Alice Maslen’s Hitching Rail
Eidsvold A NEAT AND TIDY TOWN 35KM NORTHWEST OF MUNDUBBERA ON THE BURNETT HIGHWAY (A3). THE TOWN OF CRACOW IS 93KM TO THE WEST. EIDSVOLD IS THE SELF-PROCLAIMED BEEF CAPITAL OF THE BURNETT AND IS A HUB FOR THE REGIONAL CATTLE INDUSTRY.
P
rior to the arrival of Europeans the area around Eidsvold was home to the Wakka Wakka Aboriginal people. Founded in 1848 the town takes its name from Eidsvoll, Norway where the European settlers Thomas and Charles Archer came from. They established large stations which they called Eidsvold and Coonambula. In the 1880s Eidsvold emerged as a bustling gold mining town supporting a population of over 2,000 with 15 hotels catering for thirsty diggers. The area developed as a hub for citrus, agriculture, timber and cattle. The town and surrounding countryside offer visitors a rich tapestry of Australian heritage and bush traditions together with a wealth of Indigenous culture, wildlife and natural beauty. Eidsvold Historical Museum is home to a fine collection of historic homes including ‘Knockbreak’ Homestead, Riverleigh Cottage which houses memorabilia including the Eidsvold Soldiers Corner, a display of photographs, medals and equipment from
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NORTH BURNETT VISITORS GUIDE
REGINALD MURRAY WILLIAMS AUSTRALIA BUSH LEARNING CENTRE Burnett Highway (on the south side of town) (07) 4165 7272 | info@rmwilliamscentre.com.au www.rmwilliamscentre.com.au
various wars, traditional owner artefacts, slates and desks and other school equipment, a manual telephone exchange and the original Clonave Homestead. The museum also houses the George Schafer Geological Collection and the Schultz and Duncan Bottle Collection. To make an appointment to view the museum please contact the Eidsvold Historical Society on (07) 4165 0895. Archer Homestead was home to the pioneering Archer brothers from Norway and rests on the banks of the Burnett River. Situated 8km west of Eidsvold the homestead can be viewed by appointment by contacting the Eidsvold Historical Society. Here is a real piece of rural Australia and its good manners. The Alice Maslen’s Hitching Rail is located in the main street. It was erected by the local council as recently as 1980. At the time Alice was an old woman who, in the age of the motor car, still brought her horse and sulky into town. She was a real remnant of the 19th century.
