The forgotten gold mine in Queensland
Anne Sinclair, 68, was born in England but spent most of her youth in Darwin, Northern Territory. Now in a position to travel and explore the world, Anne looks forward to sharing her personal experience and encourages others to step out and have fun.
If you are travelling along the central coastal region through Queensland, and if you are up to discovering yet another great treasure – then please, please include a trip to Mount Morgan. The Mine stands, only about a 30 minute drive inland from Rockhampton.
Described as revealing a ‘dramatic landscape’ the Arthur Timms Lookout shows stark proof of this old Gold mining town, and the aging Gold Mine. In the foreground on this landscape is the gold room – reported as being constructed in 1884.
The Mine is steeped in glorious history – one only wishes one could paint and recreate this glorious historical vision. The Mine buildings were built in three stages of construction; and besides the general office, also offered some workers their accommodation.
The main stack was completed in 1905, using up to 750,000 bricks, and is Australia’s tallest free standing brick chimney. This stack was built to direct fumes away from the town.
The staff, working at the Railway Station and Information Centre building in Mt. Morgan - which was built in 1898; will provide mud maps – encouraging you to tour the town and view the many unique and heritage listed buildings. They eagerly highlight the enormous role Mt. Morgan Gold Mine had played during the first and second world wars.
The Victor Jones suspension bridge was so named, after the first Australian soldier to die overseas in the imperial service.
Built in 1899 and Heritage listed the Queensland National Hotel tower was used as a spotting tower during World War two. This hotel closed in 1992 and is now up for sale – if anyone is interested?
The Gold Mine made such a mighty contribution to the health, wealth and growth of Australia – that, trying to absorb all of this history, I have experienced a little sadness for those many unsung mining heroes!
The site of Arthur Timms Lookout invites you to take a moment ....to close your eyes. You are also invited to imagine the laughter of children, the hum of machinery – and to picture the men scurrying across the incredibly large landscape, of this mining site.
Then, when you have lost yourself in this magical moment – imagine the hooter sounding – and the relieved cries and sighs of workers - knocking off for the day. Feel that moment!
Depending on your needs – accommodation for the night or two (or more) is readily available. Staying at the Leichhardt Hotel for a mere $30 a night – the building takes you back to the 1950’s with high timber ceilings – such a delight. There is a camping area – and other hotels which offer you a bed for the night. It’s all here.
There is so much to see and take in. Little Ireland is there – with the area boasting all Irish street names. And, built in 1890 and located on the corner of East and Bridge streets, is a General Store, run by the same Chinese family for generations. Just such an amazing mixture and blending of cultural contributions.
One of the oldest Primary Schools in Queensland – opened here in 1887 as mixed school for boys and girls. You will find this Primary school, standing on East Street. One can only imagine the contributions of the children educated at this wonderful school – as they entered adulthood and passed their cultural upbringing down their ancestral lines.
It’s not too hard to have mixed emotions as the Mt Morgan Gold Mine stands proudly...perhaps a little older, perhaps a little rusty around the edges – but never will it lose its gift to Australia and the enormous contribution to the wealth of our great nation.