Adavale

The Naming Of Adavale

Rumour has it that a woman named Ada lost her veil in a freak gust of wind as she and her Government Surveyor husband, William Tully crossed Blackwater Creek.

GATEWAY TO HELL HOLE GORGE & MARIALA NATIONAL PARK

It’s probably not too much of a stretch to say that you could fit the entire population of Adavale into a Toyota Coaster minibus. With just under 20 permanent residents, this traditional Australian boom town’s prospects dramatically changed when the railway went to another town.

A once flourishing town, Adavale like all boom towns, settled quickly and at its peak housed a population of around 300 residents. First gazetted in 1878, it opened its first hotel a couple of years later. If you draw a straight line between Charleville and Windorah, you’ll find Adavale about halfway along; ideal for a Cobb & Co Change Station. Remnants of the old coach road can still be seen in town.

In the late 1800s, the Adavale streetscape would have looked very different; six Pubs, a Police Station, Chinese Market Gardens, Baker Shop, General Store, School,

Hospital and Post Office. With the help of the Adavale Town Interpretive Walk you can get a pretty good idea of town life in busier times. Locals have also created a quirky Outdoor Mini Museum from an old meat-house. It’s filled with relics that could best be described as intriguing and unusual. Definitely worth a look. Complete your town history tour with a visit to the Police Hut Museum and the photographic display at Adavale Shire Hall.

If you find yourself in need of a new handbag or a decadent High Tea, then the Elegant Emu needs to be on your itinerary. Treat yourself to a selection of yummy home baked bread, biscuits, cakes and pastries. Relax on the breezy verandah of what was once the Adavale doctor’s residence. Other town services include the Adavale General Store/Pub (call ahead to ensure the beers are on ice!) and Adavale Veterans Retreat. Coin operated BBQ, toilets, showers and free camping at the Adavale Shire Hall There is no fuel available in town.

Adavale is located 96km north of Quilpie (23km is unsealed).