Henry Lawson Bicentennial Park

Henry Lawson Bicentennial Park, located opposite the state school in the township of Walloon, is just 15 minutes’ drive from Ipswich. The park, home to the Babies of Walloon memorial, is one of the key points of interest on the Cobb & Co Tourist Drive. The striking memorial to the lost Babies of Walloon commemorates the tragic drowning at a local waterhole of two school children, sisters Bridget and Mary Broderick. The tragedy became the subject of a poem by Henry Lawson, “The Babies of Walloon”, and the text of this haunting poem is carved in railway sleepers placed around the memorial. As well as the memorial, the link to Henry Lawson is strengthened by the annual Poet’s Feast which is staged at the park using the bronze Henry Lawson lectern and poet’s platform. The park isn’t just about poetry however, with other facilities including playground equipment, BMX track, skate park, sheltered barbecue areas and public toilets all being part of the fabulous amenities.