Experience Charleville, Outback Queensland

OUTBACK QUEENSLAND

charleville

and the murweh shire Your outback adventure starts with us

Uncover our secrets, see the stars and marvel at our incredible landscapes, abundant with native flora and fauna. Here you’ll be able to revel in the very essence of the Outback as you meet the legends and larrikans that call our region home, and discover a history so incredible, it’s beyond your wildest dreams.

We invite you to join us in our towns, each filled with colourful characters and treasures from history to nature. Plus, there is great fishing for those that like to throw in a line. Slow down, re-energise as you enjoy your time discovering our wonderful slice of Outback Queensland.

Adavale Road Mostly unsealed

LandsboroughHighway Mitche l l Hig hway

Charleville TO BOLLON (259km)

WarregoRiver Ward Riv e r Wa r r e og R i rev MBollon-CharlevilleRoad ostlyunsealed 3 GIVE US A COOEE

Mitchell Highway Warrego Highway

Charleville Heart of the Mulga Lands

A chandelier of stars, 3500 secrets, the iconic bilby and a history so rich, it will blow your mind - you’ve made it to Charleville, the hub of South West Queensland.

There’s a lot to love about this outback town, and even more to see and do! Jump right into outback life with a visit to the School of Distance Education - the largest classroom in the world. Meander through the Royal Flying Doctor Visitor Centre and learn about how important these heroes of the sky are to the residents of rural and remote Australia. Enjoy a cuppa and some freshly baked date loaf on your Outback Date Farm visit, take a tour of

the historic Hotel Corones or pull up a stool at what was once the longest bar in the Southern Hemisphere. Fancy a rain dance? Remnants from a rain-making experiment in 1902, the Steiger Vortex Guns stand tall and proud in the award winning Graham Andrews Parklands. Pay a visit to Historic House to check out an original rail ambulance, vintage red bus and lifesize Cobb & Coach replica - did you know that Charleville was once home

to Cobb & Co’s largest and longest running coach making factory?

A visit to Charleville is not complete without exploring the wonders of the outback sky at the Cosmos Centre or trying out your skills as a bombardier and enlisting at the Secret WWII Base. Keep the dream alive and do your part to Save the Bilby when you visit the Charleville Bilby Experience. Don’t forget to catch local legend, Rude Jude, at Judey’s Browse Inn for a yarn and some insider info on all the best spots to throw in a line. But it’s not just the sights that will have you coming back for more, our community is our biggest asset. Genuine and authentic, with a whole lot of heart –see for yourself why so many people ‘just passing through’ fall in love with this little outback town and decide to call it home.

CHARLEVILLE VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE

Charleville Railway Station King Street, Charleville

P (07) 4656 8359

E info@murweh.qld.gov.au

www.experiencecharleville.com.au

Augathella Meat Ant Country

Affectionately known as ‘Meat Ant Country’, this little town with a big heart has everything from serene fishing spots to non-stop action at their annual Easter Weekend.

Packed in pioneer history, Augathella was home and stomping ground to notorious bushrangers, the Kenniff Brothers, and owes its very existence to the bullock teams that camped along the Warrego all those years ago.

Pop into Boadicea Gallery & Cinema to view an exhibition of heritage photographs and watch the 1956 movie ‘Smiley’ (based upon a local identity), take a photo with the giant Meat Ant or wander around town and look at the wonderfully rustic wrought iron sculptures and murals that line the main street. If you’re looking for a dose of fair dinkum outback hospitality, Augathella is the place to be!

Main Street, Augathella

P (07) 4654 5244

www.experiencecharleville.com.au

Morven Home of the Ooline trees

Featuring vintage machinery, a branding board, the rabbit proof gate, and a tin hut built from flattened kerosene tins in the Great Depression, you’ll feel as if you’ve taken a step back in time as you wander down the main street of Morven.

