Charters Towers Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Charters Towers with this comprehensive guide detailing its top attractions, hotels, food and drink scene, safety tips, and more.


Introduction to Charters Towers

Nestled in the heart of Central Queensland, Australia, lies the charming town of Charters Towers. This historic mining town boasts enchanting architecture, rugged natural landscapes, and diverse cultural attractions that leave visitors spellbound. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventures or a peaceful retreat to relax and unwind, Charters Towers offers something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Charters Towers

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Charters Towers has a rich cultural heritage and offers visitors a glimpse into its fascinating past. Here are some must-see historical sites and museums:

  • The Miner’s Cottage: A restored miner’s cottage is located near the city centre. It offers an informative display which brings the early days of mining in Charters Towers to life.
  • The World Theatre: Built in the 1800s, the World Theatre is a historical landmark. It is one of the few remaining cultural theatres that still operates, hosting regular plays, concerts, and shows.
  • Zara Clark Museum: This museum houses an impressive collection of artefacts, photographs, and documents detailing the town’s gold rush history.

Natural Attractions of Charters Towers: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The natural beauty of Charters Towers is breathtaking, and there are a plethora of natural attractions to explore. Here are a few examples:

  • Tower Hill: For panoramic views of the town, hike up Tower Hill. The top offers views of the countryside as well as historic buildings within the town.
  • Charters Towers Botanic Gardens: Charters Towers Botanic Gardens are a great place to enjoy a picnic, stroll, and admire the beautiful flowers and landscapes.
  • Lissner Park: Located in the town centre, Lissner Park is a popular spot for picnics and a great place to relax. The park is home to a rose garden, playground, and plenty of picnic tables.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Charters Towers

Charters Towers has several popular hiking and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. If you love a good hike or ride, consider one of the following routes:

  • Towers Hill Walking Track: This challenging track offers impressive panoramic views of Charters Towers from atop Towers Hill.
  • Black Jack Trail: This stunning trail leads to Explore Park’s scenic viewpoint and takes riders through towering eucalyptus forests.
  • Lissner Park Walkway & Bike Path: This flat, easy trail is perfect for families looking for a relaxing hike or bike ride through the park.

Best Things to Do in Charters Towers: Activities and Tours

From cultural landmarks to stunning natural wonders, Charters Towers is packed with activities and tours to ensure visitors never run out of things to do. Some must-do activities and tours include:

  • Panning for Gold: Learn about Charters Towers’ gold mining history and try your hand at panning for gold. This activity is a fun and unique experience that’s perfect for all ages.
  • Ghost Tours: Take a spooky journey through the town’s historic buildings and hear chilling tales of ghosts and paranormal activity.
  • Horse Riding: Explore the town’s scenic surroundings on horseback with one of the many guided horse riding tours.

Week-Long Itinerary for Charters Towers

Day 1: Explore the Zara Clarke Museum, followed by a visit to the Stock exchange Arcade.

Day 2: Visit the Venus Battery – an old gold mine and its workings.

Day 3: Travel to the historic town of Ravenswood – known for its historic pub and ghost tours.

Day 4: Take a bike ride or hike to Towers Hill to enjoy the stunning views of the town.

Day 5: Visit the World Theatre for a show or music concert.

Day 6: Visit the Lissner Park and enjoy a picnic or walk around the stunning botanic gardens.

Day 7: Wind down the week with a visit to one of the many local restaurants for a delicious meal.

Food and Drink Scene of Charters Towers

Must-Try Dishes

Charters Towers has a fantastic culinary scene, with a diverse range of options and flavors. Here are a few must-try dishes:

  • Charters Towers Steak: Known for their quality beef, the many restaurants in the town serve up succulent, mouth-watering steaks perfect for meat-lovers.
  • Pies: Freshly baked pies are a Charters Towers specialty. Whether it’s beef, chicken, or veggie pies you’re after, you won’t be disappointed.
  • Rocky Road: A sweet treat made from fluffy marshmallows covered in chocolate and nuts, Rocky Road is a popular local treat.

Local Beverages

Quench your thirst with some of the local brews. Here are some choices:

  • Great Northern Brewing Co: This brewery offers visitors a tour of their facilities and samples of their delicious local beers.
  • Dalrymple Hotel: One of Charters Towers’ iconic buildings, this pub offers a wide range of beers, cocktails, and local wines.

Where to Stay in Charters Towers: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Charters Towers offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets. Here are some options:

  • Royal Private Hotel: A 4-star heritage-listed boutique hotel with elegant décor, comfortable rooms, and onsite restaurant.
  • Charters Towers Tourist Park: A caravan park with powered and unpowered sites, cabins, and a swimming pool.
  • Australian Hotel: This historic hotel is centrally located and offers comfortable, budget-friendly rooms.

What to Buy in Charters Towers: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Looking for something unique to take home? Here are some options:

  • Gold Nugget Jewelry: A unique and stunning souvenir that Charters Towers is known for.
  • Local Art and Crafts: Charters Towers has a vibrant arts scene with many local artists displaying their work in galleries and markets.
  • Local Wine and Beer: Take home a bottle of locally-made wine or beer to share with friends and family.

Local Culture and Customs of Charters Towers

Charters Towers is steeped in rich cultural and historical traditions. Make sure to be respectful of the city’s customs and traditions. Immerse yourself in the local culture by taking part in festivals and celebrations when they happen.

Best Time to Visit Charters Towers

The best time to visit Charters Towers is during the dry season, which runs from May to October, to avoid excessive heat and humidity. Avoid visiting Charters Towers during the rainy season that runs from November to April.

Do’s and Don’ts of Charters Towers

Do:

  • Respect the town’s cultural heritage and its customs.
  • Try the local food and beverages.
  • Take part in local celebrations and festivals.

Don’t:

  • Litter or leave behind any trash in public places.
  • Disrespect the wildlife and natural surroundings.
  • Break the town’s rules and regulations.

Safety and Health

Safety in Charters Towers

Charters Towers is a safe town for visitors. However, be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night.

Health in Charters Towers

Charters Towers has a medical centre and numerous healthcare facilities that cater to visitors’ healthcare needs.

Getting to Charters Towers: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Charters Towers

Charters Towers does not have an airport. The closest airport is Townsville Airport, which is a two-hour drive from the town centre.

Bus Stations Near Charters Towers

Charters Towers has no bus stations. However, Greyhound buses regularly make stops in the town, with departures to Cairns, Brisbane, and Darwin.

Other Options

For those looking for a bit more flexibility during their trip, consider renting a car.

How to Get Around in Charters Towers

Most of the popular attractions in Charters Towers are within walking distance of each other. Visitors can also rent a bike or car to explore the surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Charters Towers: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to extend your trip, some of the nearby destinations are:

  • Townsville: Two hours east of Charters Towers is the coastal city of Townsville.
  • Great Barrier Reef: The Great Barrier Reef is a World Heritage-listed natural wonder and located off the Queensland coast, just a few hours away from Charters Towers.
  • Atherton Tablelands: Just over two hours west of Charters Towers is the picturesque Atherton Tablelands, a mountainous region with waterfalls, rainforests and scenic views.

Conclusion

Charters Towers is a treasure trove of natural wonders, historical landmarks, and cultural attractions. Whether you’re interested in exploring the town’s rich history, immersing yourself in the local culture, or soaking in scenic views, Charters Towers offers something for everyone. Use this guide to plan your trip, and prepare to be enchanted by the town’s charm and hospitality.