It’s definitely a little off the beaten track, but that’s what makes a trip to – and a stay in – the tiny rural Queensland community of Cecil Plains such an authentic experience.
With a population of just over 400, the town sits on the Condamine River in the fertile Darling Downs region about 40 kilometres south of Dalby.
The black soil in the area lends itself to cotton production, and Cecil Plains famously hosts one of the largest cotton gins in the southern hemisphere. But it wasn’t cotton that originally put this charming destination on the map.
In 1842, pastoralist Henry Stuart Russell established the enormous Cecil Plains Station, where he first ran cattle and later sheep.
Cecil Plains sits in the highly fertile Darling Downs region. PIC: Toowoomba Regional Council
By 1880, the station spanned 60,000 hectares but, soon afterwards, some 3,500 hectares of the land was divided up to make many smaller farms … and the town began to grow.
It really took off though in 1916, when 75% of the station itself was acquired by the Queensland government and subdivided, with many plots reserved for soldier settlers. The railway arrived here in 1919, and a proper post office in 1921, quickly followed by St Margaret’s Anglican Church, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, and a police station.
Interestingly, the Victory Hotel pub didn’t open until 1938 due to persistent opposition from local teetotallers. Today, visiting grey nomads enjoy looking at the town’s impressive range of historic buildings. The Cecil Plains Homestead stands on the edge of town, and the original single slab cottage was built on the site way back in 1841.
Explorer Ludwig Leichardt actually used the homestead as a base for two of his expeditions into the surrounding region in 1844 and 1847.
Cotton production didn’t begin here in earnest until the 1960s, and the Cecil Plains Cotton Gin is still very much an ongoing – and thriving – business. Between April and July each year, the town is abuzz with activity.
The railway line to Oakey eventually closed in 1994 and there is now a small railway museum to enjoy. Another good way for visitors to get to grips with the town’s history is to have a wander around the old cemetery.
Cecil Plains has a good range of facilities for a town its size. As well as the hotel, there’s a library, a swimming pool, a general store, a community centre, and a golf course.
And, of course, the Condamine River offers a superb range of recreational opportunities.
Cecil Plains Weir-Apex Park located on the eastern approach to town is a great place to fish for yellow belly, jewfish, cod and silver perch, and the good news is that there is also a 72-hour camping area for self-contained RVs.
Another popular option for visiting grey nomads is the budget-friendly Cecil Plains Rural Retreat Caravan Park in the centre of town, which offers 12 fully-serviced sites. And there are also some other great short-term free camping options within half an hour’s drive or so of Cecil Plains. They include Bowenville Reserve, Yarramalong Weir Reserve, and Walpole Park near Millmerran.
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