Early settlers … tough living … colourful history … even more colourful legends … stories to tell current and future generations !
History re-visited and remembered through Highfields Pioneer Village … 20 acres of memories, over 60 restored historical buildings, farm equipment – memorabilia and daily items used in 1800s … relocated from all over Queensland.
Reminder of days gone-by …
Where is the Village
15 minutes out of Toowoomba, about 2 hours’ drive from west Brisbane, Highfields Pioneer Village holds some of Queensland’s history for everyone to see, touch and experience. From farm equipment, tractors, trucks to horse-driven ploughs, mini steam trains, ancient lawnmowers, washing machines, radios, cameras, gramophones and assorted domestic utensils.
Imagine using those in the 1800s – quite an experience !
What you will see
Heritage Chapel built in 1909 in Meringandan … restored and re-located to Highfields for everyone’s viewing pleasure. And yes, you can still plan your wedding vows there !
Visit restored typical one-teacher provisional school from Upper-Forest Springs near Allora; or Ambulance Museum … Toowoomba Fire Brigade Museum … Southern Cross Museum … Queensland Energy Exhibition Centre … Transport Museum … with assorted items collated and showcased.
There is even an old slab cottage, built in 1900s and fully restored. Walk through Griinke Slab Cottage and see how our pioneers once lived … check out the domestic items available in those days …
Am glad they are now obsolete !
Walk through old shop buildings … restored and fitted out just as they were in the good old days … Butcher’s, Bank, Boot Repairs … or perhaps view the Dress Shop featuring original Silk Wedding Dress handmade during 1890s …
Check out railway engines at Gore Railway Station … old trucks, older outhouses or ‘dunnies’ (outside toilets); all on display.
Harvesting machines – stripper, winnower, thresher and binder from 1838 to early 1900s …
Train or Bus ?
Take a ride on the Model T Ford Bus – manufactured in 1924; used as school bus for Kilcoy State School from 1924 to 1940. She carries 12 persons a trip … taking you around the village for a sneak preview !
Or travel on Mini Steam Train, Myrtle May totalling 11.6m length, runs on 10.25 inch track, 3 passenger carriages, water and coal tender able to carry 12 adults or 18 children at any time; perfect way to get around – both restored to their former glory. Great experience for young and old !
Morning Tea and Lunch
Feeling peckish?
Damper cooked in old wood fired oven – freshly made daily, served hot, with butter and jam … accompanied by Billy Tea (or coffee) kettle over hot stove, freshly made tea or coffee – perfect Morning Tea !
There is also a Damper making session for those keen to learn the art of making Damper (typical Aussie bread backed over open fire).
Want to learn more? Check out how to make butter – the manual way … easy but bit time consuming; however, you do get smooth butter in the end !
Wander around various buildings, museums, shops and all too soon … it is time for lunch !
BBQ lunch at the café – sausages or steaks served with salad and pasta salad, finish with dessert, coffee and tea. Tummies full, continue to walk and view more farm equipment – ploughs, tractors, windmills and pumps … anything that tickle your fancy.
Don’t forget the Unity Display – local milk factory, dairy equipment and the unmistakable Big Cow at front of the Village … you will not miss it !
Conclusion
Another great day at an amazing historical village.
Highfields Pioneer Village is supported by Australian and Queensland Governments; a non-profit organisation; operated entirely by volunteers. Items on display are donated by various families, organisations and lovingly restored for everyone’s viewing pleasure.
There are guided tours for Groups, Educational Tours for Schools, Memory Tours for Seniors, Weddings in The Heritage Chapel and Halls for Hire.
Highfields Pioneer Village Museum and Park Inc. 73 Wirraglen Road, Highfields, Queensland 4352.
