Queensland's Outback Travellers Guide - 2011

Q u een sl a n d’s

outback T r a v e l l e r s ’ G u i d e 2 0 11

Your FREE town to town guide to travelling Queensland's Outback

e Alpha Aramac Augathella Barcaldine Bedourie Betoota Blackall Boulia Birdsville Cameron Corner Camooweal Charleville Cheepie Cloncurry Cooladdi Corfield mulla Dajarra Duchess Emmet Eromanga Eulo Hughenden Hungerford Ilfracombe Isisford Jericho Julia Creek Jundah Kajabbi Kynuna Longreach McKinlay Mid sa Morven Muttaburra Nelia Noccundra Opalton Prairie Quamby Quilpie Richmond Stamford Stonehenge Tambo Thargomindah Toompine Torrens Creek ngi Windorah Winton Wyandra Yaraka Yowah Adavale Alpha Aramac Augathella Barcaldine Bedourie Betoota Blackall Boulia Birdsville Cameron Corner Camoo ille Cheepie Cloncurry Cooladdi Corfield Cunnamulla Dajarra Duchess Emmet Eromanga Eulo Hughenden Hungerford Ilfracombe Isisford Jericho Julia Creek Kajabbi Kynuna Longreach McKinlay Middleton Mount Isa Morven Muttaburra Nelia Noccundra Opalton Prairie Quamby Quilpie Richmond Stamford Stoneh Thargomindah Toompine Torrens Creek Urandangi Windorah Winton Wyandra Yaraka Yowah Adavale Alpha Aramac Augathella Barcaldine Bedourie Betoota Boulia Birdsville Cameron Corner Camooweal Charleville Cheepie Cloncurry Cooladdi Corfield Cunnamulla Dajarra Duchess Emmet Eromanga Eulo Hughende ford Ilfracombe Isisford Jericho Julia Creek Jundah Kajabbi Kynuna Longreach McKinlay Middleton Mount Isa Morven Muttaburra Nelia Noccundra Opalton Pr y Quilpie Richmond Stamford Stonehenge Tambo Thargomindah Toompine Torrens Creek Urandangi Windorah Winton Wyandra Yaraka Yowah Adavale Alph Augathella Barcaldine Bedourie Betoota Blackall Boulia Birdsville Cameron Corner Camooweal Charleville Cheepie Cloncurry Cooladdi Corfield Cunnamulla D s Emmet Eromanga Eulo Hughenden Hungerford Ilfracombe Isisford Jericho Julia Creek Jundah Kajabbi Kynuna Longreach McKinlay Middleton Mount Isa Mo urra Nelia Noccundra Opalton Prairie Quamby Quilpie Richmond Stamford Stonehenge Tambo Thargomindah Toompine Torrens Creek Urandangi Windorah W www.adventureoutback.com.au Barcaldine Bedourie Betoota Blackall Boulia Birdsville Ca a Yaraka Yowah Adavale Alpha Aramac Augathella Camooweal Charleville Cheepie Cloncurry Cooladdi Corfield Cunnamulla Dajarra Duchess Emmet Eromanga Eulo Hughenden Hungerford Ilfracombe Isisford Julia Creek Jundah Kajabbi Kynuna Longreach McKinlay Middleton Mount Isa Morven Muttaburra Nelia Noccundra Opalton Prairie Quamby Quilpie Richmon d Stonehenge Tambo Thargomindah Toompine Torrens Creek Urandangi Windorah Winton Wyandra Yaraka Yowah Adavale Alpha Aramac Augathella Barcald

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THERE’S A NISSAN IN THERE SOMEWHERE.

Australia is a harsh and unforgiving continent. For more than 50 years, Nissan has been building 4WDs capable of conquering its deserts and its mud, its blazing sun and its freezing cold. From the legendary Nissan Patrol to Australia’s most powerful tradie – the Nissan Navara, these are 4WDs that will get you wherever you want to go. And, more importantly, back again. Get a closer look at them at nissan.com.au or your nearest Nissan dealer.

Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

SOUTH WEST................................................14 Adavale...............................................................19 Augathella.........................................................16 Cameron Corner............................................22 Charleville..........................................................16 Cheepie..............................................................19 Cooladdi.............................................................16 Cunnamulla......................................................24 Eromanga..........................................................19 Eulo........................................................................24 Hungerford.......................................................22 Morven................................................................16 Noccundra........................................................22 Quilpie.................................................................19 Thargomindah................................................22 Toompine..........................................................19 Wyandra.............................................................24 Yowah..................................................................24 FAR WEST......................................................26 Bedourie.............................................................28 Betoota................................................................28 Boulia...................................................................31 Birdsville.............................................................28 Jundah.................................................................33 Stonehenge.....................................................33 Urandangie.......................................................31 Windorah...........................................................33

No responsibility is accepted for information contained in advertisements or editorial.

The inclusion or exclusion of any establishment does not indicate any recommendation or otherwise on the part of the Association which, in addition, does not hold itself responsible for any complaints relating to such establishments or businesses. However, we would welcome constructive comments from visitors to the region and these should be addressed to: The Executive Tourism Manager, Outback Queensland Tourism Association, PO Box 506, Longreach Qld 4730.

Some photographs courtesy of PEFC/21-31-80 Tourism Queensland and Peter Lik.

Aramac................................................................39 Alpha....................................................................41 Barcaldine..........................................................39 Blackall.................................................................37 Corfield...............................................................50 Emmet.................................................................49 Ilfracombe.........................................................49 Isisford..................................................................49 Jericho.................................................................39 Longreach.........................................................43 Middleton..........................................................50 Muttaburra........................................................41 Opalton...............................................................50 Tambo..................................................................36 Winton.................................................................50 Yaraka...................................................................49

NORTH WEST.............................. 54 Burke and Wills Junction..........................60 Camooweal......................................................56 Cloncurry...........................................................60 Dajarra.................................................................60 Duchess..............................................................60 Hughenden......................................................66 Julia Creek.........................................................62 Kajabbi................................................................60 Kynuna................................................................62 McKinlay.............................................................62 Mount Isa...........................................................56 Nelia......................................................................62 Prairie....................................................................66 Quamby..............................................................60 Richmond..........................................................64 Stamford.............................................................66 Torrens Creek...................................................66

Accredited Visitor Information Centre

Greyhound Australia

RACQ

Accommodation

Hiking trail

REX Airways

ATM

Lookout

Rural Transaction Centre

Auto gas

Meals

Savannah Guides

Barbeque - Fuel

Medical facilities

Self-guided tours

Camping

National Park office

Shelter shed

Campfires prohibited

No camping

Showers

Canoe

No rubbish disposal

Skytrans

Car camping

Open fireplace

Suitable for caravans

Car hire

Optus 3G

Supermarket

Caravan park

Pharmacy

Toilets

Driver Reviver

Phone

Tourist information

umping facilities for D motorhomes

Picnic tables

Walking tracks

EFTPOS

Post Office

ater on tap W (treat before drinking)

Facilities for disabled

Qantas/QantasLink

3G

Fishing

Queensland Rail

4WD access

Key to Symbols

Outback Queensland Tourism has compiled and produced this publication in the interests of fostering and developing tourism in Queensland. No part of this publication (advertising or editorial) may be reproduced without written permission of the Outback Queensland Tourism Association Inc. Š OQTA 2010.

CENTRAL WEST........................... 34

contents

Travellers’ Tips..................................................05 Getting There..................................................06 Calendar of Events 2011...........................09 Outback Experiences.................................10 National Parks.................................................12 Travel Directory..............................................68 Map.......................................................................74 Visitor Information Centres....................BC

Fuel

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

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E x p l o r e Q u ee n s l a n d ' s O u t b a c k Queensland’s Outback is known for its wide open spaces, friendly faces and wonderful Outback hospitality but there is much more to discover in Queensland’s Outback.

Lawn Hill Gorge, Boodjamulla National Park

From the rich ribbons of the Channel Country floodplains to the rolling Mitchell grass downs and ancient Spinifex deserts – the landscapes of Queensland’s Outback offer an incredible variety of experiences.

There are also hidden pockets of almost tropical rainforest such as those found at Carnarvon Gorge, Porcupine Gorge, and Boodjamulla National Park (Lawn Hill) and rugged escarpments from which to gaze.

Rivers and waterways thread the landscape.

Natural lakes and man-made dams offer tranquility and beauty. All this plus an amazing variety of vegetation and our wonderful native fauna combine to make the natural attractions of Queensland’s Outback second to none.

Learn of the old time characters – the early explorers, drovers and ringers, the men and women who lived and worked in such isolation, the pioneers such as McGinness, Baird, Fysh and McMaster, the Reverend John Flynn, Ernest Henry, John Campbell Miles. Learn of the railways, Cobb & Co.,

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the arrival of road trains and the expansion of air travel.

Discover an ancient culture long established in this land, learn of Australia’s Indigenous history and discover rock art thousands of years old.

Get up close and personal with Australia’s prehistoric past – travel Australia’s Dinosaur Trail and imagine these monsters of old roaming freely. Join an archaeological dig site and unearth your very own fossil remains, or go in search of other treasures.

Fossick for opal and gemstones – rubies, sapphires and semi-precious stones can be unearthed at any number of designated sites.

Free your inner artist and browse the numerous small galleries of Queensland’s Outback showcasing local and regional works. Wander world class museums celebrating Queensland’s songs, its people and legends, cultures past and present, as well as science and natural history. Discover a wealth of information and a quiet cool

Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

Blackall

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escape on the warmest of days.

Accommodation options range from station stays and camping to grand old pub rooms from yesteryear and modern three and four star hotels/motels – options for everyone and every budget. Enjoy the hospitality of Queensland’s Outback in comfort and style!

Queensland’s Outback is a wonderful selfdrive destination, allowing you to get off the beaten track, to stop and take pleasure in all that the Outback has to offer.

Alternatively, there are tour operators, rail, air and bus services in Queensland’s Outback – combine any or all with a rent-a-car and you have all the makings for a fantastic Outback experience. So dust off your boots, don your best hat and make 2011 the year you venture into Queensland’s amazing Outback!

T r a v e l L E RS ’ T i p s Although the region is more accessible than ever, when driving the roads of Queensland’s Outback care must be taken. T he phrase ‘big country’ comes to mind: thousands of kilometres of road stretch across the region, commonsense should dictate your actions and you should be prepared for every situation. T he Travellers’ Tips below have been compiled to assist you in ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey.

Pre-trip planning

Mobile Phone Coverage

Remote Areas

A little bit of preparation goes a long way in the Outback – ensure you have a good map and plan ahead. It’s wise to calculate travel times and distances between stops; even prepare alternative routes, especially when travelling during the Australian summer (Nov – Apr) when rain and storms can impede travel plans.

Longreach, Mount Isa, Charleville and Birdsville have coverage from Telstra and Optus Networks. Outside of these towns only the Telstra Next G network is available, usually within a 20km radius of towns.

There is limited mobile phone coverage in the far South West corner of the region, west of Quilpie to Bedourie. Public phones are available in all towns, and satellite phones are recommended for extended travel in this area.

Always check road and weather conditions before travelling into remote areas. Advise the police or some other responsible person of your intended itinerary and report back on your arrival. Two-way radios or satellite phones are recommended as normal mobile phones do not work in remote areas. Spare fuel should be carried outside the passenger compartment and always gauge your requirements, overladen vehicles invariably get into trouble. If you break down, stay with the vehicle until help arrives.

Be Prepared On major highways fuel stops are rarely more than 200 kilometres apart so it should not be necessary to carry spare fuel.

However, where you do see “no fuel” signs, it means exactly that. Ensure your vehicle is mechanically sound and carry a first aid kit, ample water and spares such as tyres, radiator hoses and fanbelts, together with a good tool-kit. Ensure your spare tyre is at the correct pressure.

Personal Medications Before setting out ensure you have adequate supplies of all personal medications. While medical facilities are available in most towns, it is not always possible to obtain prescriptions for some medications.

Road Conditions Contact the local Visitor Information Centre in the town you are visiting or call the RACQ on 1300 130 595 for current road conditions. Alternatively, visit the Queensland Government Traffic & Travel Information website www.131940.qld.gov.au or call 13 19 40.

Weather Conditions Outback summers are hot but much less humid than on the coast and more bearable. Most facilities and transport are air-conditioned. Storms and heavy rains can occur during summer with minor flooding sometimes causing 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.

A broad-brimmed hat and sunscreen are recommended for all seasons.

Heavy Vehicles / Road Trains Care should be taken when passing and overtaking road trains and heavy vehicles, including caravans. Ensure you have a clear line of sight, allow plenty of room and be prepared for vehicles to move a little from side to side as you overtake. If a road train is approaching to overtake you, move as far to the left as possible and stop if necessary to allow it to overtake safely.

Single Lane Driving When meeting road trains and heavy vehicles on single lane roads, slow right down and move off the road to the left. If it is safe to do so move off the road entirely and stop to avoid any obstacles on the verge.

In wet conditions verges tend to be soft and/or slippery, so you should always keep your right wheels on the bitumen and keep moving slowly to avoid getting bogged.

Animals If you see stock or wild animals near the road, slow down; don’t swerve or your vehicle may roll. Be patient with stock and wary of kangaroos and emus. It pays to be vigilant when driving in the Outback, especially either side of sunrise or sunset when kangaroos tend to be at their most active and the light more difficult.

Station Properties Many roads are gated and cross station properties. 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 to it, close it again after you drive through or, if the gate is open when you arrive, leave it open.

Minimal impact Depending on how you drive, you can be a welcome visitor or someone who causes careless damage to roads and wildlife. Follow these tips for low impact driving: – stay on existing roads and tracks.

– give way to animals. Parks and forests are for their protection.

– if you get stuck, try not to use trees for winching. If you have no choice, use tree protectors.

– wash your vehicle thoroughly before and after trips to prevent the spread of weeds.

Water Crossings Water crossings should not be attempted if you are uncertain of your vehicle’s capabilities. Walk through the crossing first to test the depth and current and try to detect any underwater obstacles by using your feet or a stick. Engage 4x4 low and drive through in second or third gear, keeping the momentum up.

Fires Most roads run through private property or national parks and open fires should never be lit. Use only designated fireplaces.

Litter Help us keep the Outback clean for future visitors by properly disposing of your rubbish.

Information Centres Always use accredited Visitor Information Centres to obtain local and regional information.

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

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G E TTIN G T H E R E Rail Spirit of the Outback This fascinating journey between Brisbane and Longreach offers a unique insight into the history and culture of early Australia, with the captivating onboard commentary. Soak in the social atmosphere as you enjoy hearty Australian fare in the Dining Car, or a relaxing drink in the Lounge Car. From the comfort of your seat or sleeper you’ll wonder at the ever changing landscape, as the train moves from the coast into the heart of the Outback. With its rugged mountains, wide open plains and historic towns this scenic journey will linger in your memory.

On its journey west, Spirit of the Outback passes through the heritage towns of Blackwater, Emerald and Barcaldine before arriving in Longreach, home to the famous Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame. Spirit of the Outback departs Brisbane on Tuesday and Saturday, and Longreach on Monday and Thursday. *A connecting coach service from Longreach to Winton is available, enquire with Traveltrain Holidays.

The Westlander Discover the pioneering spirit of Queensland’s Outback with a journey onboard The Westlander. This 777km scenic journey from Brisbane travels across the Great Dividing Range and through the rich farmlands of the Darling Downs to Charleville, the largest town in south-west Queensland. You’ll enjoy a comfortable journey in your choice of seat or sleeper where you can sit back, unwind and watch the striking scenery pass by. A range of meals and light refreshments including hot and cold takeaway snacks, drinks and confectionery are available from the Club Car, providing a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

An array of Outback experiences await you, including stargazing at the Cosmos Centre, the Royal Flying Doctor Service base and the opal fields of the south-west. Connect to a coach service to explore even more of the Outback with a visit to the nearby towns of Cunnamulla and Quilpie. The Westlander departs Brisbane on Tuesday and Thursday, and Charleville on Wednesday and Friday.

The Inlander Experience the heritage and natural treasures of north Queensland’s rugged yet beautiful inland, onboard The Inlander. This historic journey from the tropical city of Townsville to the mining centre of Mount Isa takes you past Charters Towers and through the Great Dividing Range before delivering you into the heart of Australia. From here you can visit the Outback @ Isa complex, or one of north Queensland’s many natural wonders, such as Lawn Hill National Park. Enjoy a range of meals and light refreshments including hot and cold takeaway snacks, drinks and confectionery available from the Buffet Car, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

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Upon arrival in Mount Isa the adventure continues with a range of attractions including prehistoric exhibits at the Riversleigh Fossil Centre and underground mine tours.

The Inlander departs Townsville on Sunday and Thursday, and Mount Isa on Monday and Friday.

Allow Traveltrain Holidays to plan your next holiday or ultimate rail journey by calling 1800 627 655 or visit www.queenslandrail.com.au

Air Qantas Airlines Qantas operates a daily service between Brisbane and Mount Isa. For bookings and/or more information call 13 13 13 or visit www.qantas.com.au

QantasLink QantasLink operates around 2,000 flights each week to 54 ^ metropolitan and regional destinations across Australia.

When flying with QantasLink you can enjoy a range of benefits available to Qantas passengers that include: n Convenient intrastate, interstate and international Qantas connections n Access to the Qantas worldwide reservations system n Affiliation with the oneworld™ alliance n Qantas Frequent Flyer points* n Access to Qantas Club lounges* n Online checkin via qantas.com n E-ticket availability from most ports to all domestic and selected international ports n Through baggage check for Qantas domestic and international connections * Subject to membership terms and conditions. ^ Includes seasonal services and codeshare services operated by other airlines.

QantasLink’s commitment to Queensland’s Outback is highlighted by its active promotion of tourism and support for a wide range of organisations and events including: n Outback Queensland Tourism Awards n Qantas Founders Outback Museum in Longreach n Spirit of Australia Regional Ambassador clinics n Bilby Festival, Charleville n Ag-Grow Field Days n Winton Outback Festival QantasLink is also a major sponsor of schools, cultural and community events, festivals, conferences and sporting organisations.

For bookings and/or more information call 13 13 13 or visit www.qantas.com.au

Skytrans Skytrans provides scheduled service flights to Cairns, Lockhart River, Aurukun, Coen, Northern Peninsula Area (Bamaga), Pormpuraaw (Edward River), Kowanyama, Normanton, Gununa (Mornington Island), Burketown, Doomadgee, Mount Isa, Boulia,

Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

Bedourie, Birdsville, Windorah, Quilpie, Charleville, Brisbane, Toowoomba, St George, Cunnamulla and Thargomindah.

Skytrans pride themselves on providing professional aviation services to some of the most remote parts of Australia.

For bookings and/or more information call 1300 759 872 or visit www.skytrans.com.au

Rex Airways ‘Our Heart is in the Country’ – Rex has its roots firmly in the bush and country Australia. We are a regular sight in country New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia and now also servicing Queensland.

With decades of experience in servicing the bush Rex operates scheduled flights from Townsville to Mount Isa, Julia Creek, Richmond, and Hughenden and Townsville to Winton and Longreach.

For bookings and/or more information call 13 17 13 or visit www.rex.com.au

Coach Greyhound Australia Greyhound Australia is Australia’s only national bus service, providing comfortable, hassle-free, and affordable coach services to people of all ages and to all corners of Australia. Greyhound Australia travels to over 1100 destinations daily, ensuring that passengers can get off the beaten track and truly experience the beauty our country has to offer.

Greyhound services allow you to take in the best Australia has to offer, and the wide variety of ticketing options allow you to travel at your own pace, hopping on and off as many times as your ticket allows.

To really see Australia, travel Greyhound Australia.

For bookings and/or more information call 1300 473 946 or visit www.greyhound.com.au

Self-Driving Self-drive touring gives you the flexibility and accessibility to see all that Queensland’s Outback has to offer. Not settled on a route yet? Perhaps try one of these: n Matilda and Kidman Highways (Jerilderie to Karumba) n Overlander’s Way (Townsville to Tennant Creek) n Reef to Outback (Bundaberg to Winton) n Dig the Tropic (Yeppoon to Boulia) n Adventure Way (Brisbane to Adelaide) n Outback Highway (Winton to Laverton, WA) n Australian Dinosaurs Trail (Winton, Richmond and Hughenden) n The Dowling Track ( Bourke to Quilpie) For more information on any of these highways please call 1800 247 966.

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

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‘Spirit of the Outback’, Longreach

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Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

C a l e n d a r o f E v e n t s 2 0 11 April Event

Town Phone

aug Event

Town Phone

15 – 17 Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival

Julia Creek (07) 4746 7690

5 – 7 Curry Merry Muster Festival

Cloncurry

0417 604 460

Corfield

(07) 4657 3946

Mount Isa

(07) 4743 2706

16

Tambo Stock Show

Tambo

(07) 4654 6579

6

Corfield Races & Golf Competition

Boulia (07) 4746 3004 22 – 24 Boulia Easter Races & Campdraft 12 – 14 Xstrata Mount Isa Rotary Rodeo

or (07) 4746 1211 19 – 21 Sedan Dip Campdraft, Rodeo & Races 22 – 24 Eromanga Easter Rodeo,

Campdraft & Gymkhana

Eromanga

(07) 4656 4751

22 – 25 Easter in the Outback

Longreach

(07) 4658 4150

25

Augathella Diggers Race Meeting & Rodeo

29 – 2 Tree of Knowledge Festival

Augathella (07) 4654 7771 Barcaldine

0427 512 247

Sedan Dip (07) 4746 7690 (100km north of Julia Creek)

20 – 21 Bronco Branding, Gymkhana & Rodeo

Stonehenge (07) 4658 5857

26 – 28 Longreach Yellowbelly Classic

Longreach (07) 4658 2225

26 – 28 Queensland Endurance Riders Assoc.

State Championships

Jericho

26 – 28 Drovers Camp Festival

Camooweal (07) 4748 2022

(07) 4651 4237

27

Betoota Races

Betoota

1300 794 257

31

International Yabby Races

Windorah

(07) 4656 3063

(TBC)

Boulia Rodeo & Gymkhana

Boulia

(07) 4746 3599

sept Event 2 – 3 Birdsville Races

Town Phone Birdsville

1300 794 257

3

Annual Flower Show

Blackall

(07) 4657 4637

3

PBR Bull Ride

Hughenden

Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival

10

Morven Races

Morven

(07) 4654 7771

MAY Event

Town Phone

Bedourie

1300 794 257

5 – 9 Music in the Mulga

Cunnamulla (07) 4655 4833

10 – 11 Bedourie Races & Outback Ute and

Wagon Muster

Quilpie

(07) 4656 1885

Quilpie

(07) 4656 1188

7 – 28 Harry Redford Cattle Drive

Aramac

(07) 4651 5603

13 – 14 Longreach Show

Longreach

13 – 15 Julia Creek Campdraft

Julia Creek (07) 4746 8892

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Quilpie Diggers Race Club Races

0437 581 782

14

Sport Star Awards

Richmond

(07) 4741 3277

14

Newmarket Races

Charleville

0417 746 554

17– 18 Alpha Show

Alpha

0429 853 418

Isisford

(07) 4658 5312

27 – 19 Blackall Heartland Festival

Blackall

(07) 4657 4129

JUNE Event

Town Phone

3

Hungerford Field Day

Hungerford (07) 4655 4828

3-5

Hughenden Show

Hughenden

20

Isisford Sheep & Wool Show

4

Landsborough Flock Ewe Show

Muttaburra (07) 4658 7194

Tambo Races

Tambo

4

Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame ‘Pink Ride’ Longreach

(07) 4654 6106 0407 718 643

11 – 13 Noccundra Gymkhana

Noccundra (07) 4655 4315

17 – 18 Richmond Field Days

Richmond

0427 413 360

18 – 19 Porcupine Gorge Challenge & Mount Walker Hughenden (07) 4741 2970

Fun Run

JUly Event

Town Phone

1 – 3 Rockhana (Gem & Mineral Festival)

Cloncurry

(07) 4742 1361

8 – 9 Opal Expo

Winton

(07) 4657 1565

14 – 17 Stockman’s Challenge & Campdraft

Cloncurry

15 – 17 Yowah Opal Festival

Yowah

(07) 4655 4153

16 – 17 Boulia Camel Races

Boulia

(07) 4746 3408

Winton

(07) 4741 7185

Isisford

(07) 4658 8914

Winton Camel Races

30 – 31 Southern Cross Television & Isisford

Fishing Competition

Quilpie & District Show & Rodeo

13 – 14 Westech Field Days

Barcaldine

0427 115 681

20 – 24 Outback Festival

Winton

(07) 4657 1558

30 – 2 Jundah Annual Races & Octoberfest

Jundah

(07) 4658 6930

0428 911 306

4

23

11

0427 411 788

0409 422 811

Birdsville Races

oct Event

Town Phone

1

Hungerford Sports Day

Hungerford (07) 4655 4828

8

Springtime Festival

Blackall

(07) 4650 7700

22

October Moon Jazz Festival

Richmond

(07) 4741 8676

28 – 30 Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic

Mount Isa

0431 745 083

nov Event

Town Phone

1

Charleville Cup Festival

Charleville (07) 4654 7771

11 – 12 Cunnamulla Fella Festival

Cunnamulla (07) 4655 8470

dec Event

Town Phone

24

Christmas Eve in the Park

Tambo

(07) 4621 6600

24

Christmas Mardi Gras

Blackall

(07) 4621 6600

*For more information on Outback events visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or contact the Outback Queensland Tourism Association on 1800 247 966.

