The Big Rig
Height
Unknown
Year Built
Address
2 Riggers Road, Roma, QLD 4455
The Lowdown
The Big Rig in Roma celebrates one of Queensland's most significant industrial milestones - the discovery of Australia's first natural gas in 1900. This towering drilling rig monument stands at the Big Rig Heritage Centre, commemorating the day that Hospital Hill No. 1 well struck gas and changed Roma's destiny forever. Roma became the birthplace of Australia's natural gas industry, and the surrounding Surat Basin is now one of the nation's most important gas producing regions. The Big Rig tells the story of the drillers, engineers, and workers who pioneered an industry that powers modern Australia.
Did you know?
"The Big Rig Night Show features a spectacular sound and light display"
History
On 25 February 1900, drillers at Hospital Hill in Roma struck natural gas at a depth of 256 metres, making Australia's first commercial gas discovery. The gas initially powered the town's street lights, making Roma one of the first towns in Australia with gas-lit streets. The discovery sparked decades of exploration that eventually revealed the vast gas reserves of the Surat Basin. The Big Rig Heritage Centre opened to preserve this pioneering story, with the drilling rig monument serving as a visible landmark celebrating Roma's place in Australian industrial history.
More Fun Facts
- •Roma was the site of Australia's first natural gas discovery in 1900
- •The original gas well was drilled searching for artesian water
- •Roma's streets were lit by natural gas from 1906
- •The Surat Basin produces gas that powers millions of Australian homes
- •The Big Rig Night Show features a spectacular sound and light display
Visiting Tips
- 💡Stay for the Big Rig Night Show - a dramatic sound and light experience
- 💡The Heritage Centre has excellent displays on drilling history
- 💡Roma also has the Big Bottle Tree in the main street
- 💡The Carnarvon Gorge National Park is accessible from Roma
Opening Hours
Outdoor area accessible 24/7. Heritage Centre has daytime hours.
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