Charters Towers is one of the most beautiful inland cities in Queensland, with its unrivalled architecture and unique history, Charters Towers is a suprising pleasure and a delight to visit.
Located 130 km south-west of Townsville and just over 1300 kms north of Brisbane, Charters Towers became a gold rush town when gold was discovered in December 1871. During the 1880s and 1890s the town grew and prospered. It was a sign of the extent of local business activity that one of Australia’s few regional stock exchanges was established at Charters Towers in 1890.
Today, Charters Towers is known for its large number of elegant and historically significant buildings most of which are located on Mosman and Gill Streets. In this area and in the surrounding streets there are over 60 buildings of historical significance.
Things to do in Charters Towers
Wandering around Charters Towers and looking for something to do? The good news is that there is a lot of things to do, all within walking distance.
1. Mining and Historical Museum
See the mining and historical museum to discover how they’ve reconstructed the courthouse and police station. There’s also a family-tracing service as well, entry is just a couple of dollars for adults, open 11am to 1pm.
2. World Theatre at Charters Towers
Originally the World Theatre was the Australian Bank of Commerce building (built in 1891) at 82 Mosman St. These days it houses a cinema, theatre and a gift shop.
3. Charters Towers Folk Museum
The Charters Towers Folk Museum at 36 Mosman St, houses a collection of the town’s antiques. Entry is $5 per adult, $3 per child. Open from 10am to 3pm.
4. Venus Gold Battery
The Venus Gold Battery (pictured below) on Millchester Rd is the oldest preserved battery in Australia, having stopped crushing gold in 1973. Imagination rules during the tour thanks to holograms on a water screen. Entry costs $12 for adults, $6 for kids. Open 10am to 3pm.
5. John Flynn Place
John Flynn Place on the corner of Daintree Street and King Street commemorates John Flynn’s work in setting up the invaluable Royal Flying Doctor Service. The building incorporates an art gallery, cultural centre and theatre. Entry is $8.50 for adults, $4 for children. Open hours are 8am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm Saturday and Sunday throughout April to October.
6. Towers Hill and the Lookout
The impressive Towers Hill Lookout, which rises roughly 125 metres above the plain, is located on the top of Towers Hill, the highest point in town. Walking around this hill offers views of rock wallabies. The hill has a rich history and a variety of attractions today.
Gold was initially discovered in January 1872 at the foot of the hill. Look closely and you’ll notice the ruins of Clarke’s mine and battery, the Rainbow Mill ruins, the Pyrites Works ruins, more than 30 World War II munitions storage dumps, and vestiges of telegraph wires from the 1950s if you’re patient enough. Around 30 tunnels and shafts were dug into the hill to extract gold ore.
7. Rotary Lookout
The Rotary Lookout, also called Buckland’s Hill, is a popular local viewpoint that can be found off Fraser Street. It provides a bird’s eye perspective of the town. Sir Thomas Buckland (1849-1947), the first gold assayer in Charters Towers and a man who later became a gold mill owner, manager, pastoralist, and philanthropist, is the inspiration behind the name of Buckland’s Hill.
Charters Towers Accommodation
Charters Towers, perfect for a romantic getaway, weekend escape or family vacation. There are a range of accommodations to suit all budgets and needs. If you’re looking for a motel near town, you’ll be spoilt for choice with a wide range of options to choose from.
The Park Motel
From $80
Big4 Aussie Outback Oasis Holiday Park
From $102
Kernow
From $152
Commercial Hotel Charters Towers
From $76
Charters Towers Tourist Park
From $84
Rix Hotel Motel
From $85
Charters Towers Motel
From $91
Hillview Motel Charters Towers
From $94
Heritage Lodge Motel
From $96
Affordable Gold City Motel
From $98
Country Road Motel
From $99
Cattleman's Rest Motor Inn
From $103
Holiday and Caravan Parks
Caravan and Holiday Parks are a great option for families, with rooms that sleep up to 6 people, and afcilities like onsite swimming pools and plenty of green space for the kids to run around.
Big4 Aussie Outback Oasis Holiday Park
One of the most popular caravan parks in the area is the BIG4 Aussie Outback Oasis Holiday Park, which is conveniently located just 3 kilometres from the town centre.
Choose from cabins, chalets or villas as well as caravan and camping sites. The amenities at this holiday park are modern, spacious and maintained to a high standard.
Holiday Parks in Charters Towers
There are three holiday parks in Charters Towers within close distance to everything.
Big4 Aussie Outback Oasis Holiday Park
76 Dr George Ellis Dr, Charters Towers City QLD 4820
Phone: (07) 4787 8722
Charters Towers Tourist Park
37 Mount Leyshon Rd, Mosman Park QLD 4820
Phone: (07) 4787 7944
Dalrymple Tourist Van Park
24 Dalrymple Rd, Toll QLD 4820
Phone: (07) 4787 1121
More Accommodation
Charters Towers Heritage Lodge Motel
Flinders Hwy Charters Towers Queensland 4820
Telephone: (07) 4787 4088
Commercial Hotel
151 Mosman St Charters Towers Queensland 4820
Telephone: (07) 4787 1391
Court House Motel
Gill St Charters Towers Queensland 4820
Telephone: (07) 4787 1187
Rix Hotel/Motel
69 Mosman St Charters Towers Queensland 4820
Telephone: (07) 4787 1605
Sovereign Tavern
180 Gill St Charters Towers Queensland 4820
Telephone: (07) 4787 3077
