Orion, Queensland

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Orion is a rural area in Queensland’s Central Highlands Region. It covers about 767 square kilometres and has a small population—87 people as of the 2021 census.

The Comet River forms Orion’s south-eastern edge. The Dawson Highway runs through the area from the south (Albinia) to the south-west, while the Blackwater railway line passes through the south-east before heading south again. The eastern and central parts sit around 200 metres above sea level, with the western side rising to about 600 metres and featuring the Cairdbeign State Forest. Most land is used for grazing, with grain farming in the northern and southern parts.

Orion State School is a government primary school (Prep–Year 6) at 1002 Ten Chain Road. It opened in 1964. Enrolments have been very small in recent years—16 students in 2016, 11 in 2018, and 3 in 2022. There are no secondary schools in Orion. The nearest government secondary school is Springsure State School (to Year 10) in Springsure, but daily travel can be difficult for some residents, so distance education or boarding are also options. The Orion Community Hall is located next to the school, at the same road address.

Orion’s postcode is 4722, and the area lies in the AEST time zone (UTC+10:00). Nearby areas include Springsure, Arcturus, Togara, Cairdbeign, Lowesby and Albinia.