General News
16 April, 2023
The historic old mining town of Herberton
THE Tablelands is an area steeped in history and the towns within the region all boast their own unique story and footprint that has left a mark on the land.
From Mareeba being the biggest tobacco growing area in the country to the famous tin mines in Herberton, buildings in each town have a story to tell.
With the help of both the Mareeba Historical Society and the Eacham Historical Society, Express journalist Rhys Thomas wanted to learn about and share the history of some of the oldest buildings still standing today.
In part one of the series we look at the old mining town of Herberton which is steeped in history.
The oldest commercial building in Herberton (aside from those residing in the historical village) is the Royal Hotel which was founded in 1880.
Originally a single storey structure, the hotel was later expanded to what is seen today and some of the original building is said to have been used in the upper floor of the current building.
Owner Rick Shirreff was determined to inject some life back into the 142-year-old pub and in June of 2020, he set about a quick refurbishment and give the old hotel some well-deserved attention.
Sitting alongside the Grand Hotel and now just across the road is the second oldest commercial building, the TRC library which was originally the school of arts which was opened in 1881.
On 31 December 1880 an open-air public meeting was held for the purpose of founding a School of Arts in Herberton.
There was strong support from the public and donations of £50 were given for the pupose of opening the school.
A site was purchased for £18 in early January the next year and by the end of the month, a bark structure had been erected.
Apparently, it was the first community building in the district.
Arguably the most famous building in Herberton is the beautifully preserved “Elderslie” in the Herberton Historical Village – the home of John Newell a mayor of the town in the late 1880s.
The home now sits as the shining jewel of the extensive historical display at the village
