The early days of Allora, in colour.

Allora is a picturesque town in the Southern Downs region of Queensland. The district became home to two large squatting runs – Glengallen and Talgai – that were established through overland stock movement.

Allora’s name is believed to come from the Giabal language word “gnarrallah,” or waterhole. The town was formally surveyed in the late 1850s, and developed gradually throughout the 19th century.

So picturesque is the town that I won’t include any oddities or comical stories – it just needs to be enjoyed as it is.

Panoramic view of the township of Allora, c 1889
Shearing team outside a sandstone building, Talgai West Station.
Looking up Herbert Street, Allora.
Glengallen homestead, Allora district.
Allora District, 1897.
Allora branch of the Australian Joint Stock Bank, c 1912.
General Store on the corner of Drayton and Herbert Streets, Allora.
Panoramic view of Allora, 1912.
Courthouse at Allora, Queensland.
Barnes & Company, Allora, 1918.
St David’s Church of England and rectory, 1906.

All images are taken from the digital collection of the State Library of Queensland and are out of copyright. AI colourisation by Copilot.

I might add that Copilot got a little exuberant when I mentioned some wildflowers in the front of the original St David’s photo. But it was so pretty, I couldn’t bear to correct it’s interpretation. The original wildflowers were less glorious. To put it mildly.

Leave a Comment