Roma

Roma is currently a 4-star accredited Queensland Tidy Town

History and Geography Facts

Roma, Queensland, has a rich history spanning Indigenous heritage, European exploration, pastoral development, and pioneering energy discoveries.

Indigenous Heritage

Before European settlement, the Roma region was inhabited by the Mandandanji people, also known as the “fishing net people,” who spoke the Kogai language. The Mandandanji were organized into hordes, small groups with defined territories and shared rights over land and resources. Their culture included Dreamtime stories, such as the tale of the Emu sisters, which explained natural phenomena and the landscape. The Rainbow Serpent (Mundaggatta) was a central water spirit in their creation stories, shaping waterways and the environment around Roma.

Roma is in the Maranoa district of South West Queensland. It is situated at the junction of the Warrego and Carnarvon highways. It is also a major town on the Western Railway Line from Toowoomba and Brisbane. It is the centre of a rich pastoral and wheat-growing district

Local Government Information

In 1862, the Government of Queensland issued instructions for a town to be created in the Maranoa Region. Surveyors Robert Austin and A.C. Gregory chose a site adjacent to Bungil Creek on Stephen Spencer's Mount Abundance pastoral station. This site became the township of Roma. Initially consisting of nothing more than three public houses, Roma was named after Lady Diamantina Bowen (Contessa Diamantina di Roma), wife of the first Governor of Queensland, George Bowen.

In 1863 Samuel Symons Bassett brought Queensland's vine cuttings to Roma and established the Romavilla Winery in 1866 on Bungil Creek north of Roma.

Attractions and Events

·      The big Rig : Discover the history of natural resource exploration in the Roma region as our pioneering story comes alive through interactive exhibits, machinery and equipment displays, and the insights of our knowledgeable local ‘Roma Rigger’ guides. Don’t miss the chance to climb the 40-metre Big Rig Tower (via stairs or lift) and experience a day in the life of a rigger.

·      Roma: Lost World Carnarvons (Wallaroo) Day Tour : Escape the tourist trail for the Carnarvon Range, a dramatic plateau scarred with gorges, with an ecologist guide as you explore a private 72,000 acre (29,000-hectare) cattle station. Discover a secret cave at the Axe Factory Aboriginal site; soak up the beauty of rock formations such as Arch Rock and the Sphinx; and see Aboriginal art in Rainbow Cave.O

·      Romas saleyard : As you step into the state-of-the-art Val Harms Interactive Centre at the Roma Saleyards, you will be transported into the exciting world of the Australian cattle industry. The moment you enter, you are immersed into an experience that evokes the feeling of joining a cattle drive along a long paddock

·      Romas biggest bottle tree : This iconic tree was transplanted to its current location in 1927, moved from a local property where it was initially growing. With its likely origins tracing back to the nineteenth century, this magnificent bottle tree stands as a testament to both the region’s natural beauty and rich history.

·      St Paul’s Anglican Church and the Roma Parish : From April to October, guided tours or access to the Church for viewing the windows is possible on Tuesdays only (9:30am-11:30am) for visitors and locals to learn more about this magnificent building. This living house of worship with its inspiring leadlight and stained glass windows, magnificent timbers, pipe organ, history and atmosphere, delights everyone who steps inside the building.

·      Roma bush Gardens : The walk around the Roma Bush Gardens is a relaxing and insightful way to enjoy native flora and the Australian bush. Covering 14 hectares, the Roma Bush Gardens showcases eleven native vegetation communities from the Roma region, including brigalow, coolabah, and mulga. The walking path provides peaceful views of the dam and the surrounding bushland.

Dine out and takeaway

·      Overlander homestead steak house

·      Explorers restaurant

·      The Queens arm tavern

·      White bull Tavern

·      BC’s restaurant

·      Golden dragon Chinese restaurant.