Tolga

On you way between Mareeba and Atherton, take a break in the little township of Tolga. The township takes its name from the Aboriginal meaning for the word meaning "Red Mud". The main industries around Tolga are maize, macadamias, peanuts & avocados. It has a population of approx 793 residents.

Things to do

The Tolga Railway Station Museum

The museum is located on the Kennedy Highway 7km north of Atherton, opposite the Tolga Woodworks. It was opened in May 1997 and houses the memorabilia of the local timber and agricultural industries, local identities and Tolgas involvement in World War 2. Opening times are Monday to Sunday from 1pm to 4.30pm. Gold coin donation.

Tolga Woodworks

The Gallery is located on the Kennedy Highway 7km north of Atherton, opposite the Museum. It features pieces of woodwork crafted from various timbers. Bowls, boxes, cheese boards, trays, animals, tables & settings, and a range of forged iron items on display and for sale. There is also a café in the gallery which has a wide range of hot and cold meals, drinks and snacks. Open 7 days from 9am to 5pm.

Tolga Markets

This is the second most popular market held on the Tablelands and is located at the race course. Turn left at the Tolga Woodworks and then right and continue into the race grounds. A large range of local produce, hand crafted items, clothing, tools for the handyman, hot and cold food and drinks available plus much more. From 7am to 12pm every first Sunday of each month.

Tolga Hotel – A wayside Inn

Land selected at Matintown (now Tolga) in 1885 to build the Commercial Hotel continues to support the present day pub. The original building was destroyed by fire in 1929 and replaced by the contemporary hotel removed from Kureen. This pub became known as ‘The Commercial in 1973.

Hand Carved "Heritage in Timber" Poles

Tableland Woodcarvers Guild, aboriginal artist Gus Gosam and artist blacksmith Hans Pehl joined forces in this project, celebrating local artistic skills with the theme of "Heritage in Timber". Seven carved poles showing aspects of Atherton Tablelands rich heritage feature themes of animals and plants, community, agriculture, aboriginal culture, rainforest threats, danger, birds and plants. The poles are located in the Main Street of Tolga, next to the picnic tables. (opposite the Newsagent)

Tolga Scrub

Just outside of Tolga on the Atherton side, you will come across Tolga Scrub. The rainforest forms a living green archway across the Kennedy Highway. Take a walk in this remnant of Mabi Rainforest, you can see the Spectacled flying foxes in resident.  Entrance to the walking path is near the playground area, opposite the "Humpy" fruit and vege shop, and just after the "green archway" if you are coming from Atherton.

Wondaree Macadamias

The macadamia plantation is located on Banchio Road. Tours are conducted by appointment and cost $3 per person.

History

The township has served as a center for the timber industry, as a rail head for teamsters carrying to the mineral fields, as an Army Ordinance Depot, and as the centre of the maize and peanut industries. In its heyday the township supported nine licensed premises.

It is now a favoured residential area, whose Tolga Hotel has kept abreast of the expanding tourist industry.

Services:

Fuel: BP & Mobil Service Stations
Food: Tolga Takeaway, Tolga Village Cafe, Tolga Woodworks, Tolga Bakery, Tolga Butchery
Groceries : Limited groceries at the Newsagent and the Takewaway
Pubs: Tolga Hotel
Police Station: No
Medical: No
Information Centre: Closest Information Centre is in Atherton.
RACQ Road Assistance:
Public Toilets: Yes on Main Street
Public Phone Boxes:
Post Office:  Yes on Main Street
Banking: No
ATMs: Tolga Hotel in the restaurant section
Accommodation Styles: B&B, Self Contained, Caravan Park, Backpackers

Note: Information is correct at time of publication but may be subject to change.

Images from Top: Main St of Tolga, Centre Island of Main St, Carved Poles, Agriculture themed pole.(images J Wright)