A palm tree lined avenue called the Boulevard welcomes you to Theodore - the town that water built - drawing your eye past the impressive sporting fields and showgrounds into the rural ambience of the main retail area.

Browse in the specialty shops for that unique item of fashion, giftware or momento and enjoy excellent coffee in the town's cafe. The Boulevard then leads you to Queensland's only co-operative hotel, the elegant Theodore Hotel and Motel offering motel, cabin and hotel style accommodation, delicious meals and cold beer (4993 1244). The massive pumping station behind the Hotel has been given new life as the Dawson Folk Museum - enjoy the history and memorabilia of the District and beyond - is that really a bushranger's gun? (4997 4147). Stroll on a little further to the picturesque Junction Park located at the intersection of Castle Creek and the mighty Dawson River - the perfect spot for a barbecue, picnic or overnight camping. Enjoy one of the many planned walks around the community, from 2km to 9km showcasing beautiful parks and gardens, scenic lookouts or local industries and agriculture. Or take a drive using the Theodore Tourist Centre's (49931900) scripted routes to the stunning Isla Gorge, the mountainous development of the Dawson Coal Mine or the historic flagged 'convict' road.

Just 50 kms down the road, Cracow is a town steeped in history. Named in 1851 for a pastoral run, gold was first discovered in 1875 by itinerant fossickers and in 1831 the Golden Plateau mine was established. At its peak the town boasted five cafes, barber shop, billiard saloon, two butchers, a picture theatre and a soft drink factory. The closure of the mine in 1976 has left many houses and all the shops except for the Hotel deserted. The Cracow Hotel (4993 7118) is lauded as the home of the world's last remaining travelling Boxing tent and has an eclectic collection of memorabilia on display. You can catch the Boxing Troupe in Cracow once in March every year and the hotel offers accommodation with tall tales of ghostly visits, evening meals and light lunches seven days. Cracow Gold Mine now operates the underground mine and have undertaken the restoration of three historic buildings located alongside the Community Centre - new life for the old Bowls Club. Take a walking tour of the deserted buildings along the main street up to the abandoned grand hospital. Contact the owner on 4993 1620 to organise a visit. Savour the history of the town's cemetery before taking the picturesque drive (North) to 'Cracow Beach' where the rare Livistonia Palms feature in abundance - a perfect spot for a picnic, a paddle, some fishing or an overnight camp.