Outback Queensland Travellers' Guide 2018 by Vink Publishing

outback Q U E E N S L A N D

Live Australia’s Story MAPS – TOWN DETAILS – EVENTS – TRAVELLERS’ TIPS

W W W. O U T B A C K Q U E E N S L A N D . C O M . A U

CONTENTS General Information

Town Index

Qld Map...............................................................................2 Great Queensland Drives........................................4 Outback Events..............................................................6 Travellersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Tips................................................................8 Getting There............................................................... 10 National Parks........................................................... 103 Travel Directory.......................................................105 Accredited Visitor Information Centres...........................Back Cover

Adavale.............................................................................89 Alpha..................................................................................23 Amby..................................................................................63 Aramac..............................................................................23 Augathella......................................................................78

Regions SANDSTONE WONDERS........................................20 BARCALDINE REGION.............................................23 BARCOO SHIRE............................................................27 BLACKALL-TAMBO REGION................................ 31 BOULIA SHIRE...............................................................35 CLONCURRY SHIRE...................................................38 THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS..............................42 DIAMANTINA SHIRE.................................................44 FLINDERS SHIRE..........................................................48 LONGREACH REGION..............................................52 MARANOA REGION..................................................63 McKINLAY SHIRE.........................................................68 GULF SAVANNAH......................................................72 MOUNT ISA CITY........................................................ 74 MURWEH SHIRE..........................................................78 PAROO SHIRE................................................................85 QUILPIE SHIRE..............................................................89 RICHMOND SHIRE.....................................................93 WINTON SHIRE.............................................................97

Banana...............................................................................20 Baralaba............................................................................20 Barcaldine.......................................................................23 Bedourie...........................................................................44 Betoota.............................................................................44 Biloela................................................................................20 Birdsville...........................................................................44 Blackall.............................................................................. 31 Boulia.................................................................................35 Burke & Wills Junction...........................................38 Camooweal.................................................................... 74 Charleville.......................................................................78 Cheepie.............................................................................89 Cloncurry.........................................................................38 Cooladdi...........................................................................78 Corfield.............................................................................97 Cracow...............................................................................20 Cunnamulla...................................................................85 Dajarra...............................................................................38 Duchess............................................................................38 Dululu................................................................................20

Maxwelton.....................................................................93 McKinlay...........................................................................68 Middleton.......................................................................97 Mitchell.............................................................................63 Morven..............................................................................78 Mount Isa......................................................................... 74 Moura.................................................................................20 Muckadilla......................................................................63 Mungallala......................................................................63 Muttaburra.....................................................................23 Nelia....................................................................................68 Opalton.............................................................................97 Prairie.................................................................................48 Quamby............................................................................38 Quilpie...............................................................................89 Richmond........................................................................93 Roma...................................................................................63 Stamford..........................................................................48 Stonehenge...................................................................27 Surat....................................................................................63

Goovigen.........................................................................20

Tambo................................................................................ 31 Taroom..............................................................................20 Thangool.........................................................................20 Theodore.........................................................................20 Toompine........................................................................89 Torrens Creek................................................................48

Hughenden....................................................................48

Urandangie....................................................................35

Ilfracombe.......................................................................52 Injune.................................................................................63 Isisford...............................................................................52

Wallumbilla....................................................................63 Windorah.........................................................................27 Winton...............................................................................97 Wowan..............................................................................20 Wyandra...........................................................................85

Emmet...............................................................................52 Eromanga........................................................................89 Eulo......................................................................................85

Jackson.............................................................................63 Jambin...............................................................................20 Jericho...............................................................................23 Julia Creek.......................................................................68 Jundah...............................................................................27 Download a QR CODE READER to scan this image for more information

Longreach.......................................................................52

Kajabbi..............................................................................38 Kynuna..............................................................................68

Yaraka.................................................................................52 Yowah................................................................................85 Yuleba................................................................................63

Outback Queensland Travellers’ Guide – 2018/19

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 2018. 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 4610 Some photographs courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland, Charlie Ferguson, Matt Harvey, Murray Waite & Associates, Paul Ewant, Peter Lik and Simon Grimmett. Wildlife images courtesy of Angus Emmott. Front Cover Photo: Anita Jamieson – @wildheartadventuresaustralia – Thomson Developmental Rd Congratulations Anita Jamieson, the winner of the 2017 Outback Travellers’ Guide Photo Competition.

1 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

Mornington Island

Karumba

South Wellesley Islands

Sweers Is.

sealed unsealed

Weipa

Gunpowder

200

River

Croydon

148

Mi t

c h e ll

Ri ve r

380

Cobbold Gorge

148

108

Herbe

176 737

210 297 386 947 456 543 632 1193

226 472 682 456 858 1419 394 640 850 246 1026 1587

200

G Palm Island

134

Ayr

148°E

Townsville

Balgal Beach

Ingham

220 304 501 620

326 410 607 726

433 517 714 833

179 286 392 493 612 696 893 1012

Winton

355

534

641

1211

158 337 444 550 651 770 854 1051 1170

341 520 627 733 834 953 1037 1234 1353

524 703 810 916 1017 1136 1220 1417 1536

716 895 1002 1108 1209 1328 1412 1609 1728

787 966 1073 1179 1280 1399 1483 1680 1799

Karumba Normanton 71 263 Burke & Wills Junction 192 446 375 Cloncurry 183 366 629 558 Kynuna 183

Boulia

Rockhampton Barcaldine 580 Longreach 107 687 Winton 179 286 866

18°S

150°E

Kilometres

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 213 Mount Isa 188 Cloncurry 119 307 322 257 445 460 Julia Creek 138 287 406 594 609 Richmond 149 261 399 518 706 721 Hughenden 112 89 201 350 488 607 795 Torrens Creek 810 247 359 508 Charters Towers 158 646 765 953 968 292 381 493 642 780 899 1087 1102 Townsville 134

119 203 400 519

Longreach Barcaldine 107 213 Blackall 106 207 314 Tambo 101

Pacific Ocean

Mission Beach

Innisfail Cardwell

tR .

Tully

Ravenshoe

16°S

Gordonvale Babinda

Cairns

Port Douglas

Girringun NP The Lynd Junction Greenvale 52

Undara Volcanic NP

146°E

Cooktown

Atherton

Mount Garnet

Blackbraes 246 NP

225

89 650

Augathella 84 Charleville 281 Cunnamulla 197 316 400 Barringun 119

14°S

r ie

Daintree NP Mossman

Mareeba

Lakeland

Chillagoe

B Cape Melville NP

Rinyirru (Lakefield) NP

River

Mitchell Brisbane 561

Charleville 87 Morven

Windorah Quilpie 246

Birdsville Betoota 168

TRAVEL PLANNER

QUEENSLAND

12°S

10°S

Mount Surprise Georgetown

Einasleigh R. be rt

144°E

Yarraden

Coen

Archer River

Iron Range NP

Staaten River NP

MitchellAlice Rivers NP

Normanton

Jardine River NP

Thursday Island

Oyala Thumotang NP

142°E

Smithbur ne R

Gulf of Carpentaria

Outback Regions Gateways to the Outback

Non-Accredited Visitor Information Centre

Visitor Information Centre

Airport, Int’l Airport

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

Burketown Tiranna 93 77 18°S Domadgee 153 Boodjamulla 118 192 (Lawn Hill) Gregory Downs Adel’s Grove 105 NP 90 87 r Lawn Hill Rive 58 129 Gorge Burke & Wills Riversleigh Waggabundi Junction ry

16°S

14°S

12°S

10°S

LEGEND

140°E

Greg

Ri v e r

d R. Lyn

rdt

t r

ha Leich

a Gre Reef

k Burd e

a rm

112

rgi 115

244

Poeppel Corner

Betoota

30°S

Lake Eyre North

138°E

Marree

Lake Blanche

140°E

Merty Merty

Desert

Haddon Corner Sturt Stony Desert

168

a tin

110

114

144

Winton

Bladensburg NP 179

Corfield

Stamford

116

205

112

Aramac

Muttaburra

Forest Den NP

Moorrinya NP

Torrens Creek

248

Prairie

Hughenden 43

Richmond

360

Lake Dunn

Glenden

Clermont

Cameron Corner

110

Dig Tree

167

109

142°E

85 69

158

120

187

Barringun 137

177

lin a r 146°E

109

Injune

Taroom

210

St George

113

210

148°E

203

Moonie

150°E

Hervey Bay

Ipswich Coolangatta

Gatton

28°S

BRISBANE

Nambour

Maroochydore Caloundra Caboolture Bongaree

Gympie 26°S Tewantin

Maryborough

Fraser Island

Casino

152°E

154°E

30°S

Yamba

Ballina

Coffs Harbour

Glen Innes Grafton Inverell

Tenterfield

Lismore

Warwick Tweed Heads Murwillumbah Stanthorpe Byron Bay

Armidale

Narrabri

Moree

123

Dalby

127

Kingaroy

Toowoomba

113

129

Tara

Miles

Chinchilla

Mundubbera Gayndah

Childers

Gin Gin

Monto

Eidsvold Biggenden

Theodore

Goondiwindi Lightning Ridge Brewarrina Walgett

180

Nindigully

195

Surat

Dirranbandi 66 Hebel Mungindi

Bollon

Morgan

Wandoan

Mungallala Mitchell 46 42 Roma Morven 45 Yuleba Tregole 44 Muckadilla 141Wallumbilla

A2 87

Yeppoon

22°S

This map is indicative only. Please obtain detailed road maps of the areas you plan to visit before you leave.

152°E

Seventeen Seventy 24°S Agnes Waters Biloela Moura Banana Kroombit Miriam Vale Tops NP A1 Bundaberg Baralaba

196

20°S

Rockhampton Gladstone Mount

Duaringa A4

Salvator Carnarvon Rosa Kaka NP A7 Nuga Mundi Nuga Isla R. NP Gorge Mt Moffatt Expedition NP 192 ar r 106 NP

Augathella

209

Bourke Rive r g

SOUTH

217

122

Yowah Cunnamulla

Toompine Wyandra

Cooladdi

119

Tambo

101

Charleville

WALES 144°E

NEW

215

Cheepie

Adavale

247

Blackall

Lake 131 Eulo 68 Bindegolly NP 122 Currawinya 164 NP Hungerford

Quilpie

Eromanga

Thargomindah

Tibooburra

191

161

Noccundra

180

50 NP

114

Emmet

Idalia Yaraka NP

Stonehenge 102

Jundah Welford

Windorah

109

104

Sarina

Tieri Middlemount

281

Nebo

Dysart

Moranbah

Sutt er

Mackay

Airlie Beach Hamilton Island

Bowen

Proserpine Collinsville Lake A1 Dalrymple

Porcupine Balfe’s Creek Charters Gorge White 158 A6 Towers NP Mtns Homestead NP Pentland

Capella 52 125 Rubyvale Ilfracombe Barcaldine Emerald Opalton D Sapphire 53 76 Longreach 27 131 A4 . 80 R 87 Jericho Alpha 168 Lake A l i ce Blackwater ve r 168 i Diamantina Lochern R 151 Maraboon 67 Lark NP NP Springsure Quarry Isisford 46 44

118

150

Maxwelton

Combo Waterhole CP 164

115

Julia Creek Nelia 50R. 44

F lin de

Kynuna

Middleton

209

Astrebla NP

Lake Machattie

106

McKinlay

253

101

113

229

Strzelecki

Birdsville

164

119

SOUTH Innamincka 28°S Kati AUSTRALIA Thanda -

26°S

191

Boulia

146

Dajarra

C lo ncu

Cloncurry A6134

Quamby

Duchess

149

Bedourie

MungaThirri NP

24°S

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

22°S

Urandangie

Alpurrurulam

Mount Isa

Camooweal Caves NP

R. rry 235

i am an

Kajabbi

e ek

Co ope r

oms on

Camooweal

roo R .

Wi lson

Ward River

20°S

W Ri v er

NORTHERn TERRITORY

Bely and o

R iver

e go

Ne b ine

n R.

rs l g oa Bi R . rrie

Coen

Cape York Peninsula

Lakeland

Cooktown

Gre a

Muttaburra Aramac

W nd a l

Isisford

Clermont Capella Blackwater

y Wa

apri corn Way Emerald Mt Morgan M Springsure

Rubyvale Sapphire Barcaldine Jericho Anakie Longreach Alpha Ilfracombe C

Winton

Belyando Crossing

Mackay Sarina

t Coa s c i if

Boulia

Middleton

n tI

Corfield

c Pa

Dajarra

Cloncurry Overlander ’s Way Hughenden Kynuna McKinlay

Mount Isa

Yeppoon

Great Keppel Island Gladstone

Rockhampton

Adventure Way

LEGEND

Warrego Way

Savannah Way

Pacific Coast Way

Overlander’s Way

Matilda Way

Leichhardt Way

Great Inland Way

Capricorn Way

Australia’s Country Way

GREAT QUEENSLAND DRIVES

Port Douglas Palm Cove G Cairns Chillagoe Kuranda R E Mareeba A Atherton To Broome Karumba T Innot Hot Springs Innisfail Mt Garnet Ravenshoe Burketown Mt Surprise Tully Normanton Georgetown Hinchinbrook Croydon Island Sav a nn ah Way Ingham Lawn Hill Gorge/ Forsayth Magnetic Island Boodjamulla Greenvale Townsville Burke and Wills To Tennant Creek Junction Whitsunday Camooweal Charters Towers Islands Bowen Airlie Beach Julia Creek Richmond Prairie

Weipa

Bamaga

R IE

Port Augusta

Betoota

Eromanga

Windorah

Adelaide

Willows Gemfields Carnarvon Gorge

Melbourne

Seymour

Shepparton

Bollon

Theodore

Rolleston

Grffith

West Wyalong

Forbes

Ne Yass

Armidale

Mudgee

Gilgandra

Canberra

Mittagong

Bathurst

Coffs Harbour

Grafton

Port Macquarie

Newcastle

Le Taree

For more information on these routes and driving holidays please visit queensland.com/drive

This map only highlights Great Queensland Drives and does not include any regional routes or local drives.

This map is for promotional use only, there are many more roads connecting Queensland’s great destinations – for gazetted road names and accurate details please refer to a quality touring map.

Sydney

Scone

Tamworth

Stanthorpe

Gold Coast

Brisbane

Sunshine Coast

Gympie

Bundaberg Fraser Island Hervey Bay Maryborough

Lady Elliott Island

Tenterfield

Warwick

Toowoomba

Dalby

Kingaroy

Gayndah

Coonabarabran

Narrabri

Orange

Dubbo

Biloela

Mungindi Moree Glen Innes

Goondiwindi

Coonamble W Gulargambone

Walgett

Dirranbandi Hebel Lightning Ridge

Nyngan

Narrandera Tocumwal

Sturt H w y

Cobar

Bourke

Barringun

Eulo

Barrier Hwy

Broken Hill

Augathella Injune Adavale Charleville Wa rreg o Way Roma Quilpie Morven Mitchell Cooladdi Miles Surat Wyandra Moonie St George Cunnamulla

Noccundra Thargomindah

Dig Tree Adventure Wa Innamincka y

Birdsville

d Blackall Yaraka Tambo

w e

Stonehenge Jundah

Bedourie

wy w

E n gla nd

lH tchel

Kidman Way

Inl a nd d

Great ay gen

Mi oa s t

Leic hardt Way h

ary P acific C

ay aW

ll H

tra us

ntry Way Cou s a’

OUTBACK QUEENSLAND’S

2018

EVENTURES

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

MARCH

ROMA’S EASTER IN THE COUNTRY 29th March – 2nd April 2018

APRIL

JULIA CREEK DIRT N DUST FESTIVAL 13th – 15th April 2018 WINTON’S WAY OUT WEST FEST 19th – 22nd April 2018

MAY

BARCALDINE TREE OF KNOWLEDGE FESTIVAL 4th – 7th May 2018 EULO MUSIC IN THE MULGA 17th – 20th May 2018

JUNE

THEODORE TRAIL RIDE 9th – 10th June 2018 PORCUPINE GORGE CHALLENGE 16th June 2018 WINTON VISION SPLENDID OUTBACK FILM FESTIVAL 29th – 7th July 2018

JULY

BIRDSVILLE BIG RED BASH 10th – 12th July 2018 CLONCURRY STOCKMAN’S CHALLENGE 12th – 15th July 2018 BEDOURIE CAMEL RACES 14th July 2018 BOULIA CAMEL RACES 20th – 22nd July 2018 BILOELA QUEENSLAND HERITAGE RALLY 20th – 22nd July 2018

AUGUST

CLONCURRY CURRY MERRY MUSTER 3rd – 5th August 2018 MOUNT ISA RODEO: 60TH ANNIVERSARY 9th – 12th August 2018 CUNNAMULLA FELLA FESTIVAL 24th – 26th August 2018 CAMOOWEAL DROVERS CAMP FESTIVAL 24th – 26th August 2018 BLACKALL 150th CELEBRATIONS & BLACKALL HEARTLAND FESTIVAL 24th August – 2nd September 2018 MITCHELL CAMEL & PIG RACES 25th August 2018 WINDORAH INTERNATIONAL YABBY RACES 29th August 2018 BIRDSVILLE RACES 31st August – 1st September 2018

SEPTEMBER

CHARLEVILLE BILBY FESTIVAL 8th – 9th September 2018

OCTOBER

LAKE MOONDARRA FISHING CLASSIC 26th - 28th October 2018

For more information about outback events please visit outbackqueensland.com.au or call 07 4650 1274

OUTENBSALACNKD

QUE TURES EVEN .com.au

and queensl outback

TRAVELLERS’ TIPS

Indigenous Australians have long held the view that the landscape is the core of all spirituality, the spirit of ‘country’. When travelling in Outback Queensland we ask you to please acknowledge and respect the values and beliefs of the custodians of the land.

Please be mindful when travelling in Outback Queensland that it’s different to driving elsewhere – road hazards such as livestock, long distances and flat terrain can take a little getting used to. Welcome to road trip country – wide open roads, big blue skies and endless horizons, could it get any better? Whether you’re a seasoned outback adventurer or a firsttime traveller, check out these travellers’ tips to make your journey from A to B safe and enjoyable. n A dhere to the road rules and speed limits as signed.

n You’ll find mobile coverage in most towns with the Telstra network. Coverage is limited on the road between towns so you may wish to use a satellite phone. n Take care when towing a caravan, camper trailer or boat on outback roads. Make sure you have balanced your load correctly and your vehicle is equipped to tow the load.

n T ake care when sharing the roads with road trains and heavy vehicles, particularly on gravel roads or single lane bitumen. Please respect heavy vehicles and move as far left as possible, or pull over while they pass to avoid stone damage to your windscreen. If you have a radio, listen to UHF 40 for any extra information or instructions from one driver to another. n B e wary of livestock and wildlife. Slow down, don’t swerve. Wildlife are most active at dawn and dusk and enjoy grazing on the edges of the roads.

Celebrating 30 Years Experience CAPE YORK & TORRES STRAIT LEGENDARY LONGREACH & WINTON OUTBACK OVERLANDER BIRDSVILLE DESERT ESCAPE JOURNEY OF THE GULF SAVANNAH CORNER COUNTRY EXPLORER

P: 1300 78 78 90

www.outbackaussietours.com.au 8 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

T R A V E L L E R S ’

Where possible, time your drive to the middle of the day, and if you do have to drive in twilight, please take extra caution. Bullbars are recommended. n R oad conditions can vary greatly in the Outback. Surfaces can change quickly from bitumen to gravel, sand or mud, with hazards like soft edges, corrugations, potholes and undulating surfaces. Be cautious, reduce speed and avoiding heavy braking where possible and drive to the prevailing conditions. n C heck the weather before you hit the roads, especially if you’re venturing on to dirt tracks. If there’s been recent rain make sure to check road closures and the local driving conditions with the local Information Centre. Visit the Queensland Government Traffic and Travel Information Website www.131940.qld.gov.au or call 13 19 40 for current road conditions. Finding alternate routes or deferring your trip an extra day may save you time in the long run.

T I P S

n M ake sure to take a break. With vast landscapes, long distances and the odd mirage to contend with, the journey can be just as exciting as the destination. As a rule of thumb, take breaks every couple of hours to ensure you stay alert for possible obstacles. Every time you have to fuel up, use the opportunity to explore the local town. n C heck your distances and plan ahead. As you head west, towns become few and far between. Check the driving distances between each town to ensure you have enough fuel and supplies before continuing your journey.

n H elp us keep the Outback beautiful for future visitors by properly disposing of your rubbish.

n M any outback roads run through private property or national parks, so fires should never be lit. Use only designated fire places if you want to have a camp fire.

n F or local knowledge on roads, weather and things to do, please contact the local Visitor Information Centre. Contact details are listed at the back of the guide.

Discover Queensland’s unique spirit as you journey into its rugged outback aboard enduring favourite, the Spirit of the Outback. Connect with fellow travellers or simply enjoy the view, as you delight in the chef-prepared meals and camaraderie. Sit back and watch the world outside your window change from bustling Brisbane to laidback Longreach.

Visit queenslandrailtravel.com.au or see your local travel agent

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GETTING THERE RAIL

Serviced by rail, air and bus routes – and a popular self-drive destination; the Outback is more accessible than ever. Go off the beaten track, take the road less travelled and explore Queensland’s Outback.

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 lounge car or delve into hearty Australian fare in the dining car. From the comfort of your seat or sleeper, 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 spirit of Outback Queensland with a journey onboard 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 await you 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.

Away from the coast, there’s a world of discovery and adventure ahead. Step aboard The Inlander to Mount Isa or The Westlander to Charleville and explore another part of Queensland’s vast outback.

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.

Visit queenslandrailtravel.com.au or see your local travel agent

Allow Queensland Rail Travel to plan your next ultimate rail journey by calling 1800 627 655 or visit www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au. 10

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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

G E T T I N G

AIR One of the best views of the Outback is from above. Take to the air and maximise your time on the ground to tick off as many experiences as you can west of the Great Dividing Range. Flying can make a weekend out of your Outback adventure, perfect for those Outback events or short Outback getaways. After all, driving isn’t for everyone.

Qantas The local saying is that Qantas was conceived in Cloncurry, born in Winton and grew up in Longreach. For those who want to get to the Outback fast, take flight daily from Brisbane to Roma, Charleville, Longreach or Mount Isa. For bookings and/or more information call 13 13 13 or visit www.qantas.com.au

REX REX has its roots firmly in the bush and country Australia. With decades of experience in servicing the bush by air, REX has connecting flights from Brisbane, Toowoomba, Townsville and Cairns to Outback destinations including Bedourie, Boulia, Birdsville, Charleville, Cunnamulla, Julia Creek, Longreach, Mount Isa, Quilpie, Richmond and Windorah.

T H E R E

to over 80 iconic Outback locations. Enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and sunsets as you pass by historic Outback towns. For information on coach services and bookings visit www.busqld.com.au.

SELF DRIVE There’s nothing quite like driving the Outback’s great open road as the sun sets over the horizon; so jump in your car, 4WD or caravan and get set for an adventure. It’s now easier than ever to reach the Outback by road, as bitumen roads replace the tracks formerly taken by horse drawn coaches and early Australian explorers. The well maintained highways and mostly sealed roads will connect you between the Outback towns and make travelling through the region easier than most would think. For those in search of an off-the-beatentrack 4WD experience, take an alternate route between towns and follow the nature tracks and back roads to explore this remarkable part of Australia. The journey is yours for the making. Retrace the tracks of Cobb & Co, as you traverse the unique and fascinating

For bookings and/or more information call 13 17 13 or visit www.rex.com.au

COACH Enjoy the beauty of an Outback road trip without doing all the driving. Travelling by bus to the Outback is easier and more comfortable than ever with Bus Queensland. They’ll connect you with adventures and once-in-a-lifetime experiences from Brisbane and Townsville 12 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

Adventure Way. The journey from Brisbane to Innamincka will reward you with vivid sunrises and sunsets, and night skies with millions of stars. From Cunnamulla to Karumba, waltz the 1812km long Matilda Way. Taking you through the heart of Queensland to The Gulf, you’ll find the ‘real Outback’ filled with friendly characters, unique attractions and unspoiled natural sites. From the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef to the rugged rocky outcrops of north-west Queensland and into the Northern Territory, the Overlander’s Way takes you through architecturally rich historic towns, dinosaur centres and to some of the world’s most quirky events; without even leaving the bitumen. The Warrego Way will lead you from Brisbane to the iconic Outback town of Birdsville. The mostly sealed bitumen roads will take you to new and exciting places, from ancient lands to Outback pubs, with plenty of friendly faces along the way. Leave the ‘big smoke’ behind and hit the road for Australia’s Country Way, Great Inland Way or Leichhardt Way. Explore kilometres of crops and grazing stock flank the road, interrupted by stunning natural formations and welcoming towns.

