On The Great Inland Way, 78 kms to the south of Roma along the Carnarvon Highway you will find the picturesque township of Surat. Historically the site of a Cobb & Co changing station, the Surat community has, with much dedication, preserved this precious remnant of their history. Today, as in the past, the Cobb & Co Changing Station now forms the centre of the community’s cultural hub.

Steeped in history with links to Cobb & Co and the ‘boom time’ of the wool growing industry, Surat is an ideal destination for anyone wishing to reconnect with history of the pioneering spirit of life on the land. The Cobb & Co Changing Station - the original site of the Cobb & Co Store and drop-off point for coach travellers and goods, houses a museum of regularly changing displays depicting the lifestyles of yesteryear. The museum is also home to a 14-seater Cobb &Co coach.

The Surat on Balonne Gallery is also housed in the Cobb & Co Changing Station Complex. The Gallery hosts exhibitions of works from local artists and those from further afield. It has an impressive exhibition program which will rival any of its city counterparts. Visitors are encouraged to include the gallery on their travel itineraries.

Another highlight housed in the Cobb & Co Changing Station Complex is the Window to the Balonne Aquarium, a 25,000 litre fresh water aquarium. Visitors can see a range of native fish species which live in the local river systems including murray cod and yellowbelly.

With the Balonne River on its door step, Surat is a haven for fishing, bird watching and more active aquatic pursuits such as water-skiing or jet-skiing. The Surat riverside parklands and river walk provide serene and relaxing surrounds with both natural landscape and river views.

Visitors are invited to try their luck along with the locals in trying to catch one of these species along the Balonne River. The local Fishing and Restocking Club regularly restock Surat’s gorgeous stretch of the Balonne River with murray cod and yellow belly fingerlings. Camping is available on the bank of the Balonne River, within the Fishing & Restocking Club Park. Local anglers also recommend the Warroo Bridge south of Surat as another worthwhile fishing spot.

A visit to the Surat Aboriginal Bush Gardens is a must. A bush campsite is the centrepiece of the garden which features a range of native plants used for traditional Indigenous food and medicine.

Nestled on the picturesque banks of the Balonne River amongst twelve acres of vines, visitors will discover the Villacoola Winery, Surat’s boutique winery. Villacoola Winery offers group and private tastings of fine wine, gourmet foods, homemade cakes and coffee.

During the months of January to May, nature provides a colourful botanical display on the Beranga Creek with a magical colour pallet of waterlilies.

Surat has a bustling business centre which offers a range of businesses and services to cater for the needs of travellers.