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Table of Contents Welcome to Boulia
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The origin of Boulia
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Travel Options and Climate
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The Outback Way/Donohue Highway
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The Min Min Light
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The Min Min Mystery
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Min Min Encounter
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Stonehouse
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Marine Reptile Fossil Display
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Attractions
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Events
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Boulia Sports & Aquatic Centre
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Boulia Shire Library
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Accommodation & Dining
18
Services
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Self Drive Itinerary
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Travel Tips
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Surrounding area
22
Diamantina National Park
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Boulia Town Map
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Min Min Country Map
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Welcome to Urandangie
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Boulia
Welcome to
Boulia is located 300 kilometres south of Mount Isa at the junction of the Diamantina and Kennedy Development Roads. The town's fame largely rests with its association with the Min Min Light, a strange spectral light that can appear, hover, disappear and reappear with an eerie will of its own. Most often described as a hovering luminescent ball, the light has teased travellers, never approaching close enough to be clearly examined. Scientists are baffled to explain this phenomenon. But there’s much more to be experienced in Boulia. Spectacular scenery and a myriad of native flora and fauna combine for what should be a memorable visit, rich in history with fossils, culture and a pioneering past. The first Europeans to pass through the area were Explorers Burke and Wills.
Burke gave his name to the river that the town stands beside. The town was established by the shopkeeper, Ernest Henry, in 1876 and was sited on the 'Bullu Bullu' waterhole of the Burke River. Halfway between Windorah in the South and Camooweal in the North, Boulia was an important resting point on the stock route. Boulia is regarded as the capital of the 'Channel Country' so follow in the footsteps of Burke and Wills in the comfort of your vehicle along sealed roads through some of the most stunning outback scenery in Australia. A land of contrast and vibrant colour, Boulia Shire encompasses over 61,000 square kilometres of ever changing scenery and was once part of an inland sea. Visit Boulia’s Marine Reptile Fossil exhibits for a fascinating look at these prehistoric creatures.
We would like to thank and acknowledge
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Ann Britton, Bruce Hutchinson, and Jan Norton for use of their photographs. 1
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The origin of Boulia The name Boulia is said to be derived from the waterhole in the Burke River named Bulla Bulla by the Pitta Pitta tribe. Burke and Wills are more closely associated with the early history of Boulia than any other explorers, having travelled through the area on their journey to the Gulf and return to Coopers Creek. They had left Coopers Creek on 16 December 1860 and reached the Gulf of Carpentaria on the 11 February 1861 only to perish on their return to Coopers Creek. Wills, a botanist, noted that at a camp near Boulia, “We hobbled the horses out on vegetation equal to anything in Australia, other than country of volcanic origin�.
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On the 31 July 1879 a proclamation signed by C.Kennedy and gazetted on the 2 August 1879 set aside an area of 1,280 acres as a reserve for township purposes.
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It was surveyed by FA Hartnell in 1882 & 1883. The first land sale was set down for Tuesday 13 February 1883. The Boulia divisional Board was gazetted on the 24 September 1887 and as a Local Authority on the 1 July 1902.
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Travel Options Road
Bedourie is located 191km south and Birdsville 387km south of Boulia, both are accessible by sealed and gravel roads. Winton is located 360 kilometres to the east and is a sealed road, known as the Kennedy Development Road or Min Min Byway. This spectacular drive takes you through the foothills of the magnificent Lillyvale Hills (Cawnpore Lookout) and the iconic Middelton Hotel which is the last surviving hotel that was once a part of the Cobb & Co nine pillars. Alice Springs, via the Donohue and Plenty Highways is approximately 800km west. The road is predominantly gravel, however, does have stretches of bitumen. It is the most direct route to Alice Springs from Western Queensland. This section of road is part of the Outback Way which spans from Winton in Queensland across to Laverton in Western Australia. The historic droving town of Urandangie is located 295 kilometres north-west of Boulia. It was an important centre for travellers and drovers roaming the Georgina and other stock routes.
Air Travel
Refer to Rex Airline website for flight details www.rex.com.au.
