Columbia Poppet Head – Rest Area

The Columbia Poppet Head Rest Area offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich gold-mining heritage of Charters Towers, serving as both a key historical landmark and a convenient day-use rest area for travellers. Dominating the site is the impressive poppet head of the former Columbia Gold Mine, a towering steel structure that stands as a powerful monument to the city’s prosperous past as ‘The World’. This well-maintained park provides an excellent opportunity to stretch your legs and immerse yourself in history. The site features a sealed parking area suitable for all vehicles, including those towing caravans and motorhomes, making it an easy and accessible stop. While it is not a designated overnight campground, it is perfectly equipped for a daytime break, with clean toilets, covered picnic tables, and informative displays that tell the story of the Columbia mine and the broader Charters Towers gold rush. Visitors can take a short walk around the park to appreciate the scale of the mining operations and get up close to the poppet head itself. Located within the city limits, the park is a fantastic starting point before exploring other key attractions like the Venus Gold Battery or the historic city centre. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in Australian history, providing a tangible connection to the lives of the thousands who sought their fortune in the North Queensland goldfields.

Site Information

• Location: In Queenton, a suburb of Charters Towers, easily accessible from the main roads.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types for day use. Ample parking for caravans and motorhomes.
• Road Access: Sealed roads.
• Site Surface: Bitumen car park and grassed park areas.
• Camping Permitted: No. This is a day-use rest area and historical site only.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Not applicable. Park is for day use.
• Facilities: Toilets, rubbish bins, historical information displays.
• Picnic Tables: Yes, sheltered picnic tables are available.
• Potable Water: A tap may be available, but it is best to bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
• TV Reception: Excellent.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Prohibited.
• Generator Use: Not applicable for a day-use area.
• Number of Sites Available: Large car park for day visitors.
• Essentials to Bring: Camera, picnic lunch.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash in the park area.
• Fishing: No.
• Short Walks: Yes, a short interpretive walk around the poppet head and mining displays.

Local Amenities

As this site is within the city of Charters Towers, all amenities are very close by.

• Local Pubs:
  • The Sovereign Tavern (approx. 2 km)
  • The Enterprise Hotel (approx. 2.5 km)
  • Irish Molly’s (approx. 3 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Numerous hotels, cafes, bakeries, and restaurants throughout Charters Towers.
• Local Attractions:
  • Venus Gold Battery
  • The Miner’s Cottage
  • Charters Towers Historical Museum
  • Towers Hill Lookout
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Charters Towers Tourist Park (approx. 1.5 km)
  • Dalrymple Tourist Van Park (approx. 3 km)
  • Many other options available.
• Next Free Camps:
  • Macrossan Park Camping Area (20hr, donation, approx. 25 km east)
  • Flat Rock Camping (20hr, donation, approx. 35 km east)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • A public dump point is available at the Charters Towers Showgrounds.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations are located within 2 km.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at the Charters Towers Visitor Information Centre.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Charters Towers has a semi-arid climate, known for hot summers and mild, dry, sunny winters.