F OR F U R T

Not settled on a route yet? Take one of our major drive routes:

Some other great routes for an adventure:

Adventure Way (Brisbane to Adelaide via Innamincka)

Australia’s Dinosaur Trail (Winton, Richmond and Hughenden)

Australia’s Country Way (Sydney to Rockhampton) Capricorn Way (Rockhampton to Barcaldine) Leichhardt Way (Melbourne to Yeppoon) Great Inland Way (Sydney to Cooktown)

Birdsville Track (Marree, SA to Birdsville) Dig the Tropic (Yeppoon to Boulia)

H E R IN FOR M AT ION A BOU T V IS IT ING OU T BACK QU E E N S L A ND

P: 07 4 6 5 0 1274 E: ad m in@ outbackq u eensland .c w w w.outba om .au ckq ueensl and .com .a u #outbackq ueensland instag ram .com /outb ackq ueensl youtu be.co a nd m /user/ou w w w.faceb tbackqld ook.com /o utbackq ue ensland

The Dowling Track (Bourke to Quilpie)

Matilda Way (Cunnamulla to Kurumba)

Natural Sciences Loop (Charleville, Cunnamulla, Thargomindah, Eromanga and Quilpie)

Overlander’s Way (Townsville to Tennant Creek)

The Outback Way (Winton to Laverton, WA)

Warrego Way (Brisbane to Birdsville)

The Sunset Way (Surat to Tara)

For more information on drive routes and suggested itineraries visit www.outbackqueensland.com.au

CONNECTING REGIONAL QUEENSLAND

13 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

Where the wonders of our world collide

of opals forged by an ancient land. the milky way. Dazzled by vivid colours with ze abla s skie t nigh by ck stru Be star r distilled by earth since time began. saurs ruled the plains. Quenched by wate dino n whe ts, gian of age the to back Flung for you to discover Millions of years in the making, waiting Natural Sciences Loop Roadâ&#x20AC;Ś Queenslandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Outback

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

BULLOO SHIRE r Information Centre Thargomindah Visito Echidna Place mindah 37 Dowling Street, Thargo P (07) 4621 8095 ov. au tourism@bulloo.qld.g m.au .co ism our got har w.t ww

MURWEH SHIRE Charleville Visitor Information Centre Milky Way, Charleville P (07) 4654 3057 tourism@murweh.qld.gov.au www.murweh.qld.gov.au

PAROO SHIRE Cunnamulla Fella Centre 22 Jane Street, Cunnamulla P (07) 4655 8470 cunnamullainfo@paroo.qld.gov.au www.paroo.info

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

Stamford

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

Discover National Parks, exceptional food and wine, country hospitality and outback characters. Download full itineraries from bigskycountrydrives.com

Carnarvon Gorge Mini Break

DAYS

Granite Belt Mini Break

DAYS

CARNARVON GORGE

Outback Queensland

BUNYA MOUNTAINS NP

QUEENSLAND

Injune Roma

Miles

QUEENSLAND

STANTHORPE GIRRAWEEN NP

TOOWOOMBA N E W S O U T H WA L E S N E W S O U T H WA L E S

DAYS

Gourmet Country and Outback

DAYS

QUEENSLAND BUNYA MOUNTAINS NP Kingaroy Jimbour Blackbutt Woodford Bell Dalby Jondaryan

ROMA

Mitchell

ST GEORGE CUNNAMULLA

TOOWOOMBA

Nobby Allora Warwick

NSW NSW

Warwick

BRISBANE

Adventure Way Discovery

BRISBANE

Chinchilla

Dalby

CHARLEVILLE

Southern Queensland Country

QLD

Mitchell ROMA BONUS DOWNS

QUEENSLAND Miles

Esk

BRISBANE

TOOWOOMBA

ST GEORGE

BRISBANE

Chinchilla

Nindigully

Goondiwindi

Killarney STANTHORPE

N E W S O U T H WA L E S N E W S O U T H WA L E S

Big Sky National Parks

DAYS

Stations & Dinosaurs

DAYS

CARNARVON GORGE

Winton

QUEENSLAND Roma Surat ST GEORGE

Miles BUNYA MOUNTAINS NP

Maidenwell Chinchilla Dalby Ravensbourne NP BRISBANE TOOWOOMBA Inglewood Warwick Stanthorpe GIRRAWEEN NP

Cross Country To Outback

DAYS

MOUNT ISA Cloncurry WINTON

Tambo CHARLEVILLE Dalby Jondaryan EROMANGA Mitchell ROMA Miles BRISBANE BONUS DOWNS TOOWOOMBA

ROMA

Dalby Jondaryan BRISBANE

TOOWOOMBA BALLANDEAN

Warwick GIRRAWEEN NP

GIRRAWEEN NP

N E W S O U T H WA L E S

Queensland Big Sky Events

DAYS QUEENSLAND Barcaldine

Barcaldine QUEENSLAND Blackall Tambo Miles

Barcaldine Blackall

Quilpie

WINTON

To Brisbane

LONGREACH

CHARLEVILLE

QUEENSLAND

LONGREACH

LONGREACH Blackall

TAMBO CHARLEVILLE

EMERALD BILOELA

Mitchell Miles ROMA

Eidsvold KINGAROY

Dalby Jondaryan BRISBANE TOOWOOMBA

N E W S O U T H WA L E S

bigskycountrydrives.com

GIRRAWEEN NP

Mornington Island

Port Douglas Kuranda Mareeba

T E R R I T O R Y

Sweers Island Karumba

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

Normanton 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 Camooweal

Kajabbi Julia Creek

Quamby

N O R T H E R N

Mount Isa Cloncurry

Kynuna

Richmond

Combo Waterhole

Middleton

Boulia

Mackay Moorinya National Park Moranbah

Muttaburra

The Australian Age of Dinosaurs

Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways

Bedourie

Proserpine

Torrens Creek

Prairie

Winton

Clermont

Aramac

Ilfracombe Longreach

Diamantina National Park

Charters Towers Homestead

Corﬁeld

Bladensburg National Park

Plan an epic road trip in North West Queensland

Bowen

Balfes Creek

Hughenden

Stamford

McKinlay

Dajarra

Porcupine Pentland Gorge

Maxwelton

Nelia

Duchess Urandangie

Gordonvale

Atherton

Burketown Doomadgee

Cairns

Capella

Jericho

Barcaldine

Emerald

Alpha

Blackall

Stonehenge

Emmet

Both routes

Rockhampton

FULLY SEALED

Gladstone

Rolleston

Tambo

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

ROMA

MILES

Boulia CHINCHILLA

S UR AT

G LE NM O R G A N

Alice Springs

CO N D A M I N E

Yulara

TA R A M E A NDA R R A

Warakurna

T HE GU M S

Warburton

HA NNA FO R D ST GEORGE

GOONDIWINDI

riverside camping & fishing anzac museum cobb & co aussie treasures vintage garage native botanic garden Download FREE MAP at

SUNSE T WAY.COM. A U @sunsetwayqld #sunsetwayqld

18 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

BRISBANE

ADELAIDE

Windorah Q U E E N S L A N D

Quilpie

Charleville

308

HWA Y

TRY W AY

Warwick

HIG

I LD AH

Bourke N E W

IT Y RC

S IL VE

128

BRISBANE

COU N

TR KI

511 Port Pirie

Millmerran

Toowoomba

Moree

Broken Hill

Hawker Quorn

Unsealed Road

Westmar

Parachilna 300

338

Moonie T HW Y

Hungerford

Dalby 292

ARD

Tibooburra

Leigh Creek South

Port Augusta

LIN

163

St George

197 Eulo

TR A

L ZE

215

Surat

C A R N A RV

469

Lyndhurst

Chinchilla Jandowae Bell Jimbour

Condamine 291

Miles

110

Wyandra

Thargomindah Cunnamulla

124 Noccundra

179

Marree

161 Toompine Nockatunga

MAT

189

Roma

KI D M A N WAY

Innamincka

Dig Tree

Mitchell

108

Eromanga

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

S O U T H

W A L E S

he Adventure Way takes you from Brisbane to Adelaide via Queenslandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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

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 Centre P: (07) 4620 8877 E: vic@balonne.qld.gov.au

Sheep S

hearing

, Cunna

mulla

e River

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

Of the great moments in your outback journey, the highways and byways of the Sandstone Wonders will fill your days with some of the most memorable experiences. Incorporating the communities of Banana, Biloela, Baralaba, Dululu and Wowan, Goovigen, Jambin and Thangool, Moura, Taroom, Cracow and Theodore; the simple pleasures of life are easily found here.

Main Photo: Overlooking Dawson River Caption Style and Apex Park

Find Banana Shire From Gladstone to Biloela, 120km From Rockhampton to Dululu, 70km From Bundaberg to Cracow, 320km From Roma to Banana, 280km

smile. You can find yourself chuckling for days over something someone said. It’s just that kind of place.

Surrounded in Sandstone Country, the Banana Shire is located 120km west of Gladstone and 560km north-west of Brisbane. There’s a lot to love about the region and even more to see and do.

Hard work goes with the territory. Agriculture and mining are the big industries, in that order too. The region was built on the sweat and toil of pioneers, pastoralists, food growers, geologists, engineers and miners. Talk seems to revolve around the weather, the latest prices at the sales yards or stock markets, and just to break things up, what’s good fishing at the time.

The people of the region are salt of the earth types. Genuine and open, they tell you how it is, usually with dry wit and a wry

The lifestyle is laid back. Family and community orientated, activities centre around fishing and camping, sports

Get to know the laid-back lifestyle

20 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

Kroombit Tops Lookout

S A N D S T O N E

85 (56)

Hwy

ws n Baralaba

son Daw

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Expedit

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A1 120 (85) n Hwy so

29 (21) A3

Town Populations Biloela............ 5758 Taroom........... 869 Banana........... 356 Moura............ 1786 Goovigen....... 215 Jambin............ 55

Thangool........ 741 Theodore....... 438 Cracow........... 89 Baralaba......... 314 Dululu............ 126 Wowan........... 216

Daw so n

50 (36) 73

Cracow

Precipice NP

96 (62)

ver Ri Taroom A5

Injune

150°E

Gorge NP A3 H wy 83 (57) Monto

ett

AGorge NP 7

Gladstone

Da Dan Dan Goovigen NP Jambin 60

A Theodore

N Isla

134 (94)

Expedition (Limited Depth) NP

ange nR

49 (38)

wso

Hwy Carna r v on

174 (119)

25°S

A5 76 (48) 42 (26)

Curtis Island NP

Rundle Range NP

Biloela

Hwy (36)

95 (58) A7 Nuga Nuga NP

Kroombit Tops NP Banana 13 (10) 46 (32) Dawes Moura Thangool NP Bu 20 59 r (16) (39) 60 n Cania

nge

Range

Rolleston

A5 80 (66) 39 t Dululu (28) Wowan 46 (29)

Blackdown o 122 (91) Tableland NP

150°E

A4 Duaringa

Hwy

Blackwater

Leich ha Hwy rd

Capricorn

W O N D E R S

25°S

A3 Banana

73 Eidsvold 94 A3 (69) Road key: sealed unsealed

Journey key: 0

kms (mins)

48 (30)

Kilometres

and social clubs, festivals and events. The seasons govern what goes on and everything fits around them.

there is half the fun. You can spend days exploring the national parks and waterways. Take your time, no rush.

That makes for a busy events calendar with festivals, carnivals and competitions scheduled between March and October. The locals really know how to celebrate; they’ve got a lot to be happy about and any weekend, take your pick, there’s bound to be something on.

Sandstone Wonders

With valleys, rivers and creeks and high mountain ranges, the Sandstone Wonders are not just a fantastic attraction – getting

Sprawled across almost 28,000km2, the immense and diverse landscapes of the Sandstone Wonders region are nothing short of awe-inspiring. Bastions of a world before time, more than 25 mountain ranges make up the area and for its sheer size and scale, it’s known as ‘the roof of Queensland’.

Expedition Na

WHAT'S 31 M A RCH

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S A N D S T O N E

W O N D E R S

Several ranges fall within easy distance of townships that skirt the Dawson and Leichhardt Highways; these include Isla Gorge National Park, Lake Murphy Regional Park, Expedition National Park, Kroombit Tops National Park and Nathan Gorge. Each park bears its own remarkable features and landmarks. The diversity of flora and fauna, even within a single park, is just as impressive as topographical conditions differ and change. You’ll want to see them all!

Now this is Fishing Fishing the rivers and lakes isn’t just about the beauties you bring up from the bottom – the fat freshwater catch of barra, perch, saratoga, cod and yellowbelly, it’s also the thrill of the chase.

Callide Dam Fis

hing Competit

ion

Fishing on Calli

de Creek

"Going fishing here is the start of big adventures"

While you’re at it, you’ll discover the region and get to know all its parts. The people you meet and places you visit will become familiar friends and keep you coming back. You’ll travel the length and breadth of the region. Stop into towns to buy bait and extra kit. Talk to the locals, pick up on the tips and traps. Find your way across steep ranges, down gullies and on boggy bush tracks. At the end of each exploit, you’ll be far away from anywhere, under a starlit sky, perched by a camp fire, the spoils of the day cooking over the open flames. You’ll shake your head as you relish the moment, a broad smile across your face and almost in disbelief say, ‘This is the life!’ And the best part of it all, you’ll be right. ❖

Visitor Information Centres Rural Hinterland Visitor Information Centre

Theodore Visitor Information Centre

Exhibition Avenue, Biloela 07 4992 2400 rhvic@bigpond.com www.ruralhinterlandvic.com.au

72 The Boulevard, Theodore 07 4993 1900

Biloela Visitor Information Centre

10 Yaldwyn Street, Taroom 07 4638 6113 tdda-imc@bigpond.com

Callide Street, Biloela 07 4992 2405 marilyn@biloinfo.com

Biloela Customer Service Centre

62 Valentine Plains Road, Biloela 07 4992 9500 tourism@banana.qld.gov.au www.sandstonewonders.com 22 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

Taroom Visitor Information Centre

Moura Administration, Tourism Visitor Information Centre

43 Gillespie Street, Moura 07 4992 9500

BARCALDINE REGION — Artesian Country —

A visit to the Barcaldine Region is more than a trip through the outback, it’s a chance to live like a local. Immerse yourself in the lifestyle and culture of each of the towns – Alpha, Jericho, Barcaldine, Aramac and Muttaburra. Steeped in history and culture, each has a story to tell, an experience to share and a section of the Great Artesian Basin waiting to be explored.

Find Barcaldine From Rockhampton, 580km From Charleville, 410km From Cloncurry, 645km

Alpha Gateway of the West Named after an early property in the area, Alpha quickly established itself as a service town for railway construction workers. Take a leisurely walk around the ‘Town of Murals’ and view the 28 murals Alpha has to offer. The murals have been painted by local resident artists and beautifully pay tribute to the pioneers of the bush and the history of the district. You can soak up Alpha’s history at the Jane Neville Rolfe Art Gallery, the Tivoli Theatre Museum, the New Bridge, Beta Hut, Settlers Park and the Fossilised Forest Sculpture.

Jericho On the banks of the Jordan

Main Photo: Tree of Knowledge Precinct, Barcaldine PC: Louise Gronold Imagery

The tranquil and charming township of Jericho is situated on the banks of the Jordan River, south of Lake Galilee. It was originally settled when the railway line reached the banks of the Jordan River in 1885. Take a stroll down the main street and stop by the Crystal Trumpeters. The structure was created by local historians to tell the story of how Joshua won the battle of Jericho. Time your visit with the once a month double feature showing at the smallest operating drive-in theatre in Australia, then spend a night or two camping along the serene banks of the Jordan River at Redbank Park. Bring along your fishing rods and binoculars as it’s a great place to cast a line and bird watch. 23 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

Fossilised Fore st Sculpture, Al pha PC: Louise Gron old Imager y

B A R C A L D I N E

kms (mins)

A R T E S I A N

Mount Coolon

Nairana NP

48 (30)

146°E 0

Forest Den NP

Kilometres

d .R ev ry D go Gre

sealed unsealed

—

A7 Blackwood

Moorrinya NP

Road key: Journey key:

R E G I O N

Mazeppa NP

C O U N T R Y

Town Populations Alpha............. 350 Jericho........... 100 Barcaldine...... 1500 Aramac.......... 300 Muttaburra..... 100

Barcaldine

Muttaburra

g ou or sb nd La h

67 (47) 19

Ilfracombe 27 (19)

80 (49)

Barcaldine

h Landsb oroug

Isisford

Capricorn

R. Alice

86 (55) 107 (69) A2

Lochern NP

Welford NP

22°S

Ba r ca ld in e

y Hw

Longreach

Cudmore NP

Aramac

22°S

Stonehenge

Narrien Range NP

85 (59)

Jericho

Hwy Alpha

55 (36)

166 (171)

124 (90)

146°E

Blackall

Idalia NP

Hwy

Carnarvon NP

Harry Redford Cattle Drive, Aramac PC: Barcaldine Regional Council Camping on the banks of the Jordan River, Jericho PC: Louise Gronold Imagery

Barcaldine Garden City of the West

Aramac Home of the White Bull

‘Barcy’ as it’s affectionately known by the locals, has an interesting and famous history. The name Barcaldine originates from the Oban region in Scotland and is pronounced BAR CALL DIN.

One of the oldest towns in the central west, Aramac was originally known as the Marathon. The town was later renamed after Robert Ramsay Mackenzie, the first explorer to the area who carved his name (R R Mac) on a tree, which was found by the explorer William Landsborough and the name Aramac was born.

The town is home to the Tree of Knowledge, the reputed birthplace of the labour movement in Australia. The award winning structure gives the illusion of a canopy over the tree. A night time visit will be a highlight of your trip, with the tree beautifully lit. Barcaldine is a great place to spend a few days experiencing, exploring and relaxing. Its rich history is on full display at the Barcaldine and District Historical Museum and the Australian Worker’s Heritage Centre. The main street reflects the town’s love of arts and culture with murals, musical instruments and beautiful gardens. Take a stroll along Lagoon Creek or the Botanical Walk and be mesmerised by the native fauna and flora. 24 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

While in town visit the Harry Redford Interpretive Centre and learn about the infamous Harry Redford (Captain Starlight) and how a distinctive white bull was his undoing. Explore the Tramway Museum, where you can see the Aunt Emma RN28 rail motor and memorabilia from the early years of settlement. Get off the beaten track and make your way to Lake Dunn, Gray Rock, Horsetailer’s Gorge and the Healing Circle. Along the way watch out for the 30 metal sculptures that make up the Lake Dunn Sculpture Trail.

Barb the Din osaur, Mutta burra PC: Louise G ronold Imag er y

Barcaldine Country Motor Inn 1 Box Street, Barcaldine P 07 4651 1488 F 07 4651 1847 E countrymotorinn@bigpond.com Barcaldine Country Motor Inn has the best position in town, friendly staff and large country homecooked meals. 20 air-conditioned ground floor units all with undercover car parking and fully concreted driveways. Within walking distance to local tourist attractions.

ke Dunn along the La ks sculpture ic ager y ch Im of ld st ne no Gro Eagle and . PC: Louise ac am Ar l, ai Sculpture Tr

Visitor Information Centres Muttaburra Meeting of the waters Muttaburra derives its name from the local Aboriginal tribe of Mootaburra which means ‘the meeting of waters’ – which is most appropriate as the town is situated close to a number of intersecting waterways. Take your pick of camping and fishing spots along the Thomson and Landsborough Rivers where you can enjoy the view and get active with some water sports. Sitting smack bang in the middle of Queensland, Muttaburra is the geographic centre of the state. The town’s most famous moment was when local grazier Doug Langdon uncovered the fossilised skeleton of a dinosaur. The Muttaburrasaurus Langdoni was a land living, plant eating dinosaur that roamed the earth 100 million years ago. The discovery of the skeleton was the first of its kind in Australia and is celebrated with an impressive statue located in the new Muttaburrasaurus Interpretation Centre. ❖

Alpha Tourist Information Centre

Rowley Roberts Tourist Information Centre 43-45 Shakespeare Street, Alpha 07 4985 1050

Jericho Tourist Information Centre

Post Office, 8 Darwin Street, Jericho 07 4651 4129

Barcaldine Visitor Information Centre

149 Oak Street, Barcaldine 07 4651 1724 tourism@barc.qld.gov.au www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

Aramac Information Centre

Barcaldine Regional Council 35 Gordon Street, Aramac 07 4652 9999

Muttaburra Information Centre

Postal Agency 16 Sword Street, Muttaburra 07 4658 7147 25 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

WHAT'S M AY DAY

WEEKE

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For more in form these even ation on ts email events@ b arc.qld.go v.au o w w w.barc r v isit aldinerc.q ld.gov.au

Experience the Real Straya

Image courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland

shandonvalestation.com.au

Situated in the heart of central western Queensland, our region oďŹ&#x20AC;ers visitors a warm, outback welcome and experience. This friendly country hospitality comes naturally to us as our ďŹ ve 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

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R E G I O N A L

C O U N C I L

VISIT BARCOO SHIRE — Nature’s Wonderland —

Barcoo Shire, the heart of the channel country, is the ninth largest shire in Queensland edging the South Australian border. Don’t forget to pack your swimmers as water adventures are found around every corner, from kayaking and canoeing to boating and fishing. The three towns of the shire, Windorah, Jundah and Stonehenge, are all situated on the banks of either the Thomson River or Cooper’s Creek. Get to know the shire with a stop at the Visitor Information Centres, enjoy the shade provided by the Coolibahs and Red River Gums.

Find Barcoo Shire Rockhampton to Stonehenge, 840km Brisbane to Windorah, 1,200km Birdsville to Windorah, 380km Charleville to Windorah, 460km Longreach to Stonehenge, 155km What’s unusual about the Barcoo? Firstly, it is the only place in the world where two rivers make a creek. It even has its own namesakes – Barcoo Grunter, Cooper Couch, Cooper’s Clover, HMAS Barcoo Frigate commissioned 1944. Barcoo is home to numerous fauna species, the fat tailed dunnart, the nocturnal marsupial – Kultarr, the small Blue wren and Major Mitchell cockatoo as well as many other more well-known outback wildlife – kangaroo, echidna, emu, goanna and a comprehensive bird list equal to a sanctuary. The shire has something to

offer everyone from unique landscapes, distinctive flora and fauna, history and tranquillity – being one with nature. Barcoo Shire boasts a six metre wide bitumen road linking all three towns to the major centres, making driving in the outback a true pleasure.

Main Photo: Sandhills and river gums Welford National Park

Windorah Windorah (meaning ‘big fish’) is the gateway to Birdsville and beyond. Windorah offers free camping spots on Cooper’s Creek – try your luck catching a yellowbelly, bream or some yabbies or birdwatch along the banks of the creek. Keen for an afternoon drive? Enjoy the 12km nature drive as you traverse different land systems and discover a wide range of local flora. Stop by Rabig Park which isn’t just for the little ones – try the life sized version of Snakes and Ladders. Then check 27 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

Windorah – ‘P

lace of big fish’

Jundah Races

Kayaking in the Thomson Ri ver at Jundah

Yellow Spotted Monitor

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out some of the outdoor artwork and the mosaic trail at the ‘Walking Together Park’, where you might spot old man emu and his chicks.

If it’s history you’re looking for, then the selfguided History Walk around Windorah (booklet available at the Visitor Information Centre) or JC Ruins (80km west) could be the place for you, or check out the Whitula Gate Museum and slab hut. You’ll find the museum and slab hut right next door to the Visitor Centre. Time your visit with the Windorah International Yabby Races, a quintessential outback event held every year ahead of the Birdsville Races. Witness eight-legged crustaceans scurry to the finish line as part of the age old sport while kicking back with a coldie for a night of live music and entertainment.

Jundah

Pioneer profile along the Archer Bros Pioneer Pathway

Jundah (meaning ‘woman’) is known as the administrative centre of the Barcoo Shire. Free camping is available on the eastern side of the Thomson River, where you can cast a line on the banks and enjoy the 28 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

serenity. Continue your nature fix at Welford National Park – the home of the yellow footed rock wallaby. Learn about the shire’s history at the Barcoo Shire Museum, located smack bang in the centre of town. Observe local artefacts, a pioneering display and the mysterious ‘Barcoo Dog’. Take a leisurely afternoon or early morning walk along the Archer Bros – Pioneer Pathway which pays homage to our pioneering forebears with story boards along the way. Don’t forget to snap a few shots with the quirky welcome signs sprinkled around the town, which are replicates of old shop fronts from past eras. Keen for an adventure? Head approximately 100km south-east of Jundah to find Magoffin’s Grave and the site of Magee’s Shanty (of Banjo Paterson’s Bush Christening). For a trip closer to town, set on the Settler’s Nature Drive, a 12km loop around the river with commentary on the flora you’ll see along the way.

Stonehenge The 67km drive north from Jundah to Stonehenge takes you past the Native Well, a manually created well relied upon by the Indigenous people in days gone by. Treat

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yourself along the way to the best views between Barcoo and the South Australian border at the Swanvale Lookout, located at the top of the Jump-up with facilities at the entrance. Take in the Johnstone Range to the east, Glenariff Station to the west, and the tree-lined Thomson River beyond. Join in the fun just out of town by placing your unique addition to the Address Book. It goes on for a few kilometres. Across from the Address Book (signposted) you will find the Rock Holes. During the wet, the water cascades over the top rock country and feeds into Stonehenge Creek making waterfalls and filling rock holes along the way. Looking for a great vantage point? Check out the big sky country and the landscapes

from rivers to ridges at XXXX Hill. After a 4x4 adventure? Then the 8km selfguided John Egan Track is for you. The picturesque trail provides a snapshot of the country around Stonehenge taking in the original dingo fence (more than 100 years old). If you can’t get enough of the view, take to the River to Ridges drive which will lead you through Lochern National Park, the property of Noonbah Station farm stay, over the Westerton Jump-up, Mesas views (if John Wayne saw these he would rise from his grave to make another western), pass Mt Felix and Warbreccan Station, pass the turnoff to the Jorn site (not accessible) and returning back to Stonehenge for sundowners at six. ❖

Sheep Shenan ig

ans - Ju ndah

TBC JU LY 2018

Open Golf Com

petition - Ju ndah

14 –15 JU LY 20

18 Bronco Branding Gym khana & Stockman’s Chal lenge - Windora h 21–22 JU LY 2018

Bronco Branding & Horse Sports - Ju ndah

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BE R 2018 Shane Rayment Memoria l Horse & Motorbike Gym khana - Ju ndah

Visitor Information Centres Windorah Visitor Information Centre

6 OCTOBE R 2018

7 Maryborough Street, Windorah P: 07 4656 3063 E: windorahinfo@barcoo.qld.gov.au www.barcoo.qld.gov.au

An nual Races -

Ju ndah

TBA NOV EM BE

Jundah Visitor Information Centre

Loca l Ca r Ra lly

11 Dickson Street, Jundah P: 07 4658 6930 E: jundahinfo@barcoo.qld.gov.au www.barcoo.qld.gov.au

R 2018

- Windora h

5 NOV EM BE

R 2018 P & C Melbourne Cup Ca lcutta - Ju ndah For more in form ation on these ev en ts email windorahinfo@ barcoo.qld.gov .au or visit w w w.ba rcoo.qld.gov.a u

Stonehenge Visitor Information Centre

Stratford Street, Stonehenge P: 07 4658 5857 E: stonehengeinfo@barcoo.qld.gov.au www.barcoo.qld.gov.au 29 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

Cooper Cabins

Western Star Hotel/Motel

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

Albert Street, Windorah P 07 4656 3166 E admin@westernstarhotel.biz www.westernstarhotel.com.au

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

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

■ ■

OUTBACK QUEENSLAND’S

PHOTO COMPETITION Get your photo on the cover of the 2019 Travellers’ Guide Enter at www.outbackqueensland.com.au Entries close 31/10/2018 30 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

BLACKALL & TAMBO — Central West Queensland —

Nestled on the banks of the Barcoo River, Blackall and Tambo are terrific towns to stop a while and take in some true-blue outback hospitality from the friendly locals. Though quiet towns, you will be surprised at how much they can offer, with treasures that cover well over a hundred years. By day explore their history, attractions and natural wonders and at night relax and admire the myriad of stars in the sky.

Find Blackall & Tambo Rockhampton to Blackall, 615km Rockhampton to Tambo, 710km Longreach to Blackall, 215km Longreach to Tambo, 315km Brisbane to Tambo, 860km Brisbane to Blackall, 961km

oldest town in the Central West and is mighty proud of its heritage, and boasts an outstanding heritage precinct.

The Barcoo River was a life-line for our early explorers and pioneers, and was made famous by Banjo Paterson when he included the river in some of his poems. While the towns may not rely on its water like they first did, the river is still a major part of town life.

The information centre is located in the heritage-listed Courthouse, which still contains the original judge’s bench and prisoner dock. Next door is the Post Office which was built in 1904 and still functions as the town’s post office. Just across the road are the Post and Telegraph Office buildings which now house displays on how communications worked in earlier times and an interactive DVD of Tambo’s history. Follow the Heritage Walk and learn more about these and other historical buildings in Tambo.

Enjoy a tranquil walk along the banks of this mighty river and follow the self-guided Coolibah Walk in Tambo, situated at the headwaters of the Barcoo. Tambo is the

A visit to Tambo is not complete without seeing the Tambo Teddies. Call in and watch as these gorgeous bears come to life in the workshop. Learn how a creative

The Start of a Life-line

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response to a downturn in the wool market in 1993 has become a thriving enterprise with a Tambo Teddy in many homes around Australia and around the world. Main Photo: Sunset over Tambo

Post and Teleg

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at Tambo

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Picnic at Stubby Bend in Tambo

The Grassland Art Gallery was designed to blend in with the heritage buildings, and is now an integral part of Tambo. Built in 2009, the gallery promotes art in the region and provides a work space for developing artists and crafts people, as well as holding exhibitions and workshops throughout the year. Tambo has so much more to offer so call into the information centre in the old Courthouse, pick up a brochure and learn all about the oldest town in the west.

