www.leichhardthighway.com LH Brochure Layout Template.indd1 1 6/2/07 10:54:43 AM When travelling in Central Queensland take the time to discover The Gorges Way Banana Biloela Gladstone Moura To Carnarvon Gorge, Calliope Emerald and the Gemfields Theodore Kroombit Tops To Tannum Sands, N.P. Cania Miriam Vale, Gorge N.P. Agnes Water and 1770 Isla Gorge N.P. Leichhardt Hwy to Taroom and Miles • Theodore Information Centre (07) 4993 1900 • Agnes Water Information Centre (07) 4902 1533 MORE • Gladstone Information Centre (07) 4972 9000 • The Rural Hinterland Information Centre (07) 4992 2400 >> • Miriam Vale Information Centre (07) 4974 5428 • Biloela Promotions Bureau (07) 4992 2405 INFO • Tannum Sands Information Centre 07 4973 8062 • Moura Information Centre (07) 4997 2084 Local, Murilla Shire Condamine River Lorikeet TOURING THE LEICHHARDT CONTENTS Set off on a modern day adventure as you ‘blaze a trail’ along the fully sealed Leichhardt Highway. Together with the adjoining Newell Highway, the Leichhardt links Australia’s second 2. Goondiwindi largest city, Melbourne, through Queensland’s border town, Goondiwindi and onto the 3. Tara charismatic heart of the Capricorn Coast, Yeppoon. 4. Miles Follow in the tracks of the intrepid explorer, Ludwig Leichhardt, along this inland route named in his honour. The Leichhardt and Newell Highways combine to make the fastest 5. Taroom touring route from Melbourne to the Tropics. It takes you away from the hustle and bustle 7. Map and avoids the more hectic pace of travel associated with the coastal routes making it a perfect choice for your next trip. 8. Theodore & Banana This is a journey rich in discovery from the vast rolling pastures of the inland grazing districts 9. Mount Morgan to the astounding beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. Along the way you’ll encounter 0. Rockhampton spectacular gorges, peaceful lagoons, inland waterways ideal for casting a line, world acclaimed botanic gardens, historical treasures and unspoilt natural treats just waiting to be . Capricorn Coast discovered. Friendly locals in quaint country towns provide a warm welcome and useful tips 2. Travellers Info for where best to fish, explore, and relax. • Travel Planner Uncover the history of past generations in museums and historical collections that will truly amaze you and explore what was once the world’s largest and richest gold mine as you • Visitor Info Centres chart a course to Queensland’s topical coast. With a range of accommodation options • Advertisers Directory fitting every budget and so much to discover you’ll soon understand why this acclaimed historic route lives up to its reputation as one of excitement and discovery. LUDWIG LEICHHARDT One of Australia’s most heroic explorers, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludwig Leichhardt, first arrived in Australia from his native Prussia in 842. The talented naturalist had come to explore Australia’s interior and discover more of its flora. After spending time in the coastal regions between Sydney and Moreton Bay he finally mounted his epic expedition to explore the region from Moreton Bay to Port Essington in September 844. The party of five men braved the arduous journey arriving at the small settlement in the Gulf of Carpentaria 4 months later in December of 845. In recognition of the great explorer the highway from Goondiwindi to Rockhampton was named the Leichhardt. Ludwig Leichhardt (Image courtesy of Queensland State Library, Image No.111753) Goondiwindi Mt Morgan Great Keppel Island www.leichhardthighway.com GOONDIWINDI SHIRE WAGGAMBA SHIRE Goondiwindi Yelarbon ~ Toobeah ~ Bungunya ~ Talwood ~ Weengallon Gunsynd Statue Moree GOONDIWINDI Moonie Tara turnoff < 123km > < 94km > < 45km > Goondiwindi lies on the banks of the Macintyre River that marks the divide between NSW and Queensland. It is the first port of call on the way north, where the Newell Highway becomes the Leichhardt. As the gateway to the Western Downs, Goondiwindi sits at the heart of the region’s agriculture of cotton and wheat growing together with the beef and wool industries. It is also the home to the legendary racehorse Gunsynd, ‘the Goondiwindi Grey’. Spend a day enjoying this pretty border town, visit the sights and take a stroll along the riverwalk. In Apex Park visit the Gunsynd statue (one of the Top 2 Queensland Icons) and nearby at the Visitor Centre is the Gunsynd Memorial. They are close to the historic Border Bridge, which dates back to 94. The Botanic Gardens and Natural Heritage Water Park are ideal locations for a picnic with plenty of van parking and facilities for travellers. In town visit the Fairway Studios gallery and explore the former border Customs House – now a museum. Local history is also recorded in the Callandoon Pioneers Cemetery. If time permits then explore the local district and a collection of appealing small towns including the former tobacco town of Yelarbon to the east and south to picturesque Macintyre Falls. To the west lie the towns of Toobeah, Bungunya and Talwood – famous for its picnic races. Further west still is Weengallon with its Aboriginal