Outback Queensland Travellers' Guide 2012

Outback Queensland

Travellers’ Guide 2012

OUTBACK QUEENSLAND

Adavale | Alpha | Aramac | Augathella | Balfes Creek | Barcaldine | Bedourie | Belyando Crossing | Betoota | Birdsville | Blackall Bluewater Springs | Boulia | Burke & Wills Junction | Cameron Corner | Camooweal | Charleville | Charters Towers | Cheepie | Cloncurry Cooladdi | Corfield | Cunnamulla | Dajarra | Duchess | Emmet | Eromanga | Eulo | Greenvale | Herveys Range Community | Hidden Valley Homestead | Hughenden | Hungerford | Ilfracombe | Isisford | Jericho | Julia Creek | Jundah | Kajabbi | Kynuna | Longreach | McKinlay Middleton | Mingela | Morven | Mount Isa | Muttaburra | Nelia | Noccundra | Opalton | Pentland | Prairie | Quamby | Quilpie | Ravenswood Richmond | Rubyvale | Sapphire | Stamford | Stonehenge | Tambo | Thargomindah | Toompine | Torrens Creek | Urandangi | Windorah Winton | Wyandra | Yaraka | Yowah

adventureoutback.com.au

TRAVEL PLANNER BRISBANE 561 MITCHELL 650 89 MORVEN 737 176 87 947 386 297 1193 632 543 1419 858 769 1587 1026 937

LEGEND 71

Distances in Kilometres Bitumen Roads Unsealed Roads Capricorn Highway Matilda Highway Adventure Way

WEIPA

Great Inland Way Kidman Way Overlander’s Way

BARRINGUN 119 CUNNAMULLA 316 197 CHARLEVILLE 400 281 84 AUGATHELLA 519 400 203 119 TAMBO 620 501 304 220 101 726 607 410 326 207 833 714 517 433 314 1012 893 696 612 493 1170 1051 854 770 651 1353 1234 1037 953 834 1536 1417 1220 1136 1017 1728 1609 1412 1328 1209 1799 1680 1483 1399 1280

ARCHER RIVER

Savannah Way Warrego Highway QR Traveltrain

COEN YARRADEN

Traveltrain Coach Connection Outback Regions OF CAR PENTARI A

MOSSMAN Mit ch

U

eigh Einasl

PORCUPINE WHITE GORGE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL NATIONAL PARK PARK 158

i v

150

e r R i v

112

112

DUCHESS

76 84

KYNUNA

115

rg

229

360

205

ver a R i in

FOREST DEN NATIONAL PARK

WINTON r

MUTTABURRA

iv

85 in t

73 a n

53 i a

m

39 58

R

LARK QUARRY CONSERVATION PARK

DIAMANTINA NATIONAL PARK

61

LOCHERN NATIONAL PARK

44

109

Ri ve r o

52

e

94

209

158

re er op Co

C

Q U E E N S L A N D 69

QUILPIE

CHEEPIE 48

55

120

YOWAH

13

131

r

164

LAKE BINDEGOLLY NATIONAL PARK CURRAWINYA NATIONAL PARK

110

210

210

195

122

84

180

BARRINGUN

P

BOLLON

177

68

119

HUNGERFORD

113

NINDIGULLY

DIRRANBANDI

HEBEL

97

INGLEWOOD GOONDIWINDI

66

MUNGINDI

100

er

lg oa Ri ve r

War rego R ive r

SCALE 50 75

BOURKE

LISMORE

TEXAS

BALLINA TENTERFIELD

MOREE

v Ri

r Bi

ga

BREWARRINA n

INVERELL

GRAFTON

GLEN INNES

WALGETT

R

iver

25

Cu

TWEED HEADS

WARWICK

203

Bo

0

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

137

IPSWICH

ri e

217

WANAARING

BRISBANE

TOOWOOMBA 122

MILMERRAN

ST GEORGE 88

OAKEY PITTSWORTH

123

TIBOOBURRA

LYNDHURST

DALBY

129

MOONIE

CUNNAMULLA EULO

NAMBOUR

SURAT

CAMERON CORNER

MARREE

KINGAROY

MILES CHINCHILLA

25

23

7

R i v e r

Cr ee k

THARGOMINDAH 215

MERTY MERTY

141

AMBY 65 ROMA

98

82

191

p

GYMPIE

91

MITCHELL 22

113

20

e

Co

o

INJUNE

209

WYANDRA

TOOMPINE

MARYBOROUGH

GAYNDAH

127

o

NOCCUNDRA

46

EIDSWOLD MUNDUBBERA

99

a r o

INNAMINCKA

5

44

GIN GIN CHILDERS

36

il son

DIG TREE

W

180

109

MORVEN

BUNDABERG

MONTO

THEODORE

TAROOM 40

TREGOLE NATIONAL MUNGALLALA 45 PARK

88

COOLADDI

BANANA

106

91

CHARLEVILLE

74

Ri ve r

161

167

go re

87

MIRIAM VALE

BILOELA ROLLESTON SALVATOR ROSA KA KA NATIONAL MUNDI CARNARVON PARK NATIONAL GORGE PARK NATIONAL PARK MT MOFFATT 192 NATIONAL PARK

187

74

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

119

84 85

37

EROMANGA

GLADSTONE

196

204

AUGATHELLA

ADAVALE

o

85

121

TAMBO

120

PARK

o

40

Haddon Corner

12

Poeppel Corner

76

67

SPRINGSURE

42

101

EMMET IDALIA NATIONAL YARAKA

Bu ll

168

ROCKHAMPTON

EMERALD BLACKWATER

LAKE MARABOON

168

12

114

a

k

BETOOTA

51

120

52

71

WELFORD NATIONAL PARK

52

WINDORAH

ALPHA

BLACKALL

47

R ive r

109

BIRDSVILLE

B

50

164

o

JUNDAH

92

rc

253

53

106

112

102

CAPELLA

RUBYVALE SAPPHIRE

JERICHO

87

ISISFORD

104

67

LAKE MACHATTIE

SIMPSON DESERT NATIONAL PARK

54

101

151

STONEHENGE

99

22

80

89

281

CLERMONT

67

ILFRACOMBE BARCALDINE

R

n

46

101

BEDOURIE

o ms

Th o

48

27

MORANBAH

River

ARAMAC

LONGREACH

168 191

116

100

OPALTON

67

22

ut r ter Rive

LAKE DUNN

63

89

BLADENSBURG NATIONAL 179 125 PARK

110

131

D

113

a

iv er

244

114

e

118

BOULIA

248

83

MIDDLETON

146

PROSERPINE LAKE DALRYMPLE

MACKAY

74

164

HOMESTEAD

MOORRINYA NATIONAL PARK

67

CORFIELD

COMBO WATERHOLE CONSERVATION PARK

209

O

S

60

DAJARRA

PRAIRIE

43

CI FI C

CHARTERS TOWERS

TORRENS CREEK

144

URANDANGIE

134

64

STAMFORD

McKINLAY

BOWEN

46

112

77

106

PA

r

BALFE’S CREEK

PENTLAND

RICHMOND HUGHENDEN

44

TOWNSVILLE

R iver

R

NELIA 50

110

N O R T H E R N

rs

e JULIA r CREEK 50 MAXWELTON

134

119

149

e

e

B e l ya ndo Ri ve r

d

235

C l o n

QUAMBY 43 CLONCURRY

200

This map is indicative only.

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

War

r

90

44

MOUNT ISA

o Ge

T E R R I T O R Y

CAMOOWEAL CAVES NATIONAL PARK

li n

INGHAM

N EA

y r r c u

26

74

52

246 F

r

C

CAMOOWEAL

e

v Ri ek in rd Bu

KAJABBI

iv

200

R

GUNPOWDER 57

108

BLACKBRAES NATIONAL PARK

380

Q U E E N S L A N D

WAGGABUNDI

70

R ive r

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

CARDWELL

H

BURKE & WILLS JUNCTION

129

90

471km to Tennant Creek

CLONCURRY 183 BURKE & WILLS JUNCTION 375 192 NORMANTON 446 263 71 KARUMBA

All distances shown are in kilometres

TULLY

THE LYND JUNCTION GREENVALE

r ve Ri

58

an

RIVERSLEIGH

e iv eg o r y R Gr

225

INNISFAIL

RAVENSHOE

erb er t

UNDARA VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK

89

GEORGETOWN

rm No

90

CROYDON

88

45

68

MOUNT SURPRISE 79

G il b er t

87

GREGORY DOWNS

GORDONVALE

MOUNT GARNET

Ri ve r

148

192

er Riv

Hill Creek wn La

148

Leichh ard t

105

ADELS GROVE LAWN HILL GORGE

153

CAIRNS

ATHERTON

83

NORMANTON

TIRRANNA 118

BOODJAMULLA (LAWN HILL) NATIONAL PARK

CHILLAGOE

e

KARUMBA

83

N e b ine R iver

71

iv er

PORT DOUGLAS

r

108

77

93

KYNUNA 183 366 558 629

TOWNSVILLE 134 CHARTERS TOWERS 292 158 TORRENS CREEK 381 247 89 HUGHENDEN 493 359 201 112 RICHMOND 642 508 350 261 149 JULIA CREEK 780 646 488 399 287 138 CLONCURRY 899 765 607 518 406 257 119 MOUNT ISA 1087 953 795 706 594 445 307 188 CAMOOWEAL 1102 968 810 721 609 460 322 203 15 NT BORDER

Alic

DOOMADGEE n R iver so Ni c hol

R

e Riv

ll

MAREEBA

r ve Ri

Smit hb ur ne

BURKETOWN

e

d Lyn

G

SWEERS ISLAND SOUTH WELLESLEY ISLANDS

BLACKALL 106 BARCALDINE 213 107 LONGREACH 392 286 179 WINTON 550 444 337 158 733 627 520 341 916 810 703 524 1108 1002 895 716 1179 1073 966 787

LAKELAND

LF

MORNINGTON ISLAND

COOKTOWN

Ward R iv er

New Outback Regions

ROCKHAMPTON 580 BARCALDINE 687 107 LONGREACH 866 286 179 WINTON 1211 641 534 355 BOULIA

CHARLEVILLE 210 QUILPIE 456 246 WINDORAH 682 472 226 BETOOTA 850 640 394 168 BIRDSVILLE

NARRABRI

DORRIGO ARMIDALE

COFFS HARBOUR URUNGA

contents Getting There................................................................... 02 Travellers’ Tips.................................................................07 Outback Queensland’s Calendar of Events 2012.........................................08 Outback Experiences..................................................10 National Parks.................................................................. 14 Travel Directory...............................................................72 Map.........................................................................................IFC Accredited Visitor Information Centres...................................................BC

FAR WEST....................................................... 28

SOUTH WEST.................................................16

Alpha.......................................................................................38 Aramac..................................................................................38 Barcaldine...........................................................................38 Blackall..................................................................................42 Corfield..................................................................................52 Emmet....................................................................................52 Ilfracombe............................................................................ 51 Isisford.................................................................................... 51 Jericho....................................................................................38 Longreach............................................................................ 51 Middleton............................................................................52 Muttaburra..........................................................................39 Opalton.................................................................................52 Tambo.....................................................................................43 Winton....................................................................................52 Yaraka....................................................................................52

Adavale.................................................................................25 Augathella.......................................................................... 20 Cameron Corner.............................................................26 Charleville.......................................................................... 20 Cheepie.................................................................................25 Cooladdi.............................................................................. 20 Cunnamulla........................................................................22 Eromanga............................................................................25 Eulo...........................................................................................22 Hungerford.........................................................................26 Morven.................................................................................. 20 Noccundra..........................................................................26 Quilpie....................................................................................25 Thargomindah.................................................................26 Toompine.............................................................................25 Wyandra...............................................................................22 Yowah.....................................................................................22

Bedourie................................................................................ 31 Betoota................................................................................... 31 Birdsville................................................................................ 31 Boulia......................................................................................33 Jundah....................................................................................34 Stonehenge.......................................................................34 Urandangie........................................................................33 Windorah..............................................................................34

CENTRAL WEST..........................................36

NORTH WEST............................................... 58 Balfes Creek......................................................................70

Belyando Crossing.......................................................70 Bluewater Springs.........................................................70 Burke and Wills Junction.........................................60 Camooweal........................................................................67 Charters Towers..............................................................69 Cloncurry............................................................................60 Dajarra..................................................................................60 Duchess...............................................................................60 Greenvale.............................................................................70 Herveys Range Community..................................70 Hidden Valley...................................................................70 Homestead.........................................................................70 Hughenden........................................................................65 Julia Creek...........................................................................62 Kajabbi..................................................................................60 Kynuna...................................................................................62 McKinlay..............................................................................62 Mingela..................................................................................70 Mount Isa.............................................................................67 Nelia.........................................................................................62 Pentland................................................................................70 Prairie......................................................................................65 Quamby...............................................................................60 Ravenswood......................................................................69 Richmond............................................................................68 Torrens Creek...................................................................65 Stamford..............................................................................65

ccredited Visitor A Information Centre

Greyhound Australia

R ACQ

Accommodation

Hiking trail

REX Airways

ATM

Lookout

Rural Transaction Centre

Auto gas

Meals

Savannah Guides

Barbeque – Fuel

Medical facilities

Self-guided tours

Camping

National Park office

S helter shed

Campfires prohibited

No camping

Showers

Canoe

No rubbish disposal

Skytrans

Car camping

Open fireplace

Suitable for caravans

Car hire

Optus 3G

Supermarket

Caravan park

Pharmacy

Toilets

Driver Reviver

Phone

Tourist information

umping facilities for D motorhomes

Picnic tables

Walking tracks

EFTPOS

Post Office

Facilities for disabled

Police

ater on tap W (treat before drinking) 3G

Fishing

Qantas/QantasLink

4WD access

Fuel

Queensland Rail

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 2011.

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: The Executive Tourism Manager, Outback Queensland Tourism Association, PO Box 506, Longreach QLD 4730.

Some photographs courtesy of Tourism Queensland and Peter Lik.

PEFC/21-31-80

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

1

Read any definition of Outback and time and time again you will hear it described as; vast, remote, arid, sparse, unsettled, uncivilised, flat....

Well, the members of Outback Queensland Tourism, beg to differ!

Home to the rich ribbons of Channel Country floodplains, to the rolling Mitchell grass downs and ancient spinifex deserts – the landscapes of Outback Queensland offer an incredible variety of experiences, an amazing tapestry of rural Australia.

With hidden pockets of almost tropical rainforest; Carnarvon Gorge, Porcupine Gorge, and Boodjamulla National Park (Lawn Hill), to the rugged red desert sands of Windorah, Boulia and Birdsville.

Rivers and waterways thread the landscape. Natural lakes and man-made dams offer tranquillity and beauty. An amazing variety of vegetation and our wonderful native fauna combine to make the natural attractions of Outback Queensland second to none.

Learn of the old time characters – the early explorers, drovers and ringers, the men and women who lived and worked in such isolation, the pioneers of an age, McGinness, Baird, Fysh and McMaster, The Reverend John Flynn, Ernest Henry, John Campbell Miles. Learn of the railways, Cobb & Co, the arrival of road trains and the expansion of air travel. Discover an ancient culture long established, learn of Australia’s Indigenous history and explore thousand year old rock art.

Get up close and personal with Australia’s prehistoric past – travel Australia’s Dinosaur Trail. Join an Paleontological dig site to see if you can’t unearth your very own fossil remains, or go in search of more elusive treasures. Fossick for opals and gemstones – rubies, sapphires and semi-precious stones, all of which can be unearthed at any number of designated sites.

Free your inner artist and explore the numerous small galleries of Outback Queensland which showcase local and regional works. Wander through world class museums celebrating Queensland’s songs, its people and legends, cultures – past and present, science and natural history. They offer a wealth of information and a quiet cool escape on the warmest of days.

A range of accommodation options are available across Outback Queensland, from station stays and camping, to grand old pub rooms from yesteryear, and modern 3 and 4 Star Motels – options are available to suit everyone and every budget. Enjoy the spirit and hospitality of Outback Queensland in comfort and style! Or share a night camped out beneath the stars with new found friends.

Serviced by rail, air and bus routes – and a popular self-drive destination; the Outback is more accessible than ever before, so why not take the time this year to get off the beaten track, take the road less travelled and explore Outback Queensland.

For further information about visiting Outback Queensland phone 1800 247 966 Website – www.adventureoutback.com.au Facebook – www.facebook.com/QueenslandsOutback Twitter – www.twitter.com/outback_qld

2

Rail

Spirit of the Outback

This fascinating journey between Brisbane and Longreach offers a unique insight into the history and culture of early Australia, with the captivating onboard commentary.

Soak in the social atmosphere as you enjoy hearty Australian fare in the Dining Car, or a relaxing drink in the Lounge Car. From the comfort of your seat or sleeper you’ll wonder at the ever changing landscape, as the train moves from the coast into the heart of the Outback. With its rugged mountains, wide open plains and historic towns, this scenic journey will linger in your memory.

On its journey west, Spirit of the Outback passes through the heritage towns of Blackwater, Emerald and Barcaldine before arriving in Longreach, home to the famous Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame.

Spirit of the Outback departs Brisbane on Tuesday and Saturday, and Longreach on Monday and Thursday. *A connecting bus service from Longreach to Winton is available, enquire with Traveltrain Holidays.

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 to Charleville, the largest town in south-west Queensland. You’ll enjoy a comfortable journey in your choice of seat or sleeper, where you can sit back, unwind and watch the striking scenery pass you by. A range of meals and light refreshments including hot and cold takeaway snacks, drinks and confectionery are available from the Club Car, providing a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

An array of Outback experiences await you at your destination, including stargazing at the Cosmos Centre, the Royal Flying Doctor Service base and the opal fields of the south west. Connect to a coach service to explore even more of the Outback with a visit to the nearby towns of Cunnamulla and Quilpie. The Westlander departs Brisbane on Tuesday and Thursday, and Charleville on Wednesday and Friday.

Getting There Carisbrooke Station, Winton

The Inlander

Experience the heritage and natural treasures of north Queensland’s rugged yet beautiful inland, onboard The Inlander.

This historic journey from the tropical city of Townsville to the mining centre of Mount Isa takes you past Charters Towers and through the Great Dividing Range before delivering you into the heart of Australia. From here you can visit the Outback Isa complex, or one of north Queensland’s many natural wonders, such as Lawn Hill National Park. Enjoy a range of meals and light refreshments including hot and cold takeaway snacks, drinks and confectionery available from the Buffet Car, providing a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Upon arrival in Mount Isa the adventure continues with a range of attractions including prehistoric exhibits at the Riversleigh Fossil Centre and underground mine tours. The Inlander departs Townsville on Sunday and Thursday, and Mount Isa on Monday and Friday.

Allow Traveltrain Holidays to plan your next holiday or ultimate rail journey by calling 1800 805 281 or visit queenslandrailtravel.com.au

Air

Qantas Airlines

Qantas operates a daily service between Brisbane and Mount Isa. For bookings and/or more information call 13 13 13 or visit www.qantas.com.au

QantasLink

QantasLink operates over 2,000 flights each week to 56^ metropolitan and regional destinations across Australia.

When flying with QantasLink you can enjoy a range of benefits available to Qantas passengers that include: Convenient intrastate, interstate and international Qantas connections Access to the Qantas worldwide reservations system Affiliation with the oneworld TM alliance Qantas Frequent Flyer points* Access to Qantas Club lounges and Qantas Regional lounges*

Online check-in via qantas.com E-ticket availability from most ports to all domestic and selected international ports Through baggage check for Qantas domestic and international connections * Subject to membership terms and conditions. ^ Includes seasonal services and codeshare services operated by other airlines.

QantasLink’s commitment to Outback Queensland is highlighted by its active promotion of tourism and support for a wide range of organisations and events including: Outback Queensland Tourism Awards Qantas Founders Outback Museum in Longreach Angel Flight Outback Trailblazer Ag-Grow Field Days, Emerald Winton Outback Festival Westech Field Days, Barcaldine QantasLink is also a major sponsor of schools, cultural and community events, festivals, conferences and sporting organisations.

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

Skytrans

Skytrans provides scheduled service flights to Cairns, Lockhart River, Aurukun, Coen, Northern Peninsula Area (Bamaga), Pormpuraaw (Edward River), Kowanyama, Normanton, Gununa (Mornington Island), Burketown, Doomadgee, Mount Isa, Boulia, Bedourie, Birdsville, Windorah, Quilpie, Charleville, Brisbane, Toowoomba, St George, Cunnamulla and Thargomindah.

Skytrans pride themselves on providing professional aviation services to some of the most remote parts of Australia.

For bookings and/or more information call 1300 759 872 or visit www.skytrans.com.au

Rex Airways

‘Our Heart is in the Country’ – Rex has its roots firmly in the bush and in country Australia. A regular sight in country New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia and now also servicing Queensland.

With decades of experience in servicing the bush REX flies scheduled flights

from Townsville to Mount Isa, Julia Creek, Richmond, and Hughenden and Townsville to Winton and Longreach.

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

Coach

Greyhound Australia

Greyhound Australia is Australia’s only national bus service, providing comfortable, hassle-free and affordable coach services to people of all ages and to all corners of Australia. At Greyhound Australia we travel to over 1100 destinations daily, ensuring that our passengers can get off the beaten track and truly experience the beauty our country has to offer.

Greyhound services allow you to take in the best Australia has to offer, and the wide variety of ticketing options allow you to travel at your own pace, hopping on and off as many times as your ticket allows you. To really see Australia, travel Greyhound Australia.

For bookings and/or more information call 1300 473 946 or visit www.greyhound.com.au

Self-Driving Self-drive is an obvious choice for travel in Outback Queensland, giving you the flexibility and accessibility to see it all.

Not settled on a route yet? Perhaps try one of these: Matilda and Kidman Highways (Jerilderie to Karumba) Overlander’s Way (Townsville to Tennant Creek) Reef to Outback (Bundaberg to Winton) Dig the Tropic (Yeppoon to Boulia) Adventure Way (Brisbane to Adelaide) Outback Highway (Winton to Laverton, WA) Australian Dinosaurs Trail (Winton, Richmond and Hughenden) The Dowling Track ( Bourke to Quilpie) For more information on any of these Highways please call 1800 247 966.

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

3

4

FREE BRochuRE

ouT NoW

sENioRsdEAL L FREE RAi

with a ay tour of d 3 1 – any 9 pirit on the s seats on Book 2 ting rail service e’ll shout your connec ck train and w sleeper in ba the Out r a FREE* Tw ! e n t k par h tic et rail bert *Conditions apply, Australian Seniors or QLD Pensioners only.

One way ticket only.

P: 1300 78 78 90 E: info@oat.net.au

www.outbackaussietours.com.au QuEEnsLanD’s OuTBaCk

COrnEr COunTry

GuLf savannah

rED CEnTrE

ThE kimBErLEy

1 – 13 d a y E s c o r t e d To u r s d e p a r t i n g B r i s b a n e , L o n g r e a c h , C h a r l e v i l l e , C a i r n s a n d D a r w i n

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

5

Nissan on the road

6

Travellers’ Tips Please be mindful when travelling in Outback Queensland that it is different to driving elsewhere – road hazards such as livestock, the long distances and flat terrain take some getting used to. You should adhere to the road rules and speed limits as signed and common sense should dictate your actions.

These Travellers’ Tips have been compiled to assist you in ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey.

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

Pre-trip planning

A little bit of preparation goes a long way in the Outback – ensure you have a good map and plan ahead. It’s a good idea to calculate travel times and distances between stops, even preparing alternative routes, especially when travelling during the Australian summer (Nov – Apr) when rain and storms can impede travel plans.

Be Prepared

On major highways fuel stops are rarely more than 200km apart so it should not be necessary to carry spare fuel. However, where you do see “no fuel” signs, it means exactly that. Ensure that your vehicle is mechanically sound, carry a first aid kit, ample water and spares such as tyres, radiator hoses and fanbelts, together with a good tool-kit. Ensure that your spare tyre is at the correct pressure.

Personal Medications

Before setting out you should ensure you have adequate supplies of all personal medications. While medical facilities are available in most towns, these facilities are not necessarily provisioned to complete prescriptions for your regular medications.

Road Conditions

Contact the local Visitor Information Centre in the town that you are visiting, or visit the Queensland Government Traffic and Travel Information Website www.131940.qld.gov.au, or call 131 940 for current road conditions. Alternately, contact the RACQ 1300 130 595.

Weather Conditions

Outback summers are hot but much less humid than on the coast and more bearable. Most facilities and transport are air-conditioned. Storms and heavy rains can occur during summer and minor flooding can cause some towns to become cut off for a few days, but this is all part of the adventure of the Outback. The most temperate weather occurs between the beginning of April and the end of

October. Wearing a broad brimmed hat and sunscreen is recommended for all seasons.

