Pomona
Nestled at the foot of Mt Cooroora, Pomona is a relaxed
country town with some pleasant easy walking tracks
around the delightful parks. Pomona was first settled
in the late 1880's and the railway that arrived in 1891
started the expansion of the agricultural industries.
Originally known as Pinbarren siding the name was changed
in 1906 to Pomona, named after the Roman goddess of
fruit and orchards. In 1909 Pomona was the administrative
centre fro Noosa shire. The town prospered and declined
along with the changing agricultural industry.
Pomona is located about 25 minutes from Noosa, just
beyond Cooroy. The drive is very pleasant and can be
linked as part of a circuit to include Boreen Point
on the return journey. There are many historical attractions
along with some pleasant cafes.
Pomona Bed & Breakfast
Inn
the Foothills set on 7 acres at the foot of beautiful
Mt Cooroora, "Inn the Foothills, B&B"
has fully self contained facilities; kitchenette, guest
bbq, shared bathroom and lounge/dining facilities and
two beautifully appointed bedrooms with queen size beds
and ceiling fans. Perfect for two couples on a quiet
weekend away or the budget traveller looking for quality
accomodation. Continental or cooked breakfasts available,
as well as retreat packages. Click above for more information.
Pomona Heritage Walk
Noosa Council has erected plaques on a number of Pomona's
historic buildings. A leaflet that explain the buildings
and where to go is available from the Pomona Visitor
Information Centre located in the Old Pomona Railway
Station and Art Gallery on Station street. The Pomona
Heritage walk starts at Page Furnishings on 31 Factory
Street.
Noosa Shire Museum
The Cooroora Historical Society (07 5485 1080) run
the Noosa Shire Museum located in the Old Shire Chambers
which has a vast and varied collection. Housed in the
museum is an impressive collection of photographs that
capture many moments in Pomona History. Those who wonder
where the technological age has taken us will appreciate
the Post Office Exhibit based on photos of the Pomona
Post Office in 1916. One room is dedicated to the original
inhabitants of the Noosa Shire the Gubbi Gubbi people.
The museum is open on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday
from 10 – 4.
The Majestic Theatre
Pomona is also the home of the Majestic Cinema (07
5485 2330), built in 1921 which is the oldest continuously
running cinema in the country and every Thursday at
8.30pm shows The Son of the Sheik starring Rudolf Valentino.
Built as the Majestic Hall in 1921 it was originally
used for concerts, plays, dances, balls, sporting events
and silent movies. 'Talkies' were introduced in 1931
but was switched back the owner Ron West to silent movies
which have proved to be very successful.
During the second world war the Bruce Highway passed
in front of the Majestic cinema and the troops stationed
in the area booked the theatre out. Due to the crowds
the doors were left open resulting in blocking the main
highway. The theatre contains numerous stage fittings,
furniture and equipment from theatres that have closed
down. The organ, still played at all performances has
been imported from overseas.
The Pomona Hotel
The Pomona Hotel is one of the architectural treasures
of the Sunshine Coast. The first Pomona hotel was built
on this site in 1905, and commenced business in 1906.
It was a single storey building containing nine bedrooms,
a public bar, dining room and kitchen. It was destroyed
by fire in 1913 and replaced by this elegant building.
King of the Mountain Race
On the fourth sunday in July runners from all over
the world compete in this fun run. The race started
due to a pub bet which sent a railway worker running
up the 438 metre high Mt Cooroora. The modern race was
revitalized by Stan Topper in 1983 and now attracts
some very strong competitors. The 2004 record is 22
minutes and 50 seconds set by Graham Baralett.
Old Pomona Railway Station Art Gallery
By the late 1980's the original railway station did
not meet the requirements for modern trains. The disused
railway station were donated to the Pomona Chamber of
Commerce in 1997 and moved to new land and has now been
set up at the Old Pomona Railway Station Gallery. The
gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday and displays a wide
range of art.
Police station, Courthouse and Lockup
The house has been the residence of the police officer
in charge since 1928. The Court house was built in 1934
and still has a civil jurisdiction covering Cooran,
Cooroy, Kin Kin, Pinbarren, Cootharaba and Tinbeerwah.
Acknowledgement:Cooroora Historical Society for part
of the content used.
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