Summary

Roma is an inland town in southeast Queensland, about 355km from Toowoomba and 479km from the capital of Brisbane. It is part of the State District of Warrego with the postcode 4455, and is the center of the state's oil and gas industry. The population was 6,763 as of 2004.

Surroundings

Roma lies directly west of the Darling Downs region. Nearby Suburbs include Dalby, Goondia-Indi, Cunnumulla, Charlesville, and Rolleston.

Name derivation and history

Roma was established in 1867 as an agricultural town, mainly trading cattle and wool. It got its name from the Lady Diamantina Roma Bowen, whose husband Sir George Ferguson Bowen was governor of Queensland at the time it was founded.   read more

Geography

Australia's Great Dividing Range can be seen from Roma, the most accessible point being Carnavon Gorge. The gorge contains a national park with several small creeks, cliffs, canyons, and valleys. Carnavon Creek serves as the area's main waterway and drains the nearby Consuelo Tableland.

Attractions

The Oil and Gas Museum and the Big Rig pay tribute to Roma's flagship industry, displaying relics from the old trading days. The Meadowland Museum offers an interesting look into the town's Aboriginal history. Also worth seeing are the Roma Villa Winery and the Boolimba Bluff.

Transport

The Warrego and Great Inland Way are the main thoroughfares leading to Roma QLD. The town has its own airport located 3.2km away from the town proper, serving mostly flights from Brisbane and major Queensland areas.

Recreation

Roma has a number of shopping centers and cinemas offering various dining and entertainment options. For nature lovers, Mount Moffatt National Park and Carnavon Gorge National Park offer a variety of walking and hiking trails.

Alternative places

Roma shares its name with towns in Ecuador, Romania, Sweden, Texas, and Lesotho. There is also an island called Roma off the coast of Indonesia.