Queensland Holidays - Destinations - Barcaldine

'Barcy', as it is affectionately known, radiates the atmosphere of a true historic outback town. Back in the 1900's it was named the 'Garden City of the West' and to this day the town exudes a special charm, friendliness, cleanliness, and character. The spirit of the outback is alive and well in Barcaldine and there are a host of things to explore.

The Australian Workers Heritage Centre pays tribute to the lives of ordinary people who built a nation and the Barcaldine and District Historical Museum houses collections that epitomise the area's pioneering spirit. Buildings such as the Comet Masonic Lodge and Radio Picture Theatre have interesting histories, with the theatre still operating on most weekends. It is also the venue for an annual Arts Competition. Visit the St Peter's Anglican Church consecrated in 1898 and featuring beautiful Stain Glass windows. Do a pub-crawl along the main street, Oak Street, which is adorned by six charming hotels. Stop in at the information centre and windmill - which was originally erected on the site of the first free flowing bore in Queensland. Take a tour with Artesian Country Tours to view 10,000 year-old stone carvings.

It is the Great Shearers Strike of 1891 however, and consequent formation of the Labor party that made its place here in history. Shearers held their strike meetings in the shade of a ghost gum, now known as the Tree of Knowledge. Unfortunately it has again been a place of controversy with the alleged poisoning of this historic tree thought to be over 150 years old. Luckily there is a clone growing at the Heritage Centre.