Capricorn Tourist Information
Capricorn Tourist Information
Mt Morgan
A town as it was, today!! It's a scenic 30 minute drive from Rockhampton to Mt. Morgan and a trip back in time. This former gold and copper mining town is now quiet and peaceful after the hustle and bustle of nearly 100 years of mining. Yet its rich history is so easy to see - there is a host of interesting and beautiful ports of call in Mt. Morgan to satisfy any visitor.
The famous open cut Mt. Morgan gold and copper mine is a must see for visitors. The huge mine chimney still dominates the town however, for safety reasons, access to the old mine is restricted. Join Mt. Morgan Mine Tours for a complete tour of the town including the former Irish Quarter, the open cut mine and the caves hewn by man to supply clay for brick making. The dinosaur footprints on the ceiling of the clay caves date back 150 million years and are an eerie reminder of prehistoric times.
The Mt. Morgan Museum has a wonderful collection which displays and reflects the lifestyle and mining activities of the town and Australian colonial life. At Anzac Park you can see the Coronation Light, built in 1902 to celebrate the crowning of King Edward VII. Outside the Scout Hut in Dee Street is the Mafeking Bell - cast at the Mt. Morgan mine from English pennies donated by the children to celebrate the saving of Mafeking in South Africa by Lord Baden-Powell.
If you still need convincing, visit the Heritage Railway Station at the Mt. Morgan Steam Railway Complex, where you can ride behind one of the original, fully restored Hunslett Locomotives. These were purchased from England by the Mt. Morgan Mining Company in 1904 and worked at the mine intil 1947. If the steam engine is not available, the Silver Bullet railmotor or fettlers' trolleys provide a very comfotable ride into the past.
Even as you drive around Mt. Morgan you will see the character of this quaint town has changed little over the years with the old houses and even the main street having the appearance of a bygone era. So for a day trip with a difference or an overnight adventure of discovery, Mt. Morgan will satisfy all history seekers!
