Art, inside and out

Visit the Maranoa Art Gallery and Library, which is open from 9.00am to 5.00pm weekdays and 9.00am to noon Saturdays. The art gallery has local and visiting exhibitions. The Kenniff Quilt Show is staged from June 2 and in August the huge regional art event, the Mitchell Landmark Art Show, is held. In the library section of the complex, see the Frank Forde Room, dedicated to Australia’s shortest serving Prime Minister (and one of Mitchell’s most famous men) and featuring many historic photographs.

The gallery was originally a picture theatre, and the original projection room has been restored so people can wander through and learn some of the local stories (including the Jaffa story), see some of the original band instruments and even some of the original canvas seats.

For a look at art in the open air, view the wonderful aerosol murals painted on the bridge pylons by local residents and community groups. This unique art gallery is located under the Warrego Highway.

Down by the riverside
The Maranoa River Walk is a must if you’re interested in seeing local birdlife, flora and fauna. The trail is an initiative of the Mitchell community to restore the riverbank environment between Fisherman’s Rest and the Neil Turner Weir. Throughout the different seasons, bush tucker can be located along the trail.

Morning tea and oolines
Half an hour’s drive from Mitchell is the historic property, Bonus Downs.

Built in 1911 by one of the nation’s most famous early landholders, Sir Samuel McCaughey, it is now one of the oldest established properties of the Maranoa. It also boasts one of the largest shearing sheds in the area.

Make a booking for a morning tea tour, which is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays (other days by appointment). Morning tea is served on the homestead verandah - a very pleasant experience. A special part of this property is Ooline Park, an area of ooline trees which has its origins as a rainforest species. It is thought the tree’s origins date back 1.6 million years. As well as these remnant rainforest trees, you will see brigalow, kurrajong, coolibah, box, red river gum, belay, wilga, ironbark and mulga at Bonus Downs.

Ooline Park is a lovely place to bushwalk and observe wildlife ranging from birds and goannas to kangaroos and emus.

Tower Service Station and Roadhouse 9 Caroline Street, Mitchell Qld 4465 Phone (07) 4623 1130 Fax (07) 4623 1515 Open seven days, fuel, food, accessories

The nature of Claravale
A very special property a little over 50km from Mitchell is Claravale, a 13000ha property which retains thousands of acres of pristine wilderness. See nature - and ecotourism - at its best by taking a tour with owners Gill and Eunice Campbell.

Wildlife refuges and corridors, spectacular sandstone formations, panoramic views, wildlife and bird viewing combine to make this an absolutely magical experience.

Lawson’s Butchery 78 Cambridge Street, Mitchell Qld 4465 Phone (07) 4623 1247 Country killed, cryovac, smoked ham and bacon and smallgoods, great barbecue fare