Climate Boulia is no stranger to hot summers. The summer high temperatures can sometimes reach up to 50 degrees C and on average sits around the mid to high 40’s. While summer temperatures soar, the winter high on average is a pleasant 24 degrees C and the average low is 9 degrees C. Boulia has an average of 250mm of rain each year but generally relies on flooding of the region for it’s pasture rejuvenation.
Water Supply Water is reticulated to all premises in town from four bores.The bores, which are sub-artesian, are each of a depth of about 76.2 metres. Water is pumped to a reservoir at ground level then pumped to an elevation tank. The water is potable in Boulia. Please check all other sources prior to using. page
Boulia is known as the capital of the Channel Country, linked with Mount Isa by a bitumen road, 300 kilometres to the north, known as the Diamantina Development Road or the Min Min Byway. This makes Boulia a part of the Outback Way – Australia’s Longest Shortcut which connects from Winton through to Laverton in Western Australia.
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DOWNLOAD Donohue/ Plenty Highway. the Outback Way App.
Available NOW on iphone and android
oulia is Tobermorey Station—250km
Donohue
Closest fuel to Boulia is Tobe
Donohue/Plenty Highway
Permission MUST be sought be sought for camping permit from Harts Range Council: 08 89569787 9787 IMPORTANT NOTES: • Closest fuel to Boulia is Tobermorey Station (250km)
are cautioned to t utioned to travel this highway according Travellers to road conditions • Travellers are cautioned to travel this and to take notice of signage e of signage regarding road closures.
e is no
highway according to road conditions and to take notice of signage regarding road closures.coverage between Boulia Please noteSprings. there is mobile and Alice
no mob
• Please note there is no mobile coverage between Boulia and Alice Springs.
Jervois
• Take plenty of water and food
ulia
467Km West of Boulia Tobermorey Eftpos Facilities/ Credit • 250Km West of Boulia Card Facilities
edit
Eftpos Facilities/ Credit Card Facilities
ical
Emergency Mechanical EmergencyRepairs Mechanical Repairs
Refreshments/ Confectionery/Souvenirs
Refreshments only
nirs
Fuel – Unleaded & Diesel
esel
Camping including showers Fuel– Unleaded & Diesel Basic Camp/Caravan Accommodation
hicle
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Tobermorey Atitijere (Harts Range) 137Km West of of Jervois 250Km West Boulia 672Km 467 Jervois ATM CashFacilities/ Card Facilities Eftpos Credit • 467Km West of Boulia Card Facilities
Eftpos Eftp C
Eftpos Facilities/ Credit Card Facilities
Emergency Mechanical Emergency Mechanical Emergency Repairs Mechanical Repairs Repairs Refreshments only
Groceries Refreshments/ Fuel – Unleaded & Diesel Confectionery/Souvenirs
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CampingUnleaded including showers Fuel– & Diesel Fuel– U Fuel– Unleaded & Diesel Fue Basic Camp/Caravan Accommodation
Tobermorey Station Camping $15 per vehicle 07 4748 4996 inc. showers $5 Shower only
Jervois Station$5 per vehicle Camping 08 8956 6307 $22 per vehicle Camping inc. showers showers $2 inc. Shower only
C Cam
Basic Camp/Caravan
Basic Camp/Caravan Basic Camp/Caravan
Basic Ba
Contact Numbers NORTHERN TERRITORY CONTACT NUMBERS
QUEENSLAND CONTACT NUMBERS Min Min Encounter Information Centre 07 4746 3386 Boulia Shire Council 07 4746 3188 Boulia Police 07 4746 3120
Jervois Station 08 8956 6307 Harts Range Police 08 8956 9772 Gem Tree Caravan Park 08 8956 9855 Alice Springs Police 08 8951 8888 Central Aust. Tourism 08 8952 5800
STATION UHF CHANNELS Repeat– a: Channel 3 Badalia: 26
BSC/Trucks: 40 Herbert Downs: 8
Wirrilyerna: 35 Glenormiston: 12
Atitjere (Harts Range)
Gem Tree
ATM Cash Card Facilities
Eftpos Facilities/ Credit Card Facilities
• 604Km West of Boulia
• 672Km West of Boulia
Groceries
Basic groceries
Fuel – Unleaded & Diesel
Fuel – Unleaded & Diesel
Camping including showers
Caravan Park
Basic Camp/Caravan Accommodation
Basic Camp/Caravan Accommodation
Harts Range (Atitjere) Council 08 8956 9787
Gem Tree Caravan Park 08 8956 9855
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Emergency Mechanical Repairs
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The Min Min Light There are a lot of bush yarns and legends in this Outback country, but the people of Boulia reckon the pick of the bunch are the ones about the mysterious Queensland icon, the Min Min Light. Here is a yarn about the Light they would like to share with you. It was shortly after the Min Min Hotel was destroyed by fire in the early 1900’s when a stockman had one of the first experiences with the Min Min Light.
