Just a 30-minute drive from Rockhampton, the historic township of Mount Morgan is full of surprises, with plenty of fun experiences perfectly suited to a day trip from Rockhampton or Yeppoon. From a brand-new fossicking experience to rich history and spectacular views, this quaint country town really does have something for everyone to unearth, no matter your age or interests.
Unearth Something Adventurous
Try your luck fossicking for gold at Mount Morgan's No. 7 Dam
Pan for gold at Queensland's newest fossicking experience
Fossicking is now officially permitted at Mount Morgan No. 7 Dam, giving kids and adults an exciting hands-on experience of what it was like for the thousands of hopeful pioneers and miners that descended on Australian gold mining towns like Mount Morgan during the gold rush. You might even unearth your own tiny piece of Mount Morgan's golden past to take home while you're at it!
Originally known as Ironstone Mountain, the area became Mount Morgan after brothers Thomas, Frederick and Edwin (Ned) Morgan were pivotal in opening the Mount Morgan Mine in 1882. Although some tales credit Ned with discovering the gold-bearing outcrop, the first to recognise its potential was William Mackinlay, who unfortunately never secured a claim despite knowing the mountain was rich in gold.
Over 99 years of operation, the mine produced an extraordinary 252 tonnes of gold, 37 tonnes of silver and 384,000 tonnes of copper, making it one of the world's most profitable mines in history. Today, the legacy of that mining era remains in the form of a vast man-made crater, measuring more than 2.5km long and 300m deep, in the place where the large mountain once stood.
To fossick at No. 7 Dam, you'll need to obtain a valid fossicking licence online before you get started (licences start from just $9.60), as well as bring your own water, map and fossicking equipment. For beginners, we recommend gold panning as it's the simplest fossicking method and requires the least amount of equipment. All you need is a gold pan (usually plastic, with ripples to trap the gold), a small shovel or trowel, a classifier or sieve to remove larger rocks and a snuffer bottle to collect fine gold, however metal detectors are also permitted.
Cast a line, or have a picnic at No. 7 Dam
After your fossicking adventure, lay out a picnic blanket or enjoy one of the BBQ areas at the picturesque Mount Morgan No. 7 Dam. This peaceful spot is ideal for families, with plenty of space to relax, along with the town's largest undercover, fenced playground, outdoor gym equipment and walking trails. You can also cast a line in the dam itself in the hope of catching something to add to the picnic table.
Unearth a piece of history
Step back in time at the Mount Morgan Historical Museum
Mount Morgan Railway Museum & Visitor Information Centre
Step inside the beautifully restored Mount Morgan Railway Museum, which also houses the town's Visitor Information Centre. Opened in 1988 to help connect the town and its thriving mine to the rest of Australia, it's open from 9am and 4pm daily, except for major public holidays, with plenty of heritage carriages, memorabilia and interactive exhibits to explore that bring the region's fascinating rail history to life.
Mount Morgan Historical Museum
A must-see for history lovers, this museum offers an intimate look at the town's past, from mining relics and equipment to horse drawn buggies and an award-winning traditional owner's exhibit. Teens and curious minds will especially enjoy the quirky artefacts and tales from Mount Morgan's early days.
Unearth the Town's treasures
Snap a pic at Mount Morgan's iconic Running the Cutter statue
Stroll through Mount Morgan's walkable CBD and discover local gems that make the town unique. Don’t miss:
- Running the Cutter statue – A nod to local culture and mining tradition, this curious statue commemorates the typically Aussie tradition of miners asking young locals to run to a nearby hotel to fill their billycans (known as cutters) with beer as they came off their shifts.
- Wattle Bee Next – A charming spot to browse gifts and handmade goods
- Mount Morgan Hot Bread Shop – An iconic bakery perfect for grabbing fresh pastries or a treat for the drive home
- There’s also plenty of heritage buildings with character to admire and explore
Unearth The Scenery
Soak up sweeping views across Mount Morgan and beyond
Private Victor Stanley Jones Suspension Bridge
Snap an iconic, Insta-worthy photo on this striking suspension bridge, which was constructed as a replica of the six swinging bridges that once famously spanned the town's Dee River.
Arthur Timms Lookout
Take in sweeping views of the Mount Morgan Mine from this spectacular lookout, where you'll be able to get a gist of the magnitude of the mining operation that once dominated the town. Not only is this the closest vantage point to the mine, but you'll also be able to spot the Open Cut Pit, the Fireclay Caverns and the iconic brick chimney known as the Big Stack. It's the best place to appreciate just how vast the open-cut mine really is.
The Mount Morgan Range
As you head back toward Rockhampton, take the scenic, winding drive back down the Mount Morgan Range and be sure to stop at Stopford Way Lookout which offers sweeping views across the valley toward Rockhampton. It's an ideal final photo opportunity to cap off your day.