Stop in at the pub for a yarn and discover the story of how a bunch of locals pulled together to rebuild the local watering hole, or take a drive out to Tregole National Park, home of the Ooline trees.

If you’re chasing a spot to sit back and relax, there’s none better than Sadleir’s Waterhole, once a stop over for Cobb & Co Coaches and bullock teams.

Don’t forget to pop into the Morven Visitor Information Centre to find out the best places to snag a fish, boil the billy, or set up camp.

Old fashioned values, real country characters and trees from the Ice Ages – Morven has it all!

Cooladdi Australia ’s smallest town

Cooladdi (meaning black duck) was once a thriving railway town with a population of 270 that supported a butcher, school, police station, post office and boarding house.

Cooladdi, the little town that once was, is a genuine outback relic. Featuring ‘The Foxtrap’, the single grave of a little girl and a train station platform awaiting trains that will never come, its ‘town’ status is a little on the generous side.

In days gone by, Cooladdi (meaning black duck) was a bustling railway town with a population of 270 that supported a butcher, school, police station, post office and boarding house. As you wander over to the old townsite, you’ll see the huge bottle trees where the school once stood, a cairn in memory of Dorothy and Wilfred Brooks OAM, and an old country hall proudly guarded by ‘Slim’s Hut’. Just down the road, Quilberry Creek is the perfect spot to set up camp, throw in a line and try your luck catching some yabbies.

The star of Cooladdi today? The famous Cooladdi Foxtrap - an all-in-one store, pub, and post office. This popular attraction is the perfect spot to stop for cold one. Try the Cooladdi King Burger, let the locals regale you with stories that will have you chuckling for days, and don’t forget to ask about how The Foxtrap got its name.

the great outback sky

The best sky for stargazing

For thousands of years humans have been looking up at the night sky, creating stories and making discoveries to further our understanding of the universe.

COSMOS CENTRE

Embark on an out of this world experience at the Charleville Cosmos Centre. Day or night, the Cosmos Centre will open the door and share with you the mysteries that glow above.

ASTRONOMY BY DAY

Step inside our interactive exhibit where you can see and hold real meteorites, walk through the Cosmos Shuttle, and defend the universe on our original arcade games. Discover what it takes to be an astronaut and test your knowledge of the universe.

SUN VIEWING

See an up-close view of the Sun and get the chance to take photos of solar flares and sunspots. Enjoy this rare opportunity to look through one of the largest hydrogenalpha telescopes in the world available to the public.

BIG SKY OBSERVATORY

Explore the Milky Way Galaxy and beyond as you watch the cosmos come to life. Using a powerful 14” telescope, your guide will transport you thousands of light-years into space where you will see nebulas, clusters, stars and planets in a way that isn’t visible to the naked eye.

PLANETARIUM – OUR ASTRODOME

Blast into outer space as we take you on a journey through space and time in our 15-metre Astrodome theatre. Shows run daily and cater for different ages and interests.

bilbies Australia ’s most loved marsupial

Charleville is home to the largest bilby breeding program in Queensland and where you can see these endangered little marsupials digging their way back from extinction.

Bilbies are believed to have inhabited Australia for over 15 million years and were once found across 70% of Australia’s landmass.

At the Charleville Bilby Experience, you will unearth more about why bilbies are so important to the Australian landscape, how the breeding program is working and watch their antics in our specially designed nocturnal house.

To book call 07 4656 8359 or visit www.experiencecharleville.com.au

Did you know bilbies can sleep on their heads?

Charleville

is home to the largest bilby breeding program in Queensland and where you can see these endangered little marsupials digging their way back from the brink of extinction.

Charleville ’s secret base

During World War II, the USAAF (United States Army Air Force) arrived in Charleville and modified the airport into a crucial, strategic but secretive base. It is said, locals were sworn to secrecy as 3,500 American Airmen and ground crew made Charleville their home from 1942 till 1946.

