Roma, Queensland - Gateway to the Outback

Wander * Explore * Discover
Jul 5, 2023
4 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Roma, Queensland - Gateway to the Outback

Set among the rolling plains of the Maranoa region, around 478 kilometres north-west of Brisbane, Roma is a large rural town that perfectly blends outback heritage with modern country living. Known as the Gateway to Outback Queensland, Roma welcomes travellers with friendly hospitality, fascinating history and a surprisingly cosmopolitan town centre.

With boutique retailers, espresso bars, cafés, quality restaurants and classic country pubs, Roma feels both relaxed and lively — an ideal place to pause before heading deeper into the outback.

When we visited Roma, we started the day with a coffee from Bakearoma, explored the Big Rig, and wandered along the Adungadoo trail to see the biggest bottle tree. We then visited the Roma Saleyards to see the interactive centre and wandered around the town centre.

Starting the Day in Town

When we visited Roma, we began the day with a coffee from Bakearoma on McDowall Street. This popular local bakery serves excellent coffee alongside a tempting selection of fresh pastries, cakes and baked treats — the perfect fuel for a day of exploring.

From here, we set off to discover some of Roma’s most iconic attractions, starting with its proud oil and gas heritage.

Discovering Roma’s Energy History at The Big Rig

The Big Rig is Roma’s standout attraction and home to the Visitor Information Centre, a café, grassy parklands and shaded picnic areas. From 8.30 am daily, you can explore The Big Rig on a self-guided tour that tells the story of Roma’s early oil pioneers and their determination to strike it rich.

Interactive exhibits explain the challenges faced by early drillers and how their efforts eventually led to the multi-billion-dollar oil and gas industry that still shapes the region today. One of the highlights is the 40-metre tower, which you can reach via stairs or an interactive lift before wandering along the elevated tree walk through ancient river red gums.

While exploring the grounds, we also visited the historic Lenroy Slab Hut, built in 1893 using rough-hewn cypress pine — a fascinating glimpse into early settler life.

Walking the Adungadoo Trail & the Big Bottle Tree

From the back of The Big Rig, the Adungadoo Walk follows the peaceful banks of Bungil Creek, winding past historic China Town, the symbolic Meeting Place, and onto Shady’s Lagoon. This picturesque trail is an easy and enjoyable walk that reveals another side of Roma.

A short detour from the trail leads to Roma’s most famous natural landmark — the largest bottle tree. Standing around 15 metres tall with a circumference of 9.62 metres, this remarkable tree is believed to date back to the 19th century and was relocated to its current position in 1927. It’s an impressive sight and a popular photo stop.

Australia’s Largest Cattle Saleyards

Roma is proudly home to Australia’s largest cattle saleyards, a key part of the town’s identity. Every Tuesday, visitors can watch the action as up to 12,000 head of cattle are auctioned in a single day — a true outback experience.

If you’re not in town on sale day, the Roma Saleyards Interactive Centre is open daily from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm. Inside, multimedia displays bring the cattle industry to life and explain Roma’s vital role in Queensland’s beef production.

Art, Culture & Heritage Buildings

At the Roma Cultural Centre, we discovered an impressive 18-square-metre three-dimensional mural created by artists John and Maureen Morrison. The artwork features 17 local elements depicting the district’s history and is enhanced with audio and moving lights, making it a fascinating and immersive display.

We also spent time wandering the streets of Roma, admiring the historic hotels and reading informative display boards that share stories of the town’s past. A highlight was the beautiful Roma Court House, built in 1901, which stands as a striking example of the town’s architectural heritage.

More Things to Do in Roma

There’s plenty more to see and do in Roma if you have time to linger. The Big Rig Night Show offers an atmospheric evening experience, while the Roma Bush Gardens provide a peaceful place to explore native plants. Car enthusiasts will enjoy the quirky Up the Creek Garage Museum, which showcases a fascinating collection of vintage vehicles and memorabilia.

Why Visit Roma?

Roma is far more than just a stop on the map — it’s a town rich in stories, shaped by resilience, industry and community spirit. From ancient bottle trees and historic slab huts to cutting-edge interactive museums and lively cafés, Roma offers a welcoming introduction to Outback Queensland.

Whether you’re beginning an outback road trip or taking time to explore the Maranoa region, Roma rewards travellers with memorable experiences, genuine hospitality and a strong sense of place — making it a fitting gateway to the vast landscapes beyond.