Outback Queensland Traveller's Guide - 2019

OUTBACK Q U E E N S L A N D

M A P S – T O W N D E TA I L S – E V E N T S – T R AV E L L E R S ’ T I P S

W W W.O U T B AC KQ U E E N S L A N D.C O M . AU

CONTENTS

GENERAL INFORMATION

TOWN INDEX

Map of Queensland...................................... 02 It’s Better in the West..................................04 Outback Events............................................06 Outback Queensland Masters.................... 08 Welcome to Camel Country.........................10 Riding the Rails.............................................. 12 Outback Queensland Travel Tips................14 Find Your Perfect Next Road Trip...............16 9 Ways to See a Dinosaur in Outback Queensland................................27 Travel Directory.......................................... 102 Accredited Visitor Information Centres....................Back Cover

REGIONS South West.................................................... 32 East................................................................. 50 Central West................................................. 56 Far West..........................................................76 North West.................................................... 86

Adavale..........................................................40 Alpha.............................................................. 63 Aramac.......................................................... 63 Augathella..................................................... 38 Banana........................................................... 55 Barcaldine..................................................... 63 Barcoo............................................................ 82 Bedourie.........................................................81 Betoota...........................................................81 Biloela............................................................ 55 Birdsville.........................................................81 Blackall........................................................... 64 Boulia............................................................. 83 Bulloo Region.................................................41 Burke & Wills Junction................................. 92 Cameron Corner............................................41 Charleville...................................................... 38 Cloncurry....................................................... 92 Cooladdi......................................................... 38 Cracow........................................................... 55 Cunnamulla................................................... 39 Dajarra........................................................... 92 Duchess......................................................... 92 Emmet.............................................................61 Eromanga......................................................40 Eulo................................................................. 39 Hughenden.................................................... 94 Hungerford.....................................................41 Ilfracombe......................................................61 Injune...............................................................37 Isisford............................................................61 Jericho........................................................... 63 Julia Creek..................................................... 95 Jundah........................................................... 82 Kajabbi........................................................... 92 Kynuna........................................................... 95

Longreach......................................................61 McKinlay........................................................ 95 Middleton....................................................... 62 Mitchell...........................................................37 Morven........................................................... 38 Mount Isa........................................................91 Moura............................................................. 55 Muttaburra.................................................... 63 Nelia............................................................... 95 Noccundra......................................................41 Opalton.......................................................... 62 Prairie............................................................. 94 Quamby......................................................... 92 Quilpie............................................................40 Richmond...................................................... 93 Roma...............................................................37 Stamford........................................................ 94 Stonehenge................................................... 82 Surat................................................................37 Tambo............................................................ 64 Taroom........................................................... 55 Thangool........................................................ 55 Thargomindah...............................................41 Theodore....................................................... 55 Toompine.......................................................40 Torrens Creek............................................... 94 Urandangie.................................................... 83 Wallumbilla.....................................................37 Windorah....................................................... 82 Winton............................................................ 62 Wyandra........................................................ 39 Yaraka.............................................................61 Yowah............................................................. 39 Yuleba.............................................................37

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. ©OQTA 2019.

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: General Manager, Outback Queensland Tourism Association, PO Box 506, Longreach QLD 4730 Photographs courtesy of Tourism & Events Queensland and Outback Queensland Tourism Association Front Cover Photo: Sean Scott Photography – @seanscottphotography – Charlotte Plains

outbackqueensland.com.au

1

232

59

80

198

78

57

.

229

n

15

116

Mi t

River

120

311

143

B

19

22 25 62

75

140

No

Blackbraes

108

44

40

30

146°E

16°S

199

Herbe

180 742

209 299 389 951 455 545 635 1197

220 466 675 765 850 1417 380 626 835 925 1010 1577

162

256

Ingham

137

106

42

Palm Island

G

39

re

at

148°E

Townsville

Balgal Beach 64

218 301 500 622

324 407 606 728

430 513 712 834

175 281 387 488 605 688 887 1009

Winton

359

534

641

1220

161 336 442 548 649 766 849 1048 1170

348 523 629 735 836 953 1036 1235 1356

531 706 812 918 1019 1136 1219 1418 1540

729 904 101 1116 1217 1334 1417 1616 1738

801 976 1082 1188 1289 1406 1489 1688 1810

Karumba Normanton 72 270 Burke & Wills Junction 198 453 381 Cloncurry 183 370 640 568 Kynuna 187

Boulia

Rockhampton Barcaldine 579 Longreach 106 685 Winton 175 281 860

B

ar

18°S

ri

er

150°E

0

© mapuccino 2019 www.mapuccino.com.au

Kilometres

N

200

Distances are shown in kilometres and follow the most direct major sealed route where possible.

To check road conditions call RACQ on 1300 130 595 or Queensland Government Traffic & Travel Information on 13 19 40

NT Border 15 Camooweal 202 Mount Isa 187 Cloncurry 119 306 321 255 442 457 Julia Creek 136 282 401 588 603 Richmond 146 264 400 519 706 721 Hughenden 118 87 205 382 469 606 793 Torrens Creek 808 244 292 539 Charters Towers 157 626 763 950 965 290 401 425 672 759 896 1083 1098 Townsville 133

117 200 399 521

Longreach Barcaldine 106 212 Blackall 106 207 313 Tambo 101

Pacific Ocean

Mission Beach 148

54

Innisfail t R Cardwell . 52

42

Tully

82

Gordonvale Babinda 87

Ravenshoe 110

44

84

Cairns

Port Douglas 63

60

Girringun NP The Lynd Junction Greenvale

45

66

96

Atherton

Undara 94 Volcanic Forsayth Einasleigh NP 49

Cobbold Gorge

r

Daintree Cape Tribulation NP 34 Mossman

36

Mareeba

Mount be Surprise 56 rt 148 Georgetown 31 148

303

90 652

Augathella 83 Charleville 282 Cunnamulla 199 321 404 Barringun 122

Cooktown

r ie

32 25 54

Mount Garnet

Chillagoe

93

142

79

36

ar

182

Cape Melville NP

14°S

Lakeland River

Mitchell Brisbane 562

Charleville 90 Morven

Windorah Quilpie 246

Birdsville Betoota 160

TRAVEL PLANNER

QUEENSLAND

10°S

Rinyirru (Lakefield) NP

61 42 39 69

299

c h e ll

Einasleigh R.

Staaten River NP

206

12°S

144°E

Yarraden

Coen 110

114

Archer River 116

Cape York

217

Croydon

155

48

MitchellAlice Rivers NP

Normanton

30

141

Iron Range NP

R.

Burke & Wills Junction

63

225

152

42

259

93

331

Oyala Thumotang NP

102

108

Smithbur ne R

Weipa

91

364

Jardine River NP

33

Thursday Island

l

Boodjamulla 115 93 34 (Lawn Hill) Gregory Downs 39 74 67 Adel’s Grove 91 NP er v i Lawn Hill R 129 145 78 Gorge Riversleigh Waggabundi y

73

Karumba

South Wellesley Islands

Sweers Is.

Tiranna 22 Burketown

71

Mornington Island

sealed unsealed

sealed unsealed

sealed unsealed

Gulf of Carpentaria

Outback Regions Gateways to the Outback

Non-Accredited Visitor Information Centre

Visitor Information Centre

Airport, Int’l Airport

69

sealed unsealed

20

89

142°E

Gi

18°S Doomadgee

16°S

14°S

12°S

10°S

Major and minor distances in kilometres Sealed Roads Unsealed Roads Capricorn Way Matilda Way Adventure Way Great Inland Way Overlander’s Way Pacific Way Savannah Way Warrego Way Natural Sciences Loop Outback Way QR Traveltrain Traveltrain coach connection Bus Queensland Route

LEGEND

140°E

d R. Lyn

Ri v e r

t r

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a Gre Reef

Burd

a rm

92

69

22°S

180

92

rgi

251

Poeppel Corner

117

92

A6

Lake Eyre North

138°E

Marree

515

Lake Blanche

198

53

56

Betoota

88

78

116

106

140°E

117

30°S

49

348

110

Winton

84

Bladensburg NP 175

51

79

131

A2

215

Stamford

Corfield

144

118

Prairie

65 94

24

35

205

170

Hughenden 43

Richmond 51

Torrens Creek

94

in

R. 46

133 48

32

49

201

77

99

151

22

46

Forest Den NP

Moorrinya NP

Aramac

Muttaburra 65

170

44

Lake Dunn

201

38

263

197

110

Ayr 85 62

R.

A7

170

202

Clermont 182

109

95

57

167 66

27

21

97

158

Cr

Windorah

110

41

54

44

142°E

Tibooburra

140

Cameron Corner

184

69

NP

69

123

227

228 170

Thargomindah

8

106

Idalia 222

42

36

77

199

87

Cooladdi

209

45

Charleville

92

18

106

54

194

104

100

87

212

75

10

97

19

71

46 29

169

33

52

164

Injune

37

Taroom

59

111

20

148

50

Yeppoon 18

45

142

99

48

139

A1

30 25

aw

Eidsvold35

295

77

R.

8

107

42

75

233

St George

114

119

190

87

34

87

204

Nindigully

45

116

196

36

33

46

49

115

126

148°E

28

70

78

144

216

Lightning Ridge Walgett

39 44

58

102

51

29

72

71

52

19

150°E

79

68

46

109

83

Ipswich 104 Coolangatta

82 119

80

28°S

BRISBANE 46

Gatton

153

Nambour

97

52

53

30°S

96

154°E

Yamba

Lismore 63 126 Casino Ballina Tenterfield

Glen 4093 158101 Innes 65 62 Inverell 152°EGrafton

230

31

Warwick Tweed Heads 40 86 121 Murwillumbah Stanthorpe Byron Bay 92 54 31

206

81

123

Moree

A2

Toowoomba 78

124

44

91

Fraser Island

Maryborough

23

21 9

26°S Gympie 76 Tewantin 121

90

57

25

Maroochydore Caloundra 64 91 Bongaree Caboolture 54 83 Dalby 43

48

127

113

37 36

42

52

36

97 142

29

Tara

48 35

128

Moonie

70

57

Dirranbandi 22 45 41 Goondiwindi 66 84 241 Hebel 69 42 Mungindi

Bollon

47

208

209

33

Surat

26

138

61

38

18

24°S

22°S

Bundaberg Hervey Bay

Seventeen Seventy Agnes Waters Biloela Miriam Vale Kroombit 35 27

Morgan

Mundubbera 42 Gayndah 128 141

D

17

Baralaba

56

40

Rockhampton Mount 113 Gladstone

73

Duaringa A4

271

37

106

152°E

This map is indicative only.

Please obtain detailed road maps of the areas you plan to visit before you leave.

167 A2 294 Wandoan 89 43 180 Mungallala Mitchell 103 15 69 80 44 8743 Roma 90 Morven 45 Kingaroy Yuleba Miles 45 41 Tregole 47 95 48 Muckadilla 139Wallumbilla 33 Chinchilla 47 NP 26 37 90 22

Augathella

188

134

83

200

117

73 84

20°S

Moura Banana Salvator Carnarvon 41 80 46 19 Tops NP 64 55 Rosa Kaka NP 48 61 94 146 54 A7 Nuga 63 Mundi Monto .

193 Nuga Isla Theodore 44 34 53 R 18 24 49 Gin Gin28 49 56 NP 115 Gorge 60 52 Mt Moffatt 19 25 260 25 NP 75 20 Expedition r 35 r Childers 91 48 a 50 18 103 55 NP 92 Biggenden 28115

38 146°E 77 u Brewarrina

119

Bourke

217

Barringun

251

89

33

45

Cunnamulla

48

67 Lake 112 Eulo Bindegolly 197 NP 119 Currawinya NP Hungerford

25

54

300

Toompine Wyandra

195

Cheepie

77

Yowah

82

37

Quilpie

97

43

Tambo

101

A2

Blackall

Hell Hole NP Adavale Mariala NP

195 Gorge

Eromanga

R.

158

52

147

52

68

Emmet

162

NEW SOUTH 144°E WALES

84

51

102

50

46

Yaraka NP

Stonehenge

31

Jundah Welford 95

Dig Tree 240 105 21 Noccundra

135

163

54

61

70

50

Sarina 229

121

54

Mackay

35

Tieri Middlemount 34 32

70

116

85

79

114

13

42 27

Dysart

13

53

Nebo

57 303 24

Glenden

62

Moranbah 59

Sutt er

53

r Airlie Beach Hamilton Island

Bowen

Proserpine 187 Collinsville 125 Lake 63 A1 Dalrymple

Porcupine Balfe’s Creek Charters Gorge White 244106 154 A6 Towers119 NP Mtns Homestead NP Pentland

262

NP

Capella 51 64 263 Rubyvale 78108 27Ilfracombe 65 43 388 Opalton Barcaldine Emerald D 143 56 49 42 32 165Sapphire A4 Longreach .

106 79 25 87 e R 53 r 103 c 41 Jericho Alpha 69 371 47 i l A e Blackwater Lake iv Diamantina 68 Lochern R 220 105 106 164 Maraboon 139 82 77 Lark NP NP 90 17 77 121 81 41 Springsure Quarry 38 Isisford 101

a tin

R.

115

82

CP

A2

Combo Waterhole CP

359

387

146 Maxwelton

Julia Creek Nelia R.

F lin de

Kynuna

78

24

Middleton

Astrebla NP

80

43

Merty Merty

Desert

109

136

McKinlay

260

110

112

Haddon Corner Sturt Stony Desert 311

107

110

R. rry

236

Cloncurry

Strzelecki

Birdsville

53 78

29

77

176

52

17

59

Lake 193 Machattie

23

191

Boulia

147

44

51 13

134

Dajarra

153

17

119 141 111

Duchess

65

88 90

Quamby

183

SOUTH Innamincka 28°S Kati AUSTRALIA Thanda -

26°S

Leich

Kajabbi

Bedourie

MungaThirri NP

24°S

44

Mount Isa

Outback Way ‘Australia’s Longest Short Cut’ goes to Laverton, WA

95

Urandangie

Alpurrurulam

33

56

Camooweal

Greg

Camooweal A2 74 Caves NP 187

20°S

NORTHERN TERRITORY

C lo ncu

126

e ek

107

Co ope r

oms on

Th

Gunpowder

roo R .

Pa

Wi lson

Ward River

221

C

o

i am an

R iver

Bely and o

W Ri v er Ne b ine

o

R.

l g oa Bi R . rrie

Ge

na n R.

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R ee

IT’S BETTER IN THE WEST

You know you’ve truly ‘done’ the outback once you’ve ticked these quintessential experiences off your bucket list.

O

utback Queensland dishes up unbridled freedom and glorious solitude – just 55,000 people live in 901,574km2, which means there’s plenty of wide open spaces for you to lose yourself in. (You and the 791,999 like-minded wanderers who travel to the Outback each year.)

Just what does that much space look like?

Well, the outback makes up more than half of Queensland – 65% to be exact. Out here it’s not so much about architecture or Michelin star culinary delights, it’s the landscape that captivates you; its ever-changing terrain and surprising parks, gorges and waterholes catching you by the heart strings. There’s something in the atmosphere.

Whether you’re considering getting off the beaten (coastal) track or you’re already headed for the heart of Australia, here’s how to maximise your time in Outback Queensland.

EVENTS WORTH THE PILGRIMAGE Races, rodeos, fishing, camp oven cookoffs… there’s a distinctly Aussie flavour to the outback events calendar. But what really makes these events bigger blockbusters than any regular music festival or race day

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in the cities is the people you’ll meet – locals from the communities who band together to organise these events and other travellers on the same wavelength as you.

Not that you need an excuse to head to the Outback, but if you did, planning a pilgrimage to iconic events like the Birdsville Races or Mount Isa Mines Rodeo sets the bullseye on your map, then it’s up to you how to make your way there. Far from being the hottest trend or latest fad, these events aren’t just breeze in, breeze out affairs, they’re institutions, running for decades, and generations, year on year to rapturous crowds.

It should almost be a rite of passage for every Australian to experience the Birdsville Races at least once in their life – when the population of Birdsville swells from 100 to over 7000 and there’s nothing more Australian than draining a tinnie outside the pub with red dust underfoot.

Taking the family on a wild west expedition is rewarded with events like the Winton Outback Festival, which will celebrate its 25th biennial festival in 2019.

Just because you’re in the Outback doesn’t mean it’s all Blundstones and Akubras.

Pack your black-tie best if you’re headed for

Roma’s Picnic Races – the social side of the event almost out-shadows the geldings on the track.

But then there’s the weird, wonderful and downright wacky events that give the Outback its special Australian flavour: Can you really say you’ve lived until you’ve been bog snorkelling and entered the best butts competition at Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival?

DINOSAURS TO DISCOVER Forget Jurassic Park; If you didn’t already know, the Outback is kind of a big deal when it comes to creatures of the prehistoric kind.

The red sands have hidden, and continue to preserve, some of the world’s most fascinating paleontology finds. You’ll find Australia’s largest fossilised fish, ‘Wanda’, at Kronosaurus Korner in Richmond right through to a stampede of 3300 giant footprints at Lake Quarry Conservation Park. The biggest and most impressive records continue in Eromanga where one of the world’s largest dinosaurs ever to roam the earth was found, while at Riversleigh fossil site – Outback Queensland’s only UNESCO World Heritage-listed site – you’ll see 25-million-year-old fossils within the limestone.

Groundbreaking dino discoveries have been happening on sprawling cattle stations out here since the late 1800s and Queensland has been leading the way ever since. So if you’ve ever felt an affinity with Ross Geller from Friends or have a T-Rex-obsessed five-year-old in your midst, a trip to dinosaur country will deliver the hands-on action you can’t get from Wikipedia or YouTube.

Head north west and ogle bones of a Pterosaurs in Hughenden – the pelicans of the Cretaceous inland sea – alongside ‘Hughie’, the seven metre-tall Muttaburrasaurus. In the south west town of Eromanga, discover for yourself why scientists are calling it the most exciting and prolific dinosaur site in Australia.

Book ahead to take part in the annual Big Dig in Richmond and head to the central west township of Winton to experience Dinosaur Canyon – a 300-metre floating concrete walkway past five galleries of bronze true-toscale dino replicas at The Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum.

ROAD TRIPS YOU’LL NEVER FORGET Unfortunately we can’t promise you’ll escape phone reception these days as you do your best Thelma and Louise impersonation, road tripping your way through big sky country.

But if you put the devices down, time will slow and reverse, back to simpler times when you could lose yourself in the vistas outside your window or have the time to turn strangers into friends.

There’s no better place for a pump-up-theplaylist and wind-those-windows-down road trip. Eight of the 10 official Great Queensland Drives routes traverse the outback, while shorter and more localised journeys offer up easy-to-follow smaller itineraries.

Like a Choose Your Own Adventure book, you can pick which one revs your engines based on your hobbies and interests.

Follow the Natural Sciences Loop for a real-life degree in astronomy, birdwatching, dinosaurs, geology and wetlands, taking in towns from Quilpie, Murweh, Paroo and Bulloo Shires.

Clockwise from top left: Sunset from Winton mesa Crowd gathering to enter Winton’s historic Royal Open Air Theatre.

Children enjoying sunset at Lara Wetlands

Paleo-tourism fans will dig the Dino Trail, which links the fossil-rich towns of Hughenden and Richmond (west of Townsville), with Winton to the south on the Matilda Way. For a different kind of trip through time, The Overlander’s Way takes you from the Great Barrier Reef to the heart of Australia – aka Townsville to Tennant Creek – and provides the chance to stop off and explore lesser-known attractions like the ghost town of Mary Kathleen uranium mine, closed since 1982.

Whichever route you choose, you needn’t cry into your cornflakes once it’s over. There’s always another journey calling your name for next year.

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MARK YOUR DIARIES FOR THESE

2019 EVENTS Every event will leave you with a story to tell...

April 12th - 14th JULIA CREEK DIRT N DUST FESTIVAL 16th MAXI RACES, MAXWELTON 18th - 22nd ROMA’S EASTER IN THE COUNTRY 25th - 28th WINTON’S WAY OUT WEST FESTIVAL

May

4th QUILPIE DIGGERS CUP 3rd - 6th BARCALDINE TREE OF KNOWLEDGE FESTIVAL 16th - 20th MUSIC IN THE MULGA, EULO

June 15th PORCUPINE GORGE CHALLENGE 28th - 6th July VISION SPLENDID OUTBACK FILM FESTIVAL, WINTON

July 12th - 13th THE HALF WAY THERE SHINDIG, CHARLEVILLE 16th - 18th BIRDSVILLE BIG RED BASH 12th - 13th BEDOURIE CAMEL AND PIG RACES AND CAMP OVEN COOK OFF 10th - 14th CLONCURRY STOCKMAN’S CHALLENGE 19th - 21st BOULIA CAMEL RACES

July

(Continued)

20th - 21st CHANNEL COUNTRY MUSIC MUSTER,THARGOMINDAH 20th - 21st OLD WHEELS IN MOTION RALLY, BILOELA 27th HUGHENDEN RUGBY 7’S 27th - 28th WINTON CAMEL RACES

August 2nd - 4th CLONCURRY CURRY MERRY MUSTER 9th - 11th MOUNT ISA MINES RODEO 14th - 18th BETTERINBLACKALL FESTIVAL 15th - 25th COBB & CO FESTIVAL, SURAT 23rd - 25th DROVER’S CAMP FESTIVAL, CAMOOWEAL 30th - 1st September CUNNAMULLA FELLA FESTIVAL

September 4th WINDORAH INTERNATIONAL YABBY RACES 6th - 7th BIRDSVILLE RACES 6th - 8th CHARLEVILLE BILBY FESTIVAL 14th OUTBACK FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL, LONGREACH 24th - 28th OUTBACK FESTIVAL, WINTON 25th - 27th LAKE MOONDARRA FISHING CLASSIC, MOUNT ISA

November 16th ROMA CUP

For more information on Outback Queensland events, visit

outbackqldmasters.com

MOUNT ISA WINTON LONGREACH

BOULIA

CHARLEVILLE

ROMA

WELCOME TO CAMEL COUNTRY

Fringing the Simpson Desert way out west, Boulia is called the capital of Queensland’s Channel Country – or should that be Camel Country?

Story by: David Levell

U

p to 18 mounted ‘ships of the desert’ loping at speed down a dusty racetrack before 3000 cheering spectators could be the most unforgettable sight you’ll ever see out here – except maybe the mysterious Min Min Lights, but camels are the surer bet. In fact, it’s guaranteed on the third weekend of every July, when the annual Boulia Camel Races sends the town certifiably camel crazy.

The Australian Hotel in Boulia celebrates with a special menu that might include camel pizza (topped with camel meatballs braised in Crazy Camel Lager, the house beer), camel chilli con carne and camel mince ‘swags’ (sausage rolls).

Live music, fireworks and unique ‘camel tagging’ (see inset) add to the fun, but the 14-race weekend climaxes with the 1500m Camel Cup. This is Australia’s longest-distance and most prestigious camel race, hailed as the ‘Melbourne Cup of camel racing’.

It all began with entrepreneurial cameleer Paddy McHugh, whose feats include retracing the Burke and Wills expedition through Central Australia on camels. Later he began exporting them. In the 1990s, inspired by the camelracing industry in the United Arab Emirates, he brought his idea of a fully professional race to Boulia. Beginning as ‘Boulia Desert Sands’ in

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1997, the event won a major tourism award the following year and has never looked back.

Cameleers come from all over Australia to compete. A select few are Boulia locals, like Dannileah Stewart and Ronnie Callope, who started out jockeying for other trainers.

They’re also – as far as they know – Australia’s only Aboriginal camel trainers.

“I love everything about their personalities,” says Dannileah of her camels. “That’s what captures you. They’re a remarkable animal.”

It’s different to working with horses, which is her background. “Even though they’re a big animal, they’re more delicate. Camels are more thinkers; they’re always trying to push the boundaries. You’ve got to be more patient with them.”

Getting camels race-ready involves, “exercising their muscles, monitoring their diets, making sure they’re healthy and ready in

their head. Researching feeds took me a lot of time. And I make sure my camels respond to my jockeys – I watch how they mesh together.”

Her three-camel team – Marley, Spike and Wason – are very individual characters.

“Wason’s a real quiet sort of bugger, just focused on his race. Spike is a Mummy’s boy; he takes a little bit to warm up to people.

Marley’s an absolute clown – he’s more curious, wants to see what’s going on.”

Although none of the trio met with success in 2018, Dannileah’s fourth camel arguably stole the whole show. Not yet big enough to compete, crowd favourite Charlie instead focused on charming racegoers into plying him with treats.

“Charlie got a hell of a lot of coffees,” Dannileah says. “I think he even got a milkshake, a couple of cans of coke… it was hard for him to go back to his paddock, coming down off his sugar hit.

He really enjoyed it.”

BOULIA RACES: FUN FACTS

1

Camel tagging means sticking duct tape on a young camel, running back to the start point then dashing to retrieve the tape. Fastest time wins… not so easy!

2

‘Queen of Camels’ Glenda Sutton has won almost 40% of her races over 20 years, including four Boulia Cup wins.

3 4 5

The camels don’t wear bridles, just halters attached to a nose line.

Boulia’s population booms from 300 to 3000 during race weekend.

Australia has the world’s largest wild camel herd and many racers are mustered straight from the desert.

Boulia Camel Races, July 19-21, 2019 bouliacamelraces.com.au

SEE MORE OF QLD WITH

PHOTO CREDITS: Tourism and Events Queensland, TOP: Tourism and Events Queensland/Reichlyn Aguilar, SECOND FROM BOTTOM: PIRIE BATH PHOTOGRAPHY

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11

RIDING THE RAILS

Enjoy the beauty of an Outback adventure without driving. Travelling to Outback Queensland is easier and more comfortable than ever before with Queensland Rail Travel.

O

ffering a range of travel options to the outback, the Queensland Rail network travels from Brisbane to Cairns and West to Charleville, Longreach and Mount Isa. Choose your own journey with access to a range of outback destinations with these rail services:

SPIRIT OF THE OUTBACK Travel in comfort from Brisbane to Longreach and see the Brisbane city skyline fade to blue skies, rich golden soil and farmland from your window. Enjoy the insights into the history and culture of early Australia with the onboard commentary, soak in the social atmosphere in the Shearers Rest lounge car or delve into hearty Australian fare in the Tuckerbox dining room.

From the comfort of your seat or private sleeper (complete with flat bed), watch the Outback come to life in front of your eyes as you journey through ever-changing scenery and the heritage towns of Blackwater, Emerald and Barcaldine before arriving in Longreach, the heart of the Outback.

Connect with the available coach service from Longreach to Winton to explore the home of Waltzing Matilda. The Spirit of the Outback departs Brisbane on Tuesday and Saturday, and Longreach on Monday and Thursday.

THE WESTLANDER Discover the pioneering essence of Outback Queensland with a journey aboard The Westlander. This 777km scenic journey from Brisbane travels across the Great Dividing Range and through the rich farmlands of the Darling Downs, and out to Charleville via Roma. You’ll enjoy a comfortable journey where you can grab a window seat, sit back and watch the striking scenery pass you by.

An array of Outback Queensland experiences awaits at your destination or you can connect with the available coach service to explore the nearby Outback towns of Cunnamulla and Quilpie. The Westlander departs Brisbane on Tuesday and Thursday, and Charleville on Wednesday and Friday.

THE INLANDER To experience the natural treasures of North Queensland’s rugged yet beautiful bushland, hop aboard The Inlander. From the tropics of Townsville to Australia’s rodeo capital, Mount Isa, The Inlander takes you on a historic journey past Charters Towers and through the Great Dividing Range. Sit back and relax in forward-facing seats as you watch the coastlines turn to the vast Outback landscapes. The Inlander departs Townsville on Wednesday and Saturday and Mount Isa on Thursday and Sunday.

Allow Queensland Rail Travel to plan your next ultimate rail journey by calling 1800 627 655 or visit www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au.

For further information visiting Outback Queensland by Rail visit www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au Facebook and Instagram: @queenslandrailtravel #queenslandrailtravel

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THE GULFLANDER All aboard the historic Gulflander! This legendary railmotor takes travellers on a five-hour journey along the heritage-listed Normanton to Croydon line. You’ll travel along the original rail and sleepers, laid between 1888 and 1891. Known as the ‘Tin Hare’, the Gulflander is one of the remaining great characters of the rail world.