Mobile Phone Coverage

Longreach, Mount Isa, Charleville and Birdsville have coverage from Telstra and Optus networks. Outside of these towns only the Telstra Next G network is available, usually within a 20km radius of towns.

There is limited mobile phone coverage in the far South West corner of the region, west of Quilpie to Bedourie. Public phones are available in all towns, and satellite phones are recommended for extended travel in this area.

Heavy Vehicles/Road Trains

Care should be taken when passing and overtaking road trains and heavy vehicles, including other caravans. Ensure you have a clear line of sight, allow plenty of room and be prepared for vehicles to move a little from side to side as you overtake. If a road train is approaching to overtake you, move as far to the left as possible and stop if necessary to allow it to overtake safely.

Single Lane Driving

When meeting road trains and heavy vehicles on single lane roads, slow right down and move off the road to the left.

If it is safe to do so, move off the road entirely and stop to avoid driving into any obstacles on the verge. In wet conditions road verges tend to be soft and/or slippery, so when pulling off to the left you should always keep your right wheels on the bitumen and keep moving slowly to avoid getting bogged.

Animals

If you see stock or wild animals near the road, slow down; don’t swerve as this may cause your vehicle to roll. Be patient of stock and wary of kangaroos and emus.

It pays to be vigilant when driving in the Outback, especially either side of sunrise or sunset, when kangaroos tend to be at their most active and the light more difficult.

Station Properties

Many roads are gated and cross station properties. The rule of the Outback is to leave gates in the same way that you find them, ie. if the gate is closed when you get there, close it again after you drive through or, if the gate is open when you arrive, leave it open.

Remote Areas

Always check road and weather conditions before travelling into remote areas. Advise the police or some other responsible person of your intended itinerary and report back on your arrival.

Two-way radios or satellite phones are recommended as normal mobile phones do not work in remote areas. Spare fuel should be carried outside the passenger compartment and always gauge your requirements – overladen vehicles invariably get into trouble. If you break down, stay with the vehicle until help arrives.

Minimal Impact

Depending on how you drive, you can be a welcome visitor or someone who causes careless damage to roads and wildlife.

Follow these tips for low impact driving: Stay on existing roads and tracks.

Give way to animals. Parks and forests are for their protection.

If you get stuck, try not to use trees for winching. If you have no choice, use tree protectors.

Wash your vehicle thoroughly before and after trips to prevent the spread of weeds.

Water Crossings

Water crossings are not recommended and should not be attempted if you are uncertain of your vehicle’s capabilities.

Walk through the crossing first – test the depth and current and try to detect any underwater obstacles by using your feet or a stick. Engage 4x4 low and drive through in second or third gear, keeping the momentum up.

Fires

Most roads run through private property or national parks and open fires should never be lit. Use only designated fireplaces.

Litter

Help us keep the Outback clean for future visitors by properly disposing of your rubbish.

Information Centres

Always use accredited Visitor Information Centres to obtain local and regional information.

Please see the Travel Directory for the contact details of our Outback Visitor Centres.

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

7

Outback Queensland’s Calendar of Events 2012 OUTBACK EVENTS Outback Events are brimming with colour and life; they are often quirky and certainly unique, having developed a character all of their own, partly of necessity, partly the larrikin wit made famous by many a resident of the Outback.

From the world renowned Birdsville Races to the challenges of the Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Triathlon, the fun and revelry of the Cunnamulla Fella Festival to the great charity and humour of the Angel Flight Outback Trailblazer, Cloncurry’s Merry Muster, the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame Pink Ride, Winton’s Outback Festival and Mount Isa’s Rotary Rodeo – these are just a few of the many events on offer in Outback Queensland.

Local races, rodeos, wine tastings and jazz nights, markets, arts and craft; you will be amazed at the variety and scope of Outback Events – each offering a glimpse into community life and a taste of Outback spirit!

Date

Event

Town

Phone

6-9

Waltzing Matilda Day & Easter in the Outback

Winton

1300 665 115

6-9

Easter in the Outback

Longreach

07 4658 4150

6-9

Easter Rodeo, Races & Campdraft

Boulia

07 4746 3386

7

Augathella Rodeo and 9th Augathella Race Meeting

Augathella

07 4654 7771

13-15

Channel Country Challenge

Thargomindah

07 4655 3103

20-22

Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival inc; Artesian Express Horse Races

Julia Creek

07 4746 7690

21

Tambo Stock Show

Tambo

07 4621 6600

22-28

Angel Flight Outback Trailblazer

Barcaldine

07 4651 5600

23-25

Eromanga Easter Rodeo, Campdraft & Gymkhana

Eromanga

07 4656 4751

27-29

Tambo Campdraft

Tambo

07 4654 6574

28-29

John McKinlay 150 year celebrations

McKinlay

07 4746 7690

28-7 May

Ten Days in the Towers

Charters Towers

07 4787 4500

4-7

Tree of Knowledge Festival

Barcaldine

07 4651 1220

4-7

Richmond Outback Fossil Festival

Richmond

07 4741 3429

5

Quilpie Digger’s Race Club Newmarket Race Meeting

Quilpie

07 4656 1188

5-6

Blackall Show

Blackall

07 4657 6403

5-26

Harry Redford Cattle Drive

Aramac

07 4651 5600

10-14

Music in the Mulga

Eulo

07 4655 4065

19

Isisford Sheep and Wool Show

Isisford

07 4658 5331

25-3 June

Blackall Heartland Festival

Blackall

07 4657 5955

22-23

Alpha Show

Alpha

07 4985 3418

2

Landsborough Flock Ewe Show

Muttaburra

07 4651 3347

8-10

Then & Now – Muttaburra Shearing Industry Reunion

Muttaburra

07 4658 7107

15-16

Richmond Field Days

Richmond

07 4768 6488

15-16

Cloncurry Agricultural Show

Cloncurry

0427 172 557

16-17

Porcupine Gorge Challenge & Mount Walker Fun Run

Hughenden

07 4741 2970

30-1 July

Stamford Races

Stamford

07 4741 7115

6-8

Rockhana Gem & Mineral Festival

Cloncurry

07 4742 1361

13-15

Boulia Camel Races

Boulia

07 4746 3386

14

Ilfracombe Picnic Race Club Meeting – Willowie Cup

Ilfracombe

0427 586 150

20-22

Yowah Opal Festival

Yowah

07 4655 8470

April

May

June

July

8

Date

Event

Town

Phone

21

Winton Camel Races

Winton

1300 665 115

25-29

Hughenden Dinosaur Festival

Hughenden

07 4741 1168

26-29

Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame Horse Expo & Campdraft

Longreach

07 4658 2166

28-29

Southern Cross Television & Isisford Fishing Competition

Isisford

0427 588 113

3-5

Curry Merry Muster Festival

Cloncurry

0487 760 503

4

Corfield Races

Corfield

1300 665 115

10-12

Xstrata Mount Isa Rotary Rodeo

Mount Isa

07 4743 2706

11-12

Gold Fever Healthy Lifestyle Festival

Charters Towers

07 4761 5515

17-19

Sedan Dip Races Campdraft & Rodeo

Sedan Dip (100km north of Julia Creek)

07 4746 7690

18-19

Bronco Branding & Rodeo

Stonehenge

07 4658 5942

24-26

Longreach Fishing Competition

Longreach

0409 469 119

24-26

Camooweal Drovers Camp Festival

Camooweal

07 4748 2022

25

Betoota Races

Betoota

07 4656 3250

29

International Yabby Races

Windorah

07 4656 3063

31-1 Sept

Birdsville Races

Birdsville

1300 794 257

1

Blackall Annual Flower Show

Blackall

07 4657 4637

7-8

Bedourie Races, Outback Ute and Travellers Muster

Bedourie

1300 794 257

8

Morven Races

Morven

07 4654 7771

17-19

Sedan Dip Races Campdraft and Rodeo

Quilpie

07 4656 1885

22-23

Tambo Clay Target Shoot

Tambo

07 4654 6197

29

Hungerford Sports Day

Hungerford

07 4655 3399

29-1 Oct

“Key to the World” 140 years of Charters Towers celebrations

Charters Towers

07 4761 5515

TBA

Back to Boulia

Boulia

07 4746 3386

5-6

Outback Oktoberfest

Jundah

07 4658 6166

5-7

Noccundra Campdraft and Rodeo Gymkhana

Noccundra

07 4655 4315

13

Charters Tower Amateurs Race Day

Charters Towers

07 4787 1794

20

October Moon Festival

Richmond

07 4741 8676

20

Blues & Boots Jazz Festival

Longreach

07 4658 3737

26-28

Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic

Mount Isa

0431 745 083

27-2 Nov

Charleville Cup Festival

Charleville

07 4654 7771

8-10

Cunnamulla Fella Festival

Cunnamulla

07 4655 8470

27

Isisford Ross Cup Races

Isisford

07 4658 8914

PBR Party in the Outback

Charters Towers

07 4761 5515

Goldfield Ashes Cricket Carnival

Charters Towers

07 4787 1794

August

September

October

November

december 29 January 2013 26-28

*For more information on Outback Events visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or contact the Outback Queensland Tourism Association on 1800 247 966.

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

9

Outback Experiences In the Australian lingo, you could allocate ‘Outback’ two distinct definitions. Colloquially ‘outback’ can refer to ‘in the back yard, as in ‘Bob’s out-back’ (Bob’s in the back yard). On the other hand it could refer to something a little more expansive in nature....’Outback’ – everything and anything west of the Great Dividing Range, the vast, remote, emptiness of inland Australia.

It’s a definition that is difficult to agree with, some would say flawed. Vast, yes.... remote, it can feel that way at times.... but empty?!....far from it.

It’s time to look a little closer; Outback Queensland is alive with opportunities and experiences for any traveller.

THE PEOPLE AND PLACES Outback Queensland is huge. It‘s an area which takes up roughly half of Queensland, incorporating 16 different regional Council areas and dozens of communities, large and small. To get some idea of the scale, take a map of Queensland and a pencil, start in the Western Downs town of Roma – draw a line south to the New South Wales border, then draw another line from Roma north-west until you reach Georgetown, way up in the Gulf Region. Give or take a few twists and turns on the map, everything west of that line is considered to be ‘Outback’.

The Outback has a rich history, shaped first by the Indigenous Australians who arrived on this vast continent some 40 – 50,000 years ago, travelling the length and breadth of the region on foot and in small nomadic groups, weaving across the landscape their stories, their dreamtime – and leaving a legacy of bora rings, etchings and cave paintings, a rich heritage and long history. The explorers came next; Leichhardt, Mitchell, Landsborough, Burke and Wills, opening up the inland to the early settlers, who took up great tracks of land establishing the fledging pastoral industry which still underpins the Queensland economy. Drovers, cooks, ringers, shearers, storekeepers – British, German, Chinese, Italian immigrants, from all walks of life they came to create new lives in this vast new country.

Towns and infrastructure grew: Charters Towers for instance, in the 1880s, was Queensland’s largest city outside Brisbane, riding high on a booming gold rush. It was commonly known as ‘The World’ – there being everything you could possibly want, available right there in the city.

The onset of coach, rail and flight opened up the vast inland. Innovation was born of necessity; the Cobb & Co, the Railways, Qantas Airlines, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, School of the Air, shrank the vast distances and made life a little easier for those on the land, where the isolation had bred a resilience, humour and strength of character unique to this day.

Today there are world class museums which celebrate the achievements of these early entrepreneurs and settlers; which remember the early pastoralists, drovers, stockmen and women who shaped the Outback and changed a nation. Come on out to Outback Queensland!

10

STATION STAYS Everyone has heard of or played a round or two of Monopoly. Less well known is the Australian version ‘Squatter’.

Developed by Bob Lloyd, a travelling salesman, the game was first released at the Royal Melbourne Show in 1962.

Based on real life farming experiences the game is a mix of luck and strategy. Players face many natural disasters of drought, bushfire and floods, (as does today’s farmer) as they strive to build up their Stations and Stock. It’s a game which reflects the fascination for living a life on the land.

For many the opportunity to experience life on the land first hand can be a dream come true and will leave a lasting impression.

A Station Stay offers not just a roof over your head but also the opportunity to immerse yourself in rural life – the peace, the quiet, to escape from suburbia. Watch shearing take place or participate in a muster, help draft stock, ride the boundary fence, swim in a dam, throw in a yabbie pot.... all the while you are surrounded by the amazing landscapes of rural Australia.

Station Stays can offer a variety of accommodation facilities. The homestead is the heart of any operation as well as the focal point of a business enterprise. Shearers’ quarters – once used to accommodate teams of shearers, upwards of twenty men, are often available. Dongas, guest houses and cabins – custom built and independent of the homestead offering comfortable self appointed accommodation; Powered and unpowered caravan sites and camping areas surrounded by nature. Be sure to research all your options, when on the hunt for the perfect Station Stay.

Many Station Stays offer a new perspective to Outback travel. They offer rare glimpses of a life unseen from the highways, providing not just the opportunity to explore our unique regions but, also the opportunity to experience contemporary life on the land. Experience for yourself life on an Outback Station and leave with new friends and a greater appreciation of rural Australia.

birdwatching Outback Queensland supports an array of birdlife. Bustards, brolgas and emus wander the plains, wedge-tailed eagles soar on thermals, while around the billabongs corellas and galahs keep up a constant cacophony in the trees, fairy-wrens dart through the undergrowth, and flocks of luminescent green and gold budgerigars descend for a quick drink and to escape the heat. Outback Queensland is a bird lover’s paradise!

Early rainfall over the summer is hopefully a sign of things to come in 2012. A good wet season signals fantastic birdwatching opportunities at many inland waterways, full to brimming after long periods of dry. Outback Queensland offers temporary refuge for many migratory birds heading north, heading south.

The diversity and variety of the Outback’s avifauna waxes and wanes considerably with the seasons, and the occasional oddity or early arrival has a habit of turning up when you least expect it. The onset of summer floods for instance can attract huge numbers of waterbirds such as pelicans, cormorants, herons and various waders to move inland and breed.

In the Outback, birds and the weather go hand-in-hand. There’s not a conversation goes by in which an old bushie doesn’t mention the weather, and, it’s interesting to know some of the old bushmen’s tricks for predicting it. For instance, if you see a lot of emu chicks on the ground, or see big numbers of red-tailed black cockatoos you can predict a good season ahead, or so they say. Arm yourself with a good birding guide book, polish up the binoculars and head off in the early morning or the late afternoon when the birds are most active. Need help getting started? Visit www.birdsaustralia.com.au or ring the local Visitor Information Centre.

FOUR WHEEL DRIVING There are a host of epic driving stories in Outback Queensland. There’s one in particular which would go down in the annals of history, as the precursor to Australia’s greatest Airline.

The journey began on 18 August 1919. In a Model T Ford, William Hudson Fysh and Paul McGinness, former Australian Flying Corps officers, accepted an assignment from the Australian Defence Department to survey an air race route from Longreach in Queensland to Katherine in the Northern Territory. The journey would take 51 days. By the time they reached the Katherine River, the pair had travelled over 2000km. Much of the terrain through which they passed had never been crossed by a motor vehicle. From this journey the seeds were sown for the development of a remote air service linking the towns of Outback Queensland and eventually the establishment of the Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Service (QANTAS).

With greatly improved infrastructure and quality highways and by-ways throughout Outback Queensland, there are still some fantastic opportunities to get onto the dirt and off the beaten track.

Perfect for the four wheel drive enthusiast, these roads meander through spectacular Outback scenery and hidden bush towns where there are plenty of colourful characters to meet. Take the ‘road less travelled’ and follow alternative routes between towns, nature tracks and little used back roads to explore this remarkable part of Australia, or partake in an epic adventure along the Outback Way, Birdsville Track or Plenty Highway.

Follow plotted 4X4 tracks deep into remote Outback national parks, or maybe just take a quick circuit near town to see more of the local area. The local Visitor information Centre can provide you with information on tracks and mud maps.

When heading off-road be prepared to slow down, stop and see more of the wildlife and landscape. That feeling of being the only soul on the road for miles around is unequalled, your only company old man Emu or a startled mob of cattle, disturbed from their grazing.

NB: It pays to be prepared when travelling in isolated areas. Always ensure you have a good map, plenty of extra fuel and water, and carry a satellite phone...just in case. For more information visit http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

11

FISHING People are often surprised to hear about the abundant waterways and great fishing opportunities.

Outback Queensland plays host to a diverse range of fishing habitats including peaceful coolibah-lined billabongs and shallow lakes, hidden gorges, permanent waterholes and seasonal creeks.

Then there are the mighty rivers of the Lake Eyre Basin Catchment; The Barcoo, The Thomson, The Diamantina, Georgina Rivers and the famous Cooper Creek. Scattered lagoons and waterholes for most of the year, these rivers are transformed by the rains, breaking the banks and flooding out across the channel country.

The waterways of the Outback provide habitat for a variety of wildlife and waterbirds. And, the fish! Yellowbelly is the most likely catch in our many Outback waterways, but there are also sooty grunter, welch grunter, sleepy cod, Murray cod, barramundi (in the north), catfish, redclaw and black brim.

Continue through the Outback to the Gulf. Normanton and Karumba, where the ‘Outback meets the Sea’ and the fishing takes on a whole new level....deep sea and tidal flats offer some of the best fishing in Queensland.

There’s nothing better than finding a quiet spot down on the river and throwing in a line, then sitting back waiting for that first nibble or enjoy the social atmosphere of one of the many community run fishing competitions. Longreach, the Southern Cross Isisford Fishing Competition and the Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic immediately spring to mind. These are great, fun filled family weekends – and usually there are some fantastic prizes on offer.

Recreational fishing size and bag limits apply so be sure to check www.deedi.qld.gov.au for all the current fishing rules and regulations in Queensland – you should be aware that these do vary from state to state.

DINOSAURS AND FOSSILS Although hundreds of kilometres from the ocean, much of Outback Queensland was once part of an Ancient Inland Sea: a rich aquatic wonderland filled with marine life. As the centuries passed, the climate and conditions became ripe for fossil formation which has resulted in the region being a rich source of marine and dinosaur fossils, from Mount Isa to Eromanga.

Skeletons of Sauropods, Pliosaurs, Pterosaurs – a flying reptile with a wingspan of four metres, shark teeth, ammonites, belemnites and a variety of shell fish have all been found.

Visit the towns of Hughenden, Richmond and Winton on Australia’s Dinosaur Trail. Discover which prehistoric creatures once roamed the land. Learn of their life and times. Visit one or all of the fascinating museums which house displays on the fossils found and reconstructed dinosaur skeletons.

Kronosaurus Korner in Richmond displays predominately marine fossils.

T he Riversleigh Fossil Centre in Mount Isa interprets the amazing megafauna finds discovered at the World Heritage-listed Riversleigh Fossil Fields, many previously unknown.

T he Flinders Discovery Centre in Hughenden houses an international fossil collection as well as interpretive displays of the geological history of the region.

You can also visit the site of the world’s best-preserved Dinosaur Stampede at Lark Quarry Conservation Park or explore further at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum, Winton – maybe even participate in a dinosaur dig!

Visit the Outer Barcoo Interpretive Centre in Isisford.

Or view the collections at Boulia’s Stonehouse Museum, Winton’s Corfield and Fitzmaurice Centre, even take a photo with the Muttaburrasaurus replica in Muttaburra.

The landscape around Eromanga and Quilpie in the south west has also proven itself to be a gold mine for fossil hunters, when in 2009 Australia’s largest dinosaur, Cooper, a new titanosaur species was unearthed. Keep an eye out for information on the Natural Sciences Loop Road highlighting attractions across the south west.

Ask at the local Visitor Information Centre for more information or visit australiasdinosaurtrail.com

12

OUTBACK PUBS Many Outback towns are home to not one but several grand old hotels, monuments of prosperity and longevity.

Built for accommodation as well as food and beverages these hotels have seen fortunes come and go over the years directed by the boom and bust of regional agricultural industries – sheep and wool, beef cattle and later, mining.

Be it made from timber or stone, an Outback Pub is heart and soul of the community. Beautiful and elegant of design they are an attraction in their own right and while many city venues have tried to recreate the quirky character of the Outback Pub, the only way to truly experience this unique part of Australian life is to leave the east coast behind and head west.

If the walls could talk, there’d be plenty of yarns to tell; tales of romance, heartache, fame and fortune, tragedy and joy. Stuffed with memorabilia, the history of the local pub often went hand in hand with that of the town itself – the rise and fall, fires and floods, tall stories, colourful characters and iconic feats.

Outback Pubs serve as a meeting place for townsfolk and stockmen from surrounding stations, so are a great place to meet the local characters and immerse yourself into community life. Drop in for a hearty meal; you’ll be impressed by the quality menu and value for money. Enjoy a cold drink or two. Stay a few nights in an historic hotel, accommodation ranges from single room accommodation with shared bathrooms to self-contained air-conditioned units. Visiting an Outback Pub is sure to be a highlight of your travels.

OPAL AND GEM FOSSICKING Australia is renowned for the world’s finest opal, some 95% of worldwide production originates from the rich mineral deposits scattered about the eastern edges of the Great Artesian Basin. Boulder opal is unique to Queensland and is found in the mining belt stretching from Quilpie in the south west to Winton in the north of the State.

There are a number of opal fossicking sites throughout Outback Queensland, particularly Opalton, Quilpie and Yowah. If your luck is in, you might find some boulder opal at Quilpie or Opalton or one of the famous Yowah Nuts.

You may want to use hand tools, picks, shovels and sieves to help you dig. For those with less time, you can walk around specking for colour on top of the ground – the locals call this ‘emu bopping’.

Other gemstones can be found in the north west of Outback Queensland. There are a number of general permission fossicking areas around Cloncurry where you can find amethystine quartz, amethyst, alluvial gold or maltese crosses. North of Hughenden, peridots can be found at Chudleigh Park and feldspar ‘moonstone’ can be found at Moonstone Hill.

The Gemfields in central Queensland – Rubyvale, Anakie and Sapphire are also popular spots to fossick for precious stones; these tiny towns living up to their namesakes. Zircon, sapphire, peridot, rubies and emeralds can all be found.

Although many miners allow tourists to prospect or ‘speck’ over their dumps, you should remember that unauthorised entry onto anyone else’s mining claim or lease is trespassing and permits are required on site. Always gain permission before entering an area held under mining tenure.

Don’t fret if you have no luck on the fossicking fields, just look out for the local retailers offering cut stone and jewellery, the perfect souvenir.

Permit information can be obtained from the local Visitor Information Centre.

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

13

National Parks

Home to more than twenty national parks, there’s much to see in Outback Queensland.

Boojamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park

Venture into the 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 channel country.

In the north west you’ll find World Heritage-listed Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park and Riversleigh. Here the vestiges of ancient life are to be found – the fossilised remains of Oligo-Miocene giants, and the remnant of the Dreamtime, perfectly preserved in the rock wall paintings of the Waanyi people.

West of Birdsville you will discover the sun-drenched sands of the Munga-Thirri (Simpson Desert) National Park. Explore Poeppel Corner where three state borders meet, gidgee trees and saltbush pepper the wide red plains. Early rains hint towards ample wildlife at the beautiful Lake Bindegolly and Currawinya National Parks south west of Cunnamulla, a known haven for bird life. And, on the eastern edge of our magnificent region, the spectacular Carnarvon Gorge National Park is a proven favourite.

Carnarvon Gorge, Carnarvon Gorge National Park

Spectacular sandstone gorges line the boulder strewn Carnarvon Creek. Lush, winding side gorges contain sparkling creeks and waterfalls. Lookouts offer sweeping views. Aboriginal rock art adorns the wall of the sandstone overhangs.

Mount Moffat, Carnarvon Gorge National Park

Mount Moffat features undulating open woodland with sandstone outcrops and ridges rising to the basalt-topped Great Dividing Range. The park has Aboriginal art sites and a fascinating history.

Rough access road. High clearance vehicle recommended.

Tregole National Park This park straddles the boundary between two of the state’s natural regions, the brigalow belt and the mulga lands. It protects a small stand of ooline (Cadellia pentastylis), an attractive dry rainforest tree dating back to the Ice Ages.

14

Currawinya National Park

Munga-Thirri (Simpson Desert) National Park

Currawinya protects mulga vegetation, Aboriginal sites and 19th century pastoral relics. Lakes and waterholes along the Paroo River are very important inland waterbird habitats. Bilbies have been released into the park as part of a major rehabilitation project.

The Simpson Desert has more than 1,100 sand dunes and offers one of Queensland’s most challenging 4x4 experiences. This park also protects spinifex grasslands and desert wildlife. The park can be closed over summer so check details locally. Visitors need to be well equipped, self sufficient and experienced in remote area travel.

