Gold fever once gripped this land and while it’s true that to this day people still find gold here, the real wealth of this region is its many natural beauties.
Gold was discovered at Gilberton Field, but it was quickly replaced by other goldfields. The town of Georgetown was first settled in 1870 and was then named Etheridge. The shire – which retains the town’s original name – also features spectacular gorges, golden savannah lands, Cobb and Co history and railway lines which are unique in the world.
Georgetown is the administrative centre of this fascinating shire and is accessible along the fully sealed Gulf Development Road, known as the Savannah Way. A major attraction is the TerrEstrial Centre, which incorporates the Ted Elliott Mineral Collection, a fully accredited tourist information centre, library, Centrelink access point and home to the newly completed Unearth Etheridge exhibit, an interactive and informative tribute to the brave women and men who have made this part of the world the vibrant place it is today. It is open from 8.30am to 4.00pm seven days from April to September (Monday to Friday other months). The TerrEstrial Centre has won a number of awards since its inception and should be your first stop in Georgetown. The whole complex is of interest and is a cool 24 degrees all year round!
It is open from 8.30am to 4.00pm seven days from April to September (Monday to Friday other months).
Visit the Georgetown Peace Monument garden behind the TerrEstrial Centre, dedicated to the champions of world peace, including Dr Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Ghandi, Eddie Mabo, Helen Caldicott and Julian Burnside.
The Ted Elliott Mineral Collection is considered the most comprehensive privately owned collection in Australia and has more than 4500 specimens. It is presented in nine themed rooms including one on the Etheridge region featuring agates from Agate Creek and petrified wood from Mount Surprise.
There are also displays of gold and precious minerals, fluorescent minerals, overseas minerals and a room showing how minerals can be polished to great effect in the display named ‘Rough to Smooth’.
Places of historical interest in town include Savannah House, originally a residence for the mining warden of the district. In Greens Park on the eastern entrance to town is Nugent’s Battery, a five-head stamp battery. The Etheridge Shire Hall, in St George Street, dates back to 1908. Don’t miss seeing the Ant Bed House, the heritage listed adobe residence, rare for its use of antbed instead of mud.
While in the region, visit the remnants of Cumberland Mine about 20km west of Georgetown. A chimney stands as a lone relic from the crushing plant that was built by Cornish miners.
Next to the Cumberland Chimney is Cumberland Dam, a popular watering spot for birds, both local and migratory, with over 140 bird species sighted here, including the rainbow bee eater, Gouldian finch, black-throated finch and comb-crested jacana. Bird signage aids visitors in the identification of birds they see.
If prospecting is your thing, less than an hour from town you will find Flat Creek and Western Creek Stations, although you need to check with the TerrEstrial Centre for information regarding regulations and licensing requirements, along with a list of other properties available for fossicking. You can acquire a fossicking permit via the Queensland Government webpage.
Among the designated fossicking areas in the region are Agate Creek, O’Brien’s Creek and Moonstone Hill Resources Reserve. Agate Creek is famous for its world class agates in beautiful colours. At O’Brien’s Creek, fossick for topaz, citrine, beryl and aquamarines. At Moonstone Hill you will find moonstone.
Back in Georgetown, take a walk to stretch your legs and gain an appreciation of some of the birds in the area. The walking track winds right around town. It goes along the banks of the river, across the top of town and down the banks of Sandy Creek all the way to the golf club. Various gates have been set up so you can leave the trail and walk back to town if you don’t want to do the entire 6km circuit. There are spots with tables and benches along the way, too. You can also start your walk from any of the gates, including the one near the information centre. Don’t forget to pick up a bird list from the information centre before setting off.
On the western edge of town is Burton Park, which is home to the Kapok Pod art sculpture and is Georgetown’s contribution to the Savannah Art Trail.
Georgetown’s facilities include a golf course, a sports complex with a multi-court for tennis and hoop games, a bowling green, squash courts and an air-conditioned gym. There is also a free entry pool in Greens Park and Heritage Park with free electric barbecues, shaded tables and children’s playground.
With so many attractions in and around Georgetown, it is well worth spending some time here. Set in over seven acres of natural bushland gardens and sweeping lawns, the Latara Resort Motel provides a relaxing and beautiful place to stay.
Pack your sense of adventure into a high clearance vehicle and set off for the 950km journey known as the Explorers’ Loop, with its spectacular sights and fascinating history.
Those who travel the entire loop will see the world class eco-tourist site of the Undara Lava Tubes, the quiet beauty of the Cobbold Gorge, Copperfield Gorge and fossicking areas including O’Briens Creek and Agate Creek. You’ll find historical towns among the incredibly diverse scenery … Georgetown, Forsayth, Mount Surprise, Einasleigh and Kidston.
TerrEstrial (Visitor Information Centre)
Phone (within Australia) 07 4079 9027
