|
"Fall in love with living history"
Charters Towers is proud of its rich mining history and who wouldn’t be- 29 crushing mills, 65 hotels and its own Stock Exchange made it the second largest city in Queensland with a population of 30,000 back in the early 1900s.
Your finest discovery will be the wonderful century old architecture and heritage landscapes combined with modern day facilities. The National Trust of Queensland along with the City and Shire Councils play a leading role in the preservation of the historical aspects of Charters Towers. Historically significant sites have been linked into a trail called “Ghosts of Gold Heritage Trail”.
At Dalrymple Tourist Van Park, we are happy to provide information on all of the sites of Charters Towers or you may like to visit the Information and Orientation Centre which has interactive displays including an audio visual presentation of how the world came to Charters Towers after the discovery of gold. Visit the Information Centres website for more info: www.charterstowers.qld.gov.au/tourist
GHOSTS- The Venus Battery- Located on the outskirts of town, the battery offers an insight into an amazing real-life gold rush in the late 19th century. Constructed in 1872, it was a public mill and became a State battery in 1919, finally ceasing commercial operation in 1973. The spectacular water screen is not to be missed. See the interactive characters telling the stories of how the battery worked and of their lives and events at Charters Towers. 
GRANDEUR- One Square Mile- The elegance and grandeur of our city heart is truly awe-inspiring. The one square mile precinct of magnificent civic buildings of the gold rush era, including the Stock Exchange Arcade, World Theatre and Charters Towers Post Office, is easily explored on foot.
GOLD- Towers Hill- This site, where gold was first discovered in 1871, rises 420 feet above the plain. Interpretative displays at the Lookout explain the colourful past and spectacular scenery of Charters Towers. It is a wonderful spot to enjoy an early morning walk (look out for the local wildlife) or a sundowner at sunset.
Towers Hill comes to life at night with a film screened in the amphitheatre under the stars- and the ghosts of the past have a starring role.
GREED- Stock Exchange- Built in 1888, the Royal Arcade housed the Charters Towers Stock Exchange, one of Australia’s few regional stock exchanges. It was hooked into the world by telegraph with 3 calls a day, 5 days a week. Don’t miss “the calling of the card”, a ghostly reminder of golden days when just a touch of greed echoed in these stately walls.
World Theatre- Explore this cultural complex where the unique blend of heritage architecture and state of the art technology meet. Check for details of live shows, movie times, morning melodies and free local and touring exhibitions of art, sculpture and photography. You'll also find some great restaurants and coffee shops in the immediate vicinity of the Theatre.
Historic Ambulance Centre - 100 years after its original opening in 1903, the ambulance centre  was restored and reopened, displaying a collection of vehicles, uniforms and log books recording cases treated by the ambulance officers of the past 100 years.
Miners Cottage - This refurbished cottage offers a step back in time to a typical home that was popular on the goldfields late in the 1800's. Visit here to learn a little more about the history of our wonderful city.
Charters Towers Museum- Ask for a demonstration of the flying fox (the Lampson Aerial Cash System) at this National Trust owned and run museum where you will hear special stories from the volunteers and see a large collection of memorabilia, photographs and equipment that reflects Charters Towers golden past.
Pioneer Cemetery- Here you will find graves of those buried from 1872 to 1895, giving an insight into the hardships our pioneers endured. The newer Charters Towers cemetery, established in 1895, is the resting place for many interesting characters. A booklet is available on site.
Excelsior Library- This is the home of the Charters Towers and Dalrymple Archive Group who are an active group continually gathering and uncovering the golden past of our city. If you have stories to share or need a mystery solved, this is the palce to visit. The Library is also home to the Excelsior Brass Band, who play at numerous civic events, and the beginnings of the city’s art collection. 
Burdekin Weir- Our liquid goldwater is pumped from the weir on the mighty Burdekin River. From your picnic table, watch the pelicans fish for yabbies. If you’d prefer to fish yourself, turn off to the left before the picnic area to the Burdekin Water Park.
Cattle Sales are held every week in the Dalrymple Saleyards where you too can experience the thrill of rural living when livestock goes under the hammer. Also at the saleyards are the Dalrymple Stadium and Arenas where rodeos, campdrafts, equestrian events and even concerts are held.
The Civic Club, originally known as the Londoner’s Club (a gentleman’s club), boasts two 100 year old billiards tables. Drop in for a game, a drink or just to soak up the atmosphere of this historic building. On Friday nights, enjoy their famous BBQ.
Drive-in Theatre- Remember the 50s and 60s, with a night at one of only six drive-in theatres still operating in Queensland. Enjoy the balmy nights whilst viewing the latest movies but don’t forget the popcorn!
Lissner, Defiance Mill and Centenary Parks are ideal for a picnic or a shady, leisurely stroll whilst out and about enjoying our city. Lissner Park comprises 7 acres with Band Rotunda, playground, Rotary Centenary Fountain, Federation Fountain, duck pond, WW1 guns and memorials and it’s lit at night so perfect for evening picnics. Next to Lissner Park is the Swimming Pool Complex. Defiance Mill Park is a newer park catering to older children with a skate bowl and bike areas. Currently 40% of the towns treated waste water is used for the watering of parks and sporting fields.
Events
On the Australia Day long weekend each year, Charters Towers hosts “The Goldfield Ashes”, the largest amateur cricket carnival in the Southern Hemisphere. Teams range from the serious A graders to the madcap social events.
Ten Days in the Towers is a week of fun and festivities leading up to the Country Music Festival, a weekend of performances by the top country music stars, cabarets and jamborees. Throughout the week enjoy line dancing, listen to bush poets and talent quests and watch the grand procession. Held in the week prior to the "May Day" long weekend.
Charters Towers Agricultural Show features a large beef cattle section, equestrian events, local arts & crafts, fruit & vegetables, poultry & pigeons, cooking and plants. It is held in late July.
The Restorer's Club Annual Swap Meet and Motor Show is a must see event for all car buffs. A vast array of vintage cars and machinery is on display during the Queens Birthday long weekend. Another annual event not to be missed by car buffs is the Ute Muster, held in late April.
Markets- Local arts and crafts can be purchased at the Stock Exchange Markets (first & third Sundays monthly) and the Showgrounds Markets (every second Sunday monthly).
Many other sporting events are regularly held in Charters Towers including BMX, Motocross, horse racing, equestrian, netball, rugby league, soccer, cricket, golf, pistol shooting, rugby union, squash, tennis, swimming, cycling, bow hunters, and touch football.
Charters Towers is home to five quality boarding schools providing a strong education base for Queensland children. Some of the schools and their accommodation houses are stately heritage buildings.
Community organisations are well represented in Charters Towers with Rotary, Lions, Zonta, Apex, QCWA, Toastmasters, Guides and Scouts all holding regular meetings. The Pottery Club and Bootscooters welcome visitors to their gatherings. Most religious denominations have regular worship times.
Around the area visit the historic towns of Pentland, Homestead and Ravenswood, picnic at picturesque Fletcher Creek, bushwalk in White Mountains National Park, visit the Basalt Wall or Big Bend and enjoy the mighty Burdekin River Dam and Weir, where you can try your luck fishing for a barramundi or just enjoy boating and picnicing. |