Lake Bindegolly National Park A string of salt and freshwater wetlands form an important wildlife refuge in the arid zone. The park is home to more than 195 species of birds, 80 other kinds of animals and 300 species of plants. Vehicles are not allowed in the park.

Welford National Park Majestic river red gums and coolabahs line waterholes along the braided Barcoo River channel winding through dissected ranges framed with mulga and gidgee scrub. Scenic drives through the park lead to Queensland’s most easterly desert sand dunes. Visitors need to be well equipped, self sufficient and experienced in remote area travel.

Ka Ka Mundi, Carnarvon Gorge National Park This is a true wilderness area with brigalow and softwood scrub on slopes rising to sandstone escarpments. This undeveloped section of the park has no facilities and visitors must be self sufficient.

Salvator Rosa, Carnarvon Gorge National Park At the western edge of Central Queensland’s sandstone belt, Salvator Rosa contains deeply eroded and spectacular rock formations, such as Spyglass Peak and the Sentinel. Crystal clear springs flow seasonally into peaceful Louisa Creek and the Nogoa River.

Idalia National Park This is a large park in the Bulloo River headwaters, with popular box and silverleaved ironbark open woodlands. Dry mulga scrub and rocky escarpments are home to the yellow footed rock wallaby. 4x4 vehicles essential. Visitors must be well prepared and be self sufficient.

Lochern National Park Brolgas, pelicans, pink cockatoos and other birds flock here to waterholes along the Thomson River. Diverse vegetation in the park includes Mitchell grass plains, open gidgee scrub, mulga scrub and bloodwood woodlands. Visitors need to be self sufficient and experienced in remote area travel.

Forest Den National Park Mitchell grass plains and gidgee woodlands are protected in this remote park in the Torrens Creek catchment. Semi permanent waterholes provide a refuge for wildlife.

This park has no facilities and visitors need to be experienced in remote area travel and self sufficient.

Bladensburg National Park Flat-topped mesas, plateaus and residual sandstone ranges are a scenic backdrop to Bladensburg National Park’s vast grassland plains and river flats. The park is home to a wonderful variety of wildlife and a number of historical sites. Visitors need to be experienced in remote area travel and self sufficient.

Lark Quarry Conservation Park Lark Quarry is the world’s only known site of a dinosaur stampede. With over 3,300 fossilised footprints it’s an impressive

sight to behold. Entry to the Trackways is by guided tour only. While there explore the ‘jump up’ country by taking the short Spinifex Walk to a lookout over the surrounding countryside.

Diamantina National Park

Lawn Hill Creek and lush vegetation make Boodjamulla a visual splendour. The Waanyi Aboriginal people have strong cultural ties with the park. The World Heritage area of the Riversleigh Fossil Mammal Site located in the south eastern section of the park is one of the most significant fossil mammal deposits in the world.

Blackbraes National Park Vast open plains are broken only by the occasional coolabah-lined channels of meandering rivers and creeks. The park sweeps across highly weathered sandstone ranges, down to the floodplains of the Diamantina River, then across Mitchell grass plains to sandy dunes. Follow the self-guided driving circuit. A 4x4 vehicle is essential. You must be self sufficient, well prepared and bring plenty of extra fuel.

Check road conditions with local police or shire offices before you leave for the park.

Combo Waterhole Conservation Park This string of semi-permanent coolabahlined lagoons on the Diamantina River is believed to be the area that inspired Banjo Paterson to write “Waltzing Matilda”.

The park is a wildlife refuge, especially in dry times.

Camooweal Caves National Park Wide expanses of Mitchell grass plains and spinifex woodland are protected in this park on the Barkly Tableland, a peaceful stopover for travellers and ideal for seasonal birdwatching. The caves are not accessible to visitors.

Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park

Take a day trip and drive through savannah woodlands or go birdwatching at Emu Swamp. This park has no facilities.

Porcupine Gorge National Park With its cool, clear, flowing creek, towering cliffs of vibrantly coloured sandstone and comparatively dense vegetation, Porcupine Gorge National Park provides a striking contrast to the sparsely wooded, dry, flat plains which surround it. This impressive canyon reveals strata of sedimentary rocks spanning hundreds of millions of years of geological history.

White Mountains National Park This rugged and remote wilderness park is characterised by white sandstone formations and a complex gorge system.

Wildflowers display in the heaths late winter/early spring. Visitors need to be experienced in remote area travel and self sufficient.

Moorrinya National Park This remote park features flat plains crisscrossed by watercourses. The variety of vegetation includes grasslands and open eucalypt, acacia and melaleuca woodlands.

The towering sandstone cliffs lining Lawn Hill Gorge, the emerald green waters of

Camping Fees and Permits You will need to obtain a camping permit before camping in national parks. Fees apply. Book your permits on line at www.qld.gov.au/camping. Alternatively, call the Smart Service call centre on 13 74 64 or visit a park information centre.

Self registration on site is available at a limited number of parks.

For further information

Detailed information on Queensland’s national parks and forests is available on the DERM website www.derm.qld.gov.au A colourful introductory guide to more than 160 parks and forests in Queensland is now available free of charge from park information centres and accredited visitor information centres across Queensland.

Information is available via the DERM hotline, call 1300 130 372.

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

15

South West Unspoiled the South West is the home of the Natural Sciences and the epitome of the ‘natural’ Outback.

Marvel at outer space from the Cosmos Centre and Observatory in Charleville, visit the town of Cunnamulla, the inspiration behind Slim Dusty’s famous song ‘The Cunnamulla Fella’. Explore Quilpie, home to the exquisite boulder opal or stay a night at Thargomindah on the way to or from the historical Burke & Wills Dig Tree on Cooper Creek.

Visit the Tregole, Lake Bindegolly or Currawinya National Parks, stretch your legs along a picturesque river walk or explore one of several nature reserves.

16

Interesting Facts:

Australia is renowned for the world ’s finest op al, with 95% of the total production originating worldwide from the rich mineral dep osits scattered around edges of the Great Artesi the eastern an Basin. Quilpie is bes t know for its famous bo encased within ironston ulder opal, found e boulders .

Morven, home to the Min iature Building Display, a collection of hand cra buildings replicating the fted miniature original settlement .

Cameron Corner, where the three states meet.

The Corner Store is in receives its supplies fro Queensland – it m New South Wales and telephone ser vices fro m South Australia .

South of Eulo on the Hu ngerford Road, red san dplains and mulga scr to the lakes, rivers and ub s give little hint wetlands that make Cu rrawinya National Park most important inland one of Australia’s waterbird habitats.

Camping and Fishing:

Pitch cam p alo ng the Wa rd Riv er, on the Ch arl evi lle- Qu ilp ie Ro ad fis hin g an d cam pin g , for great or res t you r weary sou ls cam pin g beneath the at Tharg om ind ah . fam ou s Dig

Tre e

Dowling Track (Bourke, Hungerford, Thargomindah) Distance: 567kms

To Eromanga

Quilpie

Duration: 2 days

To Charleville

Toompine

Highlights: Historical Cobb & Co. Hotels, Currawinya National Park, Opal Fossicking, Hydro Power Display.

To Eromanga

Lake Bindegolly National Park To Cunnamulla

Thargomindah

Currawinya National Park

Road Stability: 4x4 recommended. Unsealed roads. Conventional vehicles with caution and subject to weather conditions.

QLD NSW

Hungerford

Yantabulla Fords Bridge

Track Notes: The Dowling Track is a journey of discovery, Bourke tracing the footsteps of Vincent James Dowling and other early Outback pioneers. Your journey begins at Bourke, NSW or Quilpie, QLD and travels through the small communities of Fords Bridge, Yantabulla, Hungerford, Thargomindah and Toompine. Relive the history of the early Cobb & Co. days and travel in the footsteps of Henry Lawson who walked from Bourke to Hungerford.

Clara Creek Run (Morven) Distance: 95kms Duration: Half day (3-5hrs)

Prefer someone else to do the driving?

Join a tour group – check out our list of operators in the Travel Directory.

Highlights: Old Clara Creek Ruins, Old Angellala Bridge, stock watering facility and windmill.

Clara Creek

To Au g

ath

ell

a

To M

orv en

Road Stability: 4x4 recommended. Unsealed roads. Impassable in wet.

Track Notes: Discover the Clara Creek Hotel ruins. The Hotel dates back to 1882 and the site has tremendous historic value. The area was once thriving and the hotel was a busy watering hole, Cobb & Co. changing station and an important meeting and recreational destination for the people of the district. Social events such as tennis tournaments, cricket matches and clay target shooting were all held at Clara Creek.

South West Flowers

* All distances are approximate. All itineraries supplied are suggestive only in nature and it is recommended all travellers should conduct their own enquiries at the local accredited Visitor Information Centre, prior to departure.

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

17

Charleville – Morven – Have you ever?

• SEEN THE TRANSIT OF VENUS? • ENJOYED SOLAR & LUNAR ECLIPSES? • Held a falling star in your hand?

• Tasted Cocky’s Delight?

• Met a real live Bilby?

• Caught a Yellow Belly?

• Seen the craters on the Moon?

• Enjoyed a camp oven dinner under the stars?

• Met ‘The Flying Doctor’?

• Been in a classroom that covers more than 1 million hectares in size?

• Placed a bet on a Yabby?

• Toasted by a camp fire?

• Enjoyed a country Race Meeting?

• Discovered what makes arid trees survive?

• Had a yarn with a family that is six generations on the land?

• Discovered a perfectly built miniature pioneer town?

• Wondered how rainmaking guns work?

• Listened to an Auto Harp?

• Braced the bar at an Outback Pub? • Found out the story behind the SMILEY movies?

• Stood at the place where QANTAS first took to the air?

For your FREE Information Kit P: 07 4654 7771 E: tourism@murweh.qld.gov.au

YOU CAN WHEN YOU VISIT Charleville, Augathella, Morven & Cooladdi

CHARLEVILLE BUSH CARAVAN PARK Open Easter to October

EVENING STAR TOURIST PARK

(07) 4654 2430

Non-Smokers Only & No Pets • Just 2km from town and set on 62 acres • 40 bird species identified & camp oven facilities • Charleville Bush Cottage – beautifully appointed, fully self-contained with 1 Queen size bed including outdoor sitting area & own campfire • 4WD Tag Along – Motel Accommodated to Birdsville, Innamincka and around the Corner Country (7 Days) Escorted by Graham & Deb, this tour caters for Non-Smokers Only.

Lot 1 Frawley Street (Quilpie Rd) P: 1800 654 541 or (07) 4654 3155 www.travelwest.com.au

Justin, Peta and their children welcome you to experience “their backyard”, a 33,000 acre working cattle property. Warm yourself by the fire with a drink and be dazzled by mother nature’s ultimate accessory... her night sky..

Just 8km from Charleville on the Free gas & wood BBQs Adavale Road 2 new amenities blocks with disabled / laundry facilities Suitable for any size rig!

HUGE drive-thru powered & Open campfire every night unpowered sites (wood supplied) Bush kitchen Dump point Licensed bar Pets welcome 818 Adavale Road, Charleville QLD 4470 P: (07) 4654 2430 E: info@eveningstar.com.au www.eveningstar.com.au

SELF CONTAINED ACCOMMODATION Luxury MOTEL STYLE Cabins and Units • Full Cooking Facilities • Queen beds • Split System Air-conditioning • Flat Screen TV • Free WIFI • Families welcome Contact Bailey Bar Caravan Park P: 1800 065 311 Mention this advertisement for your FREE GIFT.

MULGA COUNTRY MOTOR INN

(07) 4654 3255

Expect a warm welcome!

Your hosts Gary and Jill want you to enjoy …

Resort style swimming pool and gardens Licenced restaurant and cocktail bar Near the Cosmos Centre

18 18

Cunnamulla Road, Charleville QLD 4470 P: (07) 4654 3255 F: (07) 4654 3381 E: mulgacountry@bigpond.com

BAILEY BAR CARAVAN PARK G’DAY COME AND STAY

For your total outback Experience • Yabby races • Camp Oven Dinners • Lamb on Spit Roasts • Grassy/shady sites • Luxury and standard en-suite cabins • FREE wireless internet • Polite Pets welcome • Ask for your STAY ‘n SAVE Vouchers 196 King St, Charleville P: (07) 4654 1744 Toll FREE: 1800 065 311 F: (07) 4654 3740 E: baileybar@bigpond.com www.charlevillebaileybar.com.au As featured on Discover Downunder

Augathella – Cooladdi Your Discovery Plan...

Don’t miss the great things to do in our areas

DAY 1

n

School of Distance Education

DAY 3

n

Weather Station

DAY 2

n

Morven Museum

n

Royal Flying Doctor Service

n

Astronomy by Day

n

Miniature Pioneer Village

n

Historic House Museum

n

Outback Native Timber Walk

n

Tregole National Park

n

Audio Heritage Trail

n

Scenic Flight

n

Augathella Heritage Trail

n

WW2 Convoy Tour

n

Scones & Stories Tour

n

Heritage Photo Collection

n

Bilbies

n

Camp Oven Dinner

n

The Mighty Meat Ant Park

n

Cosmos Observatory

Bilbies, Stars and Secrets (Taxi Tour) THREE DAYS to explore Charleville WITH THE LOCALS. LEAVES EVERY WEDNESDAY FOR A FULL ITINERARY P: (07) 4654 7771 E: obguides@bigpond.com

OUTBACK AIRTOURS

Bilby Experience Cosmos Observatory WW2 Convoy Tour Guided Heritage Walk Weather Station Tour Historic House

SOME SECRETS MUST BE SHARED

What were the Americans doing in Charleville in 1942?

Specialising in Airtours of the outback

• Charleville Scenic Flights • 2 & 3 Day Airtours • Charter Flights • Birdsville Day Tour P: (07) 4654 3033 E: admin@swas.net.au www.outbackairtours.com

• • • • • •

FIND OUT ON CHARLEVILLE’S CONVOY TOUR BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL P: (07) 4654 7771 E: obguides@ bigpond.com

SEE THIS AMAZING COUNTRY LIKE NEVER BEFORE!

THE BILBY EXPERIENCE Charleville is the home of the captive breeding programme to help save the Bilby.

Be quick to make your booking for this great experience

P: (07) 4654 7771

A HIGHLIGHT WHEN VISITING CHARLEVILLE

MORVEN MUSEUM Tucked away in the small town of Morven is a small treasure. At Morven Museum take the time to visit the replica miniature pioneer village. Created over 15 years the buildings are replicas of Morven’s township in the 1890s.

IT’S WORTH A VISIT! Albert Street Morven P: 4654 8131 • Open Monday to Friday 10am – 12 noon

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

19 19

CHARLEVILLE Population 3550

AUGATHELLA Population 430

Thurlby Station Tour Camp Oven Dinners Audio Heritage Trails Historic House Museum Rock Wallabies

You won’t want to miss Charleville where unique and interesting experiences can be found at every turn…

View the beautiful Outback night sky at its best through powerful Meade telescopes in the Cosmos Observatory. During the day discover interesting facts about the universe, ancient star gazers, new dwarf planets and hold a real ‘shooting star’ in your hand at Astronomy by Day. Meet the endangered Bilby and volunteers who will relate to you the struggle to ensure the survival of this iconic little Australian.

If it’s history you’re interested in, join a Convoy Tour of the ruins of the WW II Top Secret USA Base, enjoy the ‘Stories & Scones’ tour at historic Hotel Corones. Step back in time when you pass through the doors of Historic House Museum, where fascinating stories of the Outback are revealed through the memorabilia and a fun ’Hunt the Objects Quiz’. Local voices and sound effects bring our history and characters alive as you walk or drive the streets of Charleville with an audio CD. How do you break a drought? Visit the famous Vortex Rainmaking Guns, an experiment to break the great drought in 1902. DID THEY WORK? Well, that would be telling... all is revealed on the story boards surrounding the giant ‘guns’.

If you want to tour Charleville with the locals, check out the Charleville Taxi Tours, a great way to get around and learn more about living in the Outback.

Visiting from the city? Hear of the experiences of life in the bush first hand on a tour of Thurlby Station, place a bet on a thoroughbred of a different kind at the weekly Bailey Bar Yabby Races, or fly above the wide brown land with Outback Air Services. With more than twenty experiences, a one day stay in Charleville will not be enough. Plan to stay longer, you will be pleased that you did.

Points of Interest Cosmos Observatory Astronomy by Day Bilby Experience

“Stories & Scones” at Corones Hotel Yabby Races Convoy Tour WW II USA Sites Weather Station Tour

Scenic flight over Charleville & Extended Outback Flights Steiger Vortex Rainmaking Guns Graham Andrews Parkland Outback Native Timber Walk School of Distance Education Royal Flying Doctor Visitor Centre Fishing Aboriginal Artwork Display

MORVEN

Population 250

If you want to soak up the ambience of a small Outback town, then Morven is the place to stop. Don’t just drive through, there is something special you must see, one of Australia’s hidden treasures is on display at Morven Museum. Fifteen years in the making, a collection of hand-crafted miniature buildings replicating the original settlement along with an original Kerosene Tin Hut. Enjoy a break and picnic overlooking Sadliers Waterhole at Hamburg Creek, once a stopover for bullock teams and Cobb & Co. Discover the Heritage Trail map to follow Morven’s history.

Looking for something unique? Visit Tregole National Park, home to rare Ooline trees (the tree has rainforest origins and it is unusual to see them in this arid area), or come for the annual Morven Picnic Races in September.

Points of Interest Morven Historical Museum Kerosene Hut Branding Board Rabbit Board Gate

Charleville Visitor Information Centre Qantas Drive, Charleville P: (07) 4654 7771 F: (07) 4654 7772 E: tourism@murweh.qld.gov.au www.murweh.qld.gov.au 20

Miniature Building Display Tregole National Park

Augathella is famous for its colourful history of bushrangers, bullockies and bullock teams who camped along the Warrego River. Enjoy Augathella’s fascinating story and local characters in the 20-minute “Outback to Augathella” documentary. The town’s history is linked with large merino sheep stations.

In their heyday sheep holdings ran more than 200,000 sheep and employed 60 to 70 shearers. The wool history is preserved through a series of murals lining the main street and historical manuscripts are available to read.

Remember the “Smiley” movies? The story “Smiley” originated in Augathella.

One of the murals celebrates this unique Outback “kid”. Who mentioned Meat Ants?

To celebrate the achievement of the local football team, the ‘Mighty Meat Ants’, a magnificent sculpture, thousands of times larger than a real meat ant, has been placed in Augathella’s Meat Ant Park. It’s a great place to start your Heritage Trail.

Enjoy a fair dinkum Outback experience over Easter, when hundreds of people head west to Augathella for the Annual Augathella Diggers Rodeo & Races. Get dust between your toes and enjoy the fun of an Outback race meeting.

Points of Interest “Outback to Augathella” Documentary Wrought Iron Sculpture Murals River Walk Kennif Tree Heritage Walk Meat Ant Sculpture & Park Diggers Rodeo & Picnic Races

COOLADDI

Population 2

On your way to the Quilpie opal fields stop a while at Cooladdi, one of Australia’s smallest towns. Call into the Fox Trap for local information, great fishing spots and a little bit of railway history. Want to keep the kids entertained? Head to Cooladdi during the annual Gymkhana, when several hundred people gather, it’s a great Outback event with plenty of action.

Points of Interest Fishing at Quilberry Creek

Sadliers Waterhole

Annual Gymkhana

Heritage Walks

Heritage Trail

Picnic Races

History Display

Charleville – Morven – Augathella – Cooladdi

ASTRONOMY BY DAY • Hold a ‘shooting star’ in your hand.

• Find out what happened to Pluto.

• Ancient star gazers and their beliefs.

COSMOS CENTRE & OBSERVATORY Phone: (07) 4654 7771 Email: obguides@bigpond.com

Allan Tannock Weir, Cunnamulla

Cunnamulla

Appealing... naturally

n n n n

Find yourself in Cunnamulla, Eulo, Wyandra and the Opal town of Yowah Experience the Artesian Time Tunnel which will take you back in time 100 million years Visit the Cunnamulla Fella Centre, Art Gallery & Museum Heritage Exhibition Explore natural and cultural heritage trails or book a guided tour

For your FREE travel pack...

Cunnamulla Fella Centre, Jane St, Cunnamulla QLD 4490 Phone: (07) 4655 8470 Fax: (07) 4655 1120 Email: cunnamullainfo@paroo.qld.gov.au Web: www.paroo.info Paroo Shire - Experience the bigger things in life in our little western towns

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

21

CUNNAMULLA

Points of Interest

Population 1300

Opal Fossicking – Obtain a Fossicker’s Licence, venture into the Fossicking Area and you could be lucky enough to find your own opals to take home with you or have them set at one of the galleries while at Yowah.

Appealing…. naturally.

Cunnamulla, an aboriginal word meaning “long stretch of water”, is at the crossroads of the Adventure Way and the Matilda Highway and is built on the Warrego River.

It is a town rich in history, heritage and natural wonders and the Cunnamulla Fella sits proudly on his pedestal and welcomes visitors to the area. As well as the beautiful gardens within the town, the region abounds in natural beauty where ever you turn and you will quickly unwind and forget the pressures of a busy life.

What is the significance of the Robbers Tree?

Why is the railway platform different to most in Queensland?

What is the War Memorial in the town centre?

Why is the Artesian Basin so important?

Are there any crops grown in the area?

Who was crowned Australia’s first self made millionaire?

So many questions to be answered but also remember to stop and smell the roses!!!!!

Points of Interest A rtesian Time Tunnel & Cultural Theatre – Take a trip back in time and hear the story on the Great Artesian Basin which flows beneath 1 /5 th of Australia and is the lifeblood of the Outback.

C unnamulla Bushlands – A 6 hectare area takes you on a journey through different ecosystems within our region, with a diverse range of native trees.

Bowra Sanctuary – Owned by AWC and only 16km from town is a birdwatchers’ paradise boasting more than 200 species of birds.

S tation Stays – For a short time “live the life” of the people on the land who helped shape this country.

Enjoy the Beautiful Warrego River – Why not go kayaking, book a Sunset River Cruise, try your hand at fishing or enjoy the natural wonders of the river banks and floodplains as you stroll around the River Walk.

CUNNAMULLA FELLA Centre 2 Jane Street, Cunnamulla P: (07) 4655 8470 F: (07) 4655 1120 E: cunnamullainfo@paroo.qld.gov.au www.paroo.qld.gov.au 22

Open Air Bore Bath – After a day of fossicking, why not relax in a hot Artesian Bore Bath and take in the magnificent evening stars.

The Bluff – This wonder of nature lets you marvel at 180o views and scenic sunsets.

This is definitely a land of beauty.

The Cunnamulla Fella

EULO

Population 108

The “Montville of the Outback”, Eulo is a small community with a large pride which is evident when you visit. Famous not only for the infamous “Eulo Queen” and the hotel named after her but also for the abundant local produce and product as well as opal and craft which can all be purchased in the town.

Points of Interest Palm Grove Date Farm and Natural Mud Baths –Soak in the warm Artesian water impregnated with Artesian mud, then pat on your mud pack to let your skin soak in the goodness from this mineral -rich product.

A ir Raid Shelter – Why was an Air Raid Shelter built at Eulo during WW2? Come and find out.

A rtesian Mud Springs – Visit the natural release valves for the Artesian Basin, only 12km west of Eulo.

Opal, Art and Craft Shops – With 90% of the population being small scale miners there is no shortage of galleries and shops. Look for the signs and drop in to the unique style galleries.

Birdwatching – Why not take a birdwatching tour and be amazed by the number of birds that inhabit this region.

WYANDRA

Population 116

A great area to have a break, half way between Cunnamulla and Charleville, Wyandra is a small township that welcomes tired travellers. Take some time to have a cool drink at the Gladstone Hotel and catch up with the locals.

Points of Interest The Beach – You won’t find a more beautiful spot on the river to spend the day.

Powerhouse Museum – The old Powerhouse used to supply electricity to the town and now it houses some great nostalgia for locals and travellers alike.

B illabong and Granite Nature Trail Drives – Take advantage of the 4WD tracks before venturing to Currawinya National Park.

Post Office Café and Outdoor Cinema – Grab a meal, have a game of putt putt or watch an old movie in the “one of a kind” outdoor cinema.

P aroo River – Spend some time relaxing, fishing or birdwatching on the Paroo, the last remaining free flowing river in the northern part of the Murray-Darling Basin.

Heritage Trail – Follow the Heritage Trail and discover some of the rich history of the area.

YOWAH

Population 142

The opal is the Australian national gem and the township of Yowah is a “Living Gallery” with the story of the opal everywhere you turn. Opals of Yowah are world renowned for their beautiful colours and magnificent patterns. This little township’s point of difference is the “unique Yowah Nut”.

