| Herberton Queensland |
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The main street of Herberton |
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Herberton
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| Population: | 974 (2006 Census)[1] | ||||||
| Established: | 1880 | ||||||
| Postcode: | 4887 | ||||||
| Elevation: | 918 m (3,012 ft) | ||||||
| LGA: | Tablelands Regional Council | ||||||
| State District: | Dalrymple | ||||||
| Federal Division: | Kennedy | ||||||
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Herberton is a town on the Atherton Tableland in Far North Queensland, Australia. At the 2006 census, Herberton had a population of 974.[1]
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The first European exploration of this area was undertaken in 1875 by James Venture Mulligan. Mulligan was prospecting for gold, but instead found tin on the Herbert River. The town of Herberton was established on 19 April 1880 by John Newell to exploit the tin find, and mining began on 9 May. By the September of that year, Herberton had a population of 300 men and 27 women. In December 1881 a State School was established.
In the late 19th century the Mulligan Highway was carved through the hills from Herberton and passed through what is now Main Street, Atherton, before continuing down to Port Douglas. This road was used by the coaches of Cobb and Co to access Western Queensland.
At its apogee, Herberton was the richest tin mining field in Australia, and was home to 17 pubs, 2 local newspapers and a brewery.
Tin mining ceased in Herberton in 1978.
Herberton is situated in the hills of the south-west ranges that surround Atherton.
Several crops are grown around Herberton, and it is the location of Queensland's only tropical vineyard. Herberton is a mini salad bowl with crops including avocados, lettuce, tomatoes, maize and pumpkins . Poultry and beef industries are also present.
Herberton is attracting more tourists, with the 5 year old 'Mining Museum and Tourist Information Centre' http://herberton.qld.au/miningmuseum catering to the needs of the tourist industry. With accommodation at every level from caravan park, pub, motel and b&b available, travellers are now able to spend time in the small town. Herberton is the oldest town on the Atherton Tablelands and is often referred to as the Village in the hills. Spectacular during the Jacaranda season, it is a pretty little town with several buildings of historical significance and a Heritage Walk for tourists that takes in some of the old buildings and historical features of the town.
The Herberton Historical Village has now re-opened since Easter 2009 This attraction is a highlight for visitors to the tablelands and anyone interested in Queensland's Heritage.[2]
The Tepon Equestrian Grounds just out of Herberton have recently been upgraded with a large undercover pavilion for equestrian and other sporting events such as cycling and mountain biking. Local markets are held on the 3rd Sunday of every month at the Wondecla Oval.[3]
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