The Ration Shed
GETTING HERE
If you’re making your way inland from the Sunshine Coast it will only take you an hour and forty-five minutes to reach Blackbutt or you could take the northern route via Gympie and Kilkivan to Goomeri, a quaint little country town, famous for its annual pumpkin festival. From Goomeri, the award-winning South Burnett winery regions of Moffatdale and Barambah are just a cooee away from Bjelke Petersen Dam, the new Moffatdale link trail and plenty of other great locations to choose from all within a couple of minutes drive.
OPENING TIMES
Make sure you leave at least 1.5 hours to peruse through the museum.
LATEST NEWS
Get all the latest events and updates about the Ration Shed on their website!
What to expect at the Museum
Welcome to the Ration Shed Museum, nestled within the vibrant Cherbourg Historical, Cultural, and Community Precinct. Here, you'll embark on a journey through time, delving into the rich history and dynamic presence of one of the largest Aboriginal communities in South East Queensland.
As a visitor, you'll have the privilege of immersing yourself in the stories of the Elders, whose wisdom and experiences offer invaluable insights into the past and present realities of Cherbourg. Explore a diverse range of historical and contemporary exhibitions, where you can gain a deeper understanding of the community's heritage and ongoing cultural contributions.
Witness the talented artists at work, marvel at their creations and perhaps take home a piece of Cherbourg's artistic legacy by purchasing pottery or paintings from our talented artisans. Stroll through our beautifully landscaped gardens, where the tranquility of nature serves as a backdrop to the vibrant spirit of our community.
The Ration Shed Museum is more than just a tourist destination—it's a not-for-profit venture driven by the Cherbourg Historical, Cultural, and Community Precinct Group. Governed by a board of Cherbourg community members, our mission is to preserve and share the story of our community's history with both local youth and visitors from around the world. Through our efforts, we aim to create local employment opportunities and foster economic growth within the community, ensuring that all profits are reinvested in the continued development of the Precinct Project and future community initiatives.
ABOUT CHERBOURG
Salvation Army member William Thompson originally established Cherbourg in 1899 before being the township was taken over as a Government Settlement in 1904. Aboriginal people were forcibly removed and brought from all over Queensland and Northern New South Wales to the newly formed government reserve. Under the Queensland State Government’s Aborigines Protection Act of 1897 the settlement was originally called Barambah until in 1932 the town’s name changed to Cherbourg due to the mail delivery confusion it caused with the nearby property called “Barambah Station” which still stands today
PLACES TO STAY
Looking to stay in and around Cherbourg?
WHAT'S ON
Keep up to date with all the great events happening in the South Bunett.
CONTACT THE MUSEUM
Address: 19 Barambah Ave, Cherbourg