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

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Outback Experiences

Outback Experiences are a unique and fun way to meet the local characters and enjoy outback hospitality, a great addition to any holiday plans.

THE PEOPLE AND PLACES Queensland’s Outback has a rich history, shaped first by the Indigenous peoples of this land who arrived on the Australian continent some 50,000 years ago. Much later explorers such as Leichhardt, Mitchell, Landsborough, and Burke & Wills followed to open up the inland. Then came the early settlers, taking up great tracts of land and establishing the fledging pastoral industry which still today underpins the Queensland economy. Sheep and cattle numbers grew, resources boomed – first gold, then zinc, copper, aluminium and other minerals.

The onset of coach, rail, and flight opened up the vast inland where the people of the Outback had developed a resilience, humour and strength of character unique to this day.

Innovation was born of necessity; the School of the Air, Qantas Airlines and the Royal Flying Doctor Service shrank the vast distances and made life a little easier for those on the land. Today there are world class museums celebrating the achievements of these early entrepreneurs and settlers, remembering the early pastoralists, drovers, stockmen and women who shaped the Outback and changed a nation. Explore them yourself in Queensland’s Outback!

STATION STAYS Life on the land is a dream for many and the opportunity to live and join in the unique day to day activities of life on the land can leave a lasting impression. A Station Stay offers not just a roof over your head but also the chance to immerse yourself in rural life, watch sheep being shorn, participate in a muster, help draft stock, ride the boundary fence, swim in a dam, throw in a yabbie pot... the activities are endless, and all the while you’re surrounded by the amazing landscapes of rural Australia.

Station Stays offer many accommodation options, from the homestead to shearers’ quarters, guest houses to cabins, powered and unpowered caravan sites to camping areas.

Station Stays offer a new perspective to Outback travel, rare glimpses of a life off the beaten track, unseen from the highways, and they are a great opportunity to make life long friends. Give it a go, experience for yourself life on an Outback station.

OUTBACK EVENTS Outback events, brimming with colour and life, are unique and often quirky. They’ve developed a character all of their own, partly from necessity, partly from the famous Outback larrikin wit.

The world renowned Birdsville Races, the incredible Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Triathlon, the fun and revelry of the Cunnamulla Fella Festival, the great charity and humour of the Angel Flight Outback Trail Blazer, Cloncurry’s Merry Muster, the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame Pink Ride, Winton’s Outback Festival, Mount Isa’s Rotary Rodeo, Camel Races, Camooweal Drovers Festival, Jundah’s Outback Oktoberfest, Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic, and Nardoo Station’s Music in the Mulga – these are just a few of the many events on offer in Queensland’s Outback.

Local races, rodeos, wine tastings and jazz nights, markets, arts and crafts: you will be amazed at the variety and scope of Outback events, each offering a glimpse into community life and a taste of Outback spirit!

Qantas Founders Museum, 747 Wing Walk

10 Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

FOUR WHEEL DRIVING Queensland’s Outback offers fantastic opportunities to get off the beaten track and travel some forgotten areas of this remarkable part of Australia. Some lesstravelled roads are sealed, but many others are perfect for the four wheel drive enthusiast. These roads meander through spectacular Outback scenery and hidden bush towns where there are plenty of colourful characters to meet.

Take the ‘road less travelled’ by getting off the highways and following alternative routes between towns. Or partake in an epic adventure along the renowned Birdsville Track or Plenty Highway.

Follow plotted 4X4 tracks deep into remote Outback national parks to find some of the state’s hidden gems. Or take a quick circuit track near town to see more of the local area. This is just a taste of the 4X4 fun you can have in Queensland’s Outback, so what are you waiting for?

FISHING The rough, dry and rugged landscapes of Queensland’s Outback are familiar to travellers, but people are often surprised to hear of the abundant waterways and great fishing opportunities that are on offer.

In Queensland’s Outback anglers and fishermen will find diverse fishing habitats such as peaceful coolibah-lined billabongs and shallow lakes, as well as permanent waterholes and seasonal creeks. Then there are the rivers of the Lake Eyre Basin Catchment including the Barcoo, Thomson, Diamantina and Georgina Rivers and the famous Cooper Creek.

The waterways of the Outback are home to a variety of wildlife and waterbirds, and of course, there are plenty of fish! Yellowbelly is the likeliest catch, but there’s also sooty grunter, welch grunter, sleepy cod, Murray cod, barramundi (in the north), catfish and redclaw.

Visit Hughenden, Richmond and Winton on Australia’s Dinosaur Trail.

Discover the prehistoric creatures that once roamed the land. Visit one or all of the fascinating museums housing displays of fossils and reconstructed dinosaur skeletons. n Kronosaurus Korner in Richmond features predominantly marine fossils. n Mount Isa’s Riversleigh Fossil Centre interprets the amazing megafauna finds at the World Heritage-listed Riversleigh Fossil Fields, many previously unknown. n The Flinders Discovery Centre in Hughenden houses an international fossil collection plus interpretive displays of the region’s geological history. n At Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways you can visit the site of the world’s bestpreserved dinosaur stampede, or explore the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Centre, Winton – maybe even participate in a dinosaur dig!

There are a number of opal fossicking sites throughout Queensland’s Outback, particularly Opalton, Quilpie and Yowah. If your luck is in, you might find some boulder opal or one of the famous Yowah Nuts. You can use hand tools, picks, shovels and sieves to help you dig or try a walk round specking for colour on top of the ground – the locals call this ‘emu bopping’.

Other gemstones can be found in the North West of Queensland’s Outback.

Cloncurry has a number of general permission fossicking areas where you can find amethystine quartz, amethyst, alluvial gold or maltese crosses. At Chudleigh Park, north of Hughenden, peridots can be found and feldspar ‘moonstone’ can be found at Moonstone Hill.

n Visit Isisford’s Outer Barcoo Interpretive Centre.

Although many miners allow tourists to prospect or ‘speck’ over their dumps, you should remember that unauthorised entry onto anyone else’s mining claim or lease is trespassing and permits are required on many sites. Always gain permission before entering an area held under mining tenure.

n View the collections at Boulia’s Stonehouse Museum, Winton’s Corfield and Fitzmaurice Centre, even take a photo with the Muttaburrasaurus replica in Muttaburra.

Permit information can be obtained from the local Visitor Information Centre or visit the Department of Mines and Energy website www.dme.qld.gov.au/mines/ fossicking.cfm

Visit australiasdinosaurtrail.com for more information on Australia’s Dinosaur Trail.

BIRDWATCHING

OUTBACK PUBS Many city venues try to recreate the quirky character of an Outback pub, but the only way to truly experience the real thing is to head west into Queensland’s Outback!

Be sure to check www.deedi.qld.gov.au for all the current fishing rules and regulations in Queensland – be aware that these vary from state to state.

Stuffed with memorabilia, the history of the local pub often goes hand in hand with that of the town itself – the rise and fall, fires and floods, tall stories, colourful yarns and iconic characters.

DINOSAURS AND FOSSILS

Outback pubs serve as meeting places for townsfolk and station workers – great spots to meet the local characters and immerse yourself in community life. Whether you drop in for a hearty meal and a cold drink or stay a few nights in an historic hotel, an Outback pub is sure to be a travel highlight.

Much of Queensland’s Outback was once part of the ‘Great Inland Sea’. The climate and conditions were ripe for fossil formation so now the region from Mount Isa to Eromanga is a rich source of marine and dinosaur fossils.

OPAL AND GEM FOSSICKING

Queensland’s Outback supports an array of birdlife. Bustards and emus wander the plains, wedge-tailed eagles soar on thermals while around the billabongs corellas and galahs keep up a constant cacophony in the trees, fairy-wrens dart through the undergrowth, and flocks of luminescent green and gold budgerigars descend for a quick drink and to escape the heat. This is indeed a bird lover’s paradise!

The diversity and variety of the Outback’s avifauna waxes and wanes considerably with the seasons, and the occasional oddity or early arrival has a habit of turning up when you least expect it. The onset of summer floods for instance can attract huge numbers of waterbirds such as pelicans, cormorants, herons and various waders to move inland and breed.

Arm yourself with a good birding guide book, strap on some binoculars and head off in the early morning or late afternoon when the birds are most active. Need help getting started? Visit www.birdsaustralia.com.au or ring the local Visitor Information Centre.

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966 11

National Parks

Lake Bindegolly National Park

Venture into Queensland’s Outback and experience the diversity and beauty of the landscapes up close by visiting one of the many national parks within region. T here are more than 20 to choose from – explore breathtaking gorges, ancient Aboriginal rock art, peaceful waterholes, wetlands, desert sand dunes, braided channel country and Mitchell grass plains.

Lawn Hill Nat

ional Park

Head north-west to World Heritage-listed Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park and Riversleigh, where the vestiges of ancient life and the Dreamtime are perfectly preserved in the rock wall paintings of the Waanyi people and the fossilised remains of Oligo-Miocene giants. The tranquil waters of the Lawn Hill Gorge are a marked contrast to the rugged terrain that straddles its banks.

Spend the days canoeing, exploring, fossicking and wildlife watching.

While in the far west visit the sun-drenched sands of the Simpson Desert leading to Poeppel Corner where three state borders meet and gidgee trees and saltbush pepper the wide red plains.

Above average rainfall in 2010 means many regions will see their landscapes transformed. The once parched land offers up unrivalled beauty as dormant species of flora emerge, after an absence of years, and a diversity of animals forage freely in the now lush landscapes.

Carnarvon Gorge, Carnarvon Gorge National Park

fascinating history. Rough access road. High clearance vehicle recommended.

Tregole National Park Spectacular sandstone gorges line the boulder strewn Carnarvon Creek. Lush, winding side gorges contain sparkling creeks and waterfalls.

Lookouts offer sweeping views. Aboriginal rock art adorns the wall of the sandstone overhangs.

Camping permitted only during Queensland school holidays, except Christmas.

This park straddles the boundary between two of the state’s natural regions, the brigalow belt and the mulga lands. It protects a small stand of Ooline (Cadellia Pentastylis), an attractive dry rainforest tree dating back to the Ice Ages.

Welford National Park Majestic river red gums and coolibahs line waterholes along the braided Barcoo River channel winding through dissected ranges framed with mulga and gidgee scrub. Scenic drives through the park lead to Queensland’s most easterly desert sand dunes. Visitors need to be well equipped, self sufficient and experienced in remote area travel.

Simpson Desert National Park The Simpson Desert has more than 1,100 sand dunes and offers one of Queensland’s most challenging 4x4 experiences. This park also protects spinifex grasslands and desert wildlife. The Simpson Desert is closed from 1st December to 15th March each year due to extreme summer temperatures. Visitors need to be well equipped, self sufficient and experienced in remote area travel.

Ka Ka Mundi, Carnarvon National Park This is a true wilderness area with brigalow and softwood scrub on slopes rising to sandstone escarpments. This undeveloped section of the park has no facilities and visitors must be self sufficient.

Salvator Rosa, Carnarvon National Park At the western edge of Central Queensland’s sandstone belt, Salvator Rosa contains deeply eroded and spectacular rock formations, such as Spyglass Peak and the Sentinel. Crystal clear springs flow seasonally into peaceful Louisa Creek and the Nogoa River.

Idalia National Park

Currawinya National Park

Mount Moffat, Carnarvon National Park

Mount Moffat features undulating open woodland with sandstone outcrops and ridges rising to the basalt-topped Great Dividing Range. The park has Aboriginal art sites and a

A string of salt and freshwater wetlands form an important wildlife refuge in the arid zone.

The park is home to more than 195 species of birds, 80 other kinds of animals and 300 species of plants. Vehicles are not allowed in the park.

Currawinya protects mulga vegetation, Aboriginal sites and 19th century pastoral relics. Lakes and waterholes along the Paroo River are very important inland waterbird habitats. Bilbies have been released into the park as part of a major rehabilitation project.

RAMSAR conservation site.

12 Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

This is a large park in the Bulloo River headwaters, with popular box and silverleaved ironbark open woodlands. Dry mulga scrub and rocky escarpments are home to the yellow footed rock wallaby. 4x4 vehicles essential. Visitors must be well prepared and be self sufficient.

Lochern National Park

Diamantina National Park

Brolgas, pelicans, pink cockatoos and other birds flock here to waterholes along the Thomson River. Diverse vegetation in the park includes Mitchell grass plains, open gidgee scrub, mulga scrub and bloodwood woodlands. Visitors need to be self sufficient and experienced in remote area travel.

Vast open plains are broken only by the occasional coolibah-lined channels of meandering rivers and creeks. The park sweeps across highly weathered sandstone ranges, down to the floodplains of the Diamantina River, then across Mitchell grass plains to sandy dunes. Follow the self-guided driving circuit. A 4x4 vehicle is essential.

You must be self sufficient, well prepared and bring plenty of extra fuel. Check road conditions with local police or shire offices before you leave for the park.

Forest Den National Park Mitchell grass plains and gidgee woodlands are protected in this remote park in the Torrens Creek catchment. Semi permanent waterholes provide a refuge for wildlife. This park has no facilities and visitors need to be experienced in remote area travel and self sufficient.

Combo Waterhole Conservation Park This string of semi-permanent coolibah-lined lagoons on the Diamantina River is believed to be the area that inspired Banjo Paterson to write “Waltzing Matilda”. The park is a wildlife refuge, especially in dry times.

Bladensburg National Park Flat-topped mesas, plateaus and residual sandstone ranges are a scenic backdrop to Bladensburg National Park’s vast grassland plains and river flats. The park is home to a wonderful variety of wildlife and a number of historical sites. Visitors need to be experienced in remote area travel and self sufficient.

Lark Quarry Conservation Park Lark Quarry is the world’s only known site of a dinosaur stampede. With over 3,300 fossilised footprints it’s an impressive sight to behold.

Entry to the Trackways is by guided tour only.

While there explore the ‘jump up’ country by taking the short Spinifex Walk to a lookout over the surrounding countryside.

Camooweal Caves National Park Wide expanses of Mitchell grass plains and spinifex woodland are protected in this park on the Barkly Tableland, a peaceful stopover for travellers and ideal for seasonal birdwatching. The caves are not accessible to visitors.

Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park

The towering sandstone cliffs lining Lawn Hill Gorge, the emerald green waters of Lawn Hill Creek and lush vegetation make Boodjamulla a visual splendour. The Waanyi Aboriginal

people have strong cultural ties with the park.

The World Heritage Area of the Riversleigh Fossil Mammal Site located in the southeastern section of the park is one of the most significant fossil mammal deposits in the world.

Blackbreas National Park Take a day trip and drive through savannah woodlands or go birdwatching at Emu Swamp. This park has no facilities.

Porcupine Gorge National Park With its cool, clear, flowing creek, towering cliffs of vibrantly coloured sandstone and comparatively dense vegetation, Porcupine Gorge National Park provides a striking contrast to the sparsely wooded, dry, flat plains which surround it. This impressive canyon reveals strata of sedimentary rocks spanning hundreds of millions of years of geological history.

White Mountains National Park This rugged and remote wilderness park is characterised by white sandstone formations and a complex gorge system. Wildflowers display in the heaths late winter/early spring.

Visitors need to be experienced in remote area travel and self sufficient.

Moorrinya National Park This remote park features flat plains crisscrossed by watercourses. The variety of vegetation includes Mitchell grasslands and open eucalypt, acacia and melaleuca woodlands.

Camping Fees & Permits You will need to obtain a camping permit before camping in national parks. Fees apply. Book your permits on line at www.qld.gov.au/ camping. Alternatively, call the Smart Service call centre on 13 13 04 or visit a park information centre. Self registration on site is available at a limited number of parks.

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Detailed information on Queensland’s national parks and forests is available on the DERM website www.derm.qld.gov.au A colourful, introductory guide to more than 160 parks and forests in Queensland is now available free of charge from park information centres and accredited Visitor Information Centres across Queensland.

A visitor guide to Central West Queensland’s national parks has more detailed park and safety information about the parks around Longreach. Contact QPWS Longreach on (07) 4650 1990 to obtain your copy. Information is also available via the DERM Hotline 1300 130 372.

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visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966 13

South West Extensive rainfall in 2010 has resulted in a most magical transformation of the landscape in the South West of Queensland, bringing to life the landscapes and filling once dry lakes and creek beds. T here’s no better time to see the South West.

Visit the Tregole, Lake Bindegolly or Currawinya National Parks, stretch your legs along a picturesque river walk or explore one of several nature reserves. Vast and unspoiled, the South West is the home of the Natural Sciences and the epitome of the ‘natural’ Outback.

Interesting Facts r of the upial and membe , a nocturnal mars by Bil myinae. d co ere yla ng Th da ily en e to the of the sub-fam ive tat en res • Charleville is hom rep g It’s the only survivin bandicoot family.

Charleville

electric , to produce hydroe third in the world th . d sin an a, Ba ali ian str tes Au m the Great Ar s the first town in g of bore water fro sin es • Thargomindah wa rn ha e th h hting, throug power for street lig ocean in Australia.

Eromanga furthest from the wn to e th be to idered • Eromanga is cons ter ” in the Kunja “long stretch of wa Cunnamulla or le” ds. ho ter wa ig owners of these lan ulla means either “b were the traditional les op pe • The word Cunnam l na igi or e. The Kunja Ab Aboriginal languag

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Campsites & Fishing

Pitch camp lakeside n River alongside the Wilso at Noccundra.

Cosmos Centre, Charleville

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Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

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CHARLEVILLE

Population 3300

You won’t want to miss Charleville where unique and interesting experiences can be found at every turn…

You will be amazed at the beauty of the Outback stars when you look through the powerful telescopes in the Cosmos Observatory. Learn about ancient stargazers, new dwarf planets and hold a real ‘shooting star’ in your hand at Astronomy by Day. Meet the endangered Bilby and volunteers who will relate to you the struggle to ensure the survival of this iconic little Australian.

If it’s history you’re interested in, join a Convoy Tour of the ruins of the WW II Top Secret USA Base, enjoy the ‘Stories & Scones’ tour at historic Hotel Corones. Step back in time when you pass through the doors of Historic House Museum, where fascinating stories of the Outback are revealed through the memorabilia. Local voices and sound effects bring our history and characters alive as you walk or drive the streets of Charleville with an audio CD. How do you break a drought? Visit the famous Vortex Rainmaking Guns, an experiment to break the great drought in 1902. DID THEY WORK? Well, that would be telling... all is revealed on the story boards surrounding the giant ‘guns’.

Visiting from the city? Hear of the experiences of life in the bush first hand on a tour of Thurlby Station, place a bet on a thoroughbred of a different kind at the weekly Bailey Bar Yabby Races, or fly above the wide brown land with Outback Air Services. With more than twenty experiences, one day will not be enough, plan to stay longer, you will be pleased that you did.

Points of Interest

n Cosmos Observatory n Astronomy by Day n Bilby Experience n Thurlby Station Tour n Camp oven dinners n Audio heritage trails n Historic House Museum – “Stories and Scones” tour n Yabby races n Convoy Tour WW II USA Sites

n Weather balloon release n Scenic flight over Charleville & Extended Outback Flights n Steiger Vortex Rainmaking Guns n Graham Andrews Parkland n Outback Native Timber Walk n School of Distance Education n Royal Flying Doctor Visitor Centre n Fishing n 4x4 trails n Aboriginal artwork display

MORVEN

AUGATHELLA

Augathella is famous for its colourful history of bushrangers, bullockies and bullock teams who camped along the Warrego River. Enjoy Augathella’s fascinating story and local characters in the 20-minute “Outback to Augathella” documentary.

Population 250

If you want to soak up the ambience of a small Outback town, then Morven is the place to stop. The town is not one of those little places you just drive through, there is something special you should see. One of Australia’s hidden treasures is on display at Morven Museum. Fifteen years in the making is a collection of hand-crafted miniature buildings replicating the original settlement along with an original Kerosene Tin Hut. Enjoy a break and picnic overlooking Sadliers Waterhole at Hamburg Creek, once a stopover for bullock teams and Cobb & Co. Discover the history of the drovers and stockmen on the 4x4 Stock Route Trail, or ask for the Heritage Trail map to discover Morven’s history, Rabbit Board gate and the branding board.

Looking for something unique? Visit Tregole National Park, home to rare Ooline trees (the tree has rainforest origins and it is unusual to see them in this arid area). Meet the locals and have some fun at the annual Morven Picnic Races in September. n Morven Historical Museum n Kerosene Hut n Branding board n Rabbit Board gate n Miniature building display n Tregole National Park n Sadliers Waterhole n Heritage walks n 4x4 Stock Route Trail n Picnic races

Remember the “Smiley” movies? The story “Smiley” originated in Augathella. One of the murals celebrates this unique outback “kid”.

Enjoy a fair dinkum Outback experience over Easter, when hundreds of people head west for the Annual Augathella Diggers Rodeo & Races. Get dust between your toes and enjoy the fun of an Outback race meeting.

Points of Interest

n “Outback to Augathella” documentary n Wrought iron sculpture n Murals n River walk n Kennif Tree n Heritage walk n 4x4 Stock Route Drive n Diggers Rodeo & Picnic Races

COOLADDI

Population 4

Want to keep the kids entertained? Head to Cooladdi during the September school holidays, when several hundred people gather for the annual Gymkhana, it’s a great Outback event with plenty of action.

Points of Interest

n Fishing at Quilberry Creek n Annual gymkhana n Heritage trail n History display

lding display Morven miniature bui

16 Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

The town’s history is linked with large merino sheep stations. In their heyday sheep holdings ran more than 200,000 sheep and employed 60 to 70 shearers. The wool history is preserved through a series of murals lining the main street and historical manuscripts are available to read.

On your way to the Quilpie opal fields stop a while at Cooladdi, one of Australia’s smallest towns. Call into the Fox Trap for local information, great fishing spots and a little bit of railway history.

Points of Interest

Charleville Visitor Information Centre Qantas Drive, Charleville P: (07) 4654 7771 F: (07) 4654 7772 E: tourism@murweh.qld.gov.au www.murweh.qld.gov.au

Population 580

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CHARLEVILLE – AUGATHELLA – MORVEN – COOLADDI

HAVE YOU EVER? • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Held a falling star in your hand?

Tasted Cockys delight?

Met a Bilby?

Caught a yellow belly?

Seen the craters on the Moon?

Enjoyed a camp oven dinner under the stars?

Helped keep ‘The Doctor’ Flying?

Sat in a classroom that covers 1 million hectares?

Placed a bet on a yabby?

Toasted by a camp fire?

Enjoyed a country Race Meeting?

Discovered what makes arid trees survive?

Had a yarn with a family that is six generations on the same land?

Discovered a perfectly built miniature pioneer town?

Wondered how rainmaking guns work ? (Do they).

Listened to an auto Harp?

Braced the bar at an outback pub?

Find out the story behind the SMILEY movies?

Found out who the first Greek Immigrant was to hold a hotel licence?

Stood at the place where QANTAS first took to the air?

YOU CAN WHEN YOU VISIT Charleville, Augathella, Morven & Cooladdi For your FREE Information Kit Phone: 07 4654 7771 Email: tourism@murweh.qld.gov.au

BE AMAZED…

Visit our observatory!

The Cosmos Centre & Observatory Charleville OUTBACK QUEENSLAND Phone 07 4654 7771 Email: obguides@bigpond.com visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966 17

18 Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

Quilpie

Population 654

A stay in Quilpie can be as busy or as relaxing as you choose. Picnic at beautiful Lake Houdraman, catch a yellowbelly or some yabbies in the river or swim a few lazy laps of the pool. Sit back and enjoy the unique flora and fauna throughout the surrounding countryside.

Those ready for action can spend the day fossicking for opals, climb and explore Baldy Top Lookout or go four wheel driving through the endless landscape that is Australia’s Outback.

Listen for famous names such as Tully, Durack and Costello, who were among the first settlers. Hear about the struggles during the flood and drought and the hardship of isolation from the people who experienced it, on the interactive CD at the Quilpie Museum and Visitors Centre. Access the internet at the library in air-conditioned comfort.

Outback Art in Quilpie has taken off faster than the talented artists can keep up with. Admire the murals and sculptures in the main street.

The Quilpie Gallery at the Visitor Information Centre has a new exhibition every month and showcases local talent as well as artists from all over the country. The newly opened Eagle Gallery is a visual delight exhibiting the paintings of our gifted local artists, unique handmade jewellery and intricate sculptures.

Stop and admire the mural and cattle silhouettes along Brolga Street.

Quilpie is home to “The Jewel of the Outback”, the exquisite boulder opal. Throughout the town, you can purchase souvenirs, jewellery and display pieces made from this beautiful gem. Try your luck at the free opal fossicking area and visit St Finbarr’s Church and admire the stunning opal altar, lectern and font.

Take a stroll along the Bulloo River Walk on the shady banks of the river. Interpretative signs are positioned along the way to inform you about the variety of trees and plants.

The waterways of Quilpie Shire are ideal for birdwatching and fishing.

Annual events include Quilpie Diggers Race Day, Quilpie Street Party, Quilpie & District Show & Rodeo and “Pride of the West” Station Challenge Race Day. Visit the Quilpie Shire website at www.quilpie.qld.gov.au for dates of all events.

