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Charters Towers Venus Gold Battery
A “must-do” experience for visitors to the Towers. The 150-year-old Venus Gold Battery (Mill) crushed ore from the underground mines to extract the valuable gold. Through an amazing audio-visual experience and guided tour, discover how gold was processed during the colourful North Queensland goldrush. On the outskirts of Charters Towers is the oldest and largest surviving Battery in Queensland – the Venus Gold Battery. Built in 1872, this crushing mill provided gold extraction facilities to miners for over a century. The huge “stampers” pounded day and night extracting the precious gold from quartz up until 1973. The Venus Gold Battery can be visited for guided tour experiences, private group tours, educational experiences and as a private venue hire.
Learn More Book NowCentenary Park
Step back in time to the days of the gold rush when you visit Centenary Park in Charters Towers. This popular park space features a gold discovery monument and a collection of sculptures created by Queensland Artist, Hugh Anderson. Make sure you take a picture of the Bat Statue created and designed as part of the 2013 LATTE Exhibition. Centenary Park features an interesting history, with the area first announced for public purposes in 1888. In 1941 the last Gazette Order in Council set aside the area as a reserve for park purposes and named it "Sayers Park" after Robert John Sayers. From the city's very early days, Centenary Park was called "Harvey's Reserve", no doubt because Joseph Harvey, a local butcher, built and lived in "Tower Villa", an old Queenslander style home that still faces out over the north east corner of the Reserve. During 1972 the Park was re-named "Centenary Oval" as part of the city's centenary celebrations. Centenary Park features picnic tables, toilets, gas barbecues, a children's playground, liberty swing, lit walking tracks and is always cool and shady.
Learn MoreCharters Towers Cemetery
Charters Towers Cemetery was established in 1895. It is the resting place for a number of interesting local characters including Jupiter Mosman who, as local lore has it, was part of the party that discovered gold at Charters Towers; Doctor Leonard Redmond who discovered Australian dengue fever; Fredrick Pfeiffer owner of the rich Day Dawn PC Mine and James Knenniff who was the last bushranger in Queensland. The Charters Towers Visitor Information Centre has the cemetery records for both the Pioneer and Charters Towers cemeteries. If it is family history you are seeking, why not contact the Charters Towers and Dalrymple Archives Group or the Charters Towers Family History Association Incorporated? These groups aim to promote and preserve research into local and family history for the benefit of the community.
Learn MoreDalrymple Sales Yards - Cattle Sales
Experience the thrill of a live cattle auction, held every Wednesday at the Dalrymple Sales Yards. The Charters Towers region is the largest cattle producing Local Government area in Australia with beef produced on 250 commercial properties running around 600,000 head of cattle collectively. Dalrymple Sales Yards sell over 100,000 head of store and prime cattle per annum and host North Queensland's premier bull and horse sales. The quality of the animals sold through the Dalrymple Sales Yards is evidenced by the recent sale of a bull which fetched a record price of AUD145000.
Learn MoreGhost Tours Australia - Charters Towers
Hear the haunted heritage of these sites including classic local ghost stories, urban legends and myths, true tales of tragedy, crime, murder, mystery, magic, love and death. There are no extras covered in sheets leaping from the shadows to give cheap thrills on these tours. Every Ghost Tour and Special Paranormal Tour is led by an eerie Tour Guide whose passion for history and hauntings takes you on your journey through Australia’s darker side.
Learn MoreGold Panning at the Miners Cottage
Try your luck Gold Panning at the historic Miners Cottage! Recreate the early days of the gold-rush long ago. Learn how to find real gold! Pan gravel and river sand sourced from local creeks and old mine tailings! Keep any gold you find! No guarantees - but you will learn how it was done. This great hands-on experience is popular with families, schools, locals and visitors. Established 30 years ago by retired prospector Alan Silverwood, the Miners Cottage is a "must-do" of the Towers, located right in the heart of town, a short walk from the Visitor Information Centre.
