Ravenswood

A ghost town of the gold-rush era, Ravenswood is serenely and eerily beautiful. I took the turn off to Ravenswood on the way back from Charters Towers (about 140km South West of Townsville). I wasn't sure what to expect, this is a country town that is literally in the middle of no where.

The Town was booming back in it 'hay-day' first settled in 1860, gold was soon discovered a few years later. It still boasts to this day a massive mine - there are lots of Ariel photographs of the mine in the local 'souvenir shop'. I spoke with the lady who was working in the shop - She advised me that the mine is still pull gold from the earth to date. There is a look out that you can drive to that shows you the open mine.

You don't need a guide to visit this town - The town (now operated by the National Trust) has an information 'station' and clear markers and information plaques everywhere - take a wonder around at your own leisure.

There are two pubs, a post office/general store and the souvenir shop (which doubles as a little museum ) There is a museum and other buildings that you can visit - The opening hours are short however (10am-1pm), so plan around this accordingly.

If you love Australia history you will love this little town. It is a bit of a photographs paradise in that there are so many old structures and textures everywhere.

For more information check out this website - http://www.heritageaustralia.com.au

Charters Towers

Are you a historian buff? Love a good tale about the Gold Rush era? Love antiques and museums from this period?

Then head to Charters Towers. If you find yourself on a great Australian road trip whether it be carvaning, backpacking - or just cruising your way from town to town, you may find Charters Towers interesting.

Its about 140KM south west of Townsville in Australia's far north Queensland, it truly is a town the Time forgot. Boasting only a few of the modern day cons (a new McDonalds, a Subway and a Woolworth supermarket) most of the buildings here are still original Dating back to the days of the Goldmine boom.

There is a Country Target here - No its not the shop we are interested in, but the building. It still has the original arcade type display cases at the front. There is the old Stock Exchange building, which is just beautiful and the entrance to the 'Bank' (the converted theatre) is also quiet lovely.

There are plenty of tours to see and do - A ghost tour at night, The Old Miners Cottage, The Venue Battery - you can find a full list of things to do at this website, just make sure you plan your day as the tours operate at weird times and sometime not at all. So phone ahead, just to be sure.

www.charterstowers.qld.gov.au

In terms of accommodation - I didn't stay the night, I just drove out and back. There are plenty of options which can be found on the website.

Food wise - not that great. I found it hard to get soy milk! If you have allergies, bring your own food - or stock up at the Woolworth  There are plenty of places to eat at reasonable prices... but its nothing fancy - Basic sandwiches etc...