SECRET WWII BASE AND TAG-A-LONG TOUR

Enlist now to discover Charleville’s biggest secret through either our stateof-the-art interactive exhibit or join our tag-a-long tour to take a step back in time and discover what 3,500 USAAF were doing in Charleville during WWII.

BASE

Experience for yourself what life was like for the United States Army Air Force personnel stationed in Charleville. The base is a self-guided display, including sea voyages, Top Secret information, classified missions, wartime romances and much more.

TOUR

Fall in line as our guide leads your group through an induction of the original base. Discover how the United States American Air Force constructed and managed a top-secret base in Charleville during WWII. On your journey, you will explore 6 unique sites and get up close and personal with one of the most classified pieces of military equipment from WWII.

*Own vehicle required

*Caravans and trailers must be unhitched (parking provided)

Facilities: Pet friendly; Caravan & RV parking; Toilets; Wheelchair access; Air-conditioning; free WIFI; Gift shop

HOTEL CORONES TOUR

Towns of western Queensland have unique and amazing histories that can’t just be read about, they need to be experienced. Join a History & Stories tour of Hotel Corones to discover the incredible story of local entrepreneur and pioneer Harry ‘Poppa’ Corones who made local and Australian history. Enjoy stories of his comical antics and tales of the rich and famous who’ve stayed at the hotel (including royalty), plus gain exclusive access to top floor areas and more!

To book call 0409 860 114 or 07 4656 8359

GRAVE KEEPER

Join the mysterious Grave Keeper as he unlocks the secrets of the outback. Who were the men and women who helped build Charleville? Meet entrepreneurial Greek immigrant Harry Corones, whose visionary dreams resulted in the grand Corones Hotel. And Dr Lou Ariotti, world renowned for his innovative solutions to medical conditions and traumatic injuries. Hear stories from the late 1800s to the present, of life changing hardships leading to untimely deaths, and inspiring accounts of bravery. Gain an understanding into the soul of Charleville from… the Grave Keeper!

OUTBACK DATE FARM

Enjoy a delicious date loaf morning tea while admiring rows of magnificent palm trees. Be inspired by farmer, Mark Hampel, who turned a long-term dream into reality when he established the plantation in 2014. Check out the Outback Oasis wetlands and discover how reclaimed water is used in an innovative irrigation system. Tours run from April to October, with fresh dates and date products available onsite for sampling and purchase.

Cave tours

Experience the natural beauty and geological wonders of the Murweh Shire with a visit to the Caves at ‘Tyrone’. Take a leisurely self-guided tour through the caves, marvel at the spectacular views and take your photo with ‘Butt Rock’.

scenic

minute drive

Charleville, the caves and lookout are the perfect spot for a picnic or to enjoy a spectacular outback sunset.

There are very few buildings in Charleville that can boast a history as long and colourful as the Charleville Historic House Museum. Purpose-built in 1887 as the town’s first Queensland National Bank, it became a private residence in 1942, then a boarding house.

In 1973 the Charleville & District Historical Society purchased it to establish the fascinating museum it is today. Filled to the brim with treasures of yesteryear, some dating back to the 1800s, it retains its original features from the bank such as marble fireplaces and the vault. Outside, the collection continues with an original rail ambulance, steam engine and life-size replica of a Cobb & Co coach.

Location: 87 Alfred St, Charleville | 07 4654 3349 | historichousemuseum@bigpond.com

Opening Hours: Mon to Fri: 9am to 3pm; Sat & Sun: 9am to 2pm. Times of opening vary as this is volunteer-run. A small fee is charged for admission.

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45

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An incredible collection of outback memorabilia, the Morven Historical Museum showcases the footsteps of the early farming pioneers as they journeyed into Western Queensland to find their fortunes living on the land.

Immerse yourself in the stories and relics, discover the beautifully restored Kerosene Tin Hut and marvel at the collection of vintage machinery on display.

