HELIDON HERITAGE WALK

A Nostalgic Wander Through Time

Enjoy a nostalgic wander through historic streets lined with remnants of a rich pioneering past on the Helidon Heritage Walk.

The quaint country town of Helidon is nestled in the fertile Lockyer Valley, just off the Warrego Highway near the foot of the Great Dividing Range. Perfectly positioned within 20 minutes’ drive of the inland city of Toowoomba and just over an hours’ drive west of the Brisbane CBD, this charming settlement is well worth a visit for anyone interested in gaining a glimpse into southeast Queensland’s yesteryear.

The Helidon Heritage Walk is a self-guided tour taking approximately one hour to complete when visiting all 22 points of interest. However, for the purposes of this audio guide, we will highlight attractions that are in the most geographically condensed areas for ease of access. These include points of interest along Railway, Turner and Arthur Streets. Other heritage sites can also be visited slightly further afield, along Lawlers Road and on the opposite side of the highway on School Street. These are mentioned in more detail towards the end of the audio guide.

You can also pick up a brochure and map of the walk at the Lockyer Valley Visitor Information Centre in Gatton or at the Soldiers Memorial Park, next to the Post Office in Turner Street. However, please note that the order of attractions listed in this audio guide will differ from the brochure and map, as we have focused on the most accessible sites.

By following markers made from the area’s famous sandstone, you will embark on an intriguing journey through Helidon’s past. Along the way, you’ll pass by some fascinating old buildings, encounter some unique shopping experiences, immerse yourself in the laid-back charm of country living and turn the pages of history to discover some big stories from this small village.

Take a leisurely stroll through our streets to discover more along the Helidon Heritage Walk.

Setting Out On Turner Street

The Helidon Heritage Walk commences at the Soldiers Memorial Park on the southern side of Turner Street near the corner of Railway Street.

Originally established as an agricultural settlement in the 1840’s, the Helidon area was initially primarily used for sheep grazing, before squatters turned their attention to cattle and crops.

Turner Street was named after Mr William Turner, the first manager of Helidon Run. He managed the land for a Sydney-based merchant, Mr Richard Jones, who selected the Run in the early 1840’s. William Turner was sworn in as a magistrate in 1858, when the Commission of Peace was introduced.

Before the first high bridge over Lockyer Creek was opened in December 1956, Turner Street was part of the Warrego Highway, connecting Brisbane to Toowoomba and the west.

Next to the Soldier Memorial Park is the Helidon Post Office. The earliest recorded Post Office in Helidon was recorded in 1909, at the original Criterion Hotel. In 1910, the Department of Home Affairs purchased land from the Queensland Government, for postal services. A post office was constructed in 1925, also housing the first manual telephone exchange. In 1968, the Wedrat family purchased the business, and in August 2003, Australia Post presented the members of the Wedrat family with an award in appreciation of their 50 years of postal service to the Helidon community.

A little further south along Turner Street is the local Police Station, Old Court Room and Department of Primary Industries. The courthouse and sergeant’s house are recorded on a map dated 1912. Extensions to the building to house the police station were built around 1935. A magistrate held sessions in the courthouse until 1971. The facilities continued to be used for minor offenses until the mid-1980’s. The stock inspector’s office located in this building and later to become the Department of Primary Industries was operative in the Helidon area as early as the 1930s.

A Ramble Along Railway Street

Double-back along Turner Street and turn left into Railway Street – the main street of Helidon.

In the early 1900’s, Railway Street was a thriving thoroughfare boasting three banks, three blacksmiths, two general stores, two hotels, three bakeries and a host of other retailers and amenities – including The Empire Theatre! Close your eyes for a moment and try to picture this now quiet and quaint country streetscape bustling with action, alive with the sights and sounds of commercial and community enterprise. These days the street exudes laid-back country charm, with a markedly slower pace that invites you to pause, ponder and take time to breathe in the fresh country air and soak in the serenity.

A lush, grassy median strip extends along the centre of this section of Railway Street. In 1937, Helidon State School Headmaster, Mr Arthur Gilchrist planted beautiful Jacaranda trees that still stand today. If you visit in October, you’ll be treated to a gorgeous display of purplish-blue Jacaranda blooms decorating the main street.

