Situated 150km from Queensland’s tourist hub Mackay, Moranbah was named after the Moranbah Parish and was a name connected to the Aboriginal roots in the region. Although Moranbah service apartments, resorts and aparthotels the likes of Oaks Moranbah among innumerable other hospitality hubs occupy the landscapes of the pastoral town today, the area was primarily a mining town when it was first established back in 1970. Even though the meaning of the town’s name is unknown, Moranbah was built from the ground up by the Utah Development Company to take advantage of the vast deposits of coal in the area. The coal that lies beneath Peaks Downs and Goonyella can rightly be described as the driving force for the construction of the town in the late 70’s with plans to set up a mining town near the deposits.
Utah Development went on to construct community facilities and amenities which included not only a civic centre but also a school and an emergency ambulance facility. Falling under the jurisdiction of the Belyando Shire, the town had its own outlet of the Country Women’s Association as early as 1971. The town’s spiritual needs were not addressed till 1979 when the catholic church of St. Joseph The Worker was declared open to the public, as the population steadily increased from 3000 residents in 1974 to over 4000 in 1976. Although its run as a mining town was short-lived, the area remains a scenic and picturesque corner of Queensland preferred by tourists who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of popular tourist hubs to the tranquillity of a countryside holiday location.
Some of the main highlights for travellers include the Peak Range National Park as well as a skate park that is also on hand for those with an interest in skating activities. Visitors can rent bicycles from the BMX club and cycle around the verdant town while 4×4 tours are another popular tour option for tourists. Sports fans, on the other hand, can enjoy a Moranbah AFL team game or catch a local rugby match if they are visiting Moranbah during the football or rugby season.
Damon Starky is a creative nomadic travel writer, who is well informed and experienced on a wide range of interests that would connect to the needs of any type of traveler. Google+