Morven Museum

CHARLEVILLE SCHOOL OF DISTANCE EDUCATION TOUR

Imagine going to school in a 420,000sq km classroom and you only get to see your classmates face to face a handful of times each year.

This tour will show you firsthand how education is delivered to our rural and remote students throughout Western Queensland by observing an on-air lesson in progress.

Tours are conducted Monday – Friday at 9.30am during the school term and all proceeds go directly back to our students.

THE ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE

The Royal Flying Doctor Service is a truly iconic and well loved organisation. It provides a lifeline to anyone living, working or travelling in remote areas of Australia and covers a huge area that encompasses rural properties, small isolated communities and everything in between. The RFDS really delivers on its promise of ‘The furthest Corner, the finest Care’.

The RFDS was born from the dream of Dr John Flynn back in 1928 when

he had the vision of bringing life saving health care to remote parts of the country by way of the aeroplane. It was that vision that has manifested into the service that now provides aeromedical retrieval, primary health care, mental health consultation and even dental health in areas that have no other health facilities available.

Attached to the Charleville RFDS base is a visitor centre that is well worth a visit. It contains a wealth of information, photos and interactive displays. The centre is free and donations are welcome. Opening hours are 8.30am to 4.30pm on weekdays and weekends 10am to 4.30pm from April to September.

KEY TO MAP SYMBOLS

CHARLEVILLE BOTANIC RESERVE

In the semi-arid Mulga Lands, an easy 15km drive south of Charleville, the Charleville Botanical Reserve showcases the region’s vegetation. Venture from spinifex heath and mulga forest, through a gidgee swamp, and over a sand ridge to the mixed floodplain with poplar box before travelling alongside the cypress pine communities fringing the Warrego River.

THINGS TO DO:

„ Picnicking (picnic tables are located throughout the reserve)

„ Birdwatching

„ 1.9km Spinifex Walk

„ 20 and 30km 4WD and AWD self-guided drive

ACCESS:

„ 2WD to 1.5km track, after that 4WD for the remainder of the 28.5km self-guided drive

„ Reserve may be closed after rain

Please ask at the Charleville Visitor Information Centre, situated in the Charleville Railway Station, for directions and road conditions.

Camping is not permitted, and pets are only allowed on a leash. Remember to keep to the marked tracks and take your rubbish home. Mobile phone reception is not available in the reserve. Please take drinking water and a hat.

TREGOLE NATIONAL PARK

Home to the rare Ooline tree, this pretty park straddles the boundary between two of the state’s natural regions, the Brigalow Belt and the Mulga Lands.

A 2.5km return interpretative walk weaves through stands of Ooline and mulga. Beautiful black orchids (rarely seen this far west) grow abundantly on tree trunks attracting many insects and butterflies when in bloom.

THINGS TO DO:

„ Picnicking – have lunch at one of the picnic sites or cook on the free gas barbecue or relax with your hamper under a shady tree.

„ Wildlife Spotting – spot brown or white treecreepers busily prising insects from underneath bark. See weebills, warblers, five different species of thornbills amongst many other birds. Caper white butterflies flit between the wild orange bush and you may see a sand goanna looking for its next meal.

„ Walk the Tregole circuit – 2.5km (allow 45 minutes) Class 4 track

LOCATION:

11km south-west of Morven

WARREGO RIVER WALK

Wander along the picturesque Warrego River Walk in Charleville, an easy 1.4km walk each way.

The Warrego River is the northernmost tributary of the Darling River and one of the few rivers where silver perch breed naturally.

Warrego means ‘river of sand’ in the Aboriginal language and the walk was designed by the local indigenous Bidjara people. The pathway known as ‘Wadyanana’ means ‘I’ll be walking around somewhere else when he comes’.

Did you know?

The Warrego is one of the few rivers where silver perch breed naturally.

It is an easy 1.4 km one-way walk starting from Wills Street to Gowrie Crossing.

GRAHAM ANDREWS PARKLANDS

Within this award-winning peaceful pretty park there is plenty to see and do.

