Lying in a bend oftheCondamine River, Warwick is an an hour’s drive southofToowomba, and two hours southwest of Brisbane. This historic town of 15,000 people has a strong farming pedigree and is an important hub for neighbouring towns within the area.
Warwick was first settled by Europeans in the 1840s. The town was booming by the 1870s and many fine buildings date from the late 19th century and early 20th century. A walk down Palmerin, Fitzroy and Guy Streets will reveal many of these lovely buildings, including Warwick Town Hall, St Mary’s Presbytery and the Criterion Hotel.
Warwick Station is another heritage-listed building, dating from the 1880s. It was the scene of a legendary moment of civil disobedience in 1917.
Prime Minister Billy Hughes was making a speech in support of conscription to increase the number of Australian soldiers fighting in the First World War. Suddenly, an egg was thrown from the crowd, knocking Hughes’s hat off his head. Hughes ordered a local policeman to arrest the culprit, but the officer refused, saying the prime minister had no authority in Queensland. The Egg Throwing Incident is credited with speeding up the formation of the Australian Federal Police.
History buffs will also like Glengallan Homestead and Heritage Centre, an 1867 farm that is being restored to its former glory.
There are some excellent restaurants and cafes in this handsome old town, mostly scattered around the Palmerin Street area. The elegant Warwick Hotel is worth it for the gorgeous interiors.