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‘About 10:00pm, I was riding to Boulia and passed close to the Min Min graveyard. The night was somewhat cloudy. All of a sudden I saw a strange glow right in the middle of the cemetery. It got bigger until it was the size of a large watermelon. I couldn’t believe my eyes as I watched it hovering over the graveyard. I broke into a cold sweat as it started coming toward me. It was too much for my nerves. 6
I dug the spurs into my horse and headed for Boulia as fast as I could go. Every time I looked back the light seemed to be following me. It only disappeared out of Boulia.’ Then in rapid succession came two more reports to substantiate the stockman’s story. A woman and her husband reported seeing a mysterious light which intensified in brightness and moved away from them. They were strangers to the area and had never heard of the Min Min Light. Their feeling was one of curiosity rather than fear. Another station hand saw the light rise out of the old hotel graveyard, bounce through the air for a considerable distance and then suddenly disappear. Many more sightings of the Min Min Light have followed since these initial few, starting the legend of the mysterious lights that has never been solved.
The Min Min Mystery
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To preserve this very first encounter of the Min Min Light, keep an eye out for the stockman’s galloping signage which are located from the earie Min Min Hotel Site. These signs will then lead you into Boulia with the final sign located at the Min Min Encounter‌
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Min Min Encounter
The Min Min Encounter is a unique theatrical experience incorporating animatronics, fibre optics and loads of other high tech wizardry. The Encounter is a tribute to the long honoured art of the bush yarn, all based around the famed Min Min Light phenomenon. The 45-minute show introduces you to the story of the Min Min Light by various characters who claim to have seen the mysterious light.
forecasts and things to see and do in Boulia. The Centre is run by a band of experiened staff who have first hand knowledge of the area and its many special attributes.
The Min Min Encounter also facilitates a Tourist Information Centre and a retail souvenir shop. The show is like no other and gives visitors the only guaranteed sighting of the famous Min Min Light.
The Min Min Encounter was opened to the public in April 2000 and has been enticing visitors through Boulia since its creation. The Centre is owned and operated by Boulia Shire Council.
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Under the umbrella of the Min Min Encounter is also the Visitor Information Centre. Here you will find up-to-date road conditions, weather
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FREE
The Centre also has brochures relating to other regional, state and national attractions and towns as well as a gift and souvenir shop.
Discover Boulia Stonehouse
W
hen store keeper James Edward Jones built the Stonehouse in 1888, little did he know that it would become one of Boulia’s most treasured tourist attractions.
The house was home to the Jones family up until the early 1970’s when the house was then acquired by the Boulia Shire Council. A wealth of Boulia Shires history is held within the walls of this great home and over the years more buildings have been added to showcase the many artefacts left by our forefathers.
Phone: Min Min Encounter & Information Centre (07) 4746 3386 Fax: (07) 4746 3387 email: stonehouse@boulia.qld.gov.au
Marine Reptile Fossil Display
Vertebrate and invertebrate fossils dating back 500 million years
ral fin of Pecto e fish a larg
Ichthyosaur
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Boulia Murals
Waddi Trees Waddi Trees are a rare ancient species. They grow in only three locations, including two small patches around Boulia and Birdsville. The wood is known as one of the hardest timbers in the world. A significant patch is on the Coorabulka Road approximately 10kms east of Boulia. The trees have very spiky flat leaves and the wood has been known to damage axes and saws. When the wood dries it is virtually impossible to drill with a bit and auger. Waddi trees have now been listed as a protected species on the Register of the National Estate.