You can test your skills on the 9 hole golf course and rest afterwards with a coffee at the RTC Café before sharing a meal at the community fireside barbecue where everyone is made to feel welcome.

Artesian Time Tunnel, Cunnamulla

RAH

CHARLOTTE PLAINS OUTBACK MAGIC CUNNAMULLA

Out the Back australia

(07) 4655 1679

We’re local, we show fascinating places not open to the public & great wildlife. Club Hotel CUNNAMULLA, our Boutique Luxury Hotel, provides quality & comfort. Visiting Cunnamulla, Eulo, Yowah – it’s Out the Back Australia for adventure, culture, nature & luxury accommodation.

15 Louise St & Cnr Stockyard Streets, Cunnamulla QLd 4490 P: (07) 4655 1679 E: info@outthebackaustralia.com.au www.outthebackaustralia.com

Experience a real OUTBACK farm-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 approx. September. Dine under a galaxy of stars by the open campfire. Dream, and enjoy real outback magic.

P: (07) 4655 4923 F: (07) 4655 4114 E: charlotteplains@harboursat.com.au www.charlotteplains.com.au Airstrip: Length 940m S28º 04’ E146º 11’

Opals, Quilpie

Quilpie Town Entrance, Quilpie JUNDAH

OUTBACK MAIL RUN WELFORD NATIONAL PARK

To Windorah

Quilpie

Mail Run Route Trinidad Station Thylungra Station

To Adavale

To Eromanga

QUILPIE

To Charleville To Thargomindah

Enjoy a traditional smoko at Trinidad Station Come and spend an unforgettable day travelling with Margaret Peglar, whose garden is part of through the outback with the local mail man Colin Campbell’s Garden Tours. as he delivers mail and supplies to 10 remote WYANDRA TOOMPINE cattle and sheep stations.

Call into historical Thylungra on the way home and see where the “Kings in Grass Castles” legends started.

On this 400km journey you will travel through the We have exclusive access to this famous property. original Thylungra Holdings, a property made famous by the Durack family that was the starting Departs Monday and Thursday at 7am. Pick up point for their courageous cattle drive to open up the from your accommodation available at 6.45am. vast Kimberley region in Western Australia.

Returning mid afternoon.

Your journey starts beside the Bulloo River before Book at the Quilpie Hotel Motel or entering opal country and the area where the mighty Channel Country Tourist Park.

Hayricks mine is located. Take a tour of Alaric Station, now a retreat for Vietnam veterans.

Travel on outback roads and experience wildlife such as the black cockatoo and other native wildlife in (includes a smoko and lunch with complimentary beer, juice and soft drink) their natural environment.

$149 pp

1300 858 867

P: E: info@outbackmailrun.com

www.outbackmailrun.com

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

23

SOUTH WEST QUEENSLAND’S

CORNERCOUNTRY WELCOME TO BARCOO

• Explore the Barcoo Shire

Museum in Jundah • Enjoy fishing on the Cooper Creek • Visit the Windorah Visitor Information Centre • Discover the Stone Address Book in Stonehenge and add your details • Experience the unique Channel Country with a 12km Nature Drive

CONTACT YOUR NEAREST VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE FOR MORE INFORMATION!

Windorah Visitor Information Centre

P:(07) 4656 3063 E: windorah_library@bigpond.com www.barcoo.qld.gov.au

CHECK OUT CHARLEVILLE

QUILPIE SHIRE SIMPLY UNIQUE • View the Opal Altar at St Finbarr’s Catholic Church in Quilpie • Bird watch on the banks of the Bulloo River • Experience Cobb and Co staging post Toompine Hotel • Call at Lake Houdraman and take a trip up to Adavale • Visit the Eromanga Living History Museum Quilpie Visitor Information Centre

P:(07) 4656 0540 E: tourism@quilpie.qld.gov.au www.quilpieshire.com.au

• Discover stars like never before at Charleville’s Cosmos Centre and Observatory • Get up close with an endangered Bilby • Hear 2nd World War secrets as you convoy around a Top Secret American Air Base • See the big Meat Ant in Augathella.

• Discover a mini township at Morven Museum Charleville Visitor Information Centre

P: (07) 4654 7771 E: obguides@bigpond.com www.murweh.qld.gov.au

QUILPIE

BULLOO ODYSSEY • • • • •

Experience Thargomindah’s Hydro Power Plant display Bird watch at Lake Bindegolly Call into the Noccundra Hotel Explore Hungerford’s historic Royal Mail Hotel Visit the Burke and Wills Dig Tree on Cooper Creek

Thargomindah Visitor Information Centre

P:(07) 4655 3399 E: thargotour@bigpond.com www.thargotourism.com.au

24 24

CUNNAMULLA AND DISTRICT • Visit the Cunnamulla Fella Centre Art Gallery and Museum • Explore the Artesian Time Tunnel • Fish on the banks of the Warrego in Wyandra • Take a Mud Bath at Eulo • Visit the “Living Opal Gallery” of Yowah The Cunnamulla Fella Centre

P:(07) 4655 8470 E: cunnamullainfo@paroo.gov.au www.paroo.info

quilpie

Population 654

A stay in Quilpie can be as busy or as relaxing as you choose. Picnic at beautiful Lake Houdraman, catch a yellowbelly or some yabbies in the river or swim a few lazy laps of the pool. Sit back and enjoy the unique flora and fauna throughout the surrounding countryside.

Those ready for action can spend the day fossicking for opals, climb and explore Baldy Top and Table Top Lookout or go four wheel driving through the endless landscape that is Australia’s Outback.

Boulder Opal, Quilpie

Listen for famous names such as Tully, Durack and Costello, who were among the first settlers. Hear about the struggles during the flood and drought and the hardship of isolation from the people who experienced it, on the interactive CD at the Quilpie Museum and Visitors Centre. Access the internet at the library in air-conditioned comfort.

Outback Art in Quilpie has taken off faster than the talented artists can keep up with.

Admire the murals and sculptures in the main street. The gallery at the Visitor Information Centre has a new exhibition every month, showcasing local artists and travelling exhibitions. Eagle Gallery, Country Collection’s Gallery and the local Craft Shop are all visual delights displaying paintings by gifted local artists, unique handcrafted jewellery and sculptures and exquisitely hand sewn items.

Quilpie is home to “The Jewel of the Outback”, the exquisite boulder opal.

Throughout the town, you can purchase souvenirs, jewellery and display pieces made from this beautiful gem. Try your luck at the free opal fossicking area and visit St Finbarr’s Church and admire the stunning opal altar, lectern and font.

Visit the literal “End of the Railway Line”, the old Powerhouse Museum and the Mini Museum at the airport, dedicated to the old woolscour and the unexpected landing of Amy Johnson. Take a stroll along the Bulloo River Walk where interpretative signs are positioned with information on the local vegetation. The waterways are rewarding birdwatching spots as Quilpie Shire is home to over 200 bird species.

Annual events include Quilpie Diggers Race Day, Quilpie Street Party, Quilpie & District Show & Rodeo and “Pride of the West” Station Challenge Race Day. Visit the Quilpie Shire website at www.quilpie.qld.gov.au for dates of all events.

EROMANGA

Visit the Eromanga Living History Centre which incorporates a museum and object theatre and browse through hundreds of historic photos and stories of the surrounding area. View a self operated film in the Theatre Room. Some of the many topics covered are oil exploration, early pastoral pioneers, opal mining and information regarding the dinosaur discoveries. The centre is unmanned, so collect the key from the Eromanga Royal Hotel which is an original building dating from 1885 and was once a Cobb & Co. Staging Post. Adjoining the museum is a park with picnic tables, covered playground and a stunning Mining Memorial, inlaid with opal in memory to the Opal Opolis days of Eromanga.

All are welcome to the community BBQ every Saturday night. Annual events include the Easter Eromanga Rodeo, Campdraft and Gymkhana.

There are excellent fishing, yabbying, birdwatching and camping spots on the Bulloo River, not far from the pub.

Annual events include the Easter Sunday Clay Target Shoot and Toompine Quick Shears Championships.

South West Sunset

ADAVALE

Population 25

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. Allow time to visit Mariala National Park where more than 140 different species of birds have been recorded including the rare square-tailed kite. The 27,300 hectare remote park is also home to a colony of threatened yellow-footed rock wallabies.

Find great spots along the river for fishing, yabbying, birdwatching and camping.

Annual events include the Campdraft, Bull Bonanza and Gymkhana and Fishing Carnival.

CHEEPIE

Population 1

This tiny town was first surveyed in 1914 and at its peak Cheepie was a thriving community with several established businesses. All that remains is the old Railway Siding Building and a private residence.

Population 2

Toompine, known as “The Pub without a Town”, was once a thriving community serviced by Cobb & Co. with regular coach schedules. All that remains today from the early pioneering days is the Toompine Hotel (circa 1893).

Baldy Top Cave, Quilpie

Toompine is a great place to have a cold drink and a yarn with the locals and great meals are available day and night.

Population 45

Eromanga is famous on several counts, firstly for being the furthest town from the ocean in Australia and secondly for producing 1.5 million barrels of oil per year. The latest and most exciting claim to fame is the significant paleontological discoveries of Australia’s largest dinosaurs on a property near Eromanga.

Several dinosaurs have been unearthed and the area is being heralded by scientists as the most exciting and prolific dinosaur site in Australia. The bones and other exciting discoveries will be displayed in the Eromanga Natural History Museum which is proposed to be built in the near future.

TOOMPINE

behind the name. Obtain a fossicking licence and try your luck at finding a beautiful opal at nearby Duck Creek and Sheep Station Creek Opal Mines.

The local “Cemery” is just a kilometre down the road; ask for directions and the story

QUILPIE VISITOR Information Centre 51 Brolga Street, Quilpie P: (07) 4656 0540 F: (07) 4656 1441 E: tourism@quilpie.qld.gov.au www.quilpie.qld.gov.au

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

25

thargomindah

Population 230

Thargomindah is situated along the Adventure Way, 1,000km west of Brisbane. The road is sealed to Thargomindah, with only a 32km stretch remaining to be sealed to the South Australian Border. It is the ideal touring route to or from South Australia via the historic Burke & Wills “Dig Tree” on Cooper Creek at Nappa Merrie Station, and the famous Strzelecki Track and the Flinders Ranges.

Thargomindah is perfectly positioned for day tripping. You can visit the iconic Burke & Wills “Dig Tree” at Cooper Creek, or spend a day at the historic Noccundra Hotel on the Wilson River and enjoy a meal, a drink, and a yarn with the locals. Visit Cameron Corner, Hungerford or one of the nearby national parks – enjoy the walking trails, nature activities and birdwatching.

Points of Interest

Points of Interest

Burke & Wills “Dig Tree” on Cooper Creek

Historic Royal Mail Hotel

Hydro Power Plant Display – Free tours

Gazetted in 1874, shortly after Vincent James Dowling settled “Thargomindah Station” (1864), the town takes its name from an Aboriginal word meaning “cloud of dust”.

Hydro Walk and CONDUIT Art Work

Today, Thargomindah is a modern country town providing the facilities and services expected by visitors, including:

Historic Thargomindah Hospital

Caravan park and camping ground, with cabins, a bunkhouse and camp kitchen.

Motel and licensed restaurant.

Hotel/Motel accommodation

Take-away meals (roadhouse and hotel).

Service station, providing fuel and RACQ service.

Toyota dealership.

A general store selling hardware.

Swimming pool and a Community Centre including gym, squash court and tennis courts.

Outpatients Centre – RFDS.

Police station and QGAP office.

Post office and gift shop – SkyTrans Agent.

A irport with a 1,460 metre sealed runway, PAL, refuelling facilities (JETA 1 and AVGAS) with free transport to town.

Bronze Sculptures of John Leahy and Vincent Dowling

26

W ild Dog/Dingo Barrier Fence

Noccundra Hotel Hume Memorial Old Cemetery Noccundra Waterhole Wilson River – Camping, fishing and birdwatching

Cameron Corner

Population 4

Cameron Corner is where the states of Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia meet. The Corner Store is in Queensland, it receives its supplies from New South Wales, and telephone services from South Australia. The area was originally surveyed by John Cameron in 1882-1883. A new survey marker was installed in 1969.

The Interpretive Centre contains information on the world’s longest fence – the Wild Dog/Dingo Barrier Fence. Licensed accommodation, camping, fuel, meals, telephone services and souvenirs are available at “The Corner”, together with friendly local service. Cameron Corner also boasts an unsealed airstrip for visitors who prefer to fly in.

Bulloo River Walking Trail and Heritage Trail Bulloo River – Fish for yellowbelly/ yabbies

Cnr McGregor & Eccles Street, Thargomindah P: (07) 4655 3399 F: (07) 4655 3374 E: thargo.info@bigpond.com www.thargotourism.com.au

Currawinya National Park – Home to abundant birdlife

Lake Bindegolly National Park and walking trails

Cameron Corner Post – Seasonal wildflowers

thargomindah VISITOR Information Centre

Paroo River – Fish for yellowbelly or yabbies

Leahy House, Old Printery, Post Office

Points of Interest

Old Bore, Thargomindah

Thomas Hungerford who settled the area.

The Royal Mail Hotel is still in operation today, and is the focal point of the town. It was established in 1873, and from 1875 was a staging post for Cobb and Co. coaches.

Accommodation is available at the hotel, and the town also has a caravan park and a sealed airstrip. Hungerford holds an annual sports day in October, which features a horse and motorbike gymkhana, and a bull ride.

Cattle station stays

Hungerford

Population 10

Hungerford is located near the Paroo River on the Queensland/New South Wales border, and still has a border gate which doubles as the Wild Dog/Dingo Barrier Fence. The town gets its name from Irish pioneer pastoralist

Royal Mail Hotel, Hungerford

Noccundra

Population 4

The historic sandstone Noccundra Hotel is still in operation today, and is famous for its hospitality, cold beer, food and friendly locals. It was established in 1882 and is all that remains of the town of Noccundra. The hotel is a popular rest stop or overnight stay for visitors driving to the “Dig Tree”, Innamincka, Thargomindah, Cameron Corner, and all points in between.

Free camping is available adjacent to the Noccundra Waterhole on the Wilson River – just opposite the hotel. A monument to the ill-fated Hume expedition is located in the hotel grounds. Hume died of thirst just west of the present town, while searching for survivors of the lost Leichhardt expedition.

Noccundra Hotel has an unsealed airstrip directly behind it, and many visitors fly in, park their planes out the front of the pub and enjoy a drink and a meal, then fly out again.

Noccundra holds a campdraft, rodeo, horse and motorbike gymkhana, and bull ride every year around October. The Noccundra Waterhole is a great fishing spot and an ideal camping area.

ExplorErs Caravan park

1800 820 890

Ensuite cabins and bunkhouse rooms (reverse cycle air conditioning) Large powered and unpowered van and campsites Camp kitchen, free gas and electric BBQs Amenities block, and laundry facilities Wheelchair access Handy to shops, hotel, restaurants, fuel, and river Pets welcome 88 Dowling Street, Thargomindah QLD 4492 P: 1800 820 890 F: (07) 4655 3308 E: explorerscaravanpark@bigpond.com

Adventure Wa y BRISBA

N E T O A D E L A I D.Eu w . o w . d e ture w a

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

27

Far West

Known for its rolling red dunes and flat iconic landscape, the Far West is one of the most spectacular regions you will pass through on your adventures in Outback Queensland.

The Diamantina and Georgina Rivers course through the land channelling seasonal flood waters towards the incredible Lake Eyre Basin. Two good seasons mean the Far West is a sight to behold in 2012 – the landscape is flourishing.

And don’t miss the towns scattered along the way.

They might be small but they all come with big hearts.

Prefer someone else to do the driving?

Join a tour group – check out our list of operators in the Travel Directory.

28

Interesting Facts:

Cuttaburra Crossing enr oute from Birdsv ille to Bedourie is a little oas and home to prolific bir is dlife including Egrets, Heron, Spoonbill, Ibis Pelicans, maybe even and a rare Kingfisher.

Stonehouse Museum in Boulia houses the mo st complete fossil Plesiosaur skeleton yet found in Australia .

Along the Jundah -Ston ehenge Road (just after the Stonehenge turn-o you will come across wh ff) at must be one of the big gest address books in existence – the Stone Address book, sign you r name...

Whitula Gate Museum in Windorah is built around a restored slab hut from the 190 0s, originally bu ilt by the Rabbit Board as a boundar y rider’s hu t.

Camping and Fishing:

Throw in a line at Parap ituri Waterhole, west of Boulia or explore the region from your camp at Diamantina National Park, home to abundant waterholes, wetlands and river channels, sand du nes, grass plains and weathered sandstone ranges .

Diamantina National Park (Boulia, Bedourie) Distance: 600kms round trip

Diamantina National Park

Springvale

Hunters Gorge

Coorabulka

Janet’s Leap

Highlights: Hunter’s Gorge, Janet’s Leap, Gum Waterhole, Mayne Hotel Ruins.

aR an tin Di

am

Duration: 2 days

ive

r

To Boulia

Bedourie

To Birdsville

Road Stability: Unsealed roads.

Track Notes: Diamantina National Park has been named one of Australia’s Top 10 by the Worldwide Fund for Nature. The drive passes through a variety of landscapes, from the river channels and waterholes on the flood plains, to sand dunes, gibber plains and grasslands. Explore Diamantina Gates, Hunter’s Gorge, Mundaweira Waterhole and Wangari Waterhole. Camp at Hunter’s Gorge or Gum Hole, enjoy the fishing and observe the wildlife and birdlife.

Poeppel’s Corner (Birdsville) Distance: 340kms round trip Duration: 2 days Highlights: Big Red, Eyre Creek, Poeppell’s Corner.

Road Stability: 4 x4 only. Unsealed roads. Recommended for experienced off-road drivers.

Track Notes: Passing through the Simpson Desert National Park, the drive to Poeppel’s Corner from Birdsville is a challenging one. Up and over numerous loose dunes which are interspersed by claypans and saltpans, sand drifts, open plains and gibber stone flats. The country may be arid but is by no means lifeless and supports an array of flora and fauna. Dust storms are common in dry times and extreme care should be taken when travelling this route.

Munga-Thirri (Simpson Desert) National Park, Birdsville

* All distances are approximate. All itineraries supplied are suggestive only in nature and it is recommended all travellers should conduct their own enquiries at the local accredited Visitor Information Centre, prior to departure.

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

29

B I R DSV I LL E - B E D O U R I E - B I G R E D A N D B E YO N D…

Visit our remote Outback  Carcoory Ruins  Iconic Landscapes  Drive the Birdsville Track  Drive to the Edge - Big Red  Hot Therapeutic Artesian Spa  Magnificent Cuttaburra Crossing

EXPLORE NATIONAL PARKS

THE PRISTINE ENVIRONMENT

EXCELLENT FACILITIES

 Diamantina NP Named in the ‘top ten’ National Parks in Australia

Enjoy an abundance of wildlife, the wildflower splendour, rivers, sand dunes, fishing, billabongs, waterholes and scenery. See the Waddi trees, being up to 1000 years old and found in only three places in the world.

Historic Bedourie and Birdsville hotels, cafés, restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries, motels, cabins, caravan parks, fuel and auto services, magnificent and pristine bush camping.

 Simpson Desert NP The largest National Park in Qld with over 1.12 million hectares

Big Red Sand Dune – near Birdsville

EVENTS:

Betoota Gymkhana & Motorbike Event (13, 14 & 15 April 2012) Birdsville Gymkhana & Rodeo (22 – 24 June 2012) Bedourie Campdraft, Rodeo & Gymkhana (30 June – 1 July 2012) Bedourie Camel Races (7 July 2012)

Camping in Diamantina Shire

Birdsville Bronco Branding (11 – 13 May 2012) Betoota Races (25 August 2012) Birdsville Races (31 August – 1 September 2012) Bedourie Races & Ute muster (7 – 8 September 2012) Bedourie Bikekhana (1 December 2012)

Bedourie Races – part of the Simpson Desert Racing Carnival

Call now for a copy of the ‘Visitors Guide’, ‘Remote Desert Travel’ and ‘Bird Watchers Guide’.

Diamantina Visitor Centres, Bedourie and Birdsville

1300 794 257 www.diamantina.qld.gov.au

Photos: Rowan Bestmann

FAMOUS ICONS

Betoota

Population 0

Ghost Town Alive! The Betoota Hotel stands in solitude amidst a vast gibber plain. Now deserted, Betoota was once a busy hotel serving the pastoralists and drovers moving their mobs of cattle through customs and onto the markets of South Australia.

Twice a year the town bounces back to life for the Betoota Gymkhana in June and the Betoota Racing Carnival on the last Saturday in August.

Birdsville

Population 125

Australia’s “Must Visit” Town. Always noted for its wild country and isolation, Birdsville offers today’s traveller a modern community with a sporting complex, gymnasium, two galleries, a bakery, air services, a motel, hotel, caravan park and cabins, restaurant, a general store, post office, medical clinic, fuel and auto services, and a police station.

Points of Interest Attractions in and around Birdsville include the Simpson Desert; Big Red – the tallest of the sand dunes of the Simpson; Poeppel Corner; Birdsville Hotel; Australian Inland Mission Hospital; Pelican Point; Diamantina Crossing; Jardine’s Waterhole (fishing); Burke & Wills campsite and tree. A walking track along the billabong is accessible from the caravan park and the Wirrarri Visitor Centre.

The Bilby Way – The 187km journey between Birdsville and Bedourie is a magnificent experience. See the Waddi trees, a unique and ancient example of desert flora. Travel through the area known as Moonie’s Grave. A patrolman on the dingo fence, Moonie left on one of his recreational sprees at the Birdsville Hotel in 1895 with two cases of whiskey on his packhorse. Six weeks later his body was found about 50 metres from the track surrounded by bottles.

Visit Carcoory Ruins, one of the first properties purchased by Kidman in

Carcoory Ruins, Birdsville-Bedourie Road

DIAMANTINA DISCOVERy

1899 and now listed by the National Trust. A detour takes you past Lake Machattie. When full, it is the largest pelican breeding area in Australia. Cuttaburra Crossing is an amazing wetland with bird hides to view the prolific birdlife.

The Diamantina region is rich in natural wonders, cultural heritage and pastoral history, so however you travel, you will soon appreciate the hardships that confronted the early pioneers and settlers. The Diamantina covers more than 94,690 square kilometres, yet is home to only 14 stations and 300 residents. The desert and the channel country combined with the teeming flora and fauna, make up one of the world’s most fragile and unique desert ecosystems.

Toko Channel is a major kangaroo feeding area. Take a detour Two of Australia’s most-loved national parks are situated to Griffiths Tank in the Diamantina, namely Munga-Thirri (Simpson Desert) Corner which is the National Park and Diamantina National Park – with the latter approximate crossing recently named one of Australia’s top ten national parks by point of the Burke the World Wide Fund for Nature. The Diamantina has three of & Wills expedition the oldest hotels in Outback Queensland – the iconic Birdsville (140° E). Kings Hotel, the Betoota Hotel (now closed) and the Bedourie (Royal) Creek Crossing Hotel. For the best weather, visit between March and October. was a favourite overnight stop for Afghan cameleers.

An Afghan who died in this area is buried near the campsite, his grave facing Mecca. Full trip notes available from the Bedourie and Birdsville Visitor Information Centres.

Simpson Desert Racing Carnival – “The dust never settles.” Betoota Races are held the last Saturday of August, and the famous Birdsville Races held the first Friday and Saturday of September, followed by the Bedourie Racing Carnival on the second Saturday of September.

Diamantina Lakes National Park

Points of Interest Bedourie Hotel – Formerly the “Royal”, this hotel was built in the 1880s of mud bricks and, except for the roof, the building has been largely untouched and has traded continuously ever since.

Other attractions in town include the magnificent hot Artesian spa and pool; the Heritage-listed Mud Hut; community hall and indoor sport centre; cemetery and Outback golf course.

Simpson Desert Racing, Birdsville

Bedourie

Population 14

Oasis in the Desert, Bedourie is the administrative centre of the Diamantina Shire. Covering 94,690 square kilometres, it is the second largest shire in Queensland and is twice the size of Denmark. Excellent town facilities include motels, a hotel with meals, cabins, caravan parks, a restaurant and tavern, a general store, post office, fuel and auto services, a police station and medical clinic.

Attractions near Bedourie include Cuttaburra Crossing, a renowned wetland with prolific birdlife; Carcoory Ruins listed by the National Trust; Lake Machattie and Diamantina National Park. Bedourie Camel Races are on 7th July 2012.

WIRRARRI VISITOR Information Centre Billabong Boulevard, Birdsville P: (07) 4656 3300 F: (07) 4656 3302 E: info@diamantina.qld.gov.au www.diamantina.qld.gov.au

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

31

The Outback Loop®

2 Pubs + 2 Tracks = 1 Experience

Experience Boulia OUTBACK MYSTERY & ADVENTURE

re o l xp

• Gateway to the Diamantina National Park

e

• Home to the mysterious Min Min light!

