FOR INFORMATION about places to visit in Cloncurry and for an attraction on its own merits, visit the Cloncurry/Mary Kathleen Memorial Park.

Situated at the eastern entrance of Cloncurry, the park has tourist information, fossickers licences, maps and souvenirs at the kiosk and information centre - which actually has a story of its own to tell.

The building was originally a police station at Oona and then at Dobbyn, both old mining towns during the early 1900s. It was moved again to do service at the Mary Kathleen township. After the town closed (when the Mary Kathleen Uranium Mine was shut down), the building once again set off on a journey - to Cloncurry.

Also moved to the park is the old Mary K town office building, which now houses memorabilia from the Mary K mine and township - plus local history and photographs.

The star exhibit is Robert O’Hara Burke’s water bottle, kept in the “explorers corner”. There’s also a medal, photographs and, outside, a tree stump blazed in 1861. Browse around the rock and mineral display, considered to be one of the most comprehensive in Australia.

Another section shows aboriginal memorabilia and the breastplate once worn by George King.

An outdoor museum is of interest. See the old rail ambulance, recently restored and a favourite with visitors. The ambulance was commissioned in 1956, and despite not being used for more than 30 years it’s still in working order. Also see steam engines, a traction engine, farm machinery and mining equipment. While you’re there, have a barbecue!

The park is open on weekdays from 8.00am to 4.30pm from February to December and on weekends from 9.00am to 3.00pm from May to the end of September. Enquire about taking a tour from the park to the Ernest Henry Mine. Bookings must be made by the day before the tour.

On the fourth Sunday of every month from May to October, the park is the venue for the MK Park Markets. On the second Saturday of each month from March to December, the Cloncurry Markets are held at the Florence Clarke Park.

Ask at Mary K about the “Portrait of Cloncurry” video so you can watch it while you’re in town.