Charters Towers: The Gateway Town to Australia's Outback
Key Highlights :
If you're an adventurer looking to take the road less travelled, then Charters Towers, located just 90 minutes west of Townsville in north Queensland, is the perfect destination. This quintessential Aussie town was once a thriving city during the goldrush, boasting a population of 25,000 and earning itself the nickname "The World". Today, the town serves as a gateway to the vast wilderness beyond, and is one of the most accessible outback destinations.
Charters Towers is on Gudjal land, where indigenous populations have lived for thousands of years. Gold was first discovered in the area in 1871, and the town's rich architectural backdrop is a testament to its heyday. Tourists from all over Australia and beyond come to Charters Towers to experience the historic tours and try their hand at panning for gold.
Among the most popular attractions is the Charters Towers Ghost Walk, a guided two-hour tour full of stories steeped in history that will make your hairs stand on end. Hear the tale of The Black Shirt of Irish Molly’s and the tragedy on Mosman Street among others (tours run seasonally from May – August). The Texas Longhorn Safari is also a must for anyone who has heard about the magnificence of the famous cattle. The tours feature horse-drawn wagon rides and the original Texas Longhorn Safari. You’ll also see some of the longest horned cattle in the world (tours run seasonally from May – October).
For those looking for a unique place to stay, Mosman Hall is the perfect choice. Originally built as a psychiatric hospital in the 1950s, it stopped operating in the 1990s and has since been fully renovated. The accommodation includes hotel-style rooms and self-contained apartments.
If you're unsure where to start your exploration of Charters Towers, the Charters Towers Heritage Tour is the perfect way to get acquainted with the area. It includes a sunset experience at the Towers Hill lookout and a guided tour of the Venus Gold Battery, a mill that provided gold extraction facilities to miners for over a century.
Charters Towers is a unique destination that offers a glimpse into the rich history of Australia's outback. With its fascinating heritage, gold panning opportunities, and unique accommodation, it's the perfect destination for those looking to take the road less travelled.
