Comet, Queensland


Comet is a historical rich rural town and locality in the Central Highlands Region, Queensland, Australia. In the, Comet had a population of 498 people. Explore Comet's history along the Comet Tails and Walking Trails.

Geography

The town is located on the Capricorn Highway, north west of the state capital, Brisbane.
The area around Comet supports cotton and grain production as well as cattle feedlots.

History

Comet is the oldest town in the Emerald region, established at the confluence of the Comet River with the Nogoa River. Originally called Cometville, the town takes its name from the river, named by explorer Ludwig Leichhardt who made observations of Comet Wilmot in the area on 29 December 1844. Comet is home to a "dig tree" established by Leichhardt to indicate to others where he had buried food and journals.
Comet Post Office opened on 5 September 1877.
On 19 March 1931 the town's name was changed from Cometville to Comet.
At the 2006 census, Comet and the surrounding area had a population of 233.

Education

Comet State School is a government primary school for boys and girls on the Capricorn Highway. In 2017, the school had an enrolment of 28 students with 5 teachers and 4 non-teaching staff.