BARCOO SHIRE

INCORPORATING THE TOWNS OF Jundah; Stonehenge; Windorah

@visitbarcoo @visit_barcoo

#visitbarcoo

Five Hidden Gems

1. Stonehenge Address Book

Have you ever seen an address book entirely made of stones? Just a short 2km drive from Stonehenge towards Longreach (coming from Stonehenge) on the left-hand side of the road, you will see the Stonehenge Address Book. Leave your mark on our Shire!

2. Swanvale Lookout

Situated halfway between Stonehenge and Jundah. At the top of the ‘jump up’ you’ll find a rest area offering scenic views. The perfect place to pull up stumps and revel in breath-taking sunsets. Did you know that the Swanvale Lookout offers free camping?

3. Visit Welford National Park

Take a day trip from Jundah or Windorah where you will find Welford National Park. Wind-blown sand dunes form a dramatic contrast to whitebarked ghost gums, golden-green spinifex and delicate wildflowers.

The Barcoo River, with its large permanent waterholes, dissects Mitchell grass plains and arid mulga woodlands.

4. Windorah – Place of Big Fish

The Whitula Gate Museum offers a trip back in time. An extensive collection of Indigenous artifacts and early settler history is on display. Take a walk or drive around town to see the beautiful sculptures, mosaics, murals and enjoy an Outback sunset on the bright red sand of Sando’s Sandhill. The Wednesday before the Birdsville Races in September is the night of the Windorah International Yabby Races. Join in the fun with live music, dancing and a flutter on a fast yabby!

5.

Cooper Creek is located 10km east of Windorah and is an idyllic free camping area. Visitors and locals alike often take time out to enjoy Cooper Creek. Throw in a line for a spot of fishing – there are yellowbelly in abundance, kayak the channels, have a swim or do some boating.

Whatever way you choose to experience the Cooper, rest assured the serene breezes of the Channel Country will hit the spot for a relaxing holiday oasis. Bring your own firewood to help us maintain the natural nesting habitat for the incredible bird life in the region.

BARCOO SHIRE Population: 267 WINDORAH

VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE

Maryborough Street, Windorah P 07 4656 3063

E windorahinfo@barcoo.qld.gov.au barcoo.qld.gov.au

Top Tips

▶ Trying to catch a blue claw? Try some cat food, dog biscuits or mangoes in your trap for the best luck!

▶ Looking for rich history? 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.

▶ Feeling lost? Our friendly Information Centres have mud maps and local secrets you can’t find anywhere else.

▶ Windorah’s 12km unsealed Nature Drive winds its way through the different landscapes between Windorah Township and Cooper Creek. Forty-five plants have been identified and signposted along the drive.

▶ To find out more about the fantastic events held within the Barcoo Shire during 2023 visit www.visitbarcoo.com.au/events

WESTERN STAR HOTEL/MOTEL

The Western Star Hotel/Motel is a unique family owned hotel in the heart of Queensland’s Channel Country. We offer all the facilities and services of a modern hotel:

▶ Bar & poolroom

▶ Beer garden & outdoor sitting area

▶ The Sandhill Grill restaurant

▶ Budget accommodation

▶ Self-contained motel units & cabins

Albert Street, Windorah P 07 4656 3166

M 0429 277 345 E bookings@westernstarhotel.biz westernstarhotel.com.au

Boulia Camel Races

The ‘Melbourne Cup of Camel Races’ – the iconic Boulia Camel Races is the longest, most prestigious camel race in Australia! The tiny town of Boulia welcomes travellers to its famed camel races on the 3rd weekend of July annually. Large un-allocated campgrounds (no power), amenities, campfires welcome, live nighttime music, fireworks, glamping. Enjoy professional camel racing with Australian originality thrown in – camel tagging, mower racing, novelty races and plenty of humour. An adventure in the land of the mysterious ‘Min Min Light’.

Boulia Racecourse Reserve, Selwyn Road, Boulia P 0428 581 874 or 0429 434 279

E bouliacamelraces@hotmail.com bouliacamelraces.com.au