Hampton, Queensland

Hampton is a town in the Darling Downs region of Queensland, Australia 147km west of the state capital, Brisbane At the 2011 census, Hampton and the surrounding area had a population of 345. Situated at the top of an escarpment on the Great Dividing Range, Hampton is one of the small hamlets located along the New England Highway between Toowoomba, (29 kilometres away) and Crows Nest (12 kilometres).HistoryHampton Post Office opened on 19 May 1913 and closed in 1977. In 1886, the Crows Nest railway line reached the town.GeographyThere are three local dams that supply water to the surrounding area, all within a short distance of Hampton. These are Cooby Dam, Perseverance Dam and Cressbrook Dam. Recreational activities are available on some of the dams.ClimateHampton has moderate summer temperatures with high temperatures around 27°C. The summer low temperature is around 16°C. Hampton also has mild winters with temperature highs close to 17°C, and low temperatures around 6°C. The local flora and fauna are abundant to include many species of birds and mammals. Eucalypt and pine forests as well as grass land are present in this area.AttractionsHampton is known for the antique shop and gift stores as well as local produce, including citrus and avocados grown on the many farms located around the district. The Hampton Information Centre is located on the New England Highway at the junction of the Esk–Hampton Road. The road provides access to Ravensbourne National Park and connects Hampton to Esk. Ravensbourne National Park features short bushwalking tracks, a scenic lookout and picnic facilities. In May the park surrounding the Visitor Information Center plays host to the Hampton High Country Food and Art Festival. The festival gives local producers from all over the Darling Downs a chance to showcase their produce.