Where Old mixes with New Further down the Barcoo River is the town of Blackall, which celebrates 150 years in 2018. The Great Artesian Basin was formed between 100 and 250 million years ago and old mixes with new when artesian water sees the light of day at the Blackall Aquatic Centre. Have a relaxing bubble spa or swim in the 50 metre swimming pool in artesian waters, which are heated during winter months. More than a century old the Blackall Woolscour offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the magic of working steam machines and enormous wool driers. The Great Artesian Basin was

the main source of water for the scouring process and the bore, which was sunk in 1906, is still free-flowing today. In 1892, Jack Howe achieved the incredible feat of setting two shearing records, one which has not been beaten to this day. A memorial statue of Jack sits in front of the Universal Garden Centre which also houses a display dedicated to Jack Howe. The Black Stump, where anything west of it was known ‘as beyond the black stump’, Ram Park where the Big Ram symbolises the district’s shearing history, the Australian Labor Federation Memorial, sculptures and murals are among the many other attractions Blackall has to offer.

while. For the families Banks Park has a covered play area, tables and benches, electric BBQs while Ram Park and Memorial Park have tables and benches and toilets. In Short Street, seating and tables are available as well as toilets and free showers. A picnic area is situated on the banks of the Barcoo River on the edge of town and has tables and benches, water taps and wood BBQs. Both towns are RV friendly and have dump points.

For more information on these attractions and to find other hidden ‘treasures’ in Blackall call into the Blackall Visitor Information Centre, located in the Blackall Railway Station at Ram Park.

Rest, Relax and Enjoy In Tambo, travellers can relax at EE Parr Park, situated in the centre of town which has picnic tables, barbeques and a playground area. Tambo Dam also has picnic tables and amenities nearby and a bird-hide for bird watchers on the bank of the dam. Blackall has a number of parks and areas where travellers can rest and relax for a 32 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

Blackall’s Historic Woolscour

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Blacka ll R 18 ac e s P: 07 4 6 5 7 6159

Adventure through the National Parks

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Visitor Information Centres Blackall Visitor Information Centre

Salvator Rosa National Park is 135km from Tambo via Mt Playfair Road. Drive through a picturesque valley beneath a striking skyline of sandstone formations and set up camp on the spring-fed Nogoa River.

145a Shamrock Street, Blackall 07 4657 4637 binfo@btrc.qld.gov.au www.blackalltambotourism.com.au

Idalia National Park is 113km south-west of Blackall, protects mulga woodlands, the headwaters of the Bulloo River and has a wide variety of wildlife and fauna including the bridled nailtail wallabies. ❖

9 Arthur Street, Tambo 07 4654 6408 tourism@btrc.qld.gov.au www.blackalltambotourism.com.au

Tambo Information Centre

M AY 20

18 Ta m bo C a mp tam boca mpd rafta d raft ss@gmail .com Ta m bo P olocrosse Blacka ll S h o w – P: 0 418 143 8 38 JU N E 201 8

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up Horse

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ou ltry an d Ca g e d Bird Show P: 0427 8 97 90 5 Blacka ll R ac e s

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Blacka ll 1 GU ST 2018 5 0 Cele P: 07 4621 brations 660 0 A rt Show , A nglica n F lower Sho Blue L igh w Shock wa t Billy Ca rt R aces, , ve Festiv a l, Sports Day, R a m & Bu ll Sa le

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33 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

For more in formati on on these eve nts email binfo@ b tr c .qld.gov.a w w w.bla u or v isit ckalltam botouris m.com

.au

Acacia Motor Inn – Blackall Cnr Short & Shamrock Street, Blackall (centre of town) P 07 4657 6022 F 07 4657 6077 E blackallacaciamotor@bigpond.com 4 star accommodation, in the centre of town! ■ 25 stylish air-conditioned units with queen beds, 4 family units ■ Undercover parking ■ Licensed bistro, room service ■ Guest laundry

The second largest bird in the world is often seen sprinting at 50km/hr across a paddock after being disturbed by approaching observers. Like its flightless cousin (the Kiwi) in New Zealand, it’s the male bird that incubates the eggs and looks after the chicks once they hatch. The female Emu will look for further mates once she has laid her eggs, and may mate with several throughout the breeding season. This ensures that the most chicks possible get reared each year.

Tambo Teddies 17 Arthur Street, Tambo P 07 4654 6223 E 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 E 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 ■ ■

Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)

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BOULIA SHIRE

— The undiscovered jewel of the Outback —

Find a nice spot to pull up for the night, set up, light a camp fire, get out a comfy chair, maybe even invite a few old or new friends to join you and then...... you wait. You’ve got the perfect recipe for a sighting of the mysterious Min Min Lights.

Find Boulia From Winton, 360km From Bedourie, 196km From Mount Isa, 300km From Alice Springs, 821km

Land of the Min Min Light ‘It was a cold night, the wind whipped around my shoulders and as I looked up into the night sky, there was not a cloud to be seen anywhere. I was riding from Lucknow Station to the East of Boulia into the township and it was about 10 o’clock at night. I knew I was just about to pass the remnants of the old Min Min Hotel, a shanty which was built mainly for travellers passing through the area. All that was left now after it burnt down were a few broken bottles and singed iron. I glanced over to the old graveyard, and there it was, a

glowing ball of light which rose up from behind a headstone, hovered and started moving in my direction. It was about the size of a small watermelon and was bright enough for me to see the hair on my arm standing upright. I didn’t wait around to see what it was, in a panic I galloped my horse the whole 120 miles into Boulia.........’ This recollection of a Min Min Light was the first documented sighting of the mysterious phenomena which still baffles scientists today. Consider yourself lucky to spot them – the lights choose when and who to appear to as they dance across the Boulia Shire. While not everyone gets a chance to see the lights 35 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

au naturel, Boulia’s Min Min Encounter and Information Centre will guarantee a lightsighting of your very own. The 45-minute animatronic show takes you through the outback, introduces you to its characters and gives you the opportunity to share their Min Min Light experiences. Main Photo: Boulia, home of the Min Min Lights

Plesios

Dramatic sunsets

Fabulous Fossils So much more than mysterious lights, allow ample time to visit Boulia Heritage Complex to view a world-class Marine Fossil Display. Dating back one hundred million years, some of the fossils are up to 80 per cent complete, giving a true picture of the actual size of these majestic creatures. The Boulia Heritage Complex showcases three very different elements of the Boulia Shire’s history including the marine fossils, rich Indigenous history as well as the background of the pioneering settlers, who opened up Western Queensland.

So much to see and do

Don’t forget that the Min Min Encounter and Information Centre have bike and helmet hire available. If you’re in the mood for a spot of exercise, head out to the 18 hole sand green golf course. For the young (or young at heart), check out the new splash park, skate park and refurbished 25-metre swimming pool.

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which is accessible by the Springvale and Coorabulka roads. Take the direct route to Cloncurry on the Selwyn Road, travelling alongside Burke and Wills’ footsteps. Whichever route you choose, call in and see the friendly staff at the Min Min Encounter

Venture a little further to take in the mass of rare Waddi Trees, known for their extremely hard wood. This particular group of trees are mentioned in the diaries of two famous explorers, Burke and Wills. Looking for more things to see and do? Check out the Native Police Barracks, dating back to the late 1800s. The barracks were built on the banks of the Wills River in a spot which has never been known to dry out. You can just find yourself a shady tree and throw a line or yabbie pot into one of Boulia’s many creeks and rivers.

Take a short drive, bike ride or stroll around town and see Boulia’s mural water tank and 30 foot windmill which was part of a duo that pumped the town’s water supply. On your way past make sure you take in the Red Stump and the horse drawn wagon that dates back to the last century.

Take a Track

Meander along one of the town’s several walking trails. These tracks provide ample opportunities for budding photographers as you’ll come across an array of birdlife, river frontages and the all time photographer’s favourite, a stunning sunrise or sunset.

Take the backroads over to the Northern Territory on Australia’s longest shortcut, The Outback Way.

Boulia is also home to a 135-year-old stone built cottage which is Heritage listed.

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Profe sil with

For the more adventurous, dirt roads and tracks will take you to some of the most pristine and spectacular landscapes in Outback Queensland.

Explore the Diamantina National Park, 180km south-east of Boulia, 36 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

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WHAT' and Visitor Information Centre who will give you up-to-date road conditions.

And don’t forget The Dangi One of the most iconic towns in the outback, Urandangie has a wealth of history dating back to the late 1800s. Urandangie is nestled on the edge of the Northern Territory border and is a hop, skip and a jump to The Outback Way, Sandover Highway and also up to Camooweal in the north.

So yes, Boulia is as spectacular as it looks in photos and coupled with its big personality and friendly faces, the Boulia Shire is the undiscovered jewel of the Outback. ❖

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It’s the perfect spot for the keen freshwater angler as plenty of yellowbelly and black bream can be found in the Georgina River.

25 Herbert Street, Boulia 07 4746 3386 tourism@boulia.qld.gov.au www.boulia.qld.gov.au

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For more in formati on on these e tourism @ vents email boulia.q or v isit w w w.bouli ld.gov.au a.qld.go v.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

37 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

CLONCURRY

— Friendly Heart of the Great North West — Few places can claim to be as influential in shaping Australia as Cloncurry; birthplace of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and destination of the first QANTAS flight. Cloncurry is a community that celebrates outback life – the true Australian way.

Find Cloncurry From Townsville, 785km From Longreach, 530km From Birdsville, 800km

The Friendly Heart Known as the ‘Friendly Heart of the Great North West’, Cloncurry sits on the junction of the Landsborough Highway (Matilda Way) and Flinders/Barkly Highway (Overlander’s Way), nestled on the banks of the Cloncurry River. In 1861 Burke and Wills with King and Gray, were the first known Europeans to come into the area on their ill-fated expedition to the Gulf of Carpentaria. Burke named the river ‘Cloncurry’ for his cousin, Lady Elizabeth Cloncurry of County Galway in Ireland. Then in 1867 Ernest Henry came along searching for grazing land, instead he discovered copper and named his find the Great Australia Mine.

When visiting Cloncurry, you’ll hear stories of days gone past in cattle and mining. The rugged landscape offers unique experiences and whichever way you travel there are treasures to be discovered. Check out Chinaman Creek Dam to watch the changing colours of Mt Leviathan at sunset, stretch your legs wandering the water’s edge or try your hand at fishing.

Main Photo: Chinaman Creek Dam

Museum to learn more about what to see and do in Cloncurry; they’ll know just the place for you. When at Cloncurry Unearthed, remember to purchase a permit to fossick in this mineral rich country, you might just unearth some amazing treasures.

Make a stop at Clem Walton Park, a picturesque spot 57km west of Cloncurry, just off the Barkly Highway. The spot provides a recreation and camping area along the banks of the Corella Dam. Adventure to Cloncurry’s very own ghost town, Mary Kathleen, which was once a thriving town until its sole mine was closed in 1983, homes were auctioned, and the town deserted. Take a look at the remnants of the mine which are still evident today. Speak to the friendly staff at the Cloncurry Unearthed Visitor Information Centre and 38 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

John Flynn Place Museum and Art Gallery

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Take a Step Back in Time With 150 years of history, Cloncurry’s stories will capture you as you take a step back in time with fascinating history from transport, mining and agriculture. Explore the beginnings of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the history of outback aviation, medicine and radio at John Flynn Place Museum and Art Gallery. See the incredible work of John Flynn, Fred McKay and Alfred Traegar, integral figures of the service. John Flynn Place records the role of Cloncurry within this great story, for it was here that John Flynn began the flying doctor service in 1928 and pioneered his dream of outback radio communication.

Walk through Cloncurry Unearthed and be taken back in time to the founding days of Cloncurry and the rich mining history that has shaped the shire. Stroll around the free outdoor display featuring historic mining, rail and farm equipment and have a picnic under the shade of the Mary Kathleen Park.

Surrounding Towns It might be hard to believe looking at it now, but the sleepy little outback settlement of Dajarra was once the biggest cattle trucking centre in the world. Situated on the Diamantina Development Road between Boulia and Mount Isa, this area trucked more cattle than Texas, USA. But those days have gone, and the last train pulled out of Dajarra in 1988. See the old railway line, the camps, and ruins of the holding yards. Duchess, a former mining town, is a hamlet on the railway line between Cloncurry and Dajarra. Alexander Kennedy, a pioneer pastoralist, discovered a rich copper ore body in 1897 and began the Duchess Mine. The settlement once had up to 1,000 people living there, with 39 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

WHAT'S O N M AY

2018 Celebrating 90th Birthday R FD S w w w.john flyn nplace.com .a u JU N E 20

18 Cloncur ry & District Show w w w.cloncur ryshow.com .a u JU N E /J U

Rock hana Gem LY 2018 & Mineral Fe stival Facebook – C loncur ry Dis trict Historica l Mus eu m Society Inc

JU LY 2018

Stockman’s C ha llenge & Cloncur ry C ampd raft w w w.cur rych allenge.com .au

JU LY 2018

Quam by Rode o Facebook – Q uam by A ll Sp orts A ssociatio

AUGUST 2018

Cur ry Mer ry Muster Festiv w w w.cur rym al er rymuster.co m .au For more in fo rmation on these events email info@cloncu rr y.qld.gov.a or visit w w w u .cloncurr y.ql d.gov.au

C L O N C U R R Y

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F R I E N D LY

a school, three hotels, fruit shop, Catholic church, cricket ground, tennis courts and race track and various residential houses. Today, you can relive the glory days over a drink or two at the local Duchess Hotel, where the beer and stories flow. Quamby is located approximately 60km from Cloncurry, once a busy little railway town servicing the cattle and mining industries. The old Quamby Pub still sits on site, built in the 1860s which originally served as a Customs House. On the last weekend of July each year, hundreds flock into Quamby for the annual Quamby Rodeo to witness the thrills and spills of the ‘greatest little bush rodeo in the North West’. Breaking the trip between Cloncurry and Normanton on the Matilda Way is the Burke and Wills Roadhouse, named after the route taken by the ill-fated explorers. Situated at the Burke and Wills Junction it’s also the turn-off for travellers heading to Gregory Downs, Adels Grove or Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park. The area is a quieter place, but firing up twice a year for the Burke and Wills Campdraft in May and the Burke and Wills Rodeo in November.

H E A R T

O F

T H E

Events and Festivals

G R E A T

N O R T H

W E S T

Cloncurry Unearthed

Visit Cloncurry between May and September to experience action packed weekends, full of extreme sports, entertainment and fun for the whole family at one of our many major community events. Events include rodeos, races, gem and mineral festivals just to name a few of the events in Cloncurry’s social calendar. ❖

Visitor Information Centre Cloncurry Unearthed Visitor Information Centre and Museum Mary Kathleen Park McIlwraith Street, Cloncurry 07 4742 1361 info@cloncurry.qld.gov.au www.cloncurry.qld.gov.au

Corella Dam

Fossicking

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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

s of history r a e y 150

Discover Great Deals as

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

Miners Heritage Walk-in Mine 97 Heritage Road, Rubyvale P 07 4985 4444 E admin@minersheritage.com.au www.minersheritage.com.au

Blue Gem Tourist Park 925 Anakie-Sapphire Road, Sapphire P 07 4985 4162 E bluegemtouristpark@bigpond.com www.bluegemtouristpark.com.au

Australia’s Largest Underground Sapphire Mine Tour Giftware, Crystals and Minerals ■ Established 1984 ■ Award winning Showroom ■ Designer Sapphire Jewellery ■ Fossicking Park ■ Guided Tours ■ Undercover Picnic Area ■ ■

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

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”

New Royal Hotel Cnr Keilambete & Goanna Flats Rds, Rubyvale P 07 4985 4754 E 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.

www.centralhighlands.com.au

Central Highlands Visitor Centres Emerald Visitor Information Centre 3 Clermont Street P 07 4982 4142 E emerald@chdc.com.au Springsure Federation Woolshed Information Centre P 07 4984 1961 Blackwater Blackwater International Coal Centre P 07 4982 7755 E manager@bicc.com.au

Carnarvon Gorge Camping and Accommodation

Duaringa Information Centre P 07 4935 7077

P 07 4984 8484 E info@takarakka.com.au www.takarakka.com.au (book online)

Discover a hidden gem in our Sandstone Wilderness and Sapphire Gemfields. Here’s our top 5: 1. Enjoy a stroll through our Sandstone Wilderness National Parks 2. Fossick for a sapphire in the Sapphire Gemfields 3. Go fishing or red-clawing 4. Take a coal mine tour or visit a pioneer village 5. Wine, dine, go shopping or just relax round a pool

Takarakka Bush Resort ■ Spacious powered and unpowered sites ■ Safari tents, cabins and studios ■ Top rated facilities ■ Open all year round ■ Internet available ■ Accessible to all vehicles ■ Recommended 4 – 6 night stay ■ Via new bitumen road ■ Award winning tour guide ■ Reconnect with nature

Drop into a local Central Highlands Visitor Centre for your general information needs, community events, town services, tours, attractions and accommodation advice.

Accessible, Exceptional and Unforgettable.

OUTBACK QUEENSLAND’S

PHOTO COMPETITION Get your photo on the cover of the 2019 Travellers’ Guide Enter at www.outbackqueensland.com.au Entries close 31/10/2018 43 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

THE DIAMANTINA – Birdsville — Bedourie — Betoota –

The Diamantina Shire is true frontier country. Its people, heritage, stories, places, landscapes and wildlife blend together to create an authentic old-world Australian destination.

Find Birdsville From Brisbane, 1580km From Townsville, 1340km From Mount Isa, 685km From Longreach, 695km

lifetime at the world’s most remote music festival, the Birdsville Big Red Bash. Watch the sun set over Big Red, the tallest sand dune in the Simpson Desert, where the options to experience amazing outback adventures are endless.

Birdsville The iconic town of Birdsville sits at the end of the famous Birdsville Track on the eastern edge of the Simpson Desert. Birdsville is surrounded by Sturt’s Stony Desert to the south and rich channel country to the north, and is one of those places on everyone’s bucket list.

History buffs and tourists alike will enjoy exploring the Australian Inland Mission Hospital Museum, or spending an unforgettable day with family and friends at Pelican Point to cool off and watch the sun go down. Main Photo: Big Red Sand Dune, Simpson Desert

Dreamtime Serpent – Betoota

With a colourful past, Birdsville started its life as a rest stop and watering hole for drovers moving stock. Today it’s a thriving community where visitors to Outback Queensland can enjoy a coldie at the iconic Birdsville Hotel, taste a curried camel pie at the Birdsville Bakery, back a winner at the Birdsville Races, or have the experience of a 44 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

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Birdsville Hotel

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Follow the Birdsville Development Road 170km east and you’ll come across the ghost town of Betoota – population 0. Betoota comes alive twice a year for the annual Betoota Races, held on the last Saturday in August and the Betoota Horse and Motorbike Gymkhana, held on the first weekend of the Queensland Easter school holidays. While visiting Betoota be sure to check out Browns Creek – a popular camping area near the hotel, Deon’s Lookout – the perfect place for travellers to admire the magnificent view, and the Dreamtime Serpent – an artwork of epic proportion, made using local stone and designed by members of the local Indigenous community.

Set your compass 190km north of Birdsville to arrive in the quaint little town of Bedourie – meaning ‘Dust Storm’. Visitors can admire the large sculpture in the centre of town that represents its namesake. Once a watering spot for drovers, Bedourie is now host to excellent facilities including a hotel/ motel, two caravan parks, a restaurant and tavern, general store, wireless internet, fuel services, medical clinic and a police station. Visitors can visit the Mud Hut, believed to be the first building to be constructed in Bedourie or soak their weary bones in the Artesian Spa fed directly from the local

artesian bore. If you fancy a round of golf, you can pick up a course map, score card and golf clubs for a nominal fee at the Bedourie Outback Information Centre and indulge in a challenging game of nine-hole desert golf. The Information Centre also stocks the famous Bedourie Ovens. Born out of necessity under a tree during the 1920s by a tin-smith, the Bedourie Camp Oven was constructed for the drovers and cameleers who were having problems with their outback cookware. The cast iron ovens they carried were cracking and breaking under the harsh conditions of the outback. ❖

Visitor Information Centres Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre

29 Burt Street, Birdsville 07 4564 2000 info@diamantina.qld.gov.au www.facebook.com/thediamantina

Bedourie Outback Visitor Information Centre

Deon’s Look

out – Betoot

17 Herbert Street, Bedourie 1300 794 257 visitors@diamantina.qld.gov.au www.thediamantina.com.au

46 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

T H E

D I A M A N T I N A

—

B I R D S V I L L E

B E D O U R I E

B E T O O T A

Birdsville Big Red Bash Simpson Desert, Queensland www.bigredbash.com.au 10–12 July 2018 ... the most remote music festival in the world ... TICKETS ON SALE NOW. Family and dog friendly – suitable for RVs, caravans and campervans. Put it on your bucketlist! John Farnham Hoodoo Gurus ■ The Angels ■ Daryl Braithwaite ■ Jon Stevens

Kate Ceberano Adam Brand ■ Busby Marou ■ Russell Morris ■ The Black Sorrows

Travis Collins The Wolfe Brothers ■ Amber Lawrence

■

Mulga (Acacia aneura)

Mulga is a common tree growing in the red loamy soils of much of Outback Queensland. Its silvery-grey foliage contrasts strongly with the red plains and blue sky. Mulga is just one of over 50 different types of wattle which grow in the Outback. Unlike its east coast relatives, Mulga does not have a flowering season; instead it blooms at any time in response to rain. Mulga usually grows as a tree but on hard, stony ridges it may take the form of a shrub. It is an important stock fodder plant in western Queensland particularly during drought. 47 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

FLINDERS SHIRE — History — Heritage — Hospitality —

From sweeping grassland plains of the south, to the harsh settings of rugged basalt country in the north, Hughenden is rich with millions of years of heritage, dinosaur discoveries and ever-changing landscapes. Travellers chasing a taste of the Great Australian Outback should go no further than Hughenden; a pre-historic jewel.

Find Hughenden From Townsville, 385km From Cloncurry, 400km From Longreach, 390km Explorers William Landsborough and Frederick Walker were the first to lay their eyes on the vastness of Hughenden and the Flinders Shire region. These explorers were on a rescue mission for the ill-fated Burke and Wills and reports from Landsborough’s journal sparked much interest in the rolling grasslands that seemed to go on forever. A blazed historical Coolibah Tree stands proud as an acknowledgment to the discovery of this region by these two famous explorers. First settlement was at Hughenden Station by Ernest Henry in 1863, named after the

Coolibah Tree

Main Photo: Porcupine Gorge National Park – Australia’s Little Grand Canyon

Tudor Manor house of his grandfather in Buckinghamshire, England. Hughenden Station was later sold to Ernest Henry’s cousin Robert Gray in 1865 for £4,999. Gray stocked Hughenden Station with 3,000 sheep. Mrs Gray, who came to live on the property, was the first white woman in the Flinders Region. The establishment of the township of Hughenden did not actually take place until 1876. 48 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

There are four townships that reside within the 41,000km² Flinders Shire District, with Hughenden being at its heart and populated with approximately 1,052 residents. Flinders Shire is a thriving area with four National Parks, mountainous volcanic basalt country, sweeping black soil plains and so much more! Wander through the streets of Hughenden and observe the town’s astounding Public Art found in numerous locations.

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Blackbraes 144°E NP

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WHAT'S ON JA N UA RY 2018

A hop, skip and jump further east is Torrens The accredited Visitor Information Centre – Creek. Once utilised as an ammunition The Flinders Discovery Centre, is overflowing dump during World War ll, it’s now a with history, heritage and hospitality. Call in laidback little town with plenty of history. to see the friendly, local staff who are more The Exchange Hotel than happy to point you welcomes travellers in the right direction with cool drinks, great to discover these Hughenden meals, friendly smiles beautiful places. a yarn or two. Add To the east of Hughenden Winner of Queensland’s and your ‘mark’ to their you will first discover humorous graffiti wall. Tidiest Town 2017 Prairie, a relaxed, small Once a busy railhead country town. The quaint for local wool graziers Prairie Hotel tells many and an overnight stop for Cobb & Co, stories with its uniquely designed interior south of Hughenden; the town of exhibiting memorabilia that dates back over Stamford is now a much quieter place. 100 years ago. Kooroorinya Nature Reserve is Don’t let this fool you though, as every a mere 57km drive south where waterfalls (in July the annual Stamford Races can be the wet months), fishing, wildlife watching heard for miles! and extraordinary rock formations lay.

Australia Day Ce

lebrations

M A RCH 2018

St Patrick ’s Dinn

A PR IL 2018

AN ZAC and Daw n Pa rade Hughenden Cam pd raft

M AY 2018

Oak ley Amateu r Picn ic Races – Kooroorinya Na tu re Reserve

JU N E 2018

Hughenden Ag ric ultu ra l Show Rydweld Porcup ine Gorge Chal lenge

JU LY 2018

Stam ford Races Hughenden Coun try Music

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49 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

lelight For more in form ation on these events visit w w w.visithughen den.com .au

F L I N D E R S

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H I S T O R Y

H E R I T A G E

H O S P I T A L I T Y

Eco Walk on Flinders

History for this area dates back hundreds of years, with a pre-historic history of over 100 million years telling a very different story. Hughenden is situated on the edge of a vast pre-historic inland sea, once home to numerous terrestrial dinosaurs as well as marine reptiles, making this area well known as ‘Dinosaur Country’ and a part of the ‘Australian Dinosaur Trail’. The first fossil ever to be found was in 1865 on a property west of Hughenden, sparking the discovery of a much greater past. These days, there have been hundreds more pre-historic discoveries in the area with the Muttaburrasaurus being most significant of all, or ‘Hughie’ as he is known locally. A life size replica of his skeletal remains is on exhibit in the Flinders Discovery Centre today. If you’re an avid fossicker, or just want to try your hand at having a scratch around in the dirt, Hughenden offers a fossicking location only a 10 minute drive from town! Enquire at the Information Centre to get directions to the grounds. Porcupine Gorge National Park is one of the four National Parks that make up a large sector of the Flinders Shire area. Porcupine Gorge is a magnificent gorge system with its cool, clear, flowing creek, towering cliffs of vibrantly coloured sandstone, and dense

vegetation. Intermittent water holes line the base, making it a perfect place for a cool dip. Two lookouts, camping facilities and walking tracks are also available in this GORGEous National Park – known as Australia’s Little Grand Canyon. If you wish to camp, bookings are essential and can be made through the Queensland National Parks website or visit the staff at the Flinders Discovery Centre and they can book for you. If an adventure is what you’re searching for, Hughenden offers you just that. From fascinating townships steeped with history and stories, to pre-historic gorges and dinosaurs – this is the place to Park ill) on Riverview Comet Windm stay for a one-of-a-kind Outback Wirrila Mill (35’ experience. Four-wheel-drive tracks, picturesque sunset lookouts and scenic hiking trails are just a taste of the extraordinary natural wonders that Visitor Information Centres Flinders Shire has to offer. Make sure to Hughenden Visitor visit the Information Centre and grab your Information Centre – ‘hotspot’ pamphlet, visit the great ‘Hughie’ Flinders Discovery Centre and delve into all of the marvels Flinders 37 Gray Street, Hughenden Discovery Centre has on offer. Have a chat 07 4741 2970 with the friendly, local staff and take your info@flinders.qld.gov.au first steps in to discovery and wonder! ❖ www.visithughenden.com.au 50 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

Discover Great Deals as

An Outback Mate! For great deals on accommodation, food and coffee go to www.outbackmates.com.au Hughenden Supermarket 31 Moran Street, Hughenden P 07 4741 1109 Spar Supermarket for all your grocery needs ... Fresh Fruit & Vegetables EFTPOS ■ Frozen Food ■ Cold Drinks & Ice Cream ■ Ample Parking ■ ■

Friendly Country Service with Weekly Specials Competitive Supermarket Prices

Rest Easi Motel 11 Richmond Hill Drive, Hughenden P 07 4741 1633 E info@resteasimotel.com.au Situated west of town on Richmond Hill Drive, the Rest Easi Motel has 15 clean, comfortable rooms. ■ All rooms have air conditioning, Foxtel and Free wi-fi ■ Evening meals and breakfast are served to your unit

Red Kangaroo (Osphranter rufus)

For many people nothing spells ‘Outback’ better than the sight of a Red Kangaroo lying under the shade of a lone tree on a hot open plain. Male Red Kangaroos, or Boomers, are the largest marsupials on Earth, standing up to 2m tall and weighing 90kg. Females, also called Flyers, are half the size of males and are blue-grey. To ensure the survival of the species in the harsh environment in which they live a female may have a young at foot, a young in the pouch and an embryo in her uterus for the entirety of her adult life.