• Be entertained with the famous Boulia Camel Races • Meet Dinosaur Dick- Stonehouse Museum & Fossil Display • Fish the Burke River, Georgina and local waterholes • Be amazed by the spectacular Lillyvale Hills Boulia

• Visit Urandangie • Channel Country Capital Brisbane

en the Have you se ht?

Min Min Lig

Visit theoutback.com.au

the outbackloop

Join high us for a tec & ligh h sound ts Open how. daily

Call us:

Birdsville Hotel (07) 4656 3244 Innamincka Hotel (08) 8675 9901

TM

BIRDSVILLE AND INNAMINCK A HOTELS

CENTRAL EAGLE AVIATION

(07) 4656 3160

Phone: Min Min Encounter & Information Centre (07) 4746 3386 Fax: (07) 4746 3387 email: tourism @boulia.qld.gov.au www.boulia.qld.gov.au

Central Eagle Aviation offer scenic flights & private air charter from Birdsville, QLD through the spectacular countryside of outback Australia.

Fly with us & follow the river/creek systems of Georgina, Diamantina & Cooper as they meander their way to Lake Eyre. Experience the vastness of the Simpson, Sturt Stony, Strzelecki & Tirari Deserts. Be awed by the beauty of the channel country & Goyder Lagoon. Witness the abundant birdlife & wildlife that make this part of the outback home. Pelicans, Eagles, Brumbies, Camels and a magical array of wildflowers on show.

P: (07) 4656 3160 M: 0431 294 188 E: flights@centraleagleaviation.com.au www.centraleagleaviation.com.au

The Outback Loop®

2 Pubs + 2 Tracks = 1 Experience

re o l xp

e Visit theoutback.com.au

the outbackloop BIRDSVILLE AND INNAMINCK A HOTELS

32

TM

Call us: Birdsville Hotel: (07) 4656 3244 Innamincka Hotel: (08) 8675 9901

Boulia

Population 300

There are a lot of bush yarns and legends in this Outback country, but the people of Boulia reckon the pick of the bunch are the ones about the mysterious Queensland icon, the Min Min Light. Here is a yarn about the light they would like to share with you: It was shortly after the Min Min Hotel was destroyed by fire around 1912, when a stockman had one of the first experiences with the Min Min Light: “About 10:00pm, I was riding to Boulia and passed close to the Min Min graveyard. The night was somewhat cloudy. All of a sudden I saw a strange glow right in the middle of the cemetery. It got bigger until it was the size of a large watermelon. I couldn’t believe my eyes as I watched it hovering over the graveyard. I broke into a cold sweat as it started coming toward me. It was too much for my nerves. I dug the spurs into my horse and headed for Boulia as fast as I could go. Every time I looked back the light seemed to be following me. It only disappeared out of Boulia.”

Then in rapid succession came two more reports to substantiate the stockman’s story.

A woman and her husband reported seeing a mysterious light which intensified in brightness and moved away from them.

They were strangers to the area and had never heard of the Min Min Light. Their feeling was one of curiosity rather than fear.

Another stationhand had seen the light rise out of the old hotel graveyard, bounce through the air for a considerable distance and then suddenly disappear.

Many more sightings of the Min Min Light have followed since these initial few, starting the legend of the mysterious lights that has never been solved.

Points of Interest

To preserve the history and myths surrounding the Min Min Light, the Boulia Shire Council created the Min Min Encounter Complex. Be part of a 45-minute show introducing you to characters like Gunna and Bluey who have seen the light. Join Trish McGreil and her husband Ian on the porch of their station house and hear their stories about the lights and the possible explanations. But remember this – you don’t go looking for the Min Min, the Min Min goes looking for you!

More than a hundred million years ago Boulia lay on the western edge of a vast inland sea while Hughenden and Richmond were close to the eastern shore. This was home to the giant land-based Titanosaur, the armoured Minmi and the long-necked Plesiosaur, the latter creature looking very much like the Loch Ness monster. Go and see Dinosaur Dick at the Stonehouse Museum and he’ll show you the most

Camel Races, Boulia

Min Min Light, Boulia

Fossil Plesiosaur-Stonehouse Museum, Boulia

complete Plesiosaur fossil yet found in Australia.

T he museum also boasts an array of historical artifacts from early settlers, including machinery, saddlery and hospital instruments.

A state of the art Sports and Aquatic Centre is right at your fingertips when you come to Boulia. The $4 million complex has a 25 metre pool, splash pool, a multi-purpose court, gymnasium, tennis courts and two squash courts.

While in the mood for combining exercise and socialising, don’t forget to pack your golf clubs or hire some to play on Boulia’s 18-hole sand green course and meet the locals in the clubhouse.

Yellowbelly and redclaw can be found at Parapituri Waterhole, the Police Barracks Waterhole and also in the Burke River.

Boulia is the gateway to the Diamantina National Park, home to abundant birdlife including the rain bird, black-faced cuckoo, lorikeets, brolgas and plain turkey/bustards.

Each year the town celebrates Easter Outback-style with races and a campdraft. It’s guaranteed to be an action packed weekend including cowboys on bucking bulls and jockeys pacing their steeds to the finish post!

Come and celebrate camel racing in Boulia at the Boulia Camel Races. This event is held on the third weekend of July each year. Everyone flocks to the rodeo grounds to watch the “Ships of the

Desert” race (hopefully the right way) around the track. Free camping and use of all facilities is included in the entry fee.

Urandangie

Population 40

While you are in the area visit Urandangie, a unique town near the Northern Territory border. The township was founded in 1885 with a humble general store. Over the years the tiny town grew, and by the 1920s there were two stores, a hotel, dance hall, post office, police station and several private residences. It was an important centre for travellers and drovers on the Georgina and other stock routes.

The Dangi Pub offers hotel-style accommodation and meals (by arrangement only) and the camping grounds are free of charge. Good fishing and birdwatching spots can be found along the Georgina River.

Points of Interest The Dangi Pub

min min encounter 25 Herbert Street, Boulia P: (07) 4746 3386 F: (07) 4746 3387 E: tourism@boulia.qld.gov.au www.boulia.qld.gov.au

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

33

WINDORAH

Population 85

Windorah is an Aboriginal word meaning “big fish” and there are still big yellowbelly cruising the depths of Cooper’s Creek near Windorah. The term Channel Country refers to the intricate network of braided channels and waterholes that spread up to 80km across the landscape during flooding, producing what is said to be the best cattle fattening pasture in the world. For most of the time the water is confined to deep, permanent waterholes, perfect spots for camping, fishing and relaxation.

Information Centre – Drop in for a Driver Reviver cuppa, browse the literature and displays, and pick up all the brochures and maps you’ll need for your travels.

Keep in touch while you’re away with the email/internet service.

Solar Farm – On the edge of town five sun mirrored dishes 13.7m across provide daytime electricity to the town – a first for Queensland.

Windorah Caravan Park – A central gathering point for the travelling community.

JUNDAH

Population 85

Points of Interest Cooper’s Creek – Camp under majestic river red gums lining the waterhole, throw a line in and sit back and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the bush, or a yarn around the campfire.

Jundah, situated on the banks of the Thomson River, is the administration centre for the Barcoo Shire. Within walking distance, the Thomson River provides a scenic fishing and recreational area with panoramic river views and drives. The tranquil lifestyle offers visitors a place to relax and experience true Outback hospitality.

Points of Interest Welford National Park – 45km southsouth east of Jundah. A national park since 1992, Welford covers 124,000 hectares of nature’s diverse landscapes.

Pale Sandhill and Ghost Gums, Windorah

Red Sandhills – Watch the sunset from the crest of a magnificent red sand dune while sipping a glass of your favourite wine, then take in the panorama of the starlit sky.

Whitula Gate Museum – Wander through the restored 1900’s slab hut which was built by the Rabbit Board as a boundary hut on Whitula Creek, west of town.

12km Nature Drive – Wind through a diverse range of landscapes between Windorah and Cooper’s Creek, with 45 plants identified and signposted along the way.

T he J.C. Ruins – Imagine what life was like in the township of Canterbury while you explore the ruins of the J.C. Hotel and cemetery, 80km west of Windorah.

WINDORAH Visitor

Information Centre 8 Maryborough Street, Windorah P: (07) 4656 3063 F: (07) 4656 3137 E: windorah_library@bigpond.com www.barcoo.qld.gov.au 34

Thomson River – Discover and explore the Thomson at your leisure. There are a variety of recreational activities available including fishing, yabbying, kayaking, birdwatching or just simply relaxing.

The Native Well – Located 32km north of Jundah, the Native Well was a valuable water source for Indigenous people.

Historical Museum – A window into the early pioneering times of the district.

Site of Magee’s Shanty – 90km east of Jundah, this is believed to be the site of the shanty immortalised in Banjo Paterson’s poem “A Bush Christening”, not far from the ruins of the Cobb & Co. Pub and the lonely grave of goldminer Richard Magoffin who perished in 1885.

Barcoo Shire Memorial Park – A green oasis if you’re wishing to take a break.

local history. Open Mon – Fri 8:30am – 5:00pm. Sat 11:00am – 1:00pm.

Ph: (07) 4658 6930 or email jundahinfo@barcoo.qld.gov.au

STONEHENGE

Stonehenge may not resemble its namesake in the United Kingdom, nevertheless this Outback Queensland town is somewhat of a sentinel. It is the Defence Department’s site for the Over the Horizon radar initiative and, though a long way from the ocean, this system actually guards our coastline. Stonehenge is ideally situated for birdwatching enthusiasts with the Thomson River just 1km from town.

Photograph the colourful profusion of galahs and cockatoos as well as brolgas, emus and wild budgies.

Points of Interest John Egan Pioneer Track – An 8km 4WD track from town features unusual rock formations, natural springs and tranquillity.

Rock Holes – Less than 4km from town is an unexpected series of magnificent rockholes shaded by ghostly white gum trees, the perfect place to cool off and enjoy the isolation.

Swanvale Lookout – Situated half way between Stonehenge and Jundah.

At the top of the “jump up”, a rest area offers scenic views and a great place to enjoy the sun setting into the western horizon.

Stone Address Book – Put the name of your town among the many others emblazoned by travellers. Two kilometres on the Longreach side of the sealed Stonehenge turnoff and on the northern side of the road, town names can be seen embossed in stone.

Community Centre and Library – Browse the Stonehenge public library or ask for assistance with information in relation to attractions and events in the area. Open 8:30am – 12:30pm Mon – Fri. Ph: (07) 4658 5857 or email stonehengecc@bigpond.com.au

Settler’s Nature Drive – Takes you on a flora tour from Jundah along the Thomson River and back to Jundah with the different species of plants signposted.

Archer Bros Pioneer Pathway – Take a leisurely walk around the outskirts of town along the path, stopping to read the relevant information on the welcome signs at the entrances to town.

Information Centre and Library – Wander into the spacious information centre and public library or catch up with friends and family back home via free internet access. Browse the many brochures on display and ask about the

Population 25

Thomson River, Jundah

Cooper Cabins

(07) 4656 3101

Jundah, Stonehenge & Windorah

(07) 4658 6930

3.5 Star AAA Tourism, with onsite office Fully self-contained cabins with linen Reverse cycle air-conditioning Television Bar and licensed dining room BBQ area Laundry Your Hosts: Ross and Di Ward 11 Edward Street, Windorah QLD 4481 P: (07) 4656 3101 F: (07) 4656 3090

“Heart of the Channel Country�

A land of diversity, tranquility and splendour.

Each community hosts an attraction of its own, from unique events to the wonders of nature.

Join us for that life adventure and head outback.

For further information on our attractions and accommodation please contact the Visitor Information Centre.

11 Dickson Street, Jundah QLD 4736 P: (07) 4658 6930 E: shire@barcoo.qld.gov.au

Sandhills and Ghost Gums, Welford National Park

Stonehenge Address Book

Solar Panels, Windorah

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

35

Central West

Learn of Outback Queensland’s rich fossil history, pioneering Outback spirits, legends of old, and characters of the bush.....the Central West is home to world class museums showcasing local history, European settlement, the pastoral industry, great Australian innovations, song and the human spirit. Experience the cultural and natural heritage which has shaped the nation.

Discover the Aramac Lakes and Winton’s Bladensburg National Park, a showcase of the diverse environments of Outback Queensland from the flat-topped mesas and plateaus to the vast grassland plains and river flats.

36

Interesting Facts:

You’ll have heard of Tam bo, no doubt as the ho me of Tambo Teddies – loc ally ma de an d eac h beari ng the name of a dis tric t pro pe rty, a popular souvenir.

Barcaldine is the site of the Australian Workers Heritage Centre – a unique attraction celebr ating the achievement s of the working men and women of rural Australia .

The Muttaburrasaurus was an herbivorous din osaur from the Early Cretaceous period, nam ed from the discovery, in 1963, of a partial skeleton found near Mu ttaburra in Outback Qu eensland . Its jaws were ver y powerful and equ ipped with shearing tee th which were probably adaptation for eating tou an gh vegetation such as cycads .

Longreach School of Dis tance Education is one of the largest classroo in the world . Take a tou ms r and obser ve a lesson , learn how it all works .

Camping and Fishing:

Great camping can be had at the Barcoo River camp, just 50 0m from Blackall on the Isisford Road, and Redbank Pa rk at Jericho is an ideal place to cast a line.

Muttaburra

Muttaburra River Road Loop (Longreach, Muttaburra)

Starlight’s lookout

Thomson River Weir Lily Lagoon

Distance: 230kms round trip

Starlight’s Lookout Turnoff

Duration: Half day Highlights: Lily Lagoon, Starlight’s Lookout, Muttaburrasaurus, Pump Hole Waterhole.

Cramsie Road Turnoff

Longreach

Road Stability: 4x4 recommended. Unsealed roads. Conventional vehicles with caution and subject to weather conditions.

Track Notes: You’ve a number of options to get to Muttaburra from Longreach but this route is one of the more scenic. Take in Lily Lagoon which at the right time of year is a fairy wonderland, view wide grassy plains and ancient rocky outcrops, follow the course of the river channels and explore some of the local sights and swimming holes – when you are ready to come home, follow the Cramsie Road back or take a turn on the bitumen via Barcaldine.

Opalton Wanderer (Winton, Opalton)

Carisbrooke Station

Winton

Bladensburg National Park

Distance: 376kms round trip Duration: 2 days

Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways

Highlights: Fossicking for Boulder Opal (permit required), Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways, Carisbrooke Station.

Opalton

Road Stability: 4x4 recommended. Unsealed roads. Conventional vehicles with caution and subject to weather conditions.

Prefer someone else to do the driving?

Join a tour group – check out our list of operators in the Travel Directory.

Cattle Drove on Landsborough Highway

Track Notes: Take a piece of Queensland with you when you fossick for Boulder Opal (permit required). Stay at the Opalton bush park and enjoy uninterrupted night skies. Travel to Dinosaur Stampede at Lark Quarry Conservation Park and discover a landscape of red earth, spinifex and jump-up (mesa) country (guided tours only – check times at the Winton Visitor Information Centre). See the magnificent escarpments at Carisbrooke Station – call in for an access pass. * All distances are approximate. All itineraries supplied are suggestive only in nature and it is recommended all travellers should conduct their own enquiries at the local accredited Visitor Information Centre, prior to departure.

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

37

JERICHO

Population 100

With a name like Jericho, it’s not surprising that this little Australian town is filled with residents who know the Biblical story of the Battle of Jericho. The affinity of the little town with its namesake doesn’t stop there.

Queensland’s little Jericho is built on the Jordon Creek, south of Lake Galilee.

The latter-day Jericho’s history dates back to 1885 and owes its beginnings to the railway.

Pine Hill was the original settlement, but there was little water there, so the township split and some people went to Jericho and others went to Alpha. Pine Hill still has some graves dating back to the 1800s, although few headstones remain.

Jericho is a picturesque town with its most famous feature being the “Crystal Trumpeters”, constructed in memory of the Biblical story where the Israelites marched around the walls of Jericho for six days and blew their trumpets on the seventh day, watching as the city walls collapsed.

The town has one of Australia’s smallest drive-in theatres, which holds 36 cars plus walk-ins. Redbank Park, located on the banks of the Jordon Creek just east of Jericho, has become a popular tourist attraction. The park includes a barbeque area, amenities block and also a playground area. Jericho is located on the Capricorn Highway, 86km east of Barcaldine and has a population of approximately 100.

ARAMAC

Population 340

Described as “an oasis in the dry of the Central West”, Aramac continues to thrive, which has much to do with the holding of the town’s annual Harry Redford Cattle Drive. In the main street of Aramac stands the White Bull replica which tells the story of the most historically significant cattle stealing case ever recorded in Australia.

Henry “Harry” Redford (better known as Captain Starlight) commenced his daring cattle duffing feat on a property called Bowen Downs. As part of the recognition of this feat, you are able to browse through the Harry Redford Interpretive Centre in the main street of Aramac.

If droving is something you’ve always wanted to do, then Aramac is the destination for you, where you can actively participate in “The Harry Redford Cattle Drive”, run annually through May. Take part in the associated events while you are on the cattle drive, such as the Aramac Races, various live entertainment opportunities, the Harry Redford Rodeo, enter the camp cookout competition or visit one of the camp sites to join their nightly, hearty camp oven droving meals.

38

While in town visit the Aramac Tramway Museum and step back in time with relics like Aunt Emma, the long-serving railmotor. Discover the fascinating country surrounding the township. Drive through the desert country and discover Lake Dunn. Enjoy fishing, water sports (sailing, water skiing), birdwatching, tennis, cabins, camping and very little traffic.

Make a stop at the Gray Rock Reserve and Horsetailers Gorge where Cobb & Co. stopped and spelled their horses, or join in the Artesian Country Tours to see Gracevale Caves and Mailman’s Gorge with the region’s most recognised historian, Tom Lockie. Learn the story about etched images of strange six-toed human footprints and the Central West’s own Rainbow Serpent imprinted on the sandstone walls. Just take the time to listen beyond the deafening silence to hear the sounds of the bush.

Discover Aramac!

BARCALDINE

Between the Bougainvillea Heritage Trail – An award-winning heritage trail that encompasses the historical sites of Barcaldine. The following items are included in the town’s Heritage Trail: Masonic Lodge, the Back Creek Windmill and St Peter’s Anglican Church. Pick up a copy of “Between the Bougainvilleas” Heritage Trail booklet from the Information Centre for $2 each.

Lloyd Jones Weir – A popular fishing, camping and water spot 14km from Barcaldine.

Murals – Barcaldine has several murals which have been painted by a diverse range of artists. The most famous is in Oak Street, painted by the late D’Arcy Doyle.

The Tree of Knowledge Memorial, Barcaldine

Population 1335

Barcaldine is situated at the crossroads of the Landsborough and Capricorn Highways.

It is a town filled with history and colour, often referred to as the Garden City of the West because of its beautiful gardens and wide tree-lined streets. With a population of just under 1350, Barcaldine is a wonderful place to spend a few days.

Points of Interest Australian Workers Heritage Centre – A unique attraction which celebrates the achievements of the working men and women of Australia. It also features displays on the Shearers’ Strike of 1891.

Opening hours 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 5pm Sunday.

Ph: 4651 2422 Tree of Knowledge – This is the historical site of the 1891 Shearers’ Strike. Sadly, the tree was poisoned in 2006 and a traffic-stopping memorial now stands on the site. The trunk and some branches were preserved and form the heart of this unique memorial. This award-winning structure was officially opened in 2009 and comprises 4913 timber pieces. The scale of the structure and the form created by the hanging timbers is based directly on the extent of the tree’s canopy from the period around the 1890s.

ALPHA

The township of Alpha has a population of approximately 400 and is located 168km west of Emerald and 139km east of Barcaldine. The main industry in the area is beef cattle.

Alpha is known as the ‘Town of Murals’ and displays a number that have been painted on private and public buildings depicting the area’s history. These murals have been painted by local and ex-local artists and add to the atmosphere of the town.

Alpha boasts many other attractions such as the following: The Rowley Roberts Tourist Information Centre, Native Flower Plot, Jane Neville – Rolfe Art Gallery displaying excellent pieces of artwork from local

Barcaldine and District Historical Museum – A country museum which houses collections of memorabilia from Barcaldine’s past. Mini train rides are held on the last Sunday of the month.

Open 7am to 5pm daily.

Artesian Country Tours – Tom Lockie, a local living legend, conducts tours to historical Aramac and Gracevale.

Population 400

Alpha Show, Alpha

artists and also travelling art shows, and the ‘Jump Ups’ which is a natural attraction featuring the different layers of coloured volcanic soil.

barcaldine bakery

Alpha possesses most facilities found in larger centres, yet still retains an enticingly peaceful lifestyle. Named after poets, the Alpha streets bear such illustrious names as Tennyson, Byron, Dryden and Shakespeare. This region is known as Mitchell country, named after Sir Thomas Mitchell who went through the area in 1846. Alpha was born when the original railway settlement, Pine Hill, was found to have insufficient water. The town is situated at Alpha Creek which actually does a horseshoe bend and runs underneath the town. Because of this, quite a few bores can be found in the town.

MUTTABURRA

Population 100

Travel a further 87km from Aramac north west to Muttaburra where the Landsborough and Thomson Rivers meet and experience the sensation of where the sky stretches undisturbed from one horizon to the other – spectacular by day, glowing with stars by night. Muttaburra is the closest town to the geographic centre of Queensland and justly boasts of being the heart of Queensland.

Explore the natural environments and fishing spots along the Thomson or Landsborough Rivers. If you are a keen angler you will be attracted to the headwaters of the Thomson River, the Muttaburra Pump Hole and the local camping spot at Broadwater where you will be among some of the Thomson’s biggest yellowbelly and black bream.

(07) 4651 2999

The award winning Barcaldine Bakery is home to the ‘Dough of Knowledge’ sourdough unique to Barcaldine.

The friendly team prepare products from scratch using natural, fresh ingredients seven days a week. Come in and try the huge range of: Daily fresh bread Coffee, tea, salad rolls and sandwiches Pies and pastries Free Wi-Fi Soft drinks and milk shakes Cakes for special occasions!

169 Oak Street, Barcaldine QLD 4725 P: (07) 4651 2999 F: (07) 4651 2999 E: baker@barcaldinebakery.com

IRONBARK INN MOTEL

(07) 4651 2311

After a long day exploring, bushwalking, water skiing or fishing, you must treat yourself to refreshments and some of the best bush tucker, hospitality and atmosphere in the west at the local businesses operating in the township.

Upon driving into this community, you can see one of the region’s greatest discoveries – the full life-size replica of the Muttaburrasaurus Langdoni. First discovered in 1963 by a local grazier, the area has become renowned for fossils and who knows, you may be the next to discover a fossilised dinosaur skeleton!

Discover the Heritage Trail, showcasing heritage buildings and the cemetery dating back to 1885. Two very special attractions are found in Muttaburra, history that has been preserved from a more recent era – Dr Arratta Memorial Medical Museum, displaying medical history from the turn of the century, and Cassimatis Store, a display recognising the contribution of the Cassimatis family, one of many Greek families who took up the challenge to live in the Outback. The Cassimatis Store, originally opened in 1914, was reopened after a full renovation in 2001.

Muttaburra has several annual events including the annual Race Meeting and the Landsborough Flock Ewe Show. These events provide a great opportunity to experience true Outback hospitality.

Barcaldine – Meet the Man from the Ironbark 30 rooms – air-conditioned, TV, in-house movies Pool Laundromat Bar The 3L’s licensed family steakhouse: Liars, Larrikins & Legends welcome Fisherman’s Rest & Fisherman’s Wall of Fame Owner operated – 17 years’ experience in tourism As seen on The Great Outdoors and Queensland Weekender Home away from home – enjoy our bush hospitality 72 Box Street, Barcaldine QLD 4725 P: (07) 4651 2311 F: (07) 4651 2314 E: rmdachan@bigpond.net.au

BARCALDINE COUNTRY MOTOR INN

(07) 4651 1488

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.

1 Box Street, Barcaldine QLD 4725 P: (07) 4651 1488 F: (07) 4651 1847 E: countrymotorinn@bigpond.com

Barcaldine Tourist Information Centre

Muttaburrasaurus Langdoni, Muttaburra

Oak Street, Barcaldine P: (07) 4651 1724 F: (07) 4651 2243 E: infocentre@barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

39

Unwrap your

adventure

in the Barcaldine Regional Council area Alpha, Aramac, Barcaldine, Jericho, Muttaburra Amazing, award winning events…

Stunning landscapes, lakes and rivers Great Outback Pubs Unique murals and attractions…

...all waiting to be unwrapped!

r u o y ! p y a r a d w to Un

e r u t n adve

Call...

