Given that it is home to Australia’s first and only espionage museum, it is perhaps rather surprising that the tiny Queensland town of Herberton hasn’t done a better job of keeping its tourism appeal a secret.
Indeed, its sprawling historic village, scenic setting, and warm country welcome has ensured that this community of less than 1,000 lucky residents is definitely not living in the shadows … at least as far as grey nomads are concerned.
Located in the Atherton Tablelands about 60 kilometres south-west of Cairns, Herberton is an unlikely location for the Spy and Camera Museum that was founded by former Australian ‘operative’, Roy Jacques. The one-time spy bought an historic building here more than four decades ago to display his collection of Cold War relics, including cameras once used by KGB spies.
Step back in time at the historic village in Herberton. PIC: Tourism Queensland.
While many travellers ‘stumble across’ the unusual museum once they arrive in Herberton, most are already well aware of the expansive Historic Village, a collection of more than 50 buildings full of Australiana on the edge of town.
Highlights include a fully restored 1926 rail ambulance, a pioneer’s slab hut built in 1870, and the original Herberton State School from 1881. History lovers keen to learn about the area’s mining history and development will also enjoy a visit to the Herberton Mining Museum on the site of the first big tin discovery in Australia, the Great Northern Mine.
The Hypipamee Crater is a stunning attraction. PIC: Tourism Queensland / Matt Glastonbury
Herberton – which sits on the Wild River, a tributary of the Herbert River – boomed after John Newell and William Jack found tin here in 1880. A school, stores, hospital, hotels, banks, churches and post office quicky sprang up and, by 1885, Herberton’s population was estimated to be around 600.
Over the next two decades, the number of residents nearly doubled. But, by the time the railway finally arrived in Herberton in 1910, the tin mining boom was over.
The Atherton Herberton Historic Railway in town boasts a collection of local railway memorabilia, including steam trains and carriages.
There is a highly regarded Heritage Walk which takes tourists past some of the town’s old buildings and historical features. Heritage-listed sites in Herberton include the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, the Uniting Church, Jack & Newell General Store, Herberton School of Arts, Great Northern Mine, and the war memorial.
For all of its history, Herberton is still very much a vibrant town with modern shops and facilities. While many crops – including maize, pumpkins and avocadoes – are grown in the area, tourism has played an ever-growing role in the local economy, and the Herberton Wild River Caravan Park is a popular camping option for visitors. And, of course, Herberton sits on the stunning Atherton Tablelands so there are plenty of nearby attractions to explore.
Mount Hypipamee National Park is just 20 kilometres to the south east and is notable for its massive crater created by a volcanic explosion 95,000 years ago. Also in the area are the Herberton Range Conservation Park and the equally scenic Baldy Mountain Forest Reserve.
What a spot!
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