SPORTS AND RECREATION FACILITIES BOONAH

Ipswich stonemason Frank Williams' sandstone soldier statue dominates the Maroon school yard in the farming district south of Boonah as a constant reminder of this community's wartime loss. In 1919, a local committee set out to raise money for a memorial and honour stone to express gratitude to the community's men who had served in WWI: 42 men from 35 families. 17 had not returned, a mortality rate twice the national average of 20 per cent. On 21 May 1920, General Sir William Birdwood unveiled the Maroon War Memorial, a soldier standing on top of a tall column which in turn rests on a substantial pedestal and plinth. He also presented returned servicemen with Maroon Patriotic Committee medals. An honour board recognising the district's 42 men and women who served in WWII has since been added. The Maroon War Memorial remains the focus of annual Anzac Day commemorations with locals volunteering for its upkeep and maintenance.

Soldier statues proliferated after WWI but few were unveiled by royalty: Boonah's war memorial was one of them. The statue, which stands in a low brick-walled memorial park on the corner of Park and Yeates streets, was unveiled in July 1920 by the Prince of Wales. He later became King Edward VIII. Just two months earlier, a foundation stone had been laid in the park by General Sir W Birdwood. Public subscription raised the £600 required for the memorial, designed and executed by Ipswich masonry firm, F Williams and Company. It honours 374 Boonah district men who enlisted in WWI, including three sons from nearby Coochin Coochin Station where the Prince of Wales was staying. The district lost 69 men at war. The public memorial park in which the statue, flanked by two war trophies stands, was dedicated on ANZAC Day 1922 by war hero and politician Captain Arnold Weinholt.

Bunjurgen Estate Vineyard produces award winning easy drinking Shiraz, boutique Chambourcin wines, and popular fortified reds [ports] made solely from grapes grown on the property. Wine tastings are different, and conducted in a very relaxed and informal manner: outdoors under a large jacaranda tree around a barrel with an open fire on cold days: in summer either outdoors, in the shade or even in the Barrel Room at 15-18 degrees Celsius on the very hot days! Four picnic areas are provided and visitors are welcome to bring their own food and enjoy the facilities, views and peace. There is a walking track through the vineyard and the range of natural trees and dams on the 24 hectare property are home to a wide variety of birds: occasionally kangaroos graze on the property. The property has superb views of the Dividing Range, Mount French and six other prominent landmarks. Weddings and functions are hosted at the Vineyard together with an annual Jazz in the Vineyard and several other events - local bands, Rockabilly, Sunset ANZAC, The vineyard has established a strong reputation for hospitality, quality, and generosity of spirit and is a very pleasant spot to linger.

Just one hour's drive from the centre of Brisbane, Lake Maroon is located in the heart of the Scenic Rim, Boonah. Lake Maroon is ideal for camping and fast becoming one of Queensland's most popular places for sailing, fishing, water skiing, parasailing and paddle boating. The Lake Maroon recreation area is located next to the dam wall, off Maroon Dam Road, and the boat ramp is opposite, off Slater Park Road. The following activities are available: barbecuing and picnicking, boating (powered and non-powered), camping (in designated areas), canoeing and kayaking, fishing, jet skiing and waterskiing, and sailing. For more information visit the nearby Boonah Visitor Information Centre.