Alpha 07 4985 1166 Aramac 07 4652 9999 Barcaldine 07 4651 5600

www. barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

BARCALDINE REGIONAL COUNCIL

‘Outback Mates’ is a local ambassador program undertaken in the Barcaldine Regional Council communities of Alpha, Jericho, Aramac, Muttaburra and Barcaldine.

The program is aimed at making our visitors feel welcome. Local ambassadors will assist with general information, local insights and probably tell a few tall stories as well.

‘Outback Mates’ are local identities – council workers, business people or retired townsfolk. It is a voluntary position sanctioned by their employer. They work closely with the Visitor Information Centre to greatly enhance the visitor’s experience in the region.

They are easily identified by their ‘Outback Mates’ uniform, hat badges and flags flown on their vehicles.

, g our region in it is v en h w y So u stop and sa make sure yo friendly G’day to our tes! = ) Outback Ma

BLACKALL CARAVAN PARK

(07) 4657 4816

Offering you relaxation and comfort on that well-deserved getaway. With a warm atmosphere and beautiful green surroundings, you can be sure your stay will be a memorable one. We invite you to our camp-oven dinner and entertainment, featuring Graham Rodger every night during the tourist season. (May-Aug) 53 Garden Street, Blackall QLD 4472 P: (07) 4657 4816 E: blackallpark@bigpond.com www.BlackallCaravanPark.com.au

AcAciA Motor inn – BlAckAll

(07) 4657 6022

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 Pool & artesian spa Guest laundry Landsborough Highway, Blackall QLD 4472 P: (07) 4657 6022 F: (07) 4657 6077 E: blackallacaciamotor@bigpond.com www.blackallacaciamotorinn.com.au

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

41

Blackall

shearer Jackie Howe and the local town history.

Population 1163

Located in the Memorial Park is a statue dedicated to Major Edgar Towner who was awarded the Victoria Cross for “most conspicuous bravery, initiative and devotion to duty” on 1 September 1918 at Mont St. Quentin. Major Towner was also a recipient of the Military Cross.

Relax in pleasant surroundings when you arrive at Blackall, an oasis on the banks of the Barcoo River. With welcoming gardens and parks, green median strips and a peaceful relaxed atmosphere, you will feel fresh, relaxed and rejuvenated when you head on to your next destination.

The area was explored in 1846 and pastoral occupation began in 1862 with the present day site of Blackall being surveyed in 1868.

The town is named after the second Governor of Queensland, Sir Samuel Blackall.

Notable residents of Blackall include Jackie Howe, a blade shearer who in 1892, sheared 321 sheep in 7 hours and 40 minutes at Alice Downs, a feat that has never been bettered.

Major E Towner was a soldier in WW1 and received the VC and MC medals. Roy Dunne set a world record for jumping a goat over 3’6” (107cm) and a photo of Roy, on his goat Nugget, is set on his headstone at the Blackall cemetery.

Points of Interest

T he historic Blackall Woolscour is the only one of its kind left fully intact in Australia. The Blackall Woolscour is a wool washing plant which operated on steam from 1908 to 1978. The Woolscour is open seven days a week all year round and conducts hourly tours. It runs on steam from May through to August and on electricity for the rest of the year.

Visitors to the Blackall Woolscour can also witness audio visual displays, including a 15-minute video entitled ‘The Golden Age of Wool’. The Woolscour also has one of the few remaining examples of a free flowing Artesian bore.

Historical Woolscour, Blackall

Located on the edge of this tranquil town is Blackall’s own oasis, the Aquatic Centre, home to an Artesian bubble-spa and 50m swimming pool.

Here you can rest, relax and revive all year round as the water is heated in the cooler winter months.

T he Masonic Lodge, which was built in 1908, is another interesting part of Blackall’s early history and has been restored to its original condition.

V isit the site of the famous Black Stump which was used to survey the boundaries of Queensland; a mural, painted by local artist Bob Wilson, outlines the stump’s history.

Another of Bob’s murals is at the Pioneer Bore on the corner of Aqua and Garden Streets. This was the first bore sunk in Queensland and alongside is a replica of the drilling rig used. Take a rest in the gazebo at McLean Place in Coronation Drive and marvel at the locally made bricks in the Wishing Well.

Facing each other in Shamrock Street is a large Fossilised Tree Stump and the Major Mitchell Clock. The tree stump, which is a conifer and related to the hoop pines of today, was found on a local property. The clock is named after explorer Major Mitchell who explored the region in 1846.

108A Shamrock Street, Blackall P: (07) 4657 4637 F: (07) 4621 6660 E: binfo@btrc.qld.gov.au www.btrc.qld.gov.au 42

Eagles Nest Sculpture, Blackall

the Roly Poly, all made from recycled metal. Robert Bridgewater used native local timbers and created exceptional carvings with Wood, Water and Wool.

A unique piece of art, Cutting Out, depicting a sculpture of a rider and horse cutting out a steer, was created

by Jennie Scott and is made from inland driftwood. Lifespan is a distinctive sculpture made predominantly from recycled bore casing by Fredrick White, and is part of a cross-regional partnership with Thargomindah’s ‘Drawing Water’.

Local artist Bob Wilson has a number of murals located at the Black Stump, Pioneer Bore, Blackall Woolscour gift shop and in the dining room at the Coolibah Motel. Another mural, located near the Bushman’s Hotel, depicts wool being carted in the Blackall area in the 1920s.

Nearby on the corner of Shamrock and Short Streets is the Australian Labor Federation Memorial which commemorates the first meeting of the first shearers’ union back in December 1886. This group went on to become the Australian Labor Party.

BLACKALL VISITOR Information Centre

Blackall is part of the Kunmurri (Rainbow Serpent) Art Trail and you can find unique works of art in Blackall.

Discover sculptor Richard Moffat’s The Eagles Nest, the Circle of Friends and

Blackall is home to various birds and wildlife, so follow the dirt road along the Barcoo River and see who else is visiting while you are here! A bird list is available from the Blackall Visitor Information Centre.

Jackie Howe Memorial, Blackall

T he Jackie Howe Memorial Statue is located outside the Universal Garden Centre, whose facade is a replica of Jackie Howe’s original Universal Hotel. Located inside is a gallery, with a historic display relating to legendary

Historical Courthouse, Tambo

TAMBO

Population 367

Plan your stay in Tambo as a time to kick back and relax and take a couple of days off from travelling. Enjoy the slower pace and the warmth and charm only found in small communities. The self-guided tours offered ensure that you can set the pace and be in charge. Tambo has a wonderful mix of historical and new buildings which have been thoughtfully designed and built to blend into the town. Tambo is located on the banks of the Barcoo River and is very proud of being the oldest town in the Central West and offers a range of historical and natural attractions for your enjoyment.

The Visitor Information Centre is located in the Heritage-listed Courthouse which is part of the heritage precinct of Tambo on the main highway at the eastern end of town. This building is also home to the Tambo Library. So call in and have a chat to the friendly staff and plan your self-guided tours. A list of self-drive day tours is also available at the Information Centre.

The heritage precinct includes the Post and Telegraph Museum which is housed in the original Post Office built in 1876 and the Mulhern House which has been lovingly restored. It also offers a brief glimpse into life of yesteryear through the displays by the Totally Tambo Heritage Group. Entry is free.

EE Parr Park offers the traveller a great place to stop for that morning or afternoon tea break with picnic tables strategically placed in shady areas. For that longer break there are free barbecues. For the younger travellers there is a fenced playground to run off that excess energy.

Grassland Art Gallery opposite EE Parr Park presents new exhibitions every six weeks.

There are travelling exhibitions as well as local, regional and Australia wide art on display. This beautiful gallery has free entry.

The Coolibah Walk meanders along the banks of the Barcoo River, where there are billabongs and waterholes for the native animals to drink from. Early morning and late afternoon is the best time to travel this track as the animals are at their busiest

Tambo Dam, Tambo

during these times. Stand still and listen to the variety of bird calls and look out for kangaroos heading out or coming home from a night of foraging. There has been evidence of quails in the area as well as kangaroo rats. So keep a look out and see what animals you can find.

Tambo Dam, located at the eastern edge of town, was once the town’s water supply. It was built by horse drawn scoops. Over the years it has been enlarged and provides a recreational area for locals and visitors alike to enjoy a picnic or a barbecue. A family of domesticated ducks has taken up residence and there is a wide range of native water birds also using the area for nesting and living. The gardens enhance the water habitat and make a wonderful backdrop for the lake.

Tambo Teddies, located in the main street, is a must see while you are exploring Tambo. The teddies are locally made from sheepskin and filled with wool. Each bear is numbered and has a district property included in his or her name. They come in a range of different styles from the “bikkie” bear for the very littlies to the fully dressed stockman with his whip and swag.

So call in and watch these beautiful creatures come to life under the talented hands of their creator Mary Sutherland.

However be prepared to lose your heart to these gorgeous bears as they will want you to take them travelling.

For those who are more adventurous, head out to Salvator Rosa National Park on the Wilderness Way. A 4WD is necessary within the park. Spring fed Nogoa River and Louisa Creek wind their way through a broad picturesque valley beneath craggy sandstone outcrops. At the western edge of central Queensland’s sandstone belt, Salvator Rosa contains deeply eroded and spectacular rock formations, such as Spyglass Peak and the Sentinel, which dominate the skyline. This park has few facilities so take plenty of food and ensure you have enough fuel and water.

You can enjoy a more relaxing time in town and have a cappuccino or latte at either hotel or enjoy something a little stronger.

Have a yarn to the locals but watch out for a tall tale or two. Fanny Mae’s has a wonderful wide verandah where you can enjoy the sunshine with your morning tea. There is accommodation to suit all budgets and the dining experiences are worth staying for.

So enjoy your time in Tambo. Relax, refresh and enjoy the ambience of this warm and friendly town.

Tambo Visitor Information Centre, Ph: 07 4654 6408 or email: tourism@btrc.qld.gov.au

TAMBO VISITOR Information Centre

Barcoo River, Tambo

Arthur Street, Tambo P: (07) 4654 6408 F: (07) 4621 6660 E: tourism@btrc.qld.gov.au www.btrc.qld.gov.au visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

43

MUSEUM FEATURES Qantas Museum Exhibition Original 1922 Qantas Hangar 707 Restoration tour Secrets of the 747 tour Wing Walk & 747 tour McGinness’ restaurant Founders gift store Exhibitions New exhibits coming

Opening HOurs: The Museum is open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm (except Christmas 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.

www.qfom.com.au

Phone: (07) 4658 3737 Fax: (07) 4658 0707 Email: info@qfom.com.au Address: Longreach Airport, Sir Hudson Fysh Drive, Longreach QLD 4730

FREE BRochuRE

ouT NoW

Ask us ABouT A 5 dAy TouR - LoNgREAch BiRdsviLLE ouTBAck TRAck

1. diNosAuR MATiLdA WiNToN dAy TouR ..................... $189

unlock the secrets and stories of the scenic Winton landscape from the australian age of Dinosaurs laboratory to the Waltzing matilda legend.

2. shEEp ANd cATTLE sTATioN TouR ....................................$69

Experience bush hospitality at its best, join a local grazier on their vast Outback station to learn about the challenges and good times of life on the land.

3. dRovER’s ExTRAvAgANzA diNNER..................................$79

Enjoy a timeless waterhole setting, capture the mood and atmosphere of white linen dining under the stars with entertaining local characters.

4. LoNgREAch Bush TELEgRAph TouR...............................$39 Join our experienced guide for a Longreach town tour, Poet’s Welcome and school of the air experience.

P: 1300 78 78 90 E: info@oat.net.au

www.outbackaussietours.com.au QuEEnsLanD’s OuTBaCk

COrnEr COunTry

Quote

sAvER” “TRidpaLy Etours 1, 2 & 3

Book ceive BoNus and re stockman’s ENTRy to e ANd Qantas m hall of Faders Museum n u Fo ns apply Conditio

GuLf savannah

rED CEnTrE

ThE kimBErLEy

1 – 13 d a y E s c o r t e d To u r s d e p a r t i n g B r i s b a n e , L o n g r e a c h , C h a r l e v i l l e , C a i r n s a n d D a r w i n



 

  

   

     

 visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

45

Thomson River Sunset

Qantas Founders Museum and Stockman’s Hall of Fame

YOUR OUTBACK GATEWAY

e or Fly, rail, driv package take a tour

suggesteD itineraries anD points of interest

2WD/ 4WD

Dinosaur MatilDa

2WD

n Ilfracombe – Machinery

and Heritage Centre and Wellshot Centre n B arcaldine – Tree of Knowledge and Workers Heritage Centre n B lackall – Wool Scour and Jackie Howe n I sisford – Outer Barcoo Interpretative Centre

n W altzing Matilda Centre n Australian Age of Dinosaurs n D inosaur Stampede at Lark Quarry n Truck Museum n O palton n Scenic Carisbrooke Station n Bladensburg National Park

4WD

ilfracoMbe backtrack

4WD

n H istoric sites n L angenbaker House n Twelve Mile n Wellshot Centre n Wellshot Hotel n Machinery and Heritage Centre n Marine dinosaur evidence

4WD

outer barcoo n I sisford – Omar Waterhole and Yuranighs Pond n Y araka Mt Slowcombe, store and pub n W indorah – sand dunes and Cooper Creek n J undah Welford National Park, fishing and bird watching n S tonehenge – unique signage in stone

shearers trail

Wellshot lochern Way n H istoric Ilfracombe n I sisford – Outer Barcoo Interpretative Centre n Omar Waterhole n Moonrocks n A rrilalah ruins and pioneer graves n S tonehenge rock holes n L ochern National Park

4WD

captain starlight’s trail n Longreach Saleyards n L ily Lagoon n S tarlight’s Lookout n Muttaburra – Dr Arratta Museum n Cassimatis Store n Aramac – White Bull n Tramway museum n Historic Ilfracombe

Mt. Slowcombe

Wellshot Hotel

Cobb & Co. Gallop

Discover o u r b es t kept sec entertainin rets. Enjo g characte y all attrac rs , unforgett hospitality tions, able accom . Visitors re modation commend region. Fro and a week or m families more in o to seniors we have g u r to conferenc uided tours es and eve , boat cruis n ts, es, helicop hire cars a ter flights, nd tour bu taxis, ses waitin g for you.

Pre-historic Crocodile

7 Day lazy longreach DAY ONE n Q antas Founders Museum n C obb & Co. n D inner Cruise

TO mT Isa

TO TOwnsvIlle

DAY TWO n A ustralian Stockman’s Hall of Fame/Stockman Show n Outback Gallery

n R M Williams

TO TOwnsvIlle

Winton

Muttaburra

BLADENSBURG NP

DAY THREE n S tation Tour n Powerhouse

n Arts and Crafts

n Drover’s Dinner

LARK QUARRY CONSERVATION PARK

Aramac

Morella

Opalton

LONGREACH

DAY FOuR n L ongreach School of Distance Education n A g College n Botanical Walk

n H elicopter Flight

Barcaldine Ilfracombe TO ROckhampTOn

LOCHERN NP

DAY FIVE n E xplore Winton (hire car or book a day tour)

DAY SIx

Blackall TO BRIsBane

n C emetery Walk n Pamela’s Dolls

n Lily Lagoon & Starlight’s Lookout

(self 4WD drive)

Emmet Jundah WELFORD NP

DAY SEVEN n I ningai Walk n I lfracombe Secrets (self-drive) n E xplore Isisford (self 2WD drive)

Isisford

Stonehenge

Windorah TO BIRdsvIlle

Longreach Visitor Information Centre Qantas Park, Eagle Street, Longreach QLD 4730 p: (07) 4658 4150 F: (07) 4658 4177 e: tourism@longreach.qld.gov.au www.longreach.qld.gov.au

Yaraka

IDALIA NP

abajaz motor inn

1800 081 288

Air CentrAl west

(07) 4658 9187

LOCAL SCENIC FLIGHTS AND CHARTERS LAKE EYRE AND CHANNEL COUNTRY TOURS – 1 & 2 DAY

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.

18 Ground floor rooms, undercover parking, Austar, reverse cycle air-conditioning, microwave, fridge, tea/coffee making facilities Free Wireless Internet, swimming pool, BBQ, guest laundry Cooked/continental breakfasts 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 Chargeback from local restaurants The Only Solar Green Motel in the Central West Major Cards accepted. Limited Courtesy transfers available Tariff : Single $110, Double $115, Twin $120, extra guests $10

Longreach / Thomson / Diamantina / Georgina Rivers Birdsville / Lake Eyre / William Creek Cooper Creek / Innamincka / Burke & Wills Dig Tree / Lake Yamma Windorah / Barcoo River / Longreach Lark Quarry Dinosaur Tracks Single and twin engine / ex Longreach airport.

Window seat per passenger, GPS mapping and intercom.

“Llewellyn”, Longreach QLD 4730

P: (07) 4658 9187 F: (07) 4658 9253 E: plowens2@bigpond.com www.aircentralwest.com.au

Albert PArk Motor Inn

11 Wonga Street, Longreach QLD 4730 P: 1800 081 288 or (07) 4658 1288 F: (07) 4658 3277 E: info@abajazmotorinn.com.au www.abajazmotorinn.com.au

SCHOOL OF THE AIR, LONGREACH

(07) 4658 2411

The Albert Park Motor Inn & Oasis Restaurant are located close to iconic attractions, The Stockman’s Hall of Fame & QANTAS Museum. 56 ground floor units with reverse-cycle air-conditioning, Austar & undercover parking. Revamped restaurant beside large resort style pool.

Cnr Sir Hudson Fysh Dr & Stork Rd, Longreach P: (07) 4658 2411 F: (07) 4658 3181 E: albertpark@westnet.com.au www.longreachaccommodation.com

(07) 4658 4232

MYERS NEWSAGENCY

(07) 4658 1324 Toys and novelties Stationery and books Casket tickets, Lotto and Pools Agent for TNT Express and Australian Air Express

113 Eagle Street, Longreach QLD 4730 P: (07) 4658 1324 F: (07) 4658 0386

WINNER OF THE 2010 OQTA TOURIST ATTRACTION AWARD Imagine a classroom twice the size of Victoria, where the playground is as vast as the outback and the partnership between home and school is legendary. Tour the School, see the Teachers, hear the Students, admire their school-work.

Guided Tours: 9.00am & 10.30am, Monday to Friday (excluding Public & Christmas School Holidays). Adults $8.00. Children $4.00 (NB. Bookings necessary for groups of 20 or more. Prices are subject to change).

MERINO BAKERY

(07) 4658 1715

Landsborough Hwy (east of the Hall of Fame), Longreach QLD 4730 P: (07) 4658 4232 E: tours1@eq.edu.au www.longreacsde.eq.edu.au

Kinnon & Co. outbaCK Lodges

(07) 4658 3811

Best value self contained, air-conditioned accommodation. All linen provided.

Set in leafy surrounds with guest pool and BBQ. Ideally located next door to Hall of Fame, Qantas Founders Museum and airport.

On-site Tour desk.

63 Ilfracombe Road, Longreach QLD 4730 P: (07) 4658 3811 E: lodges@kinnonandco.com.au www.kinnonandco.com.au

48

$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 2012

120 Eagle Street, Longreach QLD 4730 (Right in the middle of town) P: (07) 4658 1715 F: (07) 4658 0045

History & Heritage

Longreach T h om

Join Kinnon & Co. as they regale you of times-gone-by with Australian History and Heritage. Located on Eagle Street, Kinnon & Co. Booking Office is the place for regional and local tours and packages, specialising in Longreach’s premier experiences, the award winning Cobb & Co. tours and Thomson River Cruises.

Cobb & Co.

son River Cruises

Paddlewheeler and Riverboat Cruises

Uniquely Outback

More than just a River Cruise. Watch the sun set while cruising on the historic Thomson Belle Paddlewheeler.

Afterwards, on the banks, enjoy a drover’s dinner and entertainment around a campfire.

Gallop along an outback dirt track in a fully-laden Cobb and Co Stage Coach on our multi-award-winning experience. Retrace the steps and enjoy the unique history of Cobb and Co.

4 hour tour including transfers. Cruises depart Monday to Saturday, April 2 to October 31.

45-minute Stage Coach trips depart daily Monday to Friday, April 2 to October 31.

Clancy’s on the Thomson

Starlight’s Spectacular

The Station Store

A “Million Star” Overnight Experience

The Legends Tribute

Hats, Horses, History & Hospitality

Enjoy a memorable night out at a tranquil nook of the Thomson River after a sunset cruise, drover’s dinner and entertainment.

Sleep in deluxe swags under a canopy of stars. It doesn’t get better than this!

Themed on an old time Australian tent show, with live animal acts, stockmen and stockhorse comedy acts. A mix of poetic story and Australian humour to create live theatre, Outback style!

One of Longreach’s best attractions.

Browse unique outback products, including exclusive leathergoods and souvenirs, reminisce with old time photography. Taste traditional country fare at the Changing Station Cafe, open Monday to Friday.

Overnight tours must be booked in advance.

Monday and Thursday, April to October.

Shows noon till 1pm, Monday to Friday, at The Station Store, April to October.

Store: open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 9am to Noon.

Bookings are essential.

For best value, ask Kinnon & Co. about our combination Tour packages.

www.kinnonandco.com.au

Kinnon & Co. Booking Office 115a Eagle Street, Longreach Q 4730 P. 07 4658 1776 E. info@kinnonandco.com.au 49

Discovery HoliDay Parks - longreacH

1800 356 099

Discovery Holiday Parks - Longreach provides the perfect base to explore the outback and participate in the unique experiences it has to offer.

Located a short stroll from the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and the Qantas Founders Museum, there is plenty to see and do. Park facilities include: The Woolshed Restaurant and Bar (seasonal), two swimming pools, on-site shop, free gas BBQs and a camp kitchen. Accommodation ranges from self contained, ensuited standard cabins to deluxe villas with the works. Powered, unpowered and ensuite sites are available to suit all holiday makers’ requirements.

OPEN 7 DAYS

12 Thrush Road, Longreach QLD 4730 P: 1800 356 099 F: (07) 4658 0034 www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au

MV Longreach expLorer

(07) 4658 2322

DAILY SHOW S 11AM

Longreach Motor inn

(07) 4658 2322

57 room motel: deluxe, executive & family rooms Licensed restaurant & bar open to the public Pool, sauna, BBQs Opposite railway station

84 Galah Street, Longreach QLD 4730 P: (07) 4658 2322 E: lmi@outbacklongreach.com.au www.outbacklongreach.com.au

vast arts

www.vastarts.net Facilitating the development of a lively and diverse arts industry in the Outback.

THE KUNMURRI ART TRAIL – a guide to the arts in Outback Queensland.

THE CHANNEL COUNTRY PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION – entries close 31 August. Visit our website or contact us for more information.

PO Box 396, Longreach QLD 4730 E: admin@vastarts.net www.vastarts.net

Johnno’s Camper Trailers

Wildlife and White Linen Sunset Dinner Cruise 2 ½ hour cruise along the Thomson River Local commentary & bird spotting Mouthwatering 3 course meal Operating all year round Free transfers BYO drinks Phone for bookings & enquiries 7 days a week or call into the Longreach Motor Inn, 84 Galah Street, Longreach.

P: (07) 4658 2322 E: cruises@outbacklongreach.com.au www.outbacklongreach.com.au

Ilfracombe General Store & cafe

30-32 Main Avenue, Ilfracombe QLD 4727 P: (07) 4658 2265

0438 739 199

Johnno’s Camper Trailers Longreach offers a choice of quality off-road camper trailers for hire and sale.

Experience Camping the Johnno’s way!

Weekend Hire from $190.00*

*Conditions apply, valid until 30/09/12

P: 0438 739 199 E: longreach@campertrailer.com.au http://longreach.campertrailer.com.au

50

(07) 4658 2265

Our Speciality Sunday Buffet Breakfast.

Delight yourself with our selection of homemade cakes and fine coffee.

‘Warm to the charm of old that greets the new’.

Your hosts: Tim & Judi Johnson

MV Explorer on the Thomson River

LONGREACH

Population 3124

Longreach Explorer” whilst soaking up a blazing Outback sunset.

Queensland Helicopters – They offer a fantastic scenic flight over Longreach and take you over the Thomson River on a sunset ride.

Soak up the history and heritage that surrounds the legendary township of Longreach, home of the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, Qantas Founders Museum, Powerhouse Museum and a wealth of entertainment and friendly hospitality!

Marvel at the unique flora and fauna and the diversity of landscapes in all seasons. Longreach is not just a town but a way of life to the local people who invite you to share their amazing natural attractions.

