200 kilometres inland from the tropical Queensland coast, the fascinating and friendly town of Moranbah welcomes visitors who are seeking a different type of escape. Affectionately known as Queensland's youngest town, this community was created for miners and their families little over 50 years ago, and remains a place that exudes a certain charm and warmth to this day.
Whether you’ve arrived in town for business or leisure, you’ll certainly be able to acknowledge and appreciate the great vastness and ruggedness of the region. The absolute best way to appreciate its true beauty and richness is on four wheels, so you’ll want to start your journey off with a visit to Hertz Moranbah Downtown. After securing your rental car, you’re ready to hit the road for unforgettable adventures in Queensland’s wild and untamed interior.
Town With A Heart Of Gold
Moranbah is a mining town like no other - this fascinating and unique inland settlement is probably the country’s best example of a single purpose mining settlement that has transformed into a modern and thriving community, with friendly locals who are proud to call this town home.
A great way to acquaint yourself with your new surroundings is with a gentle stroll along Federation Walk at the entrance to town. At just over one kilometre in length, this pleasant walk is a significant community project for the town’s residents and local groups, created for visitors to enjoy. As you meander along the gentle track, keen an eye out for some of the local landmarks on your way through. You'll see the infamous ‘Big Red Rhino Bucket’ — a gigantic excavating tool — as well as Grosvenor Creek, and pockets of bushland just brimming with native wildlife.
Moranbah’s lively town centre oozes quintessentially Australian small town charm, while still being equipped with modern conveniences and luxuries to make your stay an enjoyable one. The town is compact and walkable, making it the perfect candidate for exploration on foot. Discover the town square park and public art trail, miners memorial site, visitor centre and cultural centre - the perfect place to discover the history and culture of Moranbah and the wider region.
For a taste of local art and an insight into life in the Moranbah area, you might like to pay a visit to the Coalface Gallery. This local community art space is filled with fascinating contemporary works from local and emerging artists alike. The space also plays host to touring exhibitions, and arts and crafts events. After spending a morning perusing the gallery spaces, head across to Coffee on the Mall, opposite the park and tucked away in a cosy laneway. Enjoy a fresh brew, great food and a chat with some of the friendly locals, who are always eager to share a story or two.
If you consider yourself somewhat of a golf aficionado, you’re in luck - Moranbah is home to an excellent Golf Course, something not all that common for inland towns of this size. This stunning course is home to some of the best views in town, and the perfect way to spend an afternoon - you don’t need to be a pro to enjoy the scenery and leisurely pace of this well-rounded course. Even if you’re not up to par, you’ll find an excellent selection of food and beverages to enjoy at the clubhouse and on-site restaurant, Sapphires.
Exploring the Queensland Interior With Hertz
With its intriguing mining culture, spectacular volcanic landscapes and rural charm, The Isaac region has much to offer those who venture here. Explore ancient volcanic landscapes that dominate the region, and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this iconic inland region by taking a road trip in your Hertz rental car.
The vast interior of Isaac region is dotted with charming rural communities, mining heritage and other-worldly landscapes. A drive along the Peak Downs Highway will greet you with panoramic views of the Gemini Mountains, the region’s most prominent peaks and part of the world’s longest continental volcanic chain. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a short detour off the highway and get out and explore these majestic mountains on foot.
Just two hours south of Moranbah, the historic town of Clermont is well worth the drive. One of the oldest towns in Queensland, Clermont is the site of one of the state’s major gold rushes of the 19th century. The town’s mining heritage and its stories of riches continue to intrigue and inspire visitors. Clermont is also located in one of Queensland’s richest active goldfields, so if you feel like striking it lucky on your visit, why not try your luck at modern day fossicking.
If you're looking to discover somewhere truly unique that will give you an insight into Australia's mining industry, a visit to Moranbah and the Isaac region will not disappoint. Set against a backdrop of stunning natural scenery and ancient volcanic landscapes, these destinations offer a fascinating look into mining in Australia - both past and present. Meander your way through the historical towns dotted along the way. This is an escape where you’ll be met with plenty of character and charm and one that should be on every travellers list when visiting Queensland.