rock wells. Boobera Lagoon lies to the south-west. From Goondiwindi head north to Moonie, the oil capital of inland Australia. It lies at the FRAMING & ART GALLERY crossroads of the Leichhardt and Moonie Highways and is a popular rest spot for travellers. Fairway Studios exhibits outstanding It’s followed by the tiny settlement of The Gums. works by local & regional artists. HIGHLIGHTS • Statue of Gunsynd – the Goondiwindi Grey • Gunsynd and Rodeo Memorial (Visitor Centre) • Customs House Museum Waggamba Shire: • Border Bridge • Yelarbon – former tobacco district (50kms) • Fairway Studios – art gallery and gift shop • Toobeah – famous for horse sports (50kms) Open Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm & Saturday 9am-1pm Opposite the Town Park, 8a Moffatt St, • Natural Heritage and Water Park • Bungunya – pretty village in wheat belt (70kms) Goondiwindi Q. 4390, Ph/Fax 07 46713101 • Botanic Gardens • Talwood – attractive country town (90kms) www.fairwaystudios.com.au • Callandoon Pioneer Cemetery • Weengallon – Aboriginal Rock Wells (35kms) Country Comfort Goondiwindi If you’re crossing the New South Wales / Queensland border at Goondiwindi, why not stay at Goondiwindi’s premium motel – the Country Roads Motor Inn. GOONDIWINDI RSL MEMORIAL CLUB Featuring licensed GOONDIWINDI’S COMMUNITY CLUB restaurant, mini-bar & Ideally located in the centre of Goondiwindi. Our motel facilities for the disabled • Bistro 7days Lunch & Dinner • Ample Off Street Parking provides all the traditional country comforts and facilities in traveller. Make us “your • Coaches Welcome • Conference Facilities • Functions 21 well appointed rooms. Catered For • Courtesy Bus Available • Jupiter’s Keno • Minibar • Austar TV • Air-Con • Swimming Pool home away from home”. • Poker Machines • Eftpos & ATM Facilities The Town House Restaurant & Cocktail Bar is open for Dinner: 11-13 Cunningham Hwy, Goondiwindi, Qld 4390 • Bingo – Wed & Sunday • Club Raffles – Wed, Fri & Sat Mon-Sat & Lunch: Tue-Fri. Room service at no extra charge. Ph: (07) 4671 3930 Fax: (07) 4671 3838 • Coldest Beer in town RESERVATIONS: 1300 650 464 Email: [email protected] 110 Marshall Street Goondiwindi QLD 4390 www.countryroadsmotorinn.com VISITORS WARMLY WELCOME t: 07 4671 1855 f: 07 4671 2918 23 ALBERT STREET (07) 4671 1269 [email protected] 2 www.leichhardthighway.com TARA SHIRE Tara Moonie ~ The Gums ~ Meandarra ~ Glenmorgan Wheat field, Tara Shire Robyn Gordon Grevillea Moonie Tara turnoff TARA Tara turnoff Miles < 45km > < 28km > < 80km > The tiny pioneer village of The Gums has an excellent Nature Reserve with free camping on the banks of a picturesque lagoon and a nine hole bush golf course. The reserve is home to a wide selection of native flora and attracts parrots and other birds while the resident kangaroos lie idly in the shade watching the golfers play a round on one of the best value courses - just $2.00 for a round. Tara Shire is home to vast wheat fields but it is also in the heart of some of Australia’s finest Merino country. Some 30kms east of The Gums and the Leichhardt Highway Tara is the main town for the shire and the centre for the local sheep and cattle industries. Stroll through the main street and meet the locals. Try a pie at the Woolshed Bakery or enjoy a drink in the Commercial Hotel, noted for its original Hugh Sawrey paintings. Tara hosts the National Sheepdog Trials (Easter) and shearing competitions as well as Meandarra camel races. Explore the town’s heritage and see the gallery of internationally renowned artist Barbara Geisel (by appointment only) famous for her wool paintings. The Tara Historical Society Museum has local folk history displays including shearing memorabilia and projection equipment from the Blue Moon Picture Theatre. South of The Gums, Wattle Downs is a working Merino station offering farmstay experiences. West of the highway and well worth a visit is the internationally recognised Myall Park Botanic Garden on the outskirts of Glenmorgan. Birthplace of the Grevillea Robyn Gordon, the garden presents Queensland’s oldest collection of Australian semi-arid flora as well as a gallery and provides accommodation and camping. Meandarra, midway between Glenmorgan and The Gums, is popular for fishing and camping. The town has an extensive collection of wartime militaria and combat vehicles and its architectural heritage includes an early School of Arts. HIGHLIGHTS • Myall Park Botanic Gardens • Barbara Geisel Gallery • Wartime vehicles and & Gallery • Commercial Hotel’s Hugh militaria at Meandarra • The Gums Nature Reserve Sawrey paintings • End of the Line, Glenmorgan • Woolshed Bakery’s famous • Tara Lagoon and walkway • Wattle Downs Farmstay pies • Tara Pioneer Village Glenmorgan COMMERCIAL HOTEL TARA TARA RURAL SUPPLIES & TARA REAL ESTATE Myall BOTANIC ParkGARDEN GLENMORGAN • One of Australia’s oldest collections of native plants Two Great Locations: • Home of the “Gordon” Grevilleas Perfect for New Owners Owen and Tracey welcome you • Gallery of Dorothy Gordon botanical paintings botanists, 46 Day St (07 4665 3366) and gift shop gardeners, bird to their historic pub est.