SURAT

Surat is currently a 3-star Queensland Tidy Town.

You can tell us what you think by voting in the poll – you can give a 1-to-5-star rating.

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History and Geography

The local Commissioner of Crown Lands, John Henry Durbin, established a hut at Yamboucal in 1849 and within a month, he was under siege from the Mandandanji. Some reports indicate that to break the siege, Durbin and his troopers shot a large number of Aborigines. Roderick Mitchell, the son of Sir Thomas Mitchell, took over as Commissioner of Crown Lands and in 1850 moved the residence around two kilometres upstream from Durbin's hut. The new settlement was called Surat. The Mandandanji again resisted, killing Mitchell's bullocks and preventing his men from building the huts. Mitchell dispersed the local Aborigines in a show of force, allowing the first of Surat's houses to be built. In 1851, government surveyor Robert Cooper Bagot mapped the township of Surat.The town of Surat is on the Balonne River, approximately 75 kilometres (47 mi) south of Roma on the Carnarvon Highway in South West Queensland. It is 450 kilometres (280 mi) west of Brisbane.

Local Government Information

Mandandanji (also known as Mandandanyi, Mandandanjdji, Kogai) is an Australian Aboriginal language spoken by the Mandandanji people. The Mandandanji language region includes the landscape within the local government boundaries of the Maranoa Regional Council, particularly Roma, Yuleba and Surat, then east towards Chinchilla and south-west towards Mitchell and St George.

Attractions

Surat is one of those towns where the attractions are simple and genuinely enjoyable if you like history, rivers, fishing and outback Queensland.

Cobb & Co Changing Station: A fascinating museum that brings the past to life, including a 14-seater Cobb & Co coach. The complex also houses the Surat on Balonne Gallery, featuring local and traveling exhibitions.

Fisherman’s Park: Set up your chair by the water’s edge, cast a line, and try your luck catching yellow belly and cod in this angler’s paradise. Whether you’re seeking a camping getaway or a base to explore Surat’s beauty.

Accommodation And Dine In

With Surat being a small town there is limited accommodation and dine in spots with most travellers relaying on their self contained camper vans.

·      The Balonne River Retreat: Located on the banks of the Balonne River at Surat with a 10 acre fully fenced block suitable for RV, Caravans, Buses, Motorhomes, Camper Trailers and Tents.

·      Wagon Wheel Café & Friendly Grocer: Its part café part general store with basic needs and coffee.

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