Roma
Town
Population 5983
Roma is in the Western Downs region and was named after the wife of Queensland's first governor. Roma boasts a few historic 'firsts' for Queensland and Australia. In 1863 Samuel Symons Bassett brought vine cuttings to Roma and Queensland's first wine-making enterprise began – Romaville Winery is still running today. In the same year Captain Starlight faced trial in Roma for cattle stealing. Australia's first natural gas strike was at Hospital Hill in 1900. The excellent complex in town, The Big Rig, documents the oil and gas industry since this discovery.
Visitor Information
Big Rig Visitor Information Centre, 2 Riggers Rd;(07) 4622 8676 or 1800 222 399.
Nearby national parks
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Carnarvon National Park
Tucked away in this vast, rambling park in Queensland’s Central Highlands is the magnificent Carnarvon Gorge. Boasting towering white...more -
Isla Gorge National Park
Isla Gorge National Park, in Queensland’s Central Highlands, lies at the southern end of the Dawson Range and features rugged...more
Nearby towns
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Mitchell
Mitchell, a gateway to the outback, is on the banks of the Maranoa River at the western edge of the Darling Downs. But, located as it is...more -
Miles
Miles is in the Western Downs. Ludwig Leichhardt passed through this district on three expeditions and named the place Dogwood Crossing....more -
Taroom
Taroom is on the banks of the Dawson River in the Capricorn region. Since settlers took up land in 1845, cattle raising has been the main...more
In Town
The Big Rig This unique complex is set on an old oil derrick and features historic oil rigs and machinery displays. Photographs, memorabilia and multimedia displays provide a comprehensive history of oil and gas discovery and usage in Australia from 1900 to the present day. A highlight is the sound and light show on summer nights. Adjacent to the complex is a historic slab hut, recreational area and 1915 mini steam train that travels on a 1.4 km circuit. Open daily; 2 Riggers Rd; (07) 4622 4355. Roma–Bungil Cultural Centre: large 3D clay mural by a local artist depicting Roma's history; Cnr Bungil and Quintin sts, (07) 4622 1266. Heroes Avenue: heritage-listed street of bottle trees commemorating local soldiers who died in WW I; Wyndham and Bungil Sts. Romavilla Winery: Queensland's oldest winery; Mon-Fri 8am–5pm, Sat 9am–12pm and 2pm–4pm; 77–83 Northern Rd, (07) 4622 1822.
Nearby
Carnarvon National Park, Gorge section The Carnarvon Creek winds through the steep-sided Carnarvon Gorge, flanked by white sandstone cliffs. There are over 21 km of walks through rainforest to waterfalls and caves, and incredible Aboriginal rock art can be found throughout the park – see rock engravings, stencils and paintings at Cathedral Cave and the Art Gallery. The turn-off to the park is 199 km N on Carnarvon Developmental Rd; (07) 4984 4505. Mt Moffatt section: see Mitchell. Ka Ka Mundi section: see Springsure. Salvator Rosa section: see Tambo.
Roma Salesyard: largest inland cattle market in Australia with sales on Tues and Thurs; from 8am; 4 km E. Meadowbank Museum: historic vehicle and machinery collection, and farm animals; by appt; (07) 4622 3836; 12 km W. Surat: small town featuring the Cobb & Co Changing Station Complex with museum, art gallery and aquarium. Try fishing for Murray cod on Balonne River; 78 km SE.
Fishing spots near town
Dawson River 246 km
Moura is a two-hour drive west of Gladstone. Better known for its prime cattle production and huge coalmines, the township and the nearby Dawson River is not exactly number one on most people’s list of top... Find out moreCampsites around town
Judd’s Lagoon camping area 62 km
Great for fishing, this quiet and tidy campsite is on Mongool Rd, 5 km south-east of Yuleba. There are few facilities on-site, so bring drinking water and firewood. Yuleba is on the Warrego Hwy, 60 km east of Roma and 80... Find out moreOld Yuleba Town camping area 70 km
Suitable for self-sufficient stopover camping, there are no facilities at this site 13 km east of Yuleba. From the Warrego Hwy, go south onto Forestry Rd, then right onto Mongool Rd and right again after the fourth grid.... Find out moreBalonne Bridge camping area 71 km
This basic campground with toilets and picnic tables is on the Carnarvon Hwy, on the north side of the town of Surat. You need to bring firewood and drinking water to this site, 78 km south of Roma and 116 km north of St... Find out moreCow Paddocks camping area 71 km
This site with no facilities is 2 km east of Surat on Sawmill Rd. Surat is on the Carnarvon Hwy, 78 km south of Roma and 116 km north of St George.... Find out moreBingi Crossing camping area 77 km
This site, suitable for self-sufficient campers (bring drinking water), is 45 km east of the town of Surat. Take the Surat–Tara Rd from the Carnarvon Hwy. Surat is 78 km south of Roma and 116 km north of St George.... Find out moreGreen Timbers Fishing Reserve camping area 78 km
For self-sufficient campers only, there are no facilities at this site, 18 km south of Surat. It is off the Carnarvon Hwy, accessible in dry weather only. Surat is on the Carnarvon Hwy, 78 km south of Roma and 116 km... Find out moreMajor Mitchell Caravan Park 80 km
This caravan park has a total of 67 sites, including 47 powered sites and 16 ensuite sites. On the Warrego Hwy in Mitchell, close to town, the park’s other on-site accommodation options include 3 cabins and 2... Find out moreNeil Turner Weir camping area 83 km
This camping area is on River St in Mitchell, set by the Maranoa River. If you’re a keen angler, check out Fishermans Rest on the banks of the river. Mitchell is 90 km west of Roma and 180 km east of Charleville on... Find out moreInjune Caravan Park 83 km
