“Magical Mystery Tour to a time capsule?”
12 May 2016
What is it that attracts so many travellers to a mystery tour? That was in many of their minds as some 45 members of the Probus Club of Kawana Waters left Caloundra in search of an intriguing day out in this great southeast area of Queensland.
With a great day’s weather in prospect, we ventured south, passing Landsborough on the way to Peachester and Woodford before heading toward the upper reaches of the Brisbane Valley. An experienced coach captain delivered an informed commentary as we headed for our rendezvous with our morning tea stop. Refreshed, we headed on to our mystery destination, the Highfields Pioneer Village, Museum & Park.
Highfields gives you a real experience of life as it was over a century ago, with its vast assortment of buildings giving you glimpses of the reality that was day to date life back then. Many of these original buildings have been relocated to Highfields, together with their authentic contents to fascinate the many visitors.
Collections of tractors, motor vehicles, bicycles and most other types of transportation were a constant source of interest, along with fascinating exploratory forages into the Meringandan Bakery, The slaughter House & Meat House, The Dairy Museum, The Creamery, Barber Shop, and the Fire Brigade Museum.
Luncheon, complete with billy tea and damper was served on site to refuel the intrepid group as they resumed their wanderings to take in yet more sights of yesteryear, the Drover’s Slab Hut, Tin Smithing displays, Bootmaker’s Shop, The Camera Shop, and the Silversmiths. The original Gore railway station, relocated to Highfields in all its glory, is yet another attraction that caught the eye of the group. Little wonder that this hidden gem of recreated history drew some six thousand visitors over the Australia Day period!
The group left to return to the Sunshine Coast, pausing only for a refreshing stop for tea in Esk, with the firm conviction that one day was a very small time in which to explore fully this fascinating and memorable time capsule that is Highfields.
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