Duaringa is a tiny service centre and an ideal access point to the Blackdown Tablelands National Park. Located 751km north-west of Brisbane and 110km west of Rockhampton. Duaringa was a settlement of less than 500 people, which was originally a base camp for railway workers. Duaringa Shire boasts more than 11,000 people, which incorporates the four main towns of Duaringa, Dingo, Bluff and Blackwater, also the township of Bauhinia.
The Shire shares common boundaries with Broadsound, Livingstone, Banana, Taroom, Fitzroy, Bauhinia and Emerald Shires.
Ludwig Leichhardt who first past through the area observed large coal deposits near Blackwater, which are now a vital part of the shire's wealth. After Leichhardt came the Archer brothers, Charles and William, searching for good grazing lands for their cattle. They moved through the area and it wasn't till 1875, with the building of the railway, west from Rockhampton, that the camp was established.
The central attraction in the Duaringa area (apart from the pub, which has some sections dating back to the 1880's) is the Blackdown Tablelands to the south-west of the hamlet of Dingo. The 23,000 hectare Blackdown Tablelands National Park is characterised by waterfalls, cliffs, excellent bushwalks and Aboriginal rock art near the upper end of Mimosa Creek. Don't foget to visit the Japanese Gardens, adjacent to the Capricorn Highway at Blackwater.
The Council, with offices in Duaringa and Blackwater, plays a predominate role as provider of services and facilities to all residents. Services include welfare, cultural groups, religious organisations, health facilities, information services and a wide range of sporting organisations and activities. There is something for everyone to do in the Duaringa Shire.
The accommodation in this region offers numerous hotels, motels, Inns and caravan parks. This is a friendly place to visit whether you are wanting to work, rest or play.
For more information on things to do in Duaringa contact the Duaringa Shire Council Office on (07) 4935 7101.
