A city built on gold, Charters Towers flourished during the bustling gold boom of the late 1800s and by the turn of the century it had earned the distinction of Queensland’s second largest city and the honour of having one of the first few regional Stock Exchanges. The Charters Towers Stock Exchange was built in 1888 and still stands today. Now beautifully restored, it's host to a variety of local traders and craft markets.
For the visitor wishing to ‘dig’ further into Charters Towers’ mining past, the Ghosts of Gold Heritage Trail is highly recommended. The self guided trail begins at the Visitor Information Centre with an Orientation Film and then follows on to the Stock Exchange Arcade with another audio presentation reenacting the trading of gold shares. Next make your way to the Venus Battery, the largest surviving battery relic in Australia where you can participate in a fully guided tour and watch a film presentation that tells the story of the battery’s working life. Complete your trail at Towers Hill, with a short drive or hike to the top giving panoramic views of the city. An evening screening of the film ‘Ghosts After Dark’ in the amphitheatre rounds off your Trail.
Other points of interest while you are in Charters Towers include the two cemeteries, Historic Ambulance Centre and the Charters Towers Museum, with photographic displays and memorabilia for those not old enough to remember the good ol’ days. The historic World Theatre is an architectural wonder that combines the past and the present. Or why not play a game of billiards on the original 100 year old tables at the Civic Club, historically a gentleman’s club that is now open to all. If you are more of an outdoors type, then the Dalrymple Shire offers a variety of recreational activities that include camping by the Burdekin River, fishing, bird watching or a trip out to Ravenswood.
A Golden city with a colourful past, the lively heritage brings Charters Towers to life, and makes this town a must see on any itinerary.
