Heritage - Charters Towers

Where to Stay

Townsville Festival

Things to See
& Do

Charters Towers

Driving down the wide streets of Charters Towers is like viewing a montage of Australian heritage. Once the most populated town in Queensland outside Brisbane, Charters Towers is as rich in history as it is in gold.

The precious metal was first discovered in Charters Towers in 1872 by Aboriginal horse boy Jupiter, and his find attracted thousands in search of their fortune. Charters Towers was once dubbed 'The World' because it was thought that everything the world had to offer was available in Charters Towers and people flocked to the city from across the globe.

The magnificent heritage buildings evident throughout the town are testament to the prosperity of the era.The heritage-listed Stock Exchange Arcade, The World Theatre, City Hall and the Post Office tower are just a few which will have you reaching for your camera.

Built in 1872, the national significant Venus Gold Battery is a fascinating insight into the milling process of the time and the 'business' of gold. A few ghostly characters will also share some secrets with you. So leave the traffic lights and the hustle and bustle behind for a few days and take the short journey along the Flinders Highway from Townsville to Charters Towers -a must see!

UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES
• Meet the ghosts that haunt Charters Towers on the Ghosts of Gold Heritage Trail. The Venus Gold Battery is a must-do
• Visit the Charters Towers Folk Museum; a heritage listed building housing a large collection from the days of gold
• Pan for gold at The Miner’s Cottage
• Head up Towers Hill to the open air amphitheatre at dusk and watch the Ghosts after Dark film reliving the gold rush days in the Towers
• Experience the country town shopping strip and local country markets
• Pick up the self-drive audio tour CD and map from the Visitor Information Centre and go exploring
• Enjoy a movie at one of the few remaining Drive In Theatres in Australia
• Watch the weekly cattle sales
• Explore the heritage buildings within the One Square Mile
• Play a game of billiards on the 100 year old tables at the Civic Club