On the crossroads of the Warrego and Carnarvon Highways lies the charming outback town of Roma, the heart of the Maranoa Region. Known as the home of cattle, natural wonders and precious resources, this vibrant rural town is a hub of activity with so much to offer visitors. As soon as you arrive in Roma, you’ll come to appreciate the slower pace of life, friendly nature, and beautiful natural surroundings. It’s time to get to know the ins and outs of Roma, as we get acquainted with life in outback Queensland.
Discover the Heart of the Maranoa
If you’re arriving to Roma by plane, Hertz Roma Airport is the ideal place to start your journey. Roma is not a large town, so you’ll find yourself in the centre in no time. Don’t rush through however, - you’ll want to stop and stay a while. A drive through Roma will reveal its amazing wealth of heritage buildings. Here, you’ll find an eclectic mix of architectural styles scattered around town, which you can learn all about on the Roma Historic Walk. This self-guided walking trail connects Roma’s significant landmarks, and interpretative panels detail the town’s rich and colourful history.
Next, you’ll want to head to The Tasting Co on Hawthorne Street for excellent coffee and a delicious brunch. This trendy cafe right in the heart of town is equally popular with locals and travellers alike, so linger awhile and have a chat with the friendly faces of Roma. Just up the street from here, you’ll find Roma Bungil Cultural Centre, a vibrant community space dedicated to showcasing the art, culture, and heritage of the town. Done exploring the town? You’ll want to head down the road to Roma Explorers Inn, the perfect place to settle in and make yourself comfortable during your time here.
A must-do while you're in town is a visit to the Roma Stockyards. These cattle selling facility is the largest in the southern hemisphere, a true testament to the sheer scale of the cattle industry in the Maranoa. If you happen to be in town on a Tuesday, this is the day where all the action happens, and visitors are welcome to join the fun. There is also an on-site interactive interpretive centre open 7 days a week, where you’ll gain insight into the stockyard itself, as well as wider operations within the industry - a truly unique experience in Roma.
One of the largest industries in Roma with a huge employee base is oil and gas, which has helped put Roma on the map. Don’t miss The Roma Big Rig, a one-of-a-kind experience inviting you to discover Australia’s pioneering history, the history of oil and gas exploration in the country and the 20th century boom that made Roma what it is today. Take yourself on a self-guided tour through this interactive experience or book yourself tickets to the best show in town - the Big Rig sunset experience. This song and light experience will take you on a journey through time, as you sit back and enjoy a glass of Outback Port under the starry night sky.
Queensland’s sandstone country
Roma is located on the edge of Outback Queensland, a vast and colourful landscape where you’ll find some of Australia’s most unique flora and fauna. While you’re in Roma, it is well worth the effort to take a trip out of town and explore what makes this region so special, and the absolute best way to experience this is in your Hertz rental car. Start off with a visit to Roma Bush Gardens on the west of town. This 14-hectare garden showcases outback vegetation found natively in the Roma region and is an excellent spot for bird watching. Enjoy the short stroll around the lake, where, if you’re visiting in the warmer months, you'll be able to enjoy a spectacular bloom of native wildflowers.
If you’re itching to get further out into nature and explore the surrounding landscapes, then look no further than the beautiful Carnarvon Gorge for all your nature-based adventures. Located just north of Roma and easily accessible on high quality sealed roads, this outback oasis is home to some of the most spectacular sandstone country Australia. You’ll find vibrantly coloured side gorges, diverse flora and fauna and Aboriginal rock art, and be captivated by the abundance of native wildlife and the rare wilderness on offer at Carnarvon Gorge. Carnarvon can easily be done in a day, however, to make the most of your time out here, you’ll want to start early. To discover all the secrets of the Gorge and the deep history of these lands, why not join a customised tour with local guides Craig and Meryl Eddie, founders, and owners of the award-winning Boobook Explore.
Quaint but booming, Roma is a historic town sitting amid rich agricultural country and atop mineral resources in Outback Queensland. Whether you’re here for a short escape or have a bit more time to explore and delve deeper into the surrounding regions, Roma and the Maranoa Region are truly captivating and offer visitors a taste of true country Australia.