Stroll the pathways and read about 18 different species of Outback Trees along the native Outback Timber Walk, feed the ducks, see the rustic sculptures, pause for a moment up high on the

Big Red Chair then view the Steiger Vortex Rainmaking Guns, which were fired under a suitably cloudy sky in the hope of breaking the drought in 1902.

Try your hand at Disc Golf (discs available for hire at the Charleville Visitor Information Centre).

Dawn and dusk are a great time to see and hear the variety of birds that visit or call the parkland home. Along with the ducks, the list of birds is growing and some you are likely to see include galahs, red rump parrots, a variety of finches and wrens along with sulphur-crested cockatoos.

There’s an adventure playground and many amenities including two filtered refrigerated watering stations. Plenty of parking for caravans and camper trailers.

Whether it’s a quick stopover or a day out, Graham Andrews Parklands is always a great place to stop, relax and stretch the legs.

Gone fishin’

In our neck of the woods, we don’t keep our favourite fishing holes a secret – you’ll find a map with all the best places to throw in a line at the Visitor Information Centre. And the best part? You don’t need a licence to fish in our rivers – just grab some bait, your tackle and go. All we ask is that you leave the river as you found it, taking all rubbish with you and destroy any carp that you find.

NATIVE FISH

Golden Perch (Yellowbelly)

Size limit: 30cm

Possession limit: 10

Murray Cod

Minimum size: 60cm

Possession limit: 2

Closed Season: 1 August to 31 October

Eel-Tailed Catfish

Size limit: 35cm

Possession limit: 5

Spangled Perch (Bobby)

No size limit

Possession limit: 20

Silver Perch (Black Bream)

No take species in the Warrego and Paroo Rivers.

Blue Claw Yabby

No size limit

Possession limit: 100 from their natural range.

Females carrying eggs must be released safely back into the water.

NOXIOUS FISH

European Carp

All noxious fish if caught must be killed immediately and not returned to the water. You cannot keep, hatch, rear, sell, consign or place them in any container. Why? Noxious fish compete with native species and gradually reduce their habitat and affect numbers.

FISHING TIPS

For live bait, only use yabbies, shrimps, worms and bobbys. The use of fish and crustaceans out of their natural environment is prohibited. When measuring your catch, it is from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail.

TAGGED FISH

What does it mean if you catch a tagged fish? The Charleville Fishing and Restocking Group is involved in many programs conducted using tags to give scientists a better understanding of fish movement, growth or number decline. If you catch a tagged fish call 1800 077 001 (toll free) or return the tag to the Tagging Coordinator, PO Box 9793, Frenchville QLD 4707.

Keep in mind the date and place of capture, the fork and/ or total length and details if the fish was kept or released. If the tag has ’Keep Frame’ on it, please freeze the fish and contact the coordinator on 1800 077 001 or your local QBFP office.

Charleville Fishing and Restocking Club Inc

charlevillefishing1991@gmail.com

Imagine… a star-studded sky, a drink in your hand, a river bank and the sound of your day’s catch sizzling away over the campfire. Sound perfect?

MADE IN MURWEH

Located in Alfred Street, this wonderful shop showcases the talents of locals, stocking handcrafted products made from the people who reside inside the Murweh Shire. Pop in and say g’day to the talented volunteers and you never know, you may find that perfect memento.

Birdwatching

From rare endemic species to migratory birds, majestic wedge-tailed eagles and skies full of pink galahs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you’re an experienced birder or just getting started, there’s plenty of opportunities for you to observe and enjoy these feathered friends. So grab your binoculars, experience Charleville and discover our incredible avian life.

The Murweh Shire offers a unique opportunity to observe some of Australia’s most iconic birds in their natural habitat.

THE SHED @ THE FARAWAY TREE

Timeless treasures and classic adventures – come and visit a place of enchantment.

