Cobb & Co Stone Crossing - QLD

During the 1890's, Thargomindah became the home for Cobb & Co Coaches servicing the distant settlements of Hungerford, Wompah, Oontoo, Kyabra, and Toompine. The trip by Stage Coach to Cunnamulla, which was a distance of 150 miles, would take about 5–6 days, on a good (dry) road.

On the eastern entrance to Thargomindah, visitors can see the old stone Cobb & Co river crossing. This crossing was the main access to town, though as the river came up, this too became impassable. The stone crossing was used up until late 1929 when the current bridge was built.

It was no bed of roses in the days of coach travel. Horses and men were spirited, and bolting and drunkenness were only two of the many hazards that had to be faced on the roads. Coach drivers and passengers had to contend with wild animals, unfriendly aborigines, deep waterand rough, potholed tracks. The high speeds of the very lightweight Coaches meant that any one of a hundred mishaps could occur, including rollovers.