THE HEART OF THE CHANNEL COUNTRY FAR WESTERN QUEENSLAND
JUNDAH STONEHENGE WINDORAH
Welcome to Barcoo VISIT BARCOO SHIRE, A VAST NATURAL LANDSCAPE, LOCATED DEEP IN THE HEART OF THE CHANNEL COUNTRY. Covering 61,974 square kilometres, approximately six square kilometres smaller than Tasmania, with a population of under 300 residents! Three small outback towns with big hearts.
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VISIT BARCOO
WELCOME
Acknowledgement to Country We respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of this land, whom have a deep understanding and attachment to land and waters of the Barcoo Shire region. We wish you all safe travels and protection, asking that you respect this land and its traditions, leaving country as you find it. Take photographs – leave footprints.
CONTENTS
NATURE – ADVENTURE – FUN
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Welcome to Barcoo
Red Dirt. Goanna. Outback Legends. Sandhills. Billy Tea.
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Dirt Roads & Backroads
Yellowbelly. Cattle. Opals. Wedge-Tailed Eagle. Dreamtime.
06 Jundah
Sheep. Yarns. Tender Rump Steak. Wildflowers. Rodeo. Dingo
08 Stonehenge
Barrier Fence. Stock Route. Ringers. Last Fuel Stop. Two Rivers
10 Windorah
Form A Creek. Bulldust. Vibrant Colours. Yabbies. Bronco
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Branding. Dusty Backroads. Campfires. Lake Eyre Basin.
Travel Tips
13 Events 14 Directory
Floodplains. Coolibah. A Bush Christening. Rustic Landscapes. Channel Country. Stockmen. Ghost Gums. Fresh Water Fishing. Spinifex. Jeans and Boots. Bush Characters. BARCOO TIME. SMALL TOWNS – BIG HEARTS.
Front Cover: Shot By Rob, Page 2 & 3: Helen Commens, Page 5: Harry Bates Photography, Page 6 & 7: Opal Minded Page 12: Laurie Shaw, Page 13: Mary Matheson. Inset Images: Helen Commens, RLR Photography, Astrid Hughes, Shot by Rob, Ingrid Miller, Sharon Lee Chapman, Keiran Lusk Photography.
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Dirt Roads & Backroads NATURE & WILDLIFE | GEOLOGY | HISTORY
DRIVES n The Barcoo Way n The Warrego Way (Brisbane to Birdsville via Windorah) n Stonehenge to Isisford via Bimmerah n Jundah to Windorah via Welford n Jundah to Winton via Opalton n Stonehenge to Winton via Lochern National Park n Haddon Corner – Arrabury Road n Windorah Nature Drive – see Windorah page n John Egan Pioneer Track – see Stonehenge page n Settler’s Nature Drive – see Jundah page Detailed drives and information are available at the Windorah, Jundah and Stonehenge Information Centres.
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DIRT ROADS & BACKROADS
Lochern National Park
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Jundah
4G Telstra Mobile Coverage. Campfires. Self Guided Drive and Walk. Yabbies. Golfing. Pub Meal. Roadhouse. Real Coffee. River. Welford National Park. Waterways. History. Geology. Native Wells. Jundah Annual Race Day. BYO Water Sports. Geo Caching. Public Swimming Pool. Unique Welcome Signs. Barcoo Shire War Memorial Park and Playground. Barcoo Shire Museum.
THINGS TO SEE & DO Welford National Park – 45km south-southeast of Jundah. A national park since 1992, Welford covers 124,000 hectares of nature’s diverse landscapes. 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.
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Site of Magee’s Shanty – 90km east of Jundah 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.
Fun Fact
Opal Minded is a fine Australian opal jewellery design house based in Sydney since 1989. Its opal-mines are located in Jundah-Opalville. See its collection of bespoke opal jewellery at www.opalminded.com.