The train which goes from ‘nowhere to nowhere’ winds its way through the wetlands and grasslands of the Gulf Savannah and is the perfect way to discover an area steeped in pioneering history. Train enthusiasts and history buffs alike will enjoy the onboard staff of accredited Savannah Guides.

The Gulflander operates weekly from Normanton to Croydon on Wednesday and Croydon to Normanton on Thursday with Thursday’s return journey allowing more time to stop for photo opportunities.

Image courtesy of the Qantas Founders Museum

Your Link to the Queensland Outback.

Flights from Brisbane to Barcaldine, Blackall, Charleville, Longreach and Roma are operated in partnership with the Queensland State Government.

Book now at qantas.com QantasLink flights operated by Eastern Australia Airlines Pty Ltd ABN 77 001 599 024 and Sunstate Airlines (Qld) Pty Ltd ABN 82 009 734 703 as QantasLink. Licence No. 407. CMM22123QAN

OUTBACK QUEENSLAND TRAVEL TIPS

With 901,574km2 of landscape (that’s twice the size of California to give you some context), Outback Queensland can be a daunting experience for a first-time traveller. But don’t be scared – we promise it’s a friendly place.

o make planning your trip west a bit easier, take note of these tips to make the most of your maiden voyage to the outback.

T

regret packing the woollies if visiting between April and August. Winter nights can fall below freezing, so you don’t want to be without a warm swag, gloves and a cuppa.

PACK ALL THE ESSENTIALS

TIME YOUR TRIP WITH AN EVENT

Major highway fuel stops are rarely more than 200 kilometres apart, so it should not be necessary to carry extra fuel. However when you do see ‘no fuel’ signs, it means exactly that.

If you need an excuse to head to the outback, time your trip with Outback Queensland’s calendar chock full of memorable and quirky outback events.

If you’re driving, we recommend packing the car with road trip essentials like a first aid kit, a spare tyre, and a good tool box to ensure you’re prepared for anything.

Not only is the outback home to the biggest rodeo in the southern hemisphere (aka the Mount Isa Rodeo) and the world’s most remote music festival (here’s looking at you Birdsville Big Red Bash), the outback offers a range of sporting, race, and cultural events.

CHECK THE WEATHER Hot, sunny days and Outback Queensland go hand in hand, however the most temperate travelling weather is between April and October (winter/spring).

Remember, no matter the season, a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen is recommended for any time of the year.

While you can’t deny the temperatures of Outback Queensland in summer, you won’t

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BECOME AN ‘OUTBACK MATES’ MEMBER How would you like Mates rates for your travels? With over 300 deals on accommodation, food, tours and merchandise, make the first card you pull out of your wallet your Outback Mates one. Pick your up yours online for $20 at www.outbackmates.com.au or at any participating Visitor Information Centres.

TUNE INTO LOCAL RADIO FREQUENCIES FOR THE LATEST TRAVEL AND WEATHER INFORMATION Bedourie, Birdsville, Boulia – 106.1 FM Biloela – 94.9 FM Charleville – 603 AM Cunnamulla – 106.1 FM Julia Creek – 567 AM Longreach – 540 AM Mount Isa – 106.5 FM Quilpie – 106.1 FM Roma – 711 AM Tambo – 105.9 FM Theodore – 105.9 FM

GETTING THERE

PREPARE FOR A DIGITAL DETOX

RAIL EXPERIENCES Jump on board one of four outback rail services for a scenic route to the outback, where you can sit back and relax and watch the coast turn to country. Queensland Rail services include: ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Spirit of the Outback (Brisbane to Longreach) The Westlander (Brisbane to Charleville) The Inlander (Townsville to Mount Isa) The Savannahlander (Cairns to Forsayth)

BUS SERVICES Enjoy a classic outback road trip without being the driver, with a bus journey, taking you across the major drive routes of Outback Queensland.

AIR CONNECTIONS If you’re short on time but big on experiences, see the outback from above. Qantas, Virgin and/or REX service: ■■ Barcaldine ■■ Bedourie ■■ Birdsville ■■ Boulia ■■ Charleville

■■ Cloncurry ■■ Cunnamulla ■■ Hughenden ■■ Julia Creek ■■ Longreach

■■ Windorah ■■ Mount Isa ■■ Winton ■■ Quilpie ■■ Richmond ■■ Roma ■■ Thargomindah

SELF DRIVES Embark on the ultimate outback road trip with eight major drive routes taking you to all corners of the Outback. You can also pick up a hire car from major retailers like AVIS, Budget and Hertz from Roma, Charleville, Longreach, and Mount Isa Airports.

While most towns have phone coverage with the Telstra network, expect a ‘no service’ reading travelling between towns. A satellite phone and/or UHF radio are always recommended while travelling.

DROP INTO THE LOCAL VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE You’re guaranteed more than a friendly ‘G’day’ at your closest Visitor Information Centre, which can help you with the latest local information in each town. You’ll be able to get any required permits as well as stock up on maps, brochures and guides that share where to go and what to do in the outback.

Visit a Visitor Information Centre for latest road conditions or visit qld.traffic.qld.gov.au / 131 940.

WATCH OUT FOR WILDLIFE From kangaroos and emus to cattle and echidnas, there is no shortage of wildlife to play “I Spy” with in Outback Queensland.

Most active at dawn and dusk, these Aussie animals enjoy grazing on the edges of the roads, and often wander across them in front of unsuspecting cars. Where possible, time any driving to the middle of the day, and if you do have to drive in twilight, please take extra caution.

BE CAUTIOUS ON THE ROADS Take care when passing and overtaking road trains, heavy vehicles and caravans.

Ensure you have a clear line of sight, allow plenty of room and be prepared to move over to the side to overtake.

If a road train or heavy vehicle is approaching you from behind or from ahead, move as far left as possible or stop if necessary to allow it to pass.

When meeting road trains and heavy vehicles on single lane roads, slow right down and move to the left. Move off the road entirely if it is safe to do so and stop to avoid driving into any obstacles on the verge. Be cautious in wet conditions as road verges can be soft and slippery, so when pulling to the left, keep your right wheels on the bitumen and move slowly to avoid being bogged.

SHARE YOUR ADVENTURES ONLINE If you’re headed west for the trip of a lifetime, don’t forget to share your adventures with #outbackqueensland on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. The Outback Queensland community loves to meet new faces and places to explore.

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FIND YOUR PERFECT NEXT

ROAD TRIP Buckle up with these road trip adventures:

OR AN OUTBACK ROAD TRIP 1 FTHAT GOES STRAIGHT THROUGH THE MIDDLE: MATILDA WAY Choosing which road to take in an area that’s over twice the size of California, can be a little overwhelming at the best of times.

Throw in niche interests like dinosaurs, endurance events and pioneering history, and the decision of which of the nine drive routes you’re going to take becomes even harder.

It pays to follow the advice of the locals, who have racked up the clicks on their odometer, with this guide to Outback Queensland’s best drive routes.

Starts:.......................................... Cunnamulla Ends:................................................. Karumba Distance:............................................1,812km Suggested time frame:.... 10 days (one way) Cutting through Outback Queensland like a hot knife through butter, the Matilda Way ventures vertical from Cunnamulla in the south to Karumba in the north.

Kick off your trip with a visit to the Cunnamulla Fella, before taking off to the star-studded town of Charleville. Check out the Cosmos Centre and Observatory, before stopping to say hi to the bilbies at the Charleville Bilby Centre.

Heading north west, pay visits to Tambo, Blackall, and Barcaldine, before arriving into Longreach to stay and play a few nights.

Swap Longreach for dinosaur country, Winton, and discover the story of the jolly swagman at the Waltzing Matilda Centre. It’s not all modern history, in Winton you can lay your eyes on the world’s largest Australian dinosaur fossil collection at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs.

Veering further north, Cloncurry awaits, where you can fly through time at the

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John Flynn Place Museum and Art Gallery, discovering the history of the quintessentially outback Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Before you arrive in Karumba, be sure to stop

by Normanton to snap a photo with Krys the Savannah King, a replica of the largest croc in the world (8.6m), who was caught in the area in 1957.

OR AN OUTBACK ROAD TRIP 2 FTHAT GOES FROM CITY TO COUNTRY: WARREGO WAY Starts:................................................Brisbane Ends:.................................................Birdsville Distance:........................................... 1,578km Suggested time frame:.....12 days (one way) Weaving from Brisbane to Birdsville, watch the city lights fade away as you make tracks west along the Warrego Way. Your first taste of the outback is Roma, aka cattle country. Time your trip for a Tuesday or Thursday to see the largest cattle yards in the Southern Hemisphere in auction-action.

From Roma, take a history lesson at Charleville’s Top Secret WWII United States of America Air Forces (USAAF) tour, before heading further west.

Join the dots on the map between Quilpie, and Windorah (home to the International

Clockwise from left: Camden Park, Longreach.

Karumba, at the northern end of the Matilda Way. Ouback Queensland Roads.

Yabby Races) before visiting a town with a population of zero, Betoota.

The iconic outback town of Birdsville marks the end of Warrego Way line, but if you choose to time your travels with the race that stops the outback, or the world’s most remote music festival you’re guaranteed to stay and play a while in this tiny outback town.

OR AN OUTBACK ROAD 3 FTRIP THAT INCLUDES ALL THE OUTBACK FAVOURITES: OVERLANDER’S WAY

Starts:............................................. Townsville Ends:.............................................Camooweal Distance:........................................... 1,081km Suggested time frame:...... 5 days (one way) The clue is in the name of this outback drive route; and the Overlander’s Way passes across the northern pocket of Outback Queensland, taking you from Townsville’s coast to the country.

You’ve officially hit outback dirt from Hughenden, the town which buddies up with Richmond (next on the route) to create twothirds of the Australian Dinosaur Trail.

From there, head west to Julia Creek, where a small town of 400 people waits

for the night. That is, unless you’ve chosen to come for the second week in April when 3,000 people join the town for its annual triathlon aka Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival.

Passing through Cloncurry, continue along the Overlander’s Way to arrive in cowboy country, Mount Isa. Home to the largest rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere, get ready to don your Akubra and start your boot scootin’.

OR AN OUTBACK ROAD 4 FTRIP THAT PACKS A PUNCH: ADVENTURE WAY Starts:................................................Brisbane Ends:.............................................Innamincka Distance:............................................1,152km Suggested time frame:.......7 days (one way) With a name like the Adventure Way, you know you’re in for a road trip of epic proportions.

You’ll know you’ve hit the right tarmac from Brisbane when you reach Cunnamulla, which has the largest population of roo’s and wallabies in Outback Queensland.

Stop for a while in Eulo, where you can rejuvenate your body after the long hours of driving by soaking in a tub full of ancient

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artesian mud, while enjoying a glass of wine, the fresh air, and a view of the outback.

Continue on to Thargomindah, which houses the world’s third (and Australia’s only) hydroelectricity system, embracing the power source after London and Paris.

Finish the road trip by crossing the border to South Australia, to the tiny town of Innamincka, with a population of just 12 people, to celebrate your journey.

OR AN OUTBACK ROAD TRIP 5 FTHAT CROSSES TWO STATES: AUSTRALIA’S COUNTRY WAY Starts:.................................................. Sydney Ends:.........................................Rockhampton Distance:............................................1,615km Suggested time frame:.......7 days (one way) Shakespeare first asked ‘what’s in a name’, but Australia’s Country Way has got your answer, with this road trip taking you up the nation’s east coast - outback style.

Starting in Sydney and trailing up through Queensland, pass through Biloela in the Banana Shire, best known as part of the Sandstone Wonders. Here you’ll find yourself surrounded by national parks (that’s right, there’s five national parks) and natural encounters present themselves around every corner.

From Biloela, it’s a two hour trip to Rockhampton, the beef capital of Australia, where this road trip comes to an end.

6

FOR AN OUTBACK ROAD TRIP THAT GOES THE LENGTH (ALMOST) OF QUEENSLAND: GREAT INLAND WAY

Starts:.................................................. Sydney Ends:............................................... Cooktown Distance:...........................................1,863km Suggested time frame:.....14 days (one way) If Australia’s Country Way got you hooked on country over coast, we raise you an extra 248km across the Great Inland Way. Starting from Sydney, your first and only taste of Outback Queensland is cattle country in Roma, where you can catch weekly cattle sales, tour the Big Rig at night and hit the races for the annual Easter in the Country Festival.

When in Roma, put an extra day onto your itinerary to visit Carnarvon Gorge via Injune - this sandstone sanctuary has got more variety than a Cadbury Favourites box of chocolates, with tropical rainforest meeting dirt plains and rocky arches and cliffs towering throughout.

From Roma, continue up the coast of Queensland to the tropical north town of Cooktown, passing through Emerald, Charters Towers, and Port Douglas.

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FOR AN OUTBACK ROAD TRIP WITH A FRUITY TWIST: LEICHHARDT HIGHWAY

Starts:............................................ Melbourne Ends:..................................................Yeppoon Distance:........................................... 2,019km Suggested time frame:.... 10 days (one way) Your Queensland stint of this journey starts at Goondiwindi, and goes from bush to beach.

You won’t regret a stop in the outback town of Banana, which contrary to what its name suggests wasn’t named for its abundance of the tropical fruit. The town was actually named after a local yellow coloured bullock that was given the nickname.

Make tracks from Biloela for two and half hours north east, travelling through Rockhampton before arriving in the beachside town of Yeppoon.

OR AN OUTBACK ROAD TRIP 8 FWITH A BIT OF BITE: AUSTRALIAN DINOSAUR TRAIL Starts:............................................. Richmond Ends:.....................................................Winton Distance:..............................................330km Suggested time frame:...... 4 days (one way)

You might have to think outside the box when it comes to imagining the forestlike landscape that once filled Outback Queensland when dinosaurs roamed the land.

Make tracks towards dinosaur country, with a triangle of towns (Winton, Hughenden, and Richmond) creating the Australian Dinosaur Trail.

Explore the historical hub to witness evidence of a dinosaur stampede, the largest Australian fossil collection, and ancient marine creature fossils.

OR AN OUTBACK ROAD TRIP 9 FMADE FOR SCIENCE LOVERS: NATURAL SCIENCES LOOP Starts:.............................................Charleville Ends:...............................................Charleville Distance:..............................................995km Suggested time frame:...... 5 days (one way) X marks the spot for science lovers on the Natural Sciences Loop, circling the local treasures of the south west pocket of Outback Queensland.

Starting at Charleville, work your way clockwise through Cunnamulla, Eulo, Thargomindah, Eromanga and Quilpie to discover the history, natural beauty, science, and flora and fauna of the south west pocket.

Boulia Alice Springs Yulara Warakurna Warburton

Download the APP & All the Tours - on Android & Apple

Clockwise from top: Clem Walton Park, Cloncurry.

Wellshot Hotel, Ilfracombe.

Winton Sunset.

e outback’s erience th pe xp Ex E trip eatest road grea gr loop.com.au cklo ck b bac uttba u eout heo the tth

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BRISBANE

ADELAIDE

Windorah Q U E E N S L A N D

308

W AY

Y HI GH

RC IT VE

SIL

T HW Y

Millmerran RY W AY

KI

511 Port Pirie

ILD

Y

Broken Hill

Quorn

HW

Hawker

83

Toowoomba

Moonie

Westmar

ON

K

Parachilna 300

Unsealed Road

Dalby 292

ARD

Hungerford

Tibooburra

338

AH W

Y

NG

St George

HH

K

AC TR

LI

C

Leigh Creek South

Port Augusta

163

Surat

197 Eulo

AC

RZ

E EL

W

TR

ST

215

291

O

Chinchilla Jandowae Bell Jimbour

Condamine

C A RN ARV

469

Lyndhurst

90

D

Miles

IC

110

Wyandra

Thargomindah Cunnamulla

124 Noccundra

179

Marree

161 Toompine Nockatunga

M AT

189

Roma

K I D M A N W AY

Innamincka

17

Dig Tree

Mitchell

128

BRISBANE Warwick

UNT

Charleville

108

CO

Quilpie

Eromanga

LE

S O U T H A U S T R A L I A

Moree

Bourke N E W

S O U T H

W A L E S

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he Adventure Way takes you from Brisbane to Adelaide via Queensland’s richest grain and cotton producing area, primary industries surrounding Dalby, Moonie, St George and Bollon through to Brigalow and Belah belts to the outback plains where the mulga lines the road and eventually gives way to a treeless gibber landscape at the Queensland – South Australian border. From Innamincka, follow the historic Strzelecki Track to the Flinders Ranges and finally to Adelaide.

The rewards of the journey are many, discovering the awe-inspiring landscape, the native flora and fauna, the rich history of our early pioneers, opal fossicking and the spirit of adventure inside us all.

ADELAIDE

se

Jimbour Hou

Dalby Visitor Information Centre P: (07) 4679 4461 E: dalby.vic@wdrc.qld.gov.au Moonie Rural Transaction Centre P: (07) 4665 0189 Balonne Shire Visitor Information Centre P: (07) 4620 8877 E: vic@balonne.qld.gov.au

Sheep S

hearing

, Cunna

mulla

ne River,

The Balon

e

St Georg

Cunnamulla Fella Information Centre P: (07) 4655 8470 E: cunnamullainfo@paroo.qld.gov.au Thargomindah Information Centre P: (07) 4621 8095 E: tourism@bulloo.qld.gov.au Innamincka Hotel (and Visitor Information) P: (08) 8675 9901 E: innamincka@theoutback.com.au

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Take the drive

Tambo · Blackall Isisford · Yaraka · Windorah CAMPING · FISHING · BOATING · 4WD

To Longreach Lochern NP

Isisford

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Stonehenge

Oma Waterhole

Welford National Park

Arno Crossing

45

Lumeah

Expe Natio

HWY UGH

281

Hell Hole Gorge NP

Carnarvon National Park

RO

Hammond Downs

Windorah

Mount Playfair

BO

Langlo-Adavale Track

131

DS

48

‘Retreat’

55

Minnie Downs

Salvator Rosa Section

44

Tambo

Battle Waterhole

Rollest

91

102

Emmet

53

Tambo Windorah

N

22

Blackall

20

47

Wilderness Way Loop

A

Trafalgar

Douglas Ponds

L

Welford Lagoon

55

Mount Slowcombe Idalia Yaraka National Park

Jundah

Little Boomerang

To Barcaldine

Avington Waterhole

To Birdsville

Injun

Adavale Mariala NP

Chesterton Range National Park

Follow the river road skirting the tranquil billabongs of the mighty Barcoo. These backroads take you through prime sheep and cattle land to the corrugated red dunes of Windorah.

barcooway.com.au Morven

Charleville

Quilpie

Mitchell

WARRE GO HWY

To Brisba

Roma Mornington Island

Port Douglas Kuranda Mareeba

T E R R I T O R Y

Sweers Island

Tirranna

Adels Gregory Grove Downs Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) Riversleigh National Park Fossil Fields

Burke & Wills Junction

Waggabundi

Q U E E N S L A N D

Gunpowder Kajabbi

Julia Creek

Quamby

N O R T H E R N

Mount Isa Cloncurry

Kynuna

Richmond

Combo Waterhole

Middleton

Boulia

Hughenden

Stamford

McKinlay

Dajarra

Porcupine Pentland Gorge

Maxwelton

Nelia

Duchess Urandangie

Innisfail Mount Garnet Mount Ravenshoe Tully Surprise Georgetown Undara Cardwell Copperfield Gorge Croydon Einasleigh Ingham Forsayth Cobbold Gorge Townsville

Normanton

Burketown

Camooweal

Gordonvale

Atherton

Karumba Doomadgee

Cairns

Prairie

Winton

Mackay

Stonehenge

Plan an epic road trip in North West Queensland

Moorinya National Park Moranbah

Muttaburra

Clermont

Aramac

Ilfracombe Longreach

Proserpine

Torrens Creek

The Australian Age of Dinosaurs

Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways

Bedourie

Charters Towers Homestead

Corfield

Bladensburg National Park

Diamantina National Park

Bowen

Balfes Creek

Capella

Jericho

Barcaldine

Tambo

Both routes

Rockhampton

Alpha

Blackall Emmet

Emerald

FULLY SEALED

Gladstone

Rolleston

Biloela Banana

The North West Loop and Discovery Drive are both ‘must do’ self-drive routes, packed to the brim with iconic Outback experiences. Expect to indulge your adventurous spirit; be captivated by the open road; sample delicious Gulf seafood; and to immerse yourself in Australia’s cultural heritage.

Jundah

Bundaberg

For more information and to download the route maps visit – www.drivenorthwestqld.com.au

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ASTRONOMY | NATURE & WILDLIFE | DINOSAURS | GEOLOGY | HISTORY The sky’s literally the limit on this fully sealed outback adventure loop. If you prefer ‘sight doing’ over ‘sightseeing’ then be sure to allow time to actively explore the towns along the route.

Take a look at some of the town highlights.

Charleville

11 12 13 9 10

14. Bilbies 15. Cosmos Centre and Observatory 16. Native Timber Walk 17. Top Secret WWII History Tour

9. Living History Centre at Eromanga 10. Eromanga Natural History Museum 11. Baldy Top Lookout 12. Opal Fossicking Area near Quilpie 13. Opal Altar at St Finbarr’s Catholic Church

1. The Artesian Time Tunnel 2. Cunnamulla Bushlands 3. Artesian Mud Baths 4. The Living Opal Gallery of Yowah

5. Lake Bindegolly National Park 6. Pelican Point on the Bulloo River 7. Thargomindah Hydro Power Plant and Artesian Bore 8. The Burke and Wills ‘Dig Tree’ on Cooper Creek

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4

6 7

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CHARLEVILLE Stargazing & Endangered Marsupials      

Get up close and personal with the endangered Bilby Discover the night sky and so much more at the Cosmos Centre & Observatory See the Vortex rainmaker guns and learn their story Uncover the top secret USAAF WWII base Follow the Outback Native Timber self-guided walk See the automated Weather Balloon release daily at 9:15am

Charleville Visitor Information Centre Railway Station, King Street, Charleville | P (07) 4654 3057 tourism@murweh.qld.gov.au www.experiencecharleville.com.au

CUNNAMULLA Artesian Bores & Natural Sandhills     

Discover the ancient artesian water story and Time Tunnel Kayak the tranquil waters of the Warrego River Spot the Cooper Creek Turtle and native birdlife Soak in an artesian bore or artesian mud bath (Eulo) Fossick for the unique Yowah ‘nut’ opal

Cunnamulla Fella Centre 2 Jane Street, Cunnamulla | P (07) 4655 8470 visitor@paroo.qld.gov.au www.cunnamullatourism.com.au

THARGOMINDAH Wetland Systems & The Dig Tree 14 15 16 17

    

Join a tour of Australia’s first hydro-electricity system and mud brick hospital Drive to the historic Burke & Wills Dig Tree (unsealed) Spend a day at the historic Noccundra Hotel Follow the Bulloo River walk to the Weir Discover salt and freshwater wetlands at Lake Bindegolly

Thargomindah Visitor Information Centre Echidna Place, 37 Dowling Street, Thargomindah | P (07) 4621 8095 tourism@bulloo.qld.gov.au www.visitbulloo.com.au

EROMANGA Giant Marsupial & Dinosaur Discoveries     

Journey to Australia’s furthest town from the sea See giant Diprotodon (world’s largest marsupial) fossils found in Eulo Meet Cooper, a Titanosaur, Australia’s largest dinosaur Learn how to prep real fossilised dinosaur bones Discover Australia’s largest oil producing region

Eromanga Natural History Museum 1 Dinosaur Drive, Eromanga | P (07) 4656 3084 info@enhm.com.au www.enhm.com.au

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1

QUILPIE The Boulder Opal & Hell Hole Gorge     

Fossick for boulder opals and admire the Opal Altar Climb Baldy Top summit for awesome sunset views Catch yabbies and yellowbelly in the Bulloo River Take a day trip to Hell Hole Gorge Spot native birds and wildlife at Lake Houdraman

Quilpie Visitor Information Centre, Museum & Gallery 51 Brolga Street, Quilpie | P (07) 4656 0540 tourism@quilpie.qld.gov.au www.visitquilpieshire.com

Fro m Syd ney and Melbour ne to t h e So uther n Great Bar ri e r Re ef a n d the Out back , the hol i day i s a s mu c h ab o ut savour ing t he j our ney a s reachi ng a destinat ion.

ROCKHAMPTON BARCALDINE MUNDUBBERA TOOWOOMBA GOONDIWINDI TAMWORTH SYDNEY

MELBOURNE

OVERLANDER’S WAY T O W N S V I L L E

TENNANT CREEK

Barkly Homestead QLD/NT BORDER

Three Ways

BOODJAMULLA (LAWN HILL) NATIONAL PARK

Camooweal

MOUNT ISA

T E N N A N T

C R E E K

CAIRNS COOKTOWN NORMANTON

Mingela

Homestead

Charters Towers

Cloncurry Julia Creek Maxwelton Nelia Ma

Winton

Ravenswood

Pentland Hughenden Torrens Creek Richmond Prairie

CLERMONT

a tild

Kynuna

TOWNSVILLE

PORCUPINE GORGE CAIRNS

CROYDON

McKinlay BOULIA

Travelling the Overlander’s Way will allow you to take in the wonders of the vast rugged cattle plains, dramatic basalt landscapes, spectacular gorges, prolific wildlife and take you on a journey through architecturally rich historic towns without even having to leave the bitumen.

T O

Wa

Stamford

y

MUTTABURRA

There is plenty to see and do for the adventurous enquiring soul, so pack your flippers and your hiking boots and get ready to experience an outback adventure of a lifetime.

LONGREACH

Unearthed Ce

ntre and M

useum, Clon curry

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.

This self-drive track served as an important line during World War II and stretches across 1550 kilometres taking you from the reef to the outback in a matter of days.

wers rters To Hill, Cha rs e w o T

facebook.com/overlandersway twitter.com/overlandersway instagram #overlandersway

www.overlandersway.com TOWNSVILLE VISITOR TOWNSVILLE INFORMATION CENTRE HIGHWAY VIC P: (07) 4721 3660 P: (07) 4780 4397 townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au JULIA CREEK VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE P: (07) 4746 7690 atthecreek.com.au

CLONCURRY UNEARTHED VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE AND MUSEUM P: (07) 4742 1361 cloncurry.qld.gov.au

CHARTERS TOWERS VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE P: (07) 4761 5533 visitcharterstowers.com.au

FLINDERS DISCOVERY CENTRE, HUGHENDEN P: (07) 4741 2970 visithughenden.com.au

KRONOSAURUS KORNER, RICHMOND P: 1300 576 665 kronosauruskorner.com.au

OUTBACK AT ISA P: (07) 4749 1555 mietv.com.au

THE BARKLY TABLELAND AND HERITAGE CENTRE, CAMOOWEAL P: (07) 4748 2022 droverscamp.com.au

TENNANT CREEK VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE P: 1800 500 879 barklytourism.com.au

Love a Good Road Trip?

The fully sealed 1812 kilometre highway stretches from the New South Wales border all the way to the Gulf of Carpentaria, from Cunnamulla to Karumba.

Traversing the ‘real outback’, the route is filled with friendly local characters, unique attractions and unspoiled natural sites. Four days is a comfortable drive, depending on how long you spend discovering the unique charms of each township.

Along the Matilda Way you will discover little known secrets, experience the raw history of the region and natural wonders of the vast and ancient landscapes. As you’re travelling, check the byways along the route; there are plenty of side-trips that add to the overall outback experience.

Just remember you are sharing the road with huge road trains, livestock and native animals, take care and give way, you’ll protect your vehicle and the truckies will thank you for it.

Come and enjoy experiencing the Outback along the Matilda Way.

outbackqueensland.com.au/drive/matilda-way

Normanton

TOWNSVILLE

Burke & Wills Junction

NORTHERN TERRITORY

The Matilda Way is one road that most definitely leads to adventure, and a different one each day.

CAIRNS Karumba

Cloncurry McKinlay Kynuna

QUEENSLAND

Winton

Longreach

Ilfracombe Barcaldine

Blackall Tambo Augathella

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Charleville

Wyandra Cunnamulla

NEW SOUTH WALES

/matildaway

/matildahighway

9 WAYS TO SEE A DINOSAUR

IN OUTBACK QUEENSLAND Once upon a time, when dinosaurs roamed the land, Outback Queensland resembled a landscape more telling of a temperate forest than the dusty plains it’s known for today.

