Discover the Riches of Moranbah Beyond the Mines

Nestled in the heart of Queensland’s coal-rich Bowen Basin, Moranbah stands as a testament to the spirit of Australia’s mining communities. This town, surrounded by sweeping landscapes and dotted with rugged mining infrastructure, offers a unique blend of adventure, local charm and sporting and community spirit. From immersing oneself in the natural beauty of the region to exploring the history of the town, Moranbah promises visitors and those moving there a memorable experience unlike any other. Whether you’re a FIFO, DIDO or living in town mine worker, this article is your go-to guide of what to do in Moranbah.

Where to eat

While there may not be as many restaurants in Moranbah compared to big cities and towns, the small town has a number of great options for when you want to indulge in a meal away from the camp.

Woods & Irons Cafe & Restaurant
Touted as ‘the best view in town’ Woods & Irons Cafe & Restaurant does not disappoint. Located at Moranbah Golf Club, and open six days a week, this restaurant feels world’s away from a mining town. If you’re heading there for breakfast after a morning on the green, the hole in one is our top pick, or if you’re after something sweet we’d recommend the house made waffles. If it’s dinner you’re after you can’t go wrong with the lamb shoulder, and don’t forget to add a side of truffle chips.

Moranbah Bakery
Open from 4am during the week, Moranbah Bakery is the perfect place to grab a coffee, which the locals highly rate, and a delicious pie for breakfast. We’d recommend the cheese and bacon or curried pies, which can be enjoyed in the outdoor seating area. While you’re there pick up a sweet treat, they have everything from traditional apple turnovers to gourmet donuts.

Moranbah Worker’s Club
Eat like a local and try out the Worker’s Club, located on Mills Avenue and open till late daily, the Worker’s Club serves up delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner. Visit the cafe for breakfast, you can’t go wrong with their eggs benny, or head to the bistro for lunch or dinner, and indulge in the chef’s special, sweet and sour pork or the delicious worker’s burger.

The Nugget Bar and Grill
Located within the Black Nugget Hotel, The Nugget Bar & Grill is where you can take a load off and enjoy live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night while you dine. Our top menu picks are the meatlovers schnitzel, the chili & lemongrass prawns, or if you’re hankering for a burger, we suggest the steak bucket burger.

Western Heritage Motor Inn
Boasting beautifully landscaped gardens, the Western Heritage Motor Inn boasts an award winning restaurant complete with a cocktail bar and lounge. Satisfy your taste buds with the crispy pork & prawn stir fry or indulge in the creamy peppered chicken.

Where to play

Community spirit plays an integral role in what makes Moranbah a great mining town to live in. As mayor Kelly Vea Vea puts it ‘the heart of a mining town is it’s people and it’s community’, and what better way to integrate into the community than by joining a club or team. The Civil Safety team plays an integral role in the Moranbah community from our team running training courses to local and FIFO/DIDO residents to supporting local community groups through sponsorships.

Moranbah Squash & Volleyball Club
If squash or volleyball are your games, then the Moranbah Squash & Volleyball Club is the club for you. Located at The Moranbah Community Workers Club, they meet four times a week.

Moranbah Tennis Association
Whether you fancy yourself as the next Lleyton Hewitt or a pro pickleball player, the Moranbah Tennis Association, located on Talloon Street meets every Tuesday evening for social tennis and pickleball.

Binda Park Parkrun
If you love running, jogging or walking, the Binda Park Parkrun meets every Saturday at 7:00am at Binda Park for a 5km route around the park and around town before finishing near the playground.

Moranbah Miners Rugby League Club
If league is your game, then the Moranbah Miners Rugby Leagues Club on Mills Avenue is the team for you. With an A-Grade mens and women’s teams, as well as a reserve grade team, you’re sure to find the team for you.

Moranbah Sharks Netball Association
If netball is your game and fancy yourself the next Liz Watson then the Moranbah Sharks Netball Association is the place for you. The club run 100% on volunteers offers junior and senior netball as well as mixed netball. This year Civil Safety sponsored the Junior Sharks Academy allowing the girls to travel to Brisbane to compete in the State Age Competition in June 2024.

Where to shop

Despite its size, Moranbah offers a surprising array of shops that cater to both practical needs and unique finds.

Moranbah Fair
Boasting a The Reject Shop, Coles, Priceline Pharmacy and a NAB bank Moranbah Fair is your one stop shop for all your needs. Catch up for brunch or coffee with friends at La Crema Caffe, or grab some sushi from Sushi Yum Yum, near The Avenue Jewellers & Gifts.

Intersport
Once you’ve found your sporting club, you’ll need to get kitted out. Pay a visit to Intersport where they offer a wide range of clothes, sporting equipment and accessories.

Price Plus
Think of Price Plus as Moranbah’s answer to Kmart. At Price Plus you can pick up anything from luggage, clothing and books to inflatable pools and sofas.

Where to adventure

In Moranbah, adventure awaits just beyond the mines! Lace up your hiking boots and explore the rugged beauty of the surrounding landscapes, or enjoy a boating, camping or fishing adventure.

Eungella Dam
Located just outside the town of Mackay, Eungella Dam is a scenic water storage tucked away surrounded by largely untouched forests, where you can head to for a weekend of camping, boating and fishing, giving you the opportunity to really relax and unwind.

Gemini Peaks
A short hour drive from town is the Gemini Peaks, a twin mountain adventure where Mount Castor and Mount Pollux stand tall as part of the Peak Range National Park, it’s a challenging but rewarding hike for those who love the outdoors.

Lords Table Mountain
For those who like hiking, Lords Table Mountain located approximately 50 km west of Moranbah offers the most striking peaks wih the impressive flat topped summit stretching out for kilometres. Pack a picnic and make a day of it.

Think Moranbah may be the town for you? Explore our range of mining courses and kickstart your career in the Moranbah mines.

For more information about our courses please call us on 1300 CIVIL S or email us at info@civilsafety.edu.au