Zara Clark Folk Museum
Charters Towers, Charters Towers Area

This National Trust owned and run museum houses a large collection of photographs, equipment and other memorabilia that reflects Charters Towers golden past. Their friendly volunteers and staff are only too willing to share their special stories and demonstrate some of the equipment that is housed in the historic Burns Philp building, built in 1888. Ask for a demonstration of the flying fox (the Lampson Aerial Cash System from the old Pollards building), this is always a favourite. One of the most heard statements from the visitors to the Zara Clark Museum is ""Oh I remember that!"" The collection is full of items guaranteed to bring back a lovely memory or two. Apart from these items there are other artefacts that will pull you into the drama and excitement that was Charters Towers 130 odd years ago.

History buffs and collectors can put themselves to the test with the Museum's display of objects that so far have defied efforts to identify or date, and the friendly volunteers and staff are delighted to show off not just these items but everything in the quirky, fascinating collection.

On a more serious note, Charters Towers has a proud history from the Boer war, right through to Vietnam, housed in the Charles Wallace Military display. One of the more poignant pieces from World War I is a pair of half knitted socks, abandoned when a mum received news that her son had been killed, they are displayed exactly as she left them 100 years ago.

The Zara Clark Museum is well worth a visit and at least half an hour or longer should be set aside for visitors to enjoy their step back in time.