F

ast forward 95 million years and scientists are slowly piecing together the bones of Outback Queensland’s history.

Home to not just the largest prehistoric marine creatures and fossilised fish, Kronosaurus Korner also has what’s considered one of the best-preserved dinosaur skeletons.

With a dinosaur trail in the heart of the outback, along with traces found in the north and south west pockets, here’s how we recommend taking a paleo tour of Outback Queensland.

You can see palaeontology in action and witness fossils being prepared in real-time through glass windows into the preparation laboratory or become a paleontologist for the day at their free fossicking site.

1. ENCOUNTER THE MARINE GREATS

2. W ALK THROUGH A DINOSAUR STAMPEDE

Become mates with ‘Krono’ the Kronosaurus Queenslandicus and ‘Wanda’ - Australia’s largest fossilised fish at Kronosaurus Korner Museum in Richmond.

Back when these two dinos roamed the land, you would have been standing in an inland sea – even though the red dirt covering the town today makes it hard to believe.

Step back in time with a theatre presentation that brings the long-gone watering hole and prehistoric creatures back to life.

Shiver with Jurassic Park levels of spinechilling eeriness as you spot 3,300 giant stone footprints at Lark Quarry Conservation Park.

small carnivorous and herbivorous dinosaurs were stalked by a large meat-eating enemy of the dinosaur world. Spooky!

3. WALK ON THE WIDE SIDE Your jaw will meet the floor at Australian Age of Dinosaurs, which houses the world’s largest Australian dinosaur fossil collection.

Track 24km from Winton to see the dinosaur fossil display and working laboratory where you can see the bones being dusted off by volunteers.

The Museum offers an extended seven day exploration dig for those seeking a more indepth experience and dinosaur encounter.

Just 115km south west of Winton you’ll find the world’s only recorded evidence of a dinosaur stampede, dating back 95 million years.

Don’t forget to wander through the collection room which is home to Banjo and Matilda, two of Australia’s most complete dinosaur skeletons.

This extraordinary piece of Australian dinosaur history occurred when up to 150

For a walk on the wild side, trek through Dinosaur Canyon where life-like

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dinosaur replicas can be spotted in their natural habitat.

4. SAY HI TO COOPER THE TITANOSAUR Meet Cooper, the friendly giant dinosaur (aged 95-98 million years old) at the Eromanga Natural History Museum in the south west pocket of Outback Queensland (accessed via the Natural Sciences Loop).

He’s quite the famous giant too – one of the world’s largest dinosaurs, and certainly the largest in Australia.

If you’re not croc crazy, take a look at the 100-million-year-old Bulldog Fish and the displays of local fauna, flora, reptiles, birds and fossils from the region.

6. MEET HUGHIE IN HUGHENDEN A trip to Hughenden isn’t complete without visiting its most famous local, Hughie, a lifesized skeletal Muttaburrasaurus.

Not only does the museum collect dinosaurs but it’s home to some of the world’s largest mega fauna and a variety of micro fauna thought to be 50,000 to 100,000 years old.

You’ll find him at the Flinders Discovery Centre and Museum, where you can also explore impressive international fossil collection, interactive displays, and Australian dino bones found in the area from 1865 up until modern day digs.

5. SEE THE ANCIENT CROCS OF ISISFORD

As one third of the triangular dinosaur trail of Outback Queensland, fill your weekend with the prehistoric giants.

You’ll be yelling Crikey! at the Outer Barcoo Interpretation Centre in Isisford (about an hour south of Longreach), with its life-sized replica model of an Isisfordia Duncani.

This old girl won’t bite - but being the evolutionary ancestor of the crocodile, you

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can imagine she had some bite 98 million years ago.

outbackqueensland.com.au

7. FOSSIL AROUND Skip the museums and head straight to where nature and history come together – the World Heritage-listed Riversleigh fossil deposit.

DINOSAURS

Clockwise from left: Eromanga Natural History Museum Penny the Plesiosaur at Kronosaurus Korner Lark Quarry Conservation Park Dinosaur Stampede at Lark Quarry Conservation Park Hughie the replica Muttaburrasaurus at Flinders Discovery Centre

OTHER THAN FOSSILISED FORM, VISIT THESE SPOTS TO SEE DINOS ACROSS THE OUTBACK: n Pose for a photo with the giant Muttaburrasaurus replica in Muttaburra n Follow the footprints outside the North Gregory Hotel in Winton (where you can also sit down to dine with a dino-inspired meal) n Snap a shot of you with the massive marine reptile guarding the entrance to Kronosaurus Korner in Richmond

Found in the southern part of Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park, the Riversleigh section covers 10,000 hectares, however only a small portion (Site D) is open to the public. Plan your trip around the annual fossil dig each July for an extra special encounter.

Preserved in limestone, some fossils date back 15-25 million years, providing insight into mammal evolution.

Discover the ancestors of our native wildlife, from the largest freshwater crocodile to feather-tailed possums and kangaroos with sharp teeth.

Of course, if you can’t make it to the fossil fields, a visit to Mount Isa’s Riversleigh Fossil Centre is the next best thing, saving you the drive to get there.

8. WADE THROUGH WESTERN WATERS While the ancient inland Eromanga Sea dried up long ago, the Stone House on Pituri Street in Boulia nods to its bones, literally, with a collection of marine reptile fossils on display.

Delve deep into the Cretaceous Era, learning about the environment and examining the explicit details of the marine creature fossils such as teeth.

9. FOLLOW THE DINO CLUES ACROSS THE OUTBACK From dino sculptures and signs, to meals and museums, you’ll soon see why Outback Queensland is obsessed with the prehistoric creatures.

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››› ork Rest W ›

›

››

Central Highlands qLD Pl

ay

››› D i s c o v

er

Visit

Experience

Carnarvon Gorge | Sapphire Gemfields Lake Maraboon | National Parks Emerald: Gateway to the Outback

Amazing wildlife | Awesome walks Rugged 4WD routes | Wild Mountain Bike rides Great fishing | Fossicking for Sapphires

Visit www.chdc.com.au for our lifestyle guide and video

BLUE GEM TOURIST PARK

MINERS HERITAGE WALK-IN MINE

925 Anakie-Sapphire Road. Sapphire P 07 4985 4162 bluegemtouristpark@bigpond.com www.bluegemtouristpark.com.au Located in the heart of the Sapphire Gemfields.

■ Large Grassed Sites for Vans & Camping ■ Cabins ■ Great Take Away Food ■ Fossicking Park ■ Convenience Store ■ Fuel, Gas, Ice ■ Sapphire Jewellery ■ Pet Friendly ■ Fossicking Licences Excellent customer service every time.

Australia’s Largest Underground Sapphire Mine Tour ■ Designer Sapphire Jewellery ■ Established 1984 ■ Gift ware, Crystals and Minerals ■

CARNARVON GORGE CAMPING AND ACCOMMODATION

Guided Tours Multi Award Winning ■ Fossicking Park ■ Undercover Picnic Area ■ ■

Open 7 Days: April – September, 9am – 5pm; October – March, 9am – 3pm (minimum of 2 people per tour) “Your One Stop Introduction to the Sapphire Fields” 97 Heritage Road, Rubyvale P 07 4985 4444 | admin@minersheritage.com.au www.minersheritage.com.au Takarakka Bush Resort ■ Spacious powered and unpowered sites ■ Safari tents, cabins and studios ■ Top rated facilities ■ Internet available ■ Recommended 4 – 6 night stay

NEW ROYAL HOTEL

Award winning tour guide ■ Open all year round ■ Accessible to all vehicles ■ Via new bitumen road ■ Reconnect with nature ■

Cnr Keilambete & Goanna Flats Rds, Rubyvale P 07 4985 4754 info@rubyvalehotel.com.au www.rubyvalehotel.com.au Judged Queensland’s Best Bush Pub 2014, 2015 and 2016, this true Aussie pub is located in the heart of the Gemfields.

Grab a cold beer or wine and enjoy a great meal, stay in the unique log cabins or top up your supplies at the Bottleshop.

Accessible, Exceptional and Unforgettable.

P 07 4984 4535 | info@takarakka.com.au www.takarakka.com.au (book online)

Discover the Outback with Apollo

There is no better way to enjoy Queensland’s Big Sky Country Drives than on a road trip with Apollo! Discover the Outback’s natural wonders and enjoy authentic experiences you can only have in Queensland – all from the comfort of your home on wheels. Whether you are dreaming of a 4WD adventure or just want to travel at your own pace in one of our RVs, we have the vehicle to suit your needs and budget. Apollo has 10 branches throughout Australia and also allows one-way travel, so you can design your own unforgettable journey.

apollocamper.com outbackqueensland.com.au

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THE SOUTH WEST Incorporating the communities of Charleville, Roma, Quilpie, Eromanga, Cunnamulla & Thargomindah

CAIRNS

Mount Isa

Julia Cloncurry Creek

NT

ooking for adventure? You’ll find it in the south west. In fact, it’s so adventurous, they named one of the drive routes which cuts through this outback territory, ‘The Adventure Way’.

Richmond Hughenden

QLD

Winton Boulia

L

TOWNSVILLE

NORTH WEST

CENTRAL WEST Longreach Barcaldine Blackall Tambo

FAR WEST

Biloela

Windorah

EAST

Birdsville Eromanga

SA

Quilpie

Charleville

Cunnamulla

NSW

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Roma

BRISBANE

SOUTH WEST Thargomindah

Expect big nature and a kaleidoscope of colour as red sands give way to thriving wetlands and national parks.

Animals come in all shapes and sizes, from the cute, small bilbies you find in Charleville to Cooper, Australia’s largest dinosaur who calls Eromanga home.

Adventure isn’t just reserved for daylight hours either, when the sun’s gone down, the galaxy puts on a nightly show.

SOUTH WEST

YOU CAN’T SAY YOU’VE BEEN TO THE SOUTH WEST UNTIL YOU’VE:

1 2 3 4 5

SEEN THE MILKY WAY THROUGH A MEADE TELESCOPE AT THE COSMOS CENTRE AND OBSERVATORY

Charlotte Plains, Cunnamulla

COME EYE-TO-FUNNY BONE WITH COOPER, AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST DINOSAUR SCOOTED DOWN A SAND DUNE IN CUNNAMULLA VISITED THE LARGEST CATTLE SALEYARDS IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE IN ROMA SOAKED IN THE MINERALS OF THE ARTESIAN MUD BATHS IN EULO

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WHAT YOU’LL LEARN CAMPING WITH KIDS IN THE OUTBACK On a family road trip from Roma to Eromanga, the bush serves up life skills that can’t be taught inside a classroom.

H

iking can be too pedestrian to excite 10-year old boys like Finn. Though our son moans and groans about hiking more than we’d like, he loves climbing steps and stairways – for reasons only kids like him would understand. So when his mother tells him there are 900 steps for us to climb before we’ll reach Boolimba Bluff, where we’ll watch the dawn break over Carnarvon Gorge, we almost have to hold him back.

Steps, for kids like Finn, are novelties; just like camping. Take torches, for example, which every camper uses. Kids never tire of playing with them, do they? Especially when they’re camping. What pre-teen boy hasn’t switched on a torch and imagined himself to be Luke Skywalker fighting off Darth Vader with a torch that doubles as a light sabre, after all? So when I tell Finn that we must hike through darkness to get to the bluff, using only torches to light the way, he’s more than willing to jump up out of his sleeping bag to do it – if only to save the galaxy, of course.

He’s also beguiled by the shapes and sizes of the rocks and stones he finds inside the park, first by the steppingstone bridges across the creek, and then by the elliptical

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pebbles beneath the water. Bigger rocks, he finds, are excellent for building stone towers and for making loud splashes when he hurls them into the creek, after he’s been told not to. Smaller nuggets are ideal for skimming competitions against his parents. Beating them, he finds out, is even better.

Best of all, though, is how camping allows him to be outdoors all the time. He’s not one for staying inside (unless he’s allowed to watch television), for he’d much rather kick a footy or play cricket. But he especially loves it when he’s given the chance to swim in a creek or river, and the sandy beach that’s located conveniently near our campsite slopes into a waterhole that he wants to splash about in every chance he gets. The Rock Pool inside the park is perfect for cooling off in too, particularly after we’ve just been hiking.

WHEN IN ROMA Paradoxically, considering Finn’s love of water, our end goal on this trip is to reach a place that proclaims itself to be Australia’s furthest town from the sea – Eromanga.

After camping in Roma for the night (home of Australia’s largest cattle auctions that take place each Tuesday and Thursday), we continue west through Mitchell and Morven

SOUTH WEST

Clockwise from left: Boolimba Bluff, Carnarvon Gorge Knotosaurus sculpture, Eromanga Eromanga Natural History Museum

GETTING HERE Story by: Mark Daffey

Roma is a six-hour drive west of Brisbane along the Warrego Way. Don’t want to drive the whole way home? It’s a two-hour flight time between Charleville and Brisbane on QantasLink.

Plan your holiday: outbackqueensland.com.au/outbackregions/south-west

towards Charleville, following a highway that cuts through fields of waist-high grass and mulga country.

During the latter half of the 19th century, the town of Charleville sprung from the banks of the Warrego River to service colonial pastoralists whose bullock teams required streets wide enough to accommodate them.

After feeling like a caged bull travelling inside the car all morning, Finn is champing at the bit when we park outside the Charleville Bilby Experience (charlevillebilbyexperience.com. au) that’s housed inside the old railway station.

Bilbies have existed in Australia for 15 million years and once roamed across 70 per cent of the country. But with the arrival of Europeans (and the dogs and cats that

accompanied them), bilby numbers have shrunk dramatically, so much so that their habitat is now confined to a few arid pockets sprinkled across the northern states. It’s now estimated that fewer than a thousand bilbies remain in the wild.

All moneys raised through tours and merchandise sales at the bilby centre are tipped into the Save the Bilby Fund, and that’s all Finn needs to hear for him to purchase chocolate bilbies that his eagle eyes detect resting on the counter just inside the door.

The Bilby Experience tour that we’ve also booked enlightens us into the perilous plight faced by one of our cutest marsupials. And it rewards us by allowing us to enter the centre’s nocturnal house.

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3 MORE THINGS THE KIDS WILL LEARN IN THE SOUTH WEST 1 NOT ALL NUTS GROW ON TREES

In Yowah, about 160km west of Cunnamulla, take the kids fossicking for Yowah Nuts – AKA boulder opals that shimmer with light and dark-brown siliceous ironstone.

2

MUD BATHS ARE MORE FUN

Soaking in mineral-rich mud in a vintage bathtub in Eulo is about as far removed from the nightly bath routine at home. Just don’t tell them how good it is for them! artesianmudbaths.com.au

3

HO WAS AUSTRALIA’S W FIRST SELF-MADE MILLIONAIRE?

You’ll find out at the The Cunnamulla Fella Centre and Regional Art Gallery and Museum. cunnamullatourism.com.au

We aren’t able to hold a bilby on this occasion – the 9am Up Close and Personal Tour permits that – but our energetic son is fascinated by how active two of these furry natives are as they scurry from desert shrub to hollowed trunk and back inside the sandyfloored enclosure. Even he wouldn’t manage to keep up.

THE STARS ALIGN Our camp that night is at the Evening Star Tourist Park (eveningstar.com.au) on Thurlby Station, 8km northwest of Charleville. This welcoming, family-owned park was named after the planet Venus, which is visible above the tree line from the bar and fire pit that campers gravitate towards each evening.

It’s here where Finn assumes the role of chief burger flipper on the camp kitchen barbecue, adapting skills he’s developed as our breakfast pancakeflipping maestro during these past few weeks. He’s also become a dab hand at roasting marshmallows over an open fire – something he never ordinarily does back home in suburban Melbourne.

By getting away from the city and camping every night he’s learning valuable life skills.

One such example is building a shelter. When we erect our tent, he knows exactly which rod goes where. And I never need to ask him to hammer the pegs in. That’s the best part, after all.

LAND OF THE DINOSAURS Had we decided to head south to Cunnamulla, we could’ve taught the little fella a thing or two more about life on the land, with sheep shearing (in season) and cattle mustering just two of the true

blue outback experiences on offer. This is the hometown of the Cunnamulla Fella, immortalised by Slim Dusty in song and in double-life-size bronze by sculptor Archie Sinclair, after all.

But after a dewy night, emu sightings grow increasingly common and the vegetation becomes sparser as we edge towards desert country. After stopping to investigate the opal altar inside St Finbar’s Catholic Church in Quilpie, it’s a further hour’s drive to our final destination.

Eromanga’s population is listed at just 45 souls. However, its most celebrated resident is a dinosaur that pre-dates the town by some 95 million years, when the country around here was still part of the ancient Gondwana supercontinent.

In 2004, prehistoric remains belonging to the largest dinosaur ever to roam across Australia were found just outside Eromanga.

Finn was astounded to learn that these bones had never before been identified; that it was a previously undiscovered species that was later called a titanosaur.

Measuring 30 metres long from nose to tail, Cooper is now housed inside the Eromanga Natural History Museum (enhm. com.au) on the town’s fringes. So of course we had to go and see it. And when we did, what surprised Finn, as he craned his neck upwards, is that Cooper’s thighbone was taller than me.

Naturally, that’s unimaginable for a kid whose father is a giant in this world. But even more inconceivable is that after millions of years of being buried beneath the earth, a boy who was just 14 years old – a kid, of all people – had found them. Honestly, how could that possibly be?

Art Gallery, Carnarvon Gorge

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ROMA

& SURROUNDS MARANOA REGION INCORPORATING THE TOWNS OF MITCHELL, SURAT, INJUNE, WALLUMBILLA AND YULEBA

There’s nothing standard about oil out here

Hollywood, hang your head in shame. Even the most talented movie writer couldn’t tell a tale like the history of oil and gas in Queensland.

The story starts with the innocent premise of sinking wells deep into the basalt to provide the growing township of Roma with a reliable water supply in the late 19th century. From here the tale twists and turns from mislaid investments in town lighting that only lasted for 10 nights before the gas ran dry, to an explosion on a drilling rig that ignited a gas stream that turned night to day and burned bright for 45 days, drawing tourists from as far as New Zealand.

Main Photo: Big Rig - Oil Patch Museum in Roma Below: Roma Saleyards

Roma even attracted the interest of America’s Standard Oil who commited industrial sabotage by planting a key staff member into a competitor’s field team as the drilling activities increased. The 1930s and 40s were splattered with stock market booms and oil well busts, not to mention politicians lining up for photo opportunities stunts, and while only limited quantities of oil were produced, gas has been a much more abundant resource. In fact the area now produces over 25% of the world’s LNG capacity, which is piped to Gladstone for export.

You can drill deeper into the machines that powered this fledgling industry with a selfguided tour of the Big Rig - Oil Patch Museum in Roma, which is open daily from 8:30am to 5:00pm. The museum houses a 1929 vintage Emsco, the last steam driven drilling rig before diesel powered machines took over. Children can don their hard hats and strike it rich in the Oil Patch challenge to earn shares in the Mooga Oil Company.

But if you really want the full story, stay for the Big Rig show which takes you, blood, sweat and tears, through the days of Queensland’s oil history over a 35-minute light and sound show. Times vary throughout the year, call into the Big Rig for details.

OTHER BIG SURPRISES IN MARANOA ■■ Hoof it over to the Roma Saleyards for their free behind-the-scenes tour held on Tuesdays and Thursdays for all things beef. Covering 50 acres it’s easy to

see why it holds the title of the biggest salesyard in the Southern Hemisphere.

■■ At 30kms long and 60m deep, Carnarvon Gorge positively dwarfs mere humans.

Before heading bush to marvel at this sandstone wonder, refuel at Injune and take in the history of the old coal mine and characters of the town, both alive and dead.

■■ Being rounder than you are tall is a perfectly healthy claim if you are a bottle tree. Check out Roma’s big bottle tree boasting an incredible 9.51m girth.

■■ Cobb and Co. was at one time the largest transport network in Queensland, with 3000 horses covering 16,000km a week. The last horse drawn stagecoach ride took place in 1924 ending in Yuleba.

Today you can follow the Cobb and Co. way departing from the Changing Station Museum in Surat retracing the route to Yuleba.

■■ Wallumbilla is big on rail history as the town was a significant rail siding for loading produce from the surrounding farms, while today the old grain shed provides an insight into life on the land and recounts the tragic 1956 train crash.

■■ Relax in a big way at the Great Artesian Spa in Mitchell. Open 7 days a week the spa offers both cool and hot therapy pools filled with mineralised water drawn directly from the Great Artesian Basin which holds over 65,000 million megalitres of water.

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Clockwise from above: Cosmos Shuttle | Stargazing in the Outback Theatre | Sun viewing at the Cosmos Centre and Observatory

CHARLEVILLE & SURROUNDS

INCORPORATING THE TOWNS OF MORVEN, AUGATHELLA & COOLADDI

6 secrets you’ll uncover in and around Charleville

1. THE TOP SECRET WWII TOUR Who’d have thought Charleville hid one of the most top secret bases the US Army Air Force built in Australia during World War II? Over 100 buildings were constructed and hidden beneath mulga trees and chicken wire; and 3500 US Army Air Force personnel came to town.

Take a Top Secret WWII Tour through Charleville’s Top Secret Precinct where the remnants of the base still stand and guides tell you how locals and USAAF personnel kept it all such a secret. experiencecharleville.com.au

2. STARS, PLANETS, THE MOON, THE MILKY WAY AND MORE You won’t find a clearer night sky than here in Outback Queensland; and the best place to see it is at Charleville’s Cosmos Centre and Observatory. There’s barely any light pollution, and at night the entire roof of the Centre rolls off and you’ll see binary stars, star clusters and planets like you’ve never seen before. You can also visit during the day and enjoy the interactive ‘Astronomy by Day’ session and see the surface of the sun through a Hydrogen Alpha telescope – it is the largest and most important star of the

5. BUCKING BRONCS AND BUSHRANGERS

There’s no better place in Australia than Charleville to meet one of the country’s most threatened marsupials. Charleville Bilby Experience gives visitors the opportunity to spend one-on-one time with bilbies on tours offered nowhere else in the world.

Here, bilbies are bred for re-introduction into nearby Currawinya National Park, but you can meet them first on an exclusive oneon-one tour (other tours are also available).

You’ll see bilbies up close in a nocturnal house established in the historic Charleville Railway Station.

It’s the party that’s been going on in Augathella for 85 years! Every Easter since 1933 the town population doubles, and triples, and more, when the community comes together for the Augathella Diggers Rodeo & Races. The area’s got a rich history of bushrangers and bullockies and you can meet their modern-day descendants across three days of the Easter long weekend.

There’s music, mayhem and some of the biggest bucking bulls in Queensland, and if you’re around on New Year’s Eve, the rodeo comes back to town for one night only.

charlevillebilbyexperience.com.au

facebook.com/augathelladiggersrodeoassos

4. COME TO ONE OF QUEENSLAND’S TINIEST TOWNS

6. CAMP LIKE A JOLLY SWAGMAN

It’s one of the smallest towns in Australia; and you’ll meet every single person in town at the Fox Trap. Mind you, there’s only three residents in Cooladdi, but they all work at a place that’s a pub, a post office, a restaurant and a motel all rolled into one. Found 88 kilometres west of Charleville, it’s a popular pit-stop along the way to Birdsville; so you’ll find plenty of like-minded travellers stopping in to check out a relic of the outback (Cooladdi once housed almost 270 people).

Head back in time and find yourself a spot within a real-life working outback bush camp at Morven, 91 kilometres east of Charleville.

Gidgees Bush Camp is open seven days a week from April to September. You’ll get to cook your dinner out on a wood stove in a bush kitchen within a working farm surrounded by native wildlife and farm animals and enjoy a barista-made coffee in the Kill for a Cuppa Coffee Shop open 9-12 Monday to Friday.

cloudy nights.

The Morven Museum is well worth a look, but the miniature buildings and kerosene hut are something very special. Make time to visit while in Morven and enjoy the street scaping that is making this little town come to life.

cosmoscentre.com

gidgeesbushcamp.com.au

solar system. In 2019, the Cosmos Centre will also have a brand-new Planetarium, providing guests with an alternative on

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3. HAVE AN EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE WITH A RARE AUSSIE ANIMAL

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murweh.qld.gov.au/cooladdi

CUNNAMULLA & SURROUNDS

INCORPORATING THE TOWNS OF EULO, WYANDRA AND YOWAH

6 ways to take to the waters around Cunnamulla

Most people think of the outback as arid, red and dusty, however millions of years ago, a huge inland sea covered the area.

Water is life out here, and its power to mould the landscape and communities remains ever present.

While Australia may be known as a dry continent the Great Artesian basin flows silently below, extending across 22% of the nation’s land mass with a majority in Queensland. The discovery of this underground water source in the late 19th century accelerated the establishment of agriculture across the previously overlooked outback.

Discover your own oasis in the Outback with these 6 ways to take to the waters around Cunnamulla.

1. ARTESIAN BATH ANYONE?

4. SPEND A DAY AT THE BEACH

After unhitching the van at the Artesian Waters Caravan Park in Yowah, ease the tension and head over to the Artesian Spa. Consisting of hot and cool(-er) pools, the spa, which is open all year round, is a great place to unwind and has a hoist to assist those with mobility impairments. If you prefer bubbles in your bath, Yowah Artesian Spa has two naturally heated baths.

Wyandra began life as a water stop for the steam locomotives running the rails to Charleville and while it might be over 800km inland from the Gold Coast, Wyandra boasts its very own beach. Tucked into a bend on the Warrego River this sandy patch is the perfect spot for all the regular ‘day at the beach’ activities so pack a picnic and the cricket bat.

If your skin is as dry and cracked as a creek bed in drought, dial up the outback therapy with an artesian mud bath in Eulo. A mineral rich clay is mixed with artesian water, in your choice of temperature, to provide a therapeutic experience so good it has been rumoured to take the bend out of corrugated iron. Relax with a sundowner in your private bath with open sky views – and some nibbles – as you turn back the years.

5. TAKE A BREAK ON THE BANKS

2. DRINK TO YOUR HEALTH

LIQUID MAGIC Water works its magic in more ways in the outback. Did you know that opals are formed by water carrying silica evaporating and the silica deposits aggregating over time.

You can even go fossicking for the famous Yowah nuts in the fields just outside Yowah.

Save yourself the trip to your local health food store before you set off – Life Energy Water, a naturally alkaline mineral water, is bottled from a deep and pure source and bottled in Wyandra.

3. TIME TRAVEL TO THE EROMANGA SEA Travel back in time to really understand the importance of the Great Artesian Basin at the Cunnamulla Fella Centre. Entering an old mine shaft you are transported through the sandstone back to a time when the Eromanga Sea covered the outback.

Five Mile Waterhole just outside of Eulo offers a great spot to cast a line or birdwatch in the coolibah trees along the banks.

The Warrego River meanders past Cunnamulla and here on the banks is the perfect place to stop and turn on the waterworks. Hire a kayak for a paddle or just float around to cool your engines.

The Warrego River Walk is an easy 1.6km track that highlights the fauna and flora of the area.

6. SEE TWO GREAT LAKES Discover why Currawinya National Park is one of Australia’s most important waterbird habitats, with a visit to its two lakes. Lake Wyara and Lake Numalla are two large lakes separated by a few kilometres of sand dunes.

While Lake Numalla is freshwater, the slightly larger Lake Wyara is saline.

Main Image: Charlotte Plains.

Left: Currawinya National Park.

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Clockwise from above: Eromanga Natural History Musuem | Hell Hole Gorge National Park | Opal Altar, St Finbar’s Catholic Church

QUILPIE

INCORPORATING THE TOWNS OF ADAVALE, EROMANGA AND TOOMPINE.

Explore the area with these day trips

DAY 1: THE PIONEER AND PREHISTORIC TRAIL Take an early morning stroll along the Bulloo River which cuts through Quilpie and find rare waterbirds, or chance your luck fishing for golden perch or yellow belly.

Drive west for 100 kilometres to the outskirts of Eromanga where you’ll find the biggest dinosaur bones ever found in Australia.

The Eromanga Natural History Museum displays these 98 million-year-old relics of the Jurassic age.

