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Signposting the beaten track at Stonehenge
The community of tiny Stonehenge in Queensland's far western Channel Country aims to put their town on the map.
Stonehenge Action Group Inc, numbering around 25 per cent of the town's 40-strong population, has developed a self-guided driving tour as an attraction for tourists and locals.
Funding
The group has received $2,500 from the Australian Government to help them signpost the drive.
"This will allow us to achieve a goal we set some time ago," Sue Pratt, Secretary of the Action Group said. "In our little area everyone is involved with every possible organisation, so in 2000 we decided to combine a few of the organisations and come together as community group.
"High on our wish-list was promoting and expanding the tourism potential of the district.
Activities
"Three years ago we decided to set up a self-guided nature drive on the town reserve. We're aiming to encourage tourists driving on the main route from Longreach through to Charleville to take a detour and stop at Stonehenge. They can see the country and enjoy the hospitality of the local people."
With help from Barcoo Shire Council and its grader, the Group set about developing the seven-kilometre 4WD John Egan Pioneer Track, named after a member of one of the district's early grazing families.
The track lies on a boundary between the channel country and mulga lands. It goes through a variety of landscapes ranging from downs to spectacular rocky outcrops, a natural spring and a gorge.
"The drive goes along the top of a range with a lot of unusual rock formations including striking water-eroded holes," said Sue. "The colours - purples and oranges - are really stunning from a distance."
While the track itself has been driveable for some time, until now, the Group has not had the funds to signpost it.
"We've prepared information about geology, plants and animals along the route with help from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Cooper Creek Catchment Committee," Sue said. "Signs have now been designed and we'll be signposting trees and shrubs and features along the way.
"We're also going to put protective fencing at a popular lookout and local barbecue area on the escarpment."
Achievements
Tourists are already using the track and Sue expects the addition of signs and a forthcoming brochure will lure even more off the road to see Stonehenge and its surrounds. The drive will enable tourists and locals alike to better appreciate and understand the local environment.
More information
- Sue Pratt, Secretary of the Stonehenge Action Group Inc: waroonapastoral@bigpond.com
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