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LONGREACH REGION — The Heart of Outback Queensland —

Discover, experience and immerse yourself in the cultural heritage, ancient landscapes, bush legends, outback heroes and welcoming communities of the Longreach Region.

Find Longreach From Brisbane, 1270km From Rockhampton, 700km From Townsville, 770km

Step back in time Three Aboriginal tribes – Iningai, Malintji and Kuungkari – occupied the area now known as the Longreach Region with the first European settlers moving into the region after 1860, following in the footsteps of explorers William Landsborough and Nat Buchanan who reported good grazing country in the region of the Thomson River while searching for the overdue Burke and Wills expedition. By 1910 Longreach boasted 14 hotels, two of which, the Imperial and the Commercial, were the equal of the better class establishments in the city of Brisbane. The history of Longreach continues to thrive today through the reinvention of original town structures. Visit the Powerhouse Museum and observe the equipment used in its previous lifetime as the town’s source of electricity until 1985.

Just down the road you’ll also find the original Ambulance Station, a heritagelisted building which today is home to the Longreach Arts and Cultural Centre. The educational facility hosts exhibitions, displays and a variety of workshops for the local community.

Main Photo: Mount Slowcombe

Find the Flight Ever dreamed of walking on the wing of an aeroplane? Curious about the mysterious cockpit? Take your adventures to new heights at the QANTAS Founders Outback Museum. QANTAS, the world’s second oldest airline, was registered on 16th November 1920 as Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Service Ltd. While Winton was the official birthplace of QANTAS, the company and operational headquarters were soon moved to Longreach in February of 1921 where a hangar and the country’s first purpose-built landing field were constructed. QANTAS was registered as a passenger and mail carrier from Longreach in 1922. 52 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

Shearing Shed

Sunset on the

, Longreach

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In April of 1988, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II opened the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre. Longreach continues to be a mecca for tourists from all over the world with its quintessential tribute to the men and women of the outback through traditional artefacts, electronic displays, photographs, films and stories of bush life.

Get back to nature Iningai Nature Park, on the Longreach Town Common, is named after the traditional owners, the Iningai people, who lived along the Thomson River from Muttaburra to Stonehenge prior to European occupation. The landscape is part of the Mitchell Grass

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The original hangar still stands today and is an integral part of the museum. The hangar where the fledgling airline constructed some of its first passenger carrying aircraft is arguably Australia’s earliest hangar building and is a vivid reminder of the pioneering days of commercial flight in Australia, the era of open cockpit biplanes landing on gravel runways.

M AY 2018

H JA RA

IVE RW EST EEK G CR ER AUBE NH EA BLACKWATER CREEK D TH IST CREEK BOGGY LE PLEASANT CREEK CR EE K

Downs region – one of the most extensive natural grassland ecosystems in the world. Ecosystems range from coolibah-fringed waterholes to the adjacent flat and sparsely vegetated cracking-clay floodplains and surrounding low, open gidgee woodlands. Many locals and visitors alike take the opportunity to ‘wet a line’ while in Longreach. You’ll find popular fishing spots along the Thomson River or Oma Waterhole. Unlike some species on the coast, fish in the outback can be caught all year round with the most commonly caught fish the golden perch or ‘yellowbelly’ and the Welch’s or Barcoo Grunter. If fishing isn’t your thing but you still enjoy the pleasures of the water, then step aboard and spend a spectacular

JU N E 2018

Ilf racom be Mon th ly Markets CWA Month ly M arkets Long reach Race s Isisford Horse Sp orts Weekend

JU LY 2018

Ya ra ka Horse & Bike Gym khana Ilf racom be Mon th ly Markets CWA Month ly M arkets Ilf racom be Picn ic Races Long reach Race s Southern Cross & Isisford Fish in g Competition

AUGUST 2018

Ilf racom be Mon th ly Markets CWA Month ly M arkets Long reach Race s Long reach Yello wbelly Fish ing Classic

SE PT EM BE R 20

18 Ilf racom be Mon th ly Markets CWA Month ly M arkets Long reach Cup Ra ces Ilf racom be An nu al Open Golf To urnament OCTOBE R 2018

Long reach Colo

ur Dash & Tri-A th lon CWA Month ly M arkets Isisford Ross Cu p Races

NOV EM BE

R 2018 Mulga Rats & Gid gee Brats Bachel or & Spinsters Ba ll 20 18 Long reach Melbo urne Cup Race Day Ya ra ka Melbour ne Cup Day Lu nc heon For more in form ation on these events plea se visit w w w.visitlong reach.com.au

53 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

Ilf racom be Mon th ly Markets CWA Month ly M arkets Long reach An nu al Show Isisford Sheep & Wool Show Long reach Race s Ilf racom be Ca ra van Pa rk Olympi cs

Blackall

B O RE

K EE

K C THUNDA CREEK

K EE CR

R NE SBOU

E RE

144°E

POWE

Yaraka

n wa

A PR IL 2018

Long reach Race

UG L AS PON BA R C OO RI DS CR EK VE CRE R EE AKL SM DI

N VE RA

K EE CR

SHEEP CREEK

Welford NP

C LL

122 K 90CREEK(60) D I (50) 80 LL Y CR E EK (40)

Emmet

52 (30)

Jundah

48 (30)

REEK

Journey key:

TELEGRAPH CREEK THORNLEIGH C

WHAT'S ON

K EE

Road key:

43 (30)

IsisfordBULLOC

Stonehenge

LE (50) 80 DG 106 ER C PATRICK CRE EK (129) REEK EVORA CREEK

ST ANDREWS CREEK HO M VER RI E C OAKHAMPTON CREEK 24°S

(33)

v. 79 MARY CREEK De

Barcaldine

rough H w y Landsbo REEK

EK RE

GIN C R EE K

27 (18)

CRE

E IL M

154 (152)

Longreach

W NE

Ilfracombe

INA EST ERN

POURTIA CREEK

Kilometres

R OD

BLA CK

Longreach...... 3043 Ilfracombe..... 268 Isisford........... 202 Emmet........... 2 Yaraka............ 20

Aramac

CREEK S AL BRUTUS CREEKBRIXTON TER N CREEK

K MOONDA C EE R MOUNT WARBRECCAN CREEK CR WOOLSHED CREEK EEK S WARBREC R C CAN C REE RA ORRIK C U M R E R K EE TWELVE MILE CREEK IE C 2017 FA © mapuccino RE K EK KEWAR CA RA CREE RE CASHM K SHEEPYARD CREEK LL ERE CR PE MB EE A K sealed CR ER K EE LE EEunsealed K Y CREEK K CR SAWYER CREEK WU OC IL T S S BO RIN S G O L F EC RE EK kms (mins) TOZER CREEK

14 Windorah

TLE CREEK

Longreach FO

EEK CR

Lochern NP

24°S

y wa gh Hi

CRE EK

REEK

K EE CR

ACHERON CREEK

EEK

CORINDA CREEK A ARAMAC C REEK C LI PE

L O N G R E A C 48H

L CREE K SPLITTERS CREEK TRA C EN IRONBARK CENTRAL CREEK

MIDDLE CREEK

CAT

R CR

Q U E E N S L A N D

Town Populations

RIDE

EE CR

EE K

Y CRE EK

E RIV

M I

ER CH AR

Goneaway NP

ER I

VERGEMONT CREEK

GH T

D LE

122 (97)

T KA

EEK

RS E

YC LL KE

H CR

B US

MACKENZIE CREEK

R NORTH ICREEK VE R M AYN E

180 C (117)

BLUE

ro ug

Muttaburra

CR EE

SMYTH CREEK

MAN ER OO

O U T B A C K

CRAWFORD CREEK

Opalton

O F

BRIDE CREEK

s nd

TA K

BANGALL CREEK 144°E WESTE

OOLAH CREE K

MIS

Bladensburg NP

H E A R T

TORRENS CREEK TOWERHILL CREEK REEDY CREEK THUNDERBOLT CREEK CREEK EK LANDSBOROUGH RIVER SLASHER H CR E CODICK RN I SCREEK RN CREEK

ERCREEK JESSAMINE Winton OONDOO L ROO CREEK

DIAMANTINA RIVER METEOR CREEK WILLIAMS CREEK

T H E

WO OR

WESTERN RIV

—

WOKINGHAM CREEK

R E G I O N

LOG CR E

L O N G R E A C H

R E G I O N

—

T H E

H E A R T

O F

O U T B A C K

Q U E E N S L A N D

Yaraka – where memories of the past are strong

sunset evening on the Thomson River. With a selection of cruises available to suit your style, you’ll be sure to be amazed by the beauty of the river and its wildlife.

Discover the surrounding townships Experience the sense of freedom and adventure as you spend time exploring the charms of Ilfracombe, east of Longreach. You can’t miss ‘the Great Machinery Mile’, an amazing line-up of historic machinery stretching for more than a kilometre along. The trail of machines leads you to the Folk Museum, a replica of an early station residence. Call into Wellshot Hotel, a historic pub standing exactly as it was established over 120 years ago. Enjoy a sundowner and finish off your day relaxing in the artesian spa.

Visitor Information Centres Longreach Region Visitor Information Centre

Qantas Park, Longreach 07 4658 4150 visitinf@longreach.qld.gov.au www.visitlongreach.com.au

Ilfracombe Visitor Information

Longreach Regional Council Office – Ilfracombe Branch, 1 Devon Street, Ilfracombe 07 4658 2233

Isisford Visitor Information

Longreach Regional Council Office – Isisford Branch 20 St Mary Street, Isisford 07 4658 8913

Head south to discover the town of the ‘Outer Barcoo’, Isisford, which is home to the world class fossils of the oldest modern crocodile and bulldog fish. Visit the Outer Barcoo Interpretation Centre and take a stroll down the main street which houses fascinating little museums, the old bakery, Café Arcadia and Whitman’s Memorial Museum. The small township of Yaraka is a place where memories of the past are strong. Enjoy a cold beverage with the locals at the town’s central meeting place, The Yaraka Hotel. Discover the views of Mount Slowcombe, the gem of Yaraka. With a tar sealed road winding its way to the top, enjoy the stunning outback sunset or the glorious colours of a sunrise. ❖

Starlight’s

Lookout

54 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

Barcoo Weir

Your first drink is on us! Quote promo code SUNSETDRINKS when booking*

Celebrating 30 Years Experience *One free drink (Beer/Wine/Soft Drink) per person when you book direct on our Drover’s Sunset Cruise.

Drover’s Sunset Cruise Package

Package from $105*pp

Top deck cruising as you take in the multi coloured sunset from ﬁery orange, yellow and pink to dark blue hues with golden highlights. Then, take your seat at Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show. Tuck into a two-course camp oven dinner under the stars as you enjoy the music and stories on the River Stage.

*Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show only from $75pp

Outback Station Tours Meet local graziers on Camden Park & Strathmore Stations, tour their properties and hear their stories about life on the land. Enjoy a delicious home-baked smoko tour or relaxing nibbles at sunset tour.

From $85*pp

From $1 39 *pp

Longreach Legends AT T R AC T I O N PA S S

GOLD

SILVER

Plan ahead and SAVE on multiple attractions

BRONZE

Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame Qantas Founders Museum Stockman's Show & Qantas Jets Tour Drover’s Sunset Cruise including Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show Outback Station Smoko Tour

Call 1300 78 78 90 Email info@oat.net.au or visit www.outbackaussietours.com.au Longreach Historic Railway Station, Landsborough Hwy *Pricing is per person based on Concession rates. View website for all rates.

Coopers on Cassowary 77 Cassowary Street, Longreach P 0474 077 298 E info@coopersoncassowary.com.au www.coopersoncassowary.com.au

HOME TO HARRY’S RESTAURANT

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

Convenient FREE WiFi

& Foxtel

Dine at Harry’s d) Restaurant (fully license

10% off

on meals *Conditions Apply

ed Modern air-condition ive, king rooms (Deluxe, Execut and Family rooms) and Full tour desk service itinerary planning a Pool, Sauna & BBQ Are osite Centrally located opp ion Stat way Rail ach gre Lon

Merino Bakery

undercover parking

120 Eagle Street, Longreach (Right in the middle of town) P 07 4658 1715 F 07 4658 0045

57 Room Motel On-Site Licensed Restaurant & Bar

$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 2018 ■ Open 7 Days

84 Galah Street, Longreach P: (07) 4658 2322 E: info@longreachmotorinn.com.au www.longreachmotorinn.com.au

Noonbah Station

Abajaz Motor Inn

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

11 Wonga Street, Longreach P 1800 081 288 or 07 4658 1288 F 07 4658 3277 E info@abajazmotorinn.com.au www.abajazmotorinn.com.au 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 air-conditioning, microwave, fridge, tea/coffee making facilities ■ Free Wireless Internet direct to all rooms, swimming pool, BBQ, guest laundry ■ Cooked/continental breakfasts ■ Chargeback from local restaurants ■ We are Pet Friendly, with prior notice ■ Cot, hairdryer, toaster, fax and photocopying available at office ■ Situated on the beautiful botanic pathway that runs between town (CBD), Qantas and the Stockman’s Hall of Fame ■ Major Cards accepted. Limited Courtesy transfers available ■ Tariff starts at $122 ■ Ask about our summer specials when booking direct November through March

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 bird watching, we can provide you with our bird list, and bird, frog and reptile field guides are for sale. Fishing, pets and campfires are permitted. Relaxation and unwinding encouraged. $10 per vehicle per night. Talk to us about accommodation options if you are not a camper. 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. Explore our website for more details. See you soon.

56 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

M USEU M

(07) 4658 3737

info@qfom.com.au

www.qfom.com.au

F EATU R E

s Hangar 1922 Qanta  Original rs u 7 Jet To  707 & 74 Walk g in W 7  74 rant ss e ’ Restau  McGinn re to S rs Gift  Founde ore ail Tr s id K d much m  plays ...an is D e iv ct  Intera

Sir Hudson Fysh Drive, Longreach, Queensland, Australia

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

Albert Park Motor Inn

Camden Park Station

Cnr Ilfracombe Road & Stork Road, Longreach P 07 4658 2411 F 07 4658 3181 E stay@albertparkmotorinn.com.au www.longreachaccommodation.com

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

The Albert Park Motor Inn & Oasis Restaurant are located close to iconic attractions, The Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Qantas Museum. 56 ground floor units with reverse cycle airconditioning, Wi-Fi and undercover parking. Restaurant beside large resort style pool.

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!

Jumbuck Motel

Strathmore Station

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

Longreach P 07 4658 3000 E 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 ■

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

OUTBACK QUEENSLAND’S

PHOTO COMPETITION Get your photo on the cover of the 2019 Travellers’ Guide Enter at www.outbackqueensland.com.au Entries close 31/10/2018

Visit a Longreach landmark

Open Mon-Sat 8–2pm Relive the days of yesteryear while enjoying a coffee and a tasty treat.

2 FOR 1 COFFEE VOUCHER*

Historic Longreach Railway Station, Landsborough Hwy, QLD, 4730

*Buy a coffee and receive a free coffee of equal or lesser value

Ph: (07) 4658 3749 58 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

Live the Australian story with unique, award-winning experiences and accommodation that bring the outback pioneering spirit to life.

Starlight’s Cruise – a close encounter with legends and sunsets Step aboard a historic riverboat for the original Thomson River cruise. Gather round the campfire for a stockman’s dinner. Discover larrikin local legend Harry Redford in the Captain Starlight’s Sound & Light Picture Show on the riverbank. It's just one of the ways to unleash your pioneering spirit with Outback Pioneers.

EXPLORE OUR MUST-DO PIONEERING EXPERIENCES AT OUTBACKPIONEERS.COM.AU OR PHONE 07 4658 1776

INCORPORATING THE TOWNS OF LONGREACH, ILFRACOMBE, ISISFORD, EMMET & YARAKA

VISITLONGREACH.COM.AU

LONGREACH REGION VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 99a Eagle Street, Longreach Q 4730 (07) 4658 4150 visitinf@longreach.qld.gov.au www.visitlongreach.com.au

morethanjustamuseum The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame Discover Australia’s rich pioneering history, marvel at the skills of our Stockman at the Outback Stockman’s Show, lose yourself in the Hugh Sawrey Art Gallery, where artists bring stories of the bush to life and shop until you drop in our ‘Outback Traders’, carrying a unique range of Australian books, quality stockman’s clothing and outback giftware.

P: (07) 4658 2166 | E: museum@stockmanshalloffame.com.au

www.stockmanshalloffame.com.au

The best value way to

LIVE THE OUTBACK HERITAGE STORY in LONGREACH

There is so much outback heritage and history to enjoy in Longreach but top of your list must be the award-winning experiences of ‘The Big 3’ – Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, Outback Pioneers and Qantas Founders Museum. That’s why we’ve packaged them into one pass at a special price for extra value.

SAVE

66!

$ This PREMIUM PASS with many extras includes:

ENTRY to the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame to explore five themed galleries of outback history and the Hugh Sawrey Art Gallery PLUS entry to the Outback Stockman’s Show for live entertainment showcasing great horsemanship and more.

TWO entertaining Outback Pioneers experiences – the Cobb & Co Stagecoach Experience for the only stagecoach gallop on an old mail route in Australia – AND the Starlight’s Cruise Experience, with stockman’s campfire dinner and bush poetry.

PER COUPLE

+ BONUS EX

TRAS!

ENTRY to the Qantas Founders Museum to learn about the history of Qantas Airways, from its early beginnings in Outback Queensland, AND entry to the fascinating Boeing 747 and 707 Jet Tour which takes you inside the aircraft for a nostalgic and insightful trip down memory lane.

You will SAVE AROUND 10% PLUS get an extra day’s entry to both Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Qantas Founders Museum. You can put your savings towards some of the other great options – perhaps the evening dinner and show at Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, the ‘Wing Walk’ or flight simulator at Qantas Founders Museum, or a Nogo Station Experience or Winton Discovery Experience with Outback Pioneers.

ADULT $286 | CONC $266 | CHILD (5–14) $190 | FAMILY (2+2) $866

To buy your pass PHONE (07) 4658 1776 TODAY

M AG N I F I C E N T M A R A N OA — Maranoa Region —

The biggest and best outback adventures start in the Maranoa Region, where you can hike through the spectacular Carnarvon Ranges, camp at the secluded and beautiful Lake Nuga Nuga, fish on the banks of an inland river or discover authentic and genuine Australian history. You can soak in the ancient waters of the Mitchell Artesian Spas or be in town for one of our big events.

Find the Maranoa Region From Brisbane to Roma, 480km From Charleville to Roma, 265km From Rockhampton to Roma, 470km They say all roads lead to Roma, and this includes its surrounding towns of Mitchell, Injune, Surat, Wallumbilla and Yuleba. You can join an authentic tour of the biggest saleyards in the southern hemisphere, wrap your arms around the big bottle tree soaking up beautiful earth energy and learn about the discovery of oil and gas in Australia at the Roma Big Rig. Throughout the region there are truly spectacular ancient landscapes and unique flora and fauna. Check out the eight established tourist drives, perfect for the 4WD enthusiast looking to get off the beaten track, plus fully guided eco tours available. Carnarvon Gorge National

Park offers towering white cliffs, huge rock overhangs adorned with ochre stencils and engravings from an ancient and ongoing culture and an array of well established walking trails.

Main Photo: Roma Saleyards

Cosmopolitan Outback As the largest town in the Maranoa Region, Roma offers an array of citylike conveniences with friendly country hospitality. Whether you want an espresso, latte, mocha or macchiato there is an abundance of cafes ideally located throughout town. The dining options include fine dining restaurants, niche cafes, contemporary modern pubs that offer pub grub and alfresco dining, plus all your traditional take-away options. You’re in beef country after all, so be sure to try a mouth-watering grass fed steak while you are in town. 63 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

Roma Big Rig

Judd’s Lagoon

Racing Ma

ranoa St yl

Injune, Mt Moffatt, The Chimneys

Leave some room in your suitcase because the recently landscaped down-town Roma offers the perfect place to stroll and browse the beautiful local specialty shops, the breathtakingly abundant craft supplies store and local Roma on Bungil Art Gallery, which is bound to result in some unplanned purchases.

must see while in town is the Cobb & Co Changing Station Museum which includes the 14 seat replica Cobb & Co Coach, a 25,000 litre fresh water aquarium, and a beautiful display of local artworks at the Surat on Balonne Gallery. Stroll along the breathtaking Balonne River, while continuing to absorb the history and culture of the Surat community. From Surat the Cobb & Co tourist drive will lead you to Yuleba, which provides the perfect

‘Would highly recommend any city slicker go out to visit this hive of activity … really gives you an appreciation of how important the cattle industry is to our farmers and economy.’ – TripAdvisor

You’ll find the Big Rig Parklands located on the edge of the Bungil Creek, where the children have lots of room to burn off excess energy, look for local wildlife and create lasting memories. Retreat from the outback heat with a relaxing stroll along the Adungadoo Pathway, accessible from the parklands.

Quaint Country Towns Nestled on the banks of the iconic Balonne River is the quiet town of Surat. An absolute 64 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

opportunity to relive the history of an Australian icon. The drive follows the route taken by the last Cobb & Co coach service to run in Australia. It’ll provide you with a deeper understanding and insight into the lifestyle of early settlers and the journey of the passengers using the coach service. Make sure you pack the thermos because Judd’s Lagoon in Yuleba provides a peaceful background for a relaxing cuppa, and the historic Calico Cottage Complex in

Carnarvon 148°E

Park

Road key:

R ange

kms (mins)

ert

48 (30)

Daw so n

Taroom A5

es t

26°S

y Hw

26°S

Chesterton Range NP

Roma.............. 6848 Mitchell.......... 1031 Injune............. 461 Surat............... 407 Wallumbilla.... 388 Yuleba............ 207

ver Ri

Injune

Augathella

R E G I O N

Town Populations Theodore

Expedition National Park

n Car arvon

Journey key:

sealed unsealed

M A R A N O A

Hw y

National

Kilometres

—

Maranoa

hardt ch L ei

M A R A N O A

Ex p e d i t i o n Range

M A G N I F I C E N T

91 (60)

A7 Mungallala Mitchell 42 A2 40 20 56 (36) 23 (15) (28) 25 Muckadilla Roma (28) (15) (15) Tregole 34 (21) War re go Jackson A2 Amby 23 Hwy NP Wallumbilla Yuleba 56 Miles (14) (36) A55

Morven

Hwy

79 (54)

Hw y

Surat

117 (74)

148°E

Bal onne

Thrushton NP Hwy

Wallumbilla is a lovely place to call in and purchase some home cooking or skillfully handmade craft items. When visiting Mitchell, call in for a world famous pie and explore the fascinating history of the Kenniff Brothers. In Mitchell you can also revive and rejuvenate in the ancient, mineralised, naturally heated Mitchell Artesian spas, great for the body and the soul. If inland fishing is your passion, both Surat and Mitchell offer quality recreational freshwater fishing experiences. The clean river systems and local waterholes provide the ideal spot for keen anglers to try their luck. Cast your line in for a yellowbelly, silver perch, cod and dew fish, European carp and spangled perch (bobbies). A trip to Injune will afford you the opportunity to witness amazing landscapes and scenery. Injune is the perfect launch pad into some of the most spectacular natural beauty in Australia, including the Sandstone Ranges, Mt Moffatt section of Carnarvon Gorge National Park, Lake Nuga Nuga and Arcadia Valley. You’ll be mesmerised by the Aboriginal rock art sites, tales of colourful pastoral past involving cattle duffing and outlaws, all set against a backdrop of spectacular views and wildflowers. ❖

Carn ar v

A55

ard t Leichh

M oo n ie

y Hw

Roma Saleyards

St George

Visitor Information Centres Injune Visitor Information Centre

32 Hutton Street, Injune 07 4626 0503

WHAT'S 3 0 M A RC H

tourism@maranoa.qld.gov.au www.mymaranoa.org.au

Mitchell Visitor Information Centre

Great Artesian Spa 2 Cambridge Street, Mitchell 07 4624 6923

Surat Visitor Information Centre

Cobb & Co Changing Station 62 Burrowes Street, Surat 07 4626 5136

Wallumbilla Visitor Information Centre

Calico Cottage Warrego Highway, Wallumbilla 07 4623 4244

65 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

–

Easter in th 2 A PR IL 2018 e Cou ntr y, w w w.easte R om a rinthecou n tr y roma.co m .au

20 -22 A P

R IL 2018 Inju ne Gold en Bit Cam pd ra w w w.camp d raft.com .a ft u

Roma Visitor Information Centre

2 Riggers Road, Roma 07 4622 8676

M AY 20

18 Wa llu m bil la, Roma a nd Mitchell Sh ow s w w w.wa llu m billashow .com w w w.roma show.com 23 JU N E

Roma Rugb 2018 y w w w.roma R ace Day races.org.a u

2 5 A UG U S

Mitchell C

T 2018

a m e l R ac e

22 SE P T E M

BE R

2018 Su rat Cam p d ra ft w w w.camp d raft.com .a u 18 NOV E M B

E R 2018

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Cobb & Co

rg.au

UST 2019

Reenactme

nt Su rat-Yu

leba For more in form these even ation on ts ema tourism @ maranoa.q il ld.g or v isit my maranoa.o ov.au rg.au

An Adventure Awaits... Local professional ecologist guides Day and extended tours Only 1 hour flight from Brisbane Exclusive private property access Small groups Popular Tours  Discover Carnarvon Ranges  Wheat Wells & Wildlife  Wildflower Wanders (seasonal)  Wallaroo Wonders  Custom tours

www.boobooktours.com 15 Quintin Street, Roma QLD | Ph: (07) 46222646 | E: info@boobook.biz

@boobooktours

Narrow-leaved Bottle Tree (Brachychiton rupestris)

Narrow-leaved Bottle Trees line the streets of many Outback Queensland towns, most famously at Roma, where each tree in the ‘Avenue of Heroes’ has been planted in memory of a fallen soldier from World War I. Bottle Trees naturally grow on a range of land types from fertile plains and valleys through to rocky ridges. Inside their bottle-shaped trunk is soft, fibrous wood. They’re no relation to the similar-looking Boab trees of WA’s Kimberley region. Bottle Trees of all shapes and sizes can be seen growing along the Matilda Way, Great Inland Way and Warrego Way.

