Hightville, Queensland

To access the only rail tunnel in North West Queensland we left Cherry near Ballara at the start of the Hightville Shortcut and ventured on foot towards the old township of Hightville and up to the tunnel. The weather was mild and slightly overcast making for perfect walking conditions. 

Established in 1913 to service the Wee MacGregor and fledgling Wallaroo Mines, Hightville named so as it was located in the Selwyn Ranges, demised with the closure of Wee MacGregor mine in 1920. ​

Previous to this untimely demise when huge hopes were pinned on Wee MacGregor making solid returns, a 2" gauge tramway crossing the rugged range, terminating at Ballara was created. ​

WeeMacgregor

Venture to the other side of the Tunnel

After having lunch at the tunnel we walked back down the hill towards Ballara, past the old rail loading platform. This was where the 2" gauge rail line terminated and the 3.5" gauge rail towards Kuridala and Cloncurry began. The small one tipping ore into the larger one from the top of the platform. The stone wall is beautiful. It was amazing to see. At its peak Hightville incorporated a hotel, shops and even a school. Children in Ballara would have to attend school in Hightville and as such would hitch a ride on the ore wagons. This dangerous practice was axed however with the establishment of a school in Ballara in 1919.

The tramway completed in 1915, appeared from what we could see to be a piece of engineering marvel, as it snaked its way over rough terrain, up into through the Range, including several creek crossings, and even boasted the only rail tunnel built in North West Queensland. ​

Although the rail line has since been dismembered, the tunnel and ruins of rail bridges remain, making for a really fascinating adventure. 
We watched an episode on YouTube of the Leyland Brothers from back in the late 60’s when they journeyed to Mount Isa in search of the Maltese Cross. Since watching this episode we have been inspired to find the Maltese Cross fields, Wee MacGregor Mine and the Tunnel. The same grave site in our photos was featured in the Leyland Brothers episode.