While the Tree of Knowledge will always be Barcaldine’s most iconic attraction, grey nomads are increasingly discovering there’s an awful lot more to enjoy in this attractive town in Queensland’s Central West.
Situated some 500 kilometres west of Rockhampton at the junction of the Capricorn and Landsborough Highways, ‘Barcy’ etched itself into Australian folklore in 1891 as one of the focal points of the infamous shearers’ strike.
The ancient ghost gum beneath which the shearers met became the birthplace of the Labor Party in 1892 when its first manifesto was read here. The Tree of Knowledge was poisoned by unknown persons back in 2006 and has since been preserved and now stands underneath an award-winning structure which lights up spectacularly at night.
The Tree of Knowledge is one of Barcaldine’s many attractions. PIC: Tourism and Events Queensland
As well 
as the revitalised Tree of Knowledge, Barcaldine Regional Council’s tourism master plan has also seen the construction of ‘The Globe’, a multifunctional building designed specifically for arts and tourism; and the Pat Ogden Tower, which gives visitors a 360-degree view of the town and outlying area.
Another top attraction is the Australian Workers Heritage Centre, a cultural and heritage-styled interpretive centre honouring this country’s workers. Set on five acres of landscaped gardens, the museum-styled attraction uses interactive displays, film, photos, and artefacts to bring Australia’s working history to life.
The Australian Workers Heritage Centre is a must-visit for many grey nomads. PIC: Tourism and Events Queensland
Barcaldine’s heritage-listed sites including the Tree of Knowledge, the site of the Shearers’ Strike Camp on the banks of Lagoon Creek, the Shire Hall (1912); the War Memorial Clock (1924); the timber St Peter’s Anglican Church (1899); and the striking looking Masonic Temple (1900).
Other attractions include the Desert Dreaming Centre which showcases Aboriginal art, crafts, and performance. There’s also the Radio Picture Theatre, an historic movie theatre which still boasts its original canvas seating, and the Barcaldine and District Folk Museum.
Then there’s the huge windmill in town symbolising the importance of Artesian water in the life of the Outback, and a series of eye-catching murals.
And for a town of little over 1,500 residents, there is a surprising number of character-filled pubs … and pie shops.
The Barcaldine Rec Park is within easy walking distance of the town centre and the lake here is 1,100 metres long and 250 metres wide. It plays host to a range of water activities, and is also a sensational place to sit and relax.
A couple of other scenic spots to hang out – and to camp – are the Lara Wetlands, about 28 kilometres south of town, and Lloyd-Jones Weir about 14 kilometres to the south west. Another great camping spot is at the Dunblane sheep property eight kilometres west of Barcaldine. In town, there are a couple of well-respected caravan parks and full-facility camping at the Showgrounds.
There’s a lot to like about the ‘Garden City of the West’!
