Visit Roma And The Roma Saleyards in Queensland

Roma is an outback town rich in agriculture and natural resources. The town is positioned 470km west of Brisbane and is home to Australia’s largest cattle-selling centre, the Roma Saleyards. Twice weekly sales take place with buyers and sellers frequenting the facility from all over Queensland and Australia. A whopping 372,648 head of cattle were sold through the yards in the 2014/15 financial year. The Saleyards is a fascinating place to visit for an insight into this crucial Australian industry! While you’re there, enjoy the pastoral landscapes and cultural attractions of vibrant Roma.

The history of Roma

Roma in Queensland was established in 1867, named after Lady Diamantina Bowen (Contessa Diamantina di Roma), wife of the first Governor of Queensland, George Bowen. Romaville Winery first came to be in 1863, after the introduction of vine cuttings to the region by Samuel Symons Bassett. One hundred years later, Roma was one of Australia's first oil and gas discoveries, and now boasts a booming cattle industry thanks to the region’s resilient land. The Roma Saleyards opened in 1969, and is a local government facility that sits 2km from Roma’s city centre. At Roma’s booming saleyards, cattle and calves are for sale to Queensland locals, plus there are specialised sales, such as bull sales, held on demand.

Things to do in Roma, Queensland

You may question what there is to do in an outback town offering livestock for sale in Queensland. The Roma Saleyards is a big drawcard for tourists keen to get a taste of Australia’s primary industries, but while in Roma you can also visit:

The Big Rig: discover the hardships and heroic tales of oil drilling and exploration.

St Paul’s Anglican Church Roma: its 50 stained glass windows need to be seen to be believed!

Roma War Memorial Heroes Avenue: a heritage listed site, with 140 bottle trees, each dedicated to a local soldier who lost their life in WWI.

Experience Roma Saleyards, one of the highlights of Roma

Because Roma is home to Australia’s largest cattle sales centre, the Roma Saleyards is a must visit if you travel to the region. Experience how the cattle stock system works with a free tour, guided by a local. There’s no better place to see livestock trading in action! “We took the free tour & Jim our tour leader was excellent. Very informative & clearly loved sharing the info with the tourists.

Travelling to the Roma Saleyards is easy and affordable with Bus Queensland. Book a bus pass deal today!