Attractions in Stanthorpe
Historical Society Museum
One of the region’s greatest treasures and winner of the important John Herbert Memorial Award for Excellence, the highest award from the National Trust Queensland. Stanthorpe Museum also holds a Gold Award for Excellence in Heritage Conservation from Queensland Heritage Council and a Community Achievement Award for Heritage and Culture. It also holds two Collections of National Importance.
There are fifteen complete buildings full of original material, from a 1894 School Residence, to the spacious Ardmore House built in the 1920s, a summer holiday home that now houses a wonderful collection of furniture and memorabilia from that era. Outside the store that housed the chauffeur, cars and equipment for Ardmore House residents is now the Museum workshop.
There is the delightful Heath House, complete from the 1940’s and featuring original furniture and equipment from that period. Wilson’s Downfall Gaol from 1876, and host of machinery and vehicles, and historical items that will keep you fascinated (and the children entranced) for hours.
Local History
The museum has been collecting community history for more than 40 years and is the custodian of one national and two state recognised collections. Included among these amazing artefacts is the unique ‘Make-Do’ Collection which comprises hundreds of items crafted by the region’s forebears to fulfil a specific need from materials at hand.
The museum also attracts family researchers because of its comprehensive original records from the Granite Belt families and businesses.
Address: 12 High Street, Stanthorpe, QLD
Phone: (07) 4681 1711
Stanthorpe Soldiers Memorial
A white cottage-like pavilion, nestled in a rocky park, provides visitors with a chance to take in the panorama of Stanthorpe and remember the legacy left by men from this area in WWI.
Soldier hero Major General Sir William Glasgow officially opened this soldiers’ memorial on 6 February 1926.
Slatted bench seating inside provides a place to ponder the impact a war on the other side of the world had on this farming community. Five WWI honour boards record the names in alphabetical order, without rank or honour, all are revered equally.
Another is reserved for those who died, raised letters stating: ‘To the memory of our gallant boys who fell in the world’s war 1914-1919’. Further honour boards have been added, remembering later conflicts.
Warwick architects Dornbusch and Connolly designed the rest house which was built by local contractors NJ Thompson and Sons.
Many returned servicemen settled in this area under a soldiers’ resettlement program. Towns around Stanthorpe echo the names of French conflicts: Amiens, Pozieres, Bullecourt and Fleurbaix. A neighbouring house, once owned by war heroes Sir Harry Chauvel and Major Alan Chauvel, uncles of film maker Charles Chauvel, also carries a name reflecting WWI, ‘El Arish’.
Where: Lock Street, Stanthorpe, QLD
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