Childers, Queensland - Heritage Streets, Hidden Stories & Country Charm

Wander * Explore * Discover
Nov 11, 2023
3 min read

Updated: 7d

Childers, Queensland - Heritage Streets, Hidden Stories & Country Charm

Set among rolling fields of sugarcane, avocados, and macadamias, Childers is one of those Queensland country towns that quietly leaves a lasting impression. With its beautifully preserved heritage buildings, creative street art, and powerful stories woven through its past, Childers is far more than just a stop along the Bruce Highway — it’s a place worth slowing down to explore.

During our recent visit to Childers, we enjoyed coffee and cake at Insane Caffeine. Then, we visited the Pharmacy Museum, the Palace Hotel Artspace, and the Backpacker Memorial. We wandered around town, looking at the lovely heritage buildings and the fun street art.

A Historic Country Town on the Bruce Highway

Located 320 kilometres north of Brisbane, Childers was established in the 1880s to service the surrounding sugarcane farms. Today, it remains a popular stopping point for travellers, offering a wonderful mix of history, culture, cafés, and country hospitality.

The town centre is compact and easy to explore on foot, with heritage-listed buildings, historic hotels, museums, galleries, and public art all within walking distance.

Coffee, Cake & Local Vibes

We started our visit at Insane Caffeine, a much-loved local café on the main street. Open daily from 7.00 am, it’s a great spot for breakfast, lunch, or simply coffee and cake.

We loved the relaxed atmosphere, quirky recycled furniture, indoor and outdoor seating, and the colourful mural that adds character to the space. It’s the kind of café that invites you to linger a little longer.

A Step Back in Time at the Pharmacy Museum

One of the highlights of Childers is the Old Pharmacy Museum, located right on the main street. This fascinating museum houses one of Australia’s most extensive collections of early pharmaceutical, dental, and photographic equipment.

The building was originally the premises of Thomas Gaydon, who arrived in Childers in 1894. As well as being the town pharmacist, Gaydon also served as the local dentist, photographer, and anaesthetist.

Out the back in the dispensary, we wandered past rows of beautifully coloured jars and medicine bottles, ointments, powders, mortar and pestles, and even an antiquated dentist chair. In the shopfront, highlights include a stunning 1906 National cash register, early cameras, and the chance to buy old-style boiled lollies — a nostalgic touch we loved.

Heritage Buildings & Powerful Stories

Childers is home to 25 heritage-listed buildings, each with its own story to tell. As we wandered through town, the ornate facades and historic details made it easy to imagine Childers during its early boom years.

One of the most significant buildings is the Palace Hotel, formerly a backpacker hostel. On 23 June 2000, a deliberately lit fire claimed the lives of 15 young backpackers, a tragedy that deeply affected the town and the nation.

Today, the building has been transformed into the Visitor Information Centre, Artspace gallery, and the Backpacker Memorial — a moving and respectful place to pause and reflect.

Nearby, the heritage-listed Grand Hotel, originally built in 1892 and expanded in 1897, still operates as a traditional country pub. Some locals say it’s haunted by a friendly ghost known as “Luke the Spook.”

Other notable buildings include:

The Federal Hotel (built in 1907), with a facade that remains virtually unchanged
The Isis Masonic Hall on Macrossan Street, built in 1897 with a second storey added in 1909
The Paragon Theatre, built in 1927 and one of Queensland’s oldest surviving theatres

The Paragon Theatre was beautifully restored and reopened in 2014 as a 400-seat theatre. Today, it also houses a café open seven days a week and sells the famous Mammino Gourmet Ice Cream, which originated in Childers.

Street Art & Creative Touches

As we wandered along the main street, we discovered plenty of street art and public sculptures that add a playful, creative layer to the town. From mosaics set into the pavement to stainless steel barriers and eye-catching sculptures, including Lava Man, the Boobook Owl, and the Cattle Dogs outside the Grand Hotel.

More to Explore Around Childers

Beyond the town centre, Childers also offers Military history sites, a historical village and several local wineries in the surrounding region. It’s easy to turn a short stop into a full day or even an overnight stay.

Why Childers Is Worth Stopping For

Childers is a town where history is proudly preserved, creativity is celebrated, and stories — both joyful and heartbreaking — are honoured with care.

For us, Childers was a place to slow down, wander thoughtfully, and appreciate the layers of history behind its beautiful facades. Whether you’re travelling the Bruce Highway or exploring the Fraser Coast and surrounds, Childers is a rewarding stop that offers far more than first meets the eye.