Learn MoreGoldtower Central Shopping Precinct
Goldtower Central is Charters Towers newest homemaker, lifestyle and retail shopping precinct. Home to local and national brand retailers, giving the Charters Towers region more variety and opportunity to shop local. Discover everything you need to elevate your lifestyle or property. From fashion and beauty to furniture, electronic, homewares and outdoor essentials. Find the best array of gifts, fishing gear, rural advice and supplies, and much more. Pay a visit to the wonderful local tenants as you take in the precinct's tourist sites. Find hidden treasure in locally owned and managed W Titley and Co Western Wear, Hello Pretty Skin & Beauty, The Outpost and Holliman's Rural Mitre 10; find all the latest and greatest homewares and gadgets at locally franchised Harvey Norman; update your wardrobe at Rivers Mega store; and look after your best friends at Pet's Domain - at Goldtower Central, they have it all!
Learn MoreGoldtower Central Wall of History
Stretching an impressive five meters in height, 80 meters in length, and adorned with over five million hand-cut tiles, The Wall of History stands as a tribute to the pivotal moments that have shaped Charters Towers. Located along the roadside wall of Poppet Head Plaza, The Wall of History is Australia’s largest hand-made mosaic and depicts the accidental discovery of gold by Aboriginal boy Jupiter Mosman. This initial discovery launched the northern gold rush and catapulted Charters Towers to become Queensland’s second-largest city. Aided by historical photos of real people and places from local archives, award-winning fine artist Trisha Lambi beautifully created the tale as an oil on canvas before it was brought to life in mosaic form. Plaques accompany each panel providing insight into the history encapsulated in the mural. These plaques allow viewers to appreciate each of the eight panels individually and are strategically placed to perfectly view each moment. Goldtower Central owner, Paul McIver, is the visionary behind this creation, collaborating fine artist Trisha Lambi and Tania Ault of Dillinga’s Dreaming. Tania proudly represents the Gudjala people of Charters Towers, offering invaluable insights as the Traditional Custodians of this land. Embark on a journey through time at The Wall of History, where each mosaic panel unfolds a captivating chapter in the fascinating narrative of Charters Towers.
Learn MoreJourama Falls, Paluma Range National Park
A picturesque waterfall on Waterview Creek, lush rainforest and fragrant woodlands are nestled in the foothills of the Seaview Range and protected as part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Set up camp beside Waterview Creek and head off along the Jourama Falls track to the lookout over the awe-inspiring falls. Explore the creek on the return leg and slip into the clear water to cool off before returning to camp. If just visiting for the day, set up in the shade in the picnic area and enjoy a barbecue lunch before heading off to explore the park.
Learn MoreLake Paluma
Lake Paluma is an attractive lake surrounded by World Heritage Rainforest. It provides a water supply for approximately one third of the year. Weather proof shelters for day use with barbecues are available and camping sites for longer stays. Swimming and non-motorised vessels are allowed. If you are lucky you may see a platypus, peregrine falcon or eastern water dragon. Due to the popularity of Lake Paluma as a camping destination, there are a limited number of camp sites available and you must pre-book a permit. Access is via a 12 kilometres gravel road just past the Paluma township. All rubbish taken in must be removed, and no domestic animals are allowed.
Learn MoreLissner Park
While exploring Charters Towers be sure to take the time to discover Lissner Park. Lined with figs, jacarandas, eucalypts, tamarinds, burdekin plum, milky pines, palms and silky oaks, Lissner Park offers an ideal location to enjoy a shady picnic. Facilities and attractions include picnic tables, gas barbecues, Boer War kiosk, band rotunda, children's playground, WWI guns, Gudgal People Yarning Circle, duck pond and memorials to grazier William Hann and pioneer Jupiter Mossman. The Park was named after Isidor Siegfried Lissner who arrived in Charters Towers in 1873. During his time in Charters Towers Lissner developed a financial empire based on mining and commercial interests. He took a keen interest in community affairs and pushed for the establishment of sporting facilities and public amenities including Lissner Park.
Learn MoreLittle Crystal Creek
The crystal clear waters and pristine waterfalls of this freshwater creek are ideal for a refreshing swim. The mountain water cascades under a picturesque heritage-listed stone arch bridge built in the 1930s depression. It's bridge is a popular place amongst the Townsville locals on the weekend. Just above the bridge as some very spectacular waterfalls. It's also the most popular place in Little Crystal Creek and for good reasons. A perfect place to escape the summer heat by having a quick dip in refreshingly cool water. The rain forest has a good canopy so the vegetation isn't too dense.
