovery Centre, one in a full skeletal resting state • Ammonite Sculpture – A representation of an

Ammonite fossil made from windmill parts • Window panel sculptures – Creative window sculptures, depicting the rural culture and rich fossil areas in the Hughenden District • Murals at the skate park and on various toilet blocks.

andreacreagh

ourlifeontop

HEBREW GRAVE Jeanette Tolano (Rodgers) married Phillip Tolano on 17 January 1883 in the Great Synagogue, Sydney. Phillip Tolano opened a drapery store in Hughenden in 1880 in partnership with Lou Goldring. The store was called ‘Goldring and Tolano’.

The shop contained extensive stock such as drapery, boots and shoes, ironmongery, groceries, fancy goods, wines and spirits, galvanised iron, woolpacks, tar, oil, wire, twine and much more.

Jeanette was an only child and came from a Hebrew background. Much disappointment came to the family when she died on 13 November 1883 during childbirth; it is believed that the child is buried with her. Jeanette was only 24 years of age. Jeanette’s grave remains on the site of the old Hughenden Cemetery and was never moved because of religious beliefs.