Roma

Roma is the largest town in the Maranoa region, about 480 km west of Brisbane. It is the eastern gateway to outback Queensland on the Warrego Highway and a good stop before heading west to Mitchell and Charleville.

History and Country

Roma is on the Country of the Mandandanji people. Pastoralists moved into the region in the 1840s. In 1862 Roma was gazetted, becoming the first town proclaimed in Queensland after the colony separated from New South Wales in 1859. It was named after Lady Diamantina Roma Bowen, wife of Queensland's first governor, Sir George Bowen. The railway arrived in 1880, and Roma grew into a centre for sheep, cattle and wheat farming.

In 1900, while drilling for water, a bore struck natural gas — the first discovery of natural gas in Australia. Oil was later found, and the Roma district became the birthplace of Australia's oil and gas industry. Today, coal seam gas projects across the Surat Basin continue that story.

Things to do

The Big Rig. Roma's oil and gas museum includes a historic drilling rig, displays on the industry, and a night show in some seasons. It sits beside a parkland on the creek.

Heroes Avenue. Bottle trees planted in 1918 along Wyndham and Bungil streets honour the local men who died in the First World War, each tree bearing a plaque. They form one of Queensland's most distinctive war memorials.

Roma Saleyards. Roma's cattle saleyards are among the largest in Australia. Watching a sale from the viewing platforms gives a glimpse into the beef industry.

Bungil Creek and Mount Abundance. The creek walk is pleasant for a stroll. The historic Mount Abundance homestead, one of the region's earliest, is on private land.

Easter in the Country. Roma's Easter festival has included a rodeo, street parade and markets. Check the Maranoa Regional Council website for current events.

Roma's heritage buildings. The courthouse, the former Bank of Australasia building and the hotels along McDowall Street reflect the town's early prosperity.

A two-day itinerary

Day 1: Visitor centre at the Big Rig, Heroes Avenue, heritage walk along McDowall Street, and the Big Rig night show (if running).

Day 2: Watch a cattle sale at the saleyards, then continue west to Mitchell's artesian spa, or north to Injune and Carnarvon Gorge.

Carnarvon Gorge

Roma is the main town south of Carnarvon National Park. Carnarvon Gorge, reached via Injune, is about 250 km north, with spectacular sandstone cliffs, side gorges and Aboriginal rock art. Walking tracks lead to the Art Gallery and Cathedral Cave. Bookings for camping are through QPWS.

Seasons

April to October is the best time to visit, with mild days and cool to cold nights. Summers are hot, with storms.

Getting there

Roma is on the Warrego Highway, about 480 km west of Brisbane. Regional flights connect to Brisbane, and the Westlander train stops in Roma.

Where to stay and eat

A wide range of motels, hotels, caravan parks and B&Bs, plus restaurants, cafés, pubs and supermarkets.

Travel safety

The Warrego Highway carries heavy traffic, including road trains and gas industry vehicles. Watch for kangaroos and stock at dawn and dusk.

Who it suits

Roma suits families, history lovers, travellers interested in agriculture and the oil and gas story, and anyone heading into outback Queensland or to Carnarvon Gorge.

Bottle trees

Queensland bottle trees (Brachychiton rupestris) are native to the Maranoa and nearby regions. Their swollen trunks store water, helping them survive drought. Besides Heroes Avenue, bottle trees are found across the district, and they have become a symbol of Roma.

Oil, gas and the Surat Basin

Roma's gas story did not end with the 1900 discovery. The town sits on the edge of the Surat Basin, and in recent decades coal seam gas development across the Maranoa and Western Downs has brought new workers, infrastructure and traffic to the region. Gas industry vehicles are common on local roads, and accommodation can be in high demand during construction periods. The Big Rig's displays put the modern industry in historical context.

Day trips from Roma

Surat. About 80 km south on the Balonne River, Surat has the Cobb & Co Changing Station museum, an aquarium of native fish and riverside walks. It's a good stop on the way to St George.

Injune and Mount Moffatt. North of Roma, Injune is the gateway to the Carnarvon Range. Beyond Carnarvon Gorge, the Mount Moffatt section of Carnarvon National Park has sandstone formations, Aboriginal rock art and remote camping, reached by unsealed roads suitable for high-clearance or 4WD vehicles. Check Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service for access and bookings.

Yuleba and Wallumbilla. East of Roma on the Warrego Highway, these small towns have local history displays and are quiet stops on the drive from Brisbane.

Racing and community events

Roma's Bassett Park hosts race meetings, campdrafts and shows through the year, and the town's Easter festival is one of the biggest events in the Maranoa. Check the Maranoa Regional Council events calendar for current dates.

Travelling with a caravan

Roma is a convenient place to restock before heading west or north. Larger supermarkets, mechanics, tyre services and caravan repairers are available in town, which isn't always the case further west. Book caravan parks ahead around Easter and in winter.

Where to next

• Mitchell — about 85 km west.
• Injune and Carnarvon Gorge — north.
• Surat — south, on the Balonne River.
• Miles and Dalby — east, towards Toowoomba.

Planning your visit

The Big Rig. The Big Rig Visitor Information Centre is at 2 Riggers Road. Roma Revealed lists its hours as 8.30 am to 5 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 4 pm on weekends. You can explore the Big Rig oil patch daily. The Big Rig Night Show runs on weeknights from April to October, and three nights a week from November to March. Check times before you go.

Roma Saleyards tours. The saleyards says its free visitor tours start at 8.30 am every Tuesday. Arrive by 8.15 am. Tours depend on cattle numbers, and the interpretive centre is open daily.

Avenue of Heroes. Roma Revealed says the avenue has 140 bottle trees honouring local servicemen who died in the First World War. The town's biggest bottle tree is at the end of Edwardes Street.

Is Roma worth visiting?

Yes, especially on a Tuesday, when you can see the saleyards in action. Add the Big Rig by day and night, the bottle trees and a day trip, and Roma is an easy one- or two-night stop on the Warrego Highway. It's also a gateway towards Carnarvon Gorge.

What to do in Roma for a day

Start with the Tuesday saleyards tour, if you can. Spend the late morning at the Big Rig, then walk the Avenue of Heroes and find the big bottle tree. Finish with the Big Rig Night Show.

Practical information

• Services: full services including hospital, supermarkets and fuel.
• Nearest larger city: Toowoomba (about 350 km east).
• Next stops: Mitchell (west), Injune (north), Surat and St George (south).

Explore nearby

• St George
• Carnarvon Gorge