Located in the heart of Western Queensland, Roma is a vital regional centre known for its strong industries in cattle grazing, agriculture, and energy production.
With a population of around 7000 residents, this historic town serves as a key hub for the region’s pastoral and economic activities. Voted as Queensland’s Top Tourism Town in 2024, Roma attracts visitors with its rich history, agricultural heritage, and community events. Here are 10 of the best attractions to see and do if you’re travelling through or staying in Roma:
Roma Saleyards
Image credit: Boobook Explore
One of Roma’s founding industries was cattle. The beef industry was integral to the town’s economic development, in many ways, due to the incredible capacity of the Roma Saleyards. While it is not the only landmark that Roma is famous for, the cattle yards boast an impressive size of approximately 50 hectares of land, moving almost 224,000 cattle in just one financial year (roughly 12,000 brought in per day). Visit with Boobook Explore on a Tuesday, and you’ll experience the excitement of Sale Day with a local expert guide!
Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Prefer a quieter start to the day? The Roma Saleyards also include the Interactive Centre, where you can walk through at your own pace to learn about the agricultural history of Roma.
Before moving on from the Roma Saleyards, stop by their memorial wall, which commemorates those who contributed to the cattle yards over the 56 years since it first opened.
Sculptures Out Back
Image credit: Roma Revealed
When visiting Roma, many people miss the Sculptures Out Back exhibition. This is an interesting outdoor exhibit, on the Warrego Highway, featuring unique sculptures from local Australian artists. Be sure to spend some time admiring the incredible creations on display.
The Big Rig
Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
The Big Rig is a monument to the industry that Roma is most famous for– oil and gas. This Best of Queensland experience is a great way to explore the history of the oil and gas industry, and the story of how Roma went searching for water and found liquid gold: gas.
At The Big Rig, there are a number of tours, both guided and self-guided, that you can attend, but don’t forget to take the lift up the 40-foot tower to see an unforgettable birds-eye view of Roma.
The Farmer’s Forge
Image credit: The Farmer’s Forge
One of Roma’s best locally owned businesses is The Farmer’s Forge! Owned and operated by Mick Henricks and his family, this blacksmithing forge is a must-do experience when visiting Roma. Before visiting Roma, if you’d like to attend one of their smithing workshops, it is recommended that you request a booking ahead of time.
Heroes Avenue
Image credit: Avenues of Honour
Further into town, you’ll come across Heroes Avenue, a tree-lined walk that is a ‘living memorial’ that honours WW1 soldiers who were once Roma locals. Starting from the centre of town, take a gentle walk from Roma’s railway station (Station Street) to Bungil Street, where you’ll walk past 140 bottle trees, planted from 1918, each with an individual plaque commemorating a soldier from the region.
Heroes Avenue is 1.3km in length and will lead you directly to Roma’s Largest Bottle Tree.
Roma’s Largest Bottle Tree
Image credit: Boobook Explore
After your walk through Heroes Avenue, you’ll arrive at Roma’s Largest Bottle Tree. Boasting an impressive size, this tree truly lives up to its name with a height of 15 metres, a width of approximately 9m in diameter (along with its branches spanning to 23 metres wide). Walk along the ramp and see the tree up close! Originally transplanted in 1927, be sure to visit this iconic landmark for the perfect photo opportunity.
Roma Bush Gardens
Image credit: Boobook Explore
Another site worth visiting is Roma Bush Gardens. Located just off Duke Street, this is a perfect place for a relaxing nature walk. Walk around the lake at your own pace to see local plant and bird life. There are plenty of opportunities for photo moments. You may even like to enjoy a picnic in the gardens!
Ace Drapers No. 2
Image credit: Connect. Resonate.
Our next suggestion is one of Roma’s best-kept secrets, a hidden gem nicknamed “The Overflow”. Ace Drapers No. 2 is a classic 60s style store known for its incredible range fabrics and drapery. Once you enter, you’ll find all sorts of unexpected treasures and be spoilt for choice. Ace Drapers is one of Roma’s most interesting and unexpected stores. Drop in at 51 McDowall Street and get lost in the Overflow!
Western Queensland Spirit Distillery
Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
To the west of town is Western Queensland Spirits, offering award‑winning spirits infused with native botanicals like desert lime and lilly pilly. This sustainable outback distillery, sitting on a 55-acre property, partners with local growers and showcases regional produce. Wander through their gardens on a tasting and grazing tour, or join a Gin Blending Masterclass and create your very own custom blend to take home. This is a must‑visit stop for anyone exploring Roma and seeking authentic flavours of Western Queensland.
Boobook Explore
Image credit: Boobook Explore
If any of these attractions appeal to you, Boobook Explore offers several Roma-based tours. These include the Roma Revelation half-day tour, Landscape and Legacy in Roma full-day tour, and for a multi-day holiday, try Roma and Carnarvons Escape (available on select dates). Each tour includes visits to many of these highlights, all led by an experienced local guide.
If you’d like to learn more about Boobook Explore tours or about what Roma has to offer, be sure to check out our webpage or contact us here.