Eromanga

Population 80

Eromanga is famous on several counts, firstly for being the furthest town from the ocean in Australia and secondly for producing 1.5 million barrels of oil per year. The latest and most exciting claim to fame is the significant paleontological discoveries of Australia’s largest dinosaurs on a property near Eromanga. Several dinosaurs have been unearthed and the area is being heralded by scientists as the most exciting and prolific dinosaur site in Australia. The bones and other exciting discoveries will be displayed in the Eromanga Natural History Museum which is proposed to be built in the near future.

The Old Royal Hotel, built in 1885, is one of the original buildings and was once a Cobb & Co. staging post. The rustic Outdoor Machinery Museum is complemented by an indoor Living History Centre incorporating an Object Theatre and Internet Café. Adjoining the museum is a park with picnic tables, covered playground and a stunning Mining Memorial, inlaid with opal.

All are welcome to the community BBQ every Saturday night. Annual events include the Easter Eromanga Rodeo, Campdraft and Gymkhana.

Visit the literal “End of the Railway Line”, the old Powerhouse Museum and the Mini Museum at the airport, dedicated to the old woolscour and the unexpected landing of Amy Johnson.

Toompine

Population 2

“The Pub without a Town”. Toompine is situated along the Dowling Track, named after legendary explorer and pastoralist Vincent Dowling. Cobb & Co. once serviced this town with its regular coach schedules. All that remains today from the early pioneering days is the Toompine Hotel (circa 1893). Toompine is a great place to have a beer or two and a yarn with the locals. Great meals are available day and night.

The local “Cemery” is just a kilometre down the road; ask for directions and the story behind the name. Fossick for opal at Duck Creek and Sheep Station Creek Opal Mines.

Fossicking licences are required and can be obtained from the Mining Register, Quilpie Shire Council Visitor Information Centre and at the Toompine Hotel. The animal menagerie is sure to keep the whole family busy.

Toompine offers excellent fishing, yabbying, birdwatching and camping spots on the Bulloo River, not far from the pub.

Annual events include the Easter Sunday Clay Target Shoot, Toompine Quick Shears Championships.

Adavale

Population 25

Once a thriving town and business centre, changing the planned railway from Adavale to what is now Quilpie, was the beginning of the end for this pioneering town’s prosperity.

Graves dating from the early 1800’s are a testament to the harsh lifestyle and daily struggle of the early settlers.

A Mini Museum in the old butcher house displays local relics from over a century ago.

Find great spots along the river for fishing, yabbying, birdwatching and camping.

Annual events include the Campdraft, Bull Bonanza and Gymkhana.

Cheepie

Population 2

This tiny town was first surveyed in 1914 and at its peak Cheepie had a police station, blacksmith, railway station, tent boarding houses, butcher shop and two organic vegetable gardens.

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Quilpie Visitor Information Centre 51 Brolga Street, Quilpie P: (07) 4656 0540 F: (07) 4656 1441 E: tourism@quilpie.qld.gov.au www.quilpie.qld.gov.au

ie

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966 19

20 Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

Thargomindah

Population 230

Thargomindah is situated along the Adventure Way, 1,000 kilometres west of Brisbane. The road is sealed to Thargomindah, with only a 45 kilometre stretch remaining to be sealed to the historic Burke & Wills “Dig Tree” on Cooper Creek at Nappa Merrie Station. It is the ideal touring route to or from South Australia via the famous Strzelecki Track and the Flinders Ranges.

Gazetted in 1874, shortly after Vincent James Dowling settled “Thargomindah Station” (1864), the town takes its name from an Aboriginal word meaning “cloud of dust”’.

Today, Thargomindah is a modern country town providing the facilities and services expected by visitors, including: n Caravan park and camping ground, with cabins, a bunkhouse, and camp kitchen n Motel and licensed restaurant n Hotel/Motel accommodation n Take-away meals (roadhouse and hotel) n Service station, providing fuel, RACQ service n Toyota dealership n A general store selling hardware n Swimming pool, and a Community Centre including gym, squash court and tennis courts n Outpatients Centre – RFDS n Police Station, and QGAP office n Post Office and gift shop – SkyTrans Agent n Airport with a 1,460 metre sealed runway, PAL, refuelling facilities (JETA 1 and AVGAS) with free transport to town.

Thargomindah is perfectly positioned for day tripping. You can visit the iconic Burke & Wills “Dig Tree” at Cooper Creek, or spend a day at the historic Noccundra Hotel on the Wilson River and enjoy a meal, a drink, and a yarn with the locals. Visit Cameron Corner, Hungerford or one of the nearby national parks – enjoy the walking trails, nature activities, and birdwatching.

Points of Interest

n Burke & Wills “Dig Tree” on Cooper Creek n Hydro Power Plant Display – free tours n Hydro Walk and CONDUIT Art Work n Historic Thargomindah Hospital n Leahy House, Old Printery, Post Office n Lake Bindegolly National Park and walking trails

Thargomindah Visitor Information Centre Cnr McGregor & Eccles Street, Thargomindah P: (07) 4655 3399 F: (07) 4655 3374 E: thargo.info@bigpond.com www.thargotourism.com.au

n Bulloo River Walking Trail, and Heritage Trail n Bulloo River – fish for yellowbelly/yabbies n Stay on a cattle station

Hungerford

Population 10

Hungerford is located near the Paroo River on the Queensland/New South Wales border, and still has a Border Gate which doubles as the Wild Dog/Dingo Barrier Fence. The town gets its name from Irish pioneer pastoralist Thomas Hungerford who settled the area. The Royal Mail Hotel is still in operation today, and is the focal point of the town. It was established in 1873, and from 1875 was a staging post for Cobb and Co. coaches. Accommodation is available at the hotel, and the town also has a caravan park and a sealed airstrip. Hungerford holds an Annual Sports Day in October, which features a horse and motorbike gymkhana, and a bull ride. The Biennial Field Day is scheduled for 3 June 2011.

Points of Interest

n Historic Royal Mail Hotel n Paroo River – fish for yellowbelly or yabbies n Currawinya National Park – home to abundant birdlife n Wild Dog/Dingo Barrier Fence

Noccundra

n Noccundra Hotel n Hume Memorial n Old cemetery n Noccundra Waterhole n Wilson River – camping, fishing and birdwatching

Cameron Corner

Population 4

Cameron Corner is where the states of Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia meet. The Corner Store is in Queensland, and receives its supplies from New South Wales, and telephone services from South Australia.

The area was originally surveyed by John Cameron in 1882-1883. A new Survey Marker was installed in 1969. The Interpretive Centre contains information on the world’s longest fence – the Wild Dog/Dingo Barrier Fence.

Licensed accommodation, camping, fuel, meals, telephone services, and souvenirs are available at “The Corner”, together with friendly local service.

Cameron Corner also boasts an unsealed airstrip for visitors who prefer to fly in.

Points of Interest

n Cameron Corner Post – seasonal wildflowers

Population 4

The historic Noccundra Hotel is still in operation today, and is famous for its hospitality, cold beer, food, and friendly locals. It was established in 1882, and is all that remains of the town of Noccundra.

The hotel is a popular rest stop or overnight stay for visitors driving to the “Dig Tree”, Innamincka, Thargomindah, Cameron Corner, and all points in between.

Free camping is available adjacent to the Noccundra Waterhole on the Wilson River – just opposite the hotel. A monument to the ill-fated Hume expedition is located in the hotel grounds. Hume died of thirst just west of the present town, while searching for survivors of the lost Leichhardt expedition.

Noccundra Hotel has an unsealed airstrip directly behind it, and many visitors fly in, park their planes out the front of the pub, and enjoy a drink and a meal, then fly out again. Noccundra holds a campdraft, rodeo, horse and motorbike gymkhana, and bull ride every year – date TBA. The Noccundra Waterhole is a great fishing spot, and an ideal camping area.

22 Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

Points of Interest

Leahy Ho

Noccundra

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Hotel

Bore Drain, Thargomin

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Sunset, Lake Bindegolly

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966 23

CUNNAMULLA

Population 1300

Cunnamulla is located at the crossroads of the Matilda Highway and Adventure Way. This is a place where bullock teams once passed through, shearers spilled from bar windows and yarns spread like bushfires around the district that the catch was really ‘this big’. Cunnamulla grew on the banks of the Warrego River. Prior to European occupation, since the Dreamtime, this land has been home to the Kunja Aboriginal tribe. Today it is also shared by members of the Kooma, Mardigan, Budjiti, Kullilli and neighbouring tribes.

From claypan flats and mulga-lined horizons this country has seen its share of drought, fire and floods and has played home to a number of pioneering pastoralists including James ‘Hungry’ Tyson. Tyson staked his claim and once owned and operated one of the largest pastoral holdings which housed the largest shearing shed in the southern hemisphere, boasting 101 stands. Where remains lie of this era, the yarns have been spun of Tyson’s drive and determination which crowned him Australia’s first self-made millionaire.

Slim Dusty often wandered the streets of Cunnamulla and famously put to song the words of “The Cunnamulla Fella” written by Stan Coster, which has been immortalised forever in a larger than life statue located in the main street.

The history of the town can be found at the local Museum, part of the Cunnamulla Fella Centre. Travel back in time 100 million years in the Artesian Time Tunnel and learn how life was sustained with the discovery of artesian water. The modern Art Gallery will tempt you with local and touring exhibitions to admire and purchase.

Take time to smell the roses while you explore the streets and local merchants reminiscent of a bygone era in this little western town. Drive to the Allan Tannock Weir for a quiet moment and relax on the Warrego River. Throw in a line or sign up for a kayaking tour of the river, which can be booked in town.

Explore the sand hills or take the Warrego River Walk and capture the setting sun on camera. Grab a hearty meal at one of our local pubs and meet some of the characters that call Cunnamulla and the Paroo home.

Meet the locals at one of our many events including the annual Noorama Picnic Races 9th April; Music in the Mulga Country Music Festival at Nardoo from 15th-19th May; Cunnamulla Agricultural Show on 21st May; or the annual Cunnamulla Fella Festival 11th-12th November 2011.

Points of Interest

n Cunnamulla Fella Centre, incorporating the Artesian Time Tunnel, Museum and Cultural Theatre, Art Gallery and Statue n Cunnamulla Heritage Trail n Warrego River Walk n Allan Tannock Weir n The Robber’s Tree n Bowra Sanctuary for birdwatchers, just 16km from town n Station Stays including Nardoo, Aldville and Charlotte Plains n Warrego River recreational activities including fishing, kayaking and cruise

EULO

Population 108

YOWAH

Population 142

Relax a while in Yowah. Fossick for your own beautiful matrix colour or the unique Yowah Nut Opal. Marvel at the 180° views and scenic sunsets at “The Bluff’. Take a birdwatching tour or test your skills on the 9-hole golf course with sand greens and earth fairways. Stroll the streets and meet the owners of unique opal and craft galleries, where you may purchase opal and have your favorite piece set. Grab a coffee at the RTC Cafe, experience an open air bore bath or share stories around the campfire at a community barbeque.

Points of Interest

n Opal fossicking area n The Bluff n Opal, art and craft shops n Birdwatching n Community fireside barbeques

WYANDRA

Population 116

Eulo, a short 65km drive west of Cunnamulla, is home of the infamous Eulo Queen. Call into the pub of the same name and learn of her love affair with opals. Take advantage of the 4WD tracks along the Billabong or Nature Trail or visit Currawinya National Park. Pamper yourself and take a luxurious mud bath at the Palm Grove Date Farm and purchase local produce including honey, figs and date wine.

Grab a coffee at the Eulo General Store, and visit Paroo Patch and the Bilby Burrow Art Gallery for a local souvenir.

This small township evolved as a railway settlement halfway between Cunnamulla and Charleville. It is growing in popularity for increasing numbers of Vietnam Veterans returning to the WWI memorial site for the annual Anzac Day Memorial March. Throw a line in at the favourite fishing hole known as ‘The Beach’ or find yourself at Kennedy’s Camp 18. Visit the Gladstone Hotel or grab a bite at the Post Office Café which also offers an outdoor cinema experience.

Points of Interest

Points of Interest

n Paroo River n Palm Grove Date Farm and therapeutic mud baths n Air raid shelter n Artesian Mud Springs (13km west of Eulo) n Billabong and Granite Nature Trail Drives n Currawinya National Park

Tim Artesian

Cunnamulla fella centre 2 Jane Street, Cunnamulla P: (07) 4655 8470 F: (07) 4655 1120 E: cunnamullainfo@paroo.qld.gov.au www.paroo.qld.gov.au

24 Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

e Tunne

l, Cunna

W y an d

ra Post

n Relaxing and fishing at The Beach n Kennedy’s Camp 18 historical site n Post Office Café and outdoor cinema

mulla

Office

Café The Cunnam

ulla Fella

CHARLOTTE PLAINS OUTBACK MAGIC CUNNAMULLA

Club Hotel, Cunnamulla

NArdoo StAtioN CuNNAmuLLA

P: (07) 4655 4833

Experience life on a working sheep & cattle property. right on the matilda Highway.

■ double & twin share a/c rooms ■ Powered and unpowered sites ■ Camp kitchen ■ Licensed premises ■ Artesian spas ■ Property tours & much more...

P: (07) 4655 4923 F: (07) 4655 4114 E: charlotteplains@harboursat.com.au www.charlotteplains.com.au Airstrip: Length 940m S28o 04’ E146o 11’

Airstrip: Lat South 27 48.91 Long East 145 52.46 P: (07) 4655 4833 F: (07) 4655 4835 www.nardoo.com.au

ExPERIENCE A REAL OUTBACK FARM-STAy, ON 27,000 HECTARES. (half the size of Singapore). Soak in nature’s hot mineral spa bath from deep below the earth’s surface. Wonder at the history, vastness, sheep, cattle, emus, roos, birdlife and sunrises. A variety of accommodation and camping is available.

Don’t forget the property tours of the shearing shed, station cemetery and home of memorabilia. Photograph the spectacular wildflowers from approx.

September. Dine under a galaxy of stars by the open campfire. Dream, and enjoy real outback magic.

Cunnamulla Crossroads

n Find yourself in Cunnamulla, Eulo, Wyandra and the Opal town of Yowah n Experience the Artesian Time Tunnel which will take you back in time 100 million years n Visit the Cunnamulla Fella Centre, Art Gallery & Museum Heritage Exhibition n Explore natural and cultural heritage trails or book a guided tour n Enquire about unique camping experiences

For your FREE travel pack...

Cunnamulla Fella Centre, Jane St, Cunnamulla QLD 4490 Phone: (07) 4655 8470 Fax: (07) 4655 1120 Email: cunnamullainfo@paroo.qld.gov.au Web: www.paroo.info Paroo Shire - Experience the bigger things in life in our little western towns

Adventure Wa y BRISBA

N E T O A D E L A I D.Eu w . o w . d e ture w a

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966 25

far West T he Far West is one of the most spectacular regions through which you will pass, and, following what has been one of the wettest years on record, it will be a sight to behold in 2011. Rolling red sand dunes reach into the clear blue skies extending west across the region and into the Simpson Desert. T he Diamantina and Georgina Rivers course through the land, channelling seasonal floodwaters towards the incredible Lake Eyre Basin. T his is one of the most isolated and challenging environments you will encounter.

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Big Red, Simpson Desert National Park

26

Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

27

Birdsville

Population 120

Diamantina Discovery The Diamantina region is rich in natural wonders, cultural heritage and pastoral history, so however you travel, you will soon appreciate the hardships that confronted the early pioneers and settlers. The Diamantina covers more than 94,690 square kilometres, yet is home to only 11 stations and 300 residents. The desert and the channel country combined with the teeming flora and fauna, make up one of the world’s most fragile and unique desert ecosystems.

Australia’s “Must Visit” Town Always noted for its wild country and isolation, Birdsville offers today’s traveller a modern community with a sporting complex, gymnasium, two galleries, a bakery, air services, a motel, hotel, caravan park and cabins, coffee shops and restaurants, a general store, post office, medical clinic, fuel and auto services and a police station.

Two of Australia’s most-loved national parks are situated in the Diamantina, namely Simpson Desert National Park and Diamantina National Park – with the latter recently named one of Australia’s top ten national parks by the World Wide Fund for Nature.

Points of Interest

Attractions in and around Birdsville include the Simpson Desert; Big Red – the tallest of the sand dunes of the Simpson; Poeppel Corner; Birdsville Hotel; Australian Inland Mission Hospital; Pelican Point; Diamantina Crossing; Jardine’s Waterhole (fishing); Burke & Wills campsite and tree. A walking track along the billabong is accessible from the caravan park and the Wirrarri Visitor Centre. A visit to the Birdsville Working Museum is a must. n The Bilby Way – The 187 kilometre journey between Birdsville and Bedourie is a magnificent experience. See the Waddi trees, a unique and ancient example of desert flora. Travel through the area known as Moonie’s Grave. A patrolman on the dingo fence, Moonie left on one of his recreational sprees at the Birdsville Hotel in 1895 with two cases of whiskey on his packhorse. Six weeks later his body was found about 50 metres from the track surrounded by bottles. n Visit Carcoory Ruins, one of the first properties purchased by Kidman in 1899 and now listed by the National Trust. A detour takes you past Lake Machattie. When full, it is the largest pelican breeding area in Australia. Cuttaburra Crossing is an amazing wetland with bird hides to view the prolific birdlife. Glengyle Station, another Kidman Station, is situated on Eyre Creek. n Toko Channel is a major kangaroo feeding area. Take a detour to Griffiths Tank Corner which is the approximate crossing point of the Burke & Wills expedition (140° E). Kings Creek Crossing was a favourite overnight stop for Afghan cameleers. An Afghan who died in this area is buried near the campsite, his grave facing Mecca. Full trip notes available from the Bedourie and Birdsville Visitor Information Centres.

WIRRARRI Visitor Information Centre Billabong Boulevard, Birdsville P: 1300 794 257 F: (07) 4656 3302 E: info@diamantina.qld.gov.au www.diamantina.qld.gov.au

The Diamantina has three of the oldest hotels in outback Queensland – the iconic Birdsville Hotel, the Betoota Hotel (now closed) and the Bedourie (Royal) Hotel.

For the best weather, visit between March and October. n Simpson Desert Racing Carnival – “The dust never settles.” Betoota Races are held the last Saturday of August, and the famous Birdsville Races held the first Friday and Saturday of September, followed by the Bedourie Racing Carnival on the second Saturday of September.

Bedourie

Population 142

Oasis in the Desert Bedourie is the administration centre of the Diamantina Shire. Covering 94,690 square kilometres, it is the second largest shire in Queensland and is twice the size of Denmark.

Origin

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Ghost Town Alive!

The Betoota Hotel stands in solitude amidst a vast gibber plain. Now deserted, Betoota was once a busy hotel serving the pastoralists and drovers moving their mobs of cattle through customs and onto the markets of South Australia. Twice a year the town bounces back to life for the Betoota Gymkhana in June and the Betoota Racing Carnival on the last Saturday in August.

Excellent town facilities include motels, a hotel with meals, cabins, caravan parks, a restaurant and tavern, a general store, post office, fuel and auto services, a police station and medical clinic.

Points of Interest

n Bedourie Hotel – Formerly the “Royal”, this hotel was built in the 1880s of mud bricks and, except for the roof, the building has been largely untouched and has traded continuously ever since. n Other attractions in town include the magnificent hot artesian spa and pool; the heritage-listed Mud Hut; community hall and indoor sport centre; cemetery and Outback golf course. n Attractions near Bedourie include Cuttaburra Crossing, a renowned wetland with prolific birdlife; Carcoory Ruins listed by the National Trust; Lake Machattie and Diamantina National Park.

Bedourie Camel Races on 9th July 2011.

28 Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

Birdsville Ra

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ces

Crossing,

Birdsville

Birdsville - BedOUrie - BiG red ANd BeYONd…

Visit Our Remote Outback Over 120,000 did last year!

BedOUrie cAmel rAces, 09 JUlY 2011 BeTOOTA rAces, 27 AUGUsT 2011

Birdsville rAces, 02 & 03 sepTemBer 2011 BedOUrie rAces / OUTBAck UTe & WAGON mUsTer, 10 & 11 sepTemBer 2011

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Carcoory Ruins Iconic Landscapes Drive the Birdsville Track Drive to the Edge… Big Red Hot Therapeutic Artesian Spa Magnificent Cuttaburra Crossing

Diamantina National Park named in the ‘top ten’ National Parks in Australia Simpson Desert National Park

The prisTiNe eNvirONmeNT Wildlife, the wildflower splendour, rivers, sand dunes, fishing, billabongs, waterholes and scenery

excelleNT FAciliTies Historic Bedourie and Birdsville hotels, cafés, restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries, motels, cabins, caravan parks, fuel & auto services, magnificent & pristine bush camping.

ABUNdANce OF WildliFe Call now for a copy of the ‘Visitors Guide’, ‘Remote Desert Travel’ and ‘Bird Watchers Guide’.

Diamantina Visitor Centres, Bedourie and Birdsville

1300 794 257 visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966 29 www.diamantina.qld.gov.au

30 Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

Boulia

Population 300

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 around 1912, when a stockman had one of the first experiences with the Min Min Light:

Have

“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.

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 stationhand had seen 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.

Points of Interest

n To preserve the history and myths surrounding the Min Min Light, the Boulia Shire Council created the Min Min Encounter Complex. Be part of a 45-minute show introducing you to characters like Gunna and Bluey who have seen the light.

Join Trish McGreil and her husband Ian on the porch of their station house and hear their stories about the lights and the possible explanations. But remember this – you don’t go looking for the Min Min, the Min Min goes looking for you! n More than a hundred million years ago Boulia lay on the western edge of a vast inland sea while Hughenden and Richmond were close to the eastern shore. This was home to the giant land-based Titanosaur, the armoured Minmi and the long-necked Plesiosaur, the latter creature looking very much like the Loch Ness monster. Go and see Dinosaur Dick at the Stonehouse Museum and he’ll show you the most complete Plesiosaur fossil yet found in Australia.

C am e

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en the

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light?

year

n The museum also boasts an array of historical artifacts from early settlers, including machinery, saddlery and hospital instruments. n A state of the art Sports and Aquatic Centre is right at your fingertips when you come to Boulia. The $4 million complex has a 25 metre pool, splash pool, a multi-purpose court, gymnasium, tennis courts and two squash courts. n While in the mood for combining exercise and socialising, don’t forget to pack your golf clubs or hire some to play on Boulia’s 18-hole sand green course and meet the locals in the clubhouse. n Yellowbelly and redclaw can be found at Parapituri Waterhole, the Police Barracks Waterhole and also in the Burke River. n Boulia is the gateway to the Diamantina National Park, home to abundant birdlife including the rain bird, black-faced cuckoo, lorikeets, brolgas and plain turkey/bustards. n Each year the town celebrates Easter Outback-style with races and a campdraft, guaranteed to be an action-packed weekend from cowboys on bucking bulls to jockeys pacing their steeds to the finish post! Come and celebrate thirteen years of camel racing in Boulia at the Boulia Camel Races. This event is held religiously on the third weekend of July each year. Everyone flocks to the rodeo grounds to watch the “Ships of the Desert” race (hopefully the right way) around the track. Free camping and use of all facilities is included in the entry fee.

Urandangie

Population 40

While you are in the area visit Urandangie, a unique town near the Northern Territory border. The township was founded in 1885 with a humble general store. Over the years the tiny town grew, and by the 1920s there were two stores, a hotel, dance hall, post office, police station and several private residences. It was an important centre for travellers and drovers on the Georgina and other stock routes.

The Dangi Pub offers hotel-style accommodation and meals (by arrangement only) and the camping grounds are free of charge. Good fishing and birdwatching spots can be found along the Georgina River.

Points of Interest n The Dangi Pub

min min encounter 25 Herbert Street, Boulia P: (07) 4746 3386 F: (07) 4746 3387 E: tourism@boulia.qld.gov.au www.boulia.qld.gov.au

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966 31

32 Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

WINDORAH

Population 80

Windorah is an Aboriginal word meaning “big fish” and there are still big yellowbelly cruising the depths of Cooper’s Creek near Windorah. The term Channel Country refers to the intricate network of braided channels and waterholes that spread up to 80km across the landscape during flooding, producing what is said to be the best cattle fattening pasture in the world. For most of the time the water is confined to deep, permanent waterholes, perfect spots for camping, fishing and relaxation.

Points of Interest

n Cooper’s Creek – Camp under majestic river red gums lining the waterhole, throw a line in and sit back and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the bush, or a yarn around the campfire. n Red Sandhills – Watch the sunset from the crest of a magnificent red sand dune while sipping a glass of your favourite wine, then take in the panorama of the starlit sky. n Whitula Gate Museum – Wander through the restored 1900’s slab hut which was built by the Rabbit Board as a boundary hut on Whitula Creek, west of town. n 12km Nature Drive – Wind through a diverse range of landscapes between Windorah and Cooper’s Creek, with 45 plants identified and signposted along the way. n The J.C. Ruins – Imagine what life was like in the township of Canterbury while you explore the ruins of the J.C. Hotel and cemetery, 80km west of Windorah. n Information Centre – Drop in for a Driver Reviver cuppa, browse the literature and displays, and pick up all the brochures and maps you’ll need for your travels. Keep in touch while you’re away with the email / internet service.

n Solar Farm – On the edge of town five sun mirrored dishes 13.7m across provide daytime electricity to the town, a first for Queensland. n Windorah Caravan Park – A central gathering point for the travelling community.