The Shed can be found through The Faraway Tree Charleville – this beautiful, 109-year-old workshop is now open to visitors, housing a display of vintage sewing machines, local stories and nostalgic memorabilia.

The building itself is full of charm, having been built by the Fraser Family in 1914, and now operated by its new owner as a handmade boutique, sewing space and children’s store.

Take your time to browse the displays, learn about some characters and enjoy the history.

Entry is free; however you are welcome to ring up a donation in the antique register on your way out.

Open April – September during shop hours, for more information please visit thefarawaytree.com.au.

108 Alfred Street Charleville 0428 104 024 (Michelle farawaytreecharleville@gmail.com

MULGA LANDS ART GALLERY

Located across from Historic House in Charleville’s main street, the Mulga Lands Art Gallery is a bright contemporary art space with curated exhibitions changing regularly. Entry is via the Charleville Library.

OPEN: Monday – Friday 9am to 4pm; Saturday 9am to 12pm. Entry is free.

BOADICEA GALLERY AND CINEMA

Immerse yourself in the colourful history of Augathella at the Boadicea Gallery and Cinema. This cultural hub hosts art exhibitions and displays a permanent photographic exhibition of over 150 heritage photos.

The cinema provides regular screenings of the 1956 Australian classic film ‘Smiley’, based on local identity ‘Didy Creevy’ and full of outback humour, plus a short documentary featuring characters of the time.

natural sciences loop

A fully outbacksealedadventure

Travelling the Natural Sciences Loop is a leisurely drive (suitable for those cruising the outback in a 2WD) where you’ll discover an intriguing itinerary.

DAY 1 - CHARLEVILLE

Welcome to Charleville and the start of your Natural Sciences Loop adventure. What better place to start your journey than uncovering the mysteries of the sky at the Cosmos Centre? By day you can view the Sun, our nearest star through one of the largest hydrogen-alpha telescopes in the world available to the public. On the Big Sky Observatory Night Tour, the roof rolls open as we take you on a journey to faraway galaxies and secrets of the sky.

Don’t forget to plan a visit to the Charleville Bilby Experience, the largest bilby breeding facility in Queensland and discover how you can help these little marsupials dig their way back from the brink of extinction.

DAY 2 - CHARLEVILLE

Start your day with a convoy and uncover the secrets of Charleville –you’ll be amazed at just how many there are! Afterwards, enlist yourself

at the WWII Secret Base for a chance to practise your skills as a bombardier. Make your way to the Outback Date Farm for morning tea and a tour, and then get ready for a rain dance when you visit the Vortex Rainmaker Guns at Graham Andrews Parklands. Trialled in Charleville in September 1902, the six guns were fired at two-minute intervals, and it was hoped that the vibration caused by the discharge of gas in the clouds would cause rain. Unfortunately, the experiment wasn’t successful, but you can visit the Charleville Bureau of Meteorology to learn more about our weather patterns and watch the release of a weather balloon.

DAY 3 - CHARLEVILLE TO CUNNAMULLA

(Approx 200km / 2hr 6min)

As you head south to Cunnamulla and the story of the world’s largest underground river, allow some extra time to see the sights along the way.

The Charleville Botanic Reserve is located 15km south of Charleville and the Angellala Bridge explosion site around 30km. Stop for smoko and wriggle your toes in the sand at the picturesque Wyandra beach. In Cunnamulla, visit the Artesian Time Tunnel at the Cunnamulla Fella Centre to learn about the Great Artesian Basin which covers one fifth of Australia and is the lifeblood of our rural communities. While you’re there, discover the link between the Artesian Basin, Australia’s largest dinosaurs and the Eromanga Inland Sea.

Finish your day with a sunset walk along the 2.5km River walk or alternatively, you can hire a kayak or take a guided kayak tour of this natural wonderland.

