Winton - Come a-waltzing Matilda

'Once a jolly swagman, camped by a billabong. Under the shade of a coolibah tree'. You can relive this famous ballad way out in Queensland's outback.

Here lies a peaceful waterhole surrounded by pretty coolibah trees, a perfect spot for a dip or a rest in the shade. As you take in the tranquil surroundings, you may see what inspired Banjo Paterson's immortal ballad, Waltzing Matilda.

Just south-east of the tiny settlement of Kynuna, along the Matilda Highway in Queensland's north-west, lies the Combo Waterhole, the legendary billabong behind Banjo's famous poem.

It all started at nearby Dagworth Station. Here Banjo was inspired when Dagworth owner Bob MacPherson told him of the suicide of a shearer involved in the great strikes of the 1890s, which led to the burning of the Dagworth shearing shed.

Banjo heard several similar stories and this led to him scribing the famous ballad that has now become Australia's unofficial national anthem.

Legend has it that Christina MacPherson of Dagworth adapted a Scottish tune, Cragielea, for the music to the ballad.

A visit to the Combo Waterhole is a nostalgic journey into Australia's history. And if you travel a further 145 kilometres along the Matilda Highway, you can delve more into the famous legend at the Waltzing Matilda Centre in Winton.

Here, Banjo Paterson's story is spelled out in full detail with a sound and light show and interactive displays. Winton also claims fame as the place where Waltzing Matilda was first performed.

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