Murgon facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Murgon Queensland
The park on the main street of Murgon
Murgon Location in Queensland
Population	2,220 (2021 census)
• Density	33.64/km2 (87.1/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	4605
Elevation	316 m (1,037 ft)
Area	66.0 km2 (25.5 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10:00)
Location	45.5 km (28 mi) NNE of Kingaroy 92.7 km (58 mi) W of Gympie 247 km (153 mi) NW of Brisbane
LGA(s)	South Burnett Region
State electorate(s)	Nanango
Federal Division(s)	Wide Bay
Localities around Murgon: Oakdale Barlil Tablelands Manyung Wheatlands Murgon Moondooner Ficks Crossing Cherbourg Redgate Moffatdale

Murgon is a small town and area in the South Burnett Region of Queensland, Australia. It's a rural place, meaning it's surrounded by farms and nature. In 2021, about 2,220 people lived in Murgon.

Exploring Murgon's Location

Murgon is located in the South Burnett area of Queensland. This region is part of the Burnett River catchment, which is where water collects and flows into the river. The land around Murgon is used for many types of farming. Farmers grow peanuts, raise dairy cows for milk, and produce beef and other cattle. There are also local wine industries. The Indigenous Australian community of Cherbourg is very close, just south of Murgon.

Murgon's Past: A Look at History

Early Beginnings and Language

Land sales map from 1906

The land where Murgon is located has a rich history. It is part of the traditional country of the Wakka Wakka people. This is an Aboriginal language spoken in the Burnett River area. The Wakka Wakka language region includes many towns in the North and South Burnett, like Cherbourg, Murgon, Kingaroy, and Gayndah.

The Arrival of the Railway

The railway played a big part in Murgon's growth. On 14 September 1903, the railway line reached Murgon. This connected the town to other places like Goomeri and Wondai. Later, on 19 December 1904, the line was extended all the way to Kingaroy. This made it easier for people and goods to travel.

Growing as a Town

In July 1906, new land was offered for sale in Murgon. This helped more people move to the area and build homes and businesses. Murgon State School opened its doors on 24 February 1908, providing education for local children. The Murgon Post Office also opened around June 1908, making communication easier.

Churches were important to the early community. The first Methodist Church in Murgon opened on 4 October 1908. The current Murgon Goomeri Uniting Church was built later, opening in 1963. The Murgon Baptist Church also opened in 1921, with a new building in 1930 and the current one in 1965.

Remembering History and Growth

The Murgon War Memorial was started on 25 April 1920, which is ANZAC Day. It was built to remember soldiers who served. The memorial was officially dedicated on 11 November 1921.

For many years, Murgon was the main town for the Shire of Murgon. This was a local government area that existed from 1914 until 2008.

St Joseph's Catholic School opened on 27 February 1937, offering another option for education. Murgon State High School opened on 27 January 1959, providing secondary education for older students.

Murgon on the Big Screen

In 1986, a movie called The Fringe Dwellers was filmed in Murgon. The movie was set in a fictional town called 'Curgon'. This film was special because it was one of the first Australian movies to feature Indigenous actors in all the main roles. It won an award for its screenplay.

The Rail Trail and Modern Facilities

The railway line that once served Murgon was no longer used by 2004. In 2010, it was officially closed. The tracks were removed to create the Kingaroy-Kilkivan Rail trail. This trail opened in 2017 and is now a popular path for walking and cycling.

The modern Murgon Library facility opened in 2010. It provides books, computers, and Wi-Fi for the community.

Murgon's Heritage Sites

Civic Centre, 2008

Murgon has several places that are listed as important heritage sites. These include:

• Murgon State School, located at 91 Gore Street.
• Murgon Civic Centre, found at 62–70 Lamb Street.
• The former South Burnett Co-operative Dairy Association Factory on Macalister Street.

Murgon War Memorial, 2008

Ancient Discoveries: Fossils Near Murgon

Murgon is close to a very important fossil site. The Murgon fossil site is special because it's the only place in Australia with many different vertebrate (animals with backbones) fossils from the early Eocene epoch. This was about 55 million years ago, which is only 10 million years after the dinosaurs disappeared.

Learning in Murgon: Schools and Education

Murgon has several schools for students of all ages.

• Murgon State School is a government primary school for students from Early Childhood to Year 6. It's located at 91 Gore Street. The school also has a special education program.
• St Joseph's School is a Catholic primary school for students from Prep to Year 6. You can find it at 32 Angel Avenue.
• Murgon State High School is a government secondary school for students from Year 7 to Year 12. It's located at 2 Dutton Street. This school also offers a special education program.

Community Life: Amenities in Murgon

The South Burnett Regional Council runs the public library in Murgon. It's located at 42 Stephens Street West. The library offers free Wi-Fi for everyone.

There are also several churches in Murgon:

• St Joseph's Catholic Church is at 24 Angel Avenue.
• Murgon Goomeri Uniting Church is at 55 Gore Street.

Fun Things to Do: Murgon's Attractions

Murgon offers many fun activities for visitors and locals.

• You can explore local wineries.
• Enjoy fishing at the nearby Bjelke-Petersen Dam.
• Try gem-fossicking, which is looking for small gemstones.

The Queensland Dairy and Heritage Museum is located at 2 Sommerville Street. It's a great place to learn about the history of dairy farming and the region.

The Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail

The Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail is a popular attraction. It follows the path of the old railway line between the two towns. The trail is 88 kilometres (55 miles) long and goes through several towns, including Murgon, Goomeri, and Wondai.

The section from Kilkivan to Murgon is unsealed, meaning it's a dirt path. The part from Murgon to Kingaroy is 44 kilometres (27 miles) long and is sealed, making it smooth for walkers and cyclists. This part of the trail is the first and longest sealed rail trail section in Queensland. Along the trail, you can find coffee shops and other places to stop in the towns. The trail also passes by the old railway station and other historic railway buildings in Murgon.

Sports and Recreation

Murgon has a lively sports community. The local rugby league team is called the Murgon Mustangs. They play in the South Burnett Rugby League competition.

Famous Faces from Murgon

Several well-known people have come from Murgon:

• Gavin Cooper, an Australian rugby league player.
• Dustin Cooper, another Australian rugby league player.
• John Mickel, a politician who was a Member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly.
• Leah Purcell, a famous Australian actress, director, and writer.
• Steve Renouf, an Australian rugby league player.

Images for kids

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  War Memorial and Civic Centre in Lamb Street, Murgon, 1938