Barcaldine Attractions

Barcaldine Tours and Attractions

Barcaldine Attractions

The tree of knowledge was a ghost gum (Eucalyptus Papuana) located in the main street of Barcaldine in front of the Railway station and is celebrated as being the central meeting place for the Shearers' Strike during the upheaval in 1891.

Although the shearers' strike spread far and wide, Barcaldine became the central point for the strike leaders who were later sentenced with conspiracy receiving three years hard labour. Although the dispute was settled before this the 13 leaders still had to serve their time. This disturbance eventually led to the formation of the Australian Labour party.

The Tree of Knowledge committee commemorates the 1892 struggle with a beautifully landscaped garden. The tree is said to be at least 170 years old and was included in the National Heritage List on 26th January 2006. Sadly it was poisoned in 2006 and did not recover, however a memorial has been erected and was opened on 2nd May, 2009.

The Barcaldine and District folk museum is home to a collection of memorabilia from early days in and around Barcaldine. The former old National Bank, built in 1906, stood at the corner of Beech and Ash Streets until 1976 when it was donated for use by the Museum Committee.

Additional displays are added from time to time. Family days are held the last Sunday of the month from March to November with mini steam train rides with smoko and lunch available. The museum is open from 7.00am to 5.00pm every day except Good Friday and Christmas Day.

Visit The Australian Workers Heritage Centre, custodians of the rich history, heritage and traditions of all working Australians. Within this museum styled complex, visitors can journey through exhibition space and historic work places of yesteryear- capturing the spirit of our nations' workers and where the stories of Australia's working history comes to life. Designed with the weary traveller in mind and offering a place for reflection, The Workers Heritage Centre is sited on over 2 hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens, complete with a bore-fed billabong of Olympic sized proportions. This oasis in the Outback also provides the convenience of picnic, BBQ and playground facilities with an onsite Retail Outlet.

Between the Bougainvillea’s is an award winning heritage trail, which showcases some of Barcaldine's varied and colourful history.

Maroon signs featuring windmill logo have been placed at significant historical sites around Barcaldine. Each sign gives you a brief history of the site and a photo of what originally stood at the site.

A booklet is available for $2 from the Information Centre.

Roses and Things situated at 44 Coolibah Street, is a unique and relaxing experience. There are over 800 roses of various varieties and a lovely landscaped lawn on which Devonshire Teas are served.

They sell homemade arts and crafts, boiled lollies and ice creams and there is a small nursery. Opening hours are 9.00am to 4.30pm Tuesday to Sunday. (Closed Monday). Also closed between the first week in December to the end of March.

Artesian Country Tours. Take the trip of a lifetime with Tom on an Artesian Country Tour.

Visit landscapes and historic sites see ancient lava flows, aboriginal carving and caves, a working cattle station, desert springs and one of Cobb & Co.’s campsites. Tom is well versed in the history of the Aramac and Barcaldine areas and will give you an insight into the history of the country that you will not get anywhere else. The tour is an all day tour and includes morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.