JUNDAH

Population 90

Jundah, situated on the banks of the Thomson River, is the administration centre for the Barcoo Shire. Within walking distance the Thomson River provides a scenic fishing and recreational area with panoramic river views and drives. The tranquil lifestyle offers visitors a place to relax and experience true Outback hospitality.

Points of Interest

n Welford National Park – 45km south-south east of Jundah. A national park since 1992, Welford covers 124,000 hectares of nature’s diverse landscapes. n Thomson River – Discover and explore the Thomson at your leisure, there are a variety of recreational activities available including fishing, yabbying, kayaking, birdwatching or just simply relaxing. n The Native Well – Located 32km north of Jundah, the Native Well was a valuable water source for Indigenous people. n Historical Museum – A window into the early pioneering times of the district. n Site of Magee’s Shanty – 90km east of Jundah, this is believed to be the site of the shanty immortalised in Banjo Paterson’s poem “A Bush Christening”, not far from the ruins of the Cobb & Co. Pub and the lonely grave of goldminer Richard Magoffin who perished in 1885.

n Barcoo Shire Memorial Park – A green oasis if you’re wishing to take a break. n Settler’s Nature Drive – Takes you on a flora tour from Jundah along the Thomson River and back to Jundah with the different species of plants signposted. n Archer Bros Pioneer Pathway – Take a leisurely walk around the outskirts of town along the path stopping to read the relevant information on the welcome signs at the entrances to town.

STONEHENGE

Population 25

Stonehenge may not resemble its namesake in the United Kingdom, nevertheless this Outback Queensland town is somewhat of a sentinel. It is the Defence Department’s site for the Over the Horizon radar initiative and, though a long way from the ocean, this system actually guards our coastline. Stonehenge is ideally situated for birdwatching enthusiasts with the Thomson River just 1km from town. Photograph the colourful profusion of galahs and cockatoos as well as brolgas, emus and wild budgies.

Points of Interest

n John Egan Pioneer Track – An 8km fourwheel-drive track from town features unusual rock formations, natural springs and tranquillity. n Rock Holes – Less than 4km from town is an unexpected series of magnificent rockholes shaded by ghostly white gum trees, the perfect place to cool off and enjoy the isolation. n Swanvale Lookout – Situated half way between Stonehenge and Jundah. At the top of the “jump up”, a rest area offers scenic views and a great place to enjoy the sun setting into the western horizon. n Stone Address Book – Put the name of your town among the many others emblazoned by travellers. Travel along the Jundah to Stonehenge Road and you’ll find it just after the Stonehenge turnoff. It is visible from the road. n Community Centre and Library – Browse the Stonehenge public library or ask for assistance with information in relation to attractions and events in the area.

Open 8:30am – 12:30pm Mon – Fri Ph: 07 4658 5857 or email stonehengecc@bigpond.com.au.

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WINDORAH Visitor Information Centre 8 Maryborough Street, Windorah P: (07) 4656 3063 F: (07) 4656 3137 E: windorah_library@bigpond.com www.barcoo.qld.gov.au

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966 33

central West T he Central West region is at Queensland’s geographical heart and a great deal of history can be explored here. Learn of a rich fossil history, pioneering outback spirits, legends of the bush, and characters of old. T he natural attractions are plentiful too, with striking landscapes and diverse scenery, but most impressive are the world class museums showcasing local history and, on a grander scale, European settlement, the pastoral industry, great Australian innovations, song and the human spirit. Experience the cultural and natural heritage which has shaped the nation.

Interesting Facts Winton

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st of Lake Dunn, north ea son om Aramac, and the Th ch rea ng River at Lo are great spots to throw in a line.

Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, Longreach

34

Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

HUGHENDEN 112

76

COMBO WATERHOLE CONSERVATION PARK

FOREST DEN NATIONAL PARK

83

74

164

WINTON

MIDDLETON

MUTTABURRA

r

146

iv

85

t

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m

58

61

DIAMANTINA NATIONAL PARK

LOCHERN NATIONAL PARK

109 51

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94

legends of the outback 93

120

TAMBO

119

ROLLESTON SALVATOR ROSA KA KA NATIONAL MUNDI PARK NATIONAL CARNARVON GORGE PARK NATIONAL PARK MT MOFFATT 192 NATIONAL PARK

go re

Day Three

106

40

187

109

91

84 87

MORVEN

INJUNE 91

44 Longreach CHARLEVILLE MITCHELL 22and continue Another early start, head back through TREGOLE Distance: Approx. 800km 141 QUILPIE 88 visit the 100 74 CHEEPIE on to Ilfracombe; year old Langenbaker and 69 NATIONAL MUNGALLALA 45 AMBYHouse 65 ROMA Duration: 6 days (depending on the route taken)EROMANGA 37 the Wellshot Centre. ExplorePARK the town before continuing on to 48 COOLADDI 99 City of the West’. Spend the afternoon exploring Barcaldine, ‘Garden 74 Original railway towns, events of national importance, museums 161 the Australian Workers Heritage 209 Centre and visit the Lloyd Jones and good old fashioned outback hospitality makes this a drive Weir, a popular fishing and camping spot. Stand beneath the Tree 210 WYANDRA worth doing!

195 210 TOOMPINE of Knowledge Memorial and learn about the history and the story SURAT 36 A 180 Day One behind the 1891 Shearers’ Strike.

DIG TREE 5 Take the overnight train ‘Spirit of the Outback’ to 120 Longreach –82you 55 Day Four 98 20 arrange a hire car for INNAMINCKA can arrange to take your ownNOCCUNDRA car with you, 25Blackall today – home of the legendary Black Stump and a town 23 46 7 180 when you arrive or even tee up a package with one of the local YOWAH CUNNAMULLA THARGOMINDAH with a flair for the arts.

View the murals and sculptures about town.

13 177 113 BOLLON tour companies. Stay overnight191and enjoy all that Longreach has131to ST GEORGE Visit the68Historical Blackall Woolscour and the memorial for Jackie EULO LAKE a BINDEGOLLY offer – world-class museums, Iningai Nature Reserve, perhaps visit 88 NINDIGULLY NATIONAL PARK Howe, the legendary Australian shearer who, in 1892, sheared 321 to the Kinnon & Co Station Store or an evening cruise along the 203 164 119 and 40 minutes; a recordDIRRANBANDI sheep in 7 hours to this day.

Enjoy a dip at 122 Thomson River.

CURRAWINYA the Blackall Aquatic Centre & Artesian Spa before continuing your NATIONAL 66 Day Two journey less than hour down to Tambo.

PARK MERTY MERTY HEBEL BARRINGUN MUNGINDI HUNGERFORD Plan an early start and head north to Winton, approximately a Tambo is the home to the famous ‘Tambo Teddies’. Take the CAMERON 2-hour drive from Longreach. Visit the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Coolibah Walk along the banks of the Barcoo or visit the CORNER at the ‘jump-up’ just before you reach town, then head to the Grassland@Tambo Art Gallery.

Waltzing Matilda Centre in Winton.

Visit Arno’s Wall, the Diamantina TIBOOBURRA 217 MOR v Ri Day Five Heritage Truck and Machinery Museum, visit Winton’s WANAARING Royal 137 Open Air Theatre and test your musical talents on the world’s first Start your trip back to uLongreach. Take your time along the r C Bi BREWARRINA permanent Musical Fence. Spend the nightNin Winton and soak Matilda Highway or if you’re feeling a little adventurous strike E W up the atmosphere in one of their unique Outback pubs. If you west from Blackall through to Isisford, home to the Outer Barcoo BOURKE g S O U T H have another day to spare, be sure to head out to the Lark Quarry Interpretation Centre and aa nmillion year old crocodile.

On the way R WALGETT SCALE W A L E S 0 or explore Bladensburg National Park. perhaps take a detour and visit the Idalia National Park, exploring 50 25Dinosaur 75Trackways 100 Emmett and Yaraka for a more scenic route back to Longreach.

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* All distances are approximate. All itineraries supplied are suggestive only in nature and it is recommended all travellers should conduct their own enquiries at the local accredited Visitor Information Centre, prior to departure.

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101

209

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121

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168

71

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158

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ALPHA

BLACKALL 114

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40

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120

EMMET IDALIA NATIONAL YARAKA

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BETOOTA

109

EMERALD BLACKWATER

JERICHO 53

106

47

52

CAPELLA 52

87

112

102

WELFORD NATIONAL PARK

52

WINDORAH 168

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JUNDAH

92

ISISFORD

104

54

101

89

67 253

80

281

CLERMONT

67

ILFRACOMBE BARCALDINE

151

44

STONEHENGE

99

22

LAKE MACHATTIE

27

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46

101

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48

191

116

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168

67

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OPALTON

131

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BLADENSBURG NATIONAL 179 125 PARK

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114

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118

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248

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229

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DUCHESS

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64

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150

112

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99

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NELIA 50 119

Once arrived in Longreach spend some time seeing the other attractions in and around town. Take the ‘Wing Walk’ at Qantas Founders Museum, catch the Stockman’s Show at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame or take a drive out to Starlight’s Lookout where you can relax and watch the amazing sunsets the Outback is famous for.

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

35

TAMBO

Population 593

Plan your stay in Tambo as a time to kick back, relax and take a couple of days off from travelling. Enjoy the slower pace and the warmth and charm only found in small communities. The self-guided tours offered ensure that you can set the pace and be in charge. Tambo has a wonderful mix of historical and new buildings which have been thoughtfully designed and built to blend into the town. Located on the banks of the Barcoo River, Tambo is very proud of being the oldest town in the Central West and offers a range of historical and natural attractions for your enjoyment.

The Barc

oo River,

near Tam

bo

Tambo is half way between Brisbane and Mt Isa, and, with its recently beautified main street, is the perfect stop over en route.

Call into the Visitor Information Centre located in the Grasslands@Tambo building and have a chat to the friendly staff that will help you plan your selfguided tours. Also a list of self-drive day tours is available at the Information Centre. While you are there be sure to have a look at the latest art exhibition on display.

Grasslands@Tambo is located in the main street opposite the Carranagarra Hotel and E.E. Parr Park. The park offers the traveller a great place to stop for that morning or afternoon tea break with picnic tables strategically placed in shady areas. For a longer break there are free barbeques. For the younger traveller there is a playground to run off that excess energy.

The Heritage Walk will take you back in history and lead you to some of the oldest buildings in Tambo. The heritage precinct includes the Post and Telegraph Museum which is housed in the original Post Office built in 1876 and the Mulhern House which has been lovingly restored. It also offers a brief glimpse into life of yesteryear through the displays put on show by the Heritage Group.

The Coolibah Walk meanders along the banks of the Barcoo River, featuring billabongs and waterholes where the native animals drink.

Early morning and late afternoon is the best

TAMBO Visitor Information Centre – grasslands @ tambo Arthur Street, Tambo P: (07) 4621 6600 F: (07) 4621 6660 E: tourism@btrc.qld.gov.au www.btrc.qld.gov.au

Tambo Dam,

Tambo

G ras s

lands

Ar t G

aller y , Tam

time to travel this track as the animals are at their busiest during these times. Stand still and listen to the variety of bird calls and look out for kangaroos heading out or coming home from a night of foraging. There has been evidence of quolls in the area as well as kangaroo rats. So keep a look out and see what animals you can find.

Tambo Dam, at the eastern edge of town, was once the town’s water supply. It was built by horse drawn scoops. Over the years it has been enlarged and provides a recreational area for locals and visitors alike to enjoy a picnic or a barbeque. A family of domesticated ducks has taken up residence and there is a wide range of native water birds also using the area for nesting and living. The gardens enhance the water habitat and make a wonderful backdrop for the dam.

Tambo Teddies, located in the main street, is a must-see while you are exploring Tambo. The teddies are locally made from sheepskin and filled with wool. Each bear is numbered and has a district grazing property included in his or her name. They come in a range of different styles from the “bikkie” bear for the very littlies to the fully dressed stockman with his whip and swag. So call in and watch these beautiful

36 Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

bo

creatures come to life under the talented hands of their creator Mary Sutherland.

For those who are more adventurous, head out to Salvator Rosa National Park on the Wilderness Way. A four-wheel-drive is necessary within the park. Spring-fed Nogoa River and Louisa Creek wind their way through a picturesque broad valley beneath craggy sandstone outcrops. At the western edge of central Queensland’s sandstone belt, Salvator Rosa contains deeply eroded and spectacular rock formations, such as Spyglass Peak and the Sentinel, which dominate the skyline. This park has few facilities so take plenty of food and ensure you have enough fuel and water.

You can enjoy a more relaxing time in town and have a cappuccino or latte at either hotel or try something a little stronger. Have a yarn to the locals but watch out for a tall tale or two or enjoy the sunshine with your morning tea on the wide verandah at Fanny Mae’s. Caltex offers snacks and full meals. You can grab something to take away and relax and snack at the dam. So enjoy your time in Tambo. Relax and refresh and savour the ambience of this warm and friendly town.

BLACKALL

Population 1500

Located on the Matilda Highway, Blackall is an oasis on the banks of the Barcoo River with welcoming gardens, green median strips and a peaceful relaxed atmosphere to greet travellers as they arrive.

The area was explored in 1846 by Major Thomas Mitchell and the pastoral occupation began in 1862. In 1868 the present day site of Blackall was surveyed and the town was named after Sir Samuel Blackall, the second Governor of Queensland.

In 1885 Blackall was the first town to start drilling an artesian bore, now known as the Pioneer Bore, and is also the home of the Black Stump which was used for surveying purposes. Anything west of this point is said to be “beyond the black stump”.

Blade shearer Jack Howe put Blackall on the map in 1892 when he set a world record by shearing 321 sheep in 7 hours and 40 minutes at a local station. This feat has never been surpassed.

Notable residents of Blackall include Jack Howe, Major E. Towner, VC and MC recipient in WW1, and Roy Dunne who set a world record for jumping a goat over 3’6” (107cm).

A photo of Roy, on his goat Nugget, is set on his headstone at the Blackall cemetery.

Points of Interest

n Facing each other in Shamrock Street, Blackall’s main street, is a large fossilised tree stump and the Major Mitchell Clock.

The tree stump was found on a local property and is a conifer, related to the hoop pines of today. The clock is named after Major Mitchell as are the Mitchell grasses which grow in the region. n Nearby on the corner of Shamrock and Short Streets is the Australian Labor Federation Memorial, commemorating the first meeting of the first shearers’ union

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back in December 1886. This group was later to become the Australian Labor Party. n Located on the edge of this tranquil town is Blackall’s own oasis, the Aquatic Centre, home to an artesian spa and 50m swimming pool. It is here that you can rest, relax and revive all year round as the water is heated in the cooler winter months. n The Blackall Woolscour, a historic wool washing plant which operated on steam from 1908 to 1978, is the only complete operation of its kind left in Australia. The woolscour is open seven days a week all year round and steam operates the site from May through to August, while it operates on electricity the rest of the year.

Visitors to the Blackall Woolscour can also witness audio visual displays, including a fifteen minute video entitled “The Golden Age of Wool”. The woolscour has one of the few remaining examples of a free flowing artesian bore. n The Masonic Lodge, which was built in 1908, is another interesting part of Blackall’s early history and has been restored to its original condition. n Visit the famous Black Stump, which is situated in Thistle Street where a giant mural, painted by local artist Bob Wilson, outlines the stump’s history. n Another of Bob’s murals can be seen at the Pioneer Bore, along with a replica of the drilling rig. It is located at the corner of Aqua and Garden Streets. n The Jack Howe Memorial Statue is located outside the Universal Garden Centre, whose facade is a replica of Jack Howe’s original Universal Hotel. Located inside is a gallery, with a historic display, relating to Jack Howe and the local town history. n Located at the Memorial Park is a statue dedicated to Major Edgar Towner who was awarded the Victoria Cross for “most conspicuous bravery, initiative and

m owe Me Jackie H

orial, Bla

ckall

devotion to duty” on 1st September 1918 at Mont St Quentin. He was also a recipient of the Military Cross. n Blackall is located on the banks of the Barcoo River and one of the local legends states that anyone who crosses the river 10 times is here to stay. Follow the dirt road along the river and look out for the numerous birds and wildlife which can be found in the area. n The 2007 Heartland Festival saw the founding of sculptures in Blackall. Come and see the unique works of Richard Moffat’s “The Eagles Nest”, the “Circle of Friends” and the “Roly Poly” (2007), the native timber representing “Wool, Water and Wood” created by Robert Bridgewater (2008), the “Life Span” by Fredrick White (2010) as part of the Conduit Project with Thargomindah, and the “Cutting Out” which is an equestrian masterpiece by Jennie Scott (2010). Call into the Visitor Information Centre for further details. n While browsing in the Visitor Information Centre, look out for the Blackall Quilt, which features buildings and landmarks of Blackall, made by Blackall’s 60 & Better Group in 2008.

Also in the centre is a restored sulky which was purchased in 1949 for £15 and take note of the hardwood timbers from the local regions which line the counter. Lists of selfdrive day tours are available at the Visitor Information Centre.

at

The historical Woolscour, Blackall

BLACKALL Visitor Information Centre 108A Shamrock Street, Blackall P: (07) 4657 4637 F: (07) 4657 4913 E: binfo@btrc.qld.gov.au www.btrc.qld.gov.au

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966 37

BLackaLL caravan Park

P: (07) 4657 4816

IronBark Inn MotEL

P: (07) 4651 2311

Blackall caravan Park encompasses all that outback australia has to offer, old-style charm and established trees. Enjoy a delicious true blue camp oven meal, choose from superior ensuite cabins, self contained units or drive through grass sites. Walk to shops and hot artesian spa centre.

53 Garden Street, Blackall QLD 4472 P: (07) 4657 4816 M: 0400 564 331 E: blackallpark@bigpond.com

AcAciA Motor inn – BLAckALL

P: (07) 4657 6022

4 stAr AccoMMoDAtion, in tHE cEntrE oF town!

■ 25 stylish air-conditioned units with queen beds, 4 family units ■ Undercover parking ■ Licensed bistro, room service ■ Pool & artesian spa ■ Guest laundry Landsborough Highway, Blackall QLD 4472 P: (07) 4657 6022 F: (07) 4657 6077 E: blackallacaciamotor@bigpond.com www.blackallsacaciamotorinn.com.au

BarcaLDInE - MEEt thE Man FroM thE IronBark ■ 30 rooms – air-conditioned, tV, in-house movies ■Pool ■ Laundromat ■ Bar ■ the 3L’s licensed family steakhouse: Liars, Larrikins & Legends welcome ■ Fisherman’s rest & Fisherman’s Wall of Fame ■ owner operated – 17 years experience in tourism ■ as seen on The Great Outdoors and Queensland Weekender ■ home away from home – enjoy our bush hospitality.

72 Box Street, Barcaldine QLD 4725 P: (07) 4651 2311 F: (07) 4651 2314 E: rmdachan@bigpond.net.au

BarcaLDinE country Motor inn

P: (07) 4651 1488

Barcaldine country Motor inn has the best position in town, friendly staff and large country homecooked meals.

20 air-conditioned ground floor units all with undercover car parking and fully concreted driveways. Within walking distance to local tourist attractions.

Australian Workers Heritage Centre, Barcaldine

1 Box Street, Barcaldine QLD 4725 P: (07) 4651 1488 F: (07) 4651 1847 E: countrymotorinn@bigpond.com

Outback y t i l a t i p s o H ‘Outback Mates’ is a local ambassador program undertaken in the Barcaldine Regional Council communities of Alpha, Jericho, Aramac, Muttaburra and Barcaldine.

The program is aimed at making our visitors feel welcome.

Local ambassadors will assist with general information, local insights and probably tell a few tall stories as well.

‘Outback Mates’ are local identities – council workers, business people or retired townsfolk. It is a voluntary position sanctioned by their S o w he employer. They work closely with the n visitin g our re Visitor Information Centre to greatly gion, m ake sure y o u s t op a enhance the visitor’s experience in the nd say g’d ay region. They are easily identified by their friendly to our Out ba ck ‘Outback Mates’ uniform, hat badges and Mates! flags flown on their vehicles.

38 Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

Jericho

Population 100

With a name like Jericho, it’s not surprising that this little Australian town is filled with residents who know the Biblical story of the Battle of Jericho. The affinity of the little town with its namesake doesn’t stop there.

Queensland’s little Jericho is built on the Jordon Creek, south of Lake Galilee.

The latter-day Jericho’s history dates back to 1885 and owes its beginnings to the railway.

Pine Hill was the original settlement, but there was little water there, so the township split and some people went to Jericho and others went to Alpha. Pine Hill still has some graves dating back to the1800s, although few headstones remain.

Jericho is a picturesque town with its most famous feature being the “Crystal Trumpeters”, constructed in memory of the Biblical story where the Israelites marched around the walls of Jericho for six days and blew their trumpets on the seventh day, watching as the city walls collapsed.

The town has one of Australia’s smallest drive-in theatres, which holds 36 cars plus walk-ins. Redbank Park, located on the banks of the Jordon Creek just east of Jericho, has become a popular tourist attraction. The park includes a barbeque area, amenities block and also a playground area. Jericho is located on the Capricorn Highway 86km east of Barcaldine and has a population of approximately 100.

ARAMAC

Population 340

Barcaldine Regional Council region A vibrant, progressive region is probably the best way in which to describe the Barcaldine Regional Council region.

Covering an area of 53,677 square kilometres, the area combines mountain ranges, Mitchell grass plains, desert The Tree of Know landscapes with natural ledge Memorial, Barcaldine lakes, rivers and creeks. The Barcaldine Regional Council area offers contrast and diversity in its landscapes and its five communities of Alpha, Aramac, Barcaldine, Jericho and Muttaburra. camp sites to join their nightly, hearty camp oven droving meals.

While in town visit the Aramac Tramway Museum and step back in time with relics like Aunt Emma, the long-serving railmotor.

Discover the fascinating country surrounding the township. Drive through the desert country and discover Lake Dunn and enjoy fishing, water sports (sailing, water skiing), birdwatching, tennis, cabins, camping and very little traffic.

Make a stop at the Gray Rock Reserve and Horsetailers Gorge where Cobb & Co. stopped and spelled their horses, or join in the Artesian Country Tours to see Gracevale Caves and Mailman’s Gorge with the region’s most recognised historian, Tom Lockie. Learn the story about etched images of strange six-toed human footprints and the Central West’s own Rainbow Serpent imprinted on the sandstone walls. Just take the time to listen beyond the deafening silence to hear the sounds of the bush. Discover Aramac!

BARCALDINE Described as “an oasis in the dry of the Central West”, Aramac continues to thrive, which has much to do with the holding of the town’s annual Harry Redford Cattle Drive. In the main street of Aramac stands the White Bull replica which tells the story of the most historically significant cattle stealing case ever recorded in Australia.

Henry “Harry” Redford (better known as Captain Starlight) commenced his daring cattle duffing feat on a property called Bowen Downs. As part of the recognition of this feat, you are able to browse through the Harry Redford Interpretive Centre in the main street of Aramac.

If droving is something you’ve always wanted to do, then Aramac is the destination for you, where you can actively participate in “The Harry Redford Cattle Drive”, run annually through May. Take part in the associated events while you are on the cattle drive, such as the Aramac Races, various live entertainment opportunities, the Harry Redford Rodeo, enter the camp cookout competition or visit one of the

Population 1335

Barcaldine is situated at the crossroads of the Landsborough and Capricorn Highways. It is a town filled with history and colour, often referred to as the Garden City of the West because of its beautiful gardens and wide tree-lined streets. With a population of just under 1350, Barcaldine is a wonderful place to spend a few days.

Points of Interest

n Australian Workers Heritage Centre – Is a unique attraction which celebrates the achievements of the working men and women of Australia. It also features displays on the Shearers’ Strike of 1891. Opening hours 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 5pm Sunday. Ph: 4651 2422 n Tree of Knowledge – Is the historical site of the 1891 Shearers’ Strike. Sadly, the tree was poisoned in 2006 and a traffic-stopping memorial now stands on the site. The trunk and some branches were preserved and form the heart of this unique memorial.

This award-winning structure was officially opened in 2009 and comprises 4913 timber members. The scale of the structure and the form created by the hanging timbers is based directly on the extent of the tree’s canopy from the period around the 1890’s. n Barcaldine and District Historical Museum – A country museum which houses collections of memorabilia from Barcaldine’s past. Mini train rides are held on the last Sunday of the month. Open 7am to 5pm daily. n Barcaldine is home of the Grey Nomad project which provides travellers with an opportunity to stay longer and become a part of the community through volunteering. n Artesian Country Tours – Tom Lockie, a local living legend, conducts tours to historical Aramac and Gracevale. n Between the Bougainvillea Heritage Trail – An award-winning heritage trail that encompasses the historical sites of Barcaldine.

The following items are included in the town’s Heritage Trail: Masonic Lodge, the Back Creek Windmill and St Peter’s Anglican Church. Pick up a copy of “Between the Bougainvilleas” Heritage Trail booklet from the Information Centre for $2 each. n Lloyd Jones Weir – A popular fishing, camping and water spot 14km from Barcaldine. n Murals – Barcaldine has several murals which have been painted by a diverse range of artists. The most famous is in Oak Street, painted by the late D’Arcy Doyle.

