Dysart
Established in 1973, Dysart caters to the surrounding coal mines and the many cattle and grain properties. Dysart’s natural landscape, including the beautiful Peak Range National Park, is a great setting for outdoor recreational activities such as hiking and mountain biking.
Located in the centre of the town is an Olympic-sized pool with shade structures, grassed areas and shady trees, a great place to cool off in the summer months.
Well-maintained sporting ovals and parks are a feature of this quiet, friendly town. The town offers both a nine-hole golf course and bowls club for use by locals and visitors alike. The shopping centre, recreation centre and civic centre are centrally situated and are easily accessible.
The Dysart Civic Centre is available to local and visiting groups and organisations. The Dysart Recreation Centre officially opened in September 2011. The facility includes two multi-purpose courts, a youth centre, community gym and rooms available for various activities. Classes are held weekly for all ages, from toddlers to seniors. Social sports are also offered at the centre including volleyball, netball and basketball fixtures which are all open to the public.
Big Belly Dump Truck and Coal Wagon
Situated at the northern entry point of Dysart is the unique belly dump truck and coal wagon monument. Placed in a specially constructed park during the town’s 25th anniversary in 1998, the monument recognises the contribution of the coal and rail industry.
The truck was one of two trucks commissioned in 1981, forming part of the fleet of nine Euclid coal haulers operating at Norwich Park Mine up until the end of 1997. The trucks were powered by coal.
Peak Range National Park
Take a scenic drive along Huntley Road and the Peak Downs Highway for panoramic views of the Peak Range. Visitors to Peak Range National Park can enjoy bushwalking and photography, with spectacular geological features, views and sites of historical interest.
Two of the four sections of the park are accessible from Dysart - Lords Table and Campbell’s Peak. Lords Table Mountain is located 35km east of Clermont, or 40km west of Dysart.
Lords Table is the largest and most unique of the peaks. Admire the brilliant hues and unusual shapes of this majestic mountain, while marvelling at the peak’s sheer size and scope.
Centrally located amongst the Peak Range National Park, the mountain itself is 320 metres high and has a flat-topped plateau, with Anvil Peak being the highest point at the southern end.
This section compromises 761ha and supports the largest area of dry rainforest in the Peak Range. The mountain was named by Ludwig Leichhardt in 1845 and is mainly open eucalypt woodland, dry vine scrubs and Mallee Eucalypt at the top. Road access to the mountain is via Huntley Road and there is a picnic table and rest area at its scenic base.
Climbing up – another track-free endeavour – provides glorious views of the surrounding farmlands taking advantage of the rich volcanic soil. Head to Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service for information on hiking the Peak Ranges National Park by visiting https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/
Exploring Dysart
- The Dysart Recreation Centre officially opened on 3 September 2011. The facility covers 2,700 square metres and includes two multi-purpose courts, a youth centre, community gym and rooms available for multiple activities. Classes are held weekly for all ages, from toddlers to seniors Social sports are also offered at the centre including volleyball, netball and basketball fixtures which are all open to the public.
- A belly dump truck and coal wagon stand at the entrance to the town as testament to its coal mining foundations.
- Appreciate the beauty of Lord’s Table Mountain. It is a 320-metre high, flat-topped plateau in the Peak Range National Park. Enjoy a picnic at the scenic base on Huntley Road.
- Enjoy a round of golf with great countryside views.
- Drive through the middle of Peak Downs Mine in between Dysart and Moranbah. You will see a large pit operating on either side of the road.
Fun Fact - Locals talk of dinosaur footprints preserved in rock formations in creek beds between Dysart and Middlemount.