The Knockbreak Homestead at the George Schafer Collection, Eidsvold

Eidsvold
Service centre for the surrounding beef cattle grazing region.
Located 425 km north-west of Brisbane, 230 km west of Maryborough and 192 metres above sea-level, Eidsvold calls itself the 'Beef Capital of the Burnett'. This small and attractive settlement is nestled in a valley of gently undulating grazing country and is now nothing more than a service centre for the surrounding pastoralists. It is hard to imagine that it was ever a thriving goldmining town.

Eidsvold was settled by Europeans in 1848 when the Archer brothers, Thomas and Charles, moved into the area establishing large stations which they called Eidsvold and Coonambula. The Archers were of Scottish descent but their family had moved to Norway in 1825. They named Eidsvold Station after a small town in Norway where the country's constitution had been signed in 1814. The Archers started grazing sheep but had some problems and soon changed to cattle. It is said that Australia's first game of golf was played at Eidsvold station, which was also the first Australia studs to use Santa Gertrudis cattle.

As early as 1858 gold was found in the area but not in sufficient quantities to encourage large numbers of prospectors. However, in 1887 there was a major find and the resulting rush created an overnight township which had, according to the excellent Eidsvold Goldfields 1887-1987 Centenary Souvenir (still available at the Museum) '8 public houses, 8 stores, 2 bakers, 2 butchers, will all other trades except shoemaker, R.C. Church, Salvation Army Barracks, 1 dance saloon, 2 steam sawmills and a population of about 1200.' It is estimated that during the life of the goldmine about 100 000 ounces of gold were extracted from the area. Thw town developed at the foot of Warden's Hill, which was the centre of mining activity.

Things to see:  

The Eidsvold Historical Complex
Today the town's main attraction the Historical Complex incorporates the George Schafer Collection of minerals, gems, bottles, antiquated tools, seven heritage buildings, a railway siding with old rolling stock, and interesting memorabilia. Schafer, who has collected for most of his life, bequeathed his collection to the town.

Knockbreak Homestead is one of the major attractions. Built in 1859 or early 1860 by Guthrie Sinclair, it was moved to the present site and is a fine example of a pioneer's slab hut. The complex is located in Mt Rose St, tel: (07) 4165 1311. If closed go to the Library Tourist Information or ring them on (07) 4165 7233.

Eidsvold Entertainment Centre
One of the real curiosities of the town is the Eidsvold Entertainment Centre on the main street. There is the odd juxtaposition of a picture theatre in the middle with a hardware shop on one side and an oils and batteries shop on the other.

Hitching Rail
Across the road is Alice Maslens Hitching Rail which the council erected in 1980 for an old woman who, in the age of the motor car, still brought her horse and sulky into town.

	Tourist Information
	Eidsvold LIbrary & Tourist Information Centre 25 Moreton St Eidsvold QLD 4627 Telephone: (07) 4165 7233
	Motels
	Eidsvold Motel 51 Moreton St Eidsvold QLD 4627 Telephone: (07) 4165 1209
	Hotels
	Star Hotel/Motel Hodgkinson St Eidsvold QLD 4627 Telephone: (07) 4165 1109
	Caravan Parks
	Eidsvold Caravan Park Esplanade St Eidsvold QLD 4627 Telephone: (07) 4165 1188 Rating: **