67 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

McKINLAY SHIRE — Gateway to the Gulf —

McKinlay Shire was named after the eminent explorer, John McKinlay, who undertook the first and greatest transcontinental feat in Australia, travelling from Adelaide to the Gulf of Carpentaria in 1861–62. The first settlers to the McKinlay Shire had to be hardy souls and even today the Shire is a place of extraordinary people who love the outback Queensland way of life.

Main Photo: There are many picturesque locations by the creek

Find McKinlay Shire From Townsville to Julia Creek, 650km From Mount Isa to Julia Creek, 260km From Longreach to McKinlay, 420km From Rockhampton to McKinlay, 1100km

Get to know the Area McKinlay Shire comprises of four towns; Julia Creek, Nelia, McKinlay and Kynuna. Julia Creek and Nelia are located on the Flinders Highway (Overlander’s Way) while McKinlay and Kynuna are positioned on the Landsborough Highway (Matilda Way). There’s a shortcut between Kynuna and

Julia Creek which are connected by a fully sealed road. Julia Creek, the main service centre of the Shire, is linked to the Burke and Wills Junction by a fully sealed road thus earning the tagline ‘Gateway to the Gulf’. If you’re keen to learn more about the Shire’s history, stop by the McKinlay Museum, Duncan McIntyre Museum in Julia Creek or the Julia Creek ‘Opera House’ (no singing involved – it was opened the same day as its Sydney namesake). All are home to a range of displays and information highlighting the Shire’s rich heritage. 68 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

Duncan the Dunnart

M c K I N L A Y

S H I R E

No rman

Burke & Wills Roadhouse

142°E

River

T O

Kilometres

B u rke

Develo p mental

Mc Kin la y Sa

pm elo

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J ul ia

76 (47)

buc -

W in ton

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117 (122)

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100 (66)

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kms (mins)

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Julia Creek Stop by the Julia Creek Visitor Information Centre and meet a couple of cute but feisty fat-tailed Dunnarts. Learn how Julia Creek Visitor Information Centre is assisting with the re-establishment of this endangered species. If you’re caravanning/camping your way through McKinlay, you’re in luck with picturesque locations by the creek available. Self-contained caravans and RVs (toilet and shower on board) can camp by the water’s edge of Julia Creek for 96 hours for free! The Julia Creek Caravan Park has

recently undergone redevelopment seeing the addition of a new amenities block, more drive-through sites and spectacular artesian bath houses with a glorious outlook to the undulating downs country. There’s no better way to unwind after a big day driving than with your favourite beverage whilst enjoying the soothing properties of our local artesian water. Every Monday night from April to September, the Julia Creek Caravan Park hosts Bush Dinners – a meal under the stars that you will not forget. Whilst you are tucking into your hearty meal, a local shares anecdotes about their daily lives in the outback.

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Nelia is a small outback town situated 50km east of Julia Creek on the Overlander’s Way. It is home to the world’s largest brolga sculptures, an art gallery and a range of accommodation options are available at Corella Creek Country Farm Stay.

Julia Creek Visitor Information Centre – ‘At the Creek’

34 Burke Street, Julia Creek 07 4746 7690 tourism@mckinlay.qld.gov.au Facebook.com/JuliaCreekVisitorInformationCentre www.atthecreek.com.au

McKinlay Tourist Centre and Library

McKinlay and Kynuna

Middleton Street, McKinlay 07 4746 8848 tourism@mckinlay.qld.gov.au

In the south of the Shire on the Matilda Way are the towns of McKinlay and Kynuna, the heart of Australian Folklore. Made famous by the filming of the classic outback film, Crocodile Dundee, check out original relics of the film at McKinlay’s Walkabout Creek Hotel.

Fire Pit

Follow on the Shire’s claim to fame at Kynuna, where it’s believed that Banjo Paterson was inspired to pen Waltzing Matilda at the town’s Combo Waterhole. It’s said that the swagman and the squatter enjoyed their last drink at Kynuna’s Blue Heeler Hotel. ❖

‘Who'll come a Waltzing Matilda my darling,

Who'll come a Waltzing Matilda with me?’ Banjo Paterson

Combo Waterhole PC: Jemloco

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Australian Bustard (Ardeotis australis)

‘At The Creek’ – Julia Creek 34 Burke Street, Julia Creek P 07 4746 7690 E tourism@mckinlay.qld.gov.au www.atthecreek.com.au Award winning Visitor Information Centre and tourist attraction 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 ■ Nocturnal viewing area of dunnarts + daily feeding shows ■ ■

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Julia Creek Caravan Park Old Normanton Road, Julia Creek P 07 4746 7108 E jccaravanpark@mckinlay.qld.gov.au www.jccaravanpark.com.au 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

Although the Australian Bustard is commonly referred to as the Plains Turkey or Bush Turkey by inland Australians, it is in no way related to the Brush Turkey commonly seen on the coast. These birds stand up to 1.2m tall, and are often seen wandering through long grass looking for lizards, grasshoppers and mice or picking at leaves, fruit and seeds as they lope along. During the breeding season the males display by puffing out their chest feathers, inflating their throat sac and producing a loud deep roar. They also clear a display area in which they strut around with their tail cocked high over their back.

Well behaved pets welcome Camp kitchen–communal BBQ, TV, fridge & washing up facilities ■ Waste dump point ■ Nature walk to Julia Creek ■ Walking distance to town centre, pool & indoor sports centre ■ Free Wi-Fi & free cruiser bike hire ■ Friendly atmosphere & clean amenities

■

Julia Creek – 96hr RV Friendly Area Contact ‘At the Creek’ Visitor Information Centre for directions P 07 4746 7690 E tourism@mckinlay.qld.gov.au www.atthecreek.com.au 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. If you wish to be an RV Camp Host Volunteer in 2018, please contact Julia Creek Visitor Information Centre. Permits obtained from camp host during April to September and from the Information Centre from October through March.

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az Silver Top

Bring this ad into the Georgetown TerrEstrial Centre to get your FREE Etheridge Tourism Kit

Agate

Blue Topaz

Gold Nugget

Lava Tubes, Gems and Gorges – Suggested Itineraries

Cobbold

1. Savannah Way  Undara Lava Tubes  Fossick for Gems at Mt Surprise  Newcastle Ranges  TerrEstrial Centre Georgetown  Cumberland Chimney

Gorge

2. Lava Tubes, Gems and Gorges Trail  Undara Lava Tubes  Fossick for Gems at Mt Surprise  O’Briens Creek  TerrEstrial Centre Georgetown  Flat Creek Station  Cobbold Gorge  Agate Creek Gemfields  4WD Gilberton Outback Retreat to The Lynd  Alternate route through Forsayth to Copperfield Gorge Einasleigh 3. Fossicking Trail  Gems at Mt Surprise  Topaz at O’Briens Creek  Ted Elliot Gem Collection TerrEstrial Centre  Gold at Flat Creek Station  Agate and Thunder Eggs at Agate Creek Gemfields  Gold at Gilberton Station  Agate Display at Goldfields Hotel Forsayth  Copperfield Gorge Einasleigh  Kidston Gold Mine and Dam

Undara Lava Tubes

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4. Cairns to Gulf Savannah – 3 Day  Travel through Tablelands  Innot Hot Springs  Undara Lava Tubes  Fossick for Gems at Mt Surprise  TerrEstrial Centre Georgetown  Cobbold Gorge 5. Townsville to Gulf Savannah – 3 Day  Harvey’s Range Road through Thornton’s Gap  The Lynd Oasis Roadhouse  Copperfield Gorge Einasleigh and Miniature Display at the Hotel



 

Forsayth Goldfields Hotel to view the famous Agate Display Cobbold Gorge Via Georgetown and Undara Lava Tubes

6. Hughenden to Georgetown – 3 Gorges Trail  Hughenden to Porcupine Gorge National Park  The Lynd Oasis Roadhouse  Einasleigh to Copperfield Gorge  Agate Display at Goldfields Hotel Forsayth  Cobbold Gorge  TerrEstrial Centre Georgetown Mineral Collection

orge

For more information visit www.unearthetheridge.com.au TerrEstrial Centre, Low Street, Georgetown QLD P: (07) 4062 1485 | E: terrestrialgeorgetown@bigpond.com

HOSTED ACCOMMODATION

Honeysuckle Grevillea (Grevillea juncifolia)

Honeysuckle Grevillea is one of the most spectacular of Outback Queenslandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wildflowers. Its bright orange blooms can be seen in spring and are a valuable source of nectar for native bees, beetles and birds such as honeyeaters. This shrub, growing to 2m high, is well-adapted to dry environments with its thin foliage. It grows throughout arid Australia most commonly on spinifex-covered plains and sand hills. In Outback Queensland, Honeysuckle Grevillea grows on roadsides around Windorah, Charleville, Barcaldine and Cunnamulla.

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MOUNT ISA — An Outback Oasis —

There’s no mistaking Mount Isa. The giant smoke stacks that loom over the city stand out like beacons, symbols of this outback town’s mining heart. This is a resilient, bustling centre a long way from anywhere. But with its amazing history, ancient landscapes and friendly locals, it’s a jewel worth exploring.

Main Photo: Mount isa – a jewel worth exploring PC: Anne Hartung

Find Mount Isa From Townsville, 900km From Longreach, 650km From Birdsville, 685km Mount Isa and its population of more than 23,000 people, sits within the massive North West Minerals Province, some 1800 kilometres from the Queensland capital, Brisbane and 900 kilometres from Townsville on the coast. It’s Australia’s second largest city by area, sharing a border with the Northern Territory to the west and includes the township of Camooweal 188 kilometres to the north west. There are many perspectives to be explored when visiting Mount Isa and North West

Queensland. Take to the sky and you’ll see horizons so vast you can see the curvature of the earth. At night clear ink black skies are ablaze with light from a billion stars. From the ground, Mount Isa emerges from the outback landscape like an oasis – a modern industrious city with nods to its historic beginnings and traditional Indigenous owners, the Kalkadoon people. Beneath the earth is another world entirely with complex networks of endless tunnels and shafts tapping the vast mineral wealth for which the north west is most famous. With its vast stores of minerals such as silver, zinc, copper and lead, the region has helped drive the economy of northern Australia for almost a century. 74 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

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range of medical services from life-saving emergency flights to regular clinics. You can see and learn more about this uniquely Australian service at the Mount Isa RFDS Base on the Barkly Highway.

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Mount Isa’s Tourism centre ‘Outback at Isa’ offers visitors a chance to feel what it’s like to be a miner with their Hard Times Mine Tours. This authentic guided tour takes you underground to show how the tunnels are made, and tells the stories of the miners who make them. You also get to try your hand on drilling rigs, and feel the rumble of ore being blasted from the rock.

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Other attractions worth checking in Mount Isa include the National Trust Tent House, a World War II Underground Hospital and the Beth Anderson Museum.

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the students, nor the students see the teacher or each other. Originally established in 1960, the Mount Isa school is one of seven in Queensland providing education via satellite internet to students on properties as far as 1000km away. Tours through the School give visitors a behind-the-scenes appreciation of the organisation required to run the service. Mount Isa is also home to one of Queensland’s largest Royal Flying Doctors (RFDS) bases. The RFDS began its life in outback Queensland. It continues to service huge sparsely populated areas, bringing a

Outback Events If you want to experience the true spirit of the outback then you better have the annual Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo on your list. As the largest rodeo in the southern hemisphere, this action-packed event is held every year in August. It’s filled with non-stop bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback bronc, rope and tie, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing and breakaway roping. The event attracts the best cowboys and cowgirls from around Australia and the world, and features a

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BE R 2018 L a k e M o on da rra F ish ing Classic www.lakem oondarrafis hingclassic. com.au For more in formation o n these even ts v isit w w w.mou n tisa.qld .go v.au

M O U N T

packed program of entertainment and live music concerts. The Mount Isa Rodeo turns 60 next year. It’s certain to be a huge outback celebration worth being a part of.

The Best of Nature Mount Isa sits nestled among the ochrered Selwyn Ranges, on the banks of the Leichhardt River. Check out one of the many natural gems just a short drive out of town. Lake Moondarra is situated 17km north of the city centre. Access to the lake is by a sealed road and offers a picturesque shoreline drive. The lake is a popular place for locals and tourists to visit with its spectacular scenery, diverse bird life and it’s safe for swimming

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and boating. It’s also stocked with barramundi so don’t forget to bring your lures. The annual Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic takes over the town every October and offers three days of non-stop fishing, fun and excitement. Adventurous? Journey a little further north to discover the spectacular Lawn Hill Gorge in Boodjamulla National Park. While not an easy drive in, your efforts are rewarded with beautiful red sandstone gorges and amazingly crystal clear turquoise green water fed from natural springs – a true oasis. Its neighbour, the World Heritage-listed Riversleigh Fossil Fields is a World Heritage Site located in the south-eastern section of Lawn Hill National Park. If you’re interested in dinosaurs, it’s worth a visit to see the wellpreserved mammal fossils dating back 25 million years. ❖

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Visitor Information Centre Outback at Isa Visitor Information Centre

19 Marian Street, Mount Isa 07 4749 1555 info@outbackatisa.com.au www.outbackatisa.com.au

Hard Times Mine

Lake Moondarra PC: Marco Bracchi

Tours run daily

Book Tickets and Onsite Camping at isarodeo.com.au

Bell & Moir Toyota

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Adels Grove Situated on Lawn Hill Creek and only 10km from Lawn Hill Gorge with road and air access

Adels Grove is adjacent to spectacular Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park in North West Queensland. This tropical oasis provides a range of accommodation, meals on the open deck overlooking the pristine Lawn Hill Creek and activities including bush walking, bird watching, canoeing, cruise and guided tours. Bookings are essential

Outback At Isa 19 Marian Street, Mount Isa P 07 4749 1555 E info@outbackatisa.com.au www.experiencemountisa.com 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 ‘Mount Isa Rodeo Exhibition’ (opening early 2018), 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. Still want more? How about exploring the onsite art gallery or planning your trip in the award winning Visitor Information Centre.

07 4748 5502

Why not catch up on your emails, have a hot shower or just relax in the Outback Park.

info@adelsgrove.com.au adelsgrove.com.au

Whatever you need, Outback at Isa has it for you!

ibis Styles Mt Isa

MOUNT ISA CITY TOUR

Cnr Camooweal Street & Rodeo Drive, Mount Isa P 07 4743 3024 (reservations) E h0575@accor.com

EXPLORE THE OLD AND THE NEW OF THE ISA

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. All bookings receive complimentary continental breakfast.

The Drover’s Camp Camooweal Lot 15 Barkly Highway (north side), Camooweal P 07 4748 2022 E info@droverscamp.com.au www.droverscamp.com.au

Lake Moondarra sunset TOUR

Travel out to Lake Moondarra for a spectacular sunset and enjoy the serenity on the lawns with a ploughman’s platter and drinks.

Droving Heritage Centre ■ Opens daily to visitors – May to Sept 9am – 3pm ■ Guided Tours available May to Aug – 9.30am, 11.30am & 1.30pm – Admission $10; wheelchair friendly ■ Gift Shop; EFTPOS; Coach Tours Welcome; Off season entry available (phone prior to arrival) ■ Drover’s Camp Festival 4th weekend in August

NEW

in 20 18 Ma

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re info rmat pleas ion (07) 4 e call 749 1 555

Discover Great Deals as

An Outback Mate! For great deals on accommodation, food and coffee go to

Bookings Essential

www.northwesttours.com.au

or see the team at Outback at Isa

www.outbackmates.com.au

07 4749 1555 77 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

MURWEH SHIRE

— Charleville, Morven, Augathella & Cooladdi —

As you head towards Queensland’s Southern Outback you will reach the town of Charleville, the administration centre for the Murweh Shire. The towns of Charleville, Morven, Augathella and Cooladdi all make up the Murweh Shire with Charleville also being the largest town in the Southern Outback.

Find Murweh Shire From Brisbane to Charleville, 740km From Longreach to Augathella, 430km From Birdsville to Cooladdi, 755km

Charleville – The home of Stars and Secrets With a population of only 3,300, Charleville boasts the title as the largest town in South West Queensland. With a history dating back as far as 1847 Charleville has risen above and prospered through many a drought and flood, as well as played a significant part in Australia’s early pioneer history. Did you know that it was in Charleville that Cobb and Co had their largest and longest

running coach making factory and today the Catholic School Hall stands on the site? Charleville is located on the Matilda Highway and is the cross roads to Outback Queensland’s amazing attractions. You can easily spend a week in Charleville before venturing off to your next destination. ‘All roads lead to Charleville’, either by car, plane, bus or train. Did you know that back in 1942 the train was the main form of transport when the USAAF Servicemen were arriving here to make Charleville their secret base for four years? It took them 11 days of train travel from Sydney, now it only takes an overnight ride from Brisbane and so much countryside to see along the way. Make 78 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

Main Photo: Morven Races. Photo: Annabelle Brayley Photography

sure to book the Top Secret WWII Tour that operates daily and we promise you’ll be pleased you did. Don’t forget to take a photo near the B17 billboard to say you’ve been there, done that. Charleville’s bursting at the seams with history and your first port of call will be the Charleville Visitor Information Centre to ask for your see and do list. You don’t want to miss out on some of the great experiences; talk to the locals, find out what there is to do, then start enjoying your time in our part of Outback Queensland.

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afterwards, just as Harry would have wanted. Step back in time at Historic House Museum, when life was tough and outback ingenuity was born. Maybe you enjoy doing your own guided tour, this too is possible by purchasing the Audio Heritage Trail CD from the Visitor Information Centre and listen to the fascinating outback history while you drive around in the comfort of your own vehicle. If you’re caravanning, you have a choice of five caravan parks or the bush camp in or around Charleville. Each offers a totally different experience and will ensure you have a memorable stay in Charleville.

WHAT'S If you’ve never looked 16,000 light years into space, seen the rings of Saturn or seen a double star in the night sky, Charleville’s Cosmos Centre is a must. View the night skies like never before through powerful Meade telescopes with experienced guides to tell you the interesting facts about the night sky. Take in the ‘shooting stars’, the fantastic new ‘Cosmos Shuttle’, and another must is the ‘Outback Stargazing’ Theatre. All this can be found at the Charleville Cosmos Centre’s Astronomy by Day. The Cosmos Centre is … if you will pardon the pun … out of this world!

Meet the endangered Bilby and learn about the struggle to ensure the survival of this iconic little Australian. Get up close and personal with a show or browse through the display and watch them in their natural habitat. If it’s history you’re interested in, then there is plenty of that. The Scones & Stories tour at historic Hotel Corones addresses the story of one Haralambos Corones (Harry) and how he built his empire in Charleville. Enjoy the afternoon tour and enjoy a Devonshire tea

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Most of the caravan parks also have their own tours or camp oven dinners available as well. Make sure to ask when booking y. what their ‘signature’ product is. The iconic Bilb y g Photograph Remember the billy is always on the Photo: Bluedo boil for a cuppa in Charleville. Keep the Flying Doctor Flying by visiting the Royal Flying Doctor Visitor Centre and understand where it all began. Did you also know that you can visit the largest classroom, in area that is, by attending a lesson at the School of Distance Education? Based in Charleville, the students are from hundreds of kilometres away. Check out how it works by visiting the school weekdays through the school year and see it all in action.

Augathella – Bushranger Country With a population of 395, Augathella was once named Burenda, and then renamed Ellangowan before it was finally called Augathella once gazetted in 1883. The town lies on the Matilda Highway, 85 kilometres north of Charleville and 748 kilometres west of Brisbane. There’s a growing arts centre in the town, public library, public swimming pool, a bowls club and the annual rodeo and races are always great weekends. Today, grazing is still the predominant industry of the area. The town is situated on the Warrego River (an Aboriginal word meaning ‘river of sand’). When heading out Augathella way, make sure to pull up in the town centre and walk through the park to see the giant Meat Ant sculpture above your head. The Augathella folks are passionate about their football and their ‘Mighty Meat Ants’ team. The wrought iron sculptures and murals created by locals are worth stopping for. Extend the walk along the Warrego River and relax in its peaceful bush setting. Today the word Ellangowan (the town’s former name) refers to Augathella’s only pub, the Ellangowan Hotel. The hub of the community, call in and have a chat to the friendly locals and ask about the story behind their Smiley Café. A character you may remember of years gone by, Smiley came to life in Augathella as the author, Raymond Moore, actually went to school in the town with Smiley’s character. Augathella was home and stamping grounds of the notorious Kenniff Brothers bushrangers and owes its very existence to the bullock teams that camped along the Warrego all those years ago. If you’re interested in Aboriginal culture, ask about Mt Tabor. The bottom end of Carnarvon

has some incredible history and stories to offer and can be accessed from Augathella or Morven.

Morven – Ooline Country

Augathella Ke

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Wide open spaces, thick belts of flora, red dusty roads, breathtaking sunsets and good 'ol country hospitality are all phrases that best describe the Queensland Outback and here is one more to add – Rainforest. Yes, that’s right, Rainforest, and that’s exactly what you will find just south of the town of Morven. Spend time trekking through the Tregole National Park which will have you breathless at the huge forest of extremely rare Ooline trees. The Ooline tree has rainforest origins and dates back as far as the Pleistocene Era (a period of 1.6 million to 10,000 years ago). Also whilst in Morven check out the museum and soak in the nostalgia of yesteryear as you browse the countless items of memorabilia. See an amazing hut made of flattened kerosene tins and view the unique collection of locally made miniature buildings.

Cooladdi – Where has everyone gone? Commonly known as the Murweh Shire’s little ghost town, take in the serenity while you wander around all that remains of this once bustling town. Throw in a line and enjoy the Coolibah and Gidyea trees while camping on the banks of the nearby river or get dust between your toes at the annual gymkhana. For an experience you will never forget – come, visit the Murweh Shire and experience the great Aussie Outback at its best. ❖ 80 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

Augathella Meat Ant Statue

Visitor Information Centre Charleville Visitor Information Centre

Milky Way, Charleville 07 4654 3057 tourism@murweh.qld.gov.au www.murweh.qld.gov.au

Murweh AUGATHELLA • MORVEN • COOLADDI

SUN THROUGH A SO THE LA IEW

Cosmos Shu ttl e

Mu r SECRET WWII TO OP UR T -

Aviation His to r

INT HAND ERACTIO T S N FIR

Why stay 1 day, when you can stay 3 or 4 & see it all! Charleville Visitor Information Centre P: 07 4654 3057 E: tourism@murweh.qld.gov.au Facebook: /WhatsoninCharleville4470 Instagram: /charleville_qld or @Charleville_qld

CHARLEVILLE COSMOS CENTRE & OBSERVATORY

One great centre, many great astronomy experiences. View distant stars & planets through powerful telescopes. Learn how to read the night sky. View the sun through a solar telescope, experience our interactive Cosmos Shuttle & hold a shooting star in your hand!

TOP SECRET WWII TOUR

BACK NATIVE OUT TIM B

Timber o f

hwe

LK WA ER

Solar Sys tem

PE CO RS

-V

CHARLEVILLE •

Threaten ed Sp e

WHERE MEMORIES ARE MADE

A REAL LIFE BIL SEE BY es ci

Find out what secret the Americans were hiding & be absorbed by the fascinating history. Your guide will unveil an incredible story of the time when the world was at war & Charleville was at the centre of it all. The Top Secret WWII Tour is available daily and can be booked through the Charleville Visitor Information Centre!

Key Events 2018 MARCH

MORVEN, CHARLEVILLE

MARCH

Halfway There Shindig (Street Party)

CHARLEVILLE

SEPT

Commonwealth Games Queens Baton Relay AUGATHELLA

JULY

Commonwealth Games Queens Baton Relay

National Bilby Day Festival CHARLEVILLE

Annual Fur Ball 2018 CHARLEVILLE

Morven Races MORVEN

experiencecharleville.com.au

www.

Blue Dog Photography

Meet a Bilby at the Charleville Bilby Experience

Experience of a lifetime

Unique

Bilby Encounters

Save the Bilby Fund is a not-for-profit organisation that has created this educational and interpretive centre. The Charleville Bilby Experience showcases this amazing marsupial of outback Australia and the work being done to save it from extinction.

www.savethebilbyfund.org

In our ‘bilby experiences’ you’ll learn about the plight of the bilby and watch their antics in the spectacular nocturnal house. Our ‘Up Close and Personal Experience’ option is a unique opportunity to touch a bilby and capture that memory with a photograph.

Find us here

Charleville Railway Station King Street Charleville QLD

Bookings essential

Phone: 07 4654 3681 Email: charleville@savethebilbyfund.org

Book today!

For prices, opening hours and ‘Experience’ times visit:

www.charlevillebilbyexperience.com.au

Ellangowan Hotel

Meals | Accommodation | Laundromat

AUGATHELLA

COLDE ST

BE E R for 100km!

We're in th e

Ellangowan Hotel

07 4654 5241

Smiley's Café & Restaurant

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

Augathella Palms

Motel

P: 07 4654 5045 E: augathellapalms@gmail.com www.augathellapalms.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

         

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 Modern Australian Cuisine offered in a relaxed dining format 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

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www.rocksmotel.com.au

• Yabby Races Subject to availability of Yabbies • Camp Oven Dinners • Lamb on Spit Roasts • Grassy/shady sites • Luxury and standard en-suite cabins • FREE WiFi Hotspot • Polite Pets welcome • Ask for your STAY ‘n SAVE Vouchers

Cobb & Co. Caravan Park 1 Ridgeway Street, Charleville P 07 4654 1053 E john@caravanparkscharleville.com.au Friendly & Welcoming – At Cobb & Co. Caravan Park you will enjoy a quiet, peaceful bushland setting. Coffee shop Plenty of shade ■ Powered & unpowered sites ■ Large / long vehicle drive-thru sites

2 amenities blocks 2 dump points ■ Disabled facilities ■ Ensuited & airconditioned selfcontained cabins

■

Coin operated laundries ■ Camp kitchens ■ Pets on application ■ Happy hour campfire ■

John and the team look forward to having you stay.

