What to do and see in Roma, Australia: The Best Places and Tips

THE NIGHT SHOW An educational and entertaining way to spend the best part of 35 minutes, during which you will get to understand the events of the first 60 years or so of the 20th Century, which justify Roma's claim to being the Cradle of Australia's Oil and Gas Industry. The visitor is accommodated on open-air bench Seating, plus some chairs, and is presented with an open-air set, depicting a rather basic tent camp typical of oil drilling during the 1920's. The set comprises of three tents, two small drilling rigs and the type of "junk" normally seen around a rig of that era. A large projection screen is raised behind the set, and one of the tents serves as a second screen. Commentary is heard throughout the Show, backed up by images on the two screens. Unexpected lighting effects occur during the Show, in appropriate passages of the commentary. Visitors are encouraged to take photographs if they desire. All in all, the viewer departs with a fair understanding of oil drilling activities in the Roma area, particularly during the Oil Boom Era of the late 1920's. Returning patrons will realize that the Night Show was THE OIL PATCH Oil Patch is an outside display of oil and gas exploration and product equipment, explained by suitable signs and audio panels. these facilities allow the Oil patch to be a self-guided experience. The old patch is well landscaped with vegetation suited to Roma's rather dry climate. It has proved to be an oasis to many birds, having come in from the bush during recent extended drought. A theatre with the Oil Patch shows a video about how the old and gas has recently changed Roma. Also explains the extraction of natural gas and coal seem gas. The visitor will probably need over an hour to meander through the oil patch. if you need to come back into the cafe for a break before completing the circuit, please do so. The big features of the oil patch are the 1929 vintage steam powered Emsco drilling rig and a somewhat more modern early 1950's diesel powered National T32 rig. The T32 was very well known locally, and served to train a generation of roughnecks. The Emsco was brought to Roma by the Roma Oil Company, drilled four holes, and was abandoned on its last site in 1941. While, for safety reasons, climbing on the exhibits is generally not permitted, steps and safety rails have been built onto the floor of the Emsco rig to allow the visitor to appreciate the sixe of the equipment. By viewing the Oil patch, the visitor leaves with a reasonable understanding of the history and technology in use during the 20th Century, as regards oil search in the Roma District.

Take a bus trip to a local property. View local vegetation and wildlife. Learn about local pastoral practices and history of the owners pioneering family. Get upclose with some of the animals. Wander through the relaxing garden and view the amazing collection of petrified wood. Enjoy lunch and a cuppa before being returned to town. As a thank you receive a 10% discount at the owners butchery.