Robinson Park in Herbert Street has an outstanding, colourful mural showcasing the Boulia historical timeline. From the early marine reptiles of the Mesozoic Era to the first men, early explorers to today, this mural has been cleverly executed by an Indigenous artist Arthur Conlan with input from the Boulia community.
Water Tanks
Boulia has two water reservoirs at the top of Herbert Street which have murals on each. The top tank depicts Boulia, Land of the Min Min Light, which refers to the elusive, mysterious Min Min Light which has kept thousands of people enthralled over the recent past. The larger ground tank depicts scenery of the region as seen through an artist’s eye.
Barracks Waterhole The Police Barracks (1874-1884) Sub-Inspector Ernest Eglington was stationed at the Barracks with a small team of native mounted police. The campsite at this natural waterhole has great spiritual significance to the local people and is of critical importance in periods of drought. This great spot has been known to hold a few fish and the odd Yabbie or two, so throw your daily catch onto the BBQ at the shaded picnic site beside the waterhole and enjoy the serenity of this picturesque and historic site. Location: Approximately 25 km north east of Boulia on the Selwyn Road (gravel) Facilities: Shaded area, stone pitched BBQ page
Robinson Park
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Min Min Hotel site The Min Min Hotel site is situated on the Winton Road 100 km east of Boulia. The Hotel was destroyed by fire in early 1900s, and was where one of the first recorded sightings of the Min Min Lights was said to have taken place. The old gravesite of a former publican can be viewed, and is said to be haunted.
Hamilton Hotel site
Red stump
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If you are heading west from Boulia to Alice Springs, via the Donohue and Plenty Highway, (part of the Outback Way) travellers are advised to carry ample food, water and fuel. The vast Simpson Desert is located south-west of Boulia. 12
The Hamilton Hotel site is situated approximately 80 km east of Boulia on the Winton Road. In 1897, J B Dargie opened the Hotel, the last in the chain along the Winton to Boulia route. The Hotel was demolished in the early 1990’s when it was not viable to operate. All that remains is the fireplace which has petrified wood in the concrete. Tourists can stop under the shaded area provided by the Boulia Shire Council and rest and reflect on what it would have been like for traveller’s, all those years ago. Public Amenities: available
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Boulia Camel Races
The racing action starts in earnest on Saturday morning and there is plenty of
Jockeys and camels combine once more on the track on Sunday morning, and race to the finish line for the prestigious Boulia Camel Cup. So come along, join the fun and see camel racing at its best in Boulia.
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The famous Boulia Camel Races, held annually on the third weekend in July, attracts people from all over the world to the township of Boulia. It is not unusual for the town’s population of 300 to swell to 3000 for the three day carnival. Friday evening kick starts the weekend with live entertainment till late.
trackside entertainment to keep you occupied. Saturday night comes alive with live entertainment till late and an amazing fireworks spectacular that has adults and children mesmerised.
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For further information on all of our events please contact the Min Min Encounter or follow us on our facebook page for information on all upcoming events in the Boulia Shire. facebook.com/BouliaCouncil/
Boulia Rodeo
Outback Drags
The Boulia Rodeo has been a longstanding event in the district for almost 40 years. Hundreds of competitors and spectators make their way to Boulia to be part of this event.
Get your motors revving for an adrenalin pumping event. Attracting competitors from near and far for their need for speed and burnt rubber. This is a great spectator sport for all those fellow rev heads who will get to smell the burnt rubber of a burnout and lightning speed on the track as competitors race past along the 1/8 mile.
Feel the adrenaline rush of rodeo as man battles beast for eight seconds of rough riding action. Watch the speed and daring of the cowgirls as they fiercely compete for the barrel racing buckle. Enjoy a yarn, a cold drink and music till late when the dust settles. The Rodeo and Campdraft are traditionally held at Easter, however inclement weather can alter this.