Along this median strip are two key points of interest: the War Memorial and the Pictorial Museum. The first one you’ll come to is the War Memorial. The monument consists of a tall, four-sided pillar made of polished stone and topped with a sphere. It was designed by Howard (Snow) Wrigglesworth, RSL President, and Keith (Joe) Jenkins, RSL Secretary, and constructed in 1978. The monument bears inscriptions of the names of service personnel who lost their lives in World War I, World War II, Vietnam and other theatres of war. Beside the memorial is one of the towering Jacaranda trees, whose shady branches seem to instil an enduring sense of peace and tranquillity.

The Pictorial Museum

A few metres further along the Railway Street median strip are the educational displays of the Pictorial Museum. Beneath the shade of a hut-like structure, a series of static information boards present a wealth of historic insights and images sharing the intriguing tales of this small town. If you’re short on time or unable to undertake the entire Helidon Heritage Walk, this pictorial museum is a great place to get a glimpse into the town’s past and brush up on local history.

The boards display most of the information featured on the walk’s 22 sandstone plaques, along with some interesting photos and images of Helidon’s past and present. Along with outlining general information about the town’s history, it also makes mention of some of the historic events which shaped the community, such as the opening of the railway line in May 1867, a cyclone in 1912, the opening of Helidon Bridge in 1952, a bank robbery in 1964, the floods of April 1988 and the construction of the Helidon Underpass in 1989.

It also features information about the industry of the area – namely its world-class sandstone and spring water which lay hidden beneath lush pastures and fertile fields prime for agriculture. Since the 1880’s, Helidon’s prized sandstone has graced some of Queensland’s finest historical buildings, such as Brisbane City Hall, Queensland Treasury Building, the University of Queensland and restorative works on St John’s and St Stephen’s Cathedrals in Brisbane, as well as being exported to markets across Asia, the United States and New Zealand.

Spend some time here browsing pages of Helidon’s pioneering past.

Further Along Railway Street

A little further down Railway Street on the left-hand side in the direction of travel is the weatherboard structure of the former Helidon Phone Exchange buildings. When the Helidon Post Office was opened in 1925 it housed the first telephone exchange, operating a single manual switchboard. During the 1950’s a double board with direct dialling equipment and 200 lines was installed. In 1975, telegraph services were conducted by Telecom after the Postmaster General’s Department was disbanded. This building was constructed by Telecom (now known as Telstra) in the early 1980’s, when Helidon’s Telephone Exchange was automated.

Continue a little further along then cross Railway Street and you’ll come to the grassy expanse of Tyson Park. This park was named in 2003 in memory of the Tyson family, who retired from farming in Iredale and resided in a house adjacent to the park in the 1960’s.

As you continue along this side of Railway Street heading back towards Turner Street, you’ll pass the historic Helidon CWA building, a weatherboard building constructed by voluntary labour and opened in 1957. The Helidon Branch of the Queensland Country Women’s Association (or CWA) was founded in 1933. It disbanded during the war years when the ladies became occupied with Red Cross work, then reformed in 1944 and continues to operate to this day.

If you’re looking for refreshment or a unique shopping experience, consider dropping into the Pickers and Dealers Garage for collectables, coffee and cake.

A short walk on brings you to the Helidon Fire Station. This sub-station was built and opened in 1967, on the site of the town’s former lolly shop, a business which also sold drinks, cakes and papers.

At the top of Railway Street, a charming, old-fashioned single-storey building may capture your attention. This is the Old Bank, which was originally constructed in for the Royal Bank of Queensland, and is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register.

Arthur Street Attractions

If you’re keen to visit some more historic highlights, head over to Arthur Street where you’ll find another four local points of interest. To get there, cross back over to the eastern side of Railway Street, then cross to the far side of Turner Street and bear right. Turn left into Mary Mckillop Street and cross the railway line then left onto Arthur Street.