Timeline 1878 – Jundah began as a township reserve 1903 – Barcoo Shire established 3 March 1955-60 – Electricity connected 1980-90 – Television services arrive. Automatic telephone exchange. Swimming pool opened 1988 – ‘Mario Star’ a 60.74 carat black boulder opal discovered 1989 – Jundah Joe (Mr Joe Arguranic) finds the stunning ‘Galaxy’ opal, 550 carats. Sold for $75,000 2001-05 – Treated water connected 2008 – Barcoo Shire remains unchanged after amalgamations
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JUNDAH
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Stonehenge 4G Telstra Mobile Coverage. Scenic Lookout. Self Guided Drive And Walk. River. Rockholes. Leave Your Mark In Rocks. History. Native Wells. Playground. Outback Pub. Earthquake Monitoring. Bronco Branding. Geo Caching. Star Gazing. Information Centre. Free Camping. Minions.
THINGS TO SEE & DO John Egan Pioneer Track – Less than 6km from town, the track showcases amazing rock formations that have been sculpted by nature over millions of years. The track’s namesake, John Egan, was a local war hero who served in WWII in three areas of conflict - Egypt, Cyprus and Papua New Guinea. Stonehenge Address Book – The Stonehenge Address Book began years ago when the local mail man, Mr Johnny Weston, was stranded by his broken down truck. Whilst waiting to be rescued Mr Weston wrote ‘Jundah’ in stones. If you’re travelling past pull off to the side of the road, collect some stones and leave a message or your name for future travellers.
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XXXX Hill – Opposite the Stonehenge Address Book is XXXX Hill with panoramic views of the Thomson River floodplains and the surrounding Johnstone Ranges. During wet weather, don’t forget to ask our Information Centre about the magnificent rock holes.
STONEHENGE
Fun Fact
Timeline
When it rains in Stonehenge we have some beautiful flowing rock holes. Only the locals know how to get there so if you happen to be lucky enough to visit in the rain, call in and ask our Information Centre how to get there!
1884 – John Lonergan, who pioneered Jundah from 1879, came to Stonehenge some years later and bought Byrnes’ Hotel and Haylock’s Store. In 1884, he built the Stonehenge Hotel. 1888 – The Barcoo Divisional Board, set up under Queensland’s 1879 Divisional Boards Act, met for the first time on 21 August 1888 at John Lonergan’s Store in Stonehenge. 1900 – Stonehenge (Provisional) School was officially opened on the 3rd September 1900 with an enrolment of twenty four students. 1959 – Stonehenge Memorial Hall was officially opened on 6 June 1991 – Queensland held its first Bronco Branding Competition at Stonehenge, run by Jimmy Nunn.
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2010 – Community Centre and Library opened
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Windorah 4G Telstra Mobile Coverage. Solar Farm. Red Sandhills. Last Fuel Before Birdsville. Flood Levels. Murals and Mosaics. Nature Drive. Cooper’s Creek. History. Playground. Aerodrome. Iconic Pub. Service Station. Whitula Gate Museum. International Yabby Races. Geo Caching. Dog Friendly Info Centre. Slab Hut. Channel Country. Cattle. Flora Names. Sandhill Sunset.
THINGS TO SEE & DO Cooper’s Creek – Windorah is the Aboriginal word meaning “Big Fish”. Catch Yellowbelly, Catfish, Bream and Yabbies in the iconic Cooper’s Creek. Camp, swim and relax by the creek on our sandy ‘beach’. Windorah Nature Drive – Appreciate the landscape and local flora in its natural state
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along the 12km drive. Start at either Cooper’s Creek or just out of Windorah. The self-drive offers local knowledge and prime birdwatching opportunities. Walking Together Park – Take a short walk to the edge of town and experience eclectic artwork – mosaics, murals and sculptures along the rugged art trail.
WINDORAH
Fun Fact
Cooper’s Creek is the only place in the world where two rivers merge to form a creek.
