The Bluff Lookout

the start of yoWAH

The origins of the name ‘Yowah’ have long been forgotten. However, it was named because of the nearby Yowah Creek. Around 1875 Cobb & Co had a change station at the creek.

Although there are no documents, it is generally accepted that the Yowah opal field was discovered by a Mr. Rossiter. Mr. Rossiter was the manager of the registered mine on the Yowah Creek. It was registered in Charleville on 1st September 1884 for 21 years at a cost of 10 pounds per annum.

The Southern Cross Mine was owned by a syndicate which was led by Mr Herbert Bond.

The first 5x3 chain claims were pegged on the 4th October 1897. By this time miners were beginning to spread to Duck Creek, Sheep Station Creek and the Black Gate fields.

The miners lived about four miles SE of where the present town is situated.

Building began here around 1912 when the first Government bore was sunk. Yowah is situated on the grazing property ‘Moolya’ which is owned by Mr Tom Fagan. The miners lived a rough and solitary life under the stars or in tents or bush huts. They had to carry their water for five miles from Sheep Station Creek. Whenever there was a severe drought they had to leave the area until it rained. To sell their opals the miners had to wait for a buyer or take it away to sell. The illustrious ‘Eulo Queen’ was a well known buyer and ‘a friend to miners’. Due to the water shortage, it wasn’t until the 1960s that there were permanent residents in Yowah.

You’ve heard of the Yowah Nut, With the Fiery Opal Flame? Now I’ll tell you the story Of how Yowah got its name It was about the 1880s, Or the 90’s at the latest, When brothers Bill and George, Were travelling Queensland’s far South West. ----------------

FROM ‘THE TALE OF YOWAH’ BY JIMMY STEVENS