Learn MoreMiners' Memorial
Embark on a historical journey with the Charters Towers Miners' Memorial Walk, a tribute to the courageous souls who sought prosperity in the heart of the Charters Towers Goldfields. This memorial transcends a meandering pathway; it's a poignant space for remembrance, reflection, and a testament to the enduring spirit of the region. Dedicated to miners who met their fate in the pursuit of fortune within Charters Towers' mines, mills, and quarries. The Miners’ Memorial Walk unfolds like a chapter from the past, featuring an elevated boardwalk leading to a captivating viewing platform above the remnants of the historic Wyndham No.3 mineshaft. Marvel at replica poppet head structures echoing the gold rush era. Engage with informative signage and interpretive panels that bring stories of resilience and determination to life. As daylight fades, the ambiance transforms, and carefully designed lighting illuminates the attraction, creating a visual masterpiece. This optimal time unveils the attraction's true beauty, offering a breath-taking panorama that brings the scene to life in ways unmatched during daylight hours. Whether a history enthusiast, nature lover, or seeking a meaningful experience, the Miners' Memorial Walk invites you to connect with our pioneers' legacy. Honour the spirit of those who shaped the region as you traverse this unique blend of history and natural beauty.
Learn MorePeter Lawsons Mural Mosaics
Goldtower Central is privileged to display a collection of Peter Lawson’s artworks originally featured in the publication ‘The Town They Called the World’ by Don Roderick. Embark on a treasure hunt for Peter Lawson’s evocative 1980s paintings adorning the walls of the buildings at Goldtower Central. The original artworks showcasing the scenes of the grand architecture and street scenes of the foregone gold rush era were the perfect addition to the landscape of Goldtower Central. Each painting has been transformed into a large-scale mosaics consisting of more than 700,000 meticulously hand-placed tiles. Take in the colour and vibrancy of the Charters Towers streetscape in a bygone era. You can find Peter Lawson’s Mosaics at the following locations. Pioneer Place: Saturday Morning Gill St. (Circa 1900) and Pryites Works Treasure Towers: Listner Park 1913 and Railway Station Mitre 10: The Outside Mine
Learn MorePioneer Cemetery
Entrenched in a deep history from the days of the gold rush, Pioneer Cemetery located in Charters Towers, gives an interesting insight in the hardships faced by the pioneers of the time. Containing graves from those who were buried between 1872 and 1895, mining accidents, fires, murders, child birth and general hardship are some of the reasons that there are more than 5000 people buried in the early cemetery. Cemetery records are available for viewing at the Charters Towers Visitor Information Centre.
Learn MorePipers Lookout
Embrace magnificent views of vast blue skies and boundless green scenery from Pipers Lookout. Travel up Hervey Range Road from Thuringowa Central, past the suburbs of Rangewood and Rupertswood to find Piper's Lookout near the top of the Range. You will be rewarded with stunning views over the bushland below Hervey Range and out to the ocean.
Learn MoreStock Exchange Arcade
Imagine back to the days of the 1800s, when the gold rush was at its prime and the township of Charters Towers was the second largest city in Queensland. An arcade was designed by Sydney architect Mark Day and built by Sandbrook Brothers of Sydney in 1888 for local civic leader and businessman Alexander Malcolm. Known then as the Royal Arcade, it housed one of Australia's first regional stock exchanges, the Charters Towers Stock Exchange from 1890. At one time the price of gold was set in that very Arcade, an indication of the importance of the Charters Towers' economy at the time. Today, the stockbroker's offices have been converted into shops and make for an interesting insight into the buildings history. Wander through the Don Roderick Gallery, enjoy the building's magnificent architecture and don't miss the "Calling of the Card," a ghostly reminder of Charters Towers' golden days.
Learn MoreSunset Experience on Towers Hill
They are a very personal tour that is designed to make their guest feel special, they try to create the experience to be all about the guest whether it be romantic or celebrating a milestone or just enjoying the beautiful sunset they personalize to your needs . They create a special experience for their guests to enjoy a beautiful sunset overlooking the Historic town of Charters Towers enjoying a freshly made platter accompanied by a bottle of wine of your choice. The platters are full of beautiful fresh produce and homemade dips and biscuits, they can make platters to suit requirements. They also capture the moments and share them with their guests.