BARCALDINE TOURIST Information Centre Oak Street, Barcaldine P: (07) 4651 1724 F: (07) 4651 2243 E: infocentre@barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966 39

Unwrap your

adventure

in the Barcaldine Regional Council area Alpha, Aramac, Barcaldine, Jericho, Muttaburra Amazing, award winning events…

Stunning landscapes, lakes and rivers Great Outback Pubs Unique murals and attractions…

...all waiting to be unwrapped!

r u o y ! p y a r a d w o t Un

e r u t n dve

a

Call...

Alpha 07 4985 1166 Aramac 07 4652 9999 Barcaldine 07 4651 5600

www. barcaldinerc .qld.gov.au 40 Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

BARCALDINE REGIONAL COUNCIL

ALPHA

Population 400

The township of Alpha has a population of approximately 400 and is located 168km west of Emerald and 139km east of Barcaldine. The main industry in the area is beef cattle.

Alpha is known as the ‘Town of Murals’ and displays a number that have been painted on private and public buildings depicting the area’s history. These murals have been painted by local and ex-local artists and add to the atmosphere of the town. Alpha boasts many other attractions such as the following: The Rowley Roberts Tourist Information Centre, Native Flower Plot, Jane NevilleRolfe Art Gallery displaying excellent pieces of artwork from local artists and also travelling art shows, and the ‘Jump Ups’ which is a natural attraction featuring the different layers of coloured volcanic soil.

Alpha possesses most facilities found in larger centres, yet still retains an enticingly peaceful lifestyle.

Named after poets, the Alpha streets bear such illustrious names as Tennyson, Byron, Dryden and Shakespeare. This region is known as Mitchell country, named after Sir Thomas Mitchell who went through the area in 1846. Alpha was born when the original railway settlement, Pine Hill, was found to have insufficient water. The town is situated at Alpha Creek which actually does a horseshoe bend and runs underneath the town. Because of this, quite a few bores can be found in the town.

The Harry

Best friend

Redford Cat

tle Drive, A

ramac

, Barcaldine s in the bush

Muttaburra

Population 100

Travel a further 87 kilometres from Aramac north-west to Muttaburra where the Landsborough and Thomson Rivers meet and experience the sensation of where the sky stretches undisturbed from one horizon to the other – spectacular by day, glowing with stars by night. Muttaburra is the closest town to the geographic centre of Queensland and justly boasts of being the heart of Queensland.

Explore the natural environments and fishing spots along the Thomson or Landsborough rivers. If you are a keen angler you will be attracted to the headwaters of the Thomson River, the Muttaburra Pump Hole and the local camping spot at Broadwater where you will be among some of the Thomson’s biggest yellowbelly and black bream.

After a long day exploring, bushwalking, water skiing or fishing, you must treat yourself to refreshments and some of the best bush tucker, hospitality and atmosphere in the west at the local businesses operating in the township.

Upon driving into this community, you can see one of the region’s greatest discoveries – the full life-size replica of the Muttaburrasaurus Langdoni. First discovered in 1963 by a local grazier, the area has become renowned for fossils and who knows, you may be the next to discover a fossilised dinosaur skeleton!

Discover the Heritage Trail, showcasing heritage buildings and the cemetery dating back to 1885. Two very special attractions are found in Muttaburra, history that has been preserved from a more recent era – Dr Arratta Memorial Medical Museum, displaying medical history from the turn of the century, and Cassimatis Store, a display recognising the contribution of the Cassimatis family, one of many Greek families who took up the challenge to live in the Outback. The Cassimatis Store, originally opened in 1914, was reopened after a full renovation in 2001.

Muttaburra has several annual events including the annual Race Meeting and the Landsborough Flock Ewe Show. These events provide a great opportunity to experience true Outback hospitality.

, Alpha Alpha Show

Muttaubur

rasaurus La

ngdoni, Mut

The Crystal Trumpete

taburra

rowleY roberts tourist informatioN centre Shakespeare Street, Alpha P: (07) 4985 1050 E: alphatour1@bigpond.com www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

rs, Jericho

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966 41

LONGREACH Isisford, Ilfracombe, Yaraka & Emmet

k c n a o i m utb o onnect e h t e ak

c

Join us to experience the magic of the outback, accessible by air, rail, coach or road. The Longreach region will have you coming back for more...

• Experience the culture and heritage

• Discover the National Parks

• Meet the colourful locals • Dine in our awardwinning restaurants • Visit the art galleries • Relive the past and explore our history Visit...

Longreach • • Ilfracombe • Isisford • Emmet • Yaraka

Longreach Visitor Information Centre

Qantas Park, Eagle Street, Longreach P: 07 4658 4150 F: 07 4658 4177 E: visitinf@longreach.qld.gov.au W: www.longreach.qld.gov.au 42 Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

• Qantas Founders Museum • Stockman’s Hall of Fame • Cobb & Co • Powerhouse Museum • Mount Slowcombe – Yaraka • Machinery Mile – Ilfracombe • River Cruises on the Thomson

... and so much more

LONGREACH

Population 3124

Soak up the history and heritage that surrounds the legendary township of Longreach, home of the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, Qantas Founders Museum, Powerhouse Museum and a wealth of entertainment and friendly hospitality!

Marvel at the unique flora and fauna and the diversity of landscapes in good seasons and bad. Longreach is not just a town but a way of life to the local people who invite you to share their amazing natural attractions.

Take a sunset river cruise on the Thomson River, step aboard a Cobb & Co. Coach and experience life in the early days, sing songs round a campfire, listen to bush poetry and ultimately experience the many flavours of the Outback.

MV Explo re

r on the Th

omson Ri

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Points of Interest

n Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame – This tribute to Australia’s Outback heroes includes a wide variety of traditional artefacts, electronic displays, photographs, films and stories of bush life. The Hall of Fame pays tribute to Australia’s pioneering legends and outlines our Outback history.

Spend a few hours or all day and return with a re-entry pass to see more such as “Women of the West”. n The Cattleman’s Bar & Grill provides an impressive dining experience, located next to the RM Williams cottage and Bruce Yeates memorial gardens. The commercial kitchen and licensed bar supports the cottage and is an ideal venue for weddings and functions. n Qantas Founders Museum – This world class attraction commemorates the founders of this great Australian company that grew to become internationally recognised as a leader in world aviation.

It tells you about the pioneering history of Qantas and the remarkable impact the airline had on life in the Outback.

A state-of-the-art hangar building houses the displays and also incorporates the original Qantas hangar from 1922. A guided tour through the very first Boeing 747 passenger jet owned by Qantas includes the story of how the jet was found in Britain and the restoration that followed. Situated close by is Australia’s first international jetliner, a Boeing 707. n School of Distance Education – Visit one of the largest classrooms in the world at the Longreach School of Distance Education.

Tours: 9am and 10:30am weekdays between February and November, excluding public holidays. Tours include a walk though the school with an explanation of the process of the delivery, as well as observing a lesson.

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okout, nea

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ch

n Australian Agricultural College Corporation – Experience a taste of life on the land by taking a guided tour.

Observe students at work, see live animals and discover the scope of things on offer at Queensland’s largest and longest established practical agricultural and vocational training facility. Tours: 10:30am Monday to Friday, April to October (excluding public holidays). n Guided Tours & Outback Shows – Step aboard the “Thomson Belle” paddlewheeler cruise and spend an evening on the Thomson River complete with a three-course or camp oven dinner with entertainment; or enjoy an intimate candlelit dinner aboard the “MV Longreach Explorer” whilst soaking up a blazing Outback sunset. Enjoy traditional bush poetry and a song around the campfire at Longreach’s caravan parks and soak up the hospitality that makes the region so famous. n Queensland Helicopters – offer a fantastic 10 minute scenic flight over Longreach and the Thomson River. n Longreach Powerhouse Museum – Discover one of Longreach’s best kept secrets. Unearth the local history with exhibits that include the powerhouse generating equipment, displays of social and commercial history, agricultural and road building machinery and the 1921 swimming baths. Open daily: 2pm to 5pm from April to October.

Lilly Lago o

n, near Lo

ngreach

n Cobb & Co. Tours – Step aboard a Cobb & Co. coach and experience life in the old days. Visit the Longreach Travel Centre in Eagle Street for departure times and bookings. Browse through the range of unique outback product at The Station Store and enjoy a classic Australian movie or perhaps dine at the Changing Station Café. n Nature Walks – The Longreach Botanic walkway is a 2.5km interpretive native plant walk between the town centre and the Stockman’s Hall of Fame n Iningai Nature Park – is located on the Longreach Town common and includes sections of floodplains and waterholes along Gin Creek. There are several walks of varying distances.

LONGREACH Visitor Information Centre 97 Eagle Street, Longreach P: (07) 4658 4150 F: (07) 4658 4177 E: visitinf@longreach.qld.gov.au www.longreach.qld.gov.au

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966 43

Winner Major Tourist Attraction 2010

n bitio E x hi ur m r u 747 to anga Muse H e h s s t a a t n of ant ant staur ◆ Qa crets 22 Q e e 9 R S 1 ’ l s ◆ s igina inne tour ◆ Or McG ation ◆ r o t r s u ns 7 Re 747 to bitio ◆ 70 lk & E x hi a ◆ W re ing ft Sto ◆W rs Gi e g d n u omin ◆ Fo bits c i h x we ◆ Ne

The Qantas Founders Museum, Longreach, is a modern world class facility built around the heritage-listed original 1922 Qantas hangar, combining historical artifacts and multimedia displays for all ages to enjoy. Qantas began in outback Queensland in 1921 and the museum is dedicated to the evolving story of Australia’s leading airline. New exhibits are added regularly to the already amazing collection. It is an Australia-wide community and volunteer project and is entirely funded by public support and sponsorship.

The museum provides the visitor a unique insight into the trials and tribulations of starting an airline out in the west and overcoming the problems of long distance travel. It also tells of the places they serviced and the aircraft they flew.

Historically, Longreach is known for its role with QANTAS. The Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Service was founded at Winton on 10th February, 1921 but was soon moved to Longreach where a hangar and the country’s first purpose-built landing field were constructed.

Tour the Boeing 707 “City of Canberra”, the first Qantas jet aircraft registered in Australia. This aircraft changed global travel as we know it. A magnificent ex-Qantas 747 Jumbo jet, “City of Bunbury” is available for tours and also offered is the spectacular Wing Walk tour. This small tour explores the 474’s computer bay, flight system and a unique chance to sit in the pilot’s seat. Without a doubt the highlight of the tour is being able to walk on the wing of a 747 – the only place in the world this is available.

A replica Avro 504K, positioned in the centre of the museum, commemorates the first aircraft ever used by Qantas. A replica DH50, “Iris”, has just recently arrived into the facility. This plane was the first aircraft used by the company that became the Royal Flying Doctor Service. There is a replica DH61, built in 1930 by Qantas and used on the Darwin sector of the London mail service. An original Qantas DC3 sits on the lawn at the museum looking as good as she did when operated by Qantas Empire Airways. Enjoy the McGinness café as well as the Founders gift store where you can purchase souvenirs, clothing, jewellery, books and Qantas memorabilia.

Educational resources are available on request

Opening Hours: The Museum is open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm (except Christmas Day).

Special opening hours are available to groups and charters by prior arrangement.

Tours operate daily and bookings are essential.

Combination tour packages are also available.

Phone: (07) 4658 3737 Fax: (07) 4658 0707 Email: info@qfom.com.au Address: Longreach Airport, Sir Hudson Fysh Drive, Longreach QLD 4730

44 Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

www.qfom.com.au

Ex

LO

E ac

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Outback aussiE tOurs

®

Established 24 years

4 Day Birdsville Desert Escape (Ex Longreach) Park your van for 3 nights and join an Outback journey of a lifetime. Optional Lake Eyre Flight Ex Birdsville.

Departure Longreach 19 May, 2 June, 21 July, 4 August, 22 September, 6 October 2011 From $1399 twin share.

Half and full day tours from $79 Sunset or Morning Tea Station Tours, the Drovers Dinner, and Winton’s Dinosaur Matilda Tour.

Phone: 1300 78 78 90 Email: info@oat.net.au www.outbackaussietours.com.au Licensed travel agents (1683) for Queensland Rail, Greyhound and Qantas. Based at Longreach Railway Station, Outback Queensland

MV LongrEach ExPLorEr

P: (07) 4658 2322

Qantas Founders Museum, Longreach

LonGrEach Motor inn

■ Wildlife and White Linen Sunset Dinner cruise ■ 2 ½ hour cruise along the Thomson river ■ Local commentary & bird spotting ■ Mouthwatering 3 course meal ■ operating all year round ■ Free transfers ■ BYo drinks Phone for bookings & enquiries 7 days a week.

Don’t forget you can get your tickets from all motels, cabins and caravan parks in Longreach. ask today!

■ 57 room motel: deluxe, executive & family rooms ■ Licensed restaurant & bar open to the public ■ Pool, sauna, BBQs ■ opposite railway station

P: (07) 4658 2322 E: cruises@outbacklongreach.com.au www.outbacklongreach.com.au

84 Galah Street, Longreach QLD 4730 P: (07) 4658 2322 E: lmi@outbacklongreach.com.au www.outbacklongreach.com.au

P: (07) 4658 2322

History and Heritage Cobb & Co Tours

Thomson River Cruises

Clancy’s on the Thomson

Uniquely Outback

Paddlewheeler and Riverboat Cruises

A “Million Star” Overnight Experience

The Legends Tribute

Hats, Horses, History & Hospitality

Gallop along an outback dirt track in a fully-laden Cobb and Co Stage Coach on our multi-award-winning experience. Retrace the steps and enjoy the unique history of Cobb and Co.

More than just a River Cruise. Watch the sun set while cruising on the historic Thomson Belle Paddlewheeler. Afterwards, on the banks, enjoy a drover’s dinner and entertainment around a campfire.

4 hour tour including transfers. Cruises depart Monday to Saturday, April 1 to October 27

Enjoy a memorable night out at a tranquil nook of the Thomson River after a sunset cruise, drovers dinner and entertainment.

Sleep in deluxe swags under a carpet of stars. It doesn’t get better than this!

Themed on an old time Australian tent show, with live animal acts, stockmen and stockhorse comedy acts. A mix of poetic story and Australian humour to create live theatre, Outback style!

Overnight tours Monday and Thursday, April to October

Shows noon till 1pm, Monday to Friday, at The Station Store, April to October.

One of Longreach’s best attractions. Browse unique outback products, including exclusive leathergoods and souvenirs, reminisce with old time photography. Taste traditional country fare at the Changing Station Cafe, open Monday to Friday.

Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 9am to Noon.

45-minute Stagecoach trips depart daily Monday to Friday, April 1 to October 27.

Bookings are essential.

For best value, ask Kinnon and Co. about our combination Tour packages.

Starlights Spectacular

Longreach www.kinnonandco.com.au

The Station Store

Kinnon & Co. Booking Office 115a Eagle Street, Longreach Q 4730 P. 07 4658 1776 E. info@kinnonandco.com.au

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966 45

46 Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

OUTBACK GALLERY LOnGREACh

P: (07) 4658 0170

STUnninG imAGES Of ThE OUTBACK ■ Gallery and Studio ■ Commercial Photographers ■ Portrait and Wedding Photography ■ Graphic Design and marketing 105 Eagle Street, Longreach QLD P: (07) 4658 0170 www.outbackpics.com.au info@outbackpics.com.au

Air CEntrAL wEst

P: (07) 4658 9187

LOCAL, LAKE EYRE AND CHANNEL COUNTRY SCENIC FLIGHTS 1 & 2 day Lake Eyre and Channel Country tours including: ■ Longreach / Thomson / Diamantina / Georgina Rivers ■ Birdsville / Lake Eyre / William Creek ■ Cooper Creek / Innamincka / Burke & Wills Dig Tree / Lake Yamma ■ Windorah / Barcoo River / Longreach.

■ Lark Quarry Dinosaur tracks. single and twin engine / ex Longreach airport. window seat per passenger, GPs mapping and intercom.

“Llewellyn”, Longreach QLD 4730 P: (07) 4658 9187 F: (07) 4658 9253 E: info@aircentralwest.com.au www.aircentralwest.com.au

Longreach Railw

ay Station



 

  

   

     

 visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966 47

AbAjAz Motor Inn

P: (07) 4658 1288

ILfrAcoMbe GenerAL Store & cAfe

P: (07) 4658 2265

Our speciality sunday buffet breakfast Delight yourself with our selection of homemade cakes and fine coffee. ‘Warm to the charm of old that greets the new’.

Your hosts: tim & Judi Johnson 30–32 Main Avenue, Ilfracombe QLD 4727 P: (07) 4658 2265

ThE WELLshoT hoTEL

18 ground floor rooms, undercover parking, Austar, reverse cycle air-con, microwave, fridge, tea/coffee facilities. Free wireless internet. Cooked/ continental breakfasts. Swimming pool, bbQ, guest laundry. Cot, hairdryer, toaster, fax and photocopying available at office. Situated on walking track between town, Qantas and Hall of Fame. Chargeback from local restaurants. the only solar green motel in the central west. Major cards accepted. transfers available. tariff: single $105, double $115, twin $120, extra guests $10.

A most historical and unique pub, 120 years old and well worth exploring.

Intriguing collection of currency and local memorabilia. Meals 7 nights a week, air-con accommodation. Where people from all walks of life come together on equal terms!

11 Wonga Street, Longreach QLD 4730 P: (07) 4658 1288 F: (07) 4658 3277 E: info@abajazmotorinn.com.au www.abajazmotorinn.com.au

15 Main Avenue, Ilfracombe QLD 4727 P: (07) 4658 2106 E: wellshot_hotel@bigpond.com www.wellshothotel.com.au

LongrEach MotEL

P: (07) 4658 1996

WELcoME to LongrEach MotEL, your hoStS arE SiStErS, annEttE & coraLEE. you will enjoy country style hospitality and we will be more than happy to go the extra mile to ensure your stay is a memorable one. the Longreach Motel is the most conveniently located motel in Longreach, within 300 metres of all banks, post office, supermarkets, cinema, restaurants and shops. courtesy transfers are available upon request.

127-129 Eagle Street, Longreach QLD 4730 P: (07) 4658 1996 F: (07) 4658 3035 E: info@longreachmotel.com.au www.longreachmotel.net.au

ScHooL oF tHE air, LongrEacH

P: (07) 4658 4232

WinnEr oF tHE 2010 oQta toUriSt attraction aWarD Visit one of the largest classrooms in the world, see a School of the air lesson in progress and find out how education is delivered ‘in the bush’. gUiDED toUrS 9.00am and 10.30am, Monday to Friday (excluding Public and christmas School Holidays). adults $8.00, children $4.00 (nB. Bookings are necessary for groups of 20 or more. Prices are subject to change) Providing Excellence in Education for Isolated Families Sir James Walker Drive, Longreach QLD 4730 (east of the Hall of Fame) P: (07) 4658 4232 E: tours1@eq.edu.au www.longreacsde.eq.edu.au

48 Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

Windmill, Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame

P: (07) 4658 2106

Ilfracombe

Population 269

Indulge yourself in nostalgia as you absorb the colourful story of the development of western Queensland which is immortalised within the streets of this special little Outback town. Fondly known as “The Hub of the West”, Ilfracombe sits proudly on the Matilda (Landsborough/Capricorn) Highway.

Points of Interest

n The renowned Ilfracombe Machinery and Heritage Museum, otherwise known as The Great Machinery Mile, is home to a range of equipment from standing engines to earthmoving machinery – some rare, some almost forgotten – the display is a graphic timeline of the evolution of the pastoral and transport industries. n The Folk Museum – Filled to the rafters with rare glimpses of a bygone era and part of the historical trail, the museum also showcases the role of women and children of the west. Nearby Oakhampton Cottage is a superb example of early Australian architecture and is representative of many early station homes. n Hilton’s Corner – Enter this veritable Aladdin’s Cave of treasures! Literally thousands of unbelievable collections displayed in the shed, around the yard and along the fence. You’ll be amazed! n The Jackson Collections represents the lifetime collections of brothers Hilton and Ike Jackson. There is a spectacular display of 30,000 bottles, each one telling its own story, and reputed to be the largest and best in Australia. Then there is a stirring collection of memorabilia gathered from the World Wars including; firearms, flags and uniforms. n The iconic Wellshot Hotel stands in proud testament to the good times, the hard times, and the exceptional character of the Ilfracombe people. n Langenbaker House – Heritage-listed and steeped in history, Langenbaker House is over 100 years old and remains in its original condition. n Romani Hall is a thought-provoking tribute to the young men of the district who answered “the call to arms”, and is dedicated to Australia’s Light Horsemen. n Wellshot Centre – This interpretive tells the story of Wellshot Station, one of Australia’s greatest sheep and wool producers. n Ilfracombe General Store & Café – Refuel and grab a bite to eat in air-conditioned comfort, browse for gifts or call in for the famous Sunday buffet breakfast. n Memorial Park – Open every day, the swimming pool, artesian spa, children’s playground and barbeque facilities are set in welcoming surrounds. It’s somewhere the

whole family can cool off, unwind and enjoy a relaxing afternoon. n The 12 Mile offers a magnificent example of nineteenth century bush craftsmanship – thousands of naturally formed flagstones, graded and meticulously placed together to form a leak-proof reservoir. This stonepitched overshot is thought to have been constructed by Chinese labour in the 1890’s when the 12 Mile Dam was constructed.

Essentially a watering stop and Cobb & Co. change station, the Twelve Mile was also the site of the Royal Mail Hotel which operated between 1893 and around 1916. In the vicinity are shaded picnic tables, plenty of parking/camping grounds. A self-guided map is available at the Wellshot Centre in Ilfracombe. Please . . . take only photos . . . and leave only footprints.

ISISFORD

Population 132

Isisford, found on the banks of the Barcoo, was settled in the mid 1800s and the architecture reflects its humble beginnings. The town boasts an 18-hole golf course, swimming pool, tennis court, park with covered playground, a small but fascinating museum, post office, police station, two hotels, fuel outlet, primary health centre, QGAP office, ambulance, primary school, library and internet facilities. Camping is permitted at the Barcoo Weir and Oma Waterhole for a minimal fee of $2 per night.

The annual fishing competition is held on the last weekend of July, attracting competitors from all over Australia.

Points of Interest

n The Outer Barcoo Interpretation Centre consists of a 60 seat theatrette, cafeteria, local arts and crafts displays, and a museum depicting the evolution of nature. The feature attraction is a life-sized replica of Isisfordia duncani, which lived around Isisford 98 million years ago, and is the evolutionary ancestor of all the worlds’ crocodilians.

There are displays of local fauna, flora, and fossils, as well as displays of the Great Artesian Basin and general history. n Oma Waterhole, 16km south west of Isisford on the Isisford Yaraka River Road, is great for camping, fishing and water activities. Hot showers and toilet facilities are available and there is boat ramp access. n Yuranigh Pond is situated approximately 6km from town. Major Mitchell once camped here and the waterhole was named after his Aboriginal friend. Today there is a plaque and shelter in their honour. n Whitman’s Park & Memorial Museum is situated at the back of the Isisford Park. Also, be sure to visit the Isisford Bakery and Café Arcadia, just don’t expect to get a fresh loaf of bread!

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n The historical Isis Downs Woolshed is currently closed to the public, information booklets are for sale at the Isisford Branch office. There is also a display of history of the shearing shed at the Isisford Interpretation Centre.

YARAKA

Population 20

Yaraka is an attractive community with gardens, a general store, post office, fuel, police station, a pub with accommodation and meals, a swimming pool, tennis court and playground area. Public amenities and a caravan park are available behind the Community Hall.

A sealed road takes you to the lookout at Mount Slowcombe. Picnic and barbeque facilities make this the perfect place for a family outing or a romantic getaway with panoramic views and glorious skies.

EMMET

Population 2

Emmet was once a thriving railway siding with a population of 30. Today with only two residents, the town has a picnic shelter and an interesting historical display in the revamped railway station.

Points of Interest

n Emmet Railway historical display n Picnic area

ILFRACOMBE WELLSHOT Centre 9 McMaster Drive, Ilfracombe P: (07) 4658 3551 F: (07) 4658 2598 E: ilfracombeVIC@longreach.qld.gov.au www.longreach.qld.gov.au

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966 49

Australian Age of

n Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways is situated 110km south-west of Winton. Discover the story behind the world’s only recorded evidence of a dinosaur stampede with a visit to the award-winning complex. A guided tour is a must at the Trackways, with a number of daily tours running throughout the year. Complete your Trackways experience with the self-guided interpretive Spinifex Walk, be amazed by the spectacular scenery and learn more about how the landscape was formed. What are you waiting for – make tracks to Lark Quarry!

nton Dinosaurs, near Wi

OPALTON

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WINTON

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inton

Population 900

Rich in culture and heritage, Winton is the ideal base to discover Queensland’s Outback.

In the heart of Matilda Country, Winton lays claim to Australia’s unofficial national anthem, “Waltzing Matilda” and our national carrier, Qantas Airlines.

Winton is also home to some of the most concentrated dinosaur fossil sites in Australia, and today boasts a number of award-winning attractions including Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways, the site of the world’s only recorded evidence of a dinosaur stampede; the Australian Age of Dinosaurs fossil preparation facility, which conducts annual digs and undertakes continual fossil preparation on site; and The Corfield and Fitzmaurice Building which houses displays from the Australian Age of Dinosaurs fossil collection.

