TOURS ATTRACTIONS TEXAS

The Riverside freezing works and rabbit factory aims to illustrate a very important era in Texas' history. During the 1930s the Rabbit Works employed 30 men and exported three tons of rabbit meat a week to England. The industry was credited with saving the Queensland town of Texas during the recession of the 1930s.

Within easy reach of Goondiwindi is the tiny town of Texas, perched on the banks of the peaceful Dumaresq River. There you'll find excellent fishing, great camping spots and the serenity of rural landscapes. The picturesque Dumaresq River is one of the star attractions of the western country, it winds through gentle hills and rocks, crossed by the historic weirs of Bonshaw, Cunningham and Glenarbon. The fertile river flats are dotted with old tobacco barn relics from a colourful past where grape vines now flourish alongside orchards, vegetables, peanuts and a myriad of other agricultural crops. The beautiful water and wilderness areas of Texas invite canoeing, fishing, hiking, four wheel driving activities and picnicking. For those less active there are the wineries to visit, camping areas, farm stays, craft shops, the Texas Heritage Centre and Museum, the historic Texas Rabbit Factory or you can't go wrong just relaxing by the river. Texas was named over a land claim in the 1850s which bore many similarities to one happening in Republic of Texas and Mexico in the United States at the same time. The original town was established on the river flats in 1875 but was relocated after the disastrous floods of 1890 and 1921. Remnants of the original historic township still exist for visitors to see. ...

The historic Texas Rabbit Works, which includes the Riverside Freezing Works, brings to life a very important era in the history of Texas and Australia. During the 1930s the Texas Rabbit Works employed 30 men and exported three tons of rabbit meat a week to England. The industry was credited with saving the Queensland town during the depression years. The works closed in 1992. The rabbit industry in 1929 was the largest employer in Australia. When you think of what makes the wheels of the Australian economy turn today, most people think of mining and, historically, of agriculture. But in the 1930s the rabbit industry was at the top. At its peak, there were about 15 rabbit processing centres in Australia. If they each matched the exports of the Texas Rabbit Works, which in today's terms would be about AUD$200 million, then the rabbit industry was worth AUD$10 billion. In a period where the economy suffered, workers of all trades found they could earn more money through trapping rabbits rather than pursuing their usual occupations. Entire families would 'rabbit' together, regularly earning up to the equivalent of AUD$900 a week. ...

Glenlyon Dam is ideal for wildlife viewing and many water sports including skiing, sailing and fishing. Fish species in the dam include Golden Perch, Murray Cod, Silver Perch, Jew and Spangled Perch. Camping sites, cabins and caravans are available at Glenlyon Dam Tourist Park located at the water's edge. Facilities include a kiosk that sells bait, a boat ramp, a picnic area with tables and wood barbecues (wood available), drinking water, public phone, tennis court, playground toilets, showers and boat hire. Fishing permits are available on site. Glenlyon Dam is situated approximately 40-kilometres south east of Texas and 90-kilometres west of Stanthorpe along the road to Texas....