Perched on Bungil Creek in the Darling Downs, Roma is known for its pastoral and farming communities as well a deep history in gas and oil exploration. You can experience interactive exhibits, cattle auctions, heritage walks and the oldest winery in Queensland.
Things to do in Roma
Get a feel for Roma by spending time at the Big Rig Oil and Gas Interpretative Centre and Night Show, where you’ll get an interactive immersion in oil rigs and drilling. For up-close views of historical and modern equipment, visit the Oil Patch, which houses one of Australia’s first diesel-powered rigs. Kids can participate in the Big Rig Oil Patch Challenge and ride the miniature train.
Take the two-kilometre Hospital Hill Heritage Walk to see at least 12 significant sites related to the oil and gas industry. For a genuine outback experience, save some time on a Tuesday or Thursday to attend a cattle sale and auction at Roma Saleyards.
Pay your respects to Roma’s fallen soldiers at the Heritage-listed Heroes Avenue, lined with more than 100 bottle trees. Each tree memorialises a local soldier who sacrificed his life in World War I. Head over to the region’s first settlement at the1860s-era Mount Abundance Homestead, then view the 19th-century stained-glass windows at St. Paul’s Anglican Church.
Visit the Roma Cultural Centre to see its 18-square-metre Three Dimensional Clay Mural, which incorporates audio and moving lights to highlight 17 local elements relating to the town’s culture, history and industry. Top off the day with drinks at White Bull Tavern and Italian cuisine at Cantina 43.
Getting around Roma
Roma lies about 470 kilometres from Brisbane, with air, train and bus services available. Pick up a rental car at Roma Airport or take a taxi to the centre of town about two kilometres away.