Continue your journey to Eromanga for an historical walk in a town that’s the furthest from the sea of any town in Australia. Drop in at the Living History Centre which shows how tough life was for pioneers in the late 1800s, then finish at the Eromanga Royal Hotel. Built in 1885 out of mud-bricks, it was originally a staging post for stagecoach company, Cobb & Co. Time your visit for a community BBQ, held every Saturday.

You’ll want to make it back to Quilpie in time for sunset at Baldy Top Lookout, seven kilometres west of town. Take a 10-minute walk to the top for a panoramic view of the whole region.

DAY 2: THE OPAL FOSSICKING TRAIL You’re in the heart of boulder opal country in Quilpie (mined from limestone boulders).

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Get yourself in the mood for a strike with a visit to one of the most unusual churches in Australia. A former priest of St Finbar’s Catholic Church commissioned a local miner to install a border of boulder opals around the carving of Our Lady Of Perpetual Succour. Instead he gave the priest almost an entire wall of opals which is now installed on the altar, font and lectern of the church.

Leave the Lord behind to claim your fortune at a council-run fossicking area two kilometres west of town. Though your best chances for quick riches are at Duck Creek and Sheep Station Creek fossicking area, 130 kilometres south of Quilpie. Fuel up before you go, and be warned: the roads are unsealed (and you’ll need a fossicking permit). But you’ll get to experience the life of 1890s miners in remote and rugged outback.

Drive 60 kilometres north west to a ghost town with a difference. Toompine’s Pub With No Town was built in 1893 when Toompine was a bustling mining town, these days only the publican lives there. But the beer’s always cold and the cemetery out the back shows who stayed on from the town’s wildest era.

DAY 3: HELL HOLE TRAIL The national parks of Outback Queensland fly right under the radar of many visitors; you’ll get the chance to see one of the very best on a day trip to Hell Hole Gorge

National Park. But first, stop in at the Quilpie Visitor Information Centre where a Military Museum, Regional Gallery, Rail Museum and Shire Museum showcase the long and proud Military, pastoral and rail history of the region and works by local and travelling artists.

Break up your journey in the tiny settlement of Adavale 100 kilometres north of Quilpie along partially sealed roads (be warned: there’s no fuel in Adavale). There were once five hotels here during Adavale’s heyday in the 1880s, now there’s barely 15 locals.

Take a wander through this former bustling frontier town to the mini-museum in the settlement’s old butcher shop.

Have lunch at one of the outback’s most charming watering holes (and don’t be surprised if you see horses and cows wandering past). Though the Adavale Pub is much more than just a pub: it’s a post office, general store and a B&B… and it’s also the best place to meet locals.

The goal posts for today, Hell Hole Gorge National Park is 80 kilometres north of Adavale. Roads are unsealed and there’s no visitor facilities – 4WDs are advisable, but the pay-off is few visitors and a landscape of rugged gorges, waterfalls and remote swimming holes. You might also spot the very elusive yellow-footed rock wallaby, and watch out for wildflowers after long periods of rain.

TIME YOUR ROAD TRIP AROUND THESE EVENTS TO SEE THE REGION COME TO LIFE: Channel Country Quick Shears Shindig (21 – 26 May 2019) Hungerford Field Day (7 Jun 2019) Thargomindah Polocrosse (13 & 14 July 2019) Channel Country Music Muster (20 – 21 July 2019) Channel Country Challenge (Rodeo) (3 – 4 Aug 2019) Thargomindah Motorbike Gymkhana (21 – 22 Sep 2019)

BULLOO REGION

INCORPORATING THE TOWNS OF THARGOMINDAH, HUNGERFORD, NOCCUNDRA AND CAMERON CORNER

Outback Queensland’s best kept secret

You’re not alone if you hadn’t heard of Bulloo before opening this guide. Despite being the third largest shire in Outback Queensland, it’s one of the smallest by population, with just 423 people rattling around its 73,808km2.

You’ll find it hiding in the furthest corner of Queensland, where South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland meet at the right angle of the map.

For a region that’s relatively unknown, it gives so much reason to visit. Explore the area that Burke and Wills made so famous, with a trip to Bulloo in Queensland’s south west.

CAN’T MISS ATTRACTIONS HYDRO POWER PLANT The bumper stickers in Thargomindah read London, Paris, Thargomindah. They’re not a cute tourist gimmick but a history lesson because Thargomindah was the first town in Australia, and third in the world, to produce hydroelectric power for street lighting. This started Thargomindah’s entrepreneurial streak, later to become the first town in Australia to use artesian water for a reticulated water system and the first town to have overhead power lines. Tour this slice of engineering history with a daily tour from the Visitor Information Centre (8.30am, April to October) which combines the Hydro Power Plant and Old Hospital Tour.

Hungerford Motorbike & Horse Gymkhana (28 – 29 Sep 2019) Noccundra Campdraft & Rodeo (12 – 13 Oct 2019) Channel Country Ladies Day (Thargomindah) (18 – 20 Oct 2019) Cameron Corner New Year's Eve Party (31 Dec 2019)

CAMERON CORNER

NOCCUNDRA HOTEL

It’s not everyday you can travel between three states without leaving the ground.

Stand at the very spot John Cameron, the NSW Lands Department Surveyor, led the first survey party along the NSW-QLD border and left a stake in the ground to prove it. If your normal NYE plans are a little lacklustre, time your trip for 31 December 2019 for the inaugural Cameron Corner New Years Eve event. It promises to be at least three times as fun as your normal fare with three different time zones in play. P.S. you’ll definitely need a 4WD for this day trip.

Not all hotels come with a heritage-listing but the Noccundra Hotel is one of them. Built out of locally sourced sandstone, the size of this hotel belies the Noccundra total population of just three people. Accommodation comes in a few forms with dongas, powered camp sites and unpowered sites for campers. Park your car (or your aeroplane!) out the front, before tucking into a freshly cooked counter meal. This isn’t just your ordinary pub grub, with schnitzels crumbed in-house and served with fresh veggies.

DIG TREE

If you find yourself hungry in Hungerford, sink your teeth into a counter meal at The Royal Mail Hotel. From the front gates of this hotel built in 1873, you’ll be able to clap your eyes on the Dingo Barrier Fence, which marks the line where maroon jerseys and blues jerseys are worn on State of Origin night. The hotel has catered for just about every type of outback traveller, including Henry Lawson, the poet, who had an Ale at the Royal Mail.

If you haven’t studied early Australian explorer history since primary school, a trip to the Dig Tree will be all the reminding you need about the story of Burke and Wills. On the banks of Coopers Creek on Nappa Merrie Station you’ll find the famous Coolibah (Eucalyptus microtha), or ‘Dig Tree’, which marked a bitter end to Burke and Wills’ expedition. This is the very spot, the base camp party deserted the depot (stockade Depot Camp 65), only hours before Burke and Wills returned from the Gulf. The site is almost exactly as you’d view it 140 years ago, making it all the more emotive to stand in the explorer’s shoes and feel what it would have been like to miss the party’s departure by such a small window.

HUNGERFORD ROYAL MAIL HOTEL

GETTING THERE

REX Airlines operates twice weekly flights to Thargomindah direct from Brisbane. Alternatively, it’s a 12 hour drive along the aptly named Adventure Way to find it.

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Blue Dog Photography

A do e t- nc us ie m er p ex Book today!

Book into one of our tours **NOTE: Bilby viewing only available during tours

9am Premium Tour Up Close & Personal A completely unique and personal bilby encounter!

3pm Bilby Experience

• Meet a bilby face to face and pat them whilst in the keepers arms • Exceptional photo opportunity and memorable experience • Nocturnal house tour and show • Ideal for all ages and especially families • Nocturnal house tour and show

Open mid April to October, Monday - Saturday Closed Sunday and Public Holidays

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL Online Bookings Available

HISTORIC RAILWAY STATION King Street, Charleville Queensland p: 07 4654 3681 - Charleville Bilby Experience p: 07 4654 3057 - Bookings (Visitor Info Centre) e: Charleville@savethebilbyfund.org

www.charlevillebilbyexperience.com.au

BAILEY BAR CARAVAN PARK

HOTEL CORONES

Stay, eat and tour at the majestic Hotel Corones.

Hotel Corones has the longest bar in the Southern Hemisphere (when built) a must see experience. Enjoy excellent meals featuring local produce at the on-site dining room and restock your supplies in Charleville’s largest bottle shop. Open 7 days.

Stay at Hotel Corones and experience 1920’s ambience combined with today’s comforts. The Hotel/Motel has 50 rooms with a variety of choices, all air conditioned. Book direct and receive a complimentary refreshment on arrival.

Take a Tour: April – September (bookings essential).

G’day, come and stay .. for your total Outback experience as featured on Discover Downunder & Queensland Weekender.

33 Wills Street, Charleville P 07 4654 1022 www.hotelcorones.com.au

196 King Street, Charleville | P 07 4654 1744 Toll Free 1800 065 311 | baileybar@bigpond.com www.charlevillebaileybar.com.au

COBB & CO CARAVAN PARK

■ ■ ■ ■

Hobby horse races Camp oven dinners Spit roast dinners Grassy/shady sites Luxury and standard en-suite cabins

■ ■ ■

FREE Wi-Fi hotspot Polite pets welcome Ask for your STAY ‘n SAVE Vouchers

EVENING STAR TOURIST PARK ADJOINING THURLBY STATION

Offering a choice of caravan or cabin accommodation where you’ll enjoy the peace and quiet in a bushland setting with your choice of powered or unpowered sites and still close enough to the town centre.

PARK FACILITIES ■ Coffee shop + Eftpos ■ Coin operated laundries ■ Free Wi-Fi at reception ■ Drive thru sites + shady sites ■ BBQ/camp kitchen ■ Dump points ■ Plenty of room for large vehicles ■ Happy hour campfire (Apr-Sep only) ■ Disabled access amenities ■ Pets welcome CABIN ACCOMMODATION ■ Air conditioned + linen supplied ■ Cooking facilities ■ Ensuite + television

Evening Star Tourist Park is located 8km west of Charleville, along the Adavale Road, in the heart of the Mulga lands. We invite you to relax and warm yourself beside the biggest campfire in south west QLD and be dazzled by mother nature’s ultimate evening accessory… her brilliant night sky.

■ Big drive through sites, with room to move ■ Clean, spacious amenities with disabled and laundry facilities ■ Licensed bar + daily happy hour with damper ■ Big camp kitchen fully equipped for guests ■ Full mobile phone coverage with free Wi-Fi available ■ Historic woolshed and farm machinery memorabilia

1 Ridgeway Street, Charleville | P 07 4654 1053 john@caravanparkscharleville.com.au www.caravanparkscharleville.com.au

818 Adavale Road (8km west of Charleville) P 07 4654 2430 | eveningstarvanpark@gmail.com www.eveningstar.com.au

EVENING STAR GAZING

Wander down the ‘star path’ to Evening Stars’ historic Woolshed and enjoy the true Outback night sky. Have its wonders explained by your local guide who has over 20 years’ experience in Outback astronomical tourism.

Numbers are limited – small, intimate groups ensure personal attention, thought-provoking discussion and plenty of viewing time with double stars, star clusters, nebulae, planets and the moon all part of our nightly experience (dependent on the cycle of the sky).

■ Large Celestron CPC 1100HD Telescope (as used by Prof. Stephen Hawking) ■ Pet friendly Onsite at the Evening Star Tourist Park, 818 Adavale Rd, Charleville P 07 4654 2430 | eveningstarvanpark@gmail.com www.eveningstar.com.au

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CHARLEVILLE BUSH CARAVAN PARK & COTTAGE

Set on 40 acres, offering visitors a relaxed and friendly bush setting with full caravan park facilities, just 2km from town. Sit and chat with fellow travellers around the campfire and enjoy ‘happy hour’ with damper, camp oven nights and Sunday night pizza (May to October).

32 Drive-Thru Powered Sites ($33pn) ■ Non-Smokers and No Pets ■ Mobile, Internet & TV ■ Dump Point ■ Fully Self-Contained Cottage ■ Birdwatchers love it here! ■ Check Out Charleville/Hotel Corones Tour ($25pp) 4WD Motel Accommodated Tag Along Tour to Birdsville, Innamincka & Corner Country – www.travelwest.com.au Lot 1 Frawley Street, Charleville P 0428 545 200 | info@travelwest.com.au www.charlevillecaravanpark.com.au

Ellangowan Hotel

Top Secret WWII Tour

Meals | Accommodation | Laundromat

AUGATHELLA

COLDE ST

BE E R for 100km!

We're in th e

Ellangowan Hotel

0411 545 194

Smiley's

Step inside the world of the ‘Top Secret Precinct – Charleville’ and discover what 1942 marked the arrival of...

The USAAF arrived in Charleville during WWII. They set up camp here for four years and would spend around $1.4m (1940’s currency) constructing 101 buildings on the site.

So just how do you keep something that large a secret?

Book the Top Secret WWII Tour today to discover what

the top secret actually was and listen to the story behind it all ... it’s fascinating – you won’t be disappointed.

Follow your local guide in your own vehicle around what once was a USAAF Top Secret Base inside today’s Top Secret Precinct.

‘Brisbane Line’ coming soon!

To book go to experiencecharleville.com.au or call 07 4654 7771

Café & Restaurant

Open 7 Days... Eat In or Take Away Tea & Coffee | Milkshakes Sandwiches | Pies | Chips | Salads

April – September | Daily tours from 10.30am October – March | Mon, Wed & Fri from 8.00am Bookings Essential

Augathella Palms

Motel

P: 0411 545 194 E: augathellapalms@gmail.com www.augathellapalms.com.au

Download the Charleville App for further tour details and updates! www.charleville.eventapp.com.au

THE ROCKS MOTEL AND ON THE ROCKS RESTAURANT On the Rocks Restaurant

WHERE CITY STYLE MEETS COUNTRY HOSPITALITY For travellers who appreciate that little bit extra, our motel and restaurant have rightly earned their reputation as THE place to stay and dine when visiting Charleville.

Modern Australian Cuisine

Relax by the Pool

n n n n n n n n n n

Studio Garden View Room

No 1 TripAdvisor Motel and Restaurant in Charleville 20 modern and stylish rooms, surrounded by landscaped gardens and a swimming pool Located in the centre of town On the Rocks Restaurant featuring Modern Australian Cuisine Studio rooms offer coffee machines and mini bar Studio Garden View rooms have the additional convenience of microwave ovens and toasters Self Catering Family rooms with a separate bedroom Free Airport transfers 74 Wills Street, Charleville Free Wi-Fi P: 07 4654 2888 Reasonable Room Rates.. you’ll be surprised E: bookings@rocksmotel.com.au

BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT

www.rocksmotel.com.au

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CHARLOTTE PLAINS OUTBACK MAGIC CUNNAMULLA

Experience a real OUTBACK Station-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. Dine under a galaxy of stars by the open campfire. Free Wi-Fi at homestead. Dogs permitted. Dream and enjoy real outback magic and top hospitality.

Airstrip: Length 940m S28° 04’ E146° 11’ P 07 4655 4923 | charlotteplains@gmail.com www.charlotteplains.com.au

OUTBACK QUEENSLAND’S

PHOTO COMPETITION Get your photo on the cover of the 2020 Travellers’ Guide Enter at www.outbackqueensland.com.au Entries close 31/10/2019

Enjoy a jam-packed line up of country music, rodeo, barrel racing, bushmen contest, shearing, wood chopping, dog trial demonstrations, market stalls, fireworks and outback hospitality.

Cowboys, bull riders, shearers and stockmen will converge on our famous town making this event a great couple of days out for the whole family. Tickets available online, at the gate or from the Cunnamulla Fella Visitor Information Centre.

cunnamullafellafestival.com.au

Cunnamulla, Eulo, Yowah & Wyandra Take the time to live like a local and immerse yourself in outback adventure, history and nature. Visit the Artesian Time Tunnel to be transported back in time 100 million years. Stop in at the Cunnamulla Fella Centre art gallery and museum.

Explore natural and cultural heritage trails or try your luck at the Yowah opal fields and maybe even find your fortune.

For your FREE travel pack stop by the Cunnamulla Fella Centre cunnamullafellafestival/ Jane Street, Cunnamulla | Call 07 4655 8470 |

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TOURS & EXPERIENCES I ON-SITE STAYS I DINOSAUR PREP & DIGS

I LEARNING & EDUCATION

Visit the museum, see gigantic bones from Australia’s largest dinosaur and the bizarre Megafauna. Uncover the amazing diversity of prehistoric Outback Australia.

• Experience our hands-on-tours and take part in Dinosaur or Megafauna digs and fossil preparation

•

Stay on-site at Cooper’s Country Lodge – the perfect base to explore Outback Queensland

EROMANGA NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM 1 Dinosaur Drive, Eromanga P 07 4656 3084 F 07 4656 3028 E info@enhm.com.au www.enhm.com.au

Friendly local staff * Shire Museum * Regional Art Gallery Military History Museum * Rail Museum

Visit Quilpie Shire – Your Outback Adventure @Visit Quilpie Shire – Your Outback Adventure Quilpie Visitor Information Centre, Museum & Gallery 51 Brolga Street QUILPIE QLD 4480

Phone: 46 560 540 Email: tourism@quilpie.qld.gov.au Web: www.visitquilpieshire.com outbackqueensland.com.au

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BOOBOOK ECOTOURS

Limited Spaces ... Secure Your Spot ■ Australian wildlife, plants, scenic lookouts, sandstone gorges, unique Aboriginal rock art, local Industries and much, much more…

■ Professional ecologists as your local guide ■ Small groups travelling in an air conditioned 4x4 vehicle ■ Scrumptious wholesome outback tucker presented in buffet style ■ Exclusive access to large privately owned rural properties ■ Day and extended tours ■ One hour flight from Brisbane P 07 4622 2646 | info@boobook.biz www.boobooktours.com

RACING IN THE RED CORNER QUILPIE DIGGERS’ RACE CLUB

The Big Rig Roma, Outback Queensland

Open 7 days a week | Discover the rigs, machinery and the true grit pioneers that shaped the remarkable history of Australia’s oil and gas industry.

Facilities include: The Big Rig Oil Patch Museum | Roma Visitor Information Centre The Big Rig Show | The Big Rig café | souvenirs | plus surrounding parklands.

E: tourism@maranoa.qld.gov.au T: 07 4622 2325 TheBigRigRoma Roma Visitor Information Centre 2 Rigger’s Road, Roma Q 4455 P: (07) 4622 2325 Injune Visitor Information Centre 32 Hutton St, Injune Q 4454 P: (07) 4626 0503

2019 Events: ■ Quilpie Cup | 3 - 5 May Cup Calcutta Friday Night, Brown & Hurley Quilpie Cup Saturday with the Best Fashion prizes in the West, Recovery Cricket Sunday ■ Pride of the West Station Challenge | 27 - 28 September Stockmen and women of the Channel country gather for Outback fun, racing stockhorses to claim the title ‘Pride of the West’, live music, Family Fashions on the Field, Sky Channel

NINDIGULLY PUB

P 0428 561 461 www.facebook.com/quilpiediggers www.quilpiediggers.com Call in and have a Cold Beer at the Gully.

Our Motto is – Come as a Stranger, Leave as a Friend.

Enjoy a big, wholesome country-style meal available 7 days a week or sink your teeth into our famous Oversized Burgers. Road Train Burger is available daily and can feed 4–8 people.

The Annual Nindigully Pig Races 30 November 2019 – raising money for the RFDS. Limited hotel accommodation available. Free camping along the banks of the beautiful Moonie River in front of the pub. Free showers and toilets available at the pub – gold coin donation for RFDS if you wish.

Discover Great Deals as

An Outback Mate!

For great deals on accommodation, food and coffee go to www.outbackmates.com.au

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Sternes Street, Nindigully P 07 4625 9637 | nindigullypub@hotmail.com www.facebook.com/NindigullyPubOfficial

Cosmos Centre, Charleville

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THE EAST

Incorporating the communities of Biloela, Theodore, Moura and Taroom

CAIRNS

Mount Isa

TOWNSVILLE

NORTH WEST

Richmond Julia Cloncurry Creek Hughenden

NT

QLD

Winton Boulia

CENTRAL WEST Longreach Barcaldine Blackall Tambo

FAR WEST Windorah

SA

Quilpie

Charleville

Thargomindah

Cunnamulla

NSW

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Roma

BRISBANE

SOUTH WEST

ut simply, the easternmost part of Outback Queensland is gorge-ous!

It’s home to Lake Murphy, Kroombit Tops and Mt. Scoria Conservation Parks along with Isla and Cania Gorges.

EAST

Birdsville Eromanga

P

Biloela

Bring your fishing rod because the fish are always biting, whether you’re casting off at The Dawson River or Callide Dam. Its capital Biloela provides the perfect base for your eastern adventure, rich with history which you can discover at Queensland Heritage Park in Biloela.

EAST

FIVE CAN’T MISS 1 ATTRACTIONS 2 IN THE EAST 3 4 5

DISCOVER NATIONAL PARKS SUCH AS THE GLEBE WEIR AND EXPEDITION NATIONAL PARK TAKE YOUR 4WD OFF ROAD TO KROOMBIT STATE FOREST AND NATIONAL PARK TAKE A PICTURE WITH THE STATUE OF BANANA - THE DUN-COLOURED BULLOCK ON THE MAIN STREET OF BANANA HAVE A PICNIC AT MT SCORIA, WITH ITS ROCK FORMATION STANDING 150M HIGH VISIT THE SANDSTONE WONDERS OF ISLA GORGE, A NATIONAL PARK BEST KNOWN FOR ITS ROCK FORMATIONS AND RARE AND THREATENED PLANT SPECIES

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A REAL-LIFE

JURASSIC PARK Tucked within the Carnarvon Ranges with priceless cultural treasures, primitive plants and dramatic sandstone escarpments, one thing’s clear: this is no ordinary cattle run.

Story by: David Levell

I

s this a rock wall or a time machine?

Facing a sandstone overhang on Wallaroo Station in Central Queensland’s Carnarvon Ranges, I feel it could almost be a couple of thousand years ago – the ancient artworks stencilled in ochre here seem so fresh and alive.

This is Rainbow Cave, an astonishing legacy from a mysterious corner of Australia’s past. Outlines of human hands – even a full body stencil – adorn the rock face, along with a smattering of paintings, such as kangaroo testicles and even a Europeanstyle axe.

What does it all mean? No one knows for sure. The traditional owners have never been identified, cultural continuity severed by colonialism long ago. And it’s far from the only Indigenous site on the station; another called the Axe Factory, for example, has hundreds of rock grooves indicating major blade-sharpening activity.

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CARNARVON

Clockwise from left: Moss covered walls of Carnarvon National Park Stairs into the Amphitheatre on Carnarvon National Park’s Amphitheatre Walk Choose your own adventure as you follow Carnarvon Creek in Carnarvon National Park

It might seem amazing that such priceless cultural treasures exist on a privately owned cattle run, but this is no ordinary farm and getting here with Boobook Ecotours (boobookecotours.com.au) is no ordinary tour. It’s heavily forested, huge and filled with secluded gorges and caves – much like the rest of the Carnarvon Ranges, a region blessed with one of the world’s greatest concentrations of Indigenous stencil art.

Flying in by helicopter from Roma (160km south) affords an unforgettable idea of the sheer size and isolation of this country.

As we approach, cleared flat paddocks give way to increasingly forested hills, with the eastern edge of Wallaroo skirting the dramatic sandstone escarpments bordering the neighbouring Arcadia Valley. Altogether Wallaroo encompasses 71,000 acres – nobody talks hectares out here – almost twice the area of metropolitan Sydney.

Wallaroo is also easily accessible by road, along the Great Inland Way (Carnarvon Highway) between Injune and Rolleston.

It’s remote but we’re not roughing it. The Wallaroo Outback Retreat consists of eight glamping safari-style tents, all on wooden

decks with framed beds and quality linen.

Close by, a reception centre includes flushing toilets, showers and a kitchen. There’s even Wi-Fi. The best way to take an in-depth scout about the property, however, is with Craig Eddie of Roma-based Boobook Eco Tours. You don’t have to stay at the Retreat to join a Boobook day trip to Wallaroo, but it’s the only way to see the best of the station.

With wildly weathered sandstone formations, weird and primitive giant cycad plants, Aussie wildlife galore and Aboriginal cultural sites par excellence, there’s plenty to take in.

Craig, an ecologist by trade, talks us through all the changing terrain – ironbark woodland, dry eucalypt rainforest – and identifies flora and fauna for us, including five kangaroo and wallaby species.

We stop off at choice vantage points over the Arcadia Valley – lush farmland only opened to agriculture in the 1960s – to marvel at looming towers of sandstone with evocative names, such as The Sphinx.

Morning tea sees us in Cycad Grove, an extensive forest of macrozamia cycads,

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Clockwise from left: Moss Garden, Carnarvon National Park Driving to Carnarvon National Park Carnarvon Gorge is as pretty as a picture

GETTING HERE Qantas flies direct to Roma where you can join Boobook Eco Tours.

For more information: outbackqueensland.com.au/tours/boobook-ecotours

primitive palm-like vegetation that exudes a strong dawn-of-time vibe. In fact, cycads are often called ‘dinosaur plants’, being the dominant vegetation back when the world was a real-life Jurassic park.

It looks like it still could be, in this secluded macrozamia metropolis framed by tall sandstone walls. Cycads are everywhere, but the crowning glory is The Arch, a weathered rock outcrop standing like a thickthighed giant, legs apart, turned to stone but poised to galumph its way out of the gorge should thesome spell be lifted.

But then there’s something enchanting about this whole country – I’m feeling spellbound by it myself.

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We finish up at Rainbow Cave. “We make sure these sites are never desecrated,” says Wallaroo station owner, Justin MacDonnell, whose determination to protect his environment, natural and cultural, is unwavering. One day he hopes to be able to invite Indigenous custodians here, should they ever be found.

We may not know exactly why those hands were painted, but as captured moments from real lives lived, they are moving in ways unconnected with rite or symbol.

They simply mark a day, perhaps much like this one, when living hands like ours, from the world’s oldest living culture, pressed against rock to reach us across all of recorded time.

BANANA SHIRE INCORPORATING THE TOWNS OF BILOELA, CRACOW, MOURA, TAROOM, THANGOOL AND THEODORE

3 gorges putting the sandstone in “Sandstone Wonders”

ISLA GORGE NATIONAL PARK While the park’s suitable to visit yearround, nothing beats late winter and early spring when the bush is in bloom and creatures come to feed. You’ll see plenty of honeyeaters and grey kangaroos but the real stars of the park are the heavilycamouflaged Herbert’s rock wallaby, which are only found in this region of Queensland.

Like most parks in the area, Isla Gorge National Park is not for novice campers or hikers; you’ll need to be self-sufficient, and to carry at least seven litres of water per person per day. But the rewards are everywhere: the park is a massive maze of gorges, sandstone outcrops and striking rock formations that are home to extremely rare species of plants and trees. The Gorge Creek runs through it, and you may camp at one of the most spectacular campsites in Queensland – right on the edge of the cliffs that make up Isla Gorge, with a natural viewing area overlooking Gorge Creek and across to Devil’s Nest, a cluster of jagged rocks that protrude from a ridge.

EXPEDITION NATIONAL PARK That this park is of special significance to the Kongabulla Clan of the Iman tribe – the carpet snake people – who had lived here for thousands of years is of little surprise.

Part of Sandstone Country, the park is full of rugged deep gorges and stunning sandstone cliffs over 100 metres high. It’s not, however, for novice campers or hikers; the park is remote and undeveloped. Robinson Gorge is the park’s main attraction – it stretches

for 14 kilometres like a fortress, offering three stunning look-outs for experienced hikers. But there’s gorges and wide-open valleys throughout the park. You’ll find bush camping areas in three distinct areas of the park: Starkvale, Lonesome and Beilba.

Only the Lonesome area can be reached by conventional vehicles, the rest require 4WDs, though even with a 4WD, the more remote Beilba area is not accessible in the wet.

KROOMBIT TOPS This national park is an all-terrain adventurist’s fantasy - sub-tropical rainforest, massive sandstone escarpments and creeks perfect for cooling down in. It’s wild in here and should only be navigated by those with lots of bush experience – a Brigadier Bomber “Beautiful Betsy” which crashed here in 1945 during WW2 wasn’t found till 1994, that’s how rugged it really is. You can visit the crash site, and explore the creeks which run right through the park.

