Octagon November, 2017

Both of these towns form a rich part of the early life
on the Darling Downs.
The first impression on entering the grounds of
Jimbour House is what is a magnificent residence
like this doing out in the middle of nowhere?
Jimbour is a heritage listed homestead on
one of the earliest stations established on the
Darling Downs. It is important in demonstrating
the pattern of early European exploration and
pastoral settlement in Queensland. The building
is associated with the development of the Darling
Downs and of the pastoral industry in Queensland
and is important in demonstrating the wealth and
ambition of early Queensland pastoralists. Jimbour
House was an ambitious structure in terms of size,
style and finish and was intended to support the
social and political aspirations of Joshua Peter Bell,
an important politician and businessman as well as
grazier.
It is unique in Queensland as the only genuinely
grand country house in the English manner to be
built in the state. (Wikipaedia 2017)
Our group soon gravitated to the shade of one of
the magnificent Moreton Bay Figs and the adjacent
rotunda to enjoy a casual self-catered picnic.
The Octagon - November 2017 39