Baralaba, Queensland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Baralaba Queensland
The Baralaba Hotel
Baralaba Location in Queensland
Population	324 (2021 census)
• Density	0.8672/km2 (2.246/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	4702
Area	373.6 km2 (144.2 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10:00)
Location	95 km (59 mi) NW of Biloela 141 km (88 mi) SW of Rockhampton 667 km (414 mi) NW of Brisbane
LGA(s)	Shire of Banana
State electorate(s)	Callide
Federal Division(s)	Flynn
Localities around Baralaba: Alberta Kokotungo Kokotungo Alberta Baralaba Banana Alberta Moura Banana

Baralaba is a small town in central Queensland, Australia. It is a rural area located in the Shire of Banana. In 2021, about 324 people lived in Baralaba.

Exploring Baralaba's Location

Baralaba is right next to the Dawson River. This river forms the western edge of the area. The town itself sits in the north-west corner, close to the river.

A special structure called the Neville Hewitt weir is on the river here. It makes the river wider, which is great for watering crops and for fun activities like boating. The town is about 33 kilometers (20 miles) west of the Leichhardt Highway.

A Look at Baralaba's Past

The name Baralaba comes from an Aboriginal word. It means "high mountain," referring to a nearby mountain called Mount Ramsay.

Early Schools and Services

Baralaba Provisional School first opened its doors on 19 August 1918. It became a state school on 1 March 1922. Later, in 1964, it started offering high school classes too.

The Baralaba Post Office began operating around April 1924. Before that, there was a smaller "receiving office" since about 1919.

Community Buildings and History

St Patrick's Roman Catholic Church was built in 1935. It was designed by Roy Chipps from Rockhampton. The church was made of timber and cost £650 to build.

In May 1941, a special board was put up at the Returned and Services League of Australia Memorial Hall. This board remembers the people who served in World War II. Outside the hall, there is also a white cross. It honors everyone who served in any war or conflict.

A Methodist Ladies' Guild started in September 1945. They worked to raise money for a Methodist church. Land for the church was given in November 1945. The Baralaba Methodist Church officially opened in August 1948. In 1977, it became the Baralaba Uniting Church. This happened when the Methodist Church joined with other churches to form the Uniting Church in Australia.

Mining and Modern Services

Baralaba used to have two coal mines. Both of them closed down for a while. However, one of the mines started working again in 2005.

A mobile library service began in Baralaba in 2004. This means a library on wheels visits the town regularly.

Who Lives in Baralaba?

The population of Baralaba changes over time.

• In 2006, about 290 people lived in the town.
• By 2011, the population of the wider Baralaba area grew to 479 people.
• In 2016, it was 314 people.
• The most recent count in 2021 showed 324 people living in the Baralaba area.

Special Places in Baralaba

Baralaba has some places that are important to its history. These are called heritage-listed sites. One of them is the Dawson Valley Colliery. It is located on Morgan Street and The Esplanade.

Baralaba's Economy

The main ways people make a living in Baralaba are from raising cattle (beef production). More recently, coal mining has also become a big part of the local economy.

Learning in Baralaba

Baralaba P-10 State School, 2019

Baralaba P-10 State School is a government school for students from Prep (the first year of school) up to Year 10. It is located at 1 Power Street. In 2017, the school had 90 students and 12 teachers.

For students who want to continue their schooling beyond Year 10, the closest high schools are in Moura and Biloela.

Things to Do and See in Baralaba

Baralaba Supermarket, 2019

• Golf Club: Baralaba Golf Club has a 9-hole golf course. You can find it on Alberta Road.
• Mobile Library: The Banana Shire Council provides a mobile library service. It visits Baralaba every two weeks.
• Churches:
  • Baralaba Uniting Church is at 43 Power Street.
  • St Patrick's Roman Catholic Church is at 29 Power Street.

Fun Events in Baralaba

Baralaba hosts several exciting events throughout the year:

• Every March, there is a campdrafting competition. This is where riders on horseback control cattle.
• The annual Baralaba agricultural show takes place in May. It showcases local farming and community life.
• In September, there is the Saratoga Fishing Competition. People try to catch the Saratoga fish in the local waters.