Guide to Wallumbilla Queensland Australia

Wallumbilla is a town of about 400 people on the Warrego Highway, 40 kilometres east of Roma. It serves a district of grain and cattle farms and, more recently, a major natural gas hub, where pipelines from across the inland meet. For travellers it is a quiet place to stop, with volunteers on hand to share the history of the district.

Known For

• Calico Cottage, a craft shop and information centre
• A heritage complex at the old railway station
• A memorial to the Wallumbilla rail disaster

The town lies on gently rolling downs, with the low sandstone hills of the Great Divide visible to the north.

Things To Do in Wallumbilla

Calico Cottage

Run by local volunteers, this cottage beside the highway sells handmade crafts, preserves and baking and doubles as the visitor information centre.

Heritage complex

The railway station and other buildings house a collection of photographs, machinery and memorabilia. Among the displays is the story of the night in December 1956 when the Western Mail ran into the back of the stationary Westlander at Wallumbilla, killing five people.

Country drives

Sealed and gravel roads lead north into forest and sandstone country and south to the Balonne River, with wildflowers in spring.

Where To Stay

Wallumbilla has a hotel with rooms and low-cost camping at the showgrounds.

Roma, half an hour west, has many motels.

Eat & Drink

The hotel serves meals, and there is a general store and a cafe.

History

The town grew after the railway arrived in 1880. Its name is thought to come from an Aboriginal phrase meaning plenty of jew fish.

Getting to Wallumbilla

Wallumbilla is on the Warrego Highway between Roma and Yuleba. The Westlander train stops on request.