Roma in South-West Queensland is one of the first stops on any good Outback road trip from Brisbane. It is an easy 478-kilometre from Brisbane, meaning if you get up early enough, you can be there for lunch! With an abundance of history, shopping, cafes, and things to see and do, Roma is a great town to visit in our books.
If you are looking for an excuse to visit South-West Queensland, here are five reasons not to put it off any longer…
Roma’s Easter in the Country Festival (18 – 22 April 2019)
If you are looking for a break over Easter, head out to Roma for the fortieth Easter in the Country Festival. Roma’s Easter in the Country Festival is a five-day celebration of all things country, showcasing the history and lifestyle of rural Queensland. And, there is something on offer for everybody at the festival, with bull riding, live music, rodeo, Easter activities and markets all on the agenda. There is even a wife-carrying race on the Sunday!
The Southern Hemisphere’s biggest cattle saleyards
For most city folk, the beef cattle industry is largely a foreign one, but a trip to visit the Roma Saleyards can change that. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, the Roma Saleyards team runs visitor tours free of charge. The tours are a great way to gain a greater appreciation for the industry and meet some interesting Aussie characters.
Have you ever wondered how the largest cattle selling facility in the southern hemisphere operates? ? For more information, visit http://bit.ly/BigSkyCountryDrive
Posted by Queensland Weekender on Sunday, 24 March 2019
Heroes Avenue
Roma’s Heroes Avenue is a heritage-listed memorial that remembers the men who died in the First World War. The memorial is made up of 93 Queensland bottle trees that line the street from the railway station to Wyndham Street, and along Bungil Street to the Hawthorne Street intersection. The heritage-listed avenue is worth a visit alone to see!
Roma’s biggest bottle tree
Speaking of bottle trees, while you are in town be sure to check out Roma’s largest bottle tree and its whopping 9.51-metre girth! The tree was transplanted by the council in 1927 and it has since flourished, stretching to six metres tall.
Roma’s fascinating history
Did you know that Roma has a long and fascinating history? If you are a history buff, you will love a wander around Roma’s town centre. Be sure to visit the 1901 Court House to hear the story of Captain Starlights, the infamous cattle rustler. Next, head to Riggers Road to see Lenroy Slab Hut to get a glimpse at life in the bush in the nineteenth century. The quaint little hut was built in 1893 out of local cypress to house a family of twelve! You can find the hut opposite The Big Rig.
As the birthplace of Australia’s oil and gas industry, the Oil Patch Museum is also a great place to visit. At the museum you can get an insight into the history of oil drilling and exploration, and check out historical machinery. It is an enthralling experience!
Why not stop into Charleville while out West? Here is how to spend 24 hours in Charleville!
By Kate Nutting
