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Thrushton National Park, Qld
We absolutely loved our few days of remote outback camping here – all that red dirt is so good for the soul! Thrushton National Park is about 102km north-west of St George and 40km north-east of Bollon and has been a gazetted National Park since 1990. Spring wildflowers and golden wattle are abundant here amongst the spinifex and mulga scrub. Located within Thrushton National Park are the remains of the old homestead, including the outhouse. …
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TradeCoast Central Heritage Park, Brisbane Qld
Located at the site of the old Brisbane Airport in the suburb of Eagle Farm, this centre and surrounds provides a fascinating glimpse into Brisbane’s convict past. This heritage listed site was the location of the Women’s Prison and Factory, where in 1836 there were 40 women imprisoned here. By 1839 the remaining prisoners were sent to Sydney when the penal settlement here was disbanded. Today, there are outdoor displays, an interpretive centre, as…
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St Helena Island, Brisbane Qld
This little island situated in Moreton Bay was the site of Queensland’s first penal settlement. In 1967 it became a high security prison for long-term inmates until the 1920s when it then became a prison farm until it’s closure in 1932. The ruins here provide a fascinating glimpse into history and include warder accommodation, a sugar mill, lime kiln and stone causeway. A guided day tour to the island will give you detailed insight to…
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Roamin’ at Jondaryan Woolshed Museum QLD
The Woolshed at Jondaryan, Queensland is over 150 years old – one of the oldest in Australia’s history, and also one of the largest. The story of this heritage listed woolshed began in 1840 when the property was called Gundarnian, which means ‘Place of the Fire Cloud’ in the local Jarowair dialect. The property changed hands in 1845 when the original owner was forced to sell due to the recession. The new owner changed the…
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Bell Biblical Garden & Catholic Church, Qld
We loved our visit to Bell Biblical Garden and Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church in the little town of Bell, Queensland. Both the Garden and the Church are popular tourist attractions. The bright yellow Catholic Church features a stunning and colourful original series of paintings that were completed for the 95th anniversary of the church. They portray the history of salvation as told in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.…
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Boondooma Homestead & Heritage Complex, Qld
This heritage listed homestead is one of the few remaining examples of an elegant wooden home built in the 1850s. Some of the original structures that were built onsite, and used by the early settlers, have been preserved for visitors to wander through and enjoy. There is an onsite museum, with much of the collection having come from within the boundaries of the original Boondooma Station. This property was first settled in 1846, with the…
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The Stonehouse Moore, Qld
The Stonehouse is a group of three related stone structures that were built from 1874 – 1888. The complex consists of a storehouse, kitchen and a hotel or inn. Restoration work at the site is ongoing. In the 1870s a coach and mail service commenced between Esk and Nanango in South East Queensland and the former homestead and wayside inn complex, situated on the D’Aguilar Highway, was one of the stops along what was formerly…
