The Hermitage Experimental Farm / Survey of Allotments or Portions Nos. 154 to 156 and 161 County of Merivale Parish of Canning

Scarce map of additional lots of land marked for acquisition from Robert Armstrong to increase the existing Hermitage Experimental Farm which was originally known as , State Farm.

The Hermitage is one of the oldest research stations in Queensland, situated six kilometres east of Warwick, and now occupies 228 ha on the west bank of Swan Creek.

Discovery and exploration of the Darling Downs by Allan Cunningham during 1827-1828 led to the settlement by graziers from the colony of New South Wales. The Leslie brothers were the initial settlers who established “Toolburra,” the first sheep station in Queensland in 1840. They later established the historic “Canning Downs” station near the present town of Warwick. Subsequently, other squatters quickly followed and selected large pastoral holdings. However, from around 1870, these holdings were resumed by the government and subdivided for closer settlement. The State Farm, formerly known as part of Canning Downs Station, was established to provide information for farmers on these new subdivisions. During this early period, a wide range of experimental work was conducted on various crops and livestock enterprises.