Fast-forward millions of years, and Winton’s more recent history can be discovered at the Waltzing Matilda Centre, incorporating the Qantilda Museum and Outback Regional Gallery. Experience the Royal Open Air Theatre, one of the few operating open air theatres remaining and take a trip into transport

WINTON VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 50 Elderslie Street, Winton P: 1300 665 115 F: (07) 4657 1886 E: vic@matildacentre.com.au www.experiencewinton.com.au

Waltzing M at

ilda Centre , Winton

history at Winton’s Diamantina Heritage Truck and Machinery Museum.

Visit the world’s first permanent Musical Fence, where everybody can play a tune, and Arno’s Wall, an architectural marvel over 10 metres long and two metres high, in which everything can be found – including the kitchen sink! Or discover Winton’s scenic drive routes and experience Bladensburg National Park, Opalton, Diamantina National Park, Cawnpore Lookout, the Lilleyvale Hills and Old Cork Station – or choose your own adventure!

Get involved in the local atmosphere during one of Winton’s many events, including the Diamantina Campdraft, Matilda Highway Races, Winton’s Auto Spectacular, the Opal Expo, Winton Camel Races, the Diamantina Rodeo, and the Outback Festival to name just a few.

Points of Interest

n Bladensburg National Park is located just 7km from town and offers stunning examples of the landscapes of Winton Shire, from sweeping Mitchell grass downs to breath-taking gorges and jump-ups.

Visit Scrammy Gorge or travel the route of the River Gums for a spectacular natural adventure. n The Waltzing Matilda Centre is the only museum in the world dedicated to a song.

Self-guided tours allow you to experience this multi-award-winning attraction at your own pace. Pull up a stump by the water’s edge in the Billabong Theatrette, learn the truth, myth and romance behind Australia’s national song in the interactive Home of the Legends room and explore the fascinating timeline of Winton’s history in the Qantilda Museum. Make sure you visit the Outback Regional Gallery and pick up a gift in the Station Store or just relax in the Coolibah Café. For your convenience the accredited Visitor Information Centre and Westpac instore are also located inside the Centre.

50 Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

Population 25

Opal was first discovered here by George Cragg in 1888 and the first mine was worked in 1894. By the end of the decade there was a bustling township of 600 and Opalton became known for the enormous quantity and quality of its opal. Notably, in 1899 the largest piece of opal ever recorded was mined from here, a pipe opal more than three metres long. Now home to a much smaller community, visitors are able to meet some of the locals every Thursday on mail day at the Opalton Outpost. Try your luck in the public fossicking area.

Points of Interest

n Opal fossicking, camping

MIDDLETON

Population 3

Middleton made history in 1862 when the first white men, McKinlay and his search party for Burke and Wills, entered the area. Middleton later became the site of the Middleton Hotel in 1876, and was a Cobb & Co. staging post.

The small town that grew up around the hotel has since disappeared, leaving the pub with the distinction of being one of the most isolated hotels in Queensland. You can still stop off for a drink at the Middleton Hotel, and with a spectacular scenic drive to Middleton and Cawnpore Lookout, you won’t be disappointed.

Points of Interest

n The Middleton Hotel, Cawnpore Lookout

CORFIELD

Population 10

Situated on the Winton to Hughenden road, Corfield can be identified only by the small cluster of buildings on the rolling Mitchell grass downs. Once a busy railway siding, it is now known for the annual “Corfield Cup” race meeting, when the population explodes with visitors from near and far. Contact the Visitor Information Centre for the date and dig out your best hat, for a real Outback races experience!

Points of Interest

n Annual Corfield Races

Carisbrooke Station, Winton

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966 51

52 Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966 53

north West Queensland’s North West is your gateway to the Gulf region and while spectacular fishing and incredible sunsets may await you on the coast, take your time and enjoy the attractions enroute! With a rich mining and pastoral industry, you will learn much about Queensland’s two largest primary industries, from their early beginnings to the contemporary issues of the present day. T he North West also hosts a number of spectacular national parks showcasing the incredible diversity of Australian landscapes and is home to some stunningly rich fossil sites.

Facts g n i t s Intere

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Richmond

Campsites & Fishing

The fishing is great at of Lake Moondarra north nic pic e yb ma Mount Isa or m, at Chinaman Creek Da Cloncurry.

Lawn Hill (Boodjamulla) National Park

54

Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

77

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DIAMANTINA NATIONAL

Across an ancient inland sea, explore Queensland’s miningPARK history, find fossils and mineral wealth, all the while passing 101 to sea. through the changing landscapes from desert BEDOURIE

This is a west-east or east–west adventure (depending on your fancy) along the Overlander’s Way. Suggested start in Mount LAKE Isa, capital ofDESERT the Outback and home to the253Xstrata Mount Isa SIMPSON MACHATTIE NATIONAL PARK Rotary Rodeo.

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Travel toOPALTON Richmond via Julia Creek, famous67for its annual Dirt n 27 ILFRACOMBE LONGREACH BARCALDINE JERICHO Dust Festival and home to the award-winning At the Creek Visitor 168 80 87 Information Centre. Visit the Kronosaurus Korner Museum and R 53 n LOCHERN m s oCentre. Learn about the ancient inland sea ALPHA Visitor Information 101 89 NATIONAL and view the pliosaur skeleton believed to120 be the best 151 PARK Richmond 44 106 preserved dinosaur skeleton in Australia.

ISISFORD Visit the Bush Tucker121 46 104 Garden and Lake Fred Tritton.

112 BLACKALL STONEHENGE

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53

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Day Four

102

Ri ve r

t

73

a

114

ut ter R

168

Th o

118

ancient discoveries

248

83

MIDDLETON

BOULIA

MOORRINYA NATIONAL PARK

74

164

e

o Ge

229

244

PRAIRIE

67

CORFIELD

COMBO WATERHOLE CONSERVATION PARK

115

146

43

LAKE DA

TORRENS CREEK

64

144

76

DAJARRA

46

112

209

134

CHARTERS TOWERS

S

60

r

HOMESTEAD

PENTLAND

RICHMOND HUGHENDEN

49

150

112

URANDANGIE

e

TOWNSVILLE

PORCUPINE WHITE CREEK GORGE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL NATIONAL PARK PARK 158

McKINLAY

112

200

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99

106 110

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rs

NELIA 50

149

N O R T H E R N

e

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134

INGHAM

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235

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140

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70

380

246

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57

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GUNPOWDER

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52

BLACKBRAES NATIONAL PARK

Q U E E N S L A N D

WAGGABUNDI

90

471km to Tennant Creek

108

iv

129

R ive r

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BURKE & WILLS JUNCTION

H

58

CARDWELL

THE LYND JUNCTION GREENVALE

r ve Ri

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GREGORY DOWNS

90

RIVERSLEIGH

225

TULLY erb er t

UNDARA VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK

89

GEORGETOWN

192

er Riv

Hill Creek wn La

148

CROYDON

rm No

ADELS GROVE LAWN HILL GORGE

87

MOUNT SURPRISE 79

G il b er t

105

148

Leichh ard t

118

BOODJAMULLA (LAWN HILL) NATIONAL PARK

153

TIRRANNA

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93

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RAVENSHOE 68

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67

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114

52

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164

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119 122 CURRAWINYA NATIONAL PARK MERTY MERTY are suggestive only in nature and it is recommended all travellers should conductHUNGERFORD * All distances are approximate. All itineraries supplied their own enquiries at the local accredited BARRINGUN Visitor Information Centre, prior to departure.

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visit www.adventureoutback.com.au TIBOOBURRA 217 or call 1800 247 966 137 WANAARING

55

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101 Discovery From Richmond travel to Hughenden.

Visit the Flinders EMMET IDALIA JUNDAH NATIONAL Centre92and get some photos with Hughie the dinosaur, lunch in YARAKA 120 TAMBO PARK a B town, before driving north on the Kennedy Development Road 50 94 164 to Porcupine Gorge National Park. A canyon209 of vibrant sandstone 109 WELFORD Begin at the award-winning Outback at Isa Visitor Information the gorge has cool rock holes and a flowing creek, and 119 the 52 clear, NATIONAL Centre, take a Hard Times Mine Tour down into the depths of go PARK of the surrounding landscape – almost lush, WINDORAH vegetation is atypical re 51 one of Queensland’s largest mining operationsBETOOTA and explore the 109 a hidden oasis and wonderful camp spot. Set up camp and enjoy Outback Park. Visit the Riversleigh Fossil Centre, showcasing finds AUGATHELLA a night under the stars.

ADAVALE 168 40 158 187 from one of Australia’s fossil deposits – huge carnivorous C BIRDSVILLErichest o 12 Haddon er 91 kangaroos are just o o p Day Five 84 Corner Poeppel and emus, mega wombats and marsupial lions 93 C Leaving Hughenden today you’re85homeward bound. Call into 87 some of the ancient creatures found and on display.

Corner MORVEN 44 and one of the most Q U E ECharters N S Towers, L A the N oldD gold mining townCHARLEVILLE TREGOLE Day Two QUILPIE 88 CHEEPIE 74 beautiful of outback towns, full of graceful old buildings, many 69 NATIONAL MUNGALLA Travel east via the ruins of Mary Kathleen, an old abandoned built during theEROMANGA booming 37 gold years from 1872 to 1899. Don’t PARK 48 COOLADDI mining town. Stop in Cloncurry, affectionately known as ‘The miss the Post Office, former Municipal Library and the99Australia 74 Curry’, and founded way back in 1867 with the discovery of Bank of161Commerce Building. Visit the World Theatre Gallery and 209 copper and climb to the top of the Towers Hill Lookout forWYANDRA an impressive view S gold.

O UVisitT the H John Flynn Place Museum which 2 TOOMPINE celebrates the life and accomplishments of the visionary John over the town before continuing along the Flinders Highway 36 A U S T R A L I A 180 Flynn who pioneered today’s Royal Flying Doctor Service. As the to Townsville.

TREE 5 55 sun begins to set, head to Chinaman Creek Dam DIG just 3km out of 120 98 82 town to enjoy the cooling breeze off the water and a swim as you NOCCUNDRA 20 INNAMINCKA 25 the driving?

23 do 46 7 e to watch the sun’s last rays go down.

CUNNAMULLA t of efer someone elsYOWAH k ou PrTHARGOMINDAH chec 13 t our lis 177 – p ou gr 191 131 Join a tour 68 ory.

Direct vel EULO ra T e th in LAKE BINDEGOLLY s or operat

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Mount Isa

Bush roa

Population 24000

d, Camoo weal

A thriving inland city set among the dramatic landscapes of the Selwyn Ranges. Mount Isa offers travellers a variety of tourism experiences, including The Buffs Club, Mount Isa Underground Hospital & Museum, Adel’s Grove, AAOK Moondarra Accommodation Village and Outback at Isa.

Camooweal

Population 300

Head west from Mount Isa along the Overlander’s Way and you’ve arrived on the world’s longest main street, measuring a staggering 188km, stretching from Mount Isa to Camooweal. This is your last stop before the Northern Territory border.

The Camooweal district is honeycombed with rare sink holes and caves dating back to the Cambrian Period, perhaps 500 million years ago. Those visitors experienced in serious caving will discover a whole new world beneath the Camooweal region.

The Buffs

Royal

tor Serv Flying Doc

Outback at Isa 19 Marian Street, Mount Isa P: (07) 4749 1555 F: (07) 4743 6296 E: info@outbackatisa.com.au www.outbackatisa.com.au

56 Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

ice Visitor

Centre, M

ount Isa

nt Club, Mou

Isa

I sa R

o de o

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Signpost at M

ount Isa look out Lake Moondarra at Sunset

FULLY CATERED CAMPING PACKAGES YoUR CHoICE oF: › Camping and caravan sites › BBQ and water to each site › Modern toilet block with hot shower

Mt ISa UnDergroUnD HoSPItaL MUSeUM › Lawn Hill and Riversleigh Interpretive Tours › Kiosk with souvenirs, cold drinks, ice and basic food supplies › Fuel – diesel and ULP › Bar and restaurant

In 1942 Darwin was bombed by the Japanese army. a casualty of the bombing was the Darwin Hospital. the community of Mount Isa was fearful that their town (and hospital) would be the next target. a decision was made to build an Underground Hospital with help from Mount Isa Mines and volunteers.

In 1994 a Mount Isa Community group decided to restore and show-case this unique hospital. this group have since received a prestigious award from the national trust of Queensland for ‘heritage restoration’. open from 1st april to 30 September – 10.00am-2.00pm. other times by appointment. entry Fees: $12, $10 (concession), $4 (school age children).

oR › Rooms and pre-erected tents with bedding › Breakfast, lunch and dinner catered › Packages tailored to suit individuals, groups and tours

Situated on Lawn Hill Creek and only 10km from Lawn Hill Gorge with road and air access

PHoNE 07 4748 5502 www.adelsgrove.com.au

Joan Street, Mount Isa QLD 4825 (situated in Mt Isa Base Hospital grounds) P: (07) 4749 0281 M: 0407 514 918

Visit The Buffs Club and enjoy what we have to offer... n Boomerang Coffee Shop n Gaming Lounge n Kids Club and play area n Courtesy Bus n Function Room

n Bluetongue Sports Bar n The Frog & Toad Bar & Grill n On the Deck Dining n Thirsty Camel Bottle Shop n Weekly Members Draw

Can’t get enough of The Buffs Club

Best Club North Qld 2009

The Buffs Club

Corner Grace & Simpson Streets, Mount Isa Phone: (07) 4743 2365 Fax: (07) 4743 7773 Email: contact@buffs.com.au Web: www.buffs.com.au

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966 57

58 Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966 59

Cloncurry

Population 3500

Cloncurry is a hub of the Outback, sitting on the junction of the Matilda Highway and Overlander’s Way (Flinders Highway) and nestled on the banks of the Cloncurry River.

The ‘Curry’, (as it is affectionately known by locals), is approximately120km east of Mt Isa and 400km south of the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Few places in Australia can claim to be as influential in shaping Australia’s identity as Cloncurry. Birthplace of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and destination of the first Qantas flight, it is a town that celebrates Outback life the true Australian way.

Founded by Ernest Henry in 1867 with the discovery of copper, Cloncurry’s core industries include grazing, transport services, copper and gold mining.

Spend a couple of days in the ‘Curry’ and don’t miss out on seeing some of the area’s most popular attractions. Located off the main street in Cloncurry on the east side of town is the Mary Kathleen Memorial Park Complex with ample parking, a covered BBQ area and a children’s playground set in a shaded and landscaped parkland. Stretch your legs and go for a five minute walk up to the lookout, past the unique water feature and take in the stunning panoramic view of Cloncurry and the surrounding rugged landscape. Then stroll around the outdoor mining and farm equipment displays.

Browse the Cloncurry Visitor Information Centre and gift shop within the park complex before going through to the museum which houses memorabilia on the now deserted town of Mary Kathleen, including local history and photographs. See the comprehensive gem and mineral collection and the museum’s prize possession – Burke’s water bottle, along with other interesting historical items from a bygone era.

Points of Interest

n John Flynn Place Museum & Art Gallery celebrates the visionary bush clergyman, John Flynn, and the innovations in flight and communications pioneered at Cloncurry through to the creation of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. The service was launched in Cloncurry in 1928. The museum pays homage to this crucial part of Outback

life. Wander the museum and enjoy stories, photographs and memorabilia. View the artworks on display in the Fred McKay Art Gallery.

Duchess

In earlier days Duchess was an important railway and mining town. Today, relive the glory days over a drink or two at the local Duchess Hotel, where the beer and stories flow. The old Duchess mine and lime quarry are reminders of its bustling past.

n Cloncurry has enjoyed a multicultural past. Pay a visit to the historic cemeteries dating back to the 1880s, and learn about early Afghan migrants at the cemetery on Sir Hudson Fysh Drive, and the Chinese cemetery on the western outskirts of town. n Chinaman Creek Dam is a lovely area to watch the changing colours of Mt Leviathan at sunset or stretch your legs wandering the water’s edge, or enjoy a picnic.

n Burke and Wills passed through the area in 1861 on their expedition from Melbourne to the Gulf; a memorial is located 43km west of Cloncurry on the banks of the Corella River. Heading further west you will come across Clem Walton Park. The park boasts camping sites and amenities on the banks of a lagoon.

Population 6

n The Duchess Hotel n Duchess Mine n Old lime quarry

Population 5

Kajabbi commemorates the warrior Kalkadoon tribe which fought its last battle against mounted police on the slopes of Battle Mountain.

Points of Interest

n Kalkadoon and Kalkadunga tribes’ memorials stand opposite the old Kalkadoon Hotel. n Dobbyn/Mount Cuthbert – the former copper mine with smelter stacks that are still standing.

Burke & Wills Junction

“Quamby” means “resting place’” so it is only fitting to stop for a drink at the old Albert Hotel, now known as the Quamby Pub. Originally the Customs house in the 1860s, it is all that remains of a once prosperous gold mining and cattle fattening district. The town comes alive in July hosting its annual rodeo.

Population 6

Breaking the trip between Cloncurry and Normanton on the Matilda Highway is the Burke and Wills Roadhouse, so named because it is located on the route taken by the ill-fated explorers. Situated at The Threeways, it is also the turn-off for travellers heading to Gregory Downs, Adel’s Grove or Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park.

Points of Interest

n Quamby Pub n Rum Can Water Tower

Dajarra

Points of Interest

Kajabbi

n Cloncurry Lookout, on the drive to Chinaman Creek Dam, provides another fantastic panoramic view of the township and the Cloncurry River.

Quamby

Population 3

Population 150

Believe it or not, Dajarra was once the largest cattle trucking depot in the world, processing thousands of head of cattle from as far away as Western Australia. Then came the road trains, and soon the railway was just a memory. Today, Dajarra is an Outback town with a rich Aboriginal heritage.

Points of Interest

n Post Office Museum

Curr y M err y Mu ste Festival, Cloncurr r y

CLONCURRY Information Centre McIlwraith Street, Cloncurry P: (07) 4742 1361 F: (07) 4742 1361 E: info@cloncurry.qld.gov.au www.cloncurry.qld.gov.au Chinaman

60 Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

Creek Dam , Cloncurry

Ma Outdoor

chinery D

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Australia’s Best plex, Cloncurry Mary Kathleen Memorial Park Com

Butt competition,

Julia Creek

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966 61

Julia Creek

Population 500

Don’t miss the multi award-winning Visitor Information Centre ‘At the Creek’ with its unique audio and visual displays depicting the life and times of Julia Creek and McKinlay Shire residents. The stories are represented by the themes of water, country and people – a must-see attraction when visiting Julia Creek.

An accredited Visitor Information Centre, ‘At the Creek’ provides a range of travel brochures and maps covering the north west of Queensland’s Outback.

The annual Dirt n Dust Festival will be held in Julia Creek from 15th to 17th April 2011.

This award-winning event includes one of Australia’s major triathlon events as well as the Artesian Express Horse Race (the richest horse race in the north west), PBR Bullride, Australia’s Best Butt competition, live concerts and the famous novelty events.

Visit www.dirtndust.com.au.

Points of Interest

n The Julia Creek Water Tower, 30 metres high and wineglass-shaped, can be seen from up to 20 kilometres away, with bluecoloured feature lighting creating a visual effect at night time. n Duncan McIntyre Museum is located in Burke Street, and the Julia Creek Opera House (Julia Street) display an interesting collection of local and regional memorabilia and photographs. n While visiting Julia Creek why not visit the Proa Redclaw Farm, located 75km south east of Julia Creek. The 12 ponds use artesian water, some containing up to 16,000 redclaw. Free self-drive tours including afternoon tea are available.

Bookings are essential and can be made ‘At the Creek.’ Tours operate Monday – Friday, departing the information centre at 1.00pm. n Punchbowl Water Hole is on the Flinders River approximately 45km north east of Julia Creek (unsealed road). This is an excellent place for swimming, fishing, birdwatching and picnicking.

is noted for its one weekend in late August when a campdraft, rodeo and race meeting are held. n Historical Walk – Obtain a map ‘At the Creek’ and stroll around the 38 sites, learning about their interesting and colourful history. Make sure you take a look at the centenary celebrations mosaic artwork on the wall of the library. n World War II Bunker – The remains of a directional finding installation can be seen at the western edge of Julia Creek, near the cattle sale yards.

Kynuna

Population 20

McKinlay

Population 30

This little town, established more than 100 years ago, was once a staging post for Cobb & Co. coaches. It is best known for its pub, the Walkabout Creek Hotel which, together with the other buildings in town, featured in the movie “Crocodile Dundee”. While in McKinlay visit Queensland’s smallest public library, open every Thursday. Further north of McKinlay is Maronan Station where you can fossick for gemstones, particularly garnets. Public access is via the Matilda (Landsborough) Highway.

Points of Interest

n Walkabout Creek Hotel Once a town with three bustling country pubs boosted by a staging post of Cobb & Co., Kynuna is now home to just one, the famous Blue Heeler Hotel. It is a recommended stop for all visitors.

Points of Interest

n The Blue Heeler Hotel, built in 1889 as the Kynuna Hotel, was one of three hotels trading for up to 700 people. Today the hotel is the only building still on site that has any association with the first days of the song “Waltzing Matilda”. Banjo Paterson drank at the pub. Both squatter and swagman had their last drinks there. n The turnoff to the Combo Waterhole is on the Matilda (Landsborough) Highway 16km east of Kynuna and 153km north west of Winton. Access by conventional vehicles is possible except during wet weather. A barbeque and picnic area is available at the car park “under the shade of a coolibah tree”. A 2.5km round trip takes you on a walk along cobbled paths to the waterhole, situated on the Diamantina River. Here you can enjoy a walk through the dry channels of the Diamantina to the famous waterhole, crossing historic stone pitched overshots built by Chinese labourers more than a century ago.

The return walk takes 40 minutes.

Camping is prohibited.

62 Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

n BHP Billiton Cannington Mine, located 87km south of McKinlay, is the world’s largest and lowest-cost single mine producer of both silver and lead. Opened in 1997, Cannington was the supplier of silver for the Olympic Games medals in Sydney in 2000 and again for the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

Nelia

Population 10

Nelia, located 40km east of Julia Creek, was once a very busy town, however today only one family lives here. The post office celebrated 100 years in 2009, however it is no longer operational. Keep an eye out in 2011 for an exciting new tourist attraction.

At the Creek Saxby Ro

n Sedan Dip is 100km north of Julia Creek (bitumen road). Fishing, swimming and birdwatching can be enjoyed at the Dip so take along a line and yabby trap. Sedan Dip

AT THE CREEK VISITOR Information Centre 34 Burke Street, Julia Creek P: (07) 4746 7690 F: (07) 4746 7005 E: tourism@mckinlay.qld.gov.au www.atthecreek.com.au

n McKinlay Library

er

Julia Creek Water Tow

undup, n

Visitor Info

orth of Ju

rmation, Ju

lia Creek

lia Creek

Townsville to Tennant Creek

Overlander’s Way

Three Ways

Barkly Homestead

TO BOODJAMULLA (LAWN HILL) NATIONAL PARK

Camooweal

MOUNT ISA

TO NORMANTON

TO CROYDON

TO PORCUPINE GORGE

Cloncurry Julia Creek McKinlay

TO BOULIA

Hughenden Richmond

Matild

aH

Kynuna

gh

i

QLD / NT Border

TENNANT CREEK

TOWNSVILLE

TO CAIRNS

Winton Winton

Mingela

Homestead

Prairie

Charters Towers Pentland Balfe’s Creek Torrens Creek TO CLERMONT

wa y TO MUTTABURRA

TO LONGREACH

Curry Merry Muster Festival, Cloncurry At the Creek Visitor Information Centre, Julia Creek

Castle Hill and Breakwater Marina, Townsville

Heritage Buildings, Charters Towers

Family Fun Park, Mount Isa

Kronosaurus Korner, Richmond

Porcupine Gorge, Hughenden

For more than 100 years our pioneers have been discovering the Overlander’s Way. Now you can follow in their footsteps on a 1,550km driving adventure across the breadth of Queensland and into the Northern Territory, linking the wonders of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef to the rugged Aussie Outback.

From the vast rugged cattle plains to dramatic basalt landscapes, spectacular gorges and prolific wildlife, the Overlander’s Way promises a journey rich with discovery, unspoilt natural beauty and friendly local characters.

Travelling the Overlander’s Way is easy. Come by plane, train or coach, or get your free driving map and travel the Overlander’s Way at your own pace.

Greyhound Australia Traveltrain Holidays 1300 473 946 Rail only bookings: 132 232 www.greyhound.com.au Holiday packages: 1800 627 655 www.traveltrain.com.au

Sky Trans 1300 759 872 www.skytrans.com.au

REX (Regional Express Airlines)

13 17 13 www.rex.com.au

Qantas Airways 13 13 13 www.qantas.com

Air North 1800 627 474 www.airnorth.com.au

For your FREE Overlander’s Way map and brochure call 1800 247 966 or visit www.overlandersway.info visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

63

RICHMOND

Population 800

Situated on the Overlander’s Way, halfway between Townsville and Mt Isa, Richmond sits perched on the bank of Queensland’s longest river, the Flinders, and is known for its recreational Lake Fred Tritton and bougainvillea-lined streets, shady parks and gardens.

