Garden City of the West
Barcaldine in Queensland has an interesting and famous history. The name Barcaldine originates from the Oban region in Scotland and is pronounced bar-call-din.
Barcaldine is a hugely important and symbolic destination for visitors and travellers. If you are interested in the history of working people in Australia, you will find this fascinating. It was here in 1891 that shearers, confronted with lower pay, went on strike, joined together in a camp. They held meetings under “The Tree of Knowledge” – all played an important role in the formation of the Australian Labor Party.
Today the town celebrates its historic radicalism with:
The Tree grew outside the Railway Station for about 180 years until 2006. It was when sadly, it was poisoned by an unknown culprit. The famous tree has been preserved and placed under an award winning structure. The structure gives the illusion of a canopy over the Tree. The best view of the Tree and the memorial is at night when it is beautifully lit by special lighting. A visit at night will be a highlight of your trip.
The town is central to the 53,677 square kilometres Barcaldine Regional Council. The Council includes the towns of Alpha, Jericho, Aramac, and Muttaburra.
Barcaldine is a great place to spend a few days experiencing, exploring and relaxing. Its rich history is on full display at the Barcaldine and District Historical Museum and the Australian Worker’s Heritage Centre. The main street reflects the love of arts and culture by community members with murals, musical instruments, beautiful gardens and the windmill.
Take a stroll along Lagoon Creek or the Botanical Walk and be mesmerised by the native fauna and flora.