Evening Star Tourist Park

Charleville Bush Caravan Park & Cottage

818 Adavale Road, Charleville P 07 4654 2430 E eveningstarvanpark@gmail.com www.eveningstar.com.au

Lot 1 Frawley Street, Charleville P 0428 545 200 E info@travelwest.com.au www.charlevillecaravanpark.com.au

We invite you to come and relax in our beautiful and spacious rural surrounds. Enjoy the magic of the Queensland outback with her brilliant night sky. Winner of the 2016 Mulga Awards for Natural Resource Management Tourism. ■ Huge drive through sites with easy access with lots of room to move ■ Clean, spacious amenities with disabled access and laundry facilities ■ Licensed bar, camp kitchen with free BBQ and washing up area ■ Station tours onto adjacent Thurlby Station – a world class grazing property ■ Pet friendly park and a birdwatcher’s paradise  Free Wi-Fi ■ Numerous bush walks, historic woolshed and machinery memorabilia to explore  New wash down bay for vehicle and caravan hygiene (fee applies)

Set on 62 acres, offering visitors a relaxed and friendly bush setting 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 night! ■ Fully self-contained cottage ■ Dump Point ■ 32 Powered drive thru sites ($33pn) ■ Birdwatchers love it here! ■ Non-Smokers Only & No Pets ■ Check Out Charleville Town Tour ■ Mobile, Internet & TV ■ 4WD Motel Accommodated Tag Along Tour to Birdsville, Innamincka & the Corner Country – www.travelwest.com.au

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PA R O O S H I R E — Live like a local —

The communities of Cunnamulla, Eulo, Yowah and Wyandra create the Paroo Shire. They may be small but what they lack in numbers they sure make up for in iconic outback hospitality, natural beauty, old-fashioned values and enthusiasm.

Find Paroo Shire From Brisbane to Cunnamulla, 780km From Charleville to Cunnamulla, 200km From Birdsville to Eulo, 850km

Cunnamulla

of drought, fire and floods and has played home to a number of pioneering pastoralists including James ‘Hungry’ Tyson. Tyson staked his claim and once owned and operated one of the largest pastoral holdings which housed the

Cunnamulla is located at the crossroads of the Matilda Way and Adventure Way. This is a place where bullock teams once passed through and shearers spilled from bar windows and yarns spread like bushfires around the district that the catch was really ‘this big’. Cunnamulla grew on the banks of the Warrego River and since the Dreamtime, this land has been home to the Kunja Aboriginal tribe. Today it is also shared by members of the Kooma, Mardigan, Budjiti, Kullilli and neighbouring tribes. From claypan flats and mulga-lined horizons this country has seen its share

largest shearing shed in the southern hemisphere, boasting 101 stands. Where remains lie of this era, the yarns have been spun of Tyson’s drive and determination which crowned him Australia’s first selfmade millionaire. Main Photo: Cunnamulla sunset

A bird watcher’s paradise

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Bus

llenge – hmans Cha

Cunnamul

la Fella Fest

ival

Sunset on the Warrego

Slim Dusty often wandered the streets of Cunnamulla and famously put to song the words of the Cunnamulla Fella written by Stan Coster, which has been immortalised forever in a larger than life statue located in the main street. Learn about the town’s history at the Cunnamulla Fella Centre Museum and travel back in time 100 million years in the Artesian Time Tunnel to discover how life in the outback was sustained with the artesian water. Take time to smell the roses while you explore the streets and local merchants reminiscent of a bygone era in this little western town. Drive to the Allan Tannock Weir for a quiet moment and relax on the

Warrego River. Throw in a line or hire a kayak and explore the calm river. Explore the Sand Hills or take the Warrego River Walk and capture the setting sun on camera. Grab a hearty meal at one of our local pubs and meet some of the characters that call Cunnamulla and the Paroo Shire home.

Eulo Eulo, a short 65km drive west of Cunnamulla is home of the infamous Eulo Queen. Call into the pub of the same name and learn of her love affair with opals, the classic outback gem. Take advantage of the 4WD tracks along the Billabong or Granite Nature Trail or visit Currawinya National Park. Pamper yourself and take a luxurious mud bath at the Palm Grove Artesian Mud Baths and

Charlotte Plains

purchase local produce including honey, hand creams and ointments. Grab a coffee at the Eulo General Store, and visit Paroo Patch and the Eulo Queen Opal Gallery for a local souvenir.

Yowah Relax a while in Yowah. Fossick for your own beautiful matrix colour or the unique Yowah Nut Opal. Marvel at the 180° views and scenic sunsets at ‘The Bluff’. Take a bird watching tour or test your skills on the 9-hole golf course with sand greens and earth fairways. Stroll the streets and meet the owners of unique opal and craft galleries, where you can purchase opal and have your favourite piece set. Grab a coffee at the RTC Café, experience an open air bore bath or share stories around the campfire at a community barbeque.

Wyandra This small township evolved as a railway settlement halfway between Cunnamulla and Charleville. Its growing popularity stems from its WWI memorial site that attracts great numbers of Veterans for the annual Anzac Day Memorial March. Explore the town’s history, then head to ‘The Beach’ – where you won’t find sand or salty waves, but a damn good fishing hole. Afterwards, sink a sundowner at the Gladstone Hotel or grab a bite to eat at the Post Office Café, which also offers an outdoor cinema experience. ❖

Rose Gardens

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P A R O O

Quilpie

Road key: sealed unsealed

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Kilometres

Hig hway

146°E

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48 (30)

Paroo

Mitche l l

98 (70)

P A R O O

23 (15) Lake 60 Bindegolly Yowah (40) NP 28°S Bul loo Dev. Rd Adventure Wa y

A71

Cunnamulla Dev. loo 68 Rd Bul (60) Eulo

122 (84)

A71

Biny NP

Hungerford

Eulo Mud Baths

To Bollon 177 (120)

B a lonne

Hwy

28°S

Culgoa Floodplain NP

hway H ig

Barringun

122 (90)

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Currawinya National Park

L O C A L

Cunnamulla...... 1300 Eulo................. 108 Yowah............... 142 Wyandra.......... 116

Wyandra

165 (120)

Town Populations

A71

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—

146°E

Visitor Information Centre

WHAT'S

Cunnamulla Fella Centre

22 Jane Street, Cunnamulla 07 4655 8470 cunnamullainfo@paroo.qld.gov.au www.paroo.info

2 5 – 2 6 A UG

UST 2018 Cu n namu ll a Fella Fest w w w.cu n n iva l amu llafella festiva l.co m .au 14 A PR IL 2 018 N

oorama R a ces w w w.noora ma racing.c om .au

A day in the life of a local

17– 20 M AY 2

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A N Z AC DA

Y WEEKEN Cu n namu ll D 2018 a & Distric tD Facebook – Cu n namu iggers R aces lla-and-Dis Diggers -R trictace -Clu b 10 –15 JU LY

2018 Cu n namu ll a Poets and Cou ntr y M usic Muste r 0427 731 0 88 For more in formation o n these even ts v isit w w w.pa ro o.in fo

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Charlotte Plains Outback Magic Cunnamulla Airstrip: Length 940m S28° 04’ E146° 11’ P 07 4655 4923 E charlotteplains@gmail.com www.charlotteplains.com.au 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. Photograph the spectacular wildflowers from approximately September. 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.

OUTBACK QUEENSLAND’S

PHOTO COMPETITION Get your photo on the cover of the 2019 Travellers’ Guide Enter at www.outbackqueensland.com.au Entries close 31/10/2018

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QUILPIE SHIRE — Your Outback Adventure —

This Outback region in South West Queensland is steeped with a rich pioneering and prehistoric history and an abundance of birdlife and natural wonders that is sure to entertain the whole family. Visit, explore, learn and experience the history and natural beauty of the Quilpie Shire while enjoying your Outback Adventure!!

Find Quilpie Shire From Brisbane to Quilpie, 955km From Birdsville to Quilpie, 630km From Longreach to Quilpie, 550km

End of the Line On the edge of the Channel Country about 950 kilometres west of Brisbane in Queensland’s south-west, the Quilpie Shire is rich in history. The township of Quilpie itself came about with the arrival of the western railway line in 1917 and to this day is the official ‘End of the Line’, or beginning depending on your perspective. Its name was derived from the Aboriginal word ‘Quilpeta’ or “‘Quilpeter’ meaning ‘stone curlew’ and in a nod to the bird theme, all but three of Quilpie’s streets bear bird monikers. Quilpie is the business centre for the Shire and an excellent base to

explore the four other locales ... Eromanga, Adavale, Toompine and Cheepie and each has something unique to offer. The lifestyle in Quilpie is as laid back as you would expect in the outback. Enjoy a stroll along the signed Bulloo River Walk or throw a line in and try your luck catching a yellowbelly, or perhaps a pot is more your style to snare some yabbies instead. While you’re wandering the Bulloo River, see what birds you can spy too. Don’t forget to pick up a bird list from the Visitor Information Centre to see what you can find. Have a wander through the indoor interactive museum and learn more about the incredible history of the Shire. You’ll also want to check out the onsite Regional Art Gallery featuring exhibitions from both local and travelling artists. Pop next door to browse the Military History Museum, 89 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

with memorabilia and photographs kindly loaned or donated by local families creating a memorial to the Shire’s local war heroes and signifying the long and proud military history of its heroes and the conflicts in which they served. And just to top it off, visit the Quilpie Shire Rail Museum, depicting 100 years of the Western Rail Service. The Quilpie Visitor Information Centre should be your first point of call when visiting. The friendly local staff are extremely knowledgeable about the area and can help you make the most of your visit. You can also access the free Wi-Fi and make your National Park bookings while you’re there.

Main Photo: Hell Hole Gorge National Park PC: Kenny

Isisford

Stonehenge

Road key:

Town Populations

Blackall

sealed unsealed

Jundah

52 (54)

Windorah

Idalia NP 144°E

D eve l

Hell Hole Gorge NP

tal men op

Q U I L P I E D

106 (78)

Quilpie

221 (257)

St Finbarr’s Opal Altar, Quilpie 26°S

Mariala NP

Quilpie Diamantina De v. Rd 14 To Charleville

lpie Qui

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48 (30)

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kms (mins)

Journey key:

Quilpie............. 654 Eromanga........ 45 Toompine......... 2 Adavale............ 25 Cheepie........... 1

Kilometres

83144°E (84)

Thargomindah

Art and culture is also important to the Quilpie community. The main street is lined with silhouettes of a drover and his herd, sheep and brolgas and don’t miss the 45m mural depicting Quilpie Shire’s history right next door to the Visitor Information Centre. Travel just 7.5km from town and you’ll find Baldy Top and Table Top Lookouts. Just a short stroll to the top promises magnificent panoramic views of the area, giving an insight into the remoteness of the region. If you’re a budding photographer, be sure to be at the top at sundown to capture a spectacular outback sunset! As the world’s largest producer of boulder opal, you can try your luck at the free fossicking area on the outskirts of town. No permit is required here and you could find a piece of beautiful opal.

71 (80)

Lake Bindegolly Yowah NP

Home to Australia’s Largest Dinosaur ‘Cooper’ The Eromanga Natural History Museum (ENHM) houses Australia’s largest dinosaur, a 95-98 million-year-old titanosaur called ‘Cooper’. Come along and visit the growing number of scientifically significant fossil discoveries in the heart of the South West Queensland Channel Country. It’s also home to some of the world’s largest megafauna and an array of microfauna, discovered nearby in Eulo; these are estimated to be 50,000 – 100,000 years old. Stage 1 has been built meeting international museum standards, on a dedicated 167-hectare site three kilometres outside of Eromanga, approximately one hour’s drive west from Quilpie. As a premier tourism attraction, it will dedicate itself to

celebrating the prehistoric history and the amazing diversity of life of outback Australia – from the tiniest fossils the size of a sugar grain, to the mightiest dinosaurs Australia has ever seen. This unique fossil collection represents the extensive range of Australian dinosaurs, mega fauna, micro fauna and plants, which grows each year and is a quality and quantity rarely seen in context of a single collection. ENHM offers visitors the opportunity to learn how to prep fossils and join in on fossil digs. Their guided tour, The Australian Giants Tour, runs four times a day. So come along, pick up a bone or take a picture with Cooper’s replication and immerse yourself in a journey back in time. The Eromanga region also has the claim to fame of being the furthest town from the sea and the largest oil producing area in mainland Australia. The township plays host to a mini refinery that has been continuously refining 1250 barrels per day of crude oils into automotive distillates, jet fuel and specialty chemicals. The IOR Refinery has fuel available for visitors via a 24hr card machine. Take a stroll around the town’s historical walk and enjoy the information signs depicting the story of the buildings that once stood. Discover more about Eromanga at the Living History Centre incorporating

Baldy Top PC: Kenny

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Q U I L P I E

S H I R E

an Object Theatre, enjoy a picnic in the park adjoining the museum, and check out the stunning Opal Mining Memorial. And of course, a visit to Knot-A-Saurus Park is a must! Call in to view this amazing sculpture of a sauropod and her two babies made out of 100-metre lengths of twisted aluminium.

Gateway to Stunning National Parks!! Dating from 1880, Adavale was once a thriving town and business centre. Changing the planned railway from Adavale to what is now Quilpie was the beginning of the end for this pioneering town’s prosperity. Graves dating from the early 1800s are a testament to the harsh lifestyle and daily struggle of the early settlers and make for an interesting visit to the town cemetery. While you’re in town explore more of the town’s history by taking a stroll along the historical walk. Information signs explain the history of each site and help you visualise what this once bustling town looked like. Relics from over a century ago are on display in the outdoor mini museum and the Police Hut Museum in the Shire Hall grounds is filled with history of Adavale’s Police Force. The Adavale Hall grounds also have a coin operated BBQ, picnic table and chairs, toilets and showers and offer free camping for visitors’ convenience. While you are here, take a walk along the veranda of the hall and enjoy the incredible historical photos from Adavale’s past. Lovers of the great outdoors and the outback scenery will love Adavale, as the drive from Quilpie is one of the most scenic in the Shire. Adavale is home to great fishing spots, birdwatching and is the gateway to the stunning Hell Hole Gorge National Park.

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Y O U R

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A D V E N T U R E

The Pub with No Town! The sign at this old Cobb. & Co. staging post says it all: ‘Toompine – the pub with no town!’ Toompine is situated along the ‘Dowling Track’, named after legendary explorer and pastoralist Vincent Dowling. The South Western Hotel, locally known as the Toompine Hotel is all that remains of this once bustling town, which came about due to the discovery of opal nearby in the 1860s. This iconic outback pub is over 120 years old and is a great place to have a beer or two and a yarn with the locals. Book into the ‘Toompine Terraces’ for a night or two or camp around the pub grounds. Ask at the pub for directions to the best fishing spots and to the local ‘Cemery’, just a kilometre down the road. You can even have a round of golf on the sand green course. Toompine is a great base from where you can fossick for Opal at Duck Creek and Sheep Station Creek Opal fossicking areas. Fossicking licences are required and can be obtained from the Mining Registrar in Quilpie. ❖

Quilpie Visitor Information Centre, Museum & Gallery

Visitor Information Centre Quilpie Visitor Information Centre, Museum & Gallery

51 Brolga Street, Quilpie 07 4656 0540 tourism@quilpie.qld.gov.au www.visitquilpieshire.com

Opening Hours:

Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm Saturday – Sunday 9am – 2pm (March – October only)

Eromanga Natural History Museum

WHAT'S

M A RC H 2 0

18 Eromanga R o d eo, Campd raft & Gy m k h a na A PR IL 20

18 Adava le C ampd raft, R odeo & G y m k ha na M AY 2

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P ride Of T h E R 2018 e West Fest iva w w w.q uilp ied iggers.c l om For more in formation o n these even ts v isit w w w.v isitq uilpiesh ire .com

Racing in the Red Corner | Quilpie Diggers Race Club P 0428 561 461 FB facebook.com/quilpiediggers www.quilpiediggers.com 2018 Events: Quilpie Cup | 5 May Outback Racing at its best, biggest Fashion prizes in the West Ellerston Exhibition Polo | 18 – 19 August From the green fields of the Hunter Valley’s famous Ellerston Onassis, world class polo in the red Quilpie dust Pride of the West Station Challenge | 28 – 30 September The stockmen and women of the Channel country gather for three days of Outback fun, racing their stockhorses to claim the title ‘Pride of the West’

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

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RICHMOND SHIRE

— The Oasis in the Outback —

Imagine being in a place so diverse, so vast, you feel an indescribable sense of freedom. From the plains of the downs country to the silvery shimmer of the sun shining on the gidgee trees in the forest country, Richmond is often referred to as an oasis in the Outback.

Main Photo: Bird’s eye view of Richmond

Find Richmond From Townsville, 500km From Mount Isa, 400km From Longreach, 500km

Historically Speaking Richmond was surveyed in 1882. It was named after the Richmond Downs Pastoral Run, established by Bundock and Hayes, which was, in turn, named after the Richmond River area of NSW from whence they hailed. For more than 120 years Richmond plodded along as a service town providing for surrounding districts, with bursts of enthusiasm through its nearby ‘Woolgar’ gold discovery and subsequent rush, along with the town’s important link with the Cobb & Co. coach service. In 1904 the railway reached the town, making it the station and railhead for the

Picturesque La

ke Fred Tritton

. Photo: Patricia

Woodgate

Gulf Country. For the next four years (until the railway pushed on to Julia Creek) cattle were brought to Richmond to be shipped out to the coast. The arrival of the railway meant the hasty demise of Cobb & Co. However it wasn’t until 1989 and the revelation of a 100-million-year-old polycotylid skeleton which put Richmond on the global map. 93 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

The discovery of gold at the Woolgar fields 113km north of the town resulted in a rush to the area and Richmond became an important point for the Cobb & Co coaches which moved miners through the area. This historic link is recalled in Goldring Street (the town’s main street) with a superbly preserved Cobb & Co coach.

Kronosaurus Korner

On the banks of the mighty Flinders River

explor t sights to be Magnificen

ed at Kronos

aurus Korner

’#RichmondRocks 100-million-year-old fossils can’t be wrong’ Michelle Johnston, Curator & Interpretation Manager, Kronosaurus Korner

Cambridge Downs Heritage Display Centre

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This small town with a population of around 850 is situated on the banks of the Flinders River in Gulf Country and serves the surrounding sheep and cattle properties. Being situated roughly halfway between Townsville and Mount Isa, Richmond’s lovely backdrop of gardens, bougainvilleas, native trees and shrubs, along with the town’s recent literal step backwards into the Cretaceous Period, will make this the perfect adventure before travelling on. In recent years Richmond has become the centre of attention as an area rich in marine fossils dating back around 100 million years, when Outback Queensland was submerged 40 metres under an inland sea. Pretty astonishing to consider as you enter the outback town now. Kronosaurus Korner is a museum that specialises in marine reptile fossils, offering self-guided tours of over 1500 unique fossils gathered from around the Richmond Shire in Outback Queensland. Visitors are also offered the opportunity to hunt for their own fossils in the public fossil hunting sites north of Richmond. Permits are required, available from the Visitor Centre.

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More than just Fossils However, Richmond’s not just about marine fossils. The town’s pastoral and Indigenous heritage is unearthed through a number of free attractions, the Cambridge Downs Heritage Display Centre, the Interpretative Historical walk through the main street of town and the Bush Tucker Gardens. Lake Fred Tritton located on the eastern entry to town offers a little retreat from the sparse plains of the Overlander’s Way. The lake is fully stocked with barramundi and 17 other species of fish for the keen angler. Also used for canoeing, water skiing, sailing and swimming, the lake is a hub for town activities and events.

Kronosaurus Korner

91-93 Goldring Street, Richmond 07 4719 3390 enquiries@kronosauruskorner.com.au www.kronosauruskorner.com.au

RY 201 Day Celeb 8 rations

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If fishing for barramundi and fossil hunting for signs of long since extinct creatures of the Great Inland Sea are on your list of things to see and do while travelling through Queensland’s Outback, a couple of days ‘digging’ around Richmond is a must on your itinerary. Nowhere else in the Outback offers this package of experiences. Another thing to keep an eye out for – Moonrocks! They are a unique feature of the landscape and are used for everything from garden features, door stops, to projectiles in the World Champion Moonrock Throwing Competition at the biennial Richmond Outback Fossil Fest. ❖

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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 & Dusk

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

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

WINTON SHIRE

— Winton, Corfield, Middleton & Opalton —

Winton is a small town with a big heart. It’s home to diverse landscapes, with rolling Mitchell Grass plains interrupted by mesa formations, stark red earth, spinifex country, channel country and undulating plains as far as the eye can see. Playing a crucial role in Australian culture, it’s the birthplace of Waltzing Matilda, home to many of Australia’s dinosaurs and has a thriving film industry.

Find Winton

Main Photo: Ayrshire Hills

From Brisbane, 1500km From Mount Isa, 459km From Longreach, 179km

Winton Land was taken up in the Winton District in 1866. The town was originally located approximately 1km west of its current location, and known as Pelican Waterhole. This settlement was flooded out in 1876, and a man named Robert Allen shifted to the present site of Winton, out of reach of the floodwaters. Robert Allen was the Postmaster at the time, and local legend has it that, finding the name Pelican Waterhole too cumbersome to write on postage stamps, he changed the settlement’s name to Winton, after the suburb of Bournemouth, England, where he was born. Winton was officially named a town on 5 July, 1879. Winton is known as the home of our national song, Waltzing Matilda, which was written by A.B. ‘Banjo’ Paterson. This song is so important to Winton a brand new $23 million dollar museum to honour the

Elderslie Street

, Winton

memory of the song has been built (open from April 2018). Legend has it that the first public performance of Waltzing Matilda occurred at Winton’s North Gregory Hotel on 6 April, 1895. Winton is also the birthplace of QANTAS, registered as a company in Winton on 16 November, 1920. This was followed by the first board meeting at the Winton Club in 1921. 97 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

There’s plenty to see and do around Winton, the Dinosaur Capital of Australia. Meet the ancient creatures when you take a prehistoric journey, 110km south-west of Winton to Lark Quarry, following in the footsteps of those who roamed this Earth millions of years ago. Over 3000 dinosaur tracks mark the site of the only known dinosaur stampede on the planet.

Artist impression of the new Waltzing Matilda Centre, Winton

The dinosaur adventure continues 24km south-east of Winton to The Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum, the most productive fossil preparation facility in the Southern Hemisphere with the world’s largest collection of dinosaur fossils. Meet the prehistoric giants that call the museum home, including ‘Banjo’ – Australia’s most significant and complete carnivorous dinosaur. Get back to nature with a visit to Bladensburg National Park, located just 7km from town and offering stunning examples of the landscapes of Winton Shire, from sweeping Mitchell Grass Downs to breathtaking gorges and jumpups. Visit Scrammy Gorge or travel the route of the river gum for a spectacular natural adventure.

Corfield Corfield is a small town with a pub, camping ground and a post office and a lot of character, and is located 80km north of Winton. The population swells to more than 1000 in August when the popular Corfield Races are held (yes, it’s a pun on the better known Caulfield Races!). The popular horse race is an annual event when punters from near and far come to experience the REAL Corfield races. This event is a fashion magnet for the women of this part of Queensland. In the early days of Cobb & Co. coaches, a small community sprang up at the changing

station located about 1km east of the present town of Corfield. This old town was referred to as Manuka because it was located on Manuka Station. The present town of Corfield was founded when the railway line from Winton to Hughenden was built in the late 1800s, linking Winton with Townsville. The first train from Hughenden to Winton arrived on 23 May, 1899. The Corfield population peaked at around 40. The town infrastructure consisted of five railway houses plus the stationmaster’s house, a post office, two petrol depots, a hotel, a school and teacher’s house, a goods shed and the railway building. The railway line between Winton and Hughenden ceased operation during the late 1990s.

Middleton Explorers came to the area around Middleton in 1862, when John McKinlay passed through the area in search of the lost expedition of Burke and Wills. They were the first white men to enter the Winton district. They passed by the present site of Middleton township and continued on towards the Gulf. The memorial in front of the old hall lists the men who were part of the exploration party. The Middleton Hotel was built during the Cobb & Co. era, and was a changing station, 98 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

where tired horses were replaced with fresh horses, on the route between Winton and Boulia. It formed one of the ‘Nine Pillars of Cobb & Co’. These pillars represent the nine oldest and original changing stations for the coaches of the Winton to Boulia Route, which was 384km, and took four days each way. It was called Mail Service 216, and ran between 1895 and 1915. The Middleton Hotel, campground and the disused hall are all that survives of the settlement. The Middleton Hotel now has the distinction of being one of the most isolated pubs in Queensland. Stop in for a coldie and a yarn on the way to Boulia, or as a day trip from Winton. Cabin accommodation is available and a free campground at the ‘Hilton Hotel’ across the road.

Opalton Situated 123km from Winton, Opalton is one of the largest opal fields in Queensland and is known for the quality of opal mined. In 1888 the first opal was discovered by George Cragg, a stockman from Warrnambool Station and the first mine was worked in 1894. At one time, Opalton was a bustling township with more than 600 men working the opal field, around the turn of the 20th century. The township today is much smaller with approximately 25 in population. In 1899, the largest piece of pipe opal ever recorded was discovered at Opalton – it was over 10 feet (3m) long and rumoured to be as thick as a man’s leg!

W I N T O N

S H I R E

Julia Creek

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Richmond

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O P A L T O N

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169 Middleton (115)

WINTON

85 (60)

22°S

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143°E

kms (mins)

48 (30)

The majority of the journey is on an unsealed road. No food, drinks or fuel are available in Opalton. Please ensure you are fully stocked prior to your departure from Winton. There is camping available at the Opalton Bush Park – showers and toilets are provided, as well as a sheltered BBQ area. ❖

y Hw

Astrebla Downs NP

91 (97)

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Winton – The Dinosaur Capital of Australia

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Visitor Information Centre Winton Visitor Information Centre

50 Elderslie Street, Winton 1300 665 115 vic@winton.qld.gov.au www.experiencewinton.com.au

WHAT' 19 – 22 A P R

S ON

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T he Outb M BE R 2019 ack Festi va l w w w.outb ackfestiv a l.com .au For more in formati on on thes w w w.ex p e events v isit eriencew inton .com .au Sunset, east of Winton

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

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

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.

WINTON Winton Visitor Information Centre Waltzing Matilda Centre P 1300 665 115 | E vic@winton.qld.gov.au www.experiencewinton.com.au

I’m an Outback Mate

Gateway To Australia’s

Dinosaur Trail

Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History  See the world’s largest collection of Australia’s biggest dinosaur fossils  Explore the Collection Room, Fossil Preparation Laboratory and Dinosaur Canyon!  Open daily April to September, tours from 9am (reduced trading hours from Oct - Mar)  Located 24km south-east of Winton

Planning a trip to Winton? Save money and time with a VIP Pass to Winton’s famed attractions!

Dinosaur Stampede At Lark Quarry Conservation Park

The VIP Pass is available at both sites or online.

 The only evidence of a dinosaur stampede on the planet  Three thousand three hundred dinosaur footprints immortalised in stone!  Open daily April to September, tours from 9.30am (reduced trading hours from Oct - Mar)  Located 110km south-west of Winton

TO BEAT THE QUEUES, BOOK ONLINE AT AUSTRALIANAGEOFDINOSAURS.COM 100 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

Red Dirt Tours

Winton’s Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival

P 07 4657 1466 (Winton Info Centre) E vicki@reddirttours.com.au www.reddirttours.com.au

E enquiries@visionsplendidfilmfest.com For tickets and program visit, like and share us at www.visionsplendidfilmfest.com www.facebook.com/visionsplendid

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 landscape, flora, fauna, history and pre-history. Your tour guide is the owner operator, Vicki. Check availability and book online at www.reddirttours.com.au Tours from Winton include: ■ Dinosaur Stampede & Merton Gorge ■ Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum ■ Carisbrooke Station ■ Rangelands Rifts and Sunsets ■ Diamantina River & Old Cork ■ Bladensburg National Park

29 June – 7 July, 2018 | Winton, Outback Queensland ■

30 Films

■

3,000 Scenes

■

3 Zillion Stars

Experience an incredible program of Outback inspired films, under the stars in Winton’s main street in the historic open-air Royal Theatre. Opening party, conversations, yarns, tours and short-film competition with a Wide Open Road theme. Celebrating the 100 year centenary of the open-air Royal Theatre.

