Moonie: Oilfield History and Yabbie Tradition

Moonie combines distinctive local landmarks with an unusually specific industrial history: “Clawdia”, the Big Yabbie, stands here, and the town is home to Australia’s first onshore oilfield. Colourful murals tell the story of Moonie, while rivers and nature-based interests characterise the surrounding area. If you’re weighing up different interests for a trip, you can compare the region’s local history and natural attractions.

Local Landmarks and Oil History

“Clawdia”, the Big Yabbie, stands near the Visitor Information Centre in Moonie. The figure adds a distinctive, easily recognisable feature to the townscape. The Moonie Oil Rig is also one of the attractions associated with Moonie: it is promoted as a place where visitors can take a photo. Those interested in the town’s history will find different points of connection—a distinctive figure and an attraction linked to the oil industry.

The industrial history can be traced through two specific dates. Australia’s first onshore oilfield in Moonie was established in 1961. The Moonie oilfield’s production station and pipeline were completed in 1964. The establishment of the oilfield and, three years later, the completion of the station and pipeline therefore represent distinct steps. Display panels at the Moonie Rural Transaction Centre provide information about the history of the Moonie oilfields.

The Moonie Rural Transaction Centre also offers visitor information, souvenirs, arts and crafts, and locally made products. Its offerings therefore extend beyond the historical focus: those interested in handicrafts or locally made goods will also find their own way to connect with the town.

Murals and an Event

Colourful murals at Moonie Crossroads tell the story of Moonie. Moonie Crossroads is promoted as a stopover for visitors and passing truck drivers.

The Moonie Yabbie Races are another reason to visit. The Moonie Sports Club holds them every two years in March. As a cultural and local event, the race is distinct from the town’s historical attractions. The March date and biennial schedule are therefore the key details if you want to plan your trip around it.

Nature and Location

The Moonie River and Weir River are near Moonie. The region is associated with fishing, birdwatching and stargazing. These nature-based interests add a different focus to the town’s history. When considering what interests you most on a trip, you can therefore weigh up Moonie’s cultural and historical themes against the nature-based interests in the surrounding area.

Moonie is located at the intersection of the Leichhardt Highway and the Moonie Highway. These two road names provide a clear point of reference for locating the town.

More local pages: Indooroopilly, Picnic Bay, Saint Kilda, Landsborough, Wandoan, Mungungo, Cambroon and Maxwelton.

Go to the main travel overview: Queensland.