DIRRANBANDI Dirranbandi is a small crossroads town in central eastern Queensland that is encounted when traveling the St George and Lightning Ridge route. Dirranbandi was made famous in Slim Dusty’s song ‘The Cunnamulla Fella’. Dirranbandi services a large rural region where wheat and cotton are the mainstays. Dirranbandi is said by some to be an Aboriginal word meaning "swamp abounding in frogs and waterfowl". Although this is possible, there is no evidence in any of the region's languages to suggest that this is the case. It is notable for the population increase each year as seasonal workers come to work on the extensive cotton fields. Due to the low annual rainfall, irrigation is used extensively. Cubbie Station the largest privately owned cotton property in the southern hemisphere is close to Dirranbandi. The town reserve was surveyed in 1885. One hundred housing allotments were first set asside, followed by land for a police station, a state school, and post office the railway reached Dirranbandi on 22 May 1913.  Dirranbandi had the honour of being the destination for the last mail train to operate in Australia. The Anglican and Catholic Churches are represented in the town. The Dirranbandi War Memorial is one block removed at the RSL building. The Dirranbandi Hotel is an early 20’s classic Queensland pub. There are number quite nice quirky facets around the town that have appeal. One of those is the Aboriginal Athlete, Tom Dancey that won the Stawell Gift. Dirranbandi is a long way from any major centre, so trip has to be ‘on route’ or then will be a significant diversion. Heritage diary