Coppabella

The town of Coppabella, an Aboriginal word for crossing place, is a small community which lies approximately 159 kilometres south-west of Mackay.

Recognised for its large mining monument at the entrance of the town, Coppabella was designed to service the junction of two railway lines, one from Goonyella Mine and the other from Saraji Mine.

The railway line would then continue on to the sea at Hay Point, Sarina. The Goonyella to Hay Point line was opened on the 5 November 1971 and the Coppabella Railway Station was opened on the same day.

The town is owned and operated by Queensland Rail and contains stations, residences, single-quarters, work depots, hotel, a shop, golf course, swimming pool, basketball court, tennis court, football oval, caravan park, school, ambulance, fire brigade and water supply.

The town was established in three stages, with the first established in 1971, the second in 1977 and the third in 1984.

The population stood at approximately 300 permanent residents and about 30 to 80 that were migratory in 1996 when the town celebrated its 25-year anniversary. 

Isaac River Rest Area

Stop and refresh yourself after a long day’s drive. Popular as a great picnic spot, the rest area is about 20km from Moranbah heading north-east along the Peak Downs Highway (or 30km south-west of Coppabella).  There are rest rooms and an undercover picnic table for your convenience.