DAY 4 - CUNNAMULLA TO THARGOMINDAH

(Approx 197km / 2hr 5min)

68 kilometres further down the road at Eulo, visit the Artesian Mud Springs

where enormous underground pressure from the Great Artesian Basin has forced century old mud through fissures in the ground. Take your photo with the lifesize Diprotodon statue, one of the Giant Megafauna fossils that once roamed the region. Stop in at Yowah to explore its rich boulder opal country and visit the opal galleries dotted around town.

‘Thargo’ as the locals call it, was the first town in Australia, and third in the world, to produce hydro-electric power for street lighting. You can discover the story for yourself courtesy of a self-tour Code Card from the Visitor Information Centre.

DAY 5 - THARGOMINDAH TO EROMANGA

(Approx 280km / 3hr 6min)

Today you’ll travel to Eromanga, reputedly Australia’s furthest town from the sea. It’s located on the edge of the ancient Eromanga Inland Sea. The Eromanga Basin has been explored and developed for petroleum production with the area producing an astonishing 1.5 million barrels of oil each year. Another ancient discovery in Eromanga is dinosaurs. See skeletal remains from one of the largest animals to have walked the earth at the Eromanga

Traveller’s Tips

Natural History Museum. Picture a large plant-eating sauropod dinosaur, 30 metres long and 6.5 metres high and you’re getting the idea. On the guided Australian Dinosaur Giants tour you can touch a 95-million-year-old dinosaur bone, watch fossil preparation in action and see the incredible Eulo megafauna fossils. There’s also a number of scheduled dinosaur and megafauna digs open to visitors at selected times throughout the year.

DAY 6 - EROMANGA TO QUILPIE

(Approx 106km / 1hr 16min)

Travel east along the fully sealed Cooper Developmental Road to Quilpie. On arrival, make your first stop the Visitor Information Centre, Museum and Gallery. Quilpie is home to the exquisite boulder opal. While in town you can try your luck in the free opal fossicking area and see the stunning Opal Altar at St Finbarr’s Church. Quench your thirst and enjoy a great pub meal at the Imperial Hotel. Late this afternoon, drive about 7.4km from Quilpie to take in a spectacular sunset from Baldy Top, a magnificent boulder formation, millions of years old. The relatively easy ten-minute climb to the top will reward

you with breathtaking panoramic views, the perfect sunset photo stop.

DAY 7 - QUILPIE

Uncover the geological mysteries of Hell Hole Gorge National Park with its rugged cliff-lines, deep gorges and rockpools. It’s a 2.5 hour drive from Quilpie, so you’ll need to start early. There are a number of unsealed roads, so a 4WD is essential. Take a break in Adavale along the way and be sure to check road conditions before visiting the National Park. Please note there is no fuel in Adavale.

DAY 8 - QUILPIE TO CHARLEVILLE (Approx 211km / 2hr 30min)

As you make your way east back to Charleville along Australia’s longest road, the Diamantina Development Road, you’ll come across Cooladdi – one of the smallest towns in Australia with its own postcode. Don’t let its ‘town’ status fool you though, all that remains of this once bustling railway hub is the Foxtrap (an all-in-one store, post office, motel and pub), the railway siding and the single grave of a little girl. After your obligatory stop at the Foxtrap, continue on to Charleville where your Natural Sciences Loop adventure comes to an end.

Heritage Trails

Let one of our heritage trails take you on a journey through wide streets, heritage buildings, monuments and the stories of our pioneers.

CHARLEVILLE HERITAGE WALKING TRAIL

Take a stroll through the streets of downtown Charleville, explore the historical sites and discover the stories of the pioneers who built the Murweh Shire.

CHARLEVILLE HERITAGE DRIVING TRAIL

Explore Charleville’s rich history with this self-guided driving tour. This trail weaves its way around the area, highlighting the historical buildings and sites that played a significant part in Charleville’s pioneering history.

Top Tip

Drop into the Charleville Visitor Information Centre to pick up your Heritage Trail Guide.

