Visit the Australian Workers Heritage Centre in Barcaldine Outback Queensland

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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, Central West Queensland, the Centre is a welcome oasis for visitors. Spread across over two hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding a tranquil bored-fed 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 museum is 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 and visit us today.

Australian Workers Heritage Centre - Best of Queensland Experience Recipient for 2024 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.

Explore the Shearers Strike

Tree of
Knowledge Memorial

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.

Explore the Tree of Knowledge

Plan Your Visit

Discover all the essentials to plan your visit to the Australian Workers Heritage Centre, Barcaldine Outback Queensland, including admission, opening hours, available facilities and travel options.