A Visit to Charters Towers

Scenic gold mining city & gateway to Outback Queensland

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Charters Towers is 'The Gateway' to the Outback Towns leading West to Mount Isa and beyond. The drive from Townsville is approx. 90 minutes on The Overlanders Way.

On the outskirts of The City we pass The Music Festival statue and shortly after we arrive at our 'digs'. The Cattleman's Rest Motel is modest but quite suitable for a two night stay.




We picked up The Square Mile Tour Brochure from The Info Centre on the junction of Gill and Mossman Streets and the first stop was The Old Stock Exchange right next door. The Royal Arcade built in 1888, housed The Exchange from 1890. This was the only Stock Exchange outside The Capital of Brisbane.
There are a number of shops in The Arcade and also at the rear of the building we found The Mining Assay Museum.

We walked The City and Liz and I were amazed at all the historical buildings that are restored in perfect condition and we were both taken by The Old Post Office that towers high above it's companions. The original Post Office was established within weeks of the gold discovery but was replaced by the current building in 1892, and the Clock Tower later added in 1898.

We visited The Pioneer Cemetery that was used from 1872- 1895 and then The Charters Towers Cemetery. The latter is the resting place of Jupiter Mossman, the discoverer of gold, James Kenniff , who was reputed to be the last Queensland Bushranger and Dr.Leonard Redmond who discovered Australian Dengue Fever.



We saw the Gold Discovery Monument in Centenary Park and then we visited Lissner Park.
Liz can just be seen on the left of the photo as we entered the park . The Band Rotunda is a lovely building from the past, and there are fountains, children's playground, several monuments and a duck pond.

The area is well lit at night so it is a wonderful spot for an evening BBQ. Liz and I walked the park at night and there were thousands of bats in the neighbouring trees.

We managed to see The World Theatre which was formerly The Australian Bank of Commerce. Inside is a 660 seat Performing Arts Theatre and Cinema. Local and Touring Art, Sculpture and Photography Exhibitions are held in this complex.



There are two lookouts in Charters Towers, The Ayot, which is a charming 2 story Villa that provides Tea and Scones and a Guided Tour, and the Tower Hill Lookout which affords stunning views over the City.

Liz and I drove up to the Tower Lookout and passed several concrete bunkers, relics from WW2 on the way.
There is an Amphitheatre at the Lookout and every evening the movie "Ghosts After Dark" is shown to visitors.

We spent a busy 2 days looking around Charters Towers and we missed quite a lot that is on offer to the tourist, so we have promised ourselves a return trip in the near future.

An enchanting place to visit. Happy Holidays, Liz and Alf.



I would like to thank Liz and Alf from The Queensland Armchair Guide for this wonderful summary of an interesting trip.

Accommodation Charters Towers

A city of this size has a good range of accommodation, so here are just a few suggestions to get you started.

Park Motel & restaurant

1 Mosman Street

Centrally located, the Park Motel offers old charme and modern units. A restaurant and bistro are in the historic main building, while 17 modern motel units invite visitors for a convenient stay.

Check price, availability, or book now

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Dalrymple Tourist Van Park Hotel

24 Dalrymple Rd

This award winning tourist park offers ensuite cabins and spacious camping sites in relaxing surroundings. The large camping area offers a camp kitchen and barbecues.

Check price, availability, or book now

Enjoy your stay at Chartres Towers.

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