Barcaldine
Tree of knowledge
The tree of knowledge is a ghost gun (Eucalyptus Papuana) growing in the main street in Barcaldine. It is situated in front of the Railway station and is celebrates as being the central meeting place for the Shearers’ Strike during the upheaval in 1891.
Although the shearers’ strike spread far and wide, Barcaldine became the central point of the strike leaders who were sentenced with conspiracy receiving three years hard labour. Although the dispute was settled before this the 13 leaders still had to serve their three years.
This disturbance eventually led to the formation of the Australian Labour party. The Tree of Knowledge committee commemorates the 1892 struggle with a beautifully landscaped garden. The tree is said to be at least 170 years old.
The Tree of Knowledge was included in the National Heritage List on 26th January 2006. Sadly it was poisoned in 2006 and did not recover. However a memorial has been erected and was opened on 2nd May, 2009.
The Tree of Knowledge Memorial Project was funded by
Barcaldine Museum
The Barcaldine and District folk museum is home to a collection of memorabilia from early days in and around Barcaldine. The former old National Bank, built in 1906, stood at the corner of Beech and Ash Streets until 1976 when it was placed in the corner of Beech and Gidyea Streets for use by the Museum Committee.
Additional displays are added from time to time. Family days are held the last Sunday of the month from March to November with mini steam train rides with smoko and lunch available. The museum is open from 7.00am to 5.00pm every day except Good Friday and Christmas Day.
The Australian Workers Heritage Centre
The Australian Workers Heritage Centre recognizes the heroes and heroines of the ordinary working men and women both past and present. The monument is through interactive displays, film, video, photographs, memorabilia, artwork, artifacts and recreated working settings enjoyed in the tranquil setting of over 5 acres. The history of Australia’s Working Women was opened in July 2002.
Between the Bougainvilleas
Between the Bougainvilleas is an award winning heritage trail, which showcases some of Barcaldine’s varied and colourful history. Maroon signs featuring windmill logo have been placed at significant historical sites around Barcaldine. Each sign gives you a brief history of the site and a photo of what originally stood at the site. By obtaining a booklet from the Information Centre, for a small price of $2.00 you can either walk or drive along the mapped out Heritage Trail.
Roses and Things
Situated at 44 Coolibah Street Roses and Things is a unique and relaxing experience. There are over 800 roses of various varieties and a lovely landscaped lawn on which Devonshire Teas are served. They sell homemade arts and crafts, boiled lollies and ice creams and there is a small nursery. Opening hours are 9.00am to 4.30pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Monday. Closed between the first week in December to the end of March.
Artesian Country Tours
Take the trip of a lifetime with Tom on an Artesian Country Tour. Visit landscapes and historic sites the likes of which are found no where else. See ancient lava flows, aboriginal carving and caves, a working cattle station, desert springs and one of Cobb & Co’s campsites. Tom is well versed in the history of the Aramac and Barcaldine areas and will give you an insight into the history of the country that you will not get anywhere else. The tour is an all day tour and includes morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.
During wildflower season 9August and September) tom also conducts wildflower tours.
Ph: 07 4651 2211
Fax: 07 4651 2499