Longreach Powerhouse & Historical Museum
The Powerhouse & Historical Museum has three main sections: The former Longreach Power House Generating Complex; A local history collection including the 1921 swimming baths and Nogo Cottage; Displays of agricultural and road maintenance machinery used in the development of the central west.
The Longreach Powerhouse Museum is a great family & pet friendly attraction to visit, not only incorporating the history of power in Longreach over the years but a space for kids to learn in a fun way by following a scavenger hunt throughout the complex.
April to October
Monday to Friday
10.00am – 4.30pm
Closed Weekends & Public Holidays
Address
12 Swan Street, Longreach
Contact the Longreach Explore Centre
Phone (07) 4658 4141 or (07) 4658 4142
Longreach Powerhouse Generating Complex
The Generating Complex comprises a series of large interconnected galvanised iron sheds housing 10 massive engines installed between 1948 and 1971 and a unique gas production system that was a first for Australia and later incorporated elsewhere in the Australian electrical industry.
The delivery of power to the town and eventually the outlaying areas was a local initiative of the Shire Council and run under the Longreach Electric Authority. Power was first generated from this site in 1921. The operation was taken over in 1966 by the Central West Regional Electricity Board. The station ceased to operate in September 1985 when this area was linked to the State-wide grid.
Local History, Swimming Baths and Nogo Cottage
A growing collection of local history is housed in the former Office of the Central West Regional Electricity Board built in 1966. The collection contains memorabilia from the early settlement of the region and the remains of the School of Arts Museum; a collection of office equipment from local business houses and a memorable stroll back to early school days.
Outside you will find the original swimming baths of the town installed in 1921 and filled at first with water from the adjacent bore (sunk in 1897). They operated until 1964 and were then used as cooling ponds for the power station.
To the back of the complex is Nogo Cottage. The cottage is part of the original homestead of Nogo Station built in 1918. A portion was relocated to the eastern boundary of the property with the intention of using it as a boundary riders cottage A downturn in the rural economy meant the cottage was never used. Today it depicts family living conditions in Western Queensland circa 1938-1950.
