Discover Moonie: oilfield history and yabbie races

Planning your trip to Moonie

Moonie is located at the junction of the Leichhardt Highway and the Moonie Highway. This intersection is a specific landmark to help you plan your stay. There are several different reasons to choose Moonie as a destination: the history of the oilfield, the biennial Yabbie Races held in March, and activities in the surrounding area. If you’re looking for a hotel, it helps to first decide what brings you to the area. Is it a set event date, the town’s industrial history, or fishing, birdwatching and stargazing in the region? These interests give your trip different focuses.

Yabbie Races in March

The Moonie Yabbie Races are held by the Moonie Sports Club in March every two years. If the races are the reason for your trip, check the date of the next event before planning your travel. When choosing a hotel, it’s not just the month that matters, but whether the races are taking place in your intended travel year. So, plan your travel dates around the specific event rather than the month alone.

This gives you two different starting points for planning your trip: the races focus on an event date, while the oilfield’s history can be understood through its historical milestones. First decide whether the event date or your interest in Moonie’s industrial history is the deciding factor for you.

Moonie’s oil history

Moonie is home to Australia’s first onshore oilfield, established in 1961. The production station and pipeline for the Moonie oilfield were completed in 1964. The years mark different milestones: the field’s establishment was followed three years later by the completion of the station and pipeline. Display panels at the Moonie Rural Transaction Centre provide information about the history of the Moonie Oilfields. The Moonie Oil Rig is promoted as a place where visitors can take a photo. Check local access arrangements before visiting.

Places to visit in Moonie

Moonie Crossroads is promoted as a stopover for visitors and passing truck drivers. The Moonie Rural Transaction Centre offers visitor information, souvenirs, arts and crafts, and locally made products. Service details may change; check them before your visit. “Clawdia”, the Big Yabbie, is located near the Moonie Visitor Information Centre. The sculpture and the Moonie Yabbie Races share the same yabbie theme, but are different reasons to visit: the sculpture is a named local landmark, while the races are a recurring event.

Rivers and activities in the surrounding area

The Moonie River and Weir River are located in the surrounding area. Fishing, birdwatching and stargazing are regional leisure interests that can complement a visit to the town. If you plan to take part in any of these activities, check locally where you can fish or observe wildlife and the night sky. Unlike the named visitor attractions in Moonie, these activities are found in the wider area. This distinction can help you plan your trip around either a local cultural theme or activities in the region.

Discover more destinations: Longreach, Middlemount, Kenilworth, Slacks Creek, Fletcher, Kandanga, Lamington, Hervey Bay

For the broader travel overview: Queensland.