RM Williams Australian Bush Learning Centre & Visitor Information

Description

“Bringing the past to life”

The bush… Rural Australia… The Backbone of our proud land…

A place of stark contrasts, unsurpassed beauty, warm welcomes, big hearts, indomitable spirit and tenacious character.

Legends like RM Williams, whose spirit lives on in Eidsvold’s history and whose name graces a Centre dedicated to preserving and cultivating the area’s unique bush culture.

The RM Williams Australian Bush Learning Centre was purpose-built to honour this great Australian, showcase his skills and achievements, and bring his passion for bush tradition to life.

We invite you to take a journey of discovery and learn about our culture, history and arts. Our gallery is ever changing showcasing an array of artistic displays and artefacts. Watch leather work demonstrations as artisans create belts, whips and bridles, listen to our resident poet inspire you with his passionate bush poetry, or simply enjoy a warm tea or coffee and soak up the peacefulness of our part of the world.

RV overnight stays most welcome! Make use of our outside bush camp kitchen area and adventure on the playground for those young at heart.

Come and spend a night and experience a first in Australia – “son et illuminere” – a magnificent free illuminating light show projected onto a locally inspired steel sculpture, sharing stories of local characters, RM Williams, bush poetry and entertaining anecdotes from past times.

We are proud to be the 2018 Cultural, Heritage and Environment Award Winners of the QICA Visitor Information Centre of the Year.

Light Show

Son et illuminere

The latest innovation and exciting new experience for guests is the “son et illuminere” - believed to be an Australian first - a magnificent free illuminating light show projected onto a locally inspired steel sculpture sharing stories that evoke proud Aussie spirit.

We encourage travellers of all dynamics to come and spend a night and experience the light show held outdoors on the eastern side of the Centre. E evening the show lights up the sky beside the RM Williams Australian Bush Learning Centre and tells the unique and emotive tales of Eidsvold’s characters, humorous stories from two of the region’s most famous drovers Ron and Ned, stories from RM Williams’ life, other engaging stories told through bush poetry and anecdotes from past times.

The specially designed 8m wide x 4m high laser cut steel projection “The Language of the Land” sculpture is a work of detailed art itself, designed as a monument to the people who live on and are connected to the land. The intricate detail in the sculpture represents bush knowledge, bush trails, landforms, stone masonry, rivers and water holes. Look closely and you’ll notice animal prints of the emu, kangaroo, lizard, bullock and horse. Three footprints are hidden among the detail in the sculpture, these represent the traditional Wulli Wulli, Gureng Gureng and Wakka Wakka people. On the sculpture boot prints of a man and woman wearing RM Williams’ famous boots can be seen. Another reference to RM is the outline of the two riders, drovers, and their packhorses whom RM created attire for. The sculpture has designs and motifs that represent communities, stargazing and campfire meetings.

We are incredibly proud of our bush history and culture, and this sculpture is a reflection of our culturally rich and diverse history of aboriginals, stockmen and women on the land and the livestock and wildlife they lived alongside. These experiences, sharing of history and stories develop our sense of connection to country. Visitors gain appreciation for the beauty of the natural landscape and the challenges that faced previous generations.

Camp Oven Dinners

We love to offer visitors a chance to taste the flavours of the bush by experiencing one of our camp oven lunches or dinners. Camp Oven cooking is a traditional method of cooking that has been used for generations by drovers, shearers, busmen and miners. There truly is nothing that compares to the atmosphere sitting around the campfire at night, under the stars, with a hearty camp oven dinner. We offer guests the opportunity to experience a Bush Poetry evening around the campfire with our resident poet, Russell – a perfect accompaniment with a camp over meal!

Overnight Camping

Visitors have the option to camp overnight at the Centre. In front of the building there is grassed flat ground that offers a quiet spot to stop for a night or two. Campers can kick back, enjoy the tranquillity and watch the resident kangaroos graze nearby, those with a keen eye may spot a joey in the pouch.

Campers and visitors can take advantage of the two different picnic options. The Centre has undercover picnic tables with electric barbecue. Visitors are welcome to use the Bush Camp Kitchen, boasting undercover tables, preparation tables, sink and electric barbeque. A complementary bush tucker garden has been established with native plants available for use. There are fire pits to keep visitors warm and offer a great atmosphere to share stories with fellow travellers.

Gallery Exhibitions:

The Gallery space in the Interpretive Centre is ever changing, allowing many different artists to exhibit their work and artefacts. Our displays have ranged from Aboriginal paintings, boomerangs, coolamons, and didgeridoos; to paintings from talented local art groups of the breathtaking scenery and images of our region; poetic displays inspired by life in the bush; portraits and photographs of local figures; or the youthful creations of skilled North Burnett school children. The regular gallery changes offer a new experience for return travelling visitors and residents to the region. In the Interpretive Centre visitors can interact with touch screens and videos to hear the stories about RM, the history of local people, view incredible photos and special memorabilia.