Check in first at the Tourist Information Centre, then make your way to this campground with laundry facilities. It’s on Station St in Injune, about 90 km north of Roma. Winter is the busiest period so book ahead... Find out moreFisherman Rest camping area 85 km
This riverside campground for self-sufficient campers is 4 km west of Mitchell, 500 m off the Warrego Hwy. Mitchell is on the Maranoa River, 90 km west of Roma and 180 km east of Charleville.... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Villa Holiday Park 1 km
This well-maintained park about 2 km from the town centre is our choice of places to stay in Roma. A winery and shop adjoin the park, and there are large grassy areas, clean amenities and a selection of cabins. It gets... Find out moreRoma Big Rig Tourist Park 2 km
A clean modern park close to the Warrego Highway on the eastern approach to Roma, this is within walking distance of the Big Rig tourist attractions and just a few blocks from the centre of town. It becomes busy during... Find out moreMajor Mitchell Caravan Park 80 km
Soak away your aches at the artesian spa pools or wander into the centre of town for some sightseeing, both just a short walk from this modern, popular park. Its greatest attraction, however, is that you pay for your... Find out morePossum Park Caravan and Camping Park 132 km
We always enjoy staying at this unusual caravan park; once a World War II munitions dump, the underground bunkers have been converted to cabins. Owner-operated, it is a great park set in a quiet location alongside the... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge
Stay here in individual safari cabins spread throughout 9 hectares of bushland, with easy access to walking trails in Carnarvon National Park. The park has incredible rock formations and Aboriginal rock paintings. Cabins... Find out moreRest areas around town
Muckadilla Park Area 39 km
East side of town Large area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S26 35.101 E148 23.304... Find out moreWallumbilla Park Area 41 km
Middle of town Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S26 35.214 E149 11.317... Find out moreAmby Camp Area 59 km
Middle of town Camp area adjacent to the highway behind the hotel. Limited shade. GPS: S26 32.948 E148 11.200 ... Find out moreYuleba Creek Rest Area 61 km
79 km W of Miles (R) or 60 km E of Roma (L) Large area just off the highway on the banks of the creek among a few large trees. Good shade. GPS: S26 36.653 E149 23.416 ... Find out moreBarneys Rest Area 68 km
72 km W of Miles (R) or 67 km E of Roma (L) Large area just off the highway among the trees behind the truck bay. Good shade. GPS: S26 37.269 E149 27.389... Find out moreNeil Turner Weir Camp Area 83 km
T/O 2 km W of Mitchell (R) or 87 km E of Morven (L) Pleasant area located 2 kilometres north of the highway on the river. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S26 28.452 E147 57.379 ... Find out moreFisherman's Rest Camp Area 85 km
T/O 5 km W of Mitchell (R) or 84 km E of Morven (L) Small but shady riverside camp area located 1 kilometre north of the highway. NOTE: Large caravans/motorhomes should stay on the top level. GPS: S26 28.501... Find out moreDrillham Rest Area 120 km
19 km W of Miles (R) or 120 km E of Roma (L) Small area just off the highway on the bank of the river. GPS: S26 38.28 E149 58.50... Find out moreMungallala Park Area 124 km
West side of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S26 26.762 E147 32.564... Find out moreWandoan Rest Area 128 km
South side of town Large area just off the highway at the visitor information centre. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S26 07.339 E149 57.524 ... Find out moreDogwood Creek Rest Area 140 km
1 km W of Miles (R) or 138 km E of Roma (L) Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S26 39.338 E150 10.753... Find out moreCaliguel Lagoon Camp Area 140 km
T/O 91 km N of Moonie (L) or 3 km S of Condamine (R) Large area 4 kilometres west of the highway at the lagoon on the Meanderra Road. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S26 59.031 E150 06.68... Find out moreMiles Park Area 140 km
Middle of town Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S26 39.609 E150 11.063... Find out moreCondamine Rest Area 140 km
Middle of town Small town park adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S26 55.602 E150 07.918 ... Find out moreChain Lagoon Rest Area 153 km
T/O 15 km N of Taroom (R) or 80 km S of Theodore (L) Secluded area located 1.5 kilometres north of the highway at the lagoon. Good shade. GPS: S25 31.392 E149 46.644... Find out moreMorven Park Area 167 km
Middle of town Parking area adjacent to the highway near the museum. Good shade. GPS: S26 24.933 E147 06.647... Find out moreGlebe Weir Camp Area 175 km
T/O 27 km N of Taroom (R) or 67 km S of Theodore (L) Large area located 26 kilometres east of the highway on the Dawson River in a shady bush setting. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S25 27.81 E150 02.03... Find out moreChinchilla Weir Camp Area 181 km
T/O at Chinchilla onto Tara Road Lage camp area located 8 kilometres south of town on the banks of the Condamine River. Good shade and facilities. NOTE: Some powered sites available. GPS: S26 47.957 E150 34.785 ... Find out moreArchers Crossing Camp Area 191 km
T/O 72 km W of Dalby (L) or 10 km E of Chinchilla (R) Very secluded camp area located 15 kilometres south of the highway via Hopeland Road, Hopeland School Road and Archers Crossing Road. Good shade. NOTE: Last 4... Find out moreIsla Gorge Camp Area 194 km
T/O 59 km N of Taroom (L) or 36 km S of Theodore (R) Very small campground located 1 kilometre west of the highway in the scrub near the lookout in Isla Gorge National Park. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S25... Find out moreWhat's on around town
RSL Market: RSL Hall; 1st Sun each month, from early morning.
Easter in the Country: Easter.
Picnic Races: Mar.
Polocrosse Club Annual Carnival: Aug.
Roma Cup: Nov.
Christmas in the Park: Big Rig Parklands; Dec.
