As the history of Jimbour House is written, there have been many unique stories of families, connections and memories made at the grand heritage-listed property. The most recent story we have to tell is Karl Graham’s, a long-term and second-generation member of the Jimbour community. While the property and surrounds retain their awe-inspiring grandeur, according to Karl, the true beauty of Jimbour lives in the people and the community.
Karl Graham first came to Jimbour with his parents in 1971, with his father, Don Graham managing the property. Karl was later appointed manager of Jimbour Station and had been looking after the property for 47 years. In 2018, Karl and his son Jake were working together caring for the 11,000 acre property, which Jake has now taken over.
Karl describes a typical day from a tourist point of view at Jimbour, starting with pulling up at the Water Tower, walking up to the main drive and around the manicured grounds. “There are a number of informative signs so you can take a self-guided historical walk. It’s a relaxing place to be, the birds are here, it has a really nice feel to it.”
“We take it for granted living here, but from a visitors or tourist’s perspective it’s amazing… People that come here for 1 or 2 hours end up here for 5 or 6 hours. It’s got that feel for it.” says Karl. He recalls guests often being “gobsmacked” by the property, standing tall in the Darling Downs.
According to Karl, one of the most intrinsic treasures of Jimbour are the connections made among visitors, workers, community members, neighbors and friends over many years. There is something memorable about time spent at Jimbour with valuable company and the people of the rural area. The charm comes from not only the destination but from those within it, past and present.
Karl still lives at Jimbour, and looks back on his time working on the property fondly. A rural life saw him and his family enjoy a myriad of fond memories granting them with “a good base for real-life skills”.
When we asked Karl if he could tell us something visitors may not know about Jimbour, he humbly answered “the people”. Visitors can appreciate the glory of Jimbour House and its surrounds, but Karl says “this place is real” with authentic character that stems beyond its historical roots.
After spending 50 years at Jimbour, Karl says it’s unbelievable how much change there has been. But noted that “if you don’t keep up with change, you get left behind”. With changes in technology, the property itself and those faces behind it, it is an ever-evolving destination with so much opportunity for the next 50 years. The property is always looking to welcome new guests and faces to enjoy its charm.
“Jimbour is unlike anything else here in QLD, or dare I say Australia’.
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