Learn MoreTexas Longhorn Tours
Australia's "Texas in the Outback" experience. To view the magnificent herd of Texas Longhorns, Texas Longhorn Tours features one of the last horse-drawn wagon ride experiences in Australia as well as the original Texas Longhorn Safari. These cattle are, without doubt, the most famous and iconic breed of cattle in history. See some of the longest horned cattle in the world that are direct descendants of the millions of Texas Longhorns that walked in the great trail herds from Texas in the late 1800s! Texas Longhorns are the old west cattle that were the salvation of Texas back in the late 1800's and as a result, the legend of the cowboy was born. Everyone has seen a cowboy or western movie and now you can see how the legend started…. Many steers have horns spanning more than 100 inches tip-to-tip and JR, who was a former Guinness World Record Holder, is on display in the JR Gallery of Horns with a horn span exceeding 10 feet 4 inches or 3.15 metres! You have heard that "Everything is bigger in Texas" so get yourself to Texas Longhorn Tours and you will see that sometimes "Things are bigger in Queensland" Located 10 kilometres from Charters Towers in North Queensland and offering two different experiences, Texas Longhorn Tours is a 'must do' when visiting the area.
Learn MoreThe Bell Tower - Goldtower Central
The Bell Tower located at Goldtower Central stands at over 17 meters in height, with a huge brass bell. It has been engineered to last 250+ years, serving as a signal that a new era of business has begun for the region. The unique tower roof is one of a kind - designed and built by Rod Coleman of Townsville who has been building for over 45 years in the region. The very top of the tower features a lighting strike counter, which will record how many times this tower gets hit with lightning. The tower can be accessed via Goldtower Central, free parking is available around the precinct.
Learn MoreThe World - Goldtower Central
Delve into the rich history of ‘The Town They Called The World’ by visiting the Australian Street Art Award's Beast Monument/Memorial, The World. Goldtower’s very own monumental tribute, The World. Located at Goldtower Central, you will discover The World; a striking tribute to a bygone era when Charters Towers was known as The World. Seven meters in height and four meters in diameter this solid structure is anchored on a granite base adorned with the tales of the Town. Unveiled as a commemorative gift to celebrate 150 years since the declaration of the goldfields, this magnificent sculpture was a generous gift from Goldtower Centrals owner Paul McIver. The World beckons you to embark on a captivating and historic journey through time. Make your mark on history like never before by becoming a citizen of The World. Simply scan the QR code located at the statue and receive your unique citizen number. This immersive experience fosters a sense of belonging, allowing you to forge a personal connection to Charters Towers’ golden legacy. The World stands as a historical landmark summoning all explorers and history enthusiasts alike. Easily accessible through the Goldtower Central Shopping Precinct and the Columbia Gold Mine rest stop, it offers a journey into the past, seamlessly blending modern convenience with charm and antiquity Your expedition to "The World" awaits!
Learn MoreThe World Theatre
Explore the World Theatre, a cultural complex where the unique blend of heritage architecture and state of the art technology meet. Browse at your own leisure and check with the friendly staff for details of the live shows, movie times, morning melodies and the free local and touring exhibitions of art, sculpture, photography and more. For an interesting insight into the past ask the staff to tell you the story of the 'Murder on Mosman'.
Learn MoreTowers Hill Lookout and Amphitheatre
Local legend has it that an Aboriginal boy named Jupiter first discovered gold at the foot of Towers Hill in December 1871. Today you can find a monument which depicts the location of the first gold sighting at the base of the hill. From there follow the road and uncover the stories of the Hill from the interesting and informative storyboards along the way which feature "Jupiter's Luck," "The Seismograph Station," and "Clark's Gold Mine." Discover 30 different World War II bunkers, one of which is a restored bunker located approximately half way up the Hill. Another track at the summit leads off to the ruins of the Pyrites Works. Early morning is the best time to discover the wildlife living on and around Towers Hill. You will see several species of macropods such as the Eastern Grey Kangaroo, the Whiptail and the Allied Rock Wallabies. Watch as the Wedge-tailed Eagles hunt their prey. Towers Hill comes to life in the evening with the Ghosts after Dark film screened in the Amphitheatre. Admission fees apply. Tickets can be purchased at the Visitor Information Centre.
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