Towns in Australia

Exploring Australia, town by town

Glenden QLD

Glenden

Postcode: 4743

Like so many central Queensland towns that have sprung out of the bush in recent years, Glenden owes its genesis to the development of the rich Bowen coal fields.

In Glenden’s case, the town has been largely built by MIM (Mount Isa Mines) which owns and operates the nearby Newlands Mine. The late 1990s recession in the coal industry has led to tougher times for the mine, its workers, and the town, although grain, cane and beef growers are steadying the regional economy.

The Bottletree connection stems from an existing tree which the Newlands Mine has taken for its distinctive logo. Nebo, the administrative centre of the shire of the same name, is about 100km to the south-east and Mackay is a similar distance further on along the Peak Downs Highway.

A short drive south-east takes you to Lake Elphinstone which has camping facilities for the fishermen, water-skiers and bird-watchers who are regular visitors to the waterway.