Easter Races Held every Easter, the Boulia Races are an event not to be missed. Get wrapped up in the country races atmosphere. Try your hand at punting on a local horse, be part of the fashions of the field or just find yourself a cool shady spot and enjoy being a spectator.
Campdraft
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The Boulia campdraft is one of the biggest in the west with over 800 runs at the event which showcases the skill of horse and rider to manouvre a selected head of stock around a course.
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25m Pool and Splash Pool Indoor Multi-sport Court Well Equipped Gym Tennis Courts Squash Courts Children’s Playground
Visitors Welcome
Burke St, Boulia. Call: (07) 4746 3527 Email: sports@boulia.qld.gov.au
This 4 million dollar sporting facility is one of its kind for the North West. The Centre features an indoor sports hall with a basketball court that incorporates badminton, netball and volleyball. Also in the Centre, are two squash courts and a well equipped gymnasium.
The complex also consists of a 25 metre swimming pool, children’s splash pool, playground and BBQ area. The whole complex compliments the already existing sports oval and adjoining tennis courts. The Boulia Sports and Aquatic Centre has seasonal opening hours, so check at the Visitor Information Centre for times. page
Boulia Sports & Aquatic Centre
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Library
Boulia Shire Library
FREE
INTERNET
Public Internet, Faxing, Printing, photocopying and laminating services available. Children’s play room and Story time reading. Wide range of novels, DVD’s, audio books and magazines. Some Boulia historical records available for genealogy purposes.
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OPENING HOURS: • 12.30-5pm • Monday to Friday 16
Situated on the banks of the picturesque Burke River Large Clean Amenities
Shady
• Large Clean • Shady grassed Amenities campsites both powered and unpowered
• Self-contained Ensuite Units
grassed campsites both powered & unpowered
Situated on the banks of the
Self-contained
picturesque Burke River Boulia Caravan Park Cabins or
Ensuite Units
07 4746 3320 bouliacaravanpark@yahoo.com
Boulia availableCaravan Park
BOOKINGS 07 4746 3320
“Visit Outback Qld
via my lens” PRINTS AVAILABLE ON | GLASS | CANVAS | PAPER | ACRYLIC | POSTCARDS
Call today 0447 266 557 Visit 55 Herbert St, Boulia (opposite Desert Sands Motel) ann@annbrittonphotography.com.au www.annbrittonphotography.com.au
facebook.com/annbrittonphoto
twitter.com/PhotoAnnBritton
au.linkedin.com/in/AnnBrittonPhotography
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Accommodation
Dining Maxie’s Café & Restaurant Australian Hotel/Motel Dine in or Takeaway Burke River Ph: 4746 3144 Roadhouse Dine in or Camel’s Rest Coffee Shop Takeaway Dine in or Takeaway Ph: 4746 3131 Ph: 4746 3158
Motel Desert Sands Motel Ph: 4746 3000 Fax: 4746 3040 Email: desertsandsmotel@bigpond.com Web: www.desertsandsmotel.com.au Hotel/Motel
Boulia’s own oasis serving Australian Hotel/Motel Ph: 4746 3144 west a cold drop!!! Fax: 4746 3191 Email: bouliahotel@bigpond.com
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Maxie’s Café Re • 9 Air-conditioned Hotel Rooms staurant 3 Now serving fre Ph: 07 4746 3144 6 sh espres 7so47co4ffee 0 : ATMEmail: and adminbouliahotel@bigpond.com Eftpos Maxie’s facilities Café Restaurant Ph ond. ATM and Eftpol@bigp s facilities e t o Now serving fresh espresso coffee l i ah nbou admi : l i a Em
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ATM and Eftpos facilities
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Email: adminb
