Arriving in Charters Towers on the first day of winter, we chorused a collective “Yay!” as we donned on shorts and thongs and embraced the warm sunny 28-degree day! The town, with a population of about 9000, has spacious wide streets and a quiet, layback ambiance.

Charters Towers showcases an impressive blend of architectural styles, reflecting its prosperous past as a major gold mining center. The town is adorned with elegant Victorian-era buildings, ornate heritage-listed structures, and charming art deco designs.

The discovery of gold at Charters Towers in 1871 sparked a frenzied gold rush, attracting thousands of hopeful prospectors from around the world and transforming the region into a prosperous mining hub. Tower Hill, a prominent landmark in Charters Towers, served as a vital hub for gold processing, housing a towering brick chimney that symbolized the town’s booming gold industry during its heyday.

Gold was discovered near Tower Hill at Charters Towers by an Aboriginal horse-boy named Jupiter Mosman, who stumbled upon a rich gold reef while rounding up stray horses in December 1871. Tower Hill Lookout is a favorite amongst local and tourist alike for its breathtaking sunset views.