Moura, Queensland - Coal Country and Life in the Dawson Valley

Wander * Explore * Discover
Jun 7, 2024
3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Moura, Queensland - Coal Country and Life in the Dawson Valley

Set in the heart of central Queensland, Moura is a hardworking rural town shaped by industry, resilience and community spirit. Located 593 kilometres north-west of Brisbane, Moura proudly carries the title of the “Coal and Cattle Centre of the Dawson Valley.” With a landscape defined by open plains, mining history and river country, Moura offers visitors a glimpse into the stories and strength that have shaped this part of Queensland.

When we visited Moura, we wandered around the town centre, saw the murals, and visited the Miner's Memorial. We also wandered around the Rotary Park and saw the Mining Machinery and Water Tank art. Then, we drove to see the Meridian Marker, Dawson Mine, the Dawson River, and Banana.

A Welcoming Country Town

Moura’s town centre is compact, friendly and easy to explore on foot. As we wandered through town, we discovered colourful murals painted across building walls, along with cafés, hotels, a supermarket and essential services that make Moura a comfortable stop for travellers passing through the region. The murals add warmth and personality, reflecting both the town’s industrial roots and its strong sense of community.

Honouring the Miners

One of the most moving places in Moura is the Moura Miners Memorial, established in November 2018. The memorial honours those who lost their lives on the Moura–Kianga coalfields, as well as their families, friends and workmates. For almost six decades, coal mining has played a vital role in Moura’s identity, and during that time 36 lives were lost across three separate mining disasters.

Underground mining ceased in 1994, and today the operation continues as an open-cut coal mine. Visiting the memorial offers a powerful moment of reflection and a deeper understanding of the town’s past.

Mining Machinery, Artworks and Parklands

Nearby, Rotary Park provides a peaceful space to relax while also showcasing Moura’s mining heritage. The park features picnic shelters, BBQs and toilets, along with a collection of historic mining equipment, including an impressive dragline bucket. Each piece is accompanied by information boards that explain its role and significance.

Just a short walk away stands the town’s 18-metre-high water tower, transformed into a striking piece of public art. Painted in 2018 by Brisbane artists Sam Wilkinson and Xana Denruyter, the mural features a beautiful pink galah, adding colour and creativity to the skyline.

Standing on the 150th Meridian

On the outskirts of Moura, we visited the 150th Meridian marker, an unusual and fascinating landmark. The meridian is an invisible line used to measure Eastern Standard Time, and here it’s marked by two large stones set side by side. When you line up the holes in the rocks, you’re standing directly on the meridian — a simple but intriguing stop that connects Moura to a much bigger global system.

The Scale of Coal at Dawson Mine

A short drive from town leads to the Dawson Mine Viewing Platform, where you can truly appreciate the scale of modern coal mining. From the elevated platform, sweeping views stretch across the vast open-cut mine, with giant dump trucks moving below like toys.

Located at the southern end of the Bowen Basin, Dawson Mine exports an average of 4 million tonnes of coal each year, and the viewing platform offers a safe and informative way to understand the size and significance of the operation.

River Country and Nearby Banana

Around 10 kilometres from Moura, Apex Park on the Dawson River is a popular spot for fishing, boating and camping. It’s a peaceful riverside escape and a great place to experience the natural side of the Dawson Valley.

A little further west, about 18 kilometres from Moura, is the small town of Banana, famous for its quirky name. The town was named after a yellow-coloured bullock called Banana, which helped herd wild cattle into holding yards. Today, you can see a replica of Banana the Bullock in the local park — a fun and uniquely Queensland story to finish your visit.

Why Moura Is Worth the Stop

Moura is a town built on hard work, history and heart. From meaningful memorials and massive mining landscapes to colourful murals, river country and nearby quirky towns, Moura offers travellers an authentic glimpse into central Queensland life.

It’s a place where stories matter, and one that rewards those who take the time to look a little deeper.