Timeline 1845 – Cooper’s Creek named by Charles Sturt 1880 – Windorah was surveyed and gazetted as a town 1888 – Windorah State School first opened
1943 – Flying Doctor Services started clinics in the Town Hall 1949 – Cooper’s Creek bridge constructed 1974 – Record flood in Cooper’s Creek 8.48m 1995 – Large scale community protest stopped cotton growing and irrigation on Cooper’s Creek 2009 – Solar Farm commissioned
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Travel Tips UHF AND MOBILE COVERAGE Jundah – UHF Repeater Channels: Duplex 3, 4 & 8. Telstra Mobile Coverage (in town).
Windorah – UHF Repeater Channels: Duplex 1, 6 & 8. Telstra Mobile Coverage (in town).
Stonehenge – UHF Repeater Channels: Duplex 4 & 6. Telstra Mobile Coverage (in town).
SHARING THE ROAD Tell someone your travel plans and keep in regular contact. Use Free WIFI at our Information Centres
Telstra 4G If possible, travel with other vehicles. Check current road conditions and closures. See Information Centres for up to date road reports.
Wildlife and stock are often more active early morning and late afternoon, avoid travelling during these times if possible.
Birds of prey sometimes feed on roadkill, slow
down on approach to allow time for the bird to get airborne.
When a road train or larger vehicle is
approaching you, slow down and if possible, identify a safe place to stop and pull right off the road to give them the room they need to pass. Please be aware of soft edges after rain.
Heavy vehicles and road trains generally use UHF channel 40.
Always drive to conditions. Dust limits your visibility. Use caution on dirt roads.
OTHER TRAVEL TIPS Carry extra water In the event of a breakdown or emergency do
not leave your vehicle. Radio or phone for help and wait for assistance to arrive.
Check your spare tyre. Calculate distances for re-fuelling purposes. Carry communications e.g. UHF Radio/Sat phones/Personal location devices
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Weather Temperatures fluctuate from 0 to above 45 degrees throughout the year. Please check BOM Sites and the Information Centres in our shire for updated weather and road reports. Road conditions and road closures change quickly. Be aware of rising creeks and channels. Always carry additional water and be aware of sun safety.
EVENTS
2021 Events FEATURED EVENTS International Yabby Races – Get trackside the Wednesday before Birdsville Races in the main street of downtown Windorah. Form a syndicate with your mates, ‘buy’ an auctioned yabby and try your luck in one of the 4 iconic races. Stonehenge Bronco Branding & Rodeo – Stonehenge hosted the inaugural Queensland Bronco Branding competition in 1991. Bronco branding is an Australian sport created to replicate the traditional methods of branding cattle in the bush. The Stonehenge annual 3 day event held in August, includes Team Penning, Rodeo, Horse and Bike Gymkhana, Bronco Branding and Stockman’s Challenge. A great weekend for young and old! Jundah Races – The Jundah Race Club host the only race meeting within the Barcoo Shire. Boasting a five race card, trainers and jockeys alike come from all over Queensland to win a race at Royal Jundah.
JANUARY Australia Day
APRIL ANZAC Day
MAY
1st & 2nd – Windorah Yellowbelly Hunt
JULY
10th & 11th – Windorah Gymkhana & Bronco Branding
AUGUST
14th & 15th – Windorah Campdraft Rodeo 20th - 22nd – Stonehenge Team Penning, Gymkhana, Stockmans Challenge, Rodeo & Bronco Branding
SEPTEMBER
1st – Windorah International Yabby Races 24th - 26th – Jundah Rodeo, Gymkhana, Bronco Branding and Team Penning
OCTOBER
3rd – Jundah Race Day
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Directory HEALTHCARE
AIR SERVICES
FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD
EMERGENCY.......................................000
REX REGIONAL EXPRESS www.rex.com.au | 13 17 13
JUNDAH
NURSING ADVICE 24/7....13 HEALTH JUNDAH CLINIC Jundah Primary Health Centre (PHC) P: 4658 6500 | F: 4658 6599 STONEHENGE CLINIC Located at Stonehenge Community Centre P: 4658 5857 | F: 4658 5859 WINDORAH CLINIC Windorah Primary Health Centre (PHC) P: 4656 6100 | F: 4656 6199 LONGREACH Longreach Hospital P: 4658 4700 | F: 4658 4759 ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE – CHARLEVILLE BASE RFDS Medical Emergency/ Consultation (1300 MY RFDS) | 1300 697 337 Reception/Appointment: 4656 5900 Contact Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Charleville Base for appointments. Only open on days RFDS flies in.