Ph: 07 4746 3144 Ph: 07 4746 3144 adminbouliahotel@bigpond.com Email: Email: adminbouliahotel@bigpond.com
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Fuel
Transport
Council Services
Library Curley’s Transport Ph: 4746 Ph: 4746 3132 3408
Roadhouse Ph: 4746 3131
Internet Access
Mechanical
Min Min Boulia Library Encounter Ph: 4746 3408 Ph: 4746 3386
Bob’s Tyres Ph: 4746 3158 RACQ Ph: 131 111 Remote Mechanical Services Ph: 07 4746 3323
Phone coverage
Telstra Next G Mobile coverage only within approx 10km radius of town
Supermarkets
Parks and Gardens
Min Min Store: 5 star supermarket Ph: 4746 3158
Robinson Park Library Park
Hardware
Public Toilets
Thrifty Link - Min Min Store Robinson Park Ph: 4746 3158
Churches
Post Office
Catholic Church Services held every month at 6pm
Australia Post Ph: 4746 3129
Anglican & Uniting Church Urandangie Post Office Moonah Street Ph: 4748 4988 1st Sunday of every month at 4pm
ATMs
Community Services
Australian Hotel/Motel Boulia Community Support Ph: 4746 3144 Services Laundry Ph: 4746 3700 Ph: 4746 3158 Clubs
Medical
Australia Post Ph: 4746 3129 Sports & Aquatic Centre Ph: 4746 3527 Regional Council Office Ph: 4746 3412
Family Services Urandangie Centrelink Agent Ph: 4748 4988 Boulia Centrelink Ph: 4746 3012
Schools Boulia State School Ph: 4746 3151 Urandangie State School Ph: 4748 4821
Mail Contractor
D & E Freight Ph: 0419 841 492
Boulia Golf Club Ph: 4746 3154
Boulia Primary Health Centre Ph: 4746 2300
Boulia Gun Club Boulia Turf Club Boulia Rodeo Association Boulia Camel Races Committee Emergency - Ph: 000 P&C Association Police/QGAP Boulia Social Club Boulia Motorsports Association Boulia Police Station Ph: 4746 3120
Please contact the Boulia Visitor Information Centre for further details.
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Royal Flying Doctor Service Ph: 4743 2600
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Self Drive Itinerary - the Min Min Way Winton to Boulia (365km)
Visit:
• Middleton Pub (165 km West of Winton) • Cawnpore lookout – Lilleyvale Hills (210km West of Winton)
• Min Min Hotel site and nearby graveyard (261km West of Winton)
Things to do in Boulia: • Discover the Min Min Encounter Centre, (45 minute Show on the Min Min Lights) • Visit the Stonehouse • Tom Howards Cottage - experience life of yesteryear • Come face to face with original marine reptile fossils excavated in the Boulia Area • Round of Golf - sand greens • Fish in the Burke River • Swim and picnic at the Old Police Barracks (25km N) • Sightseeing at the Corroboree tree
• Get physical at the Sport’s and Aquatic Centre •W alk the town and meet the locals •R elax, unwind with a cool drink at the Australian Hotel • Also enjoy the Town Walk, Waddi Trees, River Walk & Bird watching
Meal options
• Camel’s Rest Coffee Shop • Roadhouse • Australian Hotel Maxie’s Café
Dajarra (148km, North of Boulia) • Grab a bite to eat at the Dajarra Roadhouse • Visit the Museum •V iew the magic of the Selwyn Ranges - take a photo of these most spectacular ranges!
r self drive tours Brochures for each of ou the following links... can be downloaded from
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?a=132858 il: http://tourism.racq.com.au/ Drovers and Pioneers Tra 132878 ?a= .au/ .com http://tourism.racq Natural Encounters Trail: .au/?a=132898 .com acq m.r uris l Trail: http://to Outback Qld Camel Festiva acq.com.au/?a=132840 r Itinerary: http://tourism.r Channel Country Explore .au/?a=132868 ry: http://tourism.racq.com Far West Adventure Itinera .au/?a=133316 .com acq m.r uris p Drive: http://to Diamantina Bedourie Loo 20
Boulia to Mt Isa (300km) • Visit Outback at Isa, a great starting point!
