Bones Knob Radar Station, World War II radar station in Tolga, Australia
Bones Knob Radar Station is a World War II radar facility in Tolga consisting of two concrete igloo buildings roughly 11 meters long and 7 meters wide located at Bowcock Road. Alongside these main structures, the foundations of the original radar tower and a smaller power plant building remain visible at the site.
The station began operating in September 1943 and remained active until December 1944 as part of a network protecting ammunition facilities. It was one of five British-designed radar installations that served this defensive purpose during the period.
The station represents Queensland's wartime defense efforts and shows how local residents participated in monitoring aircraft movements. The concrete structures stand as reminders of the shared responsibility communities carried during the conflict.
The site is accessible to the public and visitors can view the concrete structures and foundation remains from the outside. The location is remote, so it is wise to check local conditions and access information beforehand.
The facility used Australian oak timber for its prefabricated tower structures, specifically engineered to withstand the harsh weather conditions of the region. This choice of timber construction was an unusual approach for what was otherwise a concrete facility.
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