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Barcaldine - Queensland
Barcaldine is situated on the junction of the Capricorn and Landsborough Highways, 1072 kilometres from Brisbane, and is known as the Garden City of the West. Barcaldine is home to the Tree of Knowledge and the reputed birthplace of the Australian Labour Party.
On our recent visit to Barcaldine we started the day with coffee and cake at Roses ’n’ Things Tea Gardens, saw the Tree of Knowledge, and wandered around town looking at the heritage buildings and sculptures. We then explored the Australian Workers Heritage Centre and finished the day with Pizza at Barcy Base Camp and admired the Tree of Knowledge all lit up in the evening.
Roses ’n’ Things Tea Gardens is a lovely cafe surrounded by beautiful gardens on Coolibah Street. The Tea Gardens are open from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm, Wednesday to Sunday from April to October, for delicious morning and afternoon teas and light lunches.
The Tree of Knowledge was a ghost gum that grew outside the Railway Station for 180 years until 2006 when an unknown culprit poisoned it. The famous tree has since been preserved and placed under an award-winning timber structure that was constructed to protect the preserved tree and celebrate its importance in Australia’s history.
As we wander along Oak Street, we learn about Australian History, including the Shearers Strike, and see sculptures, an old Windmill and the Barcaldine Tropic of Capricorn sign.
Behind the Visitor Centre is the Pat Ogden Tower, where you can climb up the spiral staircase to the viewing deck and enjoy 360-degree views over the Barcaldine Township.
Along the Heritage Trail, you will see many significant historical sites, each with a sign providing interesting information. The Heritage Listed Masonic Lodge was built in 1901 and is one of the most unusual buildings in Barcaldine. It is constructed from Iron and Wood with a painted facade to make it look like it's made from bricks.
The Heritage Listed St Peter’s Anglican Church was built in 1899 and is still used for Church services today. The Radio Picture Theatre opened in April 1926 and still operates as a movie theatre today with the original canvas seats and art deco frieze above the screen.
The Australian Workers Heritage Centre is a monument to Australia’s working men and women. It is spread across 2 hectares of landscaped gardens, with a lovely central billabong. An extensive range of exhibits, photographs and audio-visual presentations tell the stories of Australia's working people, and you will need several hours to see them all.
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