Taroom Aboriginal Settlement

Taroom Aboriginal Settlement is an Indigenous Protected Area along the Dawson River, containing archaeological remains and two separate cemeteries. The landscape preserves traces of historical structures and shows where people once lived and were laid to rest.

The settlement was founded in 1911 as a government-controlled facility and operated until 1927, housing people from various language groups across Queensland. The site marks a key period in Australian colonial history and changing policies toward Aboriginal peoples.

The burial grounds here show how European and Aboriginal practices coexisted and influenced each other over time. You can observe at both cemeteries how different burial traditions came together in this place.

The site is best explored on foot, and it helps to learn about the archaeology and history beforehand through the Queensland Heritage Register. Sturdy shoes are recommended since the grounds are not paved and can become difficult after rain.

Between 1921 and the end of operations, residents here produced mud bricks, a technique that later spread to other Aboriginal settlements in the region. This craft practice shows how knowledge and skills were shared among communities.

Location: Taroom

GPS coordinates: -25.57890,149.87930

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:42