Bert Button Lookout

Welcome to Bert Button Lookout, a place where you can pause, take in the view and reflect on the history and people of Cherbourg.

Cherbourg lies on the traditional lands of the Wakka Wakka people. The community has a complex and important history. Originally known as Barambah, the settlement was established in the early 1900s and became a government settlement in 1904. Under Queensland's protection policies, Aboriginal people from many parts of Queensland and northern New South Wales were forcibly removed to Barambah. Government authorities controlled many aspects of residents' lives, including where they lived and worked, their movements and, in many cases, their family lives.

In 1932 the settlement became known as Cherbourg. Despite the restrictions and hardships imposed upon the community, a strong Cherbourg identity developed. Over generations, residents have built a community rich in culture, sporting achievement, music, art and activism. The story of Cherbourg is therefore not simply one of government control and hardship—it is also a story of resilience, survival, self-determination and pride.

Cr Bert Button

This lookout is named in honour of Councillor Bert Claude Button, a Cherbourg-born community leader, activist and councillor.

Born in Cherbourg in 1949, Bert Button devoted much of his life to his community and to improving opportunities for Aboriginal people. He was involved with numerous organisations and initiatives, including the Cherbourg Rehabilitation Centre, Wakka Wakka Legal Service, Goolburri Land Council, Barambah Aboriginal Child Care Agency, Beemar Yumba Children's Shelter and the Barambah Justice Group. He was also involved in supporting the young people of Cherbourg, including the Wakka Wakka Gubbi dancers and Cherbourg Cowboys rodeo riders.

Bert was also a member of the Cherbourg Community Council, appearing among the councillors during the period when the community was developing greater control over its own affairs. His involvement extended beyond local government, with his voice and advocacy contributing to wider discussions about Aboriginal rights, culture and self-determination.

Bert Button died in February 2014, aged 64. More than 800 people attended his memorial service at Jack O'Chin Oval—a reflection of the impact he had on Cherbourg and the many people whose lives he touched.

Today, Bert Button Lookout provides an opportunity to appreciate the landscape surrounding Cherbourg while remembering a man who was deeply connected to this community.

Take a moment to enjoy the view, reflect on Cherbourg's past and present, and perhaps consider the generations of people whose stories have shaped this place.

To claim this Virtual Cache, visit Bert Button Lookout, message the owner through the geocaching message system with the answers to the following two questions and take a photograph that demonstrates you were here. Your photograph should include the lookout or its surroundings and something that identifies your visit, such as your GPS, geocaching name written on paper, or yourself. Please attach this photo to your Found It log.

Q1. There is a sign on the first BBQ shelter prohibiting something. What is the six digit number that appears on this sign?

Q2. At the parking coordinates, what is the phone number on the light pole?

While this Virtual has been placed with the permission of the Cherbourg Aborginal Shire Council, please be respectful of the community and the significance of this location while visiting.

Enjoy the view—and take a moment to remember Bert Button and the generations of Cherbourg people whose resilience helped shape the community we see today.

Virtual Rewards 5.0 - 2026-2027

This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between February 3, 2026 and February 3, 2027. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 5.0 on the Geocaching Blog.