It’s Better in Blackall

Blackall is a charming outback town, nestled on the banks of the mighty Barcoo River. The close-knit community are proud of their town and enjoy sharing the region’s hidden gems with eager travellers.

An attractive township with tree lined streets, Blackall has a population of approximately 1,588 residents. Access to copious quantities of artesian water and a temperate climate allows residents to grow lush gardens and expansive lawns; an oasis in the Outback.

Literally growing on the sheep’s back, Blackall began as a thriving outback township. Today, only a handful of properties are still running sheep however the link to the wool industry is still strong. Visit the historic Blackall Woolscour, Ram Park and the memorial to shearing champion Jack Howe. A thriving cattle industry has replaced the wool industry. You can get a glimpse of the scale of this industry at the Blackall Saleyards, where over 120,000 cattle are sold each year.

If you’ve ever heard the saying ‘beyond the black stump’, get yourself to Blackall and see it for yourself. When pioneers were passing through the area, they declared that everything west of where they were (Blackall), was ‘beyond the black stump’. Legend has it ‘anyone who crosses the Barcoo River 10 times is here to stay.’

So it’s a must – come and see why ‘it’s better in Blackall’!

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP BLACKALL AQUATIC CENTRE RAM PARK BLACKALL THE PEOPLE’S SIGN BLACKALL SALEYARDS

Blackall’s Top Five

Blackall’s Historical Woolscour Discover history in action at the Blackall Woolscour, Australia’s last remaining steam operated wool washing plant. Built in 1908 the woolscour was deemed a state of the art facility to prepare wool for market. Its primary role was to remove the lanolin, sweat residue, dust and dirt from the fleece. It operated commercially under steam power for 70 years.

The Woolscour is located next to an artesian free-flowing bore, the source of ample hot water for scouring. Daily tours are run by enthusiastic volunteers over the tourist season (May – August). Guided tours operate on the hour, every hour, starting at 9am with the last tour departing at 4pm.

Blackall Aquatic Centre and Spa Locals have discovered another more relaxing use for their bore water. At the Blackall Aquatic Centre and Spa you can unwind in the mineral spa; its warm bubbling, therapeutic artesian waters are fed by 58 degree bore water.

The spacious 20-seat spa was constructed in 2019 and is proving to be a popular spot for a soak in the soothing mineral waters. If you prefer to swim some laps, there is also a 50 metre Olympic size pool. Walk-in access and a disabled lift ensures everyone can enjoy the benefits of the artesian water.

Just the place to rest, relax and revive after a day’s driving.

Check the website for opening times.

Ram Park A visit to Ram Park is a must when visiting Blackall. Under the watchful eye of the big ram, the park is a collection of old buildings filled with displays and stories that bring Blackall’s colourful history to life.

Take a step back in time and visit the Navena Homestead, check out the Blackall Railway Station, the rare surviving rail motor from Blackall’s Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade or take in a lesson at the Yalleroi School House.

Strolling through the grounds visitors can visualise how the pioneers tried to tame the outback using a wide array of machinery. Join Stewie, a former stockman for a tour of the park complete with demonstrations of bush craft and his stockmanship skills. Stewie will regale you with a few tales of Blackall and the region, some may just be a bit taller than others.

Blackall Saleyards Built around the mid-1970s the Blackall saleyards was established as a structure to sell local cattle and has been in operation for many years.

Today the facility is the major selling centre in western Queensland, sourcing cattle from northern and far western regions, in fact the Blackall Saleyards are the only accredited organic yards in Queensland. Over 120,000 cattle pass through the yards each year. Recent refurbishments and the construction of a superb viewing platform enables visitors to the region to experience a cattle sale first-hand.

Cattle sales are usually held every second Thursday and you are welcome to attend and experience all the noise and action of a live sale.

BLACKALL SALEYARDS

Sculpture Trail If you like your art alfresco, then you’ll love the Blackall Sculpture Trail.

Blackall is known as the Arts Capital of the West, and boasts an outdoor gallery of public artworks created by local and well renowned artists.

There’s an incredible sculpture of an Eagle in its Nest made from railway dog spikes, timber and bolts from an old bridge. Another is called The Roly Poly. Located just outside of town the Roly Poly is all about fun and makes for a great photo on sunset. All up, there are nine unique sculptures along the trail. Each piece bares some significance to the town’s cultural or natural history. It’s definitely worth a look.

EDGAR TOWNER VC

And there’s more, don’t stop there, while in town make sure you... z Visit the Black Stump – and then go and cross the Barcoo River (only nine more times required!) z Play a round of Golf with the locals – Thursday afternoons from 3pm z Visit the Lost Art leathercraft and make your own fly swatter z Call in for a coffee, cake and a healthy dose of antiquities at The Lodge on Hawthorn z Head out our way in August for the Better in Blackall Festival - combining the best that Blackall has to offer, the region explodes into a four-day event packed with street parties, sunset wine & food tastings, art displays, billycart races, BBQ cook-offs, and live music.

ROLY POLY SCULPTURE

Top Photo Opp Blackall’s famous Roly Poly #Betterinblackall

What visitors have to say about Blackall: LOOOOOVE Blackall ! There are towns you visit and then towns you pass through. Blackall is a destination. Fantastic town.!! David Falck October 9th, 2019