Nestled at the foot of Mt Cooroora, Pomona is a relaxed country town with some pleasant easy walking tracks around the delightful parks. Pomona was first settled in the late 1880's and the railway that arrived in 1891 started the expansion of the agricultural industries. Originally known as Pinbarren siding the name was changed in 1906 to Pomona, named after the Roman goddess of fruit and orchards. In 1909 Pomona was the administrative centre fro Noosa shire. The town prospered and declined along with the changing agricultural industry.
Pomona is located about 25 minutes from Noosa, just beyond Cooroy. The drive is very pleasant and can be linked as part of a circuit to include Boreen Point on the return journey. There are many historical attractions along with some pleasant cafes.
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Noosa Council has erected plaques on a number of Pomona's historic buildings. A leaflet that explain the buildings and where to go is available from the Pomona Visitor Information Centre located in the Old Pomona Railway Station and Art Gallery on Station street. The Pomona Heritage walk starts at Page Furnishings on 31 Factory Street.
The Cooroora Historical Society (07 5485 1080) run the Noosa Shire Museum located in the Old Shire Chambers which has a vast and varied collection. Housed in the museum is an impressive collection of photographs that capture many moments in Pomona History. Those who wonder where the technological age has taken us will appreciate the Post Office Exhibit based on photos of the Pomona Post Office in 1916. One room is dedicated to the original inhabitants of the Noosa Shire the Gubbi Gubbi people. The museum is open on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 10 – 4.
Pomona is also the home of the Majestic Cinema (07 5485 2330), built in 1921 which is the oldest continuously running cinema in the country and every Thursday at 8.30pm shows The Son of the Sheik starring Rudolf Valentino. Built as the Majestic Hall in 1921 it was originally used for concerts, plays, dances, balls, sporting events and silent movies. 'Talkies' were introduced in 1931 but was switched back the owner Ron West to silent movies which have proved to be very successful.
During the second world war the Bruce Highway passed in front of the Majestic cinema and the troops stationed in the area booked the theatre out. Due to the crowds the doors were left open resulting in blocking the main highway. The theatre contains numerous stage fittings, furniture and equipment from theatres that have closed down. The organ, still played at all performances has been imported from overseas.
The Pomona Hotel is one of the architectural treasures of the Sunshine Coast. The first Pomona hotel was built on this site in 1905, and commenced business in 1906. It was a single storey building containing nine bedrooms, a public bar, dining room and kitchen. It was destroyed by fire in 1913 and replaced by this elegant building.
On the fourth sunday in July runners from all over the world compete in this fun run. The race started due to a pub bet which sent a railway worker running up the 438 metre high Mt Cooroora. The modern race was revitalized by Stan Topper in 1983 and now attracts some very strong competitors. The 2004 record is 22 minutes and 50 seconds set by Graham Baralett.
By the late 1980's the original railway station did not meet the requirements for modern trains. The disused railway station were donated to the Pomona Chamber of Commerce in 1997 and moved to new land and has now been set up at the Old Pomona Railway Station Gallery. The gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday and displays a wide range of art.
The house has been the residence of the police officer
in charge since 1928. The Court house was built in 1934
and still has a civil jurisdiction covering Cooran,
Cooroy, Kin Kin, Pinbarren, Cootharaba and Tinbeerwah.
Acknowledgement:Cooroora Historical Society for part of the content used.
