ABOUT MOUNT LARCOM

Mount Larcom is a town located on the Bruce Highway in the Gladstone Region. It is approximately 550km north of Brisbane and 75km south of Rockhampton. It is on the northern turn into Gladstone which is 35km away. The daily Brisbane to Rockhampton tilt train service stops at the small railway station where there are prebooked passengers. This service is well used and stops regularly.

 

The town has the same name as mountain which is toward the east and is a fairly popular climb providing extensive views both inland and out toward the sea. The track is reasonably easy to find.   This climb does require a reasonable level of fitness and it is recommended that an early morning start is made at least for the first time. Some of the more athletic among us use it as a training run for some of their events

 

Historically the area was a strong dairy area but that industry has all but disappeared from the area with the majority of residents working in the industries in Gladstone and Boyne Island. The developing industrial areas of Gladstone are in the Yarwun and Aldoga areas which located between Mount Larcom and Gladstone. Other major developments related to the LNG industry are located on Curtis Island which located across the harbour.

 

There are basic shopping facilities with a cafe and hotel. The service station is located just to the north of the town on the Bruce Highway is a Puma and operates 24 hrs a day. The Feed Shed is a source of rural supplies.

 

Education is well catered for with a school catering for prep to year 10. A bus service provides transport to Gladstone for years 11 and 12. There are primary schools located at Ambrose and Yarwun. Gladstone based private schools also provide bus services to their respective schools.

 

The largest local employer is Cement Australia which operates a limestone mine on Davis Road in the East End district. This mines supplies limestone which is transported by rail to the Fisherman's Landing plant where cement is manufactured.

 

The show grounds hosts the annual show on the 3rd weekend in June each year. The show society works hard to keep the show "Friendly Show" improving each year with a varying and entertaining program each year. The attendances continues to grow at a steady rate. The showgrounds is also the venue for regular horse events incuding western pleasure, equetrian group and horse sports.

 

Other faclities in the town are a swiming pool operated by the Gladstone Regional Council, a youth centre, and the bowls club which has a shaded synthetic green and good clubhouse facilities.

 

The Narrows, a stretch of water between the mainland and Curtis Island is approximately 20km from Mt Larcom is a popular fishing spot. This area produces most salt water estury fish as well as some good mud crabs. There are 2 boat ramps. These ramps are also a popular launch point for those wishing to fish and camp on the top end of Curtis Island. Other easily accessed areas include Port Alma, Caliope and Boyne rvers. The hot water outlet at the Gladstone power station can be a productive land based area. For the fresh water enthusiasts the Awonga Dam is just down the highway at Benarby. This is a large expanse of water which is well known for its Baramundi fishery.