There’s three camp areas in the park, none of which have camping facilities beyond a long-drop toilet. Both the Griffiths Creek and The Wall bush camping areas run along the banks of picturesque waterways, though the Razorback camping area in its tall blackbutt forest setting is just as stunning and has room for just two tents (not that you’ll have neighbours out here). If you’re fortunate, you might spot the critically endangered Kroombit tinker frog - the only place on Earth you’ll find this 25-millimetre-long frog (in spring and summer, it’s found in wet gullies of the rainforest).

Beautiful Betsy, Kroombit Tops National Park

TRAVELLER TIPS FROM A BANANA SHIRE LOCAL From long-time local and Manager of Biloela’s Queensland Heritage Park, Cindy Cooper.

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Spend a few hours exploring Outback Queensland’s past – there’s restored churches, railway station buildings, machinery and more - at the Queensland Heritage Park in Biloela for an insight into the lives of early pioneers.

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See how life was in the area for women, from the earliest Aboriginals all the way through to European settlers, at Biloela’s Spirit Of The Land mural. Spanning over a 100 metres, the mural is a community art project which wraps around the town’s reservoir.

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Make sure you check out the many festivals and events that make this part of Queensland so special. The best ones to come for include the Old Wheels In Motion Rally from 20 to 21 July 2019, Lake Callide Family Fishing Classic, and the Brigalow Arts Festival, both held in October.

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THE CENTRAL WEST Incorporating the communities of Longreach, Winton, Barcaldine, Blackall & Tambo

CAIRNS

Mount Isa

TOWNSVILLE

NORTH WEST

Richmond Julia Cloncurry Creek Hughenden

NT

Winton Boulia

T

QLD CENTRAL WEST Longreach Barcaldine Blackall Tambo

FAR WEST

EAST

Birdsville Eromanga

SA

Quilpie

Charleville

Cunnamulla

NSW

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Roma

BRISBANE

SOUTH WEST Thargomindah

Outback Queensland’s central west wears its history on its sleeve, proudly the birthplace of Qantas, Waltzing Matilda and Australia’s Labor Party.

Biloela

Windorah

here’s lots to love about the heart of the Outback.

Pioneering history is at the core of the central west and you can explore it by galloping horse-drawn stagecoach, sunset river cruises and live performances at the Stockman’s Hall of Fame.

For history that predates early settlers, the world’s largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils can be found at The Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum in Winton.

CENTRAL WEST

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PICKING UP A KEEPSAKE AT TAMBO TEDDIES. AFTERALL, IF IT’S GOOD ENOUGH FOR THE ROYAL FAMILY, IT’S GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOURS

NO TRIP TO THE 2 CENTRAL WEST IS COMPLETE 3 WITHOUT... 4 5

VISIT THE FAMOUS FOLIAGE OF THE TREE OF KNOWLEDGE IN BARCALDINE TAKE A TOUR OF THE BRAND NEW WALTZING MATILDA CENTRE IN WINTON, THE FIRST MUSEUM TO BE DEDICATED TO A SONG DISCOVER EARLY AUSTRALIAN HISTORY WITH A TOUR OF THE BLACKALL WOOLSCOUR

VISIT THE LONGREACH POWERHOUSE MUSEUM, THE LARGEST PRESERVED RURAL GENERATING FACILITY IN AUSTRALIA

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FULL OF SURPRISES

A self-confessed urbanite finds all sorts of revelations beneath the red dust on her first outback adventure in central west Queensland.

Story by: Natascha Mirosch

“

And they’re off! C’mon girls get out there,” yells race caller and publican Ben Casey as he lifts the gate. On the third and final loop of the track it’s ‘Apricot’ in the lead, but in the dying seconds, feisty ‘Bluey,’ wrinkly legs pistoning and wattles wobbling, comes up on the outside and takes it by a breast. The crowd, a mix of older travellers, international backpackers and family holidaymakers applaud, and the happy winner tips her beer to Bluey the chook, now feasting on her prize of fresh mealy worms.

Ben Casey’s chicken races at The Royal Carrangarra Hotel in Tambo are just one of a multitude of quirky events central western Queensland seems to revel in, I’m discovering. A latte-loving, deeply committed urbanite, I’m exploring Queensland’s central west, around 1000kms out of my comfort zone. At home, I can walk to Brisbane’s CBD and have more than a dozen cafes, restaurants and bars within a kilometre, as well as all my essential services (eyebrow technician, independent bottle shop, nail bar etc). Despite being a wellseasoned global nomad, I’ve never been west of Warwick, or indeed barely made it out of any of Australia’s larger cities, mainly because the outback of my imagination is a

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lonely and desolate place; vast, sun-baked and featureless, remote and uncivilised. Yet, I have to admit to myself as I now sit in a beer garden with a frosty ale and my new best friends, grey nomads Keith and Wanda, my preconceptions are being smashed left, right and centre.

The first is the outback roads. The anxietyinducing vision of me trying to negotiate rutted bulldust covered roads in an unfamiliar 4WD is thankfully incorrect.

The roads are sealed and well-maintained, transporting a steady convoy of caravans and campers, 4WDs and everyday cars.

And far from flat and featureless, the central western Queensland scenery is diverse and beautiful. There are flat-topped mesas I learn are called ‘jump ups’ rising from plains of Mitchell grass, jagged hills covered in spiky trees blooming with hardy wildflowers and deep gorges carved from prehistoric waterways. Water, in fact played a huge part in the geography of this region as it was once covered by the vast Eromanga Sea, leaving behind a treasure trove of marine fossils. And of course, there are the dinosaurs.

At Lark Quarry Conservation Park south west of Winton is the world’s only preserved

CENTRAL WEST

GETTING HERE Central west is a 13-hour drive north west of Brisbane taking the Matilda Way. QantasLink also flies to the area for those short on time.

Plan your holiday: outbackqueensland.com.au/outbackregions/central-west

evidence of a dinosaur stampede. Around 95 million years ago the guide tells us, herds of small two-legged dinosaurs came to drink at the lake when a huge carnivorous theropod set off a stampede, resulting in a panicked mass of footprints in the mud as the smaller dinosaurs ran for their lives. The footprints were preserved under sandy sediment which compressed to rock over millions of years.

The tracks were first discovered in the 1960s but remained a well-known local secret until scientists visited in 1971.

The rich history in central west Queensland is also a surprise. In Longreach, the biggest town in the region, the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre details the impressive achievements of our early outback pioneers. Longreach was also where QANTAS was founded and is home to the QANTAS Outback Founders Museum.

Winton, meanwhile was where poet Banjo Paterson penned Australia’s unofficial anthem, Waltzing Matilda In 1895.

The most unexpected of my preconceptions to be blown away however is around art and culture; things I’d somehow imagined belonged solely to our urban centres.

Winton’s new Waltzing Matilda Centre, designed by acclaimed Cox Architects

Photos: Spectacular scenery around Winton

after fire decimated the original building in 2015 is not only the first museum in Australia dedicated to a song, but showcases an enviable collection in the Outback Regional Gallery.

Then there’s the 28 murals of tiny Alpha – a town that’s earned the moniker ‘The Art Capital of the Outback’ with an outdoor sculpture trail including the much photographed ‘Roly Poly’ as well as a collection of murals by local artist Bob Wilson (who also paints miniatures on cigarette papers!). North east of Aramac there are sculptures on the road to Lake Dunn and Ranges Valley depicting aspects of outback life by local artist Milynda Rogers.

The Outback’s love of film is also alive too.

Not only is Winton the host of Australia’s

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9 MORE SURPRISES IN THE CENTRAL WEST 1

Did you know, that Blackall has thermal spas, created by the drilling of the first artesian bore in the outback in 1895?

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Notice anything different about Longreach? All streets running east-west are named after water birds, like “Pelican’ and “Swan” while the streets running north-south are named after land birds, such as ‘Galah”, “Cassowary” and “Cockatoo.”

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But is it art? ‘The ‘black box’ that frames the tree of knowledge in Barcaldine has stirred many a debate about the nature of art.

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The town of Tambo is known as the Outback Teddy Capital with over 40,000 homemade teddy bears sold in the last 25 years.

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Check out Ilfracombe’s ‘Great Machinery Mile’, an amazing line-up of historic machinery stretching over one kilometre.

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The Evian of the outback?

Barcaldine holds the title for ‘best tasting water’ in Queensland and New South Wales.

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The town of Opalton is home to the largest piece of opal ever recorded here in 1899, a pipe opal more than three metres long.

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Every afternoon during the tourist season, a besuited, hatted gentleman plays the piano and sings Waltzing Matilda in the North Gregory Hotel, the place it was first performed in 1895.

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In Longreach, you can take a Cobb and Co stagecoach gallop along part of an old mail route.

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most remote film festival, the nine-day Vision Splendid at the end of June each year but it is guardian of one of Australia’s last open-air cinemas, The Royal, built in 1918. Barcaldine meanwhile has The Radio Picture Theatre, a classic Art Nouveau movie theatre, with the original canvas seating and painted screen façade while tiny Jericho (population 100) is home to the smallest and oldest operating drive-in theatre in the country.

Then there is a packed calendar of events all across the region, from Barcaldine’s Tree of Knowledge Festival, to racing carnivals, music festivals, markets and more.

One expectation that turns out to be true however is the red dust. The further west I head, the deeper in colour it becomes

and it gets everywhere, including, I’m surprised to find, between my toes despite thick socks and my new serious bushwalking shoes.

Of all my outback experiences though, it’s days close that make the most lasting memories. I’ve seen sunsets from Santorini to Santa Monica and there is nothing, nothing that even comes close to the grand production that is a bush sunset. Each late afternoon I head to a high point to watch the colours change from a muted pale pink to burning, blazing orange or park myself near water holes to watch the chaos as screeching mobs of galahs hand over to the bats as dusk falls, the sky starts to fill with a million stars and I sip my Chardonnay and wonder what the poor city folk are doing.

LONGREACH

INCORPORATING THE TOWNS OF ILFRACOMBE, ISISFORD, YARAKA AND EMMET

Welcome to Longreach Region: a smorgasbord of outback experiences

Whether you arrive by train, plane or stagecoach the Longreach region serves up a hearty outback feast. From serene sunsets on the Thomson River to the stories of outback spirit that riddle the region, this is the spot to devour outback ‘fare’.

HOPE YOU BROUGHT YOUR APPETITE! Prep your palate with a visit to Yaraka and Emmet, two tiny outposts, which sprouted from a rail project in the early 20th century.

Emmet, once a meeting point for locals around a rail siding, shares its history in a display at the railway station. Once you reach Yaraka, at the end of the rail line, you’re in for a visual treat atop Mount Slowcombe.

Give yourself time to truly appreciate a sunrise or sunset over the Yang Yang Ranges before you head to Isisford for more outback delights.

If humans had been alive 98 million years ago we might have been on the menu for the prehistoric Isisfordia Duncani, the ancestor to the modern-day crocodile. See the evolution of nature on display at the Outer Barcoo Interpretation Centre and Café.

If you have been left feeling a little vulnerable, tip the predator scales in your favour and cast a line at Oma Waterhole where Yellowbelly are on the bite. You can pitch your bush camp along the river or stay in town at the Golden West Hotel (hotel or caravan options).

Tuck into the history of how machines shaped the outback with a stop at Lynn Cameron Machinery Mile in Ilfracombe, with notes of farm machinery – from a 1917 Ruston Tractor to a 1935 Series 1 Caterpillar grader – and a garnish of more modern machines.

For a meatier main course head on over to the Wellshot Centre where the story of Wellshot Station – established in 1872 and at one time the largest sheep station in the world running 460,000 head – is on display.

Still have room? Head down to the Heritagelisted Langenbaker house – a 1899 vintage – to truly understand the harsh realities of the outback. Rest and digest at the Wellshot Hotel or unhitch at Ilfracombe Caravan Park.

With that teaser, head into Longreach but don’t worry, even though it is the heart of the outback it won’t serve up any ‘offal’ experiences.

Understand the life of those who drove your dinner from paddock to plate at the Stockman’s Hall of Fame (outbackheritage. com.au). Add some sizzle to your steak with a stagecoach ride on a Cobb & Co. coach retracing the old mail routes. The bull dust will settle on you as the horses gallop ahead leaving you a well-seasoned Outback Pioneer.

Rustle up some grub and head to Starlight’s Lookout, once used by notorious cattle thief

Clockwise from top: Cruising the Thomson River Prehistoric Isisfordia Duncani, the ancestor to the modern-day crocodile.

Qantas Founders Museum The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame

Harry Redford for a morning hike and picnic.

Back on the Thomson River, join Outback Aussie Tours (outbackaussietours.com.au) for an explorer cruise and discover traditional uses of local plants ending with sunset nibbles.

There’s no awful plane food on offer at the Qantas Founders Museum (qfom.com.au), rather a story rich in the spirit of innovation that saw two small biplanes grow to become the national airline of Australia. From simulators to stealth missions, a mechanic’s hanger to wing walks the museum showcases how Queenslanders (and the nation) took to the skies.

Got eyes bigger than your stomach? Take advantage of the tour packages available for entry to a mix of menu items. You’re well served in Longreach with accommodation options but if you live by the expression you can sleep when you’re dead then take a walking tour of the cemetery to fill those spare moments between courses.

At the end if you decide to head on, or head home, rest assured the friendly locals of the Longreach region will welcome you back to the dinner table with a plate full of experiences anytime.

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WINTON

INCORPORATING THE TOWNS OF OPALTON AND MIDDLETON

The power of words

Winton has always had a way with words.

Places and events around this iconic outback town inspired the most immortal words ever put together by famous bush poet Andrew ‘Banjo’ Paterson – the lyrics of Australia’s best-loved song, Waltzing Matilda, longregarded as our unofficial national anthem.

Back in January 1895, 30-year-old Paterson was staying at Dagworth sheep station outside Winton when he put lyrics to a tune he heard the boss’s daughter, Christina Macpherson, playing on an autoharp.

His inspirations included the recent suicide of a striking shearer at nearby Combo Waterhole, and his discovery, while out riding with Christina’s brother, of a sheep butchered at a billabong for some long-gone swagman’s meal.

The new song spread rapidly. “In a short time everyone in the district was singing it,” Christina later recalled. The first public recital was at Winton’s North Gregory Hotel on April 6, now celebrated annually in town as Matilda Day. Although the lyrics and melody have varied over the years, one reason for its unchanging popularity must be that dense array of delightfully Australian words – swagman, coolibah, jumbuck, billabong. Another is simply that it’s a good story, simply told.

Winton’s Waltzing Matilda Centre tells the tangled tale of the song’s composition and cultural legacy, with artefacts including sheet music and instruments. The Centre is more than the song, though. Reopened in April 2018 after the original building burnt down in June 2015, it’s also a state-of-the-art museum and cultural centre for the district, telling many a story of life on the land from which Banjo’s words sprang.

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Stories of the land are similarly served at Winton’s annual Outback Writers Festival (June 25-27, 2019), which promotes reading and writing about the outback with author talks, seminars, short story competition and book fair. It’s held at the Winton Club, once the gentlemanly preserve of the district’s graziers and the venue, in 1921, for the first board meeting of Qantas – now there’s another iconic Australian word.

And here’s two more: “vision splendid”.

It’s Banjo Paterson again, his powerful description of western Queensland’s open expanses from his classic ballad Clancy Of The Overflow – “the vision splendid of the sunlit plains extended”.

What better name for a local film festival?

Held immediately after the Writers Festival, Winton’s Vision Splendid Film Festival (June 28-July 6, 2019) celebrates another, more visual way of storytelling. The outbackslanted program is complemented by a themed short-film competition and a daily Breakfast With The Stars at the art-deco North Gregory Hotel, in which films on show are discussed by their makers.

While several venues participate, the focus is on the Royal Theatre in Elderslie Street. Dating to 1918, it’s a vision to behold itself, one of the last two traditional openair cinemas left in Australia. Behind tall corrugated-iron walls, patrons settle back in canvas deckchairs to watch the stars of the screen under – to quote Banjo – ‘the wondrous glory of the everlasting stars” of a clear outback night sky.

The Royal also opens as a museum, displaying memorabilia such as antique posters and projectors – and even rollerskates from when it doubled as a rink.

Dominating the back row is the world’s biggest deckchair – dinosaur-sized, in fact, which suits Winton’s recent emergence as the “Dinosaur Capital of Australia”. Fittingly, the three new species found locally were all named for Paterson and his creations – Clancy, Banjo and Matilda. The latter two turned up together in a fossil billabong. Like Paterson’s swagman they weren’t taken alive, of course. Their ghosts are finally being heard as scientists uncover their secrets, but that’s another story of this land. There’s always another story in Winton.

Main Image: Winton’s Waltzing Matilda Centre Left: Open air, Royal Theatre in Elderslie Street

BARCALDINE REGION

INCORPORATING THE TOWNS OF ALPHA, JERICHO, ARAMAC AND MUTTABURRA

Outback Taste-Tester: Five days in the Barcaldine Region

Welcome to the beating heart of the Outback: Barcaldine Region is the geographical centre of Queensland and caretaker of its lifeblood, the Great Artesian Basin.

This five-day mini break will surprise and delight you at every turn, and as far as the eye can see.

DAY 1 – A IS FOR ALPHA Gateway to the region, the town of Alpha is a cultural showstopper, and the community’s 27 murals are a unique way of getting to know her history. Here you’ll find Bruinsma’s “Fossilised Forest” sculpture of a large rock split open with prehistoric treasures revealed inside, plus the Tivoli Theatre Museum and Jane Neville Rolfe Art Gallery nearby.

After lunch, drive 50km west to the town of Jericho, sitting on the banks of a popular camping spot, the Jordan River.

Jericho has a fascinating biblical-infused history, including The Crystal Trumpeters monument and “The Trumpeter” sculpture. Time your visit so you catch the smallest drive-in theatre in the Southern Hemisphere, where a double feature shows once a month.

DAY 2 – VISIT AN OUTBACK OASIS A scenic 4WD detour via Blackall will take you to the stunning Lara Station Wetlands, 28km south of Barcaldine. Lara is a mustdo outback oasis, with shady campsites, large camp kitchen and shower/toilet amenities. Explore the wetlands by kayak or relax in the natural, artesian mineral hot pool – outback luxury at its best. The water reflections are particularly stunning at sunrise and sunset.

DAY 3 – DISCOVER THE GARDEN CITY After falling for Lara, it’s time to hit the region’s ‘capital’, Barcaldine (Barcy to the locals). Head straight to the Tree of Knowledge, and pay homage to a centrepiece of history, the birthplace of the Australian Labor Party and 1891 shearers’ strike. The once-poisoned, 200-year-old, heritagelisted ghost gum has been recreated as an incredible 18m high sculptural timber canopy, best viewed in the early or late-afternoon sun, and beautifully lit up at night. Time it right and you’ll end up in the middle of the Tree of Knowledge Festival (on the first weekend in May). Take the time to visit the Australian Workers Heritage Centre while you’re in town.

You’ll find Barcaldine’s famous hospitality in Oak Street with its five historic hotels, perfect for a pub-crawl of epic proportions.

Not only can you catch-up with the friendly locals, you’ll snag yourself a bed for the night at one of the hotels or head to a range of commercial caravan parks and motels.

DAY 4 – GO WILDLIFE SPOTTING Get up bright and early for Lagoon Creek, just outside of town. There’s 2km of walking tracks and the option of a personalised outback camera tour. See kangaroos and emus watering here at dawn or dusk, plus 200 species of birds including tiny finches and super-cute fairy-wrens.

After arriving in Aramac, grab a feed at any one of a number of outlets before getting off the beaten track at freshwater Lake Dunn, 68km past one of the oldest towns in the central west, Aramac (formerly Marathon).

Don’t forget to stop in at the White Bull Café or Bakery for smoko and check out the famous White Bull and Aramac Tramway Museum before you leave Aramac.

As you continue, keep your eye out for artist Milynda Rogers’ sculpture trail, featuring 35 metal works over 200km. Once you’re at “The Lake” catch some perch or bream for dinner or take some snags and fire up a barbie. You can enjoy water sports such as windsurfing and sailing and there’s powered or unpowered campsites here, plus waterfront cabins for a cosy night in.

DAY 5 – MARVEL AT MUTTABURRA Muttaburra, from the Aboriginal word meaning “the meeting of the waters” is the geographic centre of Queensland – reason enough to snap a photo. But there’s another impressive photo op spot, and that’s at the full-size dinosaur replica at the Muttaburrasaurus Interpretation Centre. It celebrates the 1963 discovery of the Muttaburrasaurus Langdoni dinosaur skeleton by local grazier Doug Langdon.

The Historical pub, The Exchange Hotel, has your cold beer, counter-meals and accommodation sorted. Camping is available at the nearby caravan park, with power, toilets and hot showers to boot or stay at the Muttaburra Motel.

Clockwise from top left: Barcaldine camp ovens Lara Wetlands Tree of Knowledge

DID YOU KNOW? The Barcaldine Region has over 200 geocaches in the area.

How many can you find?

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BLACKALL TAMBO 48 hours in Blackall-Tambo

Tambo and Blackall, 102km apart on the Matilda Way, are not just two small, welcoming outback towns – they’re the heart and soul of Queensland’s wool-growing heritage.

Here’s how to see the best of them both in 48 hours.

DAY 1: TAMBO 9am | Although Tambo is western Queensland’s oldest town (1863), its leading attraction dates to the 1990s, when slumping wool prices gave three local women a great idea to boost the district’s growers – quality hand-crafted sheepskin teddy bears. A quarter-century and 45,000 -plus bears later, Tambo Teddies are Aussie icons, reflecting the outback’s can-do community spirit.

Visit the shop (17 Arthur Street) to catch the bear-making action. Amid the scissors and patterns, wool samples and workbenches, newborn bears will catch your eye. Can you bear to leave without one?

11am | At 9 Arthur Street, Tambo Courthouse (1888) retains original fittings but is now the library and tourist information centre. Nearby, the Heritage Precinct features local history displays in Tambo’s original post and telegraph offices – have a go at sending a Morse code message.

12:30pm | For lunch (or breakfast), Fanny Mae’s Café (15 Arthur Street) or Cindy’s Coffee & Gifts (30 Arthur St) are both popular local options.

3pm | Refuelled? Check out the free Grassland Art Gallery (30 Arthur Street), then set out on The Coolibah Walk from the Tambo Dam along both shady banks of the Barcoo River. This birdlife haven (especially early mornings and evenings) makes an ideal picnic spot.

5pm | Be back in Arthur Street by 5pm for the Royal Carrangarra Hotel’s madcap

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Chicken Racing. At 5.30pm daily (MayOctober), publican Ben’s racing hens chase a feed-filled buggy around a track, with half the prize pool – bid to back a chook from 5pm – going to the Flying Doctor Service. After the madcap fun, toast the clucky winner with a glass of Bawk Bawk Bitter and enjoy dinner at this friendly old-style country pub.

DAY 2: BLACKALL 9am | Blackall Woolscour (Clematis Street; 4km along Evora Rd heading east from town) is a must-do – a visit to the cave of a clanking mechanical dragon, a symphony of wood, metal, shadows and steam. Australia’s last intact steam-powered wool-washing plant, it closed in 1978 after 70 years of processing bales – but the machinery still runs, making a guided tour (hourly 9am-4pm) an evocative experience. It’s the still-beating heart of our wool industry’s glory days.

There’s also an original 20-stand shearing shed, a free-flowing artesian bore – and cappuccinos in the cafe!

12pm | Back in town, turn left onto Shamrock Street to find Jack Howe’s statue.

The Bradman of shearers, local legend Howe shore 321 sheep in seven hours 40 minutes in 1892 – still the world record for blade shears (basically scissors). You can also visit his grave in Blackall Cemetery.

1pm | Jack is one of nine artworks making up the Blackall Sculpture Trail, including the 3m metal Bottle Tree and the spherical Roly Poly just outside town. But you might want lunch first – and dinner afterwards – so wander down Shamrock Street for

Clockwise from left: Blackall Woolscour; Tambo sheep station Tambo Dam

a number of choices, including counter meals at atmospheric old pubs where good food, coffee and antiques meet. To dine in a heritage-listed building, set your sights on The Lodge on Hawthorn.

3pm | After lunch, wander up to Ram Park and explore the collection of relocated buildings and artefacts that give glimpses of early days in the Blackall region. Pop into the info centre, located in the old Blackall Railway Station for more information about the other attractions Blackall has to offer.

5pm | Craving some R&R? Take time out at the Blackall Aquatic Centre (Salvia Street) and relax in the spa, its warm bubbling artesian waters fed by 58 degree bore water.

If you prefer to swim some laps, there is also a 50 metre olympic size pool.

Finally, you might recall the Aussie phrase ‘beyond the black stump’, meaning anywhere remote. Originally it meant the unsettled country west of Blackall, where colonial surveyors steadied their transits on a tree stump. Make sure you get the story at the Black Stump Memorial (Thistle Street) before you venture beyond Blackall.

To discover more, pick up a town brochure at the Visitor Information Centre to find out what else Blackall has to offer (hint: two epic national parks).

Relax at Longreach’s only boutique self-contained outback lodging. Choose from the rustic but beautiful 4.5 star Homestead Stables and 4 star Slab Huts or the great value 3.5 star cabins. Enjoy an easy stroll to the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Qantas Museum. There’s even an exclusive outdoor bath terrace for Homestead Stables and Slab Hut guests.

Book online or phone (07) 4658 3811

facebook.com/saltbushretreat | www.saltbushretreat.com.au

You’re assured of a great night’s sleep thanks to our 5 star beds in your choice of 3.5 star and 4 star air-conditioned rooms. Dine in style at our award-winning Harry’s Restaurant featuring our chef prepared a-la-carte menu. Your accommodation is an easy stroll from the Railway Station and downtown Longreach. Stay and relax at the best location in town.

Book online or phone (07) 4658 2322

facebook.com/longreachoutbackqld | www.longreachmotorinn.com.au

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Explore the Outback

with a Savannah Guides Operator DAY TOURS | CRUISES | HOLIDAY PACKAGES

Horn Island Thursday Island Cape York

Seisia

Bamaga

Jardine River NP

Fruit Bat Falls

Moreton Telegraph Station

Archer River

Iron Range NP

Weipa

Old Telegraph Track

Mungkan Kandju NP

Coen Lakefield NP

Cooktown Lion’s Den Hotel Cape Tribulation

Wujal Wujal

Daintree Port Douglas

Cairns Karumba Normanton

Critters Camp

Lawn Hill Boodjamulla NP

Georgetown

Mount Surprise Undara Lava Tubes Einasleigh

Croydon

Adels Grove

Cobbold Gorge

Townsville

Forsayth

TOURING ROUTES

QUEENSLAND

Cloncurry

Mount Isa

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Winton

Boulia Dinosaur Stampede Strathmore Station Diamantina NP Lochern NP

Stonehenge Jundah

Bedourie Simpson Desert NP

Betoota

Birdsville

Anna William Creek Creek Painted Painted Hills Hills

LONGREACH

Rockhampton

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Journey of the Gulf Savannah

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Birdsville Desert Escape

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Legendary Longreach & Winton

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Corner Country Explorer

Gladstone

Camden Park Station Carnarvon Gorge NP

Idalia NP

Bundaberg Maryborough

Windorah

Haddon’s Corner

Innamincka Goyder’s Lagoon Regional Coongie Reserve Lakes Lake Eyre NP

Cape York & Torres Strait

Welford NP

Big Red

Poeppel Corner

Lake Eyre

Australian Age of Dinosaurs

Bladensburg NP

Middleton

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

■

Mackay

Innamincka Strzelecki Regional Reserve Cameron Corner

Mitchell

Charleville

Roma

Bonus Downs Station

Noccundra

Thargomindah

Dig Tree Eulo Sturt NP

Tibooburra

Cunnamulla

NEW SOUTH WALES

St George

BRISBANE Goondiwindi

Gold Coast Stanthorpe

LONGREACH LEGENDS ATTRACTIONS PASS GREAT SAVINGS ON TOP ATTRACTIONS Gold

Silver

Bronze

Stockman’s Hall of Fame

✓

✓

Qantas Founders Museum

✓

✓

Stockman’s Show & Qantas Jets Tour

✓

Drover’s Sunset Cruise Package

✓

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Outback Station Smoko Tour

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DROVER’S SUNSET CRUISE PACKAGE

OUTBACK STATION TOURS

LON G R E AC H

Top deck cruising as you take in the multi coloured sunset and tuck into tasty onboard nibbles platters aboard the fully licensed Longreach Explorer. Then, take your seat at Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show. Savour a two-course camp oven dinner under the stars as you enjoy the music and stories on the river stage.