Travel Tips Animals If you see stock, wild animals or birds near the road, slow down - they have a habit of crossing in front of you! Heavy Vehicles When meeting large vehicles on narrow roads, slow right down, indicate your intentions and move off to the left. In wet conditions the verges tend to be soft and/ or slippery, so when pulling off to the left you should always keep your right wheels on the bitumen and keep moving slowly to avoid getting bogged. Station Properties Many roads cross station properties and have gates across them. The rule of the Outback is to leave gates in the same way that you find them, ie. if the gate is closed when you get there, close it again after you drive through or, if the gate is open when you arrive, leave it open.
Be Prepared You should ensure that you have sufficient fuel to cover the worst conditions with the worst fuel economy, including generous provision for fourwheel driving. Fuel economy may be halved in difficult conditions. You should always carry water and a first-aid kit and ensure that your spare tyre is at the correct pressure. Remote Areas Always check road and weather conditions before travelling into remote areas. Advise a responsible person of your intended itinerary and report back on your arrival. Ensure that your vehicle is mechanically sound and carry ample water and spares such as tyres, radiator hoses and fanbelts, together with a good tool-kit. Two-way radios or satellite phones are recommended as normal mobile phones do not work in remote areas. If you break down, stay with the vehicle until help arrives. Road Conditions Current road conditions are available at www.boulia.qld.gov.au Or call 13 19 40
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Surrounding Areas Weather Conditions Outback summers are hot and dry. Most facilities and transport are airconditioned. Storms and heavy rains can occur during summer and minor flooding can cause some towns to become cut off for a few days, but this is all part of the adventure of the Outback. The most temperate weather occurs between the beginning of April and the end of October. Wearing a broad brimmed hat and sunscreen is recommended for all seasons. Litter Help us keep the Outback clean for future visitors by properly disposing of your rubbish.
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Fires Most roads run through private property or national parks and open fires should not be lit at the side of the road. If you need a fire use the proper fire places found at most roadside rest areas. 22
Boulia is at the crossroads to many Outback destinations, and is a great place to relax, unwind and deliberate on which road to take next! Winton (360km) Must See • The Waltzing Matilda Centre • Bladensburg National Park •L ark Quarry Trackways •A ge of Dinosaurs Mount Isa (300km) Must See • Outback at Isa and Visitor Information • Royal Flying Doctor Base, Visitor Centre and Outback Shop • School of Distance Education • Lake Moondarra • Underground Hospital and Beth Anderson Museum • National Trust Tent House Bedourie (191km) Must See •H ot Artesian Spa and pool
• Heritage listed Mud Hut • Bedourie Hotel • Outback Golf Course Birdsville (381km) Must See • Big Red-the Simpson Desert • Birdsville Hotel • Australian Inland Mission Hospital • Poeppel Corner • Pelican Point • Burke & Wills campsite and tree Alice Springs (800km) Must See • Alice Springs Desert Park • Telegraph station • Alice Springs Reptile Park • Gemtree • Mbantua Gallery and Cultural Centre • Araleun Cultural Precinct
ONEP
STO SHOP
5STAR Min Min Store TYRES
Repairs • New • Fit • Balance
NURSERY R LL YOU A G N I SUPPLY EEDS it Fresh Fru les Vegetab
PLUS
Milk Meat
nks Cold Dri s Souvenir lls Gas Refi Cement
COFFEE SHOP
Barista Coffee • Tea • Milkshakes Sandwiches • Light Meals • Cakes Scones
BURKE RIVER ROADHOUSE
Fuel • Meals • Snacks Gas Grab n Go • Barista Coffee Take away
Best Burgers in the west
Produce ar Hard we ear Fishing G g in p m a C Herbert Street, Boulia
OPEN
7DAYS Ph: 07 4746 3158
Fax: 07 4746 3137
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Variety of Plants • Potting Mix • Fertilizer
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Diamantina National Park Diamantina National Park was formerly a pastoral holding and became a national park in 1992. It sweeps across highly weathered sandstone ranges in the east, down to the floodplains of the Diamantina River and its tributaries, then across Mitchell grass plains to dunefields reminiscent of deserts further west. This 507,000ha park is home to many rare and threatened species. Lake Constance and Hunters Gorge are important wetlands and support breeding populations of many resident and migratory birds.
