Forsayth
A historic Etheridge Shire mining town located:
- 408km west of Cairns
- 341km east of Normanton
- 40km south of Georgetown on an unsealed all-weather road.
- 35km northeast of Cobbold Gorge on an unsealed road.
Population
- 90 - Forsayth
- 923 - Etheridge Shire
Economy
Prime grazing country; mining and tourism also contribute to the local economy.
Climate
There are two seasons in this part of Queensland:
Dry/Winter (April to September):
- Little or no rainfall with mild to warm conditions
- Average temperatures are maximum 24°C, minimum 2°C
- Humidity levels are low, averaging between 20% - 60% in July
Wet/Summer (October to March):
- Heaviest rain falls from January onwards
- Average maximum temperature 45°C
- Humidity levels average between 50% - 80%
Current weather forecast for Georgetown
Environment
The shire presents a mecca for the amateur prospector, overlaying a vast formation of ancient Pre-Cambrian rock which remains rich in minerals and semiprecious stones. Some of the stones to be found include topaz, sapphires and garnets. Today, gold can still be prospected in the region.
The eastern part of the region (around Mt. Surprise) sits on the edge of the immense Undara lava field caused by ancient volcanic eruptions in the McBride Plateau some 190,000 years ago.
The surrounding country is flat wooded savannah grasslands with isolated hills. The whole region is highly regarded by bird watchers; the varied ecosystems providing an ideal habitat for an unusually high number and variety of wading, migratory and resident wood/grassland birds. Photo of pioneer's grave
History
- 1860s - Pastoral leases (sheep and cattle) were being granted in the area.
- 1869 - Rich deposits of alluvial and reef gold were discovered in the locality. The area became known as the Etheridge Gold Field
- 1870s - Subsequent discoveries of vast deposits of copper, silver, lead, and tin led to the founding of the towns of Mt. Surprise, Georgetown, Einasleigh, Forsayth, Kidston, and Gilberton.
Forsayth lies at the end of the old Chillagoe to Forsayth railway, which was originally built to transport gold-bearing ore from the Etheridge Goldfield to the crushing batteries of Chillagoe. The Savannahlander train still runs on the line today.
Things To See And Do
- Visit Cobbold Gorge: Located west of Forsayth this fascinating and unique natural gorge is staffed by Savannah Guides who will be able to provide you with access to the site and relate the history of the region. Camping is also available at the site.
- Experience the Savannahlander: Forsayth is the final stop on the Savannahlander route, a weekly tourist train service running between Cairns and Forsayth.
- Fossicking: Agate Creek (135km south) provides the keen fossicker the opportunity to find their own agates. A permit is required. This can be obtained in Georgetown.
- Explore the Newcastle Range: Driving over the Newcastle Range towards Einasleigh (67km east), there are spectacular views of the unusual granite country of this region.
- Visit the Goldfields Hotel to view their marvellous collection of agates and thunder eggs.
- Explore Castle Rock: On the outskirts of Forsayth on private property this feature is accessible by arrangement only. See the Goldfields Tavern for further details on tours.
- Discover the history: The Caschafor Park located across from the Goldfields Hotel and next to the Railway Station is a quiet, cool shaded park in the centre of Forsayth with a number of relics of the rich history of the region on display-including the displayed rail engine adjacent to the park.
- Go for a stroll around the many buildings of historical interest.
Services
- Hotel sells fuel, ice, snacks, and basic groceries (credit cards/Visa/EFTPOS facilities)
- Post office (agent for Commonwealth bank)
- 1 hotel, 1 bed and breakfast, 1 caravan park
- Internet access is available at the Tourist Information Centre, Georgetown.
Access
- Air: There is an airstrip at Forsayth.
- Train: The Savannahlander departs from Cairns to Forsayth via the Savannah Region southwest of Cairns. This is the real Australian outback with colourful characters and great local hospitality. Sit up front with the driver and listen to great stories from the past and present. The train services Mareeba for Mareeba Wetlands, Dimbulah for Tyrconnell Mine, Lappa, Almaden, Mt Surprise for Bedrock Village Tours, and Undara Experience for Lava Tube tours, Einasleigh, Forsayth for Cobbold Gorge Tours. For connections to any of the Savannah Guides sites mentioned above, contact the individual operator.
- Bus: Regular passenger and freight services operate between Cairns and Karumba.
- Self Drive: For self-drivers, the road is sealed from Cairns through to Normanton. This road which extends through the Gulf Savannah into the Northern Territory is known as the Savannah Way. The road from Georgetown south to Forsayth (40km) is a well-maintained unsealed road. Check road conditions before travelling- call the RACQ's 24 hour information service on 1300 130 595 or check online.
Further Information
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