LON G R E AC H

Meet local graziers on Camden Park and Strathmore stations. Tour their properties and hear stories about life on the land. Choose from a selection of morning ‘smoko’ and sunset station tours. Tours include either a delicious home-baked smoko or sunset nibbles. View our website for full tour details.

Call 1300 78 78 90 Email info@oat.net.au or visit www.outbackaussietours.com.au Longreach Historic Railway Station, Landsborough Hwy ABN: 31 010 813 313 | ACN: 010 813 313

CAMDEN PARK STATION

JUMBUCK MOTEL

P 0407 139 640 camdenparkstation@gmail.com www.camdenparkstation.com.au

45 Ilfracombe Road, Longreach P 07 4658 1799 reception@jumbuckmotel.com.au www.jumbuckmotel.com.au

Camden Park Station is home of the newly famous Outback Yacht Club – tour the homestead where the Queen visited in 1970!

Award Winning Outback Dan and the Walker family will love to host you for a hands on touch feel unique experience.

Live Australia’s story!

Friendly outback hospitality Clean, comfortable & affordable ■ Easy walk to major attractions ■ Local tour booking agent ■ Native wildlife at your door ■ FREE Wi-Fi ■ Gardens, BBQ area, gazebo & pool ■ ■

STRATHMORE STATION

SCHOOL OF THE AIR, LONGREACH

Longreach P 07 4658 3000 info@oat.net.au www.outbackaussietours.com.au Meet local graziers Bevan and Maree on their family-run cattle and sheep property ■ Discover their award-winning water run, the life-blood of their operation ■ Tour the property and explore the original Cobb & Co route ■ Hear the story first hand of contemporary life on the land and enjoy a home baked morning tea ■

COOPERS ON CASSOWARY

Experience how isolated children learn through the outback airways Guided tours 9:00am & 10:30am Monday – Friday (excl. public/Christmas school holidays) – bookings recommended for large groups.

■ See how you can contribute to isolated children’s education ■ ■

77 Cassowary Street, Longreach M 0474 077 298 info@coopersoncassowary.com.au www.coopersoncassowary.com.au Relax in style in our very private 3 bedroom cottage.

■ Spacious self contained, A/C accommodation ■ Sleeps 5 / 1 queen, 1 twin, 1 single ■ Exclusively yours for your stay, all linen provided ■ Set in shady, fully fenced private garden with BBQ ■ Centrally located in town centre, 50m from the Botanic Walkway

Landsborough Highway, Longreach P 07 4658 4232 | tours1@eq.edu.au www.longreacsde.eq.edu.au (tourist information)

P resents

The Australian Stockman’s Experience Daily shows at 11.00am (except Friday)

The Outback Stockman’s Show and Dinner Every Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday at 6.00pm

99

$

THE ULTIMATE 2 DAY PASS

per pers

on

Entry to the Museum Entry to the Day Show PLUS Tickets to the Outback Stockman's Show and Dinner

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M USE U M

(07) 4658 3737

info@qfom.com.au

www.qfom.com.au Sir Hudson Fysh Drive, Longreach, Queensland, Australia

FEATU RE

S

r tas Hanga l 1922 Qan a in g ri O  7 Jet Tours  707 & 74 g Walk  747 Win rant ss’ Restau e n in G  Mc re rs Gift Sto  Founde ore il d much m  Kids Tra plays ...an is D e v ti c  Intera

OPENING HOURS: The Museum is open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm (except Christmas and Boxing 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.

Find us on

LIVE-I SAVER T SAVE PAS%S 15

LIVE THE OUTBACK STORY FOR LESS!

Step into pioneers shoes in Longreach and enjoy all three of the award-winning Outback Pioneers signature experiences with the LIVE-IT SAVER PASS. SAVE 15% by booking all three!

STARLIGHT’S

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Adults $303 normally $357 Concession $291 normally $342 Child 5-14 $228 normally $267 Infant 0-4 FREE Family 2A+2C $1017 normally $1197

Sunset Thomson River cruise on historic boat Stockman’s campfire dinner with outback entertainment Starlight’s Spectacular Sound & Light Picture Show Billy tea and damper

2014 • 20 1

Sheep shearing demonstration in historic shearing sheds Station safari by open-top coach Captain Starlight’s stockyards and recreation of his camp Home-baked smoko (morning tea) at the homestead

45-minute stagecoach ride, including a gallop, on the old mail route across Longreach Common Country smoko (morning tea) Classic bush movie The hilarious Harry Redford Old Time Tent Show Bookings are essential as popular times get fully booked. Not all experiences are available all days so see our website or brochure to plan your stay in Longreach!

DISCOVER MORE AND BOOK YOUR PASS ONLINE AT OUTBACKPIONEERS.COM.AU OR PHONE 07 4658 1776 70

When outbackqueensland.com.au

you’re in town, find out more at our booking office: 128 Eagle Street, Longreach

ABAJAZ MOTOR INN

NOONBAH STATION

Noonbah Station offers secluded waterhole bush camping for self-contained campers

We are a working cattle property, 2 hours drive SW of Longreach in the iconic channel country, and we would love to share our land with you. Great birdwatching with 215 species of birds on our property list, we can provide you with our bird list and bird, frog and reptile field guides are for sale.

Fishing and pets are permitted. Relaxation and unwinding encouraged. $10 per vehicle per night. Enjoy our beautiful, big landscape and our unbelievable night skies. For a deeper experience of the outback, we also offer half day natural history tours, with a hearty homestead smoko included. These tours can be tailored to your particular interests.

If you prefer not to camp, we offer our newly renovated accommodation, The Old Schoolhouse. This cottage is air conditioned, fully self-contained, with a Queen bed and everything you would need for a short stay. Ask about our packages to include a natural history tour with your overnight stays.

Explore our website for more details.

Rodd and Liane invite you to stay at the Abajaz.

We pride ourselves in our personalised service to ensure your Longreach experience is the best.

■ 19 Ground floor rooms, undercover parking, Foxtel, reverse cycle airconditioning, microwave, fridge, tea/coffee making facilities ■ Free Wireless Internet direct to all rooms, pool, BBQ, guest laundry ■ Cooked or Continental Breakfasts available every day ■ Cot, hairdryer, toaster, fax and photocopying – ask at office ■ TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Winner 2013; TripAdvisor Hall of Fame Member – recognised for five (5) consecutive years as Certificate of Excellence Award Winners ■ Call us Direct and mention this ad for Special/Promotional Rates

S ee you soon!

Tonkoro Road via Longreach P 07 4658 5953 | E noonbahstationtourism@gmail.com www.noonbahstation.com.au

11 Wonga Street, Longreach P 1800 081 288 | info@abajazmotorinn.com.au www.abajazmotorinn.com.au

Winton Dinosaur Capital of Australia HOME TO THE AUSTRALIAN AGE OF DINOSAURS MUSEUM A N D D I N O S AU R S TA M P E D E N AT I O N A L M O N U M E N T

AU S T R A L I A N AG E O F D I N O SAU R S . CO M

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HUGHENDEN Flinders Discovery Centre Hughenden P (07) 4741 2970 | E info@flinders.qld.gov.au www.visithughenden.com.au

RICHMOND Australia’s Dinosaur Trail in Queensland’s Outback is an exciting adventure, where you can follow in the footsteps of the prehistoric creatures that once roamed this ancient land. The trail links the towns of Richmond, Hughenden and Winton where some of the world’s most amazing fossils are still being found. A journey along the Dinosaur Trail offers visitors a range of unique experiences not available anywhere else in the world, let alone Australia! It provides visitors with a rare opportunity to see world-class fossils, Australia’s bestpreserved dinosaur skeleton, and to try uncovering their own fossils.

“The Fossil Capital of Australia” Kronosaurus Korner P (07) 4719 3390 E enquiries@kronosauruskorner.com.au www.kronosauruskorner.com.au

WINTON Winton Visitor Information Centre Waltzing Matilda Centre P 1300 665 115 | E waltzing@matildacentre.com.au www.experiencewinton.com.au

I’m an Outback Mate

24 - 28 SEPTEMBER 2019

Sit back, relax and let me take the dirt roads for you.

Red Dirt Tours will take you to locations you don’t have access to when you drive yourself and provide informative commentary on Winton’s unique Take landscape, flora, fauna, history and pre-history. break a fro Your tour guide is the owner operator, Vicki. driving m Check availability and book online at www.reddirttours.com.au

 Dinosaur Stampede  Australian Age of & Merton Gorge Dinosaurs Museum  Carisbrooke Station  Rangelands Rifts & Sunsets  Diamantina River & Old Cork  Bladensburg National Park

Famous Australian Dunny Derby | Dining Under the Stars | Bush Poet’s Breakfasts Outback Ironman, Ironwoman, Ironjunior | Live Concerts Little Swaggies Kids Events CE LE B

RATIN

BOO K for Ca NOW mp Packa ing ges

G

th

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ersa r y An n iv iva l Fe s t

07 4657 1466 (Winton Info Centre)

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outbackfestival.com.au

L E G E N D A R Y

|

S A F E

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S C E N I C

Great Events in 2019 6 April 2019 Waltzing Matilda Day 25 – 28 April 2019 Winton’s Way Out West Fest 25 – 27 June 2019 Writers Festival 28 June – 6 July 2019 Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival 12 – 13 July 2019 Boulder Opal Festival 24 – 28 September 2019 Outback Festival

Waltzing Matilda Centre P: 1300 665 115 E: waltzing@matildacentre.com.au

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WINTON’S DIAMANTINA TRUCK MUSEUM

MERINO BAKERY

Situated on the Winton to Hughenden Road P 0429 806 140 | Open daily – 8am to 5pm heritagetruckswinton@hotmail.com.au www.wintontruckmuseum.com.au Take a nostalgic trip into Transport History ...

■ Historic Trucks, Vehicles & Machinery ■ Toots’ Truck – Australian legendary female truckie ■ 1890 Ruston Stationary Steam Engine ■ Story Board Exhibition, Photographic collection, Merchandise & Transport memorabilia

$2 Merino Money Present this advertisement to be stamped at the Merino Bakery and receive your gift of $2 off any purchase.* ■ Minimum sale amount $5.00 ■ One stamp per family per visit ■ Not redeemable for cash ■ Offer expires 31 December 2019 ■ Open 7 Days 120 Eagle Street, Longreach P 07 4658 1715 | F 07 4658 0045 Right in the middle of town

95 Elderslie Street, Winton P 07 4657 1422 info@wintonoutbackmotel.com www.wintonoutbackmotel.com 5 brand new rooms Standard, deluxe, family and disabled units ■ Foxtel and free wireless internet ■ Undercover parking and heavy vehicle parking ■ BBQ area and Airport pick-up ■ Pet friendly rooms available ■ ■

LONGREACH MOTORS

SPAR

33 Swan Street, Longreach P 07 4658 1700 F 07 4658 1857 longreachmotors@bigpond.com www.longreachmotors.com.au

Cnr A Vindex Streets, Winton part&ofManuka our community.

Our award-winning P 07family-owned 4657 1254 F 07 4657 1202 supermarket has been offering the sparwinton1@gmail.com

Mechanical Repairs and Servicing Truck Repairs and Servicing ■ Tyres, Wheels and Alignments ■ Exhaust, Brakes and Suspension ■ 4WD Fitouts, Bullbars and Lighting ■ Fridges and Camping Accessories ■ ■

Ice

Bait

■ Phone recharge Fresh fruit and veg cnr Vindex & Manuka Streets, Winton QLD 4735 ■ ATM ■ Bait P: (07) 4657 1254 F: (07) 74657 ■ Ice ■ Open days –1202 ■ BBQ easy access E: chickens winton@5staronline.net ■

1 Box Street, Barcaldine P 07 4651 1488 F 07 4651 1847 countrymotorinn@bigpond.com Barcaldine Country Motor Inn has the best position in town, friendly staff and large country homecooked meals.

33 air-conditioned ground floor units and 7 4-star villas all with undercover car parking and fully concreted driveways. Within walking distance to local tourist attractions.

Tattersalls Hotel, on Elderslie, is Winton’s oldest standing public-house – an ongoing testimony of the pioneer era, pastoral, mining and tourism industries of the region.

Quality service to its varied clientele flows at Tattersalls, boasting a colourful public bar, alfresco dining, extensive menu and wine list, bottle shop, pokies, keno, ATM and Van Park adjacent to Hotel.

Tattersalls Van Park is walking distance to attractions, banks, post office, pool, hotels, cafes, bakery, bottle shop, counter meals. All sites are powered – guest laundry and hot water. Site bookings can be made at Tattersalls Hotel.

Tattersalls Hotel 78 Elderslie Street, Winton Tattersalls Van Park Werna Street, Winton (opp Tattersalls Hotel) P 07 4657 1309 F 07 4657 1722

Discover Great Deals as

An Outback Mate!

For great deals on accommodation, food and coffee go to www.outbackmates.com.au outbackqueensland.com.au

Winton community quality groceries since 1984.

A part of our community.

Fresh fruit and Our vegaward-winning BBQ chickens family-owned supermarket has been offering the ATM Phone recharge Winton community quality service since 1984.

BARCALDINE COUNTRY MOTOR INN

TATTERSALLS HOTEL & VAN PARK

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WINTON OUTBACK MOTEL

TAMBO TEDDIES 17 Arthur Street, Tambo P 07 4654 6223 info@tamboteddies.com.au www.tamboteddies.com.au Tambo Teddies create innovative quality Australian made 100% natural woollen products. We produce cuddly soft teddy bears, echidnas, koalas and are the makers of the original flat teddy, the Bickie Bear.

All handcrafted in the tiny Outback town of Tambo.

Get your Tambo Teddy and have a friend for life!

BLACKALL CARAVAN PARK 53 Garden Street, Blackall P 07 4657 4816 blackallpark@bigpond.com www.BlackallCaravanPark.com.au Self contained cabins/units/holiday house Large drive through grass/slab sites ■ Camp oven roast dinners every evening (June-Aug) ■ Live entertainment (May-Aug) ■ Damper making demonstrations ■ Coffee Shop, free Wi-Fi, pets welcome ■ Walk to shops/pubs/artesian pool and spa ■ ■

The open road awaiTs Go somewhere you’ve never been before. Take a self-drive tour with avis and discover the untouched beauty of inland Queensland.

WE TRY HARDER

Situated in the heart of central western Queensland, our region offers visitors a warm, outback welcome and experience. This friendly country hospitality comes naturally to us as our five towns - Alpha, Jericho, Barcaldine, Aramac and Muttaburra - all retain and share those good, old fashioned, small town values and charm.

C O M M U N I T I E S

O F

T H E

B A R C A L D I N E

R E G I O N A L

C O U N C I L

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THE FAR WEST

CAIRNS

Mount Isa

Incorporating the communities of Diamantina, Barcoo, Boulia

TOWNSVILLE

NORTH WEST

Richmond Julia Cloncurry Creek Hughenden

NT

Boulia

T

hey say they do things better in the west, and the far west of Outback Queensland is no exception.

QLD

Winton

CENTRAL WEST Longreach Barcaldine Blackall Tambo

FAR WEST

The farthest corner of Queensland delivers

Biloela

Windorah

SA

Quilpie

Charleville

country that can see the whole area go under water.

Roma

Nothing is more iconic than standing atop

BRISBANE

SOUTH WEST Thargomindah

red sand dunes, waterholes, and channel

EAST

Birdsville Eromanga

so much more than gibber flats; you’ll find

Cunnamulla

NSW

Big Red at sunset, watching the sun dip from the first sand dune of the Simpson Desert (Munga-Thirri National Park).

Travel via desert roads for the opportunity to travel between three states without ever getting on a plane.

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FA R W E S T

1 2 THE BEST IN 3 THE FAR WEST 4 5

JOIN THE 9000 OTHER REVELLERS WHO TRAVEL FROM ALL CORNERS OF THE COUNTRY TO THE BIG RED BASH, THE WORLD’S MOST REMOTE MUSIC FESTIVAL

KNOCK BACK A COLDIE AT THE BIRDSVILLE HOTEL BEFORE SMASHING A CURRIED CAMEL PIE AT THE BIRDSVILLE BAKERY KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED FOR THE MYSTERIOUS BOULIA MIN MIN LIGHTS CHEER ON A CAMEL AT THE BEDOURIE OR BOULIA CAMEL RACES

VISIT THE ONLY PLACE IN THE WORLD WHERE TWO MAJOR RIVERS, THE THOMSON AND BARCOO, MEET TO FORM A CREEK, COOPER CREEK

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Middleton Hotel

WEIRD ENCOUNTERS IN QUEENSLAND’S WILD WEST Welcome to the last frontier

F

or anyone with a love of offbeat characters and equally unconventional adventurers, the far west – a vast, remote stretch of country, 1500 kilometres or about 17 hours-straight drive west of Brisbane – is one for the bucket-list.

Not only does it have a rich history, woven with wild yarns and eccentric characters, from lost explorers to Afghan cameleers and pioneering pastoralists, but equally strange natural marvels.

Despite its small population, there’s a lot to do in Queensland’s far west region – from music festivals to race meets celebrating everything from camels to crustaceans.

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STRANGE LIGHTS For a town with a population of around 300, and literature that describes sightings as ‘rare,’ a surprising number of Boulia residents claim to have seen the natural (or supernatural, depending on your outlook) phenomenon of the Min Min lights. And if they haven’t, they know someone who has.

The Min Min lights were first seen outside Boulia at a lonely Cobb and Co staging site in 1918 and to this day, there’s been no conclusive explanation for these balls of light that hover and dance above the ground, scaring cattle and hardy stockman alike.

Everyone has a theory though, just ask around town and you’ll get the gamut - from fluorescent gasses to UFO activity. There’s no point looking for the Min Min lights though – as everyone will tell you - the capricious lights are said to look for you.

For a sense of what they’re like without the fear factor, head to Boulia’s biggest attraction – The Min Min Encounter in the main street. It’s kitschy good fun, with

animatronic characters, drovers “Gunna” and “Bluey” describing their sightings, while other characters expound on some of the theories proposed over the years to explain the mystery of the lights – from the scientific to laughably lunatic.

THE WET DESERT Considered the most unusual of Australia’s deserts, Diamantina Channel Country is a riverine desert and a spectacular natural phenomenon. In the dry, its endless shimmering plains of desiccated gibber grass seem unlikely to support any life at all. But in the wet, the vast network of veins of shallow interconnecting channels and creeks fill and spill across 95,000 square kilometres, swelling waterholes and, attracting up to 450,000 birds including packs of chattering zebra finches, Australian bustards and even the extremely rare night parrot. In fact, the wildlife here significantly outnumbers the human residents with just 300 people and 11 mega cattle stations (some bigger than Singapore or Vanuatu) calling the region home.

FA R W E S T

QUEENSLAND’S GHOST TOWN PUB Conversely, there are many blink-and-you’ll miss ‘em towns in this part of Queensland.

Runner up is Middleton (population: 2), home to the Middleton Hotel or ‘The Hilton Hotel’ the cheeky name for a bare-bones camping ground in the red dust across the road from the most remote pub in Queensland. Even if you’re not staying the night at ‘The Hilton’, you should make it a point to call in to the historic Middleton Hotel, between Winton and Boulia to have a cold one and a yarn with the laconic, akubra-hatted Les Cain and his wife Val. The couple, in their 70s, ex-farmers and former camel wranglers are the only residents of the once- thriving town, the pub one of only two structures remaining (the other is a dance hall). Built in 1876 during the Cobb & Co. era, the hotel is where tired horses and equally fatigued drivers were replaced on the stage coach route and there’s an original stage coach still parked out the front, destined to gradually succumb to time and the weather. While you may

imagine it a lonely existence, Les says they couldn’t imagine living elsewhere and that, “‘there’s always someone coming along”.’

BETOOTA: POPULATION ZERO Middleton may be small, but the gong for Queensland’s smallest town goes to Betoota.

Despite having a satirical online newspaper named after it, (The Betoota Advocate), the sign welcoming visitors to Betoota reads “population 0”.

A former customs post and Cobb and Co. change station in the late 1800s, the town’s population dwindled, only saved from the title of ‘ghost town’ thanks to the presence of sole resident, Sigmund (‘Siggy’) Remienko who ran the Betoota Hotel for 47 years.

He died in 2004, bequeathing the hotel to friends but it sat empty until 2017 when it was bought by Brisbanites, Robert Haken, a smash repairer from Logan, friend Carol Norman and another couple of mates.

Currently, Carol says, they’re looking to reopen the pub in time for the tourist season in

2019. The hoteliers’ presence and a couple of live-in staff mean that the population of Australia’s smallest town has swelled to four.

Or five if you count ‘Siggy’ buried around the back, as loathe to leave the place in death as he was in life.

SIRI’S GOT NOTHING ON STONE The UK’s Stonehenge is known for its mysterious Neolithic monuments but in Australia’s own Stonehenge, history is written in stone in a far more literal way.

Add your name alongside other worldly wanderers in the stone address book, found two kilometres out of town on the Longreach side of the sealed Stonehenge turn-off.

You’ll know you’ve found it when you come to a wide, flat area and spy messages and addresses fashioned from stones.

Main Image: Mesa near Boulia

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WACKY OUTBACK EVENTS 1 4 BOULIA CAMEL RACES, JULY

Boulia’s ‘Melbourne Cup of Camel Racing’ is run over 1500m with the mighty ships of the desert (who can weigh up to 800 kg) on occasion getting their diva on by refusing to move out of the starters gate or deciding to run the wrong way around the track. bouliacamelraces.com.au

2

THE BIG RED BASH, JULY

Held at the very edge of the Simpson Desert with the backdrop of the desert’s highest dune, affectionately called ‘Big Red’, the family-friendly, dog-friendly camping-under-the-stars music festival attracts some impressive Aussie acts like John Farnham, the Hoodoo Gurus and Midnight Oil. bigredbash.com.au

3

EDOURIE CAMEL AND B PIG RACES, JULY

Camels are the animal of choice at the annual Bedourie races, run over six events. There’s also pig racing and a traditional camp oven cook off.

Big Red Bash, Birdsville

The Iconic Birdsville Hotel

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BETOOTA RACES, AUGUST

It may be Australia’s smallest town, but come August, it positively throbs with life as travellers descend for the famous Betoota Races. betootaraces.com

5

INTERNATIONAL YABBY RACES, AUGUST

Held in the main street outside The Western Star Hotel in Windorah (population 80) the Yabby Races with local blue claw crustaceans competing inside a ring have been a fixture in the town for 10 years. barcoo.qld.gov.au

6

IRDSVILLE RACES, B SEPTEMBER

The town, generally boasting a modest 130 residents swells to as many as 7000 each September as travellers descend to attend the races, held here since 1882. birdsvilleraces.com

BIRDSVILLE & SURROUNDS

INCORPORATING THE TOWNS OF BEDOURIE AND BETOOTA

How to take on the Simpson Desert (and win)

It’s one of the most desolate deserts in the world and for adventure seekers, it’s the ultimate Aussie trophy.

The Simpson Desert stretches for 500kms, spreading itself between three states, with lots of loose sand and challenging tracks.

It’s an ever-changing landscape; you could be in the Wild West one moment, expecting cowboys to pop up from behind the spinifex; the Middle East looking out for camels the next.

Some people have been dedicated (or crazy) enough to walk or pedal across the desert (always for a good cause), but most are attracted by the chance to pit man and machine against nature as they motorcycle or 4WD up and over the desert’s 1100 dunes.

You have to be Macgyver-prepared to consider a trip to the “dead centre” - you’re not exactly able to call up RACQ or NRMA if you get in a bind. There are no official roads through the Simpson, just soft tracks that snake their way across the dry dunes.

Martin Josselyn from Desert Edge Tours, based in Birdsville, will run six 4WD treks over the desert to Alice Springs and back again in 2019 and also provides support for experienced motorcycle riders with one thing on their mind: dominating those dunes.

“There is definitely more interest in going across the Simpson because it is one of

those last frontiers that is generally not open to everybody,” Martin says.

For those considering the journey by twowheels follow the Scouts’ motto and always be prepared.

“The thing about a motorbike is, most people haven’t ridden in the desert before. You’ve got limited carrying capacity so the biggest issue is carrying enough fuel and provisions, or if you can carry it all, it makes it very heavy and difficult to cross the tough terrain.

“We create their itinerary - either across, or across and back via a different route – and we set up camps so each night after standing on your pegs for six hours all you’ve got to do is roll out your swag, have a couple of beers and some dinner and give your body time to relax. “We lighten the load so instead of picking your bike up 100 times you’ve got a better chance of staying on two wheels.”

The more difficult of the two directions of travel is east to west because of the dune formation - well, harder for 4WDs but a heady challenge for bikers.

“It’s one of the most challenging rides in Australia because the sand or dunes look firm right until you’re riding over one,” Martin says. “It’s not like riding on a gravel road where it doesn’t move under you; you have to concentrate all the time and the minute you relax is the minute you’re picking up your bike for the 30th time in the sand.”

5 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

1

Simpson Desert parks in South Australia and Queensland are closed in summer from 1 December to 15 March. Big Red is open all year round regardless of closure period.

2

All reserves have a 40km/h

3

Tag-along tours are a smart

4

You’ll need to bring your own

5

“Everyone who has done it

speed limit unless sign posted otherwise, but Martin reckons an achievable average for 4WDs is 30km/hr.

option if you want to tackle the Simpson in your own 4WD to ensure you have the support if and when you need it.

bike to Birdsville or book via a company that supplies bikes, but this is no beginner’s playground. You’ll need to have had a decent amount of experience and understand how your bike performs in the sand.

has loved the experience and calls it one of the best in the country but it does take that constant concentration,” Martin warns. “You do need to be fit and healthy to achieve it and preparation is everything for the bike and your body.”

WHERE TO STAY Birdsville is a great launching pad for desert expeditions. Accommodation is available at the Birdsville Lodge, Birdsville Hotel and the Birdsville Tourist Park to suit all budgets.

The Birdsville Hotel and Birdsville Bakery also offer a selection of meal and drink options so there is no need to cook after you have conquered the Simpson Desert. Groceries, fuel, tyres, hardware and mechanical repairs are also available in Birdsville.

Birdsville Races

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BARCOO

INCORPORATING THE TOWNS OF JUNDAH, STONEHENGE AND WINDORAH

The A-Z of Barcoo

Not only is Barcoo the heart of the Channel Country, its unique in other ways.

Where else would you find two rivers forming a creek! Or red sandhills in the middle of black soil floodplains?

Barcoo Shire’s three towns of Jundah, Stonehenge and Windorah are rich in history having been gazetted as early as 1880 so if you want to do more than scratch the surface, this A-Z of Barcoo will give you a lesson in the outback.

A IS FOR APP

H IS FOR HOWZAT!

The old bush telegraph has been updated with the release of the Visit Barcoo App. With self-guided tours and points of interest it is a handy travel companion. Download it for iOS and Android devices.

It’s plum and he is out. Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist might not be calling the game but the excitement is alive and well at the Barcoo Big Bash. Held 19-20 October 2019.

B IS FOR BRONCOS

I IS FOR INDIGENOUS HERITAGE

Bronco branding and barrel racing take centre stage at the Stonehenge Rodeo & Motorbike Gymkhana, an action-packed three-day event run with true community spirit (17 to 18 August 2019).

The Native Wells located 32km north of Jundah were managed by the local Kuungkari tribe to protect the purity of the water.

C IS FOR COOPER CABINS

This short 4WD track weaves away from Stonehenge for 8km, taking in unusual rock formations and views over the gidgee woodlands. Budget about two hours to complete it.

Your air-conditioned home away from home if you aren’t towing your own. Find them on Edward Street in Windorah. Otherwise, unhitch the van at the Windorah Caravan Park to explore the area.