Things to do Diamantina National Park’s rich colours will delight photographers. Canoe, birdwatch or take the scenic drive (pick up the drive guide brochure in the park). Remember to carry plenty of extra fuel for driving throughout the park. Learn of the lives of traditional owners before settlement and consider how things changed. Visit pastoral relics like the Mayne Hotel remains and the station homestead. Walking: Warracoota Ruins - 400m return. Driving: The Warracoota Circuit Drive is around 150km. Fishing: Fishing in the waterholes is
permitted and you can catch yellow-belly and Welsh’s grunter in Mundewerra Waterhole. Size and bag limits apply. See Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries for more information. Wildlife: Diamantina’s wildlife is highly diverse for arid Queensland, and animals found here include a number of rare and threatened species. Diamantina National Park can be reached by heading south from Winton or Boulia, north from Windorah or east from Bedourie. Obtain a Sunmap or RACQ map for details. Four-wheel-drive is recommended and wheel ruts can be deep, so a vehicle with high clearance will offer the best ride. Remember to take extra fuel as the closest supplies are at Boulia (183km), Winton (306km) or Windorah (350km). Remember to carry extra fuel for driving within the park. Many outback roads are unsealed and impassable when wet. Even small amounts of rain can make roads impassable so always be prepared and have at least a week’s worth of extra supplies in case of stranding. Check with QPWS Longreach, the RACQ or local council offices for current road conditions before your trip.
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WARNING! This park is remote. You must be self-sufficient and responsible for your own safety. 24
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. . . y o a l t i i t p j y s o H y r n t earm Coun
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with your hosts: John and Genevieve Hammond at the...
Desert
Sands
Motel
12 modern air-conditioned units Breakfast to units Walking distance to all town eateries & facilities Quiet shady surrounds Guest BBQ Free WiFi
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www.desertsandsmotel.com.au
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07 47 et, Boulia Fax: 50 Herbert Stre ond.com gp bi @ el ot m ds Email: desertsan
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3000 Phone: 07 4746 46 3040
ROAD
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HERBERT STREET
Airport Council Depot Powerhouse Windmill Wagon
MULLIGAN STREET
Stonehouse & Marine Reptile Fossil Display
Photo Gallery
Desert Sands Motel
Uniting
Health Care
PITURI STREET
Police QGAP
Post Office
Family Support
RC
MOONAH STREET
TEMPLETON STREET
Shire Hall
Min Min Encounter
HERBERT STREET
Min Min Store
Boulia State School
Australian Hotel/Motel
Boulia
WILLS STREET
ENTAL
RV Dump Point
DIAMANTINA STREET
Corroboree Tree
SELWYN ROAD
SES
Council Office
Library
Fire Station
Tennis Court
Boulia Sports & Aquatic Centre Sports Oval
Racecourse Reserve
Roadhouse
Centrelink
DIAMANTINA DEVELOPMENTAL ROAD
To Cloncurry (341km), Old Police Barracks (approx 25km)
CA
Robinson Park
DEVELOPM
BURKE STREET
DIAMANTINA
To Boulia Golf Club (2km), Waddi Tree Patch (20km), Bedourie (185km), Winton (362km), Birdsville (383km), Sandy Channel (2.5km)
Boulia Caravan Park
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Cemetery
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To Urandangie Mount Isa (303km), Alice Springs (807km)
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LOCHERN NATIONAL PARK
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Welcome to IE
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Urandangie
Urandangie was founded in 1885 by Charlie Webster and James Hutton who started a general store and the town developed from there. It was an important centre for travellers and drovers roaming the Georgina and other stock routes. There were two stores, a hotel, dance hall, Post Office, Police Station and several private residences in the 1920’s, and in the 1930’s and 40’s there were over 400 people living in the area.
Visit:
Pioneer Cemetery… See the Chinese graves Feed the Camels Swim in the Turkey nest Local Art for sale Fish the Georgina River
FR
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Vis i
tor
Experience
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Urandangie Queensland Outback