Southern Downs and Granite Belt - November 2021
After watching a story about the restoration of the original homestead at Rosenthal, Warwick, documented by ABC TV’s Restoration Australia, we decided to pay the area a visit. Rosenthal Homestead was built in the 1840s and is part of Queensland’s pioneering history for its role in the breeding of Merino sheep and cattle. It is one of Queensland’s oldest properties, and is said to have sheltered Australian explorer Ludwig Leichhardt and bushranger Captain Thunderbolt at different times, The portrayal of the surrounding countryside looked lovely, and the little town of Killarney was particularly appealing. Annie Moir and her partner Chris Allan have worked to preserve the property, while running the nearby Killarney Hotel which is another historic building.
We headed off on a beautiful sunny Saturday, making our first stop for breakfast at the Aratula Bakery, before heading through Cunningham's Gap. I had climbed Mt Mitchell under cloudy skies with my walking group a few days earlier, so it was lovely to see it in full sunshine. By the time we got to Warwick, clouds were gathering. We continued west through to Inglewood and Yelarbon, then across to Texas, and on to Stanthorpe for the night.
We headed off on a beautiful sunny Saturday, making our first stop for breakfast at the Aratula Bakery, before heading through Cunningham's Gap. I had climbed Mt Mitchell under cloudy skies with my walking group a few days earlier, so it was lovely to see it in full sunshine. By the time we got to Warwick, clouds were gathering. We continued west through to Inglewood and Yelarbon, then across to Texas, and on to Stanthorpe for the night.
Inglewood, midway between Warwick and Goondiwindi, was once a significant tobacco producing area, but now is surrounded by olive groves. It is a neat country town with hospitable locals. We enjoyed a good coffee and friendly service in the Coffee Shop and Tea Garden, and also enjoyed viewing their collection of Elvis and old time movie paraphernalia.
About 20 minutes west of Inglewood is the tiny town of Yelarbon, famous for it silo art. The overall mural concept titled ‘When the rain comes’ depicts a young boy at play, cooling off in the Yelarbon Lagoon. In his hand is a paper boat that is set to float across the Yelarbon lagoon which will one day stretch across all shorter six silos. The paper boat is made from historical newspaper remnants that were found in the old Yelarbon jail, symbolising the history of the region and the creativity needed to drive future endeavours. This silo is the 31st to join the Australian Silo Art Trail.
The drive between Yelarbon and Texas was a scenic 50 kilometres. Texas was once another tobacco growing area and was also famous for its rabbit processing works, which was built in 1928 to take advantage of the rabbit plague.
The 90 kilometre route on the Shearer's Way between Texas and Stanthorpe was also very pretty - winding roads through lush countryside, strewn with bright yellow wildflowers.
Stanthorpe was very quiet on this Saturday afternoon, though it came to life that night with Kick On Stanthorpe , an event of live music, street-food vendors and a light and fireworks spectacular. Previously known as Quart Pot Creek, a mining rush in 1872 gave Stanthorpe its name: stannum is Latin for tin and thorp is English for village. Now it is the heart of the Granite Belt, a rich agricultural area.
Rain fell through the night, and more was forecast for Sunday, so we made our way back to Warwick and on to Killarney, hoping we wouldn't get flooded in. Killarney was delightful with a small town charm and friendly locals. The main street is dotted with galleries, cafes, parks and a museum. We stayed beside the Killarney pub in its associated motel, and thoroughly enjoyed the friendly hospitality.
Unfortunately a heavy rain system was approaching and we left early the next morning without doing all our planned sight seeing. We weren't too upset though, as we plan to return.
Unfortunately a heavy rain system was approaching and we left early the next morning without doing all our planned sight seeing. We weren't too upset though, as we plan to return.
Killarney has many murals . . .