A country town that truly embraces its roots and traditions, Roma is as interesting and historical as it is welcoming and fun, with a little bit of everything for the whole family. Read on for some of the best things to do!
Roma wasn’t built in a day
This historic town, in fact, was incorporated in 1867, and is now the administrative centre of the Maranoa Region. It was named after Sir George Bowen (the Governor of Queensland at the time)’s wife, Lady Diamantina Bowen, whose maiden name was di Roma.
Its roots in Australian history go deep, so deep that it was the site where Aussies first struck oil and gas deposits in the early 1900s while drilling for water. You can learn all about this in a fun, family-friendly way you can’t miss The Big Rig, an interactive exhibit that showcases the growth of our gas and oil industries. Climb the impressive 40-metre tower — or take the cool, talking elevator — and marvel at the huge, almost hundred-year-old rig, and at the jaw-dropping views of the region.
Plus, if you go later in the day, you can book the Big Rig Night Show, which includes a smooth glass of regional port, a guided sunset tour, and a 35-minute sound and light journey under the stars!
When in Roma
Other than the stunning Big Rig, there’s plenty more to do in this country town, starting with the Roma Saleyards, whose scale will boggle your mind! At almost 50 hectares and with as many as 6,000 head of cattle passing every single day, it probably comes at no surprise that it is the largest cattle selling centre in the southern hemisphere.
If you happen to pass by on a Tuesday, you’ll get to witness the buzzing energy of a live auction and see the hundreds or thousands of cattle being sold that day. And, also on Tuesdays at 8:15am you can catch a tour, led by one of their passionate volunteers.
The town itself also has plenty to see, like annual Sculptures Out Back competition, which happens each June but displays the winning metal structures around Roma year round! Or, if you’re feeling solemn, take a stroll down Heroes Avenue, where every tree represents a fallen WWI soldier. And don’t miss Roma’s largest bottle tree, which is 9 metres wide! Try hugging that!
Feeling the Western spirit? Visit the region’s only small-batch distillery: Western Queensland Spirit, who make Gins, Rum and Liqueurs featuring local flavours and botanicals, or even teach you how to make your own in their top-notch masterclass. Pair any of these bevvies with their Western Queensland-inspired grazing platter for the perfect evening, or visit one of Roma’s excellent steakhouses for a big dinner.
Nature lovers will also get more than their fill with a lush 14 hectares of flora and fauna to take in at the Roma Bush Gardens and birdwatching to do along Railway Dam.
All roads lead to Roma
Want to visit Queensland’s Top Tourism Town of 2024? Roma is just a 5 and a half hour drive from Brisbane along Warrego Highway, which is also dotted with other charming outback towns.
Alternatively, you can take a train or a coach, which will take you half a day or 8 hours, respectively.