Think iconic Aussie brands and a couple will automatically spring to mind – King Gee, Four and Twenty and Hills Hoist to name a few. But what about Cobb and Co?
Cobb and Co was a successful Australian company that operated horse drawn stage coach rides throughout the turn of the twentieth century. The company originated in Victoria, where Alfred Deakin, Australia's second prime minister, once worked as a manager. In 1865, a Cobb and Co service between Brisbane and Ipswich was established and by the 1880's, the company had expanded into North Queensland. The stage coach was made obsolete by the automobile and Cobb and Co took their last ride in 1924.
Guests of the
Amamoor Lodge (
368 Kandanga Amamoor Road, Amamoor) can enjoy an olden day horse drawn coach experience in a replica Cobb and Co carriage. The Lodge's spindle back sulky was built by a professional coach builder according to Cobb and Co plans and everything from the wheels to the upholstery is handcrafted. It may not be an authentic coach, but it's as close as you can get.
The coach is pulled by two Clydesdales, who will take participants on a tour of the Mary Valley (which includes the townships of Crystal Waters, Conondale, Amamoor and Lagoon Pocket).
The Cobb and Co/Valley Rattler Steam Train package takes patrons to Gympie on the
Mary Valley Rattler steam train, and returns them to the lodge via the stagecoach. This package includes a pub lunch in Gympie, a three course campfire dinner, breakfast and one night accommodation at Amamoor Lodge, and costs $245 per person.
The Amamoor Lodge is a rustic bed and breakfast located in Mary Valley near Gympie. The Lodge offers bed and breakfast style accommodation as well as self contained studio apartments. See their website for rates.
