Shifting Gears in Bogantungan
We rolled out of Barcaldine with a sense of shifting gears. Our overnight stop on the way to Emerald was the tiny town of Bogantungan, once a bustling railway hub. The name originates from local Indigenous words meaning “grass” and “tree”. In its heyday, the town was anything but quiet. Declared in 1881, Bogantungan once had thirty hotels, several churches, sporting clubs and even a racecourse. As railway construction moved further west, many of these towns declined in importance. Still, Bogantungan lingered longer, thanks to its location at the foot of the Drummond Range.
The Bogantungan Railway Station Museum now tells a powerful story of the 1960 Medway Creek train disaster, one of Queensland’s worst rail tragedies. In the early hours of 26 February 1960, the Midlander passenger train was crossing the Medway Creek bridge in flood when a 12-tonne gum tree, loosened by rising waters, struck and weakened the bridge’s pylons. As the locomotives crossed, the bridge collapsed. Two engines and three sleeping carriages fell into the creek below, killing seven people and injuring forty-three.
Among those who helped were passengers and railway workers who risked their lives in the dark floodwaters to rescue others. Aboriginal fettler Lawrence Murray was one of them, later receiving the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct. The disaster led to significant changes in Queensland’s rail safety systems and remains a defining event in the history of outback rail. The small museum and memorial site keep that story alive with quiet dignity.
From there, we wound our way into Emerald, where we hit a very different kind of milestone: our first Woolworths in over seven weeks. It felt oddly luxurious to walk the aisles again, even if the noise and pace of town took us by surprise. After so much time in smaller, quieter places, Emerald felt big, with busy streets, traffic lights, and queues at the checkout. It made us wonder how we would adjust to city traffic when we reached the bigger towns.
We stayed three nights in Emerald, caught up on laundry and life admin, and then hit the road for Rolleston, another quiet overnight pause before reaching the bucket list destination we’ve been trying to get to for the past two years — Carnarvon Gorge. But that’s a story for next time.
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Bogantungan
Bogantungan is a quiet rural town in the Central Highlands of Queensland, once the beating heart of the Central Western railway line. Today, only a handful of homes and the preserved station remain, but the town’s sense of history is strong.
The museum’s exhibits and memorials share stories of the rail era, the Medway Creek disaster, and the lives of people who once called this place home. It’s not just about tragedy — it’s about resilience and remembrance, and how small towns across the outback keep their stories alive.
How to Get There
Bogantungan sits just off the Capricorn Highway (A4), about 90 kilometres east of Barcaldine and 100 kilometres west of Emerald.
The route is sealed and easy for caravans and motorhomes, with clear signage to the museum and rest area. There’s room nearby for a short stop or an overnight stay, and the Drummond Range Lookout just west of town offers sweeping views of the plains.
Things to See, Tours and Activities
What we did:
Visited the Bogantungan Railway Station Museum, a small but deeply moving stop that shares the story of the 1960 Medway Creek rail disaster.
Spent time at the Memorial and Walking Area, reading the interpretive panels and reflecting on the bravery of those involved in the rescue.
Wandered around the old station precinct, where remnants of the refreshment room, water tank, and rail yard still stand.
Stopped at the Drummond Range Lookout west of town for sweeping views across the Capricorn Highway and the surrounding plains.
Other highlights you might explore:
Medway Creek Disaster Site – Located near the original bridge crossing west of town, with memorial markers and a calm sense of place.
Historic Rail Artefacts – Small displays and signage near the museum offer insight into the early rail network that once powered the outback.
Emerald and Barcaldine – Larger towns on either side of Bogantungan with museums, heritage walks, and welcoming caravan parks.
Capricorn Highway Drive – A scenic route connecting outback Queensland’s quietest railway towns, each with their own story to tell.
When to Visit
Bogantungan is accessible all year round, though the cooler months from April to September are best.
Summer can bring high temperatures and heavy rain, which may affect travel comfort. The winter months are ideal for those travelling along the Capricorn Highway, with mild days and crisp evenings perfect for exploring or resting up for the next leg.
Final Thoughts
Bogantungan isn’t a long stop, but it’s one that leaves an impression. The museum and memorial tell a story of endurance and loss, giving voice to a moment that shaped Queensland’s rail history.
It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down and listen — proof that even the smallest towns can hold something powerful.
What’s Nearby
From Bogantungan, we carried on to Carnarvon Gorge Pt 1 — a long-awaited stop and one of Queensland’s natural icons. If you missed it, you can read about Barcaldine, where this leg of the journey began.
Fast Facts
Location: Charters Towers, North Queensland
Distance from Townsville: 136 km southwest via Flinders Highway (A6)
Traditional Owners: Gudjal people
Access: Fully sealed highway suitable for all vehicles and motorhomes
Facilities: Visitor Information Centre, museums, caravan parks, cafes, historic attractions
Dog Friendly: Allowed at rest areas and around the museum grounds; must be on leash
Walking Track: Various short heritage and lookout walks around town
Best Time to Visit: May to September for cooler weather and clear skies
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