Richmond is home to the award-winning attraction Kronosaurus Korner, where you will find the only museum in Australia primarily dedicated to displaying marine reptiles. The centre is home to some 400 exhibits dating back to the Cretaceous period, 98-114 million years ago, when Richmond was part of the inland sea. Don’t miss the themed theatrette, which provides a unique introduction to life during the Cretaceous period. And kids will love the Krono Kids Club so why not join from as little as $15 per year, per child and take the experience home with you? Krono’s Kids Club is online at www.kronosauruskorner.com.au or ask at the Tourist Information Desk.

The Centre is open seven days from 8.30am to 4.00pm (Closed Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday). The Kronosaurus Korner landscaping features a life-size 12.2 metre replica of Kronosaurus Queenslandicus, discovered by American Scientists near Richmond in the 1930s. If you find that you are infected with “fossil fever” after visiting Kronosaurus Korner, call at reception for a map to guide you through the region’s designated fossicking sites. Finds may include shark teeth, fish bones, belemnites, ammonites and various shells. Bring them back to the centre where the staff or consultant curator will be happy to identify your finds.

Once you have completed your visit to Kronosaurus Korner, enjoy a coffee in the Moonrock Café and sample the delights of the local bakery. Buy a souvenir to remind you of your visit and have a chat to the friendly staff at the accredited Visitor Information Centre.

range of water sports. Swimming, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, skiing and fishing are popular activities at the lake which boasts sandy beaches, shaded playground facilities and a water park. A paved walking track and gardens make it a fun way for the entire family to get fit and spend quality time together.

The boat ramp, free barbeque facilities and great amenities of Lake Fred Tritton have created a hub for the community’s social gatherings. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish including barramundi, gulf grunter, sleepy cod, spangled perch and yellow fin.

It also has freshwater prawns and redclaw crayfish.

Situated on the banks of award- winning Lake Fred Tritton, the Bush Tucker Gardens is a joint project involving the Richmond Shire Council as well as the local indigenous and non-indigenous community and the dedication of the Community Development Employment Program workers. All plants are native to the region and are labelled with their traditional purposes, helping to promote the educational aspects of indigenous culture. The garden’s waterfall represents the birthplace of Richmond’s water flowing from the basalt country to the white gravel. Gidgee stones and moonrocks, extracted from local properties complete the gardens.

Richmond’s Lakeview Caravan Park is a clean, friendly Outback park offering water views, drive-through sites, free barbeque, disabled facilities, dump point and amenities. Selfcontained ensuite cabins as well as twin share air-conditioned bunk houses are available.

Camp at the caravan park or check out the range of motel accommodation offered in Richmond.

Pliosaur

Lake Fred Tritton is conveniently located at the edge of town. With a 1.2 kilometre circumference and a maximum depth of 8 metres, Lake Fred Tritton allows visitors and locals the opportunity to enjoy a wide

KRONOSAURUS KORNER 91-93 Goldring Street, Richmond P: 1300 KRONOK (1300 576 665) F: (07) 4741 3802 E: enquiries@kronosauruskorner.com.au www.kronosauruskorner.com.au

64 Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

, Richmo Skeleton

Don’t forget Richmond is an RV and CMCA friendly town – please register with reception at Kronosaurus Korner.

If stepping back in time is more your scene, then take a heritage walk down the main street which has viewing signs depicting yesteryear. The Cambridge Downs Heritage Display Centre, located along the Heritage Trail in Goldring Street, is a replica of the homestead built on Cambridge Downs Station. Constructed in 1860 from local flagstone, it is a fine example of the architectural resourcefulness of western pioneers. The display centre houses various artefacts of historical and cultural siginifiance and contains historical interpretative panels on Cambridge Downs, the Wanamarra people and the Woolgar Goldfield. Pay your respects to the pioneers that shaped this country at the Pioneer Cemetery and relax at Jack Brown Lions Park.

Whatever your interests, you will enjoy your time spent in Richmond, experiencing everything the area has to offer. You may be lucky enough to be in town for one of the four country race meetings held at the Richmond Racecourse or check out the Richmond Shire Council Calendar of Events via the web www.richmond.qld.gov.au or become a “friend” on facebook, search for Richmond What’s On and visit us for one of the many exciting activities that take place during the year.

nd

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Fossil Capital of Australia Kronosaurus Korner

Information Centre & Fossil Display We are discovering new fossils every day – Check them out or find your own!

Dino Pass Purchase your pass from: Kronosaurus Korner, Richmond Flinders Discovery Centre, Hughenden Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways, Winton Waltzing Matilda Centre, Winton

www.australiasdinosaurtrail.com For your FREE brochure please call

1800 247 966

AmmonitE inn

P: (07) 4741 3932

the Ammonite inn makes for the perfect stop on the overlander’s Way (townsville – tennant Creek). Facilities include a licensed restaurant ‘Rivers’, conference facilities and a swimming pool, spacious undercover parking and all rooms are air-conditioned.

A first class service and an enjoyable stay.

Kronosaurus Korner is home to Australia’s best preserved dinosaur skeleton Minmi and one of the world’s best Pliosaur skeletons. n Souvenirs n Tour bookings n Café for meals and refreshments n Guided tours n Handheld audio guides available n Themed theatrette n Free fossicking sites n Walking distance from Caravan Park, Motels & Hotels

Krono Kids Corner The Kids Corner is a special area in the fossil centre where children can entertain themselves while parents tour the exhibits uninterrupted.

Register for one of the organised fossil expeditions OpeN 7 Days 8.30am to 4.00pm except Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday

88 Goldring Street, Richmond QLD 4822 P: (07) 4741 3932 E: amonit33@bigpond.net.au

Overlander’s Way (Flinders Highway), richmond P: 1300 KRONOK (1300 576 665) F: (07) 4741 3802 e: enquiries@kronosauruskorner.com.au Kronosaurus Ko

rner, Richmon

d

www.kronosauruskorner.com.au

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966 65

Hughenden

Population 1900

Hughenden has a lot to offer travellers, with four national parks, gemfields, mountainous volcanic basalt country, sweeping black soil plains and rich fossil and dinosaur areas.

Visit “Hughie”, the seven metre-tall Muttaburrasaurus, and an impressive fossil collection at the Flinders Discovery Centre, which is also an accredited Information Centre. While you are there, relive the glory days of sheep production and its subsequent demise in the “Shearing the Straggler” exhibit.

A small admission fee applies.

Follow the windmill blades through the streets of Hughenden, exploring the history and art features of the town. Meet “Mutt”, a full-bodied Muttaburrasaurus replica along the way.

Ample bus and caravan parking is available while you enjoy the serenity of Robert Gray Memorial Park, on the banks of the Flinders River. This is just one of four parks in town, each with wheelchair-accessible toilets and picnic facilities.

Just outside Hughenden, Mount Walker rises out of the flat black soil plains, providing great views across town and around the district.

Further afield is spectacular Porcupine Gorge National Park, often referred to as Australia’s “Little Grand Canyon”. The first lookout gives you an indication of the depth and magnitude of the gorge and is a must-see for all visitors.

Camping grounds are located at the Pyramid Lookout; campers should take their own water and be fully self-sufficient. Camping permits are available by phoning 13 13 04 or online at www.qld.gov.au/camping, some self registration is also available.

have been replicated along the northern banks of the Flinders River with over 1.5km of walking tracks.

Along the pathway are species of flora and local artworks illustrating important events, and the myriad diversity of Flinders Shire.

Torrens Creek

In 1942 Torrens Creek was utilised as an ammunition dump during World War II. Call in to hear the stories of how this little town was nearly blown away. The Exchange Hotel welcomes all travellers with cool drinks and great meals and you are invited to add your mark to the humorous graffiti gallery.

Points of Interest

n Flinders Discovery Centre n Hughie n Mutt n Street sculptures n 35’ Comet windmill n Porcupine Gorge National Park n Cemetery Arts & Symbolism self-guided tour n Blackbraes National Park n Basalt Byway n Eromanga Sea Byway n Flinders River Byway n Eco-Walk on Flinders n Mount Walker lookouts

Prairie

South of Torrens Creek is Moorrinya National Park. Moorrinya, meaning “ironbark” in the local Aboriginal dialect, showcases a perfect example of the desert upland bioregion. Bush camping is available by contacting the ranger on (07) 4741 7374.

White Mountains National Park offers short walking tracks for those wishing to explore this magic spot a little further. A lookout on the Overlander’s Way gives an indication of the amazing colours and textures of the rock and wildflower displays during May to August.

A bush camping area is available for selfsufficient and experienced bushwalkers only.

Population 35

Information and registration should be made with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Officers: Hughenden Office, phone: (07) 4741 1113 or Charters Towers Office, phone: (07) 4787 3388.

Prairie is a town surrounded by beautiful rolling plains of Flinders grass. In the 1870s it was a main horse change centre for Cobb & Co. coaches. The Prairie Hotel is a mustsee with its unique atmosphere, collection of stockman’s hats and other historical memorabilia. Hear the story of the wandering ringer; this ghostly prowler comes from a story first told around the 1930’s.

Points of Interest

n Moorrinya National Park n White Mountains National Park n The Exchange Hotel, Torrens Creek n Burra Range Lookout on the Overlander’s Way

Points of Interest

n The Prairie Hotel n Kooroorinya Falls Nature Reserve n 35’ Comet windmill n Flinders River Byway 4WD Tourist Drive (not a loop road)

Stamford

Points of Interest n Stamford Roadhouse

Mt Walke

r sunset,

Hughend

en

FLINDERS DISCOVERY CENTRE 37 Gray Street, Hughenden P: (07) 4741 2970 F: (07) 4741 1029 E: info@flinders.qld.gov.au www.flinders.qld.gov.au

66 Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

Population 5

Once a busy railhead for local wool graziers, the town of Stamford is now a quieter place, firing up once a year in July for the Stamford Races. Stop in and have a cuppa at the Stamford Roadhouse. You will enjoy the refreshing break and chat.

The Basalt Byway is a scenic drive plotted through picturesque volcanic basalt countryside, boasting excellent lookouts and abundant flora and fauna. For four-wheel-driving enthusiasts, the Eromanga Sea Byway traces the edge of the prehistoric inland sea. Make the sandy crossing on the Flinders River Byway and reward yourself with a cold drink at the Prairie Pub. Enjoy a walk along the diverse bioregions of the Flinders Shire at Eco Walk on Flinders. These ecosystems

Population 20

P yramid , Porcup

M ut t

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aur u ur r a s

g s, Hu

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ine Gorg

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al Park

FLinDErS DiScovEry cEntrE

P: (07) 4741 2970

FLinDErS DiScovEry cEntrE, HuGHEnDEn ■ Fossil and Gem Display ■ Life-sized Muttaburrasaurus Dinosaur ■ Porcupine Gorge Light and Sound Show ■ Shearing the Stragglers ■ Bioregion Display ■ Local and regional tourist information ■ Souvenir Shop ■ Local Maps open 7 Days 9.00am - 5.00pm closed christmas and new year’s Day Dec, Jan and Feb – Sat and Sun 9.00am to 1.00pm

Flinders Discovery

Centre, Hughenden

37 Gray Street, Hughenden QLD 4821 P: (07) 4741 2970 F: (07) 4741 1029 E: info@flinders.qld.gov.au www.flinders.qld.gov.au

Charters Towers On the road

Covering an area the size of Tasmania, the Charters Towers region offers travellers a unique snapshot of country life as it was in the gold rush days of the 1870’s right through the war years and into the new century, where we now enjoy a legacy rich in heritage and character.

Situated just 90 minutes south west of Townsville, Charters Towers, once known as “The World”, is a bustling rural centre that celebrates its grand history through wonderfully preserved heritage buildings, pubs, museums and streetscapes. And not a traffic light in sight!

cnr Landsborough & Caroline Sts, Normanton QLD 4890 Phone: (07) 4745 1065 Fax: (07) 4745 1072

Walker St, Karumba 4891 Phone: (07) 4745 9582 Fax: (07) 4745 9145 Email: tourism@carpentaria.qld.gov.au Web: www.carpentaria.qld.gov.au

Ask at the Visitor Information Centre about the “ghosts of gold” Heritage Trail, the One Square Mile and the Venus Gold Battery – each of them a “must see.” You can also visit The Miner’s Cottage, the Historic Ambulance Centre, see the Texas Longhorns - and much more.

Charters Towers Visitor Information Centre Phone: (07) 4761 5533 Email: tourinfo@charterstowers.qld.gov.au Web: www.charterstowers.qld.gov.au

Carpentaria

Charters Towers

Outback by the Sea – The azure blue waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria have long been a destination for recreational fishermen and are a birdwatcher’s paradise. Carpentaria Shire marks the end of the Matilda Highway which traverses Queensland’s length from Barringun on the New South Wales border to the port town of Karumba.

Charters Towers was established in the early 1870s upon the discovery of gold. In its heyday the city had a population of some 30,000 and its own stock exchange – it was Queensland’s largest city outside of Brisbane.

While Normanton is the region’s main administrative centre, Karumba relies on its fishing and prawning industries, complemented by tourism through the winter months.

Today Charters Towers is a regional centre for mining, beef and education, and retains an old world charm – the opulent architecture of its golden heritage a real drawcard for the town.

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966 67

Charters Towers

Dalrymple Tourist Van Park 24 Dalrymple Rd P (07) 4787 1121 E stay@dalrymplevanpark.com.au www.dalrymplevanpark.com.au

Cloncurry

Cloncurry Caravan Park Oasis 56-74 McIlwraith St P (07) 4742 1313 E ccpoasis@bigpond.net.au www.cloncurrycaravanparkoasis.com Gidgee Inn Motel 1 Matilda Hwy P (07) 4742 1599 E info@gidgeeinn.com.au wwww.gidgeeinn.com.au

Cunnamulla

“Aldville Station” via Wyandra P (07) 4655 4814 E alanandlouise@activ8.net.au Charlotte Plains 1993 Charlotte Plains Rd P (07) 4655 4923 E charlotteplains@harboursat.com.au www.charlotteplains.com.au Nardoo Station ”Nardoo Station” P (07) 4655 4833 E dcmeurant@bigpond.com www.nardoo.com.au

Emerald

Discovery Holiday Parks - Lake Marraboon Selma Rd P (07) 4987 4950 E emerald@discoveryparks.com.au www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au

Hughenden

Hughenden Allen Terry Caravan Park 2 Resolution St P (07) 4741 1190 E susan.thompson1@bigpond.com www.hughenden.com Rest Easi Motel 11 Flinders Hwy P (07) 4741 1633 E info@resteasimotel.com.au www.hughenden.com

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Boulia Australian Hotel 21 Herbert St P (07) 4746 3144 E bouliapub@bigpond.com Boulia Caravan Park 1 Winton Rd P (07) 4746 3320 E bouliacaravanpark@yahoo.com Boulia Desert Sands Motel 50 Herbert St P (07) 4746 3000 E desertsandsmotel@bigpond.com Bailey Bar Caravan Park 196 King St P (07) 4654 1744 E baileybar@bigpond.com www.charlevillebaileybar.com.au Charleville Bush Cottage & Caravan Park Lot 1 Frawley St, Quilpie Rd P 1800 654 541 E info@travelwest.com.au www.travelwest.com.au Charleville Waltzing Matilda Motor Inn 125 Alfred St P (07) 4654 1720 E charleville.waltzingmatilda@bigpond.com Cobb & Co Caravan Park 1 Ridgeway St P (07) 4654 1053 Evening Star Tourist Park 818 Adavale Rd P (07) 4654 2430 E eveningstar@activ8.net.au www.eveningstar.com.au Mulga Country Motor Inn Lot 118 Sturt St P (07) 4654 3255 E mulgacountry@bigpond.com

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Blackall

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Birdsville Caravan Park 1 Florence St P (07) 4656 3214 E birdsvillecaravanpark@yahoo.com.au www.birdsvillecaravanpark.com Birdsville Hotel Adelaide St P (07) 4656 3244 E birdsville@theoutback.com.au www.theoutback.com.au Acacia Motor Inn 110 Shamrock St P (07) 4657 6022 E blackallacaciamotor@bigpond.com www.blackallacaciamotorinn.com.au Barcoo Hotel 95 Shamrock St P (07) 4657 4197 Blackall Caravan Park 53 Garden St P (07) 4657 4816 E blackallpark@bigpond.com Coolibah Motel 36 Shamrock St P (07) 4657 4380 E coolibahmotel@bigpond.com www.coolibahmotel.com.au

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Royal Hotel Bedourie Herbert St P (07) 4746 1201 E bedourie.hotel@bigpond.com www.bedouriehotel.com

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Barcaldine Country Motor Inn 1 Box St P (07) 4651 1488 E countrymotorinn@bigpond.com Ironbark Inn 72 Box St P (07) 4651 2311 E rmdachan@bigpond.net.au Union Hotel Motel Cnr Oak & Maple Sts P (07) 4651 2269 E unionhotel@tpg.com.au

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The Lake via Aramac P (07) 4651 0565

Powered Sites

Aramac

Cabins

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Ilfracombe

Wellshot Hotel 15 Main Ave P (07) 4658 2106 E wellshot_hotel@bigpond.com www.wellshothotel.com.au

Innamincka Julia Creek

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Sweers Island Resort Pty Ltd Sweers Island P (07) 4748 5544 E info@sweers.com.au www.sweers.com.au

Lawn Hill (Boodjamulla National Park)

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Mount Isa

AAOK Moondarra Accommodation Village 2 Moondarra Drive P (07) 4743 9780 E aaokmoondarra@gmail.com www.aaok.com.au All Seasons Verona Hotel Cnr Rodeo Drive & Camooweal St P (07) 4743 3024 E h0575-re@accor.com www.allseasons.com.au Outback Motel 45-47 West St P (07) 4743 2311 E reservations@outbackmotel.com.au www.outbackmotel.com.au Quality Inn Burke & Wills Cnr Grace & Camooweal Sts P (07) 4743 8000 E reservations@burkeandwillsmotel.com.au www.burkeandwillsmotel.com.au

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Epsilon Station “Epsilon Station” P (07) 4655 4324 E epsilon5@activ8.net.au Explorers Caravan Park 88 Dowling Street P 1800 820 890 E explorerscaravanpark@bigpond.com Kilcowera Station ”Kilcowera Station” P (07) 4655 4960 E gtsherwin@bigpond.com www.kilcowera.com.au Cooper Cabins 11 Edward St P (07) 4656 3101 Western Star Hotel 15 Albert St P (07) 4656 3166 E westernstarhotel@bigpond.com

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Ammonite Inn 88 Goldring St P (07) 4741 3932 E amonit33@bigpond.net.au Tambo Mill Motel & Caravan Park 34-40 Arthur St P (07) 4621 7000 E tambomil@bigpond.net.au www.tambomillmotel.com

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Prairie Hotel Motel Flinders Hwy P (07) 4741 5121 E prairiepub@hotmail.com Channel Country Tourist Park 21 Chipu St P (07) 4656 2087 E channelpark@bigpond.com www.channelpark.com.au

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Berkeley Lodge Motor Inn 20-30 Cambridge St P (07) 4623 1666 E berkeleylodge@bigpond.com www.berkeleylodge.webls.net Bonus Downs Farmstay Bollon Rd P (07) 4623 1573 E bonusdowns@activ8.net.au www.bonusdowns.webls.net

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Jundah Hotel 10-12 Dickson St P (07) 4658 6166 ju28722@bigpond.net.au www.jundahdownunder.com.au

Abajaz Motor Inn 11 Wonga St P (07) 4658 1288 E info@abajazmotorinn.com.au www.abajazmotorinn.com.au Albert Park Motor Inn Cnr Ilfracombe & Stork Rd P (07) 4658 2411 E albertpark@westnet.com.au www.albertpark-longreach.com.au Aussie Betta Cabins 63 Ilfracombe Rd P (07) 4658 3811 E smithbro@iinet.net.au www.aussiebettacabins.com.au Discovery Holiday Parks - Longreach 12 Thrush Rd P 1800 356 099 E longreach@discoveryparks.com.au www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au Jumbuck Motel Sir Hudson Fysh Drive P (07) 4658 1799 E jumbuck1@bigpond.net.au www.jumbuckmotel.com.au Longreach Motel 127-129 Eagle St P (07) 4658 1996 E info@longreachmotel.com.au www.longreachmotel.net.au Longreach Motor Inn 84 Galah St P (07) 4658 2322 E lmi@outbacklongreach.com.au www.outbacklongreach.com.au

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Innamincka Hotel South Terrace P (08) 8675 9901 E innamincka@theoutback.com.au www.theoutback.com.au Julia Creek Caravan Park Old Normanton Rd P (07) 4746 7108 www.mckinlay.qld.gov.au

Holiday Station

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3.5

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RACQ Rating

Accommodation

The Royal Hotel Resort 21 Moran St P (07) 4741 1183 E royal183@bigpond.net.au www.hughenden.com

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Banjo’s Overnight & Holiday Units 78 Manuka St P (07) 4657 1213 E banjosunits@hotmail.com Boulder Opal Motor Inn 16 Elderslie St P (07) 4657 1211 E boulderopalmotel@bigpond.com www.boulderopalmotorinn.com.au Carisbrooke Station ”Carisbrooke Station” P (07) 4657 0084 E carisbrooke@reachnet.com.au www.carisbrooketours.com.au Matilda Country Tourist Park 43 Chirnside St P (07) 4657 1607 E info@matildacountrytouristpark.com www.matildacountrytouristpark.com Matilda Motel 20 Oondooroo St P (07) 4657 1433 E matildamotel@westnet.com.au Tattersalls Hotel 78 Elderslie St P (07) 4657 1309 Windermere Station “Windermere Station” P (07) 4657 0359 E windermere01@bigpond.com www.windermerestation.com.au Winton Hotel 43 Werna St P (07) 4657 1519 E kjhotels@hotmail.com Winton Outback Motel 95 Elderslie St P (07) 4657 1422 E info@wintonoutbackmotel.com www.wintonoutbackmotel.com

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attractions

Address

phone

Fax

Email

Website

(07) 4651 1579 (07) 4651 2530

(07) 4651 1570 (07) 4651 2531

awhc1991@bigpond.com the.principal@wanpardaeec.eq.edu.au

www.australianworkersheritagecentre.com.au www.wanpardaeec.eq.edu.au

Nappa Street Herbert Street Diamantina Developmental Road

1300 794 257 1300 794 257 1300 794 257

(07) 4746 1272 (07) 4746 1272 (07) 4746 1272

travel@diamantina.qld.gov.au travel@diamantina.qld.gov.au travel@diamantina.qld.gov.au

www.diamantina.qld.gov.au www.diamantina.qld.gov.au www.diamantina.qld.gov.au

Adelaide Street Billabong Boulevard

(07) 4656 3244 (07) 4656 3300

(07) 4656 3262 (07) 4656 3302

birdsville@theoutback.com.au info@diamantina.qld.gov.au

www.theoutback.com.au www.diamantina.qld.gov.au

Eyre Developmental Road

1300 794 257

(07) 4746 1272

travel@diamantina.qld.gov.au

www.diamantina.qld.gov.au

Evora Road

(07) 4657 6042

(07) 4657 6042

blackallwoolscour1@bigpond.com

www.blackallwoolscour.jimdo.com

25 Herbert Street 57 Pituri Street

(07) 4746 3386 (07) 4746 3386

(07) 4746 3387 (07) 4746 3387

tourism@boulia.qld.gov.au tourism@boulia.qld.gov.au

www.boulia.qld.gov.au www.boulia.qld.gov.au

Bourke - Quilpie

(07)4655 3399

(07) 4655 3374

thargo.info@bigpond.com

www.thargotourism.com.au

Brisbane - Adelaide

(07) 4655 3399

(07) 4655 3374

thargo.info@bigpond.com

www.thargotourism.com.au

1 Qantas Drive 1 Qantas Drive

(07) 4654 7771 (07) 4654 7771

(07) 4654 7772 (07) 4654 7772

obguides@bigpond.com obguides@bigpond.com

www.savethebilbyfund.com www.cosmoscentre.com

McIlwraith Street 30 Ramsay Street Cnr Daintree & King Streets

(07) 4742 1361 0428 350 158 (07) 4742 2778

(07) 4742 1361 (07) 4742 1989

info@cloncurry.qld.gov.au info@currymerrymuster.com.au johnflynnplace@cloncurry.qld.gov.au

www.cloncurry.qld.gov.au www.currymerrymuster.com.au www.cloncurry.qld.gov.au

37 Gray Street

(07) 4741 2970

(07) 4741 1029

info@flinders.qld.gov.au

www.flinders.qld.gov.au

15 Main Avenue

(07) 4658 2106

wellshot_hotel@bigpond.com

www.wellshothotel.com.au

South Terrace

(08) 8675 9901

(08) 8675 9961

innamincka@theoutback.com.au

www.theoutback.com.au

34 Burke Street Burke Street

(07) 4746 7690 (07) 4751 6607

(07) 4746 7005 (07) 4751 6607

tourism@mckinlay.qld.gov.au admin@dirtndust.com

www.atthecreek.com.au www.dirtndust.com

Landsborough Highway

(07) 4658 4699

(07) 4658 1956

enquiries@aacc.edu.au

www.agriculturalcollege.qld.edu.au

Landsborough Highway 126 Eagle Street 126 Eagle Street 126 Eagle Street 84 Galah Street Sir James Walker Drive

(07) 4658 2166 (07) 4658 2006 (07) 4658 1776 (07) 4658 2006 (07) 4658 2322 (07) 4658 4232

(07) 4658 2495 (07) 4658 2006 (07) 4658 1794 (07) 4658 2006 (07) 4658 1828 (07) 4658 4200

museum@stockmanshalloffame.com.au store@kinnonandco.com.au info@kinnonandco.com.au store@kinnonandco.com.au lmi@outbacklongreach.com.au tours1@eq.edu.au

www.stockmanshalloffame.com.au www.kinnonandco.com.au www.kinnonandco.com.au www.kinnonandco.com.au www.outbacklongreach.com.au www.longreacsde.eq.edu.au

Barcaldine

The Australian Workers Heritage Centre 94 Ash Street Wanpa-rda Matilda Outback Education Centre Cnr Ash & Willow Streets

Bedourie

Artesian Spa & Swimming Pool Complex Community Hall & Indoor Sports Centre Outback Golf Course

Birdsville

Birdsville Hotel Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre

Birdsville - Bedourie

The Bilby Way

Blackall

Blackall Historical Woolscour

Boulia

Min Min Encounter Stonehouse Museum

Bourke - Quilpie

The Dowling Track

Brisbane - Adelaide

The Adventure Way

Charleville

Charleville Bilby Experience Cosmos Centre & Observatory

Cloncurry

Cloncurry Mary Kathleen Park Museum Curry Merry Muster Festival John Flynn Place Museum & Art Gallery

Hughenden

Flinders Discovery Centre

Ilfracombe

Wellshot Hotel

Innamincka

Innamincka Hotel

Julia Creek

At the Creek Visitor Information Centre Dirt & Dust Festival

Longreach

AACC Longreach Pastoral Campus Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre Kinnon & Co - Changing Station Cafe Kinnon & Co - Starlight's Spectacular Kinnon & Co - The Station Store Longreach River Cruises Longreach School of The Air

70

Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

attractions

Address

phone

Fax

Email

Website

Outback Gallery Qantas Founders Museum

105 Eagle Street Sir Hudson Fysh Drive

(07) 4658 0170 (07) 4658 3737

(07) 4658 0707

deb@outbackpics.com.au info@qfom.com.au

www.outbackpics.com.au www.qfom.com.au

Albert Street

(07) 4654 8131

(07) 4654 8343

PO Box 2280 1 Nineteenth Avenue 19 Marian Street Joan Street 19 Marian Street

0431 745 083 (07) 4743 2577 (07) 4743 2706 (07) 4749 0281 (07) 4749 1555

(07) 4749 5001 (07) 4743 0310 (07) 4743 8435

Bruford Street

Morven

Morven Historical Museum

Mount Isa

Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic Mount Isa Irish Association Mount Isa Rotary Rodeo Inc Mount Isa Underground Hospital & Museum Outback At Isa

Muttaburra

Dr Arratta Memorial Museum Assoc.