POLICE EMERGENCY.......................................000 JUNDAH (QGAP) 19 Dickson Street P: 4652 5115 E: jundah.station@police.qld.gov.au WINDORAH (QGAP) 12 Maryborough Street P: 4652 5122 | F: 4656 3172 E: windorah.station@police.qld.gov.au LONGREACH (QGAP) 97 Galah St, Longreach P: 4652 5200
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POST OFFICE
JUNDAH ROADHOUSE (24 hour fuel) P: 4658 6115
Windorah................................. 4656 3155
JUNDAH HOTEL P: 4658 6166
Jundah...................................... 4658 6270
JUNDAH ACCOMMODATION JUNDAH GALAXY OPAL TOURIST PARK Manager: 0407 457 457 E: jundah.galaxy@barcoo.qld.gov.au JUNDAH HOTEL 8-12 Dickson Street P: 4658 6166 | F: 4658 6166 Hotel Public Phone: 4658 6108
STONEHENGE ACCOMMODATION
STONEHENGE
STONEHENGE HOTEL (Fuel available) P: 4658 5944
WINDORAH
WINDORAH OUTBACK SHOP (Fuel available) P: 4656 3145 WESTERN STAR HOTEL P: 4656 3166 WINDORAH SERVICE STATION (6am - 6pm fuel available) P: 4656 3143
SERVICES
STONEHENGE HOTEL 11 Stratford Street P: 4658 5944 | F: 4658 5895 E: hotel.stonehenge@gmail.com
SMILEY’S TRANSPORT Jundah QLD 4736 P: 0429 420 169
WINDORAH ACCOMMODATION
RACQ SERVICE PROVIDER 15 Stratford Street P: 4157 2522 | M: 0417 710 429 E: judystone@bigpond.com
COOPER CABINS 11 Edward Street P: 4656 3101 | F: 4656 3090 WESTERN STAR HOTEL 15 Albert Street P: 4656 3166 | M: 0455 555 752 F: 4656 3103 | UHF 40 E: admin@westernstarhotel.biz www.westernstarhotel.com.au WINDORAH CARAVAN PARK P: 4656 3063
Visit Barcoo @visit_barcoo
Plan your next Outback adventure.
DIRECTORY
Contact one of our visitor information centres in the Barcoo Shire, email us at tourism@barcoo.qld.gov.au or check out our instagram page for ideas @visit_barcoo
WINDORAH INFORMATION CENTRE 7 Maryborough Street, Windorah P: 4656 3063 E: windorahinfo@barcoo.qld.gov.au
STONEHENGE INFORMATION CENTRE 9 Stratford Street, Stonehenge P: 4658 5857 E: stonehengeinfo@barcoo.qld.gov.au
JUNDAH INFORMATION CENTRE Dickson Street, Jundah E: jundahinfo@barcoo.qld.gov.au
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Windorah Visitor Information Centre 7 Maryborough St, Windorah Q 4481 Phone (07) 4656 3063 windorahinfo@barcoo.qld.gov.au Stonehenge Community Centre Stratford St, Stonehenge Q 4730 Phone (07) 4658 5857 stonehengeinfo@barcoo.qld.gov.au Jundah Information Centre Dickson Street Jundah Q 4736 jundahinfo@barcoo.qld.gov.au
www.visitbarcoo.com.au // tourism@barcoo.qld.gov.au //
