28°48′53.24″S 151°51′4.41″E / 28.8147889°S 151.8512250°E
 | |
| Location | Ballandean, Queensland |
|---|---|
| Region | Granite Belt region of the Southern Downs |
| Width | 30 metres |
| Height | 15 metres |
| History | |
| Builder | Ken Stubberfield |
| Material | Granite |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Periods | Modern era |
| Site notes | |
| Public access | No |
The Ballandean Pyramid is a man-made stone pyramid near the small village of Ballandean, Queensland, Australia. The pyramid is approximately 15 metres in height and built from blocks of the local granite. (It should not be confused with the nearby natural rock formations known as the Pyramids in the Girraween National Park.) It is on private property belonging to a local vineyard (Henty Estate) and is approximately 25 metres from the nearest road.[1]
History
editThe pyramid was built after a local resident, Peter Watters (Watters Vine Management Service), asked the land owner Stewart Morland what was to be done with the surplus amount of granite rocks that were excavated for land tillage, humorously suggesting that a pyramid could be constructed.[2] Four hours later Morland decided to build the pyramid and contracted the work to Ken Stubberfield at a cost of more than $100,000.[2][3][4]
The pyramid base was to be 30 metres wide. Landscaping of the base was completed early and the rocks were collected by a dump truck and brought to the site. The first three levels of rocks were laid first by a large excavator and then manoeuvred appropriately into place by a smaller excavator. As the pyramid rose, a makeshift dirt ramp was built to negotiate the height and the construction vehicles used this access ramp to complete the pyramid. At the end of construction, the ramp was removed by the excavator.[5]
The pyramid, which weighs approximately 7500 tonnes,[6] took eight months to build.[7]
Regulations and maintenance
editIt is currently forbidden for public to climb the pyramid for any reason. The pyramid is on private property where public entry is prohibited, but it is visible from the road.
As considerable amounts of earth from the construction ramp ended up inside the pyramid, weeds and blackberry bushes have appeared on the pyramid. A small tree even germinated at the very top of the pyramid which could be seen from a distance, causing annoyance to passers-by. This was removed by hand by a vineyard worker in mid-January 2013, restoring the pyramid to its original symmetrical look.
Services
editAn Anzac Day service was held at the site. The Last Post was played from midway up the pyramid and a flag was posted at the top.[8]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Ballandean Pyramid". Google Maps. Retrieved 25 July 2017.
- ^ a b "Local farmer picks up granite belt vineyard and pyramid". News Corp Australia. 11 April 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2018.
- ^ Paul Nicholas (5 February 2013), The Ballandean Pyramid in The Granite Belt Queensland Australia, archived from the original on 20 December 2021, retrieved 25 July 2017
- ^ Houghton, Des (14 March 2009). "Unwanted crop at risk of joining the pharaohs". The Courier - Mail. Australia. p. 52. ProQuest 353780966. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
Overlooking the vineyard is a 15m pyramid built for more than $100,000 by a previous owner, Stewart Morland.
(subscription required) - ^ Werkmeister, Sarah. "Ballandean Pyramid". Four Thousand. Archived from the original on 10 March 2016. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
- ^ "Ballandean Pyramid". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved 25 July 2017.
- ^ "Landmark Legends of Stanthorpe". Granite Belt Wine Country. Archived from the original on 1 March 2012. Retrieved 25 July 2017.
- ^ "Anzac Day services times around the region". Stanthorpe Border Post. 24 April 2014. Retrieved 5 October 2019.
External links
edit
Media related to Ballandean Pyramid at Wikimedia Commons