Morven

History

Originally, the area on which Morven now sits was a popular spot for bullock teams on the road between Mitchell and Charleville. In 1859, a small area was taken from the property Victoria Downs and set aside for public use and designated on maps and documents as 'Victoria Downs Reserve'. It was on the Cobb & Co mail route from Brisbane to Charleville. Later it became informally known as 'Sadlier's Waterhole' after Captain TJ Sadlier and his wife camped at the property. In 1876, a post office was opened and called Morven. When officially surveyed in 1880, it was officially given the name Morven. It is believed to be named after Morven in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. All Souls Anglican Church opened in 1906 and was dedicated in 1926. On Sunday 14 March 1926, Archbishop James Duhig opened and consecrated the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic church. On Tuesday 26 April 2016, the Morven Hotel Motel was burned down. It was a big loss to the town as it was the only hotel in the town. It was rebuilt by members of the local community in 2020 and now trades as Sadlier's Waterhole after the original name for the community.

Geography

The Warrego Highway enters the locality from the east (Mungallala), passes through the town, and then exits to the west (Sommariva). Approximately west of the town, the Landsborough Highway commences, splitting off in a north-westerly direction from the Warrego Highway, and exiting the locality to the north-west (Clara Creek). Tregole National Park (where the Mulga Lands and the Brigalow Belt meet) is to the south and west of the town. Apart from the national park and the town, the land use is grazing on native vegetation.

Most-observed species

• Rufous Whistler

  Pachycephala rufiventris (Latham, 1802) · Aves
  85
• Australian Magpie

  Gymnorhina tibicen (Latham, 1802) · Aves
  68
• Striped Honeyeater

  Plectorhyncha lanceolata Gould, 1838 · Aves
  65
• Gray Fantail

  Rhipidura albiscapa Gould, 1840 · Aves
  62
• Willie-wagtail

  Rhipidura leucophrys (Latham, 1802) · Aves
  61
• Weebill

  Smicrornis brevirostris (Gould, 1838) · Aves
  60
• Magpie-lark

  Grallina cyanoleuca (Latham, 1802) · Aves
  60
• Australian Raven

  Corvus coronoides Vigors & Horsfield, 1827 · Aves
  59