Points of Interest Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame – This tribute to Australia’s Outback heroes includes a wide variety of traditional artefacts, electronic displays, photographs, films and stories of bush life. The Hall of Fame pays tribute to Australia’s pioneering legends and outlines our Outback history.

Experience our unique landscape as you are guided on 4WD tracks on the Tag-a-long Tours.

Qantas Founders Museum – This world class attraction commemorates the founders of this great Australian company that grew to become internationally recognised as a leader in world aviation.

Longreach Powerhouse Museum – Discover one of Longreach’s best kept secrets. Unearth the local history with exhibits that include the powerhouse generating equipment, displays of social and commercial history in the social history section and an original boundary rider’s cottage at “Nogo” Cottage.

Cobb & Co. Tours – Step aboard a Cobb & Co. coach and experience life in the old days. Visit Kinnon & Co. in Eagle Street for departure times and bookings. Browse through the range of unique Outback product at The Station Store and enjoy a classic Australian movie or perhaps dine at the Changing Station Café.

Get off the beaten track and see the Longreach Visitor Information Centre for a self-drive map. Take in the sights and history at Ilfracombe, Isisford, Stonehenge, Jundah and beyond.

School of Distance Education – Visit one of the largest classrooms in the world at the Longreach School of Distance Education.

Australian Agricultural College Corporation – Experience a taste of life on the land by taking a guided tour. Observe students at work, see live animals and discover the scope of things on offer at Queensland’s largest and longest established practical agricultural and vocational training facility.

Guided Tours & Outback Shows – Step aboard the “Thomson Belle” paddle wheeler cruise and spend an evening on the Thomson River complete with a camp oven dinner with entertainment; or enjoy an intimate candlelit dinner aboard the “MV

Nature Walks – The Longreach Botanic walkway is a 2.5km interpretive native flora walk between the town centre and the Stockman’s Hall of Fame.

Iningai Nature Park – Located on the Longreach Town common and includes sections of floodplains and waterholes along Gin Creek. There are several walks of varying distances.

Ilfracombe

Population 269

Indulge yourself in nostalgia as you absorb the colourful story of the development of western Queensland which is immortalised within the streets of this special little Outback town. Fondly known as “The Hub of the West”, Ilfracombe sits proudly on the Matilda (Landsborough/ Capricorn) Highway.

Points of Interest

The renowned Ilfracombe Machinery and Heritage Museum, otherwise known as The Great Machinery Mile, is home to a range of equipment from standing engines to earthmoving machinery – some rare, some almost forgotten – the display is a graphic timeline of the evolution of the pastoral and transport industries.

The Folk Museum – Filled to the rafters with rare glimpses of a bygone era and part of the historical trail, the museum also showcases the role of women and children of the west. Nearby Oakhampton Cottage is a superb example of early Australian architecture and is representative of many early station homes.

Hilton’s Corner – Enter this veritable Aladdin’s Cave of treasures! Literally thousands of unbelievable collections displayed in the shed, around the yard and along the fence. You’ll be amazed!

The Jackson Collections represents the lifetime collections of brothers Hilton and Ike Jackson. There is a spectacular display of 30,000 bottles, each one telling its own story, reputed to be the largest and best in Australia.

The iconic Wellshot Hotel stands in proud testament to the good times, the hard times, and the exceptional character of the Ilfracombe people.

Langenbaker House – Heritage-listed and steeped in history, Langenbaker House is over 100 years old and remains in its original condition. Take a tour and learn of the Langenbaker resilience and history.

Romani Hall is a thought-provoking tribute to the young men of the district who answered “the call to arms”, and is dedicated to Australia’s Light Horsemen.

Wellshot Centre – This interpretive centre tells the story of Wellshot Station, one of Australia’s greatest sheep and wool producers. It is also the Ilfracombe Visitor Information Centre.

Memorial Park – Open every day, the swimming pool, Artesian spa, children’s playground and barbeque facilities are set in welcoming surrounds.

The 12 Mile offers a magnificent example of nineteenth century bush craftsmanship – thousands of naturally formed flagstones, graded and meticulously placed together to form a leak-proof reservoir. A self-guided map is available at the Wellshot Centre in Ilfracombe. Please . . . take only photos . . . and leave only footprints.

ISISFORD

Population 132

Isisford, found on the banks of the Barcoo, was settled in the mid 1800s and the architecture reflects its humble beginnings. The town boasts an 18-hole golf course, swimming pool, tennis court, park with covered playground, a small but fascinating museum, post office, police station, two hotels, fuel outlet, primary health centre, QGAP office, ambulance, primary school, library and internet facilities. Camping is permitted at the Barcoo Weir and Oma Waterhole with showers and toilets available, powered sites are only available from the Hotel. Please see the Council Branch Office for camping fees.

The annual fishing competition is held on the last weekend of July, attracting competitors from all over Australia.

Points of Interest The Outer Barcoo Interpretation Centre consists of a 60 seat theatrette, cafeteria, local arts and crafts displays, and a museum depicting the evolution of nature. The feature attraction is a life-sized replica of Isisfordia duncani, which lived around Isisford 98 million years ago, and is the evolutionary ancestor of all the world’s crocodilians.

Oma Waterhole, 16km south west of Isisford on the Isisford Yaraka River Road, is great for camping, fishing and water activities. Hot showers and toilet facilities are available and there is boat ramp access.

LONGREACH Visitor Information Centre 97 Eagle Street, Longreach P: (07) 4658 4150 F: (07) 4658 4177 E: tourism@longreach.qld.gov.au www.longreach.qld.gov.au

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

51

Yuranigh Pond is situated approximately 6km from town. Major Mitchell once camped here and the waterhole was named after his Aboriginal friend.

Today there is a plaque and shelter in their honour.

Whitman’s Park & Memorial Museum is situated at the back of the Isisford Park.

Also, be sure to visit the Isisford Bakery and Café Arcadia, just don’t expect to get a fresh loaf of bread!

YARAKA

Population 20

Yaraka is an attractive community with gardens, a general store, post office, fuel, police station, a pub with accommodation and meals, a swimming pool, tennis court and playground area. Public amenities and a caravan park are available behind the Community Hall. A sealed road takes you to the lookout at Mount Slowcombe. Picnic and barbeque facilities make this the perfect place for a family outing or a romantic getaway with panoramic views and glorious skies.

EMMET

Population 2

Emmet was once a thriving railway siding with a population of 30. Today with only two residents, the town has a picnic shelter and an interesting historical display in the revamped railway station.

WINTON

Population 980

Rich in culture and heritage, Winton is the ideal base to discover Outback Queensland.

In the heart of Matilda Country, Winton lays claim to Australia’s unofficial national anthem, “Waltzing Matilda” and our national carrier, Qantas Airlines.

Winton is also the Dinosaur Capital of Australia and home to some of the most concentrated dinosaur fossil sites in Australia. Today it boasts a number of award-winning attractions including the Dinosaur Stampede and Lark Quarry Conservation Park, the site of the only

WINTON VISITOR Information Centre 50 Elderslie Street, Winton P: 1300 665 115 F: (07) 4657 1886 E: vic@matildacentre.com.au www.experiencewinton.com.au

52

recorded evidence of a dinosaur stampede on the planet; the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum; fossil preparation facility, which conducts annual digs and undertakes continual fossil preparation on site; and The Corfield and Fitzmaurice Building which houses displays from the Australian Age of Dinosaurs fossil collection.

Fast-forward millions of years, and Winton’s more recent history can be discovered at the Waltzing Matilda Centre, incorporating the Qantilda Museum and Outback Regional Gallery. Experience the Royal Open Air Theatre, one of the few operating open air theatres remaining and take a trip into transport history at Winton’s Diamantina Heritage Truck and Machinery Museum.

Visit the world’s first permanent Musical Fence, where everybody can play a tune, and Arno’s Wall, an architectural marvel over 10 metres long and two metres high, in which everything can be found – including the kitchen sink!

Discover Winton’s scenic drive routes and experience Bladensburg National Park, Opalton, Diamantina National Park, Cawnpore Lookout, the Lilleyvale Hills and Old Cork Station – or choose your own adventure!

Get involved in the local atmosphere during one of Winton’s many events, including the Diamantina Campdraft, Matilda Highway Races, Winton’s 1/8 Mile Drag Racing, the Opal Expo, Winton Camel Races, Diamantina Rodeo, and the Outback Festival to name just a few.

Points of Interest Bladensburg National Park is located just 7km from town and offers stunning examples of the landscapes of Winton Shire, from sweeping Mitchell grass downs to breath-taking gorges and jump-ups. Visit Scrammy Gorge or travel the route of the River Gum for a spectacular natural adventure.

The Waltzing Matilda Centre is the only museum in the world dedicated to a song. Self-guided tours allow you to experience this multi award-winning attraction at your own pace. Pull up a stump by the water’s edge in the Billabong Theatrette, learn the truth, myth and romance behind Australia’s national song in the interactive Home of the Legends room and explore the fascinating timeline of Winton’s history in the Qantilda Museum. Make sure you visit the Outback Regional Gallery and pick up a gift in the Station Store or just relax in the Coolibah Café. For your convenience the accredited Visitor Information Centre and Westpac instore are also located inside the centre.

Dinosaur Stampede and Lark Quarry Conservation Park is situated 110km south west of Winton. Discover the story behind the world’s only recorded

evidence of a dinosaur stampede with a visit to the award-winning complex. A guided tour is a must at the Stampede, with a number of daily tours running throughout the year. Complete your Stampede experience with the selfguided interpretive Spinifex Walk, be amazed by the spectacular scenery and learn more about how the landscape was formed. What are you waiting for – make tracks to Lark Quarry!

OPALTON

Population 25

Opal was first discovered here by George Cragg in 1888 and the first mine was worked in 1894. By the end of the decade there was a bustling township of 600 and Opalton became known for the enormous quantity and quality of its opal. Notably, in 1899 the largest piece of opal ever recorded was mined from here, a pipe opal more than three metres long. Now home to a much smaller community, visitors are able to camp at the Opalton Bush Park and try their luck in the public fossicking area.

Points of Interest Opal fossicking, camping

MIDDLETON

Population 5

Middleton made history in 1862 when the first white men, John McKinlay and his search party for Burke and Wills, entered the area. Middleton later became the site of the Middleton Hotel in 1876, and was a Cobb & Co. staging post. The small town that grew up around the hotel has since disappeared, leaving the pub with the distinction of being one of the most isolated hotels in Queensland. You can still stop off for a drink at the Middleton Hotel, and with a spectacular scenic drive to Middleton and yellow triangle Cawnpore Lookout, you won’t be disappointed.

Points of Interest The Middleton Hotel Cawnpore Lookout

CORFIELD

Population 15

Situated on the Winton to Hughenden road, Corfield can be identified only by the small cluster of buildings on the rolling Mitchell grass downs. Once a busy railway siding, it is now known for the annual “Corfield Cup” race meeting, when the population explodes with visitors from near and far.

Contact the Visitor Information Centre for the date and dig out your best hat, for a real Outback races experience!

Points of Interest Annual Corfield Races

the outback way

outbackway.org.au

Want to cross Australia? Take the shortcut.

The Outback Way – “Australia’s Longest Shortcut” 2800km of quintessential Australian landscape, culture and iconic places.

Visit Winton and Boulia in QLD, travel through to Alice Springs and Uluru in the NT, then on to Warburton and Laverton in WA. Take the shortcut from Cairns to Perth – the Outback Way. Experience the world’s longest treasure hunt (geocache) 30 hidden treasure chests with trinkets to exchange along the route.

Take the journey of a lifetime through the heart of Australia!

CORFIELD & FITZMAURICE

(07) 4657 1486

Come inside the Corfield & Fitzmaurice heritage-listed building, one of Australia’s most perfectly preserved old style general stores.

Purchase a ticket to see the extensive display and have a browse through Combo Crafts before continuing on your visit in Winton.

Combo Crafts Life-size diorama of the 95 million year old Dinosaur Stampede Australian dinosaur and fossil display Opalton and opal mining display General Store heritage display Open March to December (hours vary) Tickets: Family $10, Adults $5, Concession $3, Child $1.

Elderslie St, Winton QLD 4735 P: (07) 4657 1486 A/hrs: (07) 4657 1310

P: 0418 785 285 www.outbackway.org.au

Carisbrooke station

(07) 4657 0084

winton outback Festival 24–28 september 2013

Experience spectacular scenic views, 85km S/W of Winton & 60km from the Dinosaur Trackways.

Sites of cultural and historical significance Guided and self drive tours Paint and photograph colourful landscapes Bushwalking and birdwatching Station accommodation Caravans & camping

IT’S GOANNA BE GREAT! Experience 40 Aussie events over 5 days Australian Dunny Derby Outback Iron Man/Iron Woman World Crayfish Derby Bush Poets Breakfasts Outback Cycle Challenge Tent City B&B

P: (07) 4657 0084 E: carisbrooke@reachnet.com.au www.carisbrookestation.com.au

M: 0429 806 140 P/F: (07) 4657 1558 E: outbackfestival@bigpond.com www.outbackfestival.org

Matilda Motel

(07) 4657 1433 20 comfortable ensuite units, 1 self-contained cabin, disabled facilities, air con and TV. Breakfasts to rooms, laundry. Barbeque, off-street parking. Opposite Waltzing Matilda Centre, adjacent to Bistro and RSL, town pool.

Walk to all attractions. Airport pickup.

0429 806 140

Take a nostalgic trip into Transport History Historic Trucks, Vehicles & Machinery 1899 Winton Phaeton (Australia’s first motor mail vehicle) 1890 Ruston Stationary Steam Engine Photographic Collection & Transport Memorabilia Situated on the Winton to Hughenden Road P: 0429 806 140 Open daily – 8am to 5pm E: heritagetruckswinton@hotmail.com www.wintontruckmuseum.com

20 Oondooroo Street, Winton QLD 4735 P: (07) 4657 1433 F: (07) 4657 1623 E: matildamotel@hotmail.com.au

NORTH GREGORY HOTEL, WINTON

Winton’s diamantina truck museum

(07) 4657 0647

Iconic for being the place where Australia’s national song ‘Waltzing Matilda’ was first publicly performed in 1895, new owners have reinvigorated the pub into a bustling hub where locals & travellers can stay, share a drink, have a meal & enjoy the entertainment experience. Tastefully themed to highlight its heritage – a ‘must do’ in Winton.

TATTERSALLS HOTEL & VAN PARK

(07) 4657 1309

67 Elderslie Street, Winton QLD 4735 P: (07) 4657 0647 F: (07) 4657 0643 www.northgregoryhotel.com

A part of our community. Our award-winning family-owned supermarket has been offering the Winton community quality groceries since 1984.

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

Tattersalls Hotel & Van Park is an icon of Outback Queensland’s way of life. Standing as a testimony of the pioneering era; of life in the bush– pastoral grazing, opal mining and tourism.

Distinctive from other Outback hotels – its old architecture and restoration, colour scheme and theming lends to its ambience, backed with quality service and product.

Facilities include; a colourful public bar; alfresco dining; extensive menu and wine-list; bottleshop; pokies; hotel rooms at low tariff and van park.

Elderslie Street, Winton QLD 4735 P: (07) 4657 1309 F: (07) 4657 1722

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

53

experience

WINTON

Dinosaur Capital of Australia, home of Waltzing Matilda and Queensland’s Boulder Opal...

Walk in the footsteps of our ancient past at the Dinosaur Stampede and Lark Quarry Conservation Park; the world’s only known record of a dinosaur stampede and visit Australian Age of Dinosaurs Fossil Preparation Facility; housing the world’s largest collection of Australian Dinosaurs.

Discover the Waltzing Matilda Centre, a museum dedicated to our national song, play a unique Musical Fence, marvel at Arno’s Wall or take a trip into transport history at the Diamantina Heritage Truck and Machinery Museum.

Try your luck opal fossicking at Opalton or drive your own adventure throughout Winton’s rugged beauty at Bladensburg National Park, Old Cork Station and Cawnpore Lookout.

Cairns Townsville

Winton

Visitor Information Centre

1300 665 115

www.experiencewinton.com.au 54

Brisbane

’s Gateway to australia Dinosaur trail

australian age of Dinosaurs u See the world’s largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils u Explore the largest dinosaur preparation lab in the southern hemisphere u Join a dinosaur dig or help prepare real dinosaur bones Dinosaur stampede at lark Quarry Conservation Park u The only evidence of a dinosaur stampede on the planet u Australia’s first National Monument to a Natural Heritage site u Three thousand, three hundred stampeding dinosaur footprints

For further information and tour times contact winton Visitor information Centre on 1300 665 115 or visit www.dinosaurcapital.com.au

COME A WALTZING! Waltzing Matilda Centre… More

than a song

The Waltzing Matilda Centre is the only museum in the world dedicated to a song. Self-guided tours allow you to experience this multi award-winning attraction at your own pace.

Q

OUTBACK

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

l

01 1 2

l

CO M M E N DATIO N

AWARDS

E S’

SLAND TO EN U UE

SM RI

AWARDS l

DG

JU

P: 1300 665 115 E: waltzing@matildacentre.com.au www.matildacentre.com.au

SLAND TO EN U UE

SM RI

For your convenience an accredited Visitor Information Centre and Westpac In-store Bank are also located inside the Centre

UTBACK lO Q

n Billabong Theatrette n Home of the Legends Exhibition n Qantilda Museum n Outback Regional Gallery n Coolibah Café n Station Store

W IN

N E R 2 011

55

Gemfest – festival of Gems

(07) 4985 4375

Rubyvale Gem GalleRy

(07) 4985 4388

The most outstanding collection of sapphires and designer jewellery. An Oasis in the heart of Rubyvale! Established 1988.

Gem Gallery Café Holiday Apartments 3 Main Street, Rubyvale QLD 4702 P: (07) 4985 4388 E: rubyvalegemgallery@bigpond.com www.rubyvalegemgallery.com

Rubyvale Motel & Holiday units

(07) 4985 4518

Central Queensland Sapphire Gemfields Australia’s largest Gemstone and Jewellery Exhibition. Family activities with live entertainment, fabulous prizes. Exhibitors showcasing Sapphires, Zircons, precious and semi precious gemstones. Jewellery, Minerals, Crystals, Fossils, Arts and crafts and lots more.

Celebrating our 25th Anniversary August 9 – 12, 2012 Allen King Memorial Park Anakie PO Box 353, Sapphire QLD 4702 Enquiries: Event Coordinator P: (07) 4985 4375 E: info@gemfest.com.au www.gemfest.com.au

New Royal Hotel Rubyvale

(07) 4985 4754

New ownership Meals Pokies Bottleshop Austar Courtesy bus Spacious log cabins set in native garden with: Air Conditioning Microwave Flat screen TV with Austar

Featuring deluxe  accommodation in a peaceful bushland setting, allowing you to explore the Gemfields whilst staying in superb comfort.

Centrally located with motel, self contained and spa options.

A genuine delight. Sapphire Gemfields’ finest accommodation.

Call now for more info.

Keilambete Road, Rubyvale QLD 4702 P: (07) 4985 4754 www.rubyvalehotel.com.au

35 Heritage Road, Rubyvale QLD 4702 P: (07) 4985 4518 E: rubyvaleholiday@bigpond.com www.rubyvaleholiday.com.au

Miners Heritage Walk-in Mine

(07) 4985 4444

Guided Tours Underground Sapphire Mine Gem cutting Quality Sapphire Jewellery In-House Jeweller Air-Conditioned Showroom Fossicking Park Covered Picnic Area Open 7 Days April - September, 9am - 5pm October - March, 9am - 3pm 97 Heritage Road, Rubyvale QLD 4702 P: (07) 4985 4444 E:miners.h@bigpond.com www.minersheritage.com.au

Fossicking in the Gemfields

56

Rubyvale Gems

36

www.capricornholidays.com.au

| Bookings 1800 676 701

North West With a rich mining and pastoral industry, you will learn a great deal about Queensland’s two largest industries; from their early beginnings to the contemporary issues of the present day.

A wide brown land, the North West is interspersed with some incredible landscapes including Lawn Hill (Boodjamulla) National Park, Porcupine Gorge and White Mountains National Parks, the Camooweal Caves and north into the Gulf Savannah country, Cobbold Gorge and the magnificent Undara Lava Tubes.

Queensland’s North West is also your gateway to the Gulf region where spectacular fishing and incredible sunsets await you. Take your time though and enjoy the plentiful attractions along the way!

Prefer someone else to do the driving?

Join a tour group – check out our list of operators in the Travel Directory.

58

Interesting Facts:

In 1890 Charters Towers miners could quench the ir thirst at no less than 65 hotels, today there are less than a dozen remain ing.

In 1861 Burke and Wills passed through the Clo ncurry area on their expedition from Melbo urne to the Gulf.

BHP Billiton Cannington Mine located south of McKinlay is the world ’s largest and lowest-cost single mine producer of both silver and lead.

The Flinders River is the longest river in Queen sland and was named the explorer Matthew Flin after ders by Lieutenant Stokes of HMAS Beagle in 1841.

Camping and Fishing:

Sedan Dip north of Jul ia Creek is a fantastic spo t for fishing, sw imming and birdwatching, or vis it Chinaman Creek Dam near Cloncurry, a fantas place for a picnic . tic

Eromanga Sea Byway (Alternative Route between Hughenden and Prairie) Distance: 202kms

Hughenden Prairie

Duration: Half day Highlights: Fossicking for fossils, incredible vistas, Lookout from the edge of the inland sea.

Eromanga Sea Byway Kooroorinya Falls Nature Reserve

Road Stability: 4x4 recommended. Unsealed roads. Conventional vehicles with caution and subject to weather conditions.

Boodjamulla National Park (Camooweal, Riversleigh, Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park) Boodjamulla National Park

Adels Grove

Lawn Hill Gorge

Duration: 5 days (including stop at Lawn Hill)

Lilydale Springs Riversleigh Fossil Fields

Highlights: Boodjamulla National Park, Lawn Hill Gorge, Adels Grove, Riversleigh Fossil Fields, Louie Creek, Lilydale Springs.

Road Stability: Approx. 240km gravel road, 500km sealed road. Some of the river crossings require care.

Passes through private property.

y River Gregor yR

es

nn

ha

O’S

To Northern Territory

Camooweal

r ive

To Mou nt

Isa

Track Notes: This circuit traverses a variety of differing landscapes through the heart of the Gulf Savannah. Discover hidden oases where pandanus palms and giant paperbarks border crystal clear waters. Rare fossils of long-extinct species are scattered throughout the awe-inspiring geology.

Remnants of Aboriginal tradition express the ancient connection these people have with the land. Sites of pioneering heritage can also be visited.

Canoeing along Lawn Hill Gorge in Boodjamulla National Park is a definite highlight of this trip.

Porcupine Gorge

* All distances are approximate. All itineraries supplied are suggestive only in nature and it is recommended all travellers should conduct their own enquiries at the local accredited Visitor Information Centre, prior to departure.

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

To Cloncurry

Gregory Downs

Louie Cre ek

Distance: 572kms

ll Creek Lawn Hi Louie Creek

To Burketown

Track Notes: The Eromanga Sea Byway takes you across open downs country to a high jump-up area. Boasting an excellent lookout, this area gives the impression of standing on the edge of the once prehistoric sea. Fossick for bivalves, pieces of ammonite and other shells along the way. Detour to Kooroorinya Falls Nature Reserve along the way, a natural billabong setting with camping and fishing.

59

Cloncurry

Population 3500

Cloncurry is a hub of the Outback, sitting on the junction of the Matilda Highway and Overlander’s Way (Flinders Highway) and nestled on the banks of the Cloncurry River.

The ‘Curry’, (as it is affectionately known by locals), is approx. 120km east of Mt Isa and 400km south of the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Few places in Australia can claim to be as influential in shaping Australia’s identity as Cloncurry. Birthplace of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and final destination of the first Qantas flight. It is a town that celebrates Outback life the true Australian way.

Founded by Ernest Henry in 1867 with the discovery of copper, Cloncurry’s core industries include grazing, transport services, copper and gold mining.

Spend a couple of days in the ‘Curry’ and don’t miss out on seeing some of the area’s most popular attractions. Located off the main street in Cloncurry on the east side of town is the Cloncurry/Mary Kathleen Memorial Park Complex with ample parking, a covered BBQ area and a children’s playground set in a shaded and landscaped parkland. Stretch your legs and go for a five minute walk up to the lookout past the unique water feature and take in the stunning panoramic view of Cloncurry and the surrounding rugged landscape.

Then stroll around the outdoor mining and farm equipment displays. Back on display is the unique 1941 Ford V8 Rail Ambulance; this was used when roads were impassable and was first commissioned back in 1956

1941 Ford V8 Rail Ambulance, Cloncurry

and operated until 1971. This historic vehicle is proudly part of the Railway collection in a newly constructed building in the grounds of the Outdoor Museum.

