chillagoe smelters

SeriouslyKids

Whilst it is now abandoned it is still impressive. It would be great if there was perhaps a bit of care and/or restoration to it to improve on the experience but overall it was great. The history of the smelter is interesting and worth the read and it's fantastic to be able to get a better understanding and more information rather than just looking at it. It certainly was a place back in its time. Don't forget to explore the other places in Chillagoe and stop at the pub for something to eat...that's an experience of country hospitality at its best.

718russp

Australian early history, harsh environment and conditions over the early years, intriguing landscapes,

31DC31

Located a short drive outside the center of Chillagoe, the ruins of the smelter, steeped in history, and its slag heap, cracked chimneys, and rusting machinery offer an evocative glimpse into the past, annotated by informative placards in the viewing area. Choice snapshots await as these hulking industrial remains waste away in the red earth of the Queensland outback. (Go at sunset for an especially warm hue.)Even if you take all three guided cave tours in Chillagoe, you'll have ample time to stop by the smelters afterwards (and probably the Weir and swimming hole as well).

203RobertL

We arrived to Chilligoe early for the caves, so after some advice from the friendly owner of the general store we went to have a look at the Smelter. In its hey day at the start of the 20th century this place employed over 1000 men, now it is just ruins and the stacks. Read the history of the place, spend a half hour wandering about, and come out just a little wiser.

blauemadeleine

amazing to see how litte remains of the once thriving and bustling town. sic transit gloria mundi. Impressive ´, too,, is the amount of slag which can still be seen.

CharlesDados

After finishing the cave tour, we drove up to see the Smelters before we leave Chillagoe. Its a deserted place now, but the ruins and the posters provide plenty of information of what it was like during the boom time. The Smelters area is fenced off, and no entry is allowed due to Asbestos contamination. But the sheer size of it, one can imagine how this place was teeming with workers. There`s a small track up the hill where you gain a good view over the whole place. Its worth spending a bit of time here. Just a good example of seeing the boom and bust cycles of the mining industry. Now its so quiet, so dead silent.

Malenymac

The smelters are fascinating and provide a great insight into the history of Chillagoe's mining past.

BrisbaneRaewyn

All the information is there to read. Cannot get down to smelter due to asbestos. Amazing tall chimneys still standing after all this time

DeathBeforeDecaf

The perimeter fence has been erected to prevent visitors from touching the historical ruins and presumably from imbibing toxic dust (metal and/or chemical compounds) covering the Ruins. So unless you have a camera with a telephoto lens it is difficult to obtain close photographs of objects scattered amongst the ruins. The signage in the purpose built open air shelter is informative and the short trails to vistas and smaller historical sites are clearly marked.

Mo414

Well set up with the information boards, the area is fenced off and you have to view from the distance. A lovely place to watch the sunset.

TheJohnnos

Made the 3hr drive to Chilagoe mainly to see the caves but the smelter is an amazing piece of Australian history and well worth the visit. Even the kids 12 & 10 were impressed and took the time to read the information boards. Great photo ops too.

403AnneB

The smelter site has very informative signage boards to explain how huge this place was. The view of the valley from the top of the hill is just amazing!

StephanieAngelHughes

Located only a few minutes off the highway, really well set-up in terms of information and ease of access. Great little lookout on the other side as well as a couple of good short walking tracks. Worth a look if you're in the area. Some great photo opportunities.

FrenchmanRockhampton

A great reminder of the frailty of even the most significant of commercial endeavours. Well worth some quiet reflection and easy to get to.

raeleney2014

I was looking forward to this but you can no longer enter the area due to toxic substances that are thought to be there,