E IS FOR EXPLORING

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J IS FOR JOHN EGAN PIONEER TRACK

M IS FOR MITCHELL GRASS

Follow the ridge to river drive from Stonehenge or the Barcoo Way touring route and discover gems like Magee’s Shanty and the escarpment country.

Take the short but informative Jundah Settler’s Nature Drive for an interpretation of the Barcoo’s flora and fauna.

Strewth, you might even see a Major Mitchell cockatoo!

F IS FOR FISHING

N IS FOR NATURE DRIVE

Try your hand for Yellowbelly or the Barcoo Grunter from the banks of Cooper’s Creek.

For those seeking fortune and fame sign up to the Yellowbelly Hunt held 4-5 May.

The 12km Nature Drive winds its way from Windorah to Cooper’s Creek. Plants are identified along the way through the differing land systems.

G IS FOR GALLOP

P IS FOR PETS ARE WELCOME

Gallop down the home straight and join the locals on the first weekend in October at the Jundah Racecourse for the Shire’s only race meet.

You don’t have to leave Fido at home when you’re unhitching at the three caravan parks in the shire. All parks have powered sites, modern amenities and are very welcoming.

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Take advantage of the discounts available when you stay more than 3 nights.

R IS FOR RICHARD WELFORD Richard Welford first took up a pastoral station in c.1870 which was converted to the Welford National Park in 1992. Clamber to the top of the rolling red sand dunes for big sky views and spectacular sunsets.

S IS FOR SUNSETS Watch the sunset from the various vantage points around Barcoo Shire, from the glorious red sandhills west of Windorah; from the Swanvale Jumpup, 20km south of Stonehenge; or while visiting Welford National Park.

T IS FOR THE THOMSON RIVER Wash off the red dust at this outback oasis.

Pull up just outside Jundah for free camping, to launch the boat, paddle around or cast a line.

W IS FOR WHITULA GATE MUSEUM Stand in the original slab hut built in 1906 and you’ll get an impression of what life was like in an 18th century homestead.

Located in the grounds of the Windorah Information Centre.

Y IS FOR YABBY RACES The crustacean craze takes hold in Windorah the Wednesday prior to the Birdsville races when 1000 punters line up at the Western Star Hotel to cheer on their favourite lil’ nipper.

Windorah Yabby Races

Left: Spectacular night skies Above: Campfire yarning Below: Backing a winner in July at the Boulia Camel Races.

BOULIA & SURROUNDS INCORPORATING THE TOWN OF URANDANGIE

Capital of the Channel Country and Land of the Min Min Light, where history and mystery abound. Mysterious eerie balls of unexplained light that follow the traveller, rare birds and trees, prehistoric dinosaurs of the deep, centuries old buildings are all to be found in this remote part of Western Queensland.

Although the town at only 139 years old is young, the prehistoric denizens of the deep such as the Ichthyosaur and Plesiosaur were here 110 million years ago when sea water covered the region. Fossilised remains of these mighty marine reptiles are to be found in Boulia and are the best examples of their kind on display in Australia. Also for the enthusiasts there are fossilised remains of turtles including the world’s oldest, named Bouliachelys suteri for the two brothers in Boulia who discovered it, John and Richard Suter.

A Heritage listed building at Boulia Heritage Complex built of stone and compacted rubble within its walls is the last of its kind in the West that is still accessible for the public to wander through and view living conditions from 130 years ago. Marvel at life before electricity and modern appliances made their appearance.

The rare 400,000 year old Waddi trees are only to be found in three areas in Australia, the wood which is extremely hard and dense

was used by the local Indigenous people to make a weapon called the waddy and one of the oldest Waddi trees used as a sacred corroboree tree is still thriving in Boulia.

The rare endangered night parrot first recorded in 1861 and then eluding bird enthusiasts and scientists for decades can still be found in the Boulia region. For bird watchers there are hundreds of species of birds to delight in the region.

The biggest mystery of all however is the Min Min Light, which cannot be explained by scientific fact although many varied theories abound.

Legend has it that the first recorded sighting was at a lonely graveyard along the early Cobb and Co coach route outside of Boulia on the route from Winton, it was believed to have spooked a horseman so much he rode his horse 100km into Boulia and alerted the police officer there who put the garbled story down to “too much rum”.

However to this day, the lights still appear to many a camper and motorist in the dead of night where no lights should be or could be.

There has been no harm ever recorded by these mysterious sightings but it does leave the fortunate ones who see it with a sense of disbelief and eeriness, especially when it seems to hover and follow cars on lonely stretches of highway.

Boulia has modern accommodation available and a must see Visitor Information Centre where you can catch the story of the Min Min Light in case you miss sighting the real thing.

Urandangie is the other historic township in the Shire which became the drovers stop between Camooweal and Dajarra and quickly expanded into a township in 1883 where mail and supplies could be addressed.

It was not uncommon to see at least three mobs of drovers with up to 2000 head of cattle on the stock route there. Historically there were many Chinese market gardeners living there in its heydey who grew an impressive array of fruit and vegetables.

Traditional owners of the land in Boulia are the Pitta Pitta and their culture is explored at the Boulia Heritage Complex where early pioneering history can also be seen in the form of medical, farming, machinery, exploration and education artefacts.

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Birdsville Lodge

(07) 4656 3214

(All enquiries to Bedourie Outback Visitor Centre)

birdsvillecaravanpark.com

outbackqueensland.com.au

Camp Kitchen

Birdsville Bi

Corner of Herbert & Nappa Streets, Bedourie 1300 794 257

info@diamantina.qld.gov.au

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1 Florence Street, Birdsville

www.thediamantina.com.au

info@birdsvillecaravanpark.com

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COOPER CABINS

Fully self-contained cabins with linen Reverse cycle air-conditioning ■ Television ■ Bar and licensed dining room ■ BBQ area ■ Laundry ■ ■

11 Edward Street, Windorah P 07 4656 3101 | F 07 4656 3090 Your Hosts: Ross and Di Ward

WESTERN STAR HOTEL/MOTEL

Best Outback Queensland Pub 2014/2015. 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 unit Albert Street, Windorah P 07 4656 3166 | bookings@westernstarhotel.biz www.westernstarhotel.com.au

Around a campfire at night Look out for the light @ Boulia Outback Queensland

Discover the mystery of the

MIN MIN LIGHT

Email tourism@boulia.qld.gov.au or visit www.boulia.qld.gov.au/min-min-encounter-tourist-centre

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THE NORTH WEST Incorporating the communities of Mount Isa, Cloncurry, Julia Creek, Richmond & Hughenden

CAIRNS

Mount Isa

TOWNSVILLE

NORTH WEST

Richmond Julia Cloncurry Creek Hughenden

NT

P

QLD

Winton Boulia

ack your hard-hat and sense of adventure – just four hours’ drive west of Townsville, Outback Queensland’s north west region begins.

CENTRAL WEST Longreach Barcaldine Blackall Tambo

FAR WEST

Biloela

Windorah

EAST

Birdsville Eromanga

SA

Quilpie

Charleville

Cunnamulla

NSW

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Roma

BRISBANE

SOUTH WEST Thargomindah

It’s packed with dinosaur fossils, jawdropping scenery and mining history that will lead you deep underground.

Ancient history is the only kind served around here, from Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park where you can walk amongst 25-million-year-old World Heritage-listed sites at Riversleigh, to ancient underwater marine reptiles in Richmond, or the fossil collections in Hughenden.

No two days are the same in these parts; and in the north west a sense of adventure is the only packing essential.

NORTH WEST

TICK THESE MUST-DOS OFF DURING YOUR TIME IN THE NORTH WEST:

1 2 3 4 5

HAVE A BUCKING GOOD TIME AT MOUNT ISA MINES RODEO, HELD EACH AUGUST

HIKE OUTBACK QUEENSLAND’S OWN ‘GRAND CANYON’ AT PORCUPINE GORGE NATIONAL PARK T AKE A SOAK OUTDOORS AT ONE OF JULIA CREEK’S BATHHOUSES VISIT THE GHOST TOWN OF MARY KATHLEEN, A FORMER URANIUM MINE

SEE RICHMOND’S FAMOUS FOSSILS WITH A VISIT TO KRONOSAURUS KORNER

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YOUR RUGGED AUSSIE ADVENTURE STARTS HERE

Load up the 4WD and practice your best Russell Coight impersonation for this boots-and-all adventure.

I

t’s Queensland’s big sky country, where the rusty, dusty red Outback meets brilliant blue hues and explodes into bushfire orange sunsets. This is the land of fossicking and exploring deep gorges, of break-or-bust rodeos, crisp campfire nights and tall tales of remote and rugged experiences. Out here, you’ll find dinosaurs, dirt and dust, and even a mine site or two.

Queensland’s north west, framed by Mount Isa to the west and Hughenden to the east, and punctuated by Cloncurry, Julia Creek, Richmond and Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park to the north, will unleash your inner cowboy or cowgirl and lasso your heart.

DIG IT One of Queensland’s richest regions when it comes to natural resources, the north west is built on a vibrant mining history, and dating back even further, a time when dinosaurs roamed the planet.

Take a jaunty journey underground at Outback at Isa and discover Mount Isa’s rich history. A trek north of Mount Isa to the World Heritage-listed Riversleigh Fossil Site will reward you with limestone-preserved fossils dating back 25 million years. Head east to Richmond’s Kronosaurus Korner and witness ancient marine fossils, while further east along Australia’s Dinosaur Trail at Hughenden, visit the Flinders Discovery Centre for more evidence of this vast prehistoric inland sea.

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FISH IT Pristine waters, low pollution, well-stocked waterways and ideal breeding conditions mean the barramundi are always biting up here. But in the tradition of a good Aussie adventure, you’ll still have to work for your feed of fish. Luckily, there’s plenty of watering holes in which to test your mettle.

Richmond’s Lake Fred Tritton is an oasis along the Overlander’s Way and fully stocked with Barra as well as 17 other species of fish.

Further east, toss in a line at Mount Isa’s Lake Moondarra, or load up your four-wheeldrive and head north to Adels Grove. Just west of Cloncurry, Chinaman Creek Dam is stocked with the Outback’s answer to lobster – the Redclaw crayfish.

RIDE IT Legends are born at outback races and rodeos and the north west is renowned for producing some of Australia’s best. Strap on your chaps and be part of the adventure, cheering from the stands, enjoying a punt, or having a coldie and a chin-wag behind the scenes to the characters about who these stories are told. The Mount Isa Rodeo is the largest and richest rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere and is packed with adrenalin and action from bull rides, to barrel racing to steer riding. In 2018, the Mount Isa Rodeo celebrated 60 years, firmly entrenching it in Outback lore. For a more intimate outback race meet, head to the Julia Creek Turf Club for the Artesian Express Race Day, part of the Dirt n Dust Festival.

NORTH WEST

Previous page (clockwise from left): Camping in Cloncurry Adels Grove, Lawn Hill Gorge Porcupine Gorge Fishing on Lake Moondarra

HIKE IT They call it Australia’s Little Grand Canyon and a hike around Porcupine Gorge National Park, north of Hughenden, will reward you with spectacular views of this deep chasm in the landscape. Discover coloured sandstone cliffs, vine forests and watering holes here.

Head to the camping area for the start of the 2.4km return Pyramid Track walk which trails down into the gorge. To glean a sense of the diverse bioregions to which the Flinders Shire is home, take the Eco Walk on Flinders at Hughenden which boasts more than 1.5km of tracks highlighting local flora and artworks as well as important events in this region. Further east, at Torrens Creek, the White Mountains National Park is peppered with white sandstone bluffs and gorges as well as diverse wildflowers which blossom from May to August.

SPLASH IT It may be called the Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival, but there’s even a spot of snorkelling tossed in for good measure. We’re talking about one of Australia’s toughest competitions which tests the strength and stamina of competitors to the core.

Celebrating its 25th year in 2019, this event has everything from your classic triathlon, staged among some of the roughest Outback conditions, to bull riding and bog snorkelling – where competitors plunge into a mud-filled trench, and wade their way to the murky finish. For something a little more sedate, head to Richmond’s Lake Fred

Tritton which is an ideal spot for canoeing, water skiing, sailing and swimming. North west of Mount Isa, at Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park, it’s hard to beat kayaking or canoeing over water lilies with the sunburnt orange cliffs towering over you.

DRIVE IT Pump up the tyres and hit the open road for some of our adventurous Outback tracks.

We’ve got them in droves up here. Head to Hughenden and drive along the Basalt Byway punctuated by volcanic basalt countryside and lookouts boasting gidgee and eucalyptus country. Grab your fourwheel drive and follow the Eromanga Sea Byway along the edge of the former inland sea, or take the Flinders River Byway where its sandy crossing ends with a coldie at the Prairie Pub, an outback classic. For a touch of history, head to Cloncurry’s Ballara Mining Heritage Trail. This four-wheel drive track winds through the three historic mining towns of Bulonga, Ballara and Highville, all former booming copper destinations.

CAMP IT Forget five-star accommodation, out here our star-rating is in the millions. Nothing beats sleeping under the Southern Cross on a clear night, in a secluded spot, where the only sound is the crackle of a campfire.

Arguably one of the prettiest places to unroll your swag and boil a billy is at Fountain Springs, 60km east of Mount Isa off the Overlander’s Way. Home to a permanent

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deep waterhole and tonnes of wildlife, even better, it’s free. Over near Cloncurry, Mary Kathleen may be a ghost town, but this former uranium mining town is a popular spot for caravanners with its concrete slabs.

Epitomising bush camping at its best, the Clem Walton Park near Cloncurry is so close to the Corella Dam, you can catch your Redclaw dinner from the comfort of your van.

Searching for some shade and style?

Adels Grove, near Lawn Hill Gorge, boasts campsites, donga accommodation and onsite tents on this pretty property with its sparkling water holes, which are ideal for swimming at the end of a dusty drive. Or do as the hardcore Mount Isa Rodeo goers do, and head to Swag City during the event and sleep under the stars.

On this north west adventure, you’ve earned your stars, and now have your stripes too, as an outback jackaroo or jillaroo.

GETTING HERE Mount Isa is a 20-hour drive north west of Brisbane. If you’re short on time, Qantas, Virgin Australia and REX fly into the north west Plan your holiday: outbackqueensland.com.au/outbackregions/north-west

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Above: Driving to Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park Below: Sunset over Lawn Hill Gorge

MOUNT ISA Secrets of the Underground in Mount Isa

Welcome to an oasis in the outback, a city where history was built from the ground up, through mining and innovation, blossoming into the rich and diverse community it is today.

Mount Isa is home to more than 20,000 people, comprising 52 different nationalities, and is the heartbeat of north west Queensland. The city spans some 43,000 square kilometres, making it one of the largest cities in the world.

Though its roots are in mining, it has grown to encompass agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing, and offers a lifestyle that rivals anywhere else. It’s a melting pot of culture and vibrancy, with events and entertainment to rival any Australian city.

Home to the Southern Hemisphere’s largest Rodeo, Mount Isa is also a gateway to the beautiful Lawn Hill Gorge in Boodjamulla National Park and its neighbour, the World Heritage-listed Riversleigh Fossil Fields.

MOUNT ISA EXPERIENCES At Outback at Isa, Mount Isa's major tourism facility, you will find the Mount Isa Visitor Information Centre (VIC), Hard Times Mine Underground Tour, Isa Experience and Outback Park, the Mount Isa Regional Art Gallery, Riversleigh Fossil Centre, Mount Isa Fish Hatchery Project and the Outback Cafe.

A trip down Hard Times Mine is a perfect way to experience what life working in an underground mine is really like. It’s a complete experience, where you’re able to don the iconic, high-vis orange overalls, steel-capped boots and cap-light, hop into an Alimak Cage and head underground into a working mine.

There you’ll find impressive boom drills and mucking units, which helped to create the mine’s tunnels, and it’s all hands on deck to drill and blast the ore seams to fill the wagons before shift’s end. Try your hand at an air-leg drill, or down tools and pop into the crib room to enjoy a tasty snack.

The experienced guides are a wealth of knowledge as they recount the details of a miner’s life and what’s involved in working underground with many years of local mining experience under their belt.

Tours run daily for those 7 years and older at Outback at Isa (bookings: 07 4749 1555).

A DESERT OASIS For a touch of peaceful tranquillity, you can’t go past the oasis in the desert that is Lake Moondarra. About 15km north of Mount Isa, the lake is easily accessible via a new fully sealed road.

It’s the perfect destination for thrill-seekers looking to enjoy a spot of water-skiing, jet-skiing or recreational anglers hoping to catch the elusive big one, the lake is regularly stocked with barramundi, and is home to the annual Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic.

It is also a popular spot for birdwatching, canoeing, sailing, boating, swimming and picnics, so whether you’re looking for a

place for your next barbecue, gathering with friends or just hoping to spend a long, lazy afternoon out on the water, Lake Moondarra is the place to be.

ANCIENT WONDERS The underground action continues further afield at the Riversleigh World Heritage site, which attracts palaeontologists from around the world and which Sir David Attenborough described as a “a treasure house of palaeontology”.

Twenty-five million years ago, the area was a lush rainforest teaming with life, including ancient ancestors of koalas, Tasmanian tigers and kangaroos, the remains of which have only ever been found at the Riversleigh site and are helping to rewrite the evolution of Australian fauna.

While a small section of the fossil site within the Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park is open to the public, the Riversleigh Fossil Centre at Outback at Isa provides an easier way to get a better understanding of the sorts of animals whose fossils have been discovered at Riversleigh.

Get the behind-the-scenes experience during twice-daily tours with our guides – fossil enthusiasts themselves- who will take you through the lab and demonstrate how specimens are sorted, cleaned and fossils extracted to admire recreations of various creatures.

The Riversleigh fossil site will also celebrate a significant milestone in 2019 – the 25th anniversary of it being declared a World Heritage site.

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CLONCURRY & SURROUNDS

INCORPORATING THE TOWNS OF QUAMBY, DAJARRA, DUCHESS, KAJABBI AND BURKE & WILLS JUNCTION

Outback Revolution: How the Royal Flying Doctor Service was born in Cloncurry

A walk through Cloncurry is like turning the pages of a history book, with invention and innovation at its core.

A century ago, drought and flooding rains weren’t the only worries for the Outback; the tyranny of distance defined life in the far Queensland outback, especially in times of sickness, when a treatable medical condition or emergency could turn fatal.

But in 1928 a wave of change swelled, its epicentre in Cloncurry, where now stands the John Flynn Place Museum (johnflynnplace.com.au). A Presbyterian minister, Rev. John Flynn, had established the Australian Inland Mission in 1912 to help the people of the outback. But “Flynn of the Inland” had a larger vision.

Qantas had been flying commercially since 1921, and Flynn knew aviation was the key to providing what he called a “mantle of safety” for people of the bush.

In 1921 he met Qantas founder Hudson Fysh and in 1927 the airline agreed to operate an aerial ambulance from Cloncurry. On May 17, 1928, a leased Qantas timber and fabric bi-plane took off from the north west outback town on Australia’s first flying doctor mission.

There were just two doctors then in the new Aerial Medical Service, providing medical care over an area of almost two million square kilometres. The innovation to help ‘save a mate’ allowed a large quantity of people to receive the medical treatment they needed. They treated 225 patients in the first year and logged 50 flights.

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The tyranny had been conquered but it wasn’t all plain sailing. At first, there were few navigational aids, only rudimentary airstrips and no effective radio. The lack of efficient communication was a serious problem.

An inventor and amateur radio enthusiast who was working with Flynn, Alfred Traeger, solved it in 1929 with an ingenious device – a pedal-operated, low-cost generator that could power a radio receiver and put any outback homestead in instant touch with medical care. A revolution in Australian health care was underway.

Today, John Flynn’s “experiment”, which became the Royal Flying Doctor Service in 1955, handles more than 95,000 care cases a year in Queensland and conducts more than 3000 clinics.

In 2017/18, the service directly flew 11,442 patients to or from care out of nine Queensland bases, flying almost 7.75 million kilometres in 18 aircraft. The service employs 350 people including pilots, doctors and nurses.

From humble yet life-changing beginnings in Cloncurry, the RFDS has expanded massively in terms of its size, geographical reach, scope of services and use of technology, but is it still vital in an age where modern transport and communications have broken the tyranny of distance and isolation.

Those who work for the RFDS think so.

“Traditionally, it was about emergency flights and medical clinics, but it goes a long way beyond that now,” says flying nurse and

RFDS clinical and base operations manager Patrick Maxwell, who works out of Cairns.

“A big chunk of our services is our medical chests, which are designed so that people can call the RFDS to get a GP and access emergency (remote) treatment.

“It is also about video conferencing with patients and tele-health in general. People rely on this service, and communities really enjoy regular visits by our doctors.

“We provide primary health care, treat chronic diseases, look at dental health, births, paediatrics and air medical emergencies that can range from agricultural accidents to rollovers and snake bites. We can supply intensive care on the move.”

You will find the whole story here at the museum, from Flynn’s and Traeger’s early trials with the RFDS concept to its maturity as a famous Australian social and cultural icon. It is a gripping story told compellingly in three floors of storyboard, film, artwork and interactive displays. Allow at least a couple of hours to experience this innovative story that helped shape Australia.

Cloncurry retains and celebrates being the birthplace of the Royal Flying Doctor Service at one of its major tourism attractions, the John Flynn Place Museum.

RICHMOND Palaeontology Treasure Trove

Talking to a palaeontologist about dinosaurs is like waving a map at a pirate… just a hint of buried treasure is enough to get a bonedigger reaching for a spade.

Ask Haydn Geraldene, a retired engineer and amateur fossil-seeker from Portland, Victoria, who was sifting through dirt and unearthing bones of a marine reptile, ichthyosaur, just out of Richmond recently.

“It’s like looking for gold,’’ he says, “but it’s also about knowledge. Every piece of rock you pick up on a dig has a story.”

Haydn, a veteran of dinosaur digs elsewhere in Australia, arrived in Richmond this year as part of a growing tourism wave in the state – the search for the bones and fossils of some of the most extraordinary creatures ever to have lived on earth.

Richmond, in Queensland’s north west outback, draws thousands of people every year looking for a dinosaur or fossil fix, and there’s one very good reason.

About 500km west of Townsville, it lies on the northern fringe of a region known as “Dinosaur Country” – an ancient inland sea region rich in fossil remains including dinosaurs and marine reptiles that lived more than 100 million years ago.

Fossils and bones are nothing new in this part of the outback, but digging for them is. It began in earnest in Richmond in 1989 when brothers Ian and Rob Ievers unearthed an almost complete skeleton of a marine reptile, polycotylid, on their family property.

Other fossilised skeletons followed, many of them huge Cretaceous-era marine reptiles, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Richmond’s Kronosaurus Korner, a major fossil museum and research centre, is a pivotal point in Australian dinosaur tourism and one of the few places in the world that you can not only study fossilised bones and see experts working on them but also get out into the field to dig for them.

Which is what attracted Haydn Geraldene and got him down and dirty and looking for treasure last year. He was part of a dig team of 14, including supervisors from Kronosaurus Korner.

“We found exposed rib bones and vertebrae, and then a second ichthyosaur,” he says.

“This is why palaeontology is so stimulating.

It’s about knowledge and experience and getting a better understanding of the world through the people you’re working with, and contributing to science.

“It’s absolutely one of the best things you can do if you’re travelling the Queensland outback.’’

Louise Townshend, her partner Shayne and their children Brody, 8, and Amelia, 5, would agree with him.

Louise, a Gold Coast teacher’s aide, is an experienced outback traveller and was also in Richmond with her family in 2018, digging for fossils.

SO, HOW DO YOU DO IT? Kronosaurus Korner offers a range of digging and fossil hunting experiences in the main tourist season (April to October). It includes self-guided and escorted two-hour introductory digs close to Richmond to full-day, family-friendly digs during school holidays and more remote one-week digs which concentrate on excavating major fossil finds.

Kronosaurus Korner can arrange accommodation for the longer digs, which involve daily travel from Richmond to the dig sites and back.

For a town that calls itself the “Fossil Capital of Australia”, this is par for the course.

Richmond has the bones covered. All you have to do is dig them up.

“We found some chiton (marine mollusc) bones, some really good sharks’ teeth and elasmosaur (marine reptile) vertebrae, all from the Cretaceous,’’ she says.

“It was awesome. The kids were absolutely excited by everything, and we were able to go back to do some prepping in the laboratory as part of the experience. It was so satisfying for them to be able to extract a shark’s tooth from a rock and then help preserve it.

“Doing something like this as a family, where we’re all learning, is just wonderful.”

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HUGHENDEN & SURROUNDS

INCORPORATING THE TOWNS OF PRAIRIE, TORRENS CREEK AND STAMFORD

How to get your outback nature fix

SWIM, BILLABONG STYLE Ready to get your nature fix? Head south 57km from the pioneering town of Prairie for the Kooroorinya Falls Nature Reserve and waterfall. It’s at its best during the wet season, but when the rain has subsided you can take a refreshing dip in a naturally formed waterhole lined by shady, native gum trees. Apart from fish and bird life, the spot is generally secluded unless you’ve arrived in time for the century-old Picnic Races meet, which are held each May.

HIKE THROUGH HISTORY Time to stretch the legs – Porcupine Gorge National Park is one nature stop you don’t want to miss! Home to the Yirandali Aboriginal people, its dramatic cliffs tower over a deep gorge 60km north of Hughenden, carved over millions of years from the clean, clear waters of Porcupine Creek.

The Gorge’s 120m depth is in stark contrast to the surrounding savannah plateau, and it’s earned itself a reputation as Australia’s “Little Grand Canyon”. It’s so hidden away, you wouldn’t know it was there until you tripped over it.

You can take in the view from two access points. Firstly, up high from the Eagle Hawk Gorge lookout off Kennedy Developmental

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Forget what you think you know about a ‘sparse’ outback. This is Flinders’ country, and with national parks, gorges and waterholes to explore, it’s nature on display at her most spectacular. All you have to do is dive in.

Road. Or, if you want to get up close and personal, head to the campsite on the upper level of the gorge, then it’s an easy 1.2kmwalk along a track to the bottom. Yes, you will need to walk all the way back up, but the iconic pyramid-shaped sandstone formation at the bottom of the gorge is a sight to behold (as is the swimming hole beneath it).

(BYO water and supplies) or make your way further into the National Park along Poison Valley Road – it’s 28km return from the park entrance. You can grab a snapshot view from picnic spot Burra Range lookout a further 10km east along the Highway, but you’ll be missing out on seeing all this untouched landscape has to offer.

Once a year, the Porcupine Gorge Challenge brings the usually tranquil place to life as runners take on a challenging 8km course through the gorge, finishing with a tough 1.5km climb to the top.

Don’t feel like hiking? Let Fox Helicopters do the leg work for you. New in 2019, this 40-minute tour – taking off from the Torrens Creek airstrip – gives you a bird’s-eye view of the park.

CLIMB A (WHITE) MOUNTAIN White Mountains National Park is one of inland Queensland’s most botanically diverse areas. Fourteen unique ecosystems from white sandstone cliffs to forests, woodlands and grasslands span an area of more than 112,000 hectares. Get there in winter or spring to witness an explosion of kaleidoscopic colour as natives bloom across the landscape in yellows, orange, red and purple.

From the north side of the Flinders Highway, it’s an 8km return drive to Sawpit Gorge lookout, where there are some short walking tracks. Experienced and self-sufficient campers can camp at Canns Camp Creek

White Mountains is 80km north-east of Hughenden, where you can get all the info (and meet a dinosaur) at the Flinders Discovery Centre.

SUNSET DREAMING You have to take advantage of the sunsets when you can see from horizon to horizon, and the best place around these parts is from Mount Walker, 478m above sea level.

There are an incredible six different lookout spots, meaning you’re sure to snag a view all your own with full-circle views of the stunning scenery to soak up as the sun goes down.

Mount Walker is around 10km out of town from Hughenden. Don’t forget the camera!

JULIA CREEK & SURROUNDS

INCORPORATING THE TOWNS OF MCKINLAY, KYNUNA AND NELIA

An outback oasis for intrepid modern-day explorers

AN ENGLISHMAN, IRISHMAN AND A SCOT WALKED INTO THE OUTBACK Unfortunately for Burke and Wills whose expedition was beset by failure, McKinlay, the Scot, was a few months too late to save them.

