Roma is a small rural town situated in Queensland, Australia. With a population of only about 6000 people, it is the perfect town to add to your itinerary if you’re looking for an authentic country experience. Here are some of the fun places to visit in Roma and its surrounding regions, when you want to explore the indigenous culture.
Top Places to Visit in Roma
Big Rig Night Show
Although not known to several people, Roma is the place where natural gas was first discovered. The intriguing history of this small town is encapsulated in a delightful 60 minutes tour called ‘Big Rig Night Show’. A sound and light journey full of drama, thrill and sabotage, the tour guides walk you through the local culture from the eyes of the “Roma Rigger”.
It starts from 5 pm, from April to October, and 5:30 pm from November to March. However, make sure to plan ahead for this tour, since it is only open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Roma Saleyards Tour And Interpretive Centre
On average, 12,000 cattle are bought and sold every day in Roma. With over 40,000 cattle per year, Roma Saleyards are the largest cattle-selling marketplace in entire Australia. Being a beautiful country town with open farms and majestic views, Roma is particularly known for its cattle, and when a town is famous for its grazing herds, you must pay a visit to see where the magic happens. People can see the best breeds of cattle in the market and also experience how farmers and ranchers select their stock. These Saleyards are open from 8 am to 5 pm every day.
The Avenue Of Heroes
The 9.51 metre-wide bottle tree in Roma is famous and best known to visitors as one of the prime attractions. However, Roma’s Avenue of Heroes is just as enticing and bound with emotion and sentiment. A string of 140 bottle trees planted along Wyndham Street, pay tribute to the local servicemen and servicewomen who sacrificed their lives during the first World War. A calm walk along both sides of the street will enhance the experience of tourists and help them gain perspective on Roma’s local culture and indigeneity.
Roma Bush Gardens
For all bird watchers and wildlife lovers, Roma Bush Gardens is a beautiful spot that must be included in their itinerary of ‘places to visit in Roma’. The garden is 14 hectares wide and contains around 11 species of vegetation like Mulga, Coolibah, and Brigalow, that are unique to the geographical region of Roma. Incredible Australian wildlife like Rainbow Lorikeets and Kookaburras fly high and can be spotted on tall trees, whereas Swamp Hens and Pacific Black Ducks can be seen lunging and hunting in the water. Certainly a worthy addition, this place is perfect if you’re looking for a little family adventure.
Carnarvon Ranges
The aboriginal art sites give us a beautiful insight into the indigenous Australian Culture, and some of the best sites are situated in the Carnarvon Ranges. The drawings and portraits show sketches of animals, tools, weapons, and several ceremonial objects that may have belonged to the communities that first settled in this region.
Although situated at a two-and-a-half hours’ drive north of Roma, the trip there is undoubtedly worth it. You can plan stops during the journey to replenish from the drive. The breakfast stops at Injune, and the brunch options at Cafe on Second are highly recommended. The staff at the Visitor Information Centre are friendly and approachable to assist you in navigating through any part of the trip. Carnarvon Ranges are hands down, the highlight of all the places to visit in Roma.
Adungadoo Trail
This is an ideal addition to the list for trekkers and people who enjoy nature trails. The Adungadoo Trail is one of the most soothing places to visit in Roma. A wonderful way to reconnect with nature, it’s a 1.7 km pathway paved in concrete that runs along the serene waters of Bungil Creek. The walk starts from the back of the Big Rig at the Warrego Highway on Riggers Road. Interested bird watchers can head over to the watercourse where several unique and majestic species of birds can be spectated. The trail is also marked with signs to ensure ease and convenience for walkers.
The Roma Express Train Ride
Several people enjoy train rides as they provide an authentic country experience. Exciting for all such travellers, the Roma Express Miniature Train is an excellent way to get around the town. The train covers a distance of approximately 1.4 km, and travels through popular attractions like the Big Rig Complex, Bungil Street, and many majestic parklands.
This train usually operates from 08:30 in the morning to 05:00 in the evening throughout the week and is open to all. Tickets are sold at pocket-friendly, affordable prices, at just $2 for each individual. Children under 3 years of age can travel for free. However, the train is only open for business from November to March, keeping in mind the best seasons for exploring Roma.
Annual Easter Extravaganza
Every year, the charming town of Roma hosts a famous, family-friendly event called the ‘Annual Easter Extravaganza’. It features a wide range of events and activities that are entertaining and engaging for all age groups. The major attraction is the Easter Egg Hunt, where young children search for beautifully decorated eggs. The event also has a street parade and a diverse market that the parents can leisurely explore, while their kids look for the eggs.
Although the different activities may vary slightly from year-to-year, their popular activities like bull rides, art shows, goat races, and motocross remain constant. Since the Extravaganza is held everywhere around Easter, interested tourists should keep an eye out while planning their trips.
Apart from this, there are several intriguing places to visit in Roma and its surrounding areas. The Roma Explorers Inn is a popular restaurant, open throughout the week, and is loved by all locals and tourists alike. Their delicious traditional country dishes like rissoles and pies, along with a kid-friendly menu, featuring pizzas, chicken nuggets and much more, are all worthy of a special visit. Nature enthusiasts can plan a small detour to visit the biggest bottle tree in Roma. Measuring to about 6 metres in height, a girth of 9.51 metres, and an astounding crown that spans over 20 metres, this biggest bottle tree has now become a popular tourist attraction over the years. For the art lovers out there, Roma has an incredible clay mural that depicts its culture, history, and industry. The mural, created by John and Maureen Morrison, two native artists, is showcased at the Roma Cultural Centre and reflects the warmth that this small town has. There are also plenty of beautiful picnic spots, where tourists can relax and unwind with their family and friends.
FAQs
Q1. Which are some of the famous places to visit in Roma?
Ans: The Big Rig, St Paul’s Anglican Church, Heritage Listed Courthouse, and Lenroy Slab Hut are some of the popular places to visit in Roma.
Q2. Is Roma, Queensland worth visiting?
Ans: There is something about the laid-back life in Roma, Queensland that attracts tourists from all over the world. It is located 476 km away and about a one-hour flight from the west of Brisbane. From rigs and races to cattle and Carnarvon Gorge National Park, Roma offers the best adventures for you to experience along with the chance to reconnect with nature.
Q3. Is Roma a good place to live?
Ans: The beautiful weather, hospitality of the native people, incredible history and culture, and several exciting places to visit make Roma, a wonderful town to live in.
Q4. What is Roma Queensland famous for?
Ans: Just as the Great Barrier Reef is known for fish, Roma is known for its cattle, the biggest bottle tree, and parklands, and for providing many options to explore the natural flora and fauna.
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