ONCE teeming with hard workers from one of the world's richest gold mines, Mount Morgan is a town that once made a significant contribution to both the Queensland and Australian economies.
About 50 tonnes of silver, 360,000 tonnes of copper and 250 tonnes of gold were extracted from the mines in the 108 years of mining operations that occurred during the 19th and early 20th century.
The now popular historic destination 32km south-west of Rockhampton on the Dee River is filled with history and culture. It was originally named Ironstone Mountain before Ned and Tom Morgan made a claim in 1882 and renamed it Mount Morgan.
Here are 10 ways to fill your time there:
Stretch your legs at Stopford Way Scenic Lookout: The lookout offers spectacular views of the valleys beneath and is the perfect place for a picnic. It was designed to replicate an iconic mineshaft named the Linda Incline.
Swing across the Private Victor Stanley Jones Suspension Bridge: First built in 1999, this memorial bridge was re-erected in 2001. It safely swings, wobbles and sways above the Dee River, and celebrates the memory of Private Victor Stanley Jones, a former employee at the Mount Morgan Gold Mining Company who later served in the Boer War.
Get snap happy at the Arthur Timms Lookout: Located on Hall Street, this viewing point is a great place to take in the township and provides a glimpse into the scale of material that was removed during the mine's glory days.
Remember our fallen heroes at Anzac Park: Here you can discover a number of military and historic pieces, including the Coronation Light erected in 1902 to commemorate the Coronation of King Edward VII; a mine plaque displaying the contour of the original Ironstone Mountain; and a record of the years of mining operation from 1882-1990.
Feel on top of the world at the Frank Golding Lookout: At the top of East Street, this is the highest point in town, providing an amazing view. There's also a signpost indicating how many kilometres to different countries - only 17,280 to Rome!
Ready, set, go with the Running the Cutter statue: The statue represents an interesting tradition from 1900-1918 when a billycan was known as a cutter. When a miner finished his shift, he would have a young lad run to the hotel with his billycan, have it filled with beer and brought back to him as he came off shift. Today the tradition is brought to life each year in a competition during the Golden Mount Festival.
Visit the heyday headquarters at the Historical Museum: Housing an impressive collection of relics from the early years to the present, the museum delves into the town's history with a bounty of household objects and more than 600 historic photographs.
Make a splash at the No 7 Dam: Chill out at this dam (otherwise known as the BIG dam), use the free barbecues or try your luck catching dinner in the waterways teeming with red claw.
All aboard at the Railway Museum: Through audio-visual displays and 3D presentations, experience what it was like aboard the old "rack" system, hauling trains up the steep inclines of the Razorback in the 1800s. The railway equipment at the former station includes rolling stock, a goods shed and a heritage-listed water tank for steam engines.
Grab a beer and meal at the Leichhardt Hotel: At one time, Mount Morgan had 27 hotels. The Leichhardt Hotel still stands tall, 130 years later. Packed full of locals enjoying a cold beer, good meals and great company, why not grab yourself a room in this beautiful old hotel and stay a few nights.
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