CHARLEVILLE ACCOMMODATION

HOTELS, MOTELS & LUXURY CABINS

Cattle Camp Motel

149 Alfred St 07 4654 3473

Charleville Motel 148 King St 07 4654 1566

Corones Heritage Hotel 33 Wills St 07 4654 1022

Cosmos Country Motor Inn 27 Sturt St 07 4654 2499

Mulga Country Motor Inn Sturt St 07 4654 3255

The Rocks Motel

74 Wills St 07 4654 2888

Waltzing Matilda Motor Inn Alfred St 07 4654 1720

Warrego Motel/ Luxury Units Wills St 07 4654 1299

HOLIDAY HOMES

Charleville Bush Cottage Lot 1 Frawley St 0428 545 200

Charlevilla Holiday House 12 Hood St 0402 208 647

The Cobb & Co Managers Cottage 61 Watson St 0427 774 147

CARAVAN & CAMPING

Adavale Way Farm Stay

6455 Adavale Rd 07 4654 0119

Bailey Bar Caravan Park 196 King St 07 4654 1744

Charleville Bush Caravan Park Lot 1 Frawley St 0428 545 200

Charleville CMCA

RV Bush Park 77 Adavale Rd P 02 4978 8788

Cobb & Co Caravan Park

1 Ridgeway St 07 4654 1053 or 0412 700 609

Evening Star Tourist Park 818 Adavale Rd 07 4654 2430

Red Lizard Camp Ground Lot 3 Mitchell Highway 0428 928 867 or 0417 047 076

DINE IN & TAKEAWAY

Asian Restaurant 98 Galatea St 07 4654 2205

Blue Gum Café 76 Alfred St 07 4654 1104

Bowl ‘n’ Bistro - Charleville Bowls Club Epacris St 07 4654 1520

BP Charleville 50-52 Wills St 07 4654 2143

Café in the Mulga Qantas Drive 0428 709 557

Cattle Camp Hotel 149 Alfred St 07 4654 3473

Charlotte’s Nest 120 Alfred St 07 4654 3969

Cosmos CaféCosmos Centre

1 Milky Way 07 4654 7771

Flight Deck Café 1 Qantas

AUGATHELLA

620 360

Morven Recreational Grounds End of Bollon Rd I Donation Pick-A-Box Motel 74 Albert St

4654 8448

DINE IN & TAKEAWAY

Morven Hotel - Sadleir’s Waterhole

Hwy

4654 8058

4654 8231

4654 8380

FOOD

4654 8231

GENERAL

002 598

Halfway There Shindig

1ST JULY 2023

Country Music Lovers, get ready to party in Charleville for the biggest Half Way There Shindig of all time!

On July 1st, country music fans from all over Australia will be heading to Charleville for this legendary one-night family-friendly music festival.

30 years ago, Slim Dusty recorded a legendary song about Charleville and to celebrate this milestone, his son David Kirkpatrick and his band will perform this at this year’s festival, along with headliner Robbie Mortimer, and Russell Dewhurst. Entertainment includes a fire drum exhibition, classic car show, street parade and activities for the kids. Don’t miss out – make sure you’re in Charleville on Saturday 1st July 2023!

EVENTS

FEBRUARY

Adrian Vowles Cup, Charleville

MARCH

RFDS Hangar Ball, Charleville

APRIL

Smith Family Cod Classic, Charleville

Augathella Easter Weekend

MAY Charleville Show

JUNE

Junior Fishing Competition, Charleville

JULY

Halfway There Shindig, Charleville

Charleville Quick Shears

AUGUST

Camp Oven Classic, Charleville

Charleville Performing Arts Festival

SEPTEMBER Morven Races

Bilby Festival, Charleville

Charleville’s Creative Lane

OCTOBER

Self Care We Care

Multicultural Festival, Charleville

NOVEMBER

Augathella Hospital

Auxiliary Fete

DECEMBER

Christmas Lights Tour, Charleville