Outback Festival – Winton P 07 4657 1558 E info@outbackfestival.com.au www.outbackfestival.com.au SAVE THE DATE: 24 – 28 September 2019 Australian Dunny Derby ■ Outback Ironman/Ironwoman ■ Outback Century Cycle Challenge ■ Bush Poet’s Breakfasts ■ Nightly live bands ■ Sunset Dinner Extravaganza ■ Kids entertainment and events ... plus lots more! ■

Tattersall’s Hotel & Van Park Tattersall’s Hotel 78 Elderslie Street, Winton Tattersall’s Van Park Werna Street, Winton (opp. Tattersall’s Hotel) P 07 4657 1309 F 07 4657 1722

Winton Outback Motel 95 Elderslie Street, Winton P 07 4657 1422 E info@wintonoutbackmotel.com www.wintonoutbackmotel.com

Tattersall’s 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 Tattersall’s, boasting a colourful public-bar, alfresco dining, extensive menu and wine list, bottle shop, pokies, keno, ATM, hotel accommodation and Van Park adjacent to Hotel. Tattersall’s 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 Tattersall’s Hotel.

Standard, deluxe, family and disabled units Foxtel and free wireless internet ■ Undercover parking and heavy vehicle parking ■ BBQ area and Airport pick-up ■ Central to all facilities ■ Pet friendly rooms available ■ ■

Winton’s Diamantina Truck Museum Situated on the Winton to Hughenden Road P 0429 806 140 | Open daily – 8am to 5pm E heritagetruckswinton@hotmail.com.au www.wintontruckmuseum.com

OUTBACK QUEENSLAND’S

PHOTO COMPETITION

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

Spar part of our community. Our award-winning CnrAVindex & Manuka Streets, Winton P 07family-owned 4657 1254 F 07supermarket 4657 1202 has been offering the E sparwinton1@gmail.com Winton community quality groceries since 1984.

Get your photo on the cover of the 2019 Travellers’ Guide

A part of our community. Our award-winning Fresh fruit and veg BBQ chickens family-owned supermarket has been offering the ATM Phone Winton community quality service since 1984.recharge

Enter at www.outbackqueensland.com.au

■

Ice

Bait

■ Phone recharge Fresh fruit and veg cnr Vindex & Manuka Streets, Winton QLD 4735 ■ ATM ■ Bait ■ Ice ■ Open P: (07) 4657 1254 F: (07) 4657 7 days1202 – ■ BBQ easy access chickens E: winton@5staronline.net

Entries close 31/10/2018 101 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

Experience Winton L E G E N D A R Y

S A F E

FEATURING Lark Quarry Conservation Park and Dinosaur Stampede Australian Age of Dinosaurs Bladensburg National Park Waltzing Matilda â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Qantilda Museum Musical Fence Truck Museum Royal Open Air Theatre + much more!

Find us on:

Waltzing Matilda Centre

PO Box 286, 50 Elderslie Street Winton Queensland 4735 P: 1300 665 115 E: vic@winton.qld.gov.au www.experiencewinton.com.au

S C E N I C

N A T I O N A L PA R K S

Explore the Outback Venture into Outback Queensland where you will experience the true diversity and beauty of our natural landscapes. Explore hidden gorges, ancient Aboriginal rock art, peaceful waterholes, wildlife-rich wetlands, desert sand dunes and the incredible sand dune country. In the north west you’ll find Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park and the World Heritage-listed Riversleigh. Here you will encounter vestiges of ancient life – outstanding fossils dating back 25 million years, and remnants of this land’s ancient culture – the rock art and stone engravings of the Waanyi Aboriginal people.

West of Birdsville you W will discover the sunYOU KNO D I D n drenched sands of th is regio on v isited rs te m a e P th n jo Ba n Munga-Thirri (Simpson icia l a Bush poet lia’s u noff ed Austra rholes of n n te Desert) National Park. e a p w d e n h a tilda’. T a M g n l Pa rk, a zi n lt Explore Poeppel Corner ‘Wa le Regio o rh te een a W t to have b C om b o where three states meet, re though a , n to in n ea r W tion…. and gidgee trees and h is inspira saltbush pepper the wide red plains. Enjoy the abundant wildlife at Lake Bindegolly and Currawinya national parks south west of Cunnamulla, a noted haven for birdlife. On the eastern edge of our magnificent region, the spectacular Carnarvon National Park awaits exploration.

Camping Fees and Permits Before camping in a Queensland national park, you must obtain a camping permit and pay your camping fees to secure your booking. There’s high demand for some camping areas during peak periods, such as public holidays and school holidays. We recommend booking well in advance or camping in an off-peak time to avoid the crowds. Book online at www.qld.gov.au/camping or book over-the-counter (booking offices are listed on our website).

Connect with Queensland National Parks Visit www.qld.gov.au/nationalparks for detailed information

Like us at www.facebook.com/qldnationalparks

N A T I O N A L

P A R K S

6. Catch your breath

waterholes, internationallyrecognised wetlands full of magnificent birdlife, and majestic desert views. Location and getting there 306km SW of Winton. Access is via an unsealed track following the Diamantina River, off the Kennedy Developmental Road from Winton.

4. F ollow in the footsteps of dinosaurs 1. H ear the stories where they happened Currawinya National Park is part of Queensland’s rich heritage. Thousands of years of Aboriginal history, teeming wildlife and Australia’s 19th and 20th century pastoral heritage make this park well worth a visit. The saltwater Lake Wyara, freshwater Lake Numulla or the Paroo River are home to abundant birdlife, and the beautiful surroundings make this a popular camping spot. Learn about the endangered bilby being given a ‘second chance’. Location and getting there 170km SW of Cunnamulla. Access from Cunnamulla is via Eulo and the Hungerford Road.

2. Get off the beaten track Go bush at Munga-Thirri (Simpson Desert) National Park. Only accessible by 4WD and only in the dry season, the Simpson Desert offers the ultimate journey for self-sufficient adventurers with experience of ‘big dune country’. Drive past dramatically-sculptured red sand dunes, gibber pebble plains and claypans. Camp under starlit skies and experience the exhilarating isolation of this iconic national park. Location and getting there 79km W of Birdsville. Access from Birdsville is via the old Birdsville track, private property and desert tracks such as the QAA line.

3. Take the photo of the year Keep your camera ready at Janet’s Leap lookout, where panoramic views of a kaleidoscope of nature’s colours inspire photographers from around the globe In Diamantina National Park, arid lands of sand dunes, grass plains and weathered sandstone ranges merge with the many braided channels of the Diamantina River. Along the 4WD tracks through the park, surprises await experienced visitors – from pioneer settler relics to abundant

Feel the thrill of standing where dinosaurs once roamed at Lark Quarry Conservation Park. The significance of this ancient site was only realised in the 1960s when a grazier discovered what he thought were bird tracks. Scientists and palaeontologists have since uncovered a 200m2 site, now called Trackways, and protected inside a shelter, where some 3300 footprints have, until recently, been known as the world’s only record of a dinosaur ‘stampede’ – a herd of small dinosaurs being chased by a large theropod, about 95 million years ago! Findings from a recent study suggest the tracks may have been left by swimming and wading, not running dinosaurs, crossing a river. What do you think? Location and getting there 110km SW of Winton. Access from Winton is via the Winton-Jundah Road.

5. A Pyramid Race There’s a pyramid in the middle of Queensland’s Outback? In Porcupine Gorge National Park, Porcupine Creek has excavated a deep chasm through layers of sandstone spanning hundreds of millions of years, to create an incredibly scenic gorge , with a ‘pyramid’ shaped monolith rising dramatically from the gorge floor. The annual Porcupine Gorge Challenge, one of the more challenging races to take place in a national park, is held every June. If such a race is not for you, enjoy the Pyramid track at a more sedate pace, exploring the sculpted sandstone pools of Porcupine Creek, as it meanders through this impressive ‘little grand canyon’. Location and getting there 60km N of Hughenden. Access from Hughenden is via the Kennedy Developmental Road. 104 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

This park will take your breath away. Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park is one of Queensland’s most scenic destinations, with exhilarating walking tracks and peaceful camping spots in the outback oasis of Lawn Hill Gorge. Explore the spectacular gorge carved into this ancient landscape, the orange sandstone cliffs towering above stunning emerald green waters, providing a cool respite from the heat of the day. At Riversleigh World Heritage Site, this timeless landscape reveals fossils of unimaginable age, allowing us to glimpse into the past. Location and getting there 246km NW of Mount Isa. Access from Mount Isa is via the Barkly Hwy and Camooweal-Gregory Downs Road, via Riversleigh.

TOP SHO RT WALK S DU WA DA

Distance: I L OOKOU T 60 0m retu (3 0 m ins rn w a lking tim For a sho e) rt wa lk w ith ma xim you can’t u m impac be t, Duwada rr at the short but ste ep h ike to i L ookout Boodjam in L a w n Hill Go u lla Natio rge, na l Pa rk. rewa rd y T ou w ith s ensationa h is wa lk w ill l the gorge v iews out over .

WA R R AC O

OTA

RU IN S W Distance: 40 0m retu A L K (45 m ins rn wa lking ti T a ke a s h me) ort wa lk w Nationa l ith in Dia Pa rk and ex plore s mantina stoned w evera l lo a lled stru ose ctu res th been buil t by ea rly ought to have pioneers . P Y R A MID

T R ACK Distance: 2.4k m retu rn (1.5 h rs w a lking tim In Porcup e) in e Gorge N g radua lly ationa l Pa de rk a to the bott scend ing wa lkin g track le om of the ad s go the P y ram id . A mod rge and the base of erate lev req uired el o to ma ke th e retu rn tr f fitness is ip back u the track p .

B L A DE N S

B U RG HO

Distance: M E ST E A D WA L K 1k m retu rn (45 m ins wa lking ti Ex plore th me) e restore its origin d homeste a l comple ad a n d x, c q ua rters, meat hou onsisting of staff h istorica s e and store l outback at th is station in Bladensb Nationa l u rg Pa rk.

TripAdvisor Rating

Airstrip

Conference Facilities

Pets Allowed Conditional

Wi-Fi

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Foxtel/Austar

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Aramac Caravan Park Booker Street P 07 4652 9999 E emaramac@barc.qld.gov.au www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

Restaurant

Laundry

Dump Point

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ARAMAC

‘The Lake’ at Lake Dunn via Aramac P 07 4651 0565 E admin_office@barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

Amenities

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Unpowered Sites

Powered Sites

Anakie Gemfields Hotel Motel P 07 4985 4100

Holiday Station

ANAKIE

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BARCALDINE

Barcaldine Country Motor Inn 1 Box Street P 07 4651 1488 E countrymotorinn@bigpond.com www.barcaldinecountrymotorinn.com.au

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Barcaldine Showgrounds Cnr Pine & Wilga Streets P 07 4651 5600 E tourism@barc.qld.gov.au www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

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Lara Wetlands Lara Station P 07 4651 1619 E m.j.lara@bigpond.com www.larastation.com.au Shandonvale Station 1950 Politic Road P 07 4651 1685 E shandonvale@outlook.com www.shandonvalestation.com.au

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BIRDSVILLE

Birdsville Caravan Park Florence Street P 07 4656 3214 E info@birdsvillecaravanpark.com www.birdsvillecaravanpark.com Birdsville Hotel/Motel Adelaide Street P 07 4656 3244 E info@birdsvillehotel.com.au www.theoutback.com.au

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BARALABA

Myella Farm Stay Rannes-Baralaba Road P 07 4998 1290 E caretaker@lakecallideretreat.com www.myella.weebly.com

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BILOELA

Lake Callide Retreat 119 Lake Callide Drive P 07 4993 9010 E myella@bigpond.com www.lakecallideretreat.com Sun Valley Motel 57-59 Dawson Highway P 07 4992 1281 E info@sunvalleymotel.com.au www.sunvalleymotel.com.au

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Acacia Motor Inn 110 Shamrock Street P 07 4657 6077 E blackallacaciamotor@bigpond.com www.blackallacaciamotor.com

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Barcoo Hotel 95 Shamrock Street P 07 4657 4197

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Blackall Caravan Park 53 Garden Street P 07 4657 4816 E blackallpark@bigpond.com www.blackallcaravanpark.com.au

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Boulia Caravan Park Winton Road P 07 4746 3320 E boulia.caravanpark@gmail.com

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Sandstone Park 3858 Carnarvon Gorge Road P 07 4984 4679 E info@sandstonepark.com.au www.sandstonepark.com.au

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CHARLEVILLE

Bailey Bar Caravan Park 196 King Street P 07 4654 1744 E baileybar@bigpond.com www.charlevillebaileybar.com.au

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Charleville Bush Camp 75 Adavale Road P 0428 545 200 E info@travelwest.com.au www.charlevillecaravanpark.com.au

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Charleville Bush Caravan Park & Cottage Lot 1 Frawley Street P 0428 545 200 E info@travelwest.com.au www.charlevillecaravanpark.com.au

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Cobb & Co. Caravan Park 1 Ridgeway Street P 07 4654 1053 E john@caravanparkscharleville.com.au www.caravanparkscharleville.com.au

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4/5 Stars

Hotel Corones 33 Wills Street P 07 4654 1022 E info@hotelcorones.net.au www.hotelcorones.net.au

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• •

•

3.5/5 Stars

The Rocks Motel 74 Wills Street P 07 4654 2888 E bookings@rocksmotel.com.au www.rocksmotel.com.au

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• •

4.5/5 Stars

105 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

TripAdvisor Rating

Airstrip

Conference Facilities

Pets Allowed Conditional

Wi-Fi

Pool

Foxtel/Austar

A/C

BBQ Facilities

Cooking Facilities

Restaurant

Laundry

Dump Point

Amenities

Ensuite

Disabled Access

Unpowered Sites

Powered Sites

Holiday Station

Guesthouse/Lodge

Cabins

Hotel/Motel

Accommodation CHARTERS TOWERS

Aussie Outback Oasis BIG4 Holiday Park 76 Dr George Ellis Drive P 07 4787 8722 E info@aussieoutbackoasis.com.au www.big4.com.au Charters Towers Tourist Park 37 Mount Leyshon Road P 07 4787 7944 E info@charterstowerstouristpark.com.au www.charterstowerstouristpark.com.au

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• • • • • • •

•

4.5/5 Stars

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•

4/5 Stars

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• •

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•

3.5/5 Stars

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•

4/5 Stars

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• •

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• • •

•

CLONCURRY

Cloncurry Caravan Park Oasis 56-74 McIlwraith Street P 07 4742 1313 E ccpoasis@bigpond.net.au www.cloncurrycaravanparkoasis.com Discovery Parks Cloncurry Overlander’s Way P 07 4742 2300 E cloncurry@discoveryparks.com.au www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au

• •

CUNNAMULLA

Country Way Motor Inn 17 Emma Street P 07 4655 0555 E countryway@bigpond.com www.countrywaymotorinn.com.au

• • • • • • • • • • • •

•

Charlotte Plains P 07 4655 4923 E charlotteplains@gmail.com www.charlotteplains.com.au

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•

Cunnamulla Tourist Park 65 Watson Street P 07 4655 1421 E cunnamullapark@yahoo.com www.cunnamullapark.com

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• • •

• • • • • • •

Warrego Riverside Tourist Park 322 Weir Road P 07 4655 0097 E warregoriversidepark@hotmail.com www.warregoriversidetouristpark.com.au

• • •

• 4.5/5 Stars

•

4/5 Stars 5/5 Stars

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• •

•

• • •

•

EINASLEIGH

Gilberton Outback Retreat P 07 4062 5329 E gilberton@bigpond.com www.gilbertonoutbackretreat.com

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• •

EMERALD

Western Gateway Motel 12 Theresa Road P 07 4913 1050 E reservations@westerngatewaymotel.com.au www.westerngatewaymotel.com.au

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• •

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•

3.5/5 Stars

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5/5 Stars

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4.5/5 Stars

•

4.5/5 Stars

EROMANGA

Cooper’s Country Lodge 2 Dinosaur Drive P 07 4656 3084 E robyn.mackenzie@enhm.com.au www.enhm.com.au

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• • • •

FORSAYTH

Cobbold Gorge Cobbold Gorge, Forsayth P 1800 669 922 E enquiries@cobboldgorge.com.au www.cobboldgorge.com.au Goldfields Hotel & Finnigan’s Rest Corner First and Fourth Street P 07 4062 5374 E finnigansrest@gmail.com.au www.visitforsayth.com.au

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• • • • • •

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• •

ISISFORD

Barcoo River Weir P 07 4658 8900 Oma Waterhole P 07 4658 8900

• • • • • • • • • • •

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HUGHENDEN

Rest Easi Motel 11 Richmond Hill Drive P 07 4741 1633 E info@resteasimotel.com.au www.resteasimotel.com Royal Hotel Motel 21 Moran Street P 07 4741 1183 E royal183@bigpond.net.au www.hughendenhotelmotel.com.au

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4/5 Stars

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3/5 Stars

INJUNE

Wallaroo Outback Retreat “Wallaroo”, 250 The Basin Road P 07 4626 3746 E brigalowbeef@gmail.com www.wallaroooutbackretreat.com.au

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• •

JERICHO

Jericho Showgrounds Showgrounds round via Capricorn Highway P 07 4651 5600 E tourism@barc.qld.gov.au www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

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JULIA CREEK

Julia Creek Caravan Park Old Normanton Road P 07 4746 7108 E jccaravanpark@mckinlay.qld.gov.au www.jccaravanpark.com.au

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JUNDAH

Jundah Caravan Park 4-6 Dickson Street P 07 4658 6930 E jundahinfo@barcoo.qld.gov.au www.barcoo.qld.gov.au

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106 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

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4.5/5 Stars

TripAdvisor Rating

Airstrip

Conference Facilities

Pets Allowed Conditional

Wi-Fi

Pool

Foxtel/Austar

A/C

BBQ Facilities

Cooking Facilities

Restaurant

Laundry

Dump Point

Amenities

Ensuite

Disabled Access

Unpowered Sites

Powered Sites

Holiday Station

Guesthouse/Lodge

Cabins

Hotel/Motel

Accommodation KARUMBA

End of the Road Motel 26 Palmer Street P 07 4745 9599 E info@endoftheroadmotel.com.au www.endoftheroadmotel.com.au

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4.5/5 Stars

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LAWN HILL

Adels Grove Camping Park P 07 4748 5502 E reservations@adelsgrove.com.au www.adelsgrove.com.au

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4/5 Stars

LONGREACH

Abajaz Motor Inn 11 Wonga Street P 07 4658 1288 E info@abajazmotorinn.com.au www.abajazmotorinn.com.au

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• •

Coopers on Cassowary 77 Cassowary Street P 0474 077 298 E info@coopersoncassowary.com.au www.coopersoncassowary.com.au

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• • • •

Jumbuck Motel 45 Ilfracombe Road P 07 4658 1799 E reception@jumbuckmotel.com.au www.jumbuckmotel.com.au

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• •

Kinnon & Co Outback Accommodation 63-65 Ilfracombe Road P 07 4658 1776 E reservations@outbackpioneers.com.au www.outbackpioneers.com.au

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•

Longreach Apex Park Thomson Riverside Park P 07 4658 4150 E visitinf@longreach.qld.gov.au www.longreachtourism.com.au Longreach Motor Inn 84 Galah Street P 07 4658 2322 E info@longreachmotorinn.com.au www.longreachmotorinn.com.au

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•

4/5 Stars

•

4.5/5 Stars

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• • •

Noonbah Station Bush Camping 12354 Tonkoro Rd via Longreach P 07 4658 5953 E noonbahstationtourism@gmail.com

4.5/5 Stars

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•

4.5/5 Stars

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•

4/5 Stars

MITCHELL

Bonus Downs Farm Stay 4566 Mitchell-Bollon Road P 07 4623 1573 E bonusdowns@bigpond.com www.bonusdownsfarmstay.com.au

McKINLAY

Walkabout Creek Hotel & Motel 27 Middleton Street P 07 4746 8424 E walkaboutcreekhotel@bigpond.com

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5/5 Stars

MOUNT ISA

Discovery Parks Mount Isa 185 Little West Street P 07 4743 4676 E mtisa@discoveryparks.com.au www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au Discovery Parks Mount Isa – Argylla Barkly Highway (140 Marian Street) P 07 4743 4733 E argylla@discoveryparks.com.au www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au

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3.5/5 Stars

• • • •

•

3.5/5 Stars

ibis Styles Mount Isa Cnr Camooweal Street & Rodeo Drive P 07 4743 3024 E h0575-re@accor.com www.accorhotels.com

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• •

Leichhardt Accommodation 3/5 Camooweal Street P 07 4743 3323 E admin@leichhardtaccommodation.com www.leichhardtaccommodation.com

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Mount Isa City Motel 1A Isa Street P 0467 536 511 E info@mtisacitymotel.com.au www.mtisacitymotel.com.au

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Spinifex Motel and Serviced Apartments 79-83 Marion Street P 07 4749 2944 E admin@spinifexmotel.com.au www.spinifexmotel.com.au

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3.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars

•

4.5/5 Stars

MUTTABURRA

Muttaburra Caravan Park Bridge Street P 07 4651 5600 E tourism@barc.qld.gov.au www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

• • •

NELIA

• • • •

Corella Creek Country Farm Stay Lot 1 Cnr Railway Street & Nelia Bunda Road P 07 4746 7555 E corellacreek@gmail.com

RICHMOND

Ammonite Inn 88 Goldring Street P 07 4741 3932 E amonit33@bigpond.net.au Federal Palace Hotel 64 Goldring Street P 07 4741 3463 E lillymanearthmoving@bigpond.com

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5/5 Stars

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4/5 Stars

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3.5/5 Stars

• • • • • • • •

3/5 Stars

•

ROMA

Kings Motor Inn 77 Quintin Street P 07 4622 2566 E kingsmotorinn@bigpond.com www.kingsmotorinn.com.au

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Roma Clay Target Club | Caravan & Camping 155 Geoghagen Road P 0476 674 514 www.romagunclub.com.au/caravan-camping

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Villa Holiday Park 67-75 Northern Road P 07 4622 1309 E ask@villaholidaypark.com.au www.villaholidaypark.com.au

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RUBYVALE

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5/5 Stars

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4.5/5 Stars

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4.5/5 Stars

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New Royal Hotel Rubyvale 1 Keilambete Road, The Gemfields P 07 4985 4754 www.rubyvalehotel.com.au

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TripAdvisor Rating

Roma Explorers Inn 44778 Warrego Highway P 07 4620 1400 E admin@romaexplorersinn.com.au www.romaexplorersinn.com.au

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Airstrip

•

Conference Facilities

• • •

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Pets Allowed Conditional

•

Wi-Fi

Roma Central Motel 17-19 Bowen Street P 07 4622 8746 E stay@romacentral.com.au www.romacentralmotel.com.au

Pool

• •

Foxtel/Austar

• • •

•

A/C

Overlander Homestead P 07 4622 3555 E overlandermotel@bigpond.com www.overlandermotel.com.au

BBQ Facilities

Cooking Facilities

Restaurant

Laundry

Dump Point

Amenities

Ensuite

Disabled Access

Unpowered Sites

Powered Sites

Holiday Station

Guesthouse/Lodge

Cabins

Hotel/Motel

Accommodation

• •

4/5 Stars

•

4/5 Stars

• •

SAPPHIRE

Blue Gem Tourist Park 925 Anakie-Sapphire Road P 07 4985 4162 E kanya2@bigpond.com www.bluegemtouristpark.com.au

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4/5 Stars

•

STONEHENGE

Stonehenge Caravan Park 10 Stratford Street P 07 4658 5857 E stonehengeinfo@barcoo.qld.gov.au www.barcoo.qld.gov.au

TAROOM

Glebe Weir 2525 Glebe Weir Road P 07 4992 9500 E enquiries@banana.qld.gov.au www.sandstonewonders.com.au

•

THANGOOL

On Kariboe 1 Parkers Lane P 07 4995 8269 E onkariboebednbreakfast@gmail.com www.onkariboe.com.au

• •

THARGOMINDAH

•

5/5 Stars

•

5/5 Stars

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Kilcowera Station P 07 4655 4960 E gtsherwin@bigpond.com www.kilcowera.com.au

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THEODORE

Hotel Theodore 27 The Boulevard P 07 4993 1244 E reservations@hoteltheodore.com.au www.hoteltheodore.com.au

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WINDORAH

Cooper Cabins 11 Edward Street P 07 4656 3101 Western Star Hotel/Motel 15 Albert Street P 07 4656 3166 E admin@westernstarhotel.biz www.westernstarhotel.com.au

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Windorah Caravan Park Albert Street & Cnr of Mary Street P 07 4656 3063 E windorahinfo@barcoo.qld.gov.au www.barcoo.qld.gov.au

WINTON

Boulder Opal Motor Inn P 07 4657 1211 E boulderopalmotel@bigpond.com www.boulderopalmotorinn.com.au

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Matilda Country Tourist Park 43 Chirnside Street P 0439 187 476 E matildacountry@gmail.com www.matildacountrytouristpark.com

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Winton Outback Motel 95 Elderslie Street P 07 4657 1422 www.wintonoutbackmotel.com

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Yaraka Caravan Park Jarley Street P 07 4657 5526 E visitinf@longreach.qld.gov.au

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4.5/5 Stars

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3.5/5 Stars

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5/5 Stars

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108

4.5/5 Stars

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YARAKA

Yaraka Hotel 12 Jarley Street P 07 4657 5526 E yarakaone@bigpond.com

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Tattersalls Van Park Werna Street P 07 4657 1309 E tattersalls_hotel@hotmail.com

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• • •

Cottage on Cork 94 Cork Street P 0409 916 634 E cottageoncork@outlook.com www.cottageoncork.com.au

North Gregory Hotel 67 Elderslie Street P 07 4657 0647 E info@northgregoryhotel.com www.northgregoryhotel.com

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4/5 Stars

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• •

2.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars

•

4/5 Stars

•

4.5/5 Stars

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4.5/5 Stars

Events & Attractions

Address

Phone

Website

BARCALDINE

94 Ash Street

07 4651 1579

workers.heritage.centre@westnet.com.au

www.australianworkersheritagecentre.com.au

Barcaldine Tree of Knowledge Festival

PO Box 191

07 4651 5612

events@barc.qld.gov.au

www.treeofknowledgefestival.com.au

Barcy Base Camp

100 Ash Street

07 4651 1859

cheryl@trackersqld.com

Australian Workers Heritage Centre

Radio Picture Theatre

Beech Street

07 4651 1724

barcaldinetheatre@gmail.com

www.barcaldinetheatre.wixsite.com/theatre

The Globe (Barcaldine Visitor Information Centre)

