Roma, Queensland: Your Guide to the Top Places to Visit in the Outback Town

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore Roma, Queensland, ensuring seamless communication while discovering the top places to visit in this charming outback town, from historic landmarks to scenic landscapes.

On the western fringe of the Darling Downs in Queensland’s Outback, Roma Queensland sits at the junction of the Warrego and Carnarvon Highways. This Roma travel guide reveals the surprising depth of experiences in this quintessential Queensland town, known as the heart of beef country.

Best Things to See in Roma QLD

From serene lakes to insightful museums, places to visit in Roma showcase its pioneering spirit and natural beauty. Read on to find out the best places to visit in Roma, Queensland.

Lake Beardmore and Neil Turner Weir

Start your exploration at Lake Beardmore, just 15 km north of Roma, Queensland. This tranquil reservoir, created by Neil Turner Weir across Bungil Creek, is a prime spot for fishing, boating, swimming, and picnicking. Cast a line to catch golden perch, silver perch, and Murray cod. Kayaks and motorboats are allowed, making it easy to explore the lake.

The Big Rig and Oil Patch Museum

Tap into Roma’s petroleum history at The Big Rig, an impressive outdoor museum centred around a towering oil drilling rig. This 1920s steam-powered rig was in operation until 1987, and today offers a glimpse into the early days of Australia’s oil and gas industry. Some key things to see in Roma QLD at The Big Rig:

• The derrick and rig floor

• 1929 Republic truck

• Vintage drilling machinery

• Extensive outdoor displays

Guided Big Rig Night Tours are a highlight, using light and sound effects to tell the rig’s story dramatically. Adjacent to The Big Rig, the Oil Patch Museum houses an impressive collection of local fossils, photos, models, and historical objects related to the oil and gas industry.

Roma Queensland Saleyards

As Australia’s largest cattle-selling facility, the Roma Saleyards are the pulsing heart of the region’s beef industry. The yards host weekly cattle sales every Tuesday and Thursday, with up to 12,000 cattle auctioned in a day. Watching the live auctions is a quintessential Outback experience and a must-do for any Roma travel guide.

Free guided Saleyards tours run every Tuesday and Thursday at 8:30 am, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the complex’s operations. Meet at the Bull Ring for an insightful 30-45-minute walk around the yards.

Roma’s Biggest Bottle Tree

Roma lays claim to one of Australia’s largest bottle trees, and seeking out this natural behemoth is one of the quirkiest things to see in Roma QLD. Planted in 1927, the heritage-listed tree towers over the footpath on Edwardes Street.

Bottle trees, part of the Boab family, are native to Australia and can live up to 200 years. They get their name from their bulbous trunk, which stores water to help the tree survive droughts. Roma’s big bottle has a girth of 9.51 metres—that’s a circumference of nearly 30 metres!

Roma Bush Gardens

For a tranquil retreat near the heart of town, wander through the Roma Bush Gardens on Bungil Street. This leafy oasis preserves the region’s native flora, with walking paths winding through thick bottlebrush, ironbark, and spotted gum stands. Over 100 plant species thrive here, attracting vibrant birdlife.

Pack a picnic to enjoy in one of the many shady nooks, or fire up one of the free gas BBQs for an al fresco lunch. The gardens are popular for weddings and photo shoots, thanks to picturesque backdrops like the waterfall and amphitheatre.

Roma on Bungil Art Gallery

Housed in the town’s 1918 School of Arts building, the Roma on Bungil Art Gallery showcases works by regional artists. Regularly changing exhibitions span paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewellery, and more, all inspired by Outback Life. The gallery shop carries an array of local crafts and souvenirs.

The heritage building itself is an architectural treasure. Take note of the pressed metal ceilings, timber floors, and stained glass—all immaculately preserved. In the back room, rotating history displays tell stories of the region’s past.

Seamless Connectivity in Roma with Airtel

If you’re flying in, Roma Airport has direct flights from Brisbane. From the airport, it’s a 5km taxi ride into town. Consider an Airtel Postpaid international roaming plan if you need to stay connected during your travels to places to visit in Roma. These data packs ensure you have reliable internet access for navigating, booking tours, and making reservations on the go.

With its rich history, sprawling landscapes, and warm country hospitality, Roma offers a quintessential taste of Outback Queensland. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or culinary adventurer, this Roma travel guide showcases the diversity of experiences in this unassuming country town. So pack your Akubra, charge up your camera, and get ready to uncover the many surprises awaiting you in the “Capital of the Western Downs”.