On the far side of Arthur Street at the corner of Station Street you’ll discover the Helidon Railway Station and Refreshment Rooms. The railway has a long history in Helidon. Using sub-contractors and financial backing from England, the Queensland Government built the first section of line in Queensland from Ipswich to Grandchester, which was completed in 1865. The next section of rail linked Gatton on the 1st June 1866 then was extended to incorporate Helidon on 30th June the same year. The connection to Toowoomba was made on 1st May 1867. A total of 69 miles of track was laid encompassing Ipswich through to Toowoomba at a cost of 617,658 pounds. Helidon celebrated its 100th anniversary of the original station in 1967. The following year, the new Station was opened, housing the Station Master and assistants, a parcel office, signal cabin and a licensed Refreshment Room. The Refreshment Room operated until August 1986.

Crossing over Station Street you’ll pass by the Progress Park Tennis Club and the Cricket (and former Football) Grounds. The Helidon Football Club had its inaugural season in 1946-1947. The club was very successful, winning many premierships and district competitions. Some players went on to State and Country. As cars became more prevalent, players joined clubs in Gatton and Toowoomba, and the club was consequently disbanded in the early 1960’s. The Cricket Club was established on this same site in 1974.

The Helidon Community Centre and RSL is across the street form the cricket grounds, and was officially opened in 1990.

From here you can either return to your starting point at the Soldiers Memorial Park on Turner Street, or continue your exploration on foot or by car to visit some of the historic gems found slightly further afield.

Historic Gems Further Afield

Running parallel to Turner Street on the opposite side of the railway line off George Street is Lawlers Road. A wander down here will take you to the peaceful grounds of the Helidon General Cemetery. The original records of the cemetery were lost in a house fire in 1929. The earliest date found on a headstone here is 27 August 1881, that of Samuel Greer. Consider spending a quiet moment here, paying your respects to the past residents of the area whose pioneering spirit helped shape the history of this charming country town.

At 35 Gunn Street (just off Arthur Street) you’ll find the historic St Joseph’s Catholic Church. The land on which the building stands (and a considerable sum of money) was donated by the owner of the Helidon Railway Hotel, Mr Daniel Lynch, back in February 1866. Originally known as St Andrew’s and later at St Joseph’s, the catholic church was opened and blessed in December the same year. In mid-1874, the Sisters of St Joseph came to Helidon, staying at first in Station Street, in a small house that still stands, before a convent and school were also opened on the church site in 1884. In 1912, a cyclone tragically destroyed the buildings, and new buildings were constructed on the site. The church here today was blessed and opened in 1914.

Crossing under the highway at the opposite end of town you’ll come to School Street and some more points of interest including the Helidon State School and McGovern Park.

The Helidon State School was known previously as Helidon Scrub School and Helidon Provisional School, and was one of Queensland’s earliest Government schools. It was originally built in Railway Street on the banks of Lockyer Creek and opened in May 1874. However, it was rebuilt on its present site after the original construction was destroyed by a cyclone in 1912.

Accessibility

Helidon is located just off the Warrego Highway at the foot of the Great Dividing Range. This quaint country town is an easy 20 minutes’ drive east of Toowoomba and just over one hour west of Brisbane City. Unfortunately, there is no public transport available to the area.

Street parking is available at various points along the route, including on Turner and Railway Streets.

If you choose to visit all 22 points of interest along the Helidon Heritage Walk, a sound level of fitness is required as it takes between 30 to 60 minutes to complete. However, as described in this audio guide, shorter loop options are available for those who desire a more accessible option. A visit to the Pictorial Museum is also a great way to get a glimpse of the town’s history, without the need to walk distances.

There are some formed footpaths along sections of Railway Street, but minimum paved pathways elsewhere. Please note that due to the small size of the town, there are no marked crossings of any sort along the streets you travel on this self-guided walk. However, traffic flow is minimal.

Accessible toilets are available at McGovern Park on School Road, on the southern side of the highway. Public toilets with standard facilities are located at the Soldier’s Memorial Park which is the start and end point for the walking tour, as well as at Progress Park on Arthur Street. If you are travelling with an assistance dog, there are plenty of grassy areas along the route suitable for toileting your dog.