Departing from Adelaide, John McKinlay was one of six different relief parties that set out on rescue expeditions for the ill-fated explorers. McKinlay pressed north to the Gulf of Carpentaria hoping to meet with a relief ship but swampland caused him to turn east and head for the coast.

The lands over which he traversed opened up extensively in the late 1800s after he noted excellent grazing conditions on the back of summer rainfall and as settlement took hold, McKinlay Shire was formed.

These days as you mount your own expedition you still need to be prepared but the Julia Creek Caravan Park is making travel easy and is a must-stop oasis on your outback journey.

HITCHING THE WAGON Gone are the days of packing and saddling horses but unhitching the van is as easy as finding a fly in the outback with plenty of drive-through powered sites at the caravan park. There are unpowered sites and cabins available too.

Alternatively, you can also pull up your van on the banks of Julia Creek just outside town and free camp for up to 96 hours. From here it is an easy walk or ride (free cruiser bikes available) into town along the nature walk.

IS THAT YOU OR ME? If you’ve been traipsing the outback for days and your travelling companion is a little on

the nose, scrub up at the newly installed bath houses, inside the caravan park. Featuring two baths per pod (eight baths in total) you can wash away the dust, enjoy a drink and just soak in the views, returning refreshed for another adventure.

YUM, DELICIOUS BOOT LACES AND LEATHER BELTS! Explorers of old sometimes resorted to eating items of little nutritional value to stave off their hunger but luckily for you the Bush Dinners run on Monday nights at the Julia Creek Caravan Park offer hearty fare without having to suck on the end of your belt.

With meals cooked by a community group from local produce, and camp fires adding warmth, this is a meal-break done right for a good cause. Bush Dinners run from late April to September.

Banjo Paterson brought a more merry approach to travelling than Burke and Wills who just wanted to walk for days. Like all DJs, Banjo loved to be the life of the party and Waltzing Matilda was first performed in the Blue Heeler Hotel in Kynuna, which has been going strong since 1899.

Fifty kilometres east of Julia Creek, along the Overlander's Way, sits the quaint town of Nelia. The largest known brolga sculptures are effortlessly framed by breathtaking outback sunsets.

These days you don’t even have to leave the air-con to explore the outback so call into the Julia Creek Visitor Information Centre to experience cattle mustering by virtual reality.

With a simple headset you can be right in the action either by helicopter or motorbike all without having to worry about a stray hoof.

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE Waterholes defined explorers’ daily progress and while the Burke and Wills expedition was notoriously overloaded with gear, Burke forbade the packing of Wills' floaties. These days Wills would have had the last laugh as right in the middle of town is the Julia Creek Swimming Pool with 25m lap pool, children’s pool and toddler’s play area, with water slides for the more adventurous.

Main Image: Bath House, Julia Creek Caravan Park Below: Explore Julia Creek by cruiser bike

SIDE TRIPS FOR INTREPID EXPLORERS Go walkabout and explore the Walkabout Creek Hotel, made famous by Crocodile Dundee. Head 100km south west of Julia Creek to McKinlay township for a cold beer while comparing knives. Caravans are welcome behind the hotel.

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Old Mary Kathleen Uranium Mine TouR

Originally discovered in 1954 by Norm McConachy and Clem Walton, the Mary Kathleen Uranium Mine and Township were officially opened by Robert Menzies, Prime Minister of Australia and Frank Nicklin, Premier of Queensland in October 1958.

MOUNT ISA CITY TOUR

EXPLORE THE OLD AND THE NEW OF THE ISA

idden the h r e v o d the Unc res an u a s a e tr the Is ter of c a r a ch or y r Hist er ou v o c e s Di eritag and H

Circuit of the city showcasing tin houses and grand homes, native plants and mining infrastructure, including the original copper open cut pit.

Lake Moondarra Sunset Tour BOODJAMULLA LAWN HILL NATIONAL PARK MIYUMBA RIVERSLEIGH WORLD HERITAGE AREA

reservations@adelsgrove.com.au

adelsgrove.com.au 07 4748 5502

End your day relaxing in the picturesque surrounds of Transport Bay. Experience the serenity and sunset over Lake Moondarra whilst enjoying a beverage and generous ploughman’s platter.

SELECT DEPARTURES BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL: See website for availability and bookings or talk to the team at Outback at Isa

07 4744 8577 www.northwesttours.com.au

600 national and international rodeo competitors ISA STREET FESTIVAL | BUSH POETS BREAKFAST | Chute Tours | Unearthed Mount Isa Tours | MARKETS | kids Rodeo zone | MAILMAN EXPRESS HORSE RACE SWAG CITY | TENT CITY | Rodeo Rock Concert live in the Arena + More!

isarodeo.com.au

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OUTBACK AT ISA

MOUNT ISA UNDERGROUND HOSPITAL AND MUSEUM

VISITOR INFORMATION & SERVICES

Outback at Isa has it for you!

Get hands on with mining at the Hard Times Mine underground tour, explore Australia’s ancient past in the Riversleigh Fossil Centre, discover Mount Isa’s pioneering history in the Isa Experience along with the new ‘Rodeo Hall of Fame’, check out the native flora and fauna in the Outback Park and the native fish in the Mount Isa Fish Stocking Group display. All in one place, at Outback at Isa. While you’re here, why not have a coffee at our café, or grab a souvenir in the gift shop.

Including The Beth Anderson Museum and National Trust Tent House Take a guided tour of the tunnels carved in the hillside behind the Mount Isa Hospital. The Mount Isa Underground Hospital stands as a reminder of the tenacity of the volunteer mine workers who built the evacuation hospital after the bombing of Darwin during WWII. Wander around the Beth Anderson Museum, filled with fascinating hospital memorabilia. Built of canvas stretched over a timber frame, The Tent House was a quick, inexpensive form of accommodation in the 1930s. Open 10am – 2pm daily: 1 April to 30 September; October to March by appointment, bookings not essential.

Joan Street, Mount Isa P 07 4749 3087 | info@undergroundhospital.com www.undergroundhospital.com

Still want more? How about exploring the onsite art gallery or planning your trip in the award winning Visitor Information Centre.

JULIA CREEK – 96HR RV FRIENDLY AREA

Why not catch up on your emails, have a hot shower or just relax in the Outback Park.

Whatever you need, Outback at Isa has it for you!

19 Marian Street, Mount Isa P 07 4749 1555 | info@outbackatisa.com.au www.experiencemountisa.com

IBIS STYLES MOUNT ISA Cnr Camooweal Street & Rodeo Drive, Mount Isa P 07 4743 3024 (reservations) h0575-re@accor.com The ibis Styles Mount Isa is located in the heart of Mount Isa and features 57 rooms, a pool with BBQ area, a restaurant and bar and free off street parking.

Please ring one of our friendly receptionists to book your stay.

Suitable for self-contained RVs and Caravans (must have a toilet and shower on board), this FREE camping area adjacent to Julia Creek is an ideal spot to observe the wildlife or to wet the line. Cruiser bikes so you can pedal up town, water, picnic tables and bush camp cooks are all provided free of charge. On Monday nights from April to September, a courtesy bus will take you to the iconic Julia Creek Caravan Park Bush Dinners. Permits obtained from the Julia Creek Visitor Information Centre. If you wish to be an RV Camp Host Volunteer in 2020, please contact Julia Creek Visitor Information Centre.

Contact ‘At the Creek’ Visitor Information Centre for directions P 07 4746 7690 | tourism@mckinlay.qld.gov.au www.atthecreek.com.au

JULIA CREEK CARAVAN PARK

‘AT THE CREEK’ JULIA CREEK

êêê Award winning Visitor Information Centre and tourist attraction Virtual reality helicopter mustering experience ■ Brochures, maps, itineraries, travel bookings and iconic souvenirs ■ Interactive film, photographic and audio displays housed in historical fettler’s cottages featuring the region’s proud and honest history ■ The new ‘Beneath the Creek’ experience lets you unearth Julia Creek’s geological and geographical features ■ Free Wi-Fi + invaluable travel advice ■ Nocturnal viewing area of dunnarts + daily feeding shows

Well behaved pets welcome Camp kitchen–communal BBQ, TV, fridge & washing up facilities ■ Waste dump point ■ Nature walk ■ Walking distance to town centre, pool & indoor sports centre ■ Free Wi-Fi & free cruiser bike hire ■ Friendly atmosphere & clean amenities

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34 Burke Street, Julia Creek P 07 4746 7690 | tourism@mckinlay.qld.gov.au www.atthecreek.com.au

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Artesian Bath Houses Award winning Bush Dinners Monday nights April–September ■ New self-contained cabins ■ Unpowered & powered van sites ■ Powered sites on grass for motor homes & camping ■ Large grassed camping area ■ New amenities block and laundry

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Old Normanton Road, Julia Creek P 07 4746 7108 | jccaravanpark@mckinlay.qld.gov.au www.jccaravanpark.com.au

Birthplace of the Royal Flying Doctor Service

r e v o e r o Expl

Cloncurry Unearthed Visitor Information Centre and Museum Mary Kathleen Park, Flinders Highway/McIlwraith Street P: (07) 4742 1361 E: info@cloncurry.qld.gov.au W: www.cloncurry.qld.gov.au

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THE DROVER’S CAMP CAMOOWEAL On the Barkly Highway, 1km East of Camooweal P 07 4748 2022 info@droverscamp.com.au www.droverscamp.com.au Droving Heritage Centre – Admission $10 ■Opens daily to visitors – May to Sept 9am – 3pm ■Guided Tours available May to Aug – 9.30am, 11.30am & 1.30pm – wheelchair friendly ■Gift Shop; EFTPOS; Coach Tours Welcome; O season entry available (phone prior to arrival) ■Drover’s Camp Festival 4th weekend in August

REST EASI MOTEL 11 Richmond Hill Drive, Hughenden P 07 4741 1633 info@resteasimotel.com.au Situated west of town on Richmond Hill Drive, the Rest Easi Motel has 15 clean, comfortable rooms. â– All rooms have air conditioning, Foxtel and Free Wi-Fi â– Evening meals and breakfast are served to your unit

PORCUPINE GORGE

WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

Scenic Flight from Hughenden

Scenic Flight from Torrens Creek

Picture yourself soaring over towering cliffs of coloured sandstone, pockets of vine forest and deep permanent waterholes of Porcupine Gorge National Park; a spectacular canyon carved into the earth over millions of years.

Experience magniďŹ cent views over the red Outback Desert Uplands, dramatic escarpments and gorges.

Follow the spring fed Flinders River, the longest river in Queensland.

Enjoy exclusive views of a true remote wilderness.

HUGHENDEN SUPERMARKET 31 Moran Street, Hughenden P 07 4741 1109 Spar Supermarket for all your grocery needs ...

Fresh Fruit & Vegetables EFTPOS â– Frozen Food â– Cold Drinks & Ice Cream â– Ample Parking â–

Find us on the

â–

Friendly Country Service with Weekly Specials Competitive Supermarket Prices

B O O K O N L I N E AT

foxhelicopterservices.com.au or call (07) 4741 3116

OUTBACK QUEENSLAND’S

PHOTO COMPETITION Get your photo on the cover of the 2020 Travellers’ Guide Enter at www.outbackqueensland.com.au Entries close 31/10/2019

Find us

TOURS

42KM SOUTHWEST OF FORSAYTH, GULF SAVANNAH

and ACCOMMODATION

Bookings Essential

TOLL FREE 1800 669 922 cobboldgorge.com.au

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2018 Finalist Australian Tourism Awards Hosted Accommodation

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Visiting Australia’s premier marine fossil museum, Kronosaurus Korner is an unforgettable, prehistoric adventure, where you see some of the most awe-inspiring marine creatures such as ‘Penny’ the Richmond plesiosaur – Australia’s best vertebrate fossil.

OPEN 7 DAYS INCLUDING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday

Find us on Facebook Badge

CMYK / .ai

Like us on

For the latest on Richmond, including the Richmond Outback Fossil Fest visit

www.kronosauruskorner.com.au 1300 KRONOK | enquiries@kronosauruskorner.com.au

Digging at Dawn

Learn how to find, identify & excavate your very own 100 million year old fossils!

Tag along tours depart every Tuesday & Thursday from April to September, with additional days during school holidays.

RICHMOND

Lakeview Caravan Park Caravan Park | Cabins | Camping sites

The park with a million dollar view

Self-contained cabins + villas | Budget rooms 40 powered sites | 13 grassed & 27 hard surfaced drive through sites 3 large unpowered grassed areas for tents and camper trailers Free Wi-Fi | Disabled + baby facilities | Clean amenities Camp kitchen | Free electric BBQ | Laundry | Pets conditional BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

Phone Kronosaurus Korner on (07) 4719 3390 or visit www.kronosauruskorner.com.au

Flinders Highway, Richmond QLD P: (07) 4741 3772 F: (07) 4741 3774 E: rscp@tpg.com.au www.richmondlakeviewcaravanpark.com.au outbackqueensland.com.au

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DIRECTORY TOURS AND ATTRACTIONS Artesian Time Tunnel Jane Street, Cunnamulla 4490 07 4655 8470 | paroo.qld.gov.au Australian Age of Dinosaurs Lot 1 Dinosaur Drive, Winton 4735 07 4657 0078 | australianageofdinosaurs.com Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame Landsborough Highway, Longreach 4730 07 4658 2166 | outbackheritage.com.au Barcaldine Tree of Knowledge 103 Oak Street, Barcaldine 4725 07 4651 1724 | barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au The Big Rig 2 Riggers Road Roma 07 4622 2325 | mymaranoa.org.au Bedourie Mud Hut 13 Herbert Street, Bedourie 4829 1300 794 257 | thediamantina.com.au Blackall Sculpture Trail Blackall 4472 07 4657 4637 | blackalltambotourism.com.au Boobook Ecotours 15 Quintin Street, Roma 4455 07 4622 2646 | boobookecotours.com.au Boulia Heritage Complex Pituri Street, Boulia 4829 07 4746 3386 | boulia.qld.gov.au Cambridge Downs Heritage Centre Goldring Street, Richmond 4822 07 4719 3390 | kronosauruskorner.com.au Camden Park Station Landsborough Highway, Longreach 4730 0407 139 640 | camdenparkstation.com.au Carcory Homestead Ruins Eyre Developmental Road, Bedourie 4829 07 4656 3300 | thediamantina.com.au Charleville Cosmos Centre 1 Milky Way, Charleville 4470 07 4654 7771 | cosmoscentre.com Cloncurry Unearthed Visitor Information Centre & Museum Mary Kathleen Memorial Park, McIlwraith Street Cloncurry 4824 07 4742 1363 | cloncurry.qld.gov.au Cobb & Co Museum 62 Burrows Street, Surat 07 4626 5136 | mymaranoa.org.au

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Cobbold Gorge Cobbold Gorge, Forsayth 4871 1800 669 992 | cobboldgorge.com.au Duncan McIntyre Museum Burke Street, Julia Creek 07 4746 7690 | atthecreek.com.au Eulo Artesian Mud Baths Adventure Way, 4491 Eulo 07 4655 4890 | artesianmudbaths.com.au Eromanga Natural History Museum 1 Dinosaur Drive, Eromanga 4480 07 4656 3084 | enhm.com.au Flinders Discovery Centre 37 Gray Street, Hughenden 4821 07 4741 2970 | visithughenden.com.au Fox Helicopter Services 3 Racecourse Road, Richmond QLD 4822 07 4741 3116 | foxhelicopterservices.com.au Grassland Art Gallery 30 Arthur Street, Tambo 4478 07 4621 6605 | blackalltambotourism.com.au Historical Leahy House Dowling Street, Thargomindah 4492 07 4621 8095 | visitbulloo.com.au Hydro Power Plant Bulloo Development Road, Thargomindah 4492 07 4621 8095 | visitbulloo.com.au Ilfracombe Machinery Mile & Historic Precinct Landsborough Highway, Ilfracombe 4727 07 4658 4150 | longreachtourism.com.au John Flynn Place Museum & Art Gallery Cnr King and Dantree Street Cloncurry 4824 07 4742 2778 | johnflynnplace.com.au Kronosaurus Korner 91-93 Goldring Street, Richmond 4822 07 4719 3390 | kronosauruskorner.com.au Lake Fred Tritton Goldring Street, Richmond 4822 07 4719 3390 | kronosauruskorner.com.au Lark Quarry Conservation Park Winton-Jundah Road, Opalton 07 4657 0078 | dinosaurtrackways.com.au Min Min Encounter Centre 25 Herbert Street, Boulia 4829 07 4746 3386 | boulia.qld.gov.au Mount Isa Rodeo Hall of Fame 19 Marian Street, Mount Isa 4825 07 4743 2706 | isarodeo.com.au

DIRECTORY

Billabong at Cobbold Gorge

North West Tours 19 Marian Street, Mount Isa 4825 07 4744 8577 | northwesttours.com.au

Travel West Frawley Street, Charleville 4470 07 4658 1155 | travelwest.com.au

Outback Aussie Tours Landsborough Highway, Longreach 4730 07 4658 3000 | outbackaussietours.com.au

Top Secret WWII Tour 1 Milky Way, Charleville 4470 07 4654 7771 | experiencecharleville.com.au

Outback Pioneers 128 Eagle Street, Longreach 4730 07 4658 1776 | outbackpioneers.com.au

Vision Splendid Outback Tours 67 Elderslie Street, Winton 4735 07 4657 0647 | visionsplendidoutbacktours.com.au

Outer Barcoo Interpretation Centre Museum 12 St Mary Street, Isisford 4731 07 4658 8133 | longreachtourism.com.au

Vortex Rainmaking Guns Sturt Street, Charleville 4470 07 4654 3057 | experiencecharleville.com.au

Palmers Coaches 21 Lynagh Street, Miles 4415 07 4627 1294 | palmerscoaches.com.au

Waltzing Matilda Centre 50 Elderslie Street, Winton 4735 07 4657 1466 | matildacentre.com.au

Powerhouse Museum 12 Swan Street, Longreach 4730 07 4658 4150 | longreachtourism.com.au Qantas Founders Museum 1 Hudson Fysh Drive, Longreach Airport, Longreach 4730 07 4658 3737 | qfom.com.au QLD Helicopters Longreach Airport, Landsborough Highway, Longreach 4730 0417 624 422 | queenslandhelicopters.com.au Q150 SHED Main Street, Augathella 4477 07 4654 5244 | experiencecharleville.com.au Ram Park 145 Shamrock Street, Blackall 4472 07 4657 4637 | blackalltambotourism.com.au Red Dirt Tours 71 Elderslie Street, Winton 4735 0409 045 174 | reddirttours.com.au Riversleigh Fossil Centre 19 Marian Street, Mount Isa 4825 | 07 4749 1555 | mietv.com.au Roma Saleyards Roma Warrego Highway, Roma 07 4624 0404 | mymaranoa.org.au Tagalong Tours of Australia Trinity Beach 4879 07 4057 4096 | tagalongtours.com.au

WARREGO RIVER WALK Warrego River, Charleville 4470 07 4654 3057 | experiencecharleville.com.au Whitula Gate Museum 7 Maryborough Street, Windorah 4481 07 4656 3063 | barcoo.qld.gov.au/visit-barcoo Musical Fence Woodstock Road, Winton 4735 1300 665 115 | experiencewinton.com.au

ACCOMMODATION Abajaz Motor Inn 11 Wonga Street, Longreach 4730 07 4658 1288 | abajazmotorinn.com.au Adels Grove Riversleigh Rd, Lawn Hill QLD 4825 07 4748 5502 | adelsgrove.com.au Aramac Caravan Park Booker Street, Aramac 4726 07 4651 3311 | barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au Barcoo River Camp Site Isisford Blackall Road, Blackall 4472 07 4657 4637 | blackalltambotourism.com.au

Tambo Heritage Precinct Tambo | 07 4654 6408 | blackalltambotourism.com.au

Birdsville Caravan Park Florence Street, Birdsville 4482 07 4656 3214 | birdsvillecaravanpark.com

Tambo Teddies 17 Arthur Street, Tambo 4478 07 4654 6223 | tamboteddies.com.au

Bedourie Caravan Park Herbert Street, Bedourie 4829 07 4746 1040 | thediamatina.com.au

Thargomindah Old Hospital McGregor Street, Thargomindah 4492 07 4621 8095 | visitbulloo.com.au

Bonus Downs Farm Stay 4566 Mitchell-Bollon Road Mitchell, 4465 07 4623 1573 | bonusdownsfarmstay.com.au

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DIRECTORY

Boulia Caravan Park Diamantina Developmental Road, Boulia 4829 07 4746 3320 | boulia.qld.gov.au

Morven Recreational Park Victoria Street, Morven 4468 07 4656 8355 | experiencecharleville.com.au

Cloncurry Caravan Park Oasis 57 Mcilwraith Street, Cloncurry 4824 07 4742 1313 | cloncurrycaravanparkoasis.com.au

Muttaburra Caravan Park Bridge Street, Muttaburra 4732 07 4651 3311 | barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

Cobbold Village Cobbold Gorge, Forsayth 4871 1800 669 992 | cobboldgorge.com.au

North Gregory Hotel 67 Elderslie Street, Winton 4735 07 4657 0647 | northgregoryhotel.com

Cooladdi Camp Site Quilberry Creek, Cooladdi 4479 07 4654 9530 | experiencecharleville.com.au

Noonbah Station 12354 Tonkoro Road, Longreach 4730 07 4658 5953 | noonbahstation.com.au

Cooper Cabins 11 Edward Street, Windorah 4481 07 4656 3101

Napunya Caravan Park 42 Powell Street, Thargomindah 4492 07 4621 8000 | visitbulloo.com.au

Cooper’s Country Lodge 1 Dinosaur Drive, Eromanga 4480 07 4656 3084 | enhm.com.au

Redbank Park 18 Redbank Park Road, Jericho 07 4651 4129 | barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

Coopers Creek, Windorah 07 4656 3063 | barcoo.qld.gov.au/visit-barcoo

Richmond RV Park Hiller Street, Richmond 4822 07 4719 3390 | kronosauruskorner.com.au

Cunnmulla Tourist Park and Cabins 64 Watson Street Cunnamulla 4490 07 4655 1421 | cunnamullapark.com Explorers Caravan Park 88 Dowling Street, Thargomindah 4492 07 4655 3307 | visitbulloo.com.au Flinders Shire Council RV Camp Hughenden Showgrounds, Stansfiled Street Hughenden 4821 07 4741 2970 | visithughenden.com.au Gilberton Outback Retreat Gilberton Station, Gilberton Road, Einasleigh 4871 07 4062 5329 | gilbertonoutbackretreat.com

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Rocks Motel 74 Wills Street, Charleville 4470 07 4654 2888 | rocksmotel.com.au Stonehenge Caravan Park Stratford Street, Stonehenge 4730 07 4658 5857 | barcoo.qld.gov.au/visit-barcoo Thomson River, Jundah Thomson River, Jundah 07 4658 6930 | barcoo.qld.gov.au/visit-barcoo Thomson River, Stonehenge Thomson River, Stonehenge 07 4658 5857 | barcoo.qld.gov.au/visit-barcoo

Glebe Weir 2525 Glebe Weir Road, Taroom 4420 07 4992 9500 | sandstonewonders.com.au

Ward River, Charleville Diamantina Developmental Road, Charleville 4470 07 4654 3057 | experiencecharleville.com.au

Hughenden Allen Terry Caravan Park 4-6 Resolution Street, Hughenden 4821 QLD 07 4741 1190 | hughendenvanpark.com.au

Warrego Riverside Tourist Park 32 Weir Road, Cunnamulla 4490 07 4655 0097 | warregoriversidetouristpark.com.au

Isisford Barcoo Weir Mary Street, Isisford 4731 07 4658 8133 | longreachtourism.com.au

Warrego River, Augathella Warrego River, Augathella 4477 07 4654 5244 | experiencecharleville.com.au

Julia Creek Caravan Park Julia Street, Julia Creek 4823 07 4746 7108 | jccaravanpark.com.au

Wallaroo Outback Retreat 573 The Basin Rd, Injune, 4454 07 4626 3746 | wallaroooutbackretreat.com.au

Jundah Caravan Park Dickson Street, Jundah 4736 07 4658 6930 | barcoo.qld.gov.au/visit-barcoo

Western Star Hotel 15 Albert Sreet, Windorah 4481 07 4656 3166 | westernstarhotel.com.au

Lake Callide Retreat 119 Lake Callide Drive Biloela 07 4993 9010 | lakecallideretreat.com

Windorah Caravan Park Albert Street, Windorah 4481 07 4656 3063 | barcoo.qld.gov.au/visit-barcoo

Lakeview Caravan Park 109 Goldring Street, Richmond 4822 07 4741 3772 | richmondlakeviewcaravanpark.com.au

Yaraka Caravan Park Jarley Street, Yaraka 4731 07 4657 5526 | longreachtourism.com.au

Longreach Apex Park Apex Park, Longreach 4730 07 4658 4150 | longreachtourism.com.au

10 MILE ON THE WARREGO RIVER Charleville 4470 07 4654 3057 | experiencecharleville.com.au

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ACCREDITED VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES

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

Barcaldine Visitor Information Centre 149 Oak Street, Barcaldine P (07) 4651 1724 tourism@barc.qld.gov.au www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

BEDOURIE

Bedourie Outback Visitor Information Centre 17 Herbert Street, Bedourie P (07) 4746 1620 visitors@diamantina.qld.gov.au www.thediamantina.com.au

BILOELA

Rural Hinterland Visitor Information Centre 11 Exhibition Avenue, Biloela P (07) 4992 2400 rhvic@bigpond.com www.sandstonewonders.com

BIRDSVILLE

Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre 29 Burt Street, Birdsville P (07) 4564 2000 info@diamantina.qld.gov.au www.thediamantina.com.au

BOULIA

Min Min Encounter and Visitor Information Centre 25 Herbert Street, Boulia P (07) 4746 3386 tourism@boulia.qld.gov.au www.boulia.qld.gov.au

CHARLEVILLE

Charleville Visitor Information Centre Railway Station, King Street, Charleville P (07) 4654 3057 info@murweh.qld.gov.au www.experiencecharleville.com.au

CLONCURRY

MOUNT ISA

Cloncurry Unearthed Visitor Information Centre and Museum McIlwraith Street, Cloncurry P (07) 4742 1361 info@cloncurry.qld.gov.au www.cloncurry.qld.gov.au

Outback at Isa Visitor Information Centre 19 Marian Street, Mount Isa P (07) 4749 1555 info@outbackatisa.com.au www.outbackatisa.com.au

CUNNAMULLA

Quilpie Visitor Information Centre, Museum & Gallery 51 Brolga Street, Quilpie P (07) 4656 0540 tourism@quilpie.qld.gov.au www.visitquilpieshire.com

Cunnamulla Fella Centre 2 Jane Street, Cunnamulla P (07) 4655 8470 cunnamullainfo@paroo.qld.gov.au www.cunnamullatourism.com.au

HUGHENDEN

Hughenden Visitor Information Centre – Flinders Discovery Centre 37 Gray Street, Hughenden P (07) 4741 2970 info@flinders.qld.gov.au www.visithughenden.com.au

QUILPIE

RICHMOND

Richmond Visitor Information Centre, Kronosaurus Korner 91-93 Goldring Street, Richmond P (07) 4719 3390 enquiries@kronosauruskorner.com.au www.kronosauruskorner.com.au

INJUNE

Injune Visitor Information Centre 32 Hutton Street, Injune P (07) 4626 0503 tourism@maranoa.qld.gov.au www.mymaranoa.org.au

ROMA

Roma Visitor Information Centre 2 Riggers Road, Roma P (07) 4622 8676 tourism@maranoa.qld.gov.au www.mymaranoa.org.au

JULIA CREEK

Julia Creek Visitor Information Centre – ‘At the Creek’ 34 Burke Street, Julia Creek P (07) 4746 7690 tourism@mckinlay.qld.gov.au www.atthecreek.com.au

WINDORAH

Windorah Visitor Information Centre 7 Maryborough Street, Windorah P (07) 4656 3063 windorahinfo@barcoo.qld.gov.au www.barcoo.qld.gov.au

LONGREACH

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

WINTON

Winton Visitor Information Centre 50 Elderslie Street, Winton P 1300 665 115 vic@winton.qld.gov.au www.experiencewinton.com.au

For more information please call +61 400 812 350 or email admin@outbackqueensland.com.au

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