Augathella might have had humble beginnings as a campsite for bullock teams, but it’s well worth taking the time to enjoy its colourful history and the community artworks that grace the town.
The Boadicea Gallery & Cinema hosts art exhibitions and while here spend some time browsing the permanent photographic exhibition, with over a hundred historic photos of Augathella and Charleville.
At the Augathella Experience you will be taken on a journey through time, with interactive touch screen displays and stories on the walls.
Then head outside to enjoy the murals and wrought iron sculptures scattered around town. Created by the community and professional artists, these works of art are a unique way to share the story of Augathella.
You’ll soon realise that Augathella has an affinity for meat ants. The local football team was ferocious in attack, prepared to take on all comers and victorious for many years, earning them the nickname, ‘Mighty Meat Ants’. The name stuck and the Meat Ant Park is dedicated to the Augathella Football Team, complete with a magnificent meat ant sculpture by Queensland sculptor Amanda Fehrer. This quiet outback oasis is the perfect place to start following Augathella’s Heritage Trail. Maps are available from the Visitor Information Centre and Post Office Coffee and Gifts.
Brushes with fame, or perhaps infamy in this case, have been part of this town’s history. The Kenniff Tree is a reminder of a darker past. This magnificent old coolabah tree is where the infamous bushrangers, the Kenniff brothers tethered their horses during their frequent visits to Augathella. The Kenniffs were the last bushrangers to be hanged in Queensland.
Perhaps Augathella’s greatest claim to fame in recent times is as the home for a time of Moore (Neville) Raymond, author of the Smiley books and the young lad, Didy Creevy upon whom the Smiley character and stories are based. If they don’t recall the books, baby boomers are sure to remember with fondness, the movies, first screened in the mid 1950s. A mural in Main Street celebrates the 50th anniversary of the release of the classic Australian movie, “Smiley”. Word has it that there’s a movement afoot to develop a “Smiley” interactive centre in town. But in the meantime, say hello to Smiley at the cafe in the Ellangowan Hotel.
Augathella Visitors Centre
Phone (within Australia) 07 4654 5007