10 Oak Street

07 4651 1724

tourism@barc.qld.gov.au

www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

Tree of Knowledge

103 Oak Street

07 4651 1724

tourism@barc.qld.gov.au

www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

BIRDSVILLE

Simpson Desert

02 9949 8754

Big Red Run

Simpson Desert

02 9949 8754

Big Red Sandune

Birdsville

07 4656 3300

info@diamantina.qld.gov.au

www.thediamantina.com.au

Carcory Homestead Ruins

Eyre Developmental Road

07 4656 3300

info@diamantina.qld.gov.au

www.thediamantina.com.au

BEDOURIE

Nappa Street

1300 794 257

info@diamantina.qld.gov.au

www.thediamantina.com.au

Bedourie Mud Hut

13 Herbert Street

1300 794 257

info@diamantina.qld.gov.au

www.thediamantina.com.au

Bedourie Outback Golf Club

Herbert Street

1300 794 257

info@diamantina.qld.gov.au

www.thediamantina.com.au

BILOELA

Exhibition Avenue

07 4992 2400

qldheritagepark@bigpond.com

www.qldheritagepark.com.au

119 Lake Callide Drive, Dumgree

07 4992 2405

marilyn@biloinfo.com

www.sandstonewonders.com

BLACKALL

1 Salvia Street

07 4657 4975

lorraine68481@bigpond.com

www.btrc.qld.gov.au

Blackall Heartland Festival

PO Box 122

0409 283 057

blackallheartlandfestival@gmail.com

www.blackallheartlandfestival.com.au

Ram Park

145A Shamrock Street

07 4657 4637

binfo@btrc.qld.gov.au

www.blackalltambotourism.com.au

BOULIA

PO Box 70

0428 581 874

bouliacamelraces@hotmail.com

www.bouliacamelraces.com.au

Boulia Pool & Sports Complex

Burke Street

07 4746 3527

sports@boulia.qld.gov.au

www.boulia.qld.gov.au

Min Min Encounter Show

25 Herbert Street

07 4746 3386

tourism@boulia.qld.gov.au

www.boulia.qld.gov.au

CAMOOWEAL

PO Box 21

07 4748 2022

info@droverscamp.com.au

www.droverscamp.com.au

CHARLEVILLE

87 Alfred Street

07 4654 3349

historichousemuseum@bigpond.com

www.charlevillehistorichouse.com.au

John Flynn Street

07 4654 1233

rfds_cvl@rfdsqld.com.au

www.flyingdoctor.org.au

PO Box 427

0409 891 177

stockmanschallenge@hotmail.com

www.currychallenge.com.au

48 McIlwraith Street

07 4742 1361

info@cloncurry.qld.gov.au

www.cloncurry.qld.gov.au

Big Red Bash

Artesian Spa & Aquatic Centre

Queensland Heritage Park Callide Dam

Blackall Aquatic Centre

Boulia Camel Races

Drovers Camp Festival

Charleville Historic House Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre

CLONCURRY

Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge & Campdraft Cloncurry Unearthed Visitor Information Centre & Museum

www.bigredbash.com.au www.bigredrun.com.au

John Flynn Museum & Art Gallery

King Street

07 4742 2778

johnflynnplace@cloncurry.qld.gov.au

www.johnflynnplace.com.au

Chinaman Creek Dam

Chinaman Creek Dam Road

07 4742 1361

info@cloncurry.qld.gov.au

www.cloncurry.qld.gov.au

CUNNAMULLA

PO Box 75

07 4655 8470

cunnamullafellafestival@paroo.qld.gov.au

www.cunnamullafellafestival.com.au

Cunnamulla Fella Centre Art Gallery & Museum

Jane Street

07 4655 8470

cunnamullainfo@paroo.qld.gov.au

www.paroo.info

Cunnamulla Sandhills

15 Louise Street

07 4655 1679

info@outthebackaustralia.com.au

www.outthebackaustralia.com

Eromanga Natural History Museum

1 Dinosaur Drive

07 4656 3084

info@enhm.com.au

www.enhm.com.au

Eromanga Living History Centre

Deacon Street

07 4656 4914

president.edca@gmail.com

www.visitquilpieshire.com

EULO

24 Leo Street

07 4655 4890

datefarm1@bigpond.com

www.artesianmudbaths.com.au

FORSAYTH

Cobbold Gorge, Forsayth

1800 669 922

enquiries@cobboldgorge.com.au

www.cobboldgorge.com.au

Goldfields Hotel & Finnigan's Rest

Fourth Street

07 4062 5374

finnigansrest@gmail.com.au

www.visitforsayth.com.au

HUGHENDEN

37 Gray Street

07 4741 2970

info@flinders.qld.gov.au

www.visithughenden.com.au

ISISFORD

Lot 2, Ann Street

07 4658 8133

outerbarcoocentre@gmail.com

www.longreachtourism.com.au

JULIA CREEK

34 Burke Street

07 4746 7166

tourism@mckinlay.qld.gov.au

www.atthecreek.com.au

Julia Creek Dirt N Dust Festival

PO Box 2106, Idalia

0448 901 392

eventmanager@dirtndust.com

www.dirtndust.com

Landsborough Highway

07 4658 2166

museum@stockmanshalloffame.com.au

www.outbackheritage.com.au

Cunnamulla Fella Festival

EROMANGA

Artesian Mud Baths Cobbold Gorge Tours

Flinders Discovery Centre Outer Barcoo Interpretation Centre At the Creek Visitor Centre

LONGREACH

Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre

109 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

Events & Attractions

Address

Phone

Website

Longreach Powerhouse Museum

12 Swan Street

07 4658 4150

tourism@longreach.qld.gov.au

www.longreachtourism.com.au

Longreach School of Distance Education

Landsborough Highway

07 4658 4232

tours1@eq.edu.au

www.longreacsde.eq.edu.au

Longreach Memorial Pool & Aquatic Centre

81 Eagle Street

07 4658 1745

taylorswim@iprimus.com.au

www.longreachtourism.com.au

Outback Pioneers

128 Eagle Street

07 4658 1776

reservations@outbackpioneers.com.au

www.outbackpioneers.com.au

Thomson River

Landsborough Highway

07 4658 4150

tourism@longreach.qld.gov.au

www.longreachtourism.com.au

McKINLAY

27 Middleton Street

07 4746 8424

walkaboutcreekhotel@bigpond.com

MITCHELL

2 Cambridge Street

07 4624 6923

greatartesianspa@hotmail.com

MORVEN

53 Albert Street

07 4654 8131

morvenmuseum@bigpond.com

07 4749 1555

info@outbackatisa.com.au

www.outbackatisa.com.au

Walkabout Creek Hotel Mitchell Great Artesian Spa Morven Historical Museum

MOUNT ISA Lake Moondarra

www.mymaranoa.org.au

Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic

PO Box 2280

0431 745 083

eventmanager@lakemoondarrafishingclassic.com.au

www.lakemoondarrafishingclassic.com.au

Mount Isa Rotary Rodeo

PO Box 353

07 4743 2706

admin@isarodeo.com.au

www.isarodeo.com.au

Outback at Isa

19 Marian Street

07 4749 1555

info@outbackatisa.com.au

www.outbackatisa.com.au

MUTTABURRA

New Bullen Drive

07 4658 5610

kgrazco@bigpond.com

www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

Cassimatis Shop & Cottage Museum

New Bullen Drive

07 4658 5610

kgrazco@bigpond.com

www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

QUILPIE

Bulnbuln Street

0408 784 738

info@quilpiediggers.com

www.quilpiediggers.com

RICHMOND

91-93 Goldring Street

07 4719 3390

enquiries@kronosauruskorner.com.au

www.kronosauruskorner.com.au

Lake Fred Tritton

111-113 Goldring Street

07 4719 3390

enquiries@kronosauruskorner.com.au

www.kronosauruskorner.com.au

ROMA

2 Riggers Road

07 4622 8676

tourism@maranoa.qld.gov.au

www.bigrigroma.com

Roma Turf Club

Roma Racecourse

0409 898 623

info@romaturfclub.com

www.romaraces.org.au

Roma’s Easter in the Country

PO Box 971

0459 521 196

info@easterinthecountryroma.com.au

www.easterinthecountry.com.au

TAMBO

17 Arthur Street

07 4654 6223

info@tamboteddies.com.au

www.tamboteddies.com.au

Grassland Art Gallery

30 Arthur Street

07 4621 6605

cfo@btrc.qld.gov.au

www.blackalltambotourism.com.au

Tambo Dam

07 4654 6408

tourism@btrc.qld.gov.au

www.blackalltambotourism.com.au

Dr Arratta Memorial Museum

Quilpie Diggers Race Club Kronosaurus Korner

Roma Big Rig

Tambo Teddies

THEODORE

07 4993 1900

Dawson River

WALLUMBILLA

www.sandstonewonders.com

339 Mt Hope Road

07 4623 4241

thebarnatmthope@outlook.com

Lot 2 Hughenden Road

0429 806 140

heritagetruckswinton@hotmail.com.au

www.wintontruckmuseum.com

Lark Quarry Conservation Park

Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways

07 4657 0078

info@aaod.com.au

www.dinosaurtrackways.com.au

Outback Festival

PO Box 24

07 4657 1558

outbackfestival@bigpond.com

www.outbackfestival.com.au

Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival

C/- Winton Shire Council PO Box 286

07 4657 1466

enquiries@visionsplendidfilmfest.com

www.visionsplendidfilmfest.com

Waltzing Matilda Centre

50 Elderslie Street

07 4657 1466

vic@winton.qld.gov.au

www.matildacentre.com.au

Barn @ Mt Hope

WINTON

Diamantina Heritage Truck and Machinery Museum

Transport Operators

Phone

Website

Bus Queensland

1300 287 537

www.busqldoutback.com.au

QantasLink

13 13 13

www.qantas.com.au

Queensland Rail Travel

1800 627 655

www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au

Regional Express Airlines (REX)

13 17 13

www.rex.com.au

Scheduled Service

Charter

• • •

•

• 110 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

Hire

Rail

Air

• •

•

Coach

• •

Shops, Restaurants & Services

Street Address

Phone

BARCALDINE

100 Ash Street

0412 028 471

cheryl@trackersqld.com

Ridgee Didge Café

151 Oak Street

0412 028 471

cheryl@trackersqld.com

BILOELA

14 Raedon Street

07 4992 5332

bmasfinance@gmail.com

www.bmas.net.au

Callide Valley Mower Service and Biloela Suzuki

2 Raedon Street

07 4992 1294

sales@cvmowers.com.au

www.cvmowerssuzuki.com.au

CQ Autoglass & Air Conditioning

44 Dawson Highway

07 4992 1788

cqautoglass@bigpond.com

www.cquatoglass.com.au

DJ’s Shoes

Shop 11 2-16 Gadstone Road

07 4992 6975

djsshoes11@gmail.com

Heilbronn’s Mensland

61 Kariboe Street

07 4992 3087

heilbronnsbiloela@gmail.com

www.heilbronns.com.au

Odd Spot Trader

57 Kariboe Street

07 4992 4267

info@oddspottrader.com.au

www.oddspottrader.com.au

Roundyard (All Things Country)

74 Callide Street

07 4912 3108

sales@roundyard.com.au

www.roundyard.com.au

Thai Noi Restaurant

59B Kariboe Street

07 4992 5231

thainoibilo@gmail.com

BLACKALL

69 Shamrock Street

07 4657 4376

shirley@blackallhardware.com.au

Blackall Post Office

87 Shamrock Street

07 4657 4147

Heumiller87@bigpond.com

IGA Blackall

115 Shamrock Street

0400 969 022

blackalliga@bigpond.com

Schluters Bakery

49 Shamrock Street

0448 518 414

The Lodge on Hawthorn

13 Hawthorn Street

0429 909 901

thelodgeonhawthorn@gmail.com

Tina’s Bistro & Café

95 Shamrock Street

07 4657 4197

barcoohotel1@iinet.net.au

CHARLEVILLE

14 Wills Street

07 4654 1633

biritecvl@bigpond.com

Blue Gum Cafe

76 Alfred Street

0408 785 766

bjorn.lisahayes@gmail.com

Charleville Home Timber and Hardware

76 Edward Street

07 4654 1399

admin@charlevillehardware.com

Charleville Newsagency

67 Alfred Street

07 4654 1124

admin@cvlnews.com.au

www.charlevillenewsagency.com.au

Charleville RSL

37-39 Watson Street

07 4654 3810

admin@charlevillersl.com.au

www.charlevillersl.com.au

Charleville Tyre Service

71 Wills Street

07 4654 1359

beauchar@bigpond.com

www.charlevilletyreservice.com.au

Charlotte’s Nest

120 Alfred Street

07 4654 3969

charlottesnest@bigpond.com

Cottage Flowers and Gardens

74 Alfred Street

07 4654 1919

shop5616@interfloraflorist.com.au

Dunne’s Meats

68 Wills Street

07 4654 1096

shaunandkerry91@bigpond.com

EW Wilkinson

65 Alfred Street

07 4654 1108

admin@westerntravel.biz

Heinemann’s Bakery

84 Alfred Street

07 4654 3991

scott@heineamannsbakery.com

Home Service Centre

26 Wills Street

07 4654 1366

charleville@my.betta.com.au

J.P. Motorcycles & Armory

112 Parry Street

07 4654 1940

jpmotorcycles@bigpond.com

Judey’s Browse In

78 Alfred Street

07 4654 1023

judeyaiken@hotmail.com

Sew Me

82 Alfred Street

07 4654 3629

leanne_sewme@hotmail.com

CHARTERS TOWERS

32 Deane Street

07 4787 3330

dealzondeane@bigpond.com

Towers Gas and Camping

168 Gill Street

07 4787 1622

info@towersgasandcamping.com.au

CUNNAMULLA

28-32 Jane Street

07 4655 2691

kathy@ashleysportsnall.com

Cunnamulla Coffee Shop

22 Stockyard Street

0400 975 366

EMERALD

31 Hospital Road

07 4983 9400

christo.jacobie@longreachtoyota.com.au

www.centralhighlandstoyota.com.au

Toyworld & Eat, Shop, Play

6 Opal Street

07 4982 4477

info@toyworldemerald.com.au

www.toyworld.com.au/stores/100/toyworldemerald/

Vybe Café

4-6 Brief Street

07 4987 6338

vybecafe2014@bigpond.com

INJUNE

8 Second Avenue

07 4626 1089

cafeonsecond@outlook.com

LONGREACH

112a Eagle Street

07 4658 1008

barkersnews@optusnet.com.au

CCD Restaurant & Beer Garden

110A Eagle Street

07 4658 2798

cafecurryday@yahoo.com.au

Curry Across The Street

115/117 Eagle Street

07 4658 2798

cafecurryday@yahoo.com.au

Geo Douglas and Sons

104 Eagle Street

07 4658 1774

douglas@leadingapplicances.com.au

www.leadingappliances.com.au/geodouglas-sons

Irvines

115 Eagle Street

07 4658 1666

judy.irvines@gmail.com

www.irvinesaddles.ca

Outback Qld Travel Agency

Biloela Mobile Automotive Services

Blackall Hardward & Furniture

Bi-Rite

Dealz on Deane

Ashley Sports n All

Central Highlands Toyota

Café on Second Barkers Newsagency and Gifts

111 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

Website

www.blackallhardware.com.au

www.birite.com.au/charleville

www.cottageflowersandgarden.com.au

www.betta.com.au

www.dealzondeane.com.au

Shops, Restaurants & Services

Street Address

Phone

Website

Longreach Engineering

166 Eagle Street

07 4658 1479

longreachengineering@tpg.com.au

www.centwest.com.au

Starlight’s Tavern

103 Eagle Street

07 4658 1925

kimsiga2@bigpond.com

Longreach Toyota

17 Swan Street

07 4658 1800

christo.jacobie@longreachtoyota.com.au

Merino Bakery

120 Eagle Street

07 4658 1715

longreachbakery@bigpond.com

Orlando Orchards

41 Duck Street

07 4658 2002

orlandoorchards@bigpond.com

Shoe B Doo

113a Eagle Street

07 4658 1458

judy.irvines@gmail.com

Smith Bros Mitre 10

114 Eagle Street

07 4658 1200

martyn@smithbroshardware.com.au

Studio Exclusive Hair & Beauty

4/108 Eagle Street

07 4658 2492

janelle.searles@bigpond.com

T-bone Longreach

107 Eagle Street

07 4658 0999

tboneaustralia@bigpond.com

The Birdcage & Bushrangers Bistro

31 Duck Street

07 4658 1230

birdcagehotel@hotmail.com

The Lazy Sheep

4/120A Eagle Street

07 4658 0591

longreachbakery@bigpond.com

Thurecht Saddlery

130B Eagle Street

07 4658 1011

hog.hunter@bigpond.com

MORVEN

68 Albert Street

07 4654 8231

morvennews@bigpond.com

MOUNT ISA

13 Clarke Street

07 4743 7482

rrhh.pty.ltd@gmail.com

MOURA

8 Theodore Road

0409 340 946

mitre10@mhf.net.au

MUTTABURRA

Bruford Street

07 4658 7476

mutshop@bigpond.com

ROMA

73-77 McDowall Street

07 4622 4399

manager@bakearoma.com.au

Golders Roma

71 McDowall Street

07 4622 1611

goldroma@bigpond.net.au

PTW Auto Electrical & Air Conditioner

94 Charters Street

07 4622 2235

admin@ptwautoelect.com.au

Roma Tourism Association

PO Box 328

0416 292 659

admin@romatourismqld.com

Roma Tyre Barn

45 Station Street

0418 794 457

romatyrebarn@bigpond.com

Sunshine Mitre 10 Roma

49 McDowall Street

07 4622 2555

kathyd@sshw.com.au

www.sunshinehardware.com.au

Toyworld Roma

58 McDowall Street

07 4622 1084

roma.toyworld@hwy54.com.au

www.toyworld.com.au/stores/167/toyworldroma/

TAROOM

1/32 Yaldwyn Street

07 4627 3388

cochranebrettanita@hotmail.com

TAMBO

30 Arthur Street

07 4654 6955

cindyholmes8383@gmail.com

Fanny Mae’s

15 Arthur Street

07 4654 6137

hinoon1@bigpond.com

Tambo Foodworks

32 Arthur Street

07 4654 6288

office@tambofoodworks.com

www.foodworks.com.au/Tambo

THARGOMINDAH

130 Stafford Street

0457 150 053

mgmt@agovires.com.au

www.agovires.com

Coffee on Dowling

37 Dowling Street

07 4655 3024

coffeeondowling@outlook.com

Turnouts Mechanical Services

41 Stafford Street

0427 167 215

turnoutsmechanical@bigpond.com

THEODORE

60 The Boulevard

07 4993 1077

theodorecafe@hotmail.com

WINDORAH

c/o Post Office

0418 851 201

windorah.development.board@gmail.com

WINTON

72a Elderslie Street

07 4657 1699

mge11@bigpond.com

Searles Outback Store

72 Elderslie Street

07 4657 1450

searlesmenswear@hotmail.com

Spar Winton Supermarket

37 Vinidex Street

07 4657 1254

spawinton1@gmail.com

Winton Pharmacy

73 Elderslie Street

07 4657 1340

winton.pharmacy@frednet.com.au

35-37 Railway Street

07 4654 9212

kpaterson4@bigpond.com

Morven News & Country Store Mt Isa Auto Air

Moura Mitre 10 Muttaburra Shop & Fuel Bakearoma

HotChoc Coffee Shop Cindy’s Coffee and Gifts

Ago Vires

Theodore Home and Garden Cafe Windorah Development Board Inc. Matilda’s Wardrobe

WYANDRA

Wyandra Post Office, Store and Caravan Park

112 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

www.longreachtoyota.com.au

www.smithbroshardware.com.au

www.mtisaautoair.com.au

www.bakearoma.wixsite.com/bakearoma

www.turnoutsmechanical.com

BLACKALL

•

Blackall Woolscour P 07 46576042 E blackallwoolscour2@hotmail.com W www.blackallwoolscour.jimdo.com

CAIRNS

•

Tagalong Tours of Australia P 07 4057 4096 E paul@tagalongtours.com.au W www.tagalongtours.com.au

CHARLEVILLE

Travel West Tours Lot 1 Frawley Street, Charleville QLD 4470 P 0428 545 954 E info@travelwest.com.au W www.travelwest.com.au

•

• •

Charters Towers Historical Tours PO Box 1605, Charters Towers QLD 4820 P 0477 516 344 E enquiry@charterstowershistoricaltours.com.au W www.charterstowershistoricaltours.com.au

FORSAYTH

•

HUGHENDEN

•

Hampstead Tours P 07 4741 7353 E hampstead@skymesh.com.au W www.hampsteadtours.info

LONGREACH

Camden Park Station P 07 4658 4150 E outbackdan@camdenparkstation.com.au W www.camdenparkstation.com.au Longreach School of Distance Education P 07 4658 4222 E tours1@eq.edu.au W www.longreacsde.eq.edu.au

•

Outback Pioneers P 07 4658 1776 E reservations@outbackpioneers.com.au W www.outbackpioneers.com.au

•

MOUNT ISA

•

North West Tours P 07 4744 8577 W www.northwesttours.com.au

ROMA

•

BooBook EcoTours P 07 4622 2646 E boobook1@bigpond.com W www.boobookecotours.com.au

WINTON

Red Dirt Tours P 0409 045 174 E vicki@reddirttours.com.au W www.reddirttours.com.au Vision Splendid Outback Tours P 07 4657 0647 E info@visionsplendidoutbacktours.com.au W www.visionsplendidoutbacktours.com.au

Street Address

Phone

•

Qantas Founders Museum P 07 4658 3737 E info@qfom.com.au W www.qfom.com.au

•

Website

ALPHA

Rowley Roberts Tourist Information Centre

Shakespeare Street

07 4985 1050

alpha007@bigpond.com

www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

ARAMAC

Aramac Branch Office

Gordon Street

07 4652 9999

emaramac@barc.qld.gov.au

www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

BILOELA

Biloela Visitor Information Centre

Callide Street

07 4992 2405

marilyn@biloinfo.com

www.sandstonewonders.com.au

BLACKALL

Blackall Visitor Information Centre

145a Shamrock Street

07 4657 4637

binfo@btrc.qld.gov.au

www.blackalltambotourism.com.au

INJUNE

Injune Visitor Information Centre

32 Hutton Street

07 4626 0503

tourism@maranoa.qld.gov.au

www.visitmaranoa.com.au

JERICHO

Jericho Post Office

Darwin Street

07 4651 4129

donnaw@barc.qld.gov.au

www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

JUNDAH

Jundah Information Centre

11 Dickson Street

07 4658 6930

jundahinfo@barcoo.qld.gov.au

www.barcoo.qld.gov.au

MITCHELL

Great Artesian Spa

2 Cambridge Street

07 4624 6923

tourism@maranoa.qld.gov.au

www.mymaranoa.org.au

MOURA

Moura Customer Service and Information Centre

Gillespie Street

07 4992 9500

MUTTABURRA

Muttaburra Post Office

Sword Street

07 4658 7147

STONEHENGE

Stonehenge Community Centre

Stratford Street

07 4658 5857

www.sandstonewonders.com.au www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au stonehengeinfo@barcoo.qld.gov.au

www.barcoo.qld.gov.au

TAMBO

Tambo Visitor Information Centre

9 Arthur Street

07 4654 6408

tourism@btrc.qld.gov.au

www.blackalltambotourism.com.au

TAROOM

Taroom Information Centre

10 Yaldwyn Street

07 4628 6113

tdda-secretary@bigpond.com

www.sandstonewonders.com.au

tourism@maranoa.qld.gov.au

www.mymaranoa.org.au

THEODORE

Theodore Information Centre

55A The Boulevard

07 4993 1900

WALLUMBILLA

Calico Cottage

Warrego Highway

07 4623 4244

113 o u tb a c kq ue e nsla nd .c om.a u

•

Outback Aussie Tours P 1300 78 78 90 E info@aot.com.au W www.outbackaussietours.com.au

•

Cobbold Gorge Tours P 1800 669 922 E enquiries@cobboldgorge.com.au W www.cobboldgorge.com.au

•

• •

CHARTERS TOWERS

•

• •

•

Cosmos Centre & Observatory 1 Milky Way, Charleville QLD 4470 P 07 4654 7771 E enquiries@cosmoscentre.com W www.cosmoscentre.com

Non Smoking

•

Child Friendly

•

Adventure Australia Trek & Tours P 1300 462 288 E admin@aatt.com.au W www.aatt.com.au

Meals

BIRDSVILLE

Coach

4WD

Tagalong

•

Fun Over Fifty PO Box 1670, Springwood QLD 4127 P 1300 554 505 E info@funoverfifty.com.au W www.funoverfifty.com.au

Non-Accredited Visitor Information Centres

Half Day Tour

BRISBANE

Day Tour

Extended

Tour Operators

www.sandstonewonders.com.au

Back Cover Photo: Wendy Skinner – @wendy.skinner7 – Windorah Sand Dunes 2017 Outback Queensland Travellers’ Guide Photo Competition

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

CLONCURRY

Barcaldine Visitor Information Centre 149 Oak Street, Barcaldine P (07) 4651 1724 tourism@barc.qld.gov.au www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

Cloncurry Unearthed Visitor Information Centre and Museum McIlwraith Street, Cloncurry P (07) 4742 1361 info@cloncurry.qld.gov.au www.cloncurry.qld.gov.au

BEDOURIE

CUNNAMULLA

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.ruralhinterlandvic.com.au

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 Milky Way, Charleville P (07) 4654 3057 tourism@murweh.qld.gov.au www.murweh.qld.gov.au

Cunnamulla Fella Centre 2 Jane Street, Cunnamulla P (07) 4655 8470 cunnamullainfo@paroo.qld.gov.au www.paroo.info

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

INJUNE

Injune Visitor Information Centre 32 Hutton Street, Injune P (07) 4626 0503 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

LONGREACH

Longreach Visitor Information Centre Qantas Park, 97 Eagle Street, Longreach P (07) 4658 4150 visitinf@longreach.qld.gov.au www.visitlongreach.com.au

MOUNT ISA

Outback at Isa Visitor Information Centre 19 Marian Street, Mount Isa P (07) 4749 1555 info@outbackatisa.com.au www.outbackatisa.com.au

QUILPIE

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

RICHMOND

Richmond Visitor Information Centre, Kronosaurus Korner 91-93 Goldring Street, Richmond P (07) 4719 3390 enquiries@kronosauruskorner.com.au www.kronosauruskorner.com.au

ROMA

Roma Visitor Information Centre 2 Riggers Road, Roma P (07) 4622 8676 tourism@maranoa.qld.gov.au www.mymaranoa.org.au

WINDORAH

Windorah Visitor Information Centre 7 Maryborough Street, Windorah P (07) 4656 3063 windorahinfo@barcoo.qld.gov.au www.barcoo.qld.gov.au

WINTON

Winton Visitor Information Centre 50 Elderslie Street, Winton P 1300 665 115 vic@winton.qld.gov.au www.experiencewinton.com.au

outback queensland tou ri s m

as sociation

For more information please contact: P (07) 4650 1274 E admin@outbackqueensland.com.au www.outbackqueensland.com.au facebook.com/OutbackQueensland instagram.com/outbackqueensland #outbackqueensland

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