Beaufort
Beaufort County is a former rural locality in Queensland, Australia’s Barcaldine Region.
It is about 200 kilometres southwest of Barcaldine and 800 kilometres west of Brisbane.
The county is named after Mount Beaufort, which Sir Thomas Mitchell named in 1846 after Rear-Admiral Sir Frances Beaufort, the inventor of the Beaufort Scale for indicating wind force.
Beaufort County, with a population of just over 400 people, is a vast and sparsely populated region. Agriculture and mining are the county’s primary industries.
The county is home to several cattle and sheep stations, as well as mineral deposits such as coal, gold, and copper.
Beaufort County, despite its small population, is a beautiful and diverse region with a lot to offer visitors.
Natural attractions in the county include the Belyando River, the Barcaldine Range, and the Great Dividing Range.
The county also has several historical sites, such as the Beaufort Homestead and the Mamboo Railway Station.
Things to do in Beaufort County
- Visit the Beaufort Homestead: Built in 1863 by Arthur Hunter Palmer, Premier of Queensland from 1870 to 1874, the Beaufort Homestead is a historic homestead. The homestead is now a museum that tells the story of Beaufort County’s early settlers.
- Visit the Mamboo Railway Station: Built in 1954, the Mamboo Railway Station is a historic railway station. The station is now a museum that tells the story of the Beaufort County railway.
- Go fishing in the Belyando River: Both locals and visitors enjoy fishing in the Belyando River. Fish such as barramundi, catfish, and cod can be found in the river.
- Hike in the Barcaldine Range: The Barcaldine Range is a mountain range with numerous hiking trails. The trails provide spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
- Explore the Great Dividing Range: The Great Dividing Range is a mountain range that runs along Australia’s eastern coast. There are several national parks and reserves in the range, including Carnarvon Gorge National Park and Expedition National Park.