Relaxing in Ravenswood

We've often passed the turnoff to Ravenswood, between Charters Towers and Townsville, and have said, "we should go there one day".  That day has come at last and we've been camped at the Ravenswood Showgrounds for the past 5 days.

Ravenswood is a small historic mining town about 80 km from Charters Towers and 120km from Townsville on the Burdekin Dam Road.  These days it has a population of about 500 which includes those associated with the Carpentaria Gold open cut mine.  In it's heyday, about 100 years ago, there was a population of 4,500 serviced by 38 pubs and many other businesses.

A walk to the mine lookout provides great views and an interpretive display of the history of mining at Ravenswood.  There is also an interesting collection of old mining equipment.  Nearby is the Old Arch Bridge.

There are many historic buildings throughout the town and several have been renovated and repainted.  St Patricks Community Church overlooks the town.  It will be moved soon when the mine has a major expansion.  The gold rush began here in 1868 and next year (2018) the town will celebrate 150 years with a festival in October.

Thorpes Building is maintained as a gift shop selling pottery, mosaics, craft and other gifts.  The owner is a potter and mosaic artist and at the back of the shop is a sculpture garden.

The building also houses a comprehensive historical display with many items relating to the family and Ravenswood.

There are 2 historic pubs in town.  The Imperial Hotel has impressive French leadlight windows.  The Railway Hotel also has lovely leadlight windows and doors and houses some vintage motorcycles.  We've patronised both establishments and we've also been able to wander upstairs where the guest rooms are maintained in vintage decor.

The Ravenswood Art Trail is a walking tour past the old buildings and sculptures throughout the town.

The Court House and Museum occupied us for over an hour while we wandered back in time.  There are several buildings open.  The main building is the old Court House and it has a good collection of historical documents relation to the town.  Another building has a display of minerals and mining history.  A third building has several renovated tractors, buggies and other vehicles, including a hearse.

Next to the Museum is the location of the home of A.L. Wilson who listed the mail Ravenswood mines on the London Stock Exchange in 1899.

A few kms east of Ravenswood, just off the Ravenswood-Ayr Road is White Blow.  This huge mound of quartz is unusual because quartz is usually found in a seam, not as a huge mound.

We'll be here for a few more days before moving to the Burdekin Dam Campground.  Our communications here have been limited and intermittent.