Richmond

Kronosaurus Korner

Rockhampton

Beef Australia

Tambo

Tambo Teddies

Thargomindah

Leahy House Thargomindah Herald Printers Thargomindah Hydro Power Plant Display

Winton

Australian Age of Dinosaurs Corfield & Fitzmaurice Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways and Conservation Park Outback Festival Waltzing Matilda Centre Winton Camel Races Inc Winton Opal Company Winton's Diamantina Heritage Truck & Machinery Museum Wookatook Gift & Gem

Winton - Laverton

The Outback Way

(07) 4743 6296

anggeo3@bigpond.net.au mtisairishclub@hotmail.com enquiries@isarodeo.com.au diane03@bigpond.com info@outbackatisa.com.au

www.outbackatisa.com.au

(07) 4658 5610

(07) 4658 5686

llorac@active8.net.au

www.muttaburra.com

91-93 Goldring Street

1300 KRONOK

(07) 4741 3802

enquiries@kronosauruskorner.com.au

www.kronosauruskorner.com.au

134-136 William Street

(07) 4922 2989

(07) 4921 3787

beefexpo@beefaustralia.com.au

www.beefaustralia.com.au

17 Arthur Street

(07) 4654 6223

(07) 4654 6223

tamboteddies@bigpond.com

www.tamboteddies.com.au

Cnr Dowling & Gilmore Streets Sams Street Adventure Way

(07) 4655 3399 (07) 4655 3399 (07) 4655 3399

(07) 4655 3374 (07) 4655 3374 (07) 4655 3374

thargo.info@bigpond.com thargo.info@bigpond.com thargo.info@bigpond.com

www.thargotourism.com.au www.thargotourism.com.au www.thargotourism.com.au

“The Jump Up� Road Elderslie Street

(07) 4657 0078 (07) 4657 1486

(07) 4657 0045 (07) 4657 1486

info@australianageofdinosaurs.com

www.australianageofdinosaurs.com www.experiencewinton.com.au

Jundah Road 60 Oondooroo Street 50 Elderslie Street PO Box 417 80 Elderslie Street

1300 665 115 (07) 4657 1558 (07) 4657 1466 (07) 4741 7185 (07) 4657 0747

(07) 4657 1886 (07) 4657 1558 (07) 4657 1886

vic@matildacentre.com.au outbackfestival@bigpond.com waltzing@matildacentre.com.au blacket64@bigpond.com wintonopalcompany@gmail.com

www.dinosaurtrackways.com.au www.outbackfestival.org www.matildacentre.com.au www.experiencewinton.com.au

Lot 2 Hughenden Road 73 Elderslie Street

0429 806 140 (07) 4657 1296

07 4657 1558 (07) 4657 1541

heritagetruckswinton@hotmail.com wooka2@bigpond.net.au

www.experiencewinton.com.au

Winton - Laverton

(07) 4661 7393

gm@outbackway.org.au

www.outbackway.org.au

visitor information centres Alpha Aramac Barcaldine Bedourie Birdsville Blackall Boulia Charleville Charters Towers Cloncurry Cunnamulla Hughenden Ilfracombe Isisford Jericho Julia Creek Jundah Karumba Longreach Mt Isa Muttaburra Normanton Quilpie Richmond Tambo Thargomindah Windorah Winton

www.murweh.qld.gov.au

Address

Shakespeare Street Rowley Roberts Tourist Information Centre Gordon Street Aramac Post Office Oak Street Barcaldine Tourist Information Centre 506 Herbert Street Bedourie Outback Visitor Centre Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre Billabong Boulevard 108a Shamrock Street Blackall Visitor Information Centre 25 Herbert Street Min Min Encounter Charleville Visitor Information Centre Qantas Drive Charters Towers Visitor Information Centre 74 Mosman Street Cloncurry Information Centre McIlwraith Street Cunnamulla Fella Centre 2 Jane Street 37 Gray Street Flinders Discovery Centre 9 McMaster Drive Wellshot Centre Isisford Branch Office 20 Mary Street Jericho Tourism Assocation Darwin Street At the Creek 34 Burke Street 11 Dickson Street Jundah Visitor Information Centre Karumba Visitor Information Centre and Library Walker Street Longreach Visitor Information Centre Qantas Park, 97 Eagle Street Outback At Isa 19 Marian Street Sword Street Muttaburra Post Office Normanton Visitor Information Centre and Library Cnr Landsborough Hwy & Caroline St Quilpie Visitor Information Centre 51 Brolga Street 91-93 Goldring Street Kronosaurus Korner Tambo Visitor Information Centre - Grasslands@Tambo 30 Arthur Street Cnr McGregor & Eccles Streets Thargomindah Visitor Information Centre Windorah Visitor Information Centre 8 Maryborough Street Winton Visitor Information Centre 50 Elderslie Street

Phone (07) 4985 1050 (07) 4651 3147 (07) 4651 1724 1300 794 257 1300 794 257 (07) 4657 4637 (07) 4746 3386 (07) 4654 7771 (07) 4761 5533 (07) 4742 1361 (07) 4655 8470 (07) 4741 2970 (07) 4658 3551 (07) 4658 8900 (07) 4651 4232 (07) 4746 7690 (07) 4658 6930 (07) 4745 9582 (07) 4658 4150 (07) 4749 1555 (07) 4658 7147 (07) 4745 1065 (07) 4656 0540 1300 KRONOK (07) 4621 6600 (07) 4655 3399 (07) 4656 3063 1300 665 115

Fax

Email

www.mountisafish.org.au www.theirishclub.com.au www.isarodeo.com.au

Website

alphatour1@bigpond.com

www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au (07) 4651 2243 infocentre@barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au (07) 4746 1272 travel@diamantina.qld.gov.au www.diamantina.qld.gov.au (07) 4656 3302 info@diamantina.qld.gov.au www.diamantina.qld.gov.au (07) 4657 4913 binfo@btrc.qld.gov.au www.btrc.qld.gov.au (07) 4746 3387 tourism@boulia.qld.gov.au www.boulia.qld.gov.au (07) 4654 7772 tourism@murweh.qld.gov.au www.murweh.qld.gov.au (07) 4761 5536 tourinfo@charterstowers.qld.gov.au www.charterstowers.qld.gov.au (07) 4742 1361 info@cloncurry.qld.gov.au www.cloncurry.qld.gov.au (07) 4655 1120 cunnamullainfo@paroo.qld.gov.au www.paroo.qld.gov.au (07) 4741 1029 info@flinders.qld.gov.au www.flinders.qld.gov.au (07) 4658 2598 ilfracombeVIC@longreach.qld.gov.au www.longreach.qld.gov.au (07) 4658 8950 office.isisford@longreach.qld.gov.au www.isisford.qld.gov.au www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au (07) 4746 7005 tourism@mckinlay.qld.gov.au www.atthecreek.com.au (07) 4658 6221 jundahinfo@barcoo.qld.gov.au www.barcoo.qld.gov.au (07) 4745 9145 tourism@carpentaria.qld.gov.au www.carpentaria.qld.gov.au (07) 4658 4177 visitinf@longreach.qld.gov.au www.longreach.qld.gov.au (07) 4743 6296 info@outbackatisa.com.au www.outbackatisa.com.au www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au (07) 4745 1072 tourism@carpentaria.qld.gov.au www.carpentaria.qld.gov.au (07) 4656 1441 tourism@quilpie.qld.gov.au www.quilpie.qld.gov.au (07) 4741 3802 enquiries@kronosauruskorner.com.au www.kronosauruskorner.com.au (07) 4621 6660 tourism@btrc.qld.gov.au www.btrc.qld.gov.au (07) 4655 3374 thargo.info@bigpond.com www.thargotourism.com.au (07) 4656 3137 windorah_library@bigpond.com www.barcoo.qld.gov.au (07) 4657 1886 vic@matildacentre.com.au www.experiencewinton.com.au

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

71

services

Address

Phone

Fax

Email

Website

Alpha Home, Health & Beauty Bean West Cafe

39 Shakespeare Street Capricorn Highway

(07) 4985 1800 (07) 4985 1365

(07) 4985 1800 (07) 4985 1383

alpha.elite@bigpond.com alphagateway@bigpond.com

www.alphaqueensland.com.au www.alphaqueensland.com.au

The Alpha Gateway

Capricorn Highway

(07) 4985 1233

(07) 4985 1383

alpha.elite@bigpond.com

www.alphaqueensland.com.au

Barcaldine Pharmacy Barcaldine Tourist Information Centre

91 Oak Street Oak Street

(07) 4651 1121 (07) 4651 1724

(07) 4651 1887 (07) 46512 243

barcaldine.pharmacy@nunet.com.au infocentre@barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

www.barcaldinepharmacy.com.au www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

George Bourne & Associates

67 Elm Street

(07) 4651 2177

(07) 4651 1587

admin@gbassoc.com.au

www.engineeringtheoutback.com.au

Alpha

Barcaldine

Birdsville

Birdsville Bakery Birdsville Fuel Service & Post Office

Billabong Boulevard

(07) 4656 4697

(07) 4656 4625

Adelaide Street

(07) 4656 3236

(07) 4656 3263

birdsvillefuelserv@bigpond.com

PO Box 692

(07) 3366 1700

(07) 3366 1688

chp@bigpond.com

3 Aberfoyle Street

0438 052 022

(07) 3378 2275

warren.letters@yahoo.com.au

22 Moore Street

(07) 4055 6122

(07) 4055 6188

sales@trav.com.au

www.trav.com.au

Lot 15, Barkly Highway

(07) 4748 2022

(07) 4748 2044

info@droverscamp.com.au

www.droverscamp.com.au

Partridge Street

0417 746 554

carriewyatt@tpg.com.au

www.charlevilleracing.com

PO Box 3135

(07) 5575 6028

cotadel@bigpond.com

31 Moran Street

(07) 4741 1109

(07) 4741 1767

drewwestcott@bigpond.com

www.hughenden.com

32 Stansfield Street

(07) 4741 1915

(07) 4741 1659

thewhisper@bigpond.com

www.hughenden.com

30-32 Main Avenue

(07) 4658 2265

(07) 4658 2265

ilfracombegeneralstore@hotmail.com

43 Burke Street

0427 467 183

BP Longreach Cattleman's Bar and Grill

9 Wonga Street

(07) 4658 1136

(07) 4658 1136

palmbp@bigpond.net.au

Landsborough Highway

(07) 4658 1168

(07) 4658 2495

iona@stockmanshalloffame.com.au

Central West Travel

Longreach Airport, Landsborough Hwy

(07) 4658 1155

(07) 4658 3084

cwtrav@bigpond.net.au

Brisbane

Campbell Higginson Town Planning Kupro Pty Ltd - Wot's on in Queensland

Cairns

Parker Travel Collection

Camooweal

Drover's Camp Assoc. Inc.

Charleville

Central Warrego Race Club

Gold Coast

Cotadel Pty Ltd

Hughenden

Hughenden Supermarket The Great Northern Telecentre Inc

Ilfracombe

Ilfracombe General Store & Cafe

Julia Creek

Stephen Malone Photography

Longreach

malone46@bigpond.net.au

www.smalone.com.au

www.stockmanshalloffame.com.au

Johnno's Campertrailers Longreach

27 Thrush Road

0438 739 199

longreach@campertrailer.com.au

www.longreach.campertrailer.com.au

Kinnon & Co - Booking Office

115A Eagle Street

(07) 4658 1776

(07) 4658 1794

info@kinnonandco.com.au

www.kinnonandco.com.au

Kinnon & Co - Changing Station Cafe

126 Eagle Street

(07) 4658 2006

(07) 4658 2006

store@kinnonandco.com.au

www.kinnonandco.com.au

Kinnon & Co - The Station Store

126 Eagle Street

(07) 4658 2006

(07) 4658 2006

store@kinnonandco.com.au

www.kinnonandco.com.au

Kinnon & Co - Vintage Bike Hire

115A Eagle Street

(07) 4658 1776

(07) 4658 1794

info@kinnonandco.com.au

www.kinnonandco.com.au

McGinness’ Restaurant (Qantas Founders)

Sir Hudson Fysh Drive

(07) 4658 3737

(07) 4658 0707

info@qfom.com.au

www.qfom.com.au

Myers Newsagency

113 Eagle Street

(07) 4658 1324

(07) 4658 0386

Remote Area Planning and Development Board Vast Arts Inc

100 Galah Street

(07) 4652 5600

(07) 4652 5699

gm@rapad.com.au

www.rapad.com.au

33 Swan Street

0427 582 890

(07) 4658 1857

vastarts@bigpond.com

www.vastarts.net

Aussie Bake (QLD) Pty Ltd Carpentaria Newspapers Pty Ltd

28-30 Traders Way

(07) 4743 5957

(07) 4743 0074

pieliz@bigpond.com

112 Camooweal Street

(07) 4743 3355

(07) 4749 1190

admin@starnews.com.au

Mount Isa Chamber of Commerce

22 West Street

(07) 4743 9881

(07) 4743 7266

admin@mountisachamber.com.au

www.mountisachamber.com.au

Mount Isa Tourism Association

19 Marian Street

(07) 4749 1555

(07) 4743 6296

info@outbackatisa.com.au

www.outbackatisa.com.au

The Buffs Club

Cnr Grace & Simpson Streets

(07) 4743 2365

(07) 4743 7773

contact@buffs.com.au

www.buffs.com.au

Opalton/Winton

(07) 4657 1565

qboa@bigpond.com.au

www.qboa.com.au

32 Arthur Street

(07) 4654 6288

(07) 4654 6119

tambofoodworks@bigpond.com

Dowling Street

(07) 4655 3399

(07) 4655 3374

thargo.info@bigpond.com

www.thargotourism.com.au

Balamara Bakery 76A Elderslie Street BP Roadhouse 35 Chirnside Street O'Regan & Partners Chartered Accountants Cnr Elderslie & Oondooroo Streets Orlando Orchards 15 Oondooroo Street

(07) 4657 1242 (07) 4657 0199

(07) 4657 1763 (07) 4657 1725

winton.gs@bigpond.com bp.wintonroadhouse@reliancepetroleum.com.au

www.reliancepetroleum.com.au

(07) 4657 1300

(07) 4657 1300

mountisa@oreganaccountants.com.au

www.oreganpartners.com

(07) 4657 1398

(07) 4657 1398

Searles Outback Store

72 Elderslie Street

(07) 4657 1450

(07) 4657 1122

Shoprite Discount Store

Cnr Manuka & Dagworth Streets

(07) 4657 1244

(07) 4657 1763

winton.gs@bigpond.com

Spar Winton

Cnr Vindex & Manuka Streets

(07) 4657 1254

(07) 4657 1202

winton@5staronline.net

Tuff Tyres Winton

40 Chirnside Street

(07) 46570700

(07) 4657 0711

mitchellearth@bigpond.com helenkennedy70@hotmail.com

Mount Isa

Opalton

Queensland Boulder Opal Association Inc

Tambo

Tambo Foodworks

Thargomindah

Dowling Track Promotions Group

Winton

Winton Business & Tourism Association Inc

(07) 4657 1296

Winton Hardware

77 Elderslie Street

(07) 4657 1401

(07) 4657 0220

Winton Pharmacy

73 Elderslie Street

(07) 4657 1340

(07) 4657 1841

72 Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

www.northweststar.com.au

Burketown

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Alcohol Free

Children Welcome

Disabled Facilities

Meals

•

Hotel / Motel

Camping

Tag Along

Non-smoking

•

Aircraft

•

Four Wheel Drive

Half Day or Less

•

Coach / Coaster

Day Tour

Skinny Dingo Tours c/- 21 Chipu Street, Quilpie P (07) 4656 2087 E channelpark@bigpond.com www.outbackparks.com.au

Extended

tour operators Birdsville

•

Savannah Aviation Cnr Beams & Bowen Streets P (07) 4745 5177 E savair@bigpond.com www.savannah-aviation.com

Cairns

•

Oz Tours Safaris Lot 1, Captain Cook Highway P 1800 079 006 E info@oztours.com.au www.oztours.com.au

Charleville

•

Outback Airtours 1 Qantas Drive P (07) 4654 3033 E tours@swas.net.au www.outbackairtours.com Travel West Lot 1 Frawley Street P (07) 4654 3155 or 1800 654 541 E info@travelwest.com.au www.travelwest.com.au

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Karumba

•

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Lawn Hill

Longreach

•

• •

Adels Grove Campground Lot 3, Lawn Hill Gregory Road P (07) 4748 5502 E adelsgrove@bigpond.com www.adelsgrove.com.au Air Central West Pty Ltd ”Llewellyn” P (07) 4658 9187 E plowens2@bigpond.com www.aircentralwest.com.au Kinnon & Co – Clancy’s on the Thomson 115a Eagle Street P (07) 4658 1776 E info@kinnonandco.com.au www.kinnonandco.com.au Kinnon & Co – Cobb & Co Tours 115a Eagle Street P (07) 4658 1776 E info@kinnonandco.com.au www.kinnonandco.com.au Kinnon & Co – Thomson River Cruises 115a Eagle Street P (07) 4658 1776 E info@kinnonandco.com.au www.kinnonandco.com.au Longreach Day Tours 30 Stork Road P 0458 580 728 E longreachdaytours@bigpond.com www.longreachdaytours.com.au Outback Aussie Tours Longreach Railway Station P (07) 4658 3000 E info@oat.net.au www.outbackaussietours.com.au Queensland Helicopters C/- Longreach Airport P 0417 624 422 E qldheli@bigpond.com www.queenslandhelicopters.com.au

•

•

•

Sweers Island Resort Pty Ltd Sweers Island P (07) 4748 5544 E info@sweers.com.au www.sweers.com.au

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•

•

•

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•

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•

Maryborough

Down Under Tours Cnr Tooley & Normanby Streets P (07) 4123 1733 E admin@downundercoachtours.com.au www.downundercoachtours.com.au

Mitchell

Claravale Tours “The Cottage”, Claravale P (07) 4623 2721 E our.cottage@bigpond.com www.claravale.webls.net

Mount Isa

Rugged Aussie Adventures Breakaway Drive P (07) 4743 2756 E ruggedadventures@bigpond.com www.ruggedaussieadventures.com

Quilpie

Skinny Dingo Tours c/- 21 Chipu Street, Quilpie P (07) 4656 2087 E channelpark@bigpond.com www.outbackparks.com.au

Various

Savannah Guides 212 McLeod Street P 0408 772 513 E info@savannah-guides.com.au www.savannah-guides.com.au

Winton

Carisbrooke Station “Carisbrooke Station” P (07) 4657 0084 E carisbrooke@reachnet.com.au www.carisbrooketours.com.au

transport operators

Phone

Website

Greyhound Qantas QantasLink Queensland Rail Rex Regional Express Skytrans

1300 473 946 13 13 13 13 13 13 1800 627 655 13 17 13 1300 759 872

www.greyhound.com.au www.qantas.com.au www.qantas.com.au www.queenslandrail.com.au www.rex.com.au www.skytrans.com.au

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Scheduled Charter Service • • • • • • • •

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Hire

•

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Rail

•

Air

Coach

•

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Car

4WD

• • • • • •

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966 73

74 Queensland’s Outback Travellers’ Guide 2011

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966 75

Visitor

Infor m ation

Ce n t r e s

This sign denotes genuine, quality visitor information centres. These centres have achieved specified industry standards and are recognised within their region as genuine, quality information providers.

Barcaldine

Charleville

Mount Isa

Bedourie

Cunnamulla

Quilpie

Birdsville

Hughenden

Barcaldine Tourist Information Centre Oak Street, Barcaldine P (07) 4651 1724 F (07) 4651 2243 infocentre@barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au Bedourie Outback Visitor Centre 506 Herbert Street, Bedourie P 1300 794 257 F (07) 4746 1272 travel@diamantina.qld.gov.au www.diamantina.qld.gov.au Wirrarri Visitor information Centre Billabong Boulevard, Birdsville P 1300 794 257 F (07) 4656 3302 info@diamantina.qld.gov.au www.diamantina.qld.gov.au

Blackall

Blackall Visitor Information Centre 108A Shamrock Street, Blackall P (07) 4657 4637 F (07) 4657 4913 binfo@btrc.qld.gov.au www.btrc.qld.gov.au

Boulia

Min Min Encounter 25 Herbert Street, Boulia P (07) 4746 3386 F (07) 4746 3387 tourism@boulia.qld.gov.au www.boulia.qld.gov.au

Charleville Visitor Information Centre Qantas Drive, Charleville P (07) 4654 7771 F (07) 4654 7772 tourism@murweh.qld.gov.au www.murweh.qld.gov.au Cunnamulla Fella Centre 2 Jane Street, Cunnamulla P (07) 4655 8470 F (07) 4655 1120 cunnamullainfo@paroo.qld.gov.au www.paroo.qld.gov.au Flinders Discovery Centre 37 Gray Street, Hughenden P (07) 4741 2970 F (07) 4741 1029 info@flinders.qld.gov.au www.flinders.qld.gov.au

Julia Creek

At the Creek 34 Burke Street, Julia Creek P (07) 4746 7690 F (07) 4746 7005 tourism@mckinlay.qld.gov.au www.atthecreek.com.au

Longreach

Longreach Visitor Information Centre Qantas Park, 97 Eagle Street, Longreach P (07) 4658 4150 F (07) 4658 4177 visitinf@longreach.qld.gov.au www.longreach.qld.gov.au

Outback at Isa 19 Marian Street, Mount Isa P (07) 4749 1555 F (07) 4743 6296 info@outbackatisa.com.au www.outbackatisa.com.au Quilpie Visitor Information Centre Museum & Gallery 51 Brolga Street, Quilpie P (07) 4656 0540 F (07) 4656 1441 tourism@quilpie.qld.gov.au www.quilpie.qld.gov.au

Richmond

Kronosaurus Korner 91-93 Goldring Street, Richmond P 1300 KRONOK F (07) 4741 3802 enquiries@kronosauruskorner.com.au www.kronosauruskorner.com.au

Windorah

Windorah Visitor Information Centre 8 Maryborough Street, Windorah P (07) 4656 3063 F (07) 4656 3137 windorah_library@bigpond.com www.barcoo.qld.gov.au

Winton

Winton Visitor Information Centre 50 Elderslie Street, Winton P 1300 665 115 F (07) 4657 1886 vic@matildacentre.com.au www.experiencewinton.com.au

For more information or for your FREE copy of Queenland's Outback Travellers' Guide please contact: Outback Queensland Tourism Association Inc P: 1800 247 966 F: (07) 4658 2834 E: info@outbackqld.com.au www.adventureoutback.com.au