Howard and Torbanlea
IF YOU WANT TO EXPERIENCE good old fashioned country charm, call into the old mining towns of Howard and Torbanlea.
Miners moved into the area as early as 1864 when a seam of coal was discovered on the banks of the Burrum River, and the Burrum District Museum at Howard houses an impressive collection of mining memorabilia.
Howard has a number of quaint old buildings, including Van Cooten’s, an old time working drapery store, a historic post office and the homes of former Prime Minister Andrew Fisher and Dame Annabelle Rankin.
Dame Rankin was the State’s first female Senator and it is possible to enjoy a Devonshire tea and take a tour of her former home, Brooklyn House.
Country markets are held on the first Saturday of every month. There are great swimming and fishing spots as well as boat ramps along the nearby Burrum River, and a lovely country golf course.
At neighbouring Torbanlea, visit the town’s picnic race track and sporting grounds where you can experience the fantastic atmosphere of the annual picnic races and family fun day each October.