Australian Workers Heritage Centre Entrance Building in Barcaldine Outback Queensland

CLOSED - Anzac Day - 25th April

Welcome To Our Centre

The Australian Workers Heritage Centre is one of Outback Queensland’s premier tourist destinations and National Monument to our working men and women. Our mission is to honour all workers - past, present and future and help preserve a vitally important part of Australian heritage and culture - Our Working Life.

Located in Barcaldine in Outback Queensland, the Centre is a welcome oasis for visitors. Spread across over two hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding a tranquil billabong, the Australian Workers Heritage Centre presents a rich tapestry of exhibits capturing the spirit of our nation's workers.

Including the Story of the Great Shearer’s Strike 1891, 'Working Women' Project, a 'One Teacher School', 'Working for Health' exhibition, 'Kunwarara' Railway Station and the original Australian Workers Union Hall.

Our landscaped grounds complement the visitor experience where you can enjoy a picnic or barbeque, while the kids explore our modern playground facilities. Dogs are welcome throughout the displays and grounds, we simply ask your pets remain on a lead at all times.

Our centre is also home of the Young Un - Tree of Knowledge, a vibrant and beautiful Australian Ghost Gum and the only living descendant of the original Tree of Knowledge.

Stay for a few days in Barcaldine, home of the Tree of Knowledge Memorial and enjoy the friendly company of the locals who will tell the stories of their town’s very important place in Australia’s history.

Enjoy one of the Outback Queensland’s hidden treasures. Get started on planning your trip now.

Australian Workers Heritage Centre - Best of Queensland Experience Recipient for 2023 Stamp

Australia's Working History

The Australian Workers Heritage Centre is the only national attraction dedicated to celebrating the extraordinary legacy of working Australians and plays a key role in defining our national character.

Australian workers have made an invaluable contribution to our nation and its resources. They created unique social, political and industrial movements which were to reform and shape Australia's history. Few of the things accepted today as being part of the Australian way of life would exist if not for this long and proud contribution of workers.

We Are Who We Are Because They Were Who They Were...

Black and White Photo of the Tree of Knowledge in Barcaldine Circa 1888

The Great
Shearers' Strike

The Great Shearers' Strike of 1891 was a watershed in the history of working conditions in Australia and was a major catalyst in the growth of the Australian Labor Party.

Tree of
Knowledge

It's not often you see a memorial to a tree, but Barcaldine's Tree of Knowledge was no ordinary tree. It became part of the history of the town from the beginning of settlement.

Plan Your Visit

Everything you need to know to plan your visit to the Australian Workers Heritage Centre in Barcaldine, Outback Queensland, including admission, opening hours, available facilities and travel options.

Admission

Adult $22.50

Concession

(senior/pensioner/carer/student 15+/tertiary) $19.50

Child

(6-15 years) $12.00

Children under 6 years

(accompanied by adult) FREE

Family A

(2 Adults & up to 2 Children up to 15 years) $57.00

Family B

(2 Adults & 3 or more Children up to 15 years) $69.00

Bus or Group bookings 10+ Please Enquire

(Catering available for tour groups by prior arrangement)

Ask our staff about our WEEKLY PASS you have 7 days to re-visit at no extra charge

N.B. Prices subject to change without notice

A family by the Billabong surrounded by trees on site at the Australian Workers Heritage Centre in Barcaldine Queensland.

Australian Workers Heritage Centre Aerial View from Oak Street Barcaldine

Centre Map

The Australian Workers Heritage Centre is a museum styled attraction celebrating our working history

Set on over 5 1/2 acres, take the time to journey through 14 buildings housing 22 displays and exhibitions

Familiarise yourself with the breadth and scale of our museum with the our Centre Map.

Getting Here

The AWHC is located in Barcaldine on the Matilda Way, about an hours drive from Longreach, on the main street of Barcaldine at 127 Oak Street. The Workers Heritage Centre is one of Outback Queensland’s best kept secrets, a significant tourist destination and part of the Queensland Government’s Heritage Trails Network.

Barcaldine is situated at the crossroads of two major highways – the Capricorn Highway from Rockhampton in the east and the Landsborough Highway (part of the Matilda Way Tourist Route) coming up from the south before heading west to Longreach.

Helloworld Rockhampton can provide a personalised service and help you with planning your trip and booking your travel needs.

Helloworld Rockhampton

Phone: 07 4629 3997

Email: rockhampton@helloworld.com.au
"The Travel Professionals"

By Road

Sealed highways to and from all major towns ensure safety and comfort whether you travel by car, coach or van.

For Queensland traffic and travel information, please call 131 940 or visit http://www.131940.qld.gov.au

For Barcaldine regional road conditions, visit https://www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au/road-conditions

Bus Queensland - 1300 287 537 or visit https://www.busqldoutback.com.au

Greyhound Bus Travel - 1300 473 946 or visit https://www.greyhound.com.au

By Rail

Queensland Rail's award winning Spirit of the Outback travels twice weekly to Barcaldine ex Brisbane via Rockhampton and return. 1800 872 467 or visit https://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/railexperiences/ourtrains/spiritoftheoutback

By Air

Qantas operates flights to Barcaldine and Longreach - https://www.qantas.com/au/en/book-a-trip/flights.html

Rex Airlines - 13 17 13 or visit https://www.rex.com.au