The Wanderer
Image: Mt Moffat chimneys
Nestled in the heart of Queensland’s Maranoa region, Roma invites nature lovers, the curious, and adventurous souls to explore its culture and vast natural beauty. This charming town and the surrounding regions offer a unique blend of activities, making it a top destination for RV travellers seeking a mix of relaxation and exploration.
So whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or you’re just passing through, let’s take a look at the top attractions in Roma and the Maranoa region that will ensure your visit is packed with memorable experiences.
Image: The Big Rig. Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
The Big Rig is a premier cultural attraction that celebrates the pioneering spirit of the Australian oil and gas industry. Through a variety of exhibits, machinery displays, and audiovisual features, you’ll discover all the twists and drama of when oil and gas first flowed in our nation.
Book into the Big Rig Night Show Sunset Experience where you’ll enjoy a glass of Outback port while learning about the sabotage, drama and intrigue of the Australian oil and gas industry through the eyes of a ‘Roma Rigger’, with an original short history film under the stars in an outdoor theatre. Tickets cost $20.
Those who prefer a daytime visit can wander at their own pace and learn about the trials and tribulations that our pioneers endured while trying to strike it rich with Roma oil on a Big Rig Self Guided Tour. Tickets cost $20.
Those wanting to get the best of both worlds can grab a Day and Night at The Big Rig ticket for $35. It’s basically a combination of the above two experiences and lasts approximately two hours.
Visit www.bigrigroma.com.au for more information.
Image: Roma Cattle Yards. Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland.
Over 400,000 cattle pass through the Roma Saleyards every year, making it Australia’s largest cattle-selling centre. A visit to the Roma Saleyards will see you enjoy the Val Harms Interactive Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that tells the story of the cattle industry. You’ll be fascinated by the curved entrance, which comes to life as you walk through, making you feel like you’ve joined a cattle drive on the long paddock.
It’s best to time your visit for a Tuesday, where from 8:30 am (arrive at 8:15 am), retired graziers volunteer their time to answer questions about the saleyards and the cattle industry. You’ll also get to watch a live auctioneer demonstrate their fast-paced skills.
Image: Great Artesian Spa, Mitchell. Credit: Krista Eppelstin
Share in on a local secret and enjoy a soak in the mineralised waters of the Great Artesian Spa in Mitchell. Relaxing for the body and therapeutic for the soul, these thermal waters are naturally heated all year round.
Here you’ll find two large pools of artesian water. One of the pools features naturally heated waters from the Great Artesian Basin and is maintained at a comfortable temperature to relax muscles and ease tension. The other pool is for those who prefer a cooler experience. A hydro chair is available for those who have restricted mobility.
Open seven days a week, a visit to the Great Artesian Spa will set you back $10 per adult, $32 for a family, and $8 for concession, students and children. For more information visit www.greatartesianspa.com.
Image: Carnarvon Gorge Moss Garden Walkalmer. Credit: Jessica Palmer
Carnarvon Gorge is located in the rugged ranges of Outback Queensland. It is a spectacular steep-sided gorge with lush side gorges and a boulder-strewn creek that winds through the middle.
One of the best ways to experience Carnarvon Gorge is via one of the many hikes, which range from 600 metres to 19.4 kilometres. However you choose to experience the gorge, you will undoubtedly be captivated by the ancient sandstone rock art, rare wilderness, and abundance of native wildlife.
Visit www.parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/carnarvon-gorge/about for more information.
Image: Cobb & Co Festival
Those clever enough to time their visit to the Maranoa region between 16 - 25 August this year can join in the Cobb & Co Festival celebrations. This year is particularly special as it's the 100-year anniversary of the last Cobb & Co mail service in Australia.
Taking place in the small country towns of Surat and Yuleba and along the dusty track in between, festival goers will be wowed by bullocks, wagons, a horse-art exhibition, markets, gatherings of Cobb & Co descendants, coach rides and more.
The real excitement happens on Saturday 24 August when the sound of horse hooves signals the beginning of the reenactment journey along the Cobb & Co way to collect mail from the Surat Post Office. Then, alongside other horse-drawn vehicles and trail riders on horseback, the horse-drawn coach will traverse the original historic track- but keep an eye out for bushrangers! Learn more about the Cobb & Co Festival on in our previous article here.
Visit www.cobbandcofestival.com.au for more information
Image: Up the Creek Garage Museum
Husband-and-wife team Robert and Edith operate Up the Creek Garage, a unique museum in Roma that’s a must-visit destination for anyone with a hankering for vintage vehicles or a passion for automotive history.
Here you’ll find a collection of restored classic cars from vintage automobiles of the early 20th century to sleek muscle cars of the 1960s. Not only are these remarkable vehicles amazing to look at, but visitors can learn the history of this collection. Don’t miss the chance to get under the bonnet of the Aussie car industry when you’re in Roma.
Visit www.facebook.com/upthecreekgarage/ for more information.
Image: Judds Lagoon in Yulemba
Just five kilometres from Yuleba on the Moongool Road, Judd’s Lagoon and Wetlands is a beautiful spot for picnics and birdwatching. However, it’s also a great spot to set up camp and try your luck fishing. So, if you do decide to linger longer, make sure to bring a fishing rod to hook some yellowbelly, jewfish, cod, or European carp.
Image: Mt Moffatt 'Eyeglass'
This remote section of the Carnarvon National Park at Mt Moffatt features spectacular views from the highest plateau in Queensland, sculpted sandstone outcrops, and significant Aboriginal rock art sites.
A number of walking tracks can be enjoyed here, but if you can manage 4.2 kilometres (return), make sure to visit The Tombs rock art site. Here, you’ll find over 400 stencil motifs on the walls of a sandstone shelter. The entire area is a sacred burial site for Traditional Custodians, and seats are provided on the boardwalk from which to enjoy the rock art.
Visit www.parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/carnarvon-mount-moffatt for more information.
Image: Western Queensland Spirit
Situated on a 55-acre property, this former citrus and grape farm just outside of Roma is now the home of Western Queensland Spirit, a small-batch spirits distillery. Visit the cellar door of Outback Queensland’s first craft distillery and take a journey through the spirits with a tasting paddle or enjoy one of their signature grazing platters.
While you’re here, let the kids/grandkids play in the sandpit or on the grass, play some lawn games or simply chill in a beanbag under the outback skies.
Founded by ecologists Craig and Meryl Eddie, a tour with Boobook Explore shares a deeper dive into this wonderful region in southwest Queensland, where you’ll discover some of the region’s secrets. Choose from numerous fully-catered day or overnight tours, and you’ll gain local knowledge of Australia’s pioneering history, wildlife, local industry and more. With small groups and an ecological perspective, you’ll see the region through the eyes of your guide and be inspired by the hidden stories, vast spaces and diversity.
Visit www.boobookexplore.com.au/ for more information.
Roma can be found around 480 kilometres northwest of Brisbane, travelling along the A2 for the most part. Visit www.romarevealed.com.au
Category: Features
Written: Mon 03 Jun 2024
Printed: June, 2024
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