Browse the Cloncurry Visitor Information Centre and gift shop within the park complex before going through to the Museum which houses memorabilia on the now deserted town of Mary Kathleen, including local history

and photographs. See the comprehensive gem and mineral collection and the museum’s prize possession – Burke’s water bottle, along with other interesting historical items from a bygone era.

Points of Interest J ohn Flynn Place Museum & Art Gallery celebrates the visionary bush clergyman, John Flynn, and the innovations in flight and communications pioneered at Cloncurry through to the creation of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. The service was launched in Cloncurry in 1928. The museum pays homage to this crucial part of Outback life.

Wander the museum and enjoy stories, photographs and memorabilia. View the artworks on display in the Fred McKay Art Gallery.

C loncurry has enjoyed a multicultural past. Pay a visit to the historic cemeteries dating back to the 1880s, and learn about early Afghan migrants at the cemetery on Sir Hudson Fysh Drive, and the Chinese cemetery on the western outskirts of town.

C hinaman Creek Dam is a lovely area to watch the changing colours of Mt Leviathan at sunset or stretch your legs wandering the water’s edge, or enjoy a picnic.

Cloncurry Lookout, on the drive to Chinaman Creek Dam, provides another fantastic panoramic view of the township and the Cloncurry River. Burke and Wills passed through the area in 1861 on their expedition from Melbourne to the Gulf; a memorial is located 43km west of Cloncurry on the banks of the Corella River. Heading further west you will come across Clem Walton Park.

The park boasts camping sites and amenities on the banks of a lagoon.

QuambY

Population 2

“Quamby” means “resting place” so it is only fitting to stop for a drink at the old Albert Hotel, now known as the Quamby Pub. Originally the Customs house in the 1860s, it is all that remains of a once prosperous gold mining and cattle fattening district. The town comes alive in July hosting its annual rodeo.

from as far away as Western Australia.

Then came the road trains to work in conjunction with the railways in transporting the livestock from the Shire.

Today, Dajarra is an Outback town with a rich Aboriginal heritage.

Points of Interest

Post Office Museum

Duchess

In earlier days Duchess was an important railway and mining town. Today, relive the glory days over a drink or two at the local Duchess Hotel, where the beer and stories flow. The old Duchess mine and the lime quarry are reminders of its bustling past.

Points of Interest The Duchess Hotel

Duchess Mine

Old Lime Quarry

Kajabbi

Points of Interest

Kalkadoon and Kalkadunga tribes’ memorials stand opposite the old Kalkadoon Hotel.

Dobbyn/Mount Cuthbert – The former copper mine with smelter stacks still stands.

Burke & Wills Junction

McIlwraith Street, Cloncurry P: (07) 4742 1361 F: (07) 4742 1361 E: info@cloncurry.qld.gov.au www.cloncurry.qld.gov.au 60

Rum Can Water Tower Population 179

Believe it or not, Dajarra was once the largest cattle trucking depot in the world, processing thousands of head of cattle

Population 7

Breaking the trip between Cloncurry and Normanton on the Matilda Highway is the Burke and Wills Roadhouse, so named because it is located on the route taken by the ill-fated explorers. Situated at The Burke & Wills Junction, it is also the turn-off for travellers heading to Gregory Downs, Adel’s Grove or Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park.

Points of Interest

Dajarra

Population 15

Kajabbi commemorates the warrior Kalkadoon tribe which fought its last battle against mounted police on the slopes of Battle Mountain.

Quamby Pub

Cloncurry Information Centre

Population 3

Chinaman Creek Dam, Cloncurry

Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival

(07) 4751 6607

3 DAYS OF ADVENTURE AND EXPERIENCES Held in April, the three days of action feature: Bull Riding Horse Racing Triathlons Australia’s Best Butt Competition Live Bands Novelty Events P: (07) 4751 6607 E: admin@dirtndust.com www.dirtndust.com

At the Creek

(07) 4746 7690

Come and experience this award-winning tourist attraction in Julia Creek.

Listen as the locals tell you how they live, work and play in Julia Creek and McKinlay Shire. Outdoor audio stations, movies and static displays tell the local stories of water, country and people. Air conditioned auditorium, visitor information centre, outdoor picnic area, toilets and a life size display on the local endangered marsupial, the Julia Creek Dunnart.

34 Burke Street, Julia Creek QLD 4823 P: (07) 4746 7690 F: (07) 4746 7005 E: tourism@mckinlay.qld.gov.au www.atthecreek.com.au

ClonCurry Caravan Park oasis

(07) 4742 1313

Located closest to town centre (1km) is an Oasis for the weary traveller. We have all drive-through sites, grassed sites, camp sites, BBQs, a sparkling pool and many shaded areas.

Spacious deluxe cabin, budget ensuite and non-ensuite cabins are available.

3 star Caravan Park with 3½ star Cabins

Julia Creek Caravan park

(07) 4746 7108

Flinders Highway, Cloncurry QLD 4824 P: (07) 4742 1313 F: (07) 4742 0029 E: ccpoasis@bigpond.net.au

Curry Merry Muster Festival Held 1st weekend in August AnnuAlly The Festival holds iconic and traditional events such as the Mardi Gras, Bushmans Bash, Historic Rodeo, and Bush Poets Breakfast.

Live Entertainment, Trade sites and stalls are welcome! Known as the Largest Single Payout Professional Rodeo in Australia.

1st WeeKeND

iN auGust

PO Box 650, Cloncurry QLD 4824 P: 0487 760 503 www.currymerrymuster.com.au

Brand new camp kitchen opened in 2010 Powered and unpowered sites Large grassed camping area Basic donga units with air conditioning, fridge and tea and coffee making facilities Washing machines

Amenities block renovated in 2010 Artesian Spa Public swimming pool across the road Waste dump point Nature walk Walking distance to town centre Well behaved pets welcome

Old Normanton Road, Julia Creek QLD 4823 P: (07) 4746 7108 E: jccaravanpark@mckinlay.qld.gov.au www.mckinlay.qld.gov.au



Chinaman Creek Dam, Cloncurry

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

61

Julia Creek

Population 500

Don’t miss the multi award-winning Visitor Information Centre ‘At the Creek’ with its unique audio and visual displays depicting the life and times of Julia Creek and McKinlay Shire residents. The stories are represented by the themes of water, country and people – a must-see attraction when visiting Julia Creek. An accredited Visitor Information Centre, ‘At the Creek’ provides a range of travel brochures and maps covering the north west of Outback Queensland.

The annual Dirt n Dust Festival will be held in Julia Creek from 20th to 22nd April 2012.

This award-winning event includes one of Australia’s major triathlon events as well as the Artesian Express Horse Race (the richest horse race in the North West), PBR Bullride, Australia’s Best Butt competition, live concerts and the famous novelty events.

Visit www.dirtndust.com.au.

Punchbowl Water Hole is on the Flinders River approximately 45km north east of Julia Creek (unsealed road). This is an excellent place for swimming, fishing, birdwatching and picnicking.

Sedan Dip is 100km north of Julia Creek (bitumen road). Fishing, swimming and birdwatching can be enjoyed at the Dip so take along a line and yabby trap.

Sedan Dip is noted for its one weekend in late August when a campdraft, rodeo and race meeting are held.

H istorical Walk – Obtain a map ‘At the Creek’ and stroll around the 38 sites, learning about their interesting and colourful history.

Make sure you take a look at the centenary celebrations mosaic artwork on the wall of the library.

on the Diamantina River. Here you can enjoy a walk through the dry channels of the Diamantina to the famous waterhole, crossing historic stone pitched overshots built by Chinese labourers more than a century ago. The return walk takes 40 minutes. Camping is prohibited.

McKinlay

Population 20

This little town, established more than 100 years ago, was once a staging post for Cobb & Co. coaches. It is best known for its pub, the Walkabout Creek Hotel which, together with the other buildings in town, featured in the movie “Crocodile Dundee”. While in McKinlay visit Queensland’s smallest public library, open every Thursday. Further north of McKinlay is Maronan Station where you can fossick for gemstones, particularly garnets. Public access is via the Matilda (Landsborough) Highway.

Points of Interest Walkabout Creek Hotel McKinlay Library

‘At the Creek’ Visitor Information, Julia Creek

Julia Creek Water Tower

Points of Interest The Julia Creek Water Tower, 30 metres high and wineglass-shaped, can be seen from up to 20km away, with bluecoloured feature lighting creating a visual effect at night time.

Duncan McIntyre Museum is located in Burke Street, and the Julia Creek Opera House (Julia Street) display an interesting collection of local and regional memorabilia and photographs.

While visiting Julia Creek why not visit the Proa Redclaw Farm, located 75km south east of Julia Creek. The 12 ponds use Artesian water, some containing up to 16,000 redclaw. Free self-drive tours including afternoon tea are available.

Bookings are essential and can be made ‘At the Creek.’ Tours operate Monday –Friday, departing the information centre at 1.00pm.

‘AT THE CREEK’ VISITOR Information Centre 34 Burke Street, Julia Creek P: (07) 4746 7690 F: (07) 4746 7005 E: tourism@mckinlay.qld.gov.au www.atthecreek.com.au 62

World War II Bunker – The remains of

a directional finding installation can be seen at the western edge of Julia Creek, near the cattle sale yards.

Kynuna

Population 20

Once a town with three bustling country pubs boosted by a staging post of Cobb & Co., Kynuna is now home to just one, the famous Blue Heeler Hotel. It is a recommended stop for all visitors.

B HP Billiton Cannington Mine, located 87km south of McKinlay, is the world’s largest and lowest-cost single mine producer of both silver and lead.

Opened in 1997, Cannington was the supplier of silver for the Olympic Games medals in Sydney in 2000 and again for the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

Nelia

Population 10

Nelia, located 40km east of Julia Creek, was once a very busy town. Today only one family lives there. The post office celebrated 100 years in 2009, however it is no longer operational. There is a new budget country stay in Nelia, a farmhouse style retreat and grassed camping sites. To enquire please call (07) 4746 7555.

Points of Interest

The Blue Heeler Hotel, built in 1889 as the Kynuna Hotel, was one of three hotels trading for up to 700 people.

Today the hotel is the only building still on site that has any association with the first days of the song “Waltzing Matilda”. Banjo Paterson drank at the pub. Both squatter and swagman had their last drinks there.

The turnoff to the Combo Waterhole is on the Matilda (Landsborough) Highway 16km east of Kynuna and 153km north west of Winton. Access by conventional vehicles is possible except during wet weather. A barbeque and picnic area is available at the car park “under the shade of a coolibah tree”. A 2.5km round trip takes you on a walk along cobbled paths to the waterhole, situated

Saxby Roundup, north of Julia Creek

Townsville to Tennant Creek

Overlander’s Way QLD/NT BORDER

Three Ways

TO BOODJAMULLA (LAWN HILL) NATIONAL PARK

Barkly Homestead

MOUNT ISA

TO NORMANTON

TO CROYDON

TO PORCUPINE GORGE

Cloncurry Julia Creek McKinlay

TO BOULIA

Hughenden Richmond

Matild

aH

Kynuna

gh

i

QLD / NT Border

TENNANT CREEK

Camooweal

TOWNSVILLE

TO CAIRNS

Winton Winton

Mingela

Homestead

Prairie

Charters Towers Pentland Balfe’s Creek Torrens Creek TO CLERMONT

wa y TO MUTTABURRA

TO LONGREACH

Curry Merry Muster Festival, Cloncurry At the Creek Visitor Information Centre, Julia Creek

Heritage Buildings, Charters Towers

Family Fun Park, Mount Isa

Castle Hill and Breakwater Marina, Townsville

Kronosaurus Korner, Richmond

Porcupine Gorge, Hughenden

For more than 100 years our pioneers have been discovering the Overlander’s Way. Now you can follow in their footsteps on a 1,550km driving adventure across the breadth of Queensland and into the Northern Territory, linking the wonders of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef to the rugged Aussie Outback.

From the vast rugged cattle plains to dramatic basalt landscapes, spectacular gorges and prolific wildlife, the Overlander’s Way promises a journey rich with discovery, unspoilt natural beauty and friendly local characters.

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.

Greyhound Australia Traveltrain Holidays 1300 473 946 Rail only bookings: 132 232 www.greyhound.com.au Holiday packages: 1800 627 655 www.traveltrain.com.au

Sky Trans 1300 759 872 www.skytrans.com.au

REX (Regional Express Airlines)

13 17 13 www.rex.com.au

Qantas Airways 13 13 13 www.qantas.com

For your FREE Overlander’s Way map and brochure call 1800 247 966 or visit www.overlandersway.info

Air North 1800 627 474 www.airnorth.com.au

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

63

HUGHENDEN SUPERMARKET

(07) 4741 1109

Flinders discovery centre

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

31 Moran Street, Hughenden QLD 4821 P: (07) 4741 1109

Flinders Discovery Centre, Hughenden Fossil and Gem Display Life-sized Muttaburrasaurus Dinosaur Porcupine Gorge Light and Sound Show Shearing the Stragglers Bioregion Display Local and Regional Tourist Information Souvenir Shop Local Maps Open 7 Days 9.00am – 5.00pm Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day Dec, Jan and Feb – Sat and Sun 9.00am to 1.00pm 37 Gray Street, Hughenden QLD 4821 P: (07) 4741 2970 F: (07) 4741 1029 E: info@flinders.qld.gov.au www.flinders.qld.gov.au

Dinosaur Print

The Australian Age of Dinosaurs, Winton

Pyramid, Porcupine Gorge National Park

64

(07) 4741 2970

Hughenden

welcomes all travellers with cool drinks and great meals and you are invited to add your mark to the humorous graffiti gallery.

Population 1200

South of Torrens Creek is Moorrinya National Park. Moorrinya, meaning “ironbark” in the local Aboriginal dialect, showcases a perfect example of the desert upland bioregion.

Bush camping is available by contacting the ranger on (07) 4741 7374.

Hughenden has a lot to offer travellers, with four national parks, mountainous volcanic basalt country, sweeping black soil plains and rich fossil and dinosaur areas.

Visit “Hughie”, the seven metre-tall Muttaburrasaurus, and an impressive fossil collection at the Flinders Discovery Centre, which is also an accredited Information Centre. While you are there, relive the glory days of sheep production and its subsequent demise in the “Shearing the Straggler” exhibit. A small admission fee applies.

Follow the windmill blades through the streets of Hughenden, exploring the history and art features of the town. Meet “Mutt”, a full-bodied Muttaburrasaurus replica along the way. Ample bus and caravan parking is available while you enjoy the serenity of Robert Gray Memorial Park, on the banks of the Flinders River.

This is just one of four parks in town, each with wheelchair-accessible toilets and picnic facilities.

Porcupine Gorge Lookout, Hughenden

Enjoy a walk along the diverse bioregions of the Flinders Shire at Eco Walk on Flinders.

These ecosystems have been replicated along the northern banks of the Flinders River with over 1.5km of walking tracks.

Along the pathway are species of flora and local artworks illustrating important events, and the myriad diversity of Flinders Shire.

Points of Interest Flinders Discovery Centre

Points of Interest

Hughie

Moorrinya National Park

Mutt

White Mountains National Park

Street sculptures

The Exchange Hotel, Torrens Creek

35’ Comet windmill Porcupine Gorge National Park

Cemetery Arts & Symbolism self-guided tour Blackbraes National Park Basalt Byway Flinders River Byway Eco-Walk on Flinders Mount Walker lookouts

Just outside Hughenden, Mount Walker rises out of the flat black soil plains, providing great views across town and around the district. Further afield is spectacular Porcupine Gorge National Park, often referred to as Australia’s “Little Grand Canyon”. The first lookout gives you an indication of the depth and magnitude of the gorge and is a must-see for all visitors. Camping grounds are located at the Pyramid Lookout; campers should take their own water and be fully selfsufficient. Camping permits are available by phoning 13 74 68 or online at www.qld.gov.au/camping. Some self registration is also available.

The Basalt Byway is a scenic drive plotted through picturesque volcanic basalt countryside, boasting excellent lookouts and abundant flora and fauna.

For four-wheel-driving enthusiasts, the Eromanga Sea Byway traces the edge of the prehistoric inland sea. Make the sandy crossing on the Flinders River Byway and reward yourself with a cold drink at the Prairie Pub.

Prairie

Burra Range Lookout on the Overlander’s Way

Stamford

Population 5

Once a busy railhead for local wool graziers, the town of Stamford is now a quieter place, firing up once a year in July for the Stamford Races. Stop in and have a cuppa at the Stamford Roadhouse. You will enjoy the refreshing break and chat.

Eromanga Sea Byway

Hughie the Muttaburrasaurus

White Mountains National Park offers short walking tracks for those wishing to explore this magic spot a little further. A lookout on the Overlander’s Way gives an indication of the amazing colours and textures of the rock and wildflower displays during May to August. A bush camping area is available for self-sufficient and experienced bushwalkers only. Information and registration should be made with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Officers: Hughenden Office, phone (07) 4741 1113 or Charters Towers Office, phone (07) 4787 3388.

Population 50

Points of Interest Stamford Roadhouse

Prairie is a town surrounded by beautiful rolling plains of Flinders grass. In the 1870s it was a main horse change centre for Cobb & Co. coaches. The Prairie Hotel is a must see with its unique atmosphere, collection of stockman’s hats and other historical memorabilia. Hear the story of the wandering ringer; this ghostly prowler comes from a story first told around the 1930s.

Points of Interest The Prairie Hotel Kooroorinya Falls Nature Reserve

Mount Walker Lookout, Hughenden

35’ Comet windmill

Flinders River Byway 4WD Tourist Drive (not a loop road)

Torrens Creek

Population 20

In 1942 Torrens Creek was utilised as an ammunition dump during World War II. Call in to hear the stories of how this little town was nearly blown away. The Exchange Hotel

FLINDERS DISCOVERY Centre 37 Gray Street, Hughenden P: (07) 4741 2970 F: (07) 4741 1029 E: info@flinders.qld.gov.au www.flinders.qld.gov.au

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

65

The Buffs CluB MounT Isa

(07) 4743 2365

FULLY CATERED CAMPING PACKAGES YoUR CHoICE oF: › Camping and caravan sites › BBQ and water to each site › Modern toilet block with hot shower

On your next visit to The Isa, escape the heat of the Outback in our fully air-conditioned Club.

Whether it is in our Licensed Coffee Shop, Gaming Lounge, Restaurant or one of our 3 Bars, you’ll be sure to enjoy your experience at The Buffs Club. Additional services our Club provides are a supervised Kids Club, unsupervised Playzone, Outdoor dining and bar facilities, Free Courtesy Bus, Members Bottle Shop, TAB and Keno facilities. The Buffs Club is open from 9am daily and 8am on weekends for Breakfast 7 Days a Week! Come and see what Mount Isa’s best award winning club has to offer!

› Lawn Hill and Riversleigh Interpretive Tours › Kiosk with souvenirs, cold drinks, ice and basic food supplies › Fuel – diesel and ULP › Bar and restaurant

oR › Rooms and pre-erected tents with bedding › Breakfast, lunch and dinner catered › Packages tailored to suit individuals, groups and tours

Situated on Lawn Hill Creek and only 10km from Lawn Hill Gorge with road and air access Corner Grace and Simpson Streets, Mount Isa City QLD 4825 P: (07) 4743 2365 F: (07) 4743 7773 E: contact@buffs.com.au www.buffs.com.au

66

PHoNE 07 4748 5502 www.adelsgrove.com.au

Mount Isa

Population 23000

Mt Isa UndergroUnd HospItal MUseUM

Mount Isa, home to The Buffs Club, Mount Isa Underground Hospital and Museum, Xstrata Mount Isa Rotary Rodeo (10-12 August), and gateway to Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park and Adels Grove. For more information contact Outback at Isa Visitor Information Centre 1300 659 660 or visit www.outbackatisa.com.au

Camooweal

Population 200

First gazetted in 1884 Camooweal is a tidy little town almost on the Northern Territory border – home to the Camooweal Drovers Camp Festival 24 - 26 August.

OUTBACK AT ISA 19 Marian Street, Mount Isa P: (07) 4749 1555 F: (07) 4743 6296 E: info@outbackatisa.com.au www.outbackatisa.com.au

In 1942 Darwin was bombed by the Japanese Army. A casualty of the bombing was the Darwin Hospital. The community of Mount Isa was fearful that their town (and hospital) would be the next target. A decision was made to build an Underground Hospital with help from Mount Isa Mines and volunteers.

In 1994 a Mount Isa Community Group decided to restore and show-case this unique hospital. This group have since received a prestigious award from the National Trust of Queensland for ‘heritage restoration’.

Open from 1st April to 31st October – 10.00am-2.00pm. Other times by appointment. Entry Fees: $12, $10 (concession), $4 (school age children).

Joan Street, Mount Isa QLD 4825 (situated in Mt Isa Base Hospital grounds) P: (07) 4749 0281 M: 0407 514 918

Hard Times Mine, Mount Isa

3 Day Days NON-STOP Rodeo Action!

LARG LARGEST RODEO in the South Southern Hemisphere MAN AGAINST A BEAST MARDI GRAS MARD LIVE ENTERTAINMENT E BROPHY'S BOXING TENT BROP MAILMAN EXPRESS MAILM Buchanan Park, Mount Isa Queensland A project of the th Rotary Clubs of Mt Isa

Stalk US isarodeo.com.au

You’re in for one heck of a ride! twitter.com/isarodeo

facebook.com/isarodeo

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

67

RICHMOND Population 800 Situated on the Overlander’s Way, halfway between Townsville and Mt Isa, Richmond sits perched on the bank of Queensland’s longest river, the Flinders, and is known for its recreational Lake Fred Tritton and bougainvillealined streets, shady parks and gardens.

Richmond is home to the award-winning attraction Kronosaurus Korner, where you will find the only museum in Australia primarily dedicated to displaying marine reptiles. The centre is home to some 400 exhibits dating back to the Cretaceous period, 98-114 million years ago, when Richmond was part of the inland sea. Don’t miss the themed theatrette, which provides a unique introduction to life during the Cretaceous period. And kids will love the Krono Kids Club so why not join from as little as $15 per year, per child and take the experience home with you? Krono’s Kids Club is online at www.kronosauruskorner.com.au or ask at the Tourist Information Desk.

The Centre is open seven days from 8.30am to 4.00pm (Closed Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday).

The Kronosaurus Korner landscaping features a life-size 12.2 metre replica of Kronosaurus Queenslandicus, discovered by American Scientists near Richmond in the 1930s. If you find that you are infected with “fossil fever” after visiting Kronosaurus Korner, call at reception for a map to guide you through the region’s designated fossicking sites. Finds may include shark teeth, fish bones, belemnites, ammonites and various shells. Bring them back to the centre where the staff or consultant curator will be happy to identify your finds.

Once you have completed your visit to Kronosaurus Korner, enjoy a coffee in the Moonrock Café and sample the delights of the local bakery. Buy a souvenir to remind you of your visit and have a chat to the friendly staff at the accredited Visitor Information Centre.

Lake Fred Tritton is conveniently located at the edge of town. With a 1.2km circumference and a maximum depth of 8 metres, Lake Fred Tritton allows visitors and locals the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of water sports.

Swimming, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, skiing and fishing are popular activities at the lake which boasts sandy beaches, shaded playground facilities and a water park. A paved walking track and gardens make it a fun way for the entire family to get fit and spend quality time together.

The boat ramp, free barbeque facilities and great amenities of Lake Fred Tritton have created a hub for the community’s social gatherings. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish including barramundi, gulf grunter, sleepy cod, spangled perch and yellow fin. It also has freshwater prawns and redclaw crayfish.

Fossil Capital of Australia Kronosaurus Korner

Information Centre & Fossil Display We are discovering new fossils every day – Check them out or find your own!

Kronosaurus Korner is home to Australia’s best preserved dinosaur skeleton Minmi and one of the world’s best Pliosaur skeletons. n Souvenirs n Tour bookings n Café for meals and refreshments n Guided tours n Handheld audio guides available n Themed theatrette n Free fossicking sites n Walking distance from Caravan Park, Motels & Hotels

Krono Kids Corner The Kids Corner is a special area in the fossil centre where children can entertain themselves while parents tour the exhibits uninterrupted.

Register for one of the organised fossil expeditions OpeN 7 Days 8.30am to 4.00pm except Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday

Situated on the banks of award-winning Lake Fred Tritton, the Bush Tucker Gardens is a joint project involving the Richmond Shire Council as well as the local Indigenous and non-Indigenous community and the dedication of the Community Development Employment Program workers. All plants are native to the region and are labelled with their traditional purposes, helping to promote the educational aspects of Indigenous culture. The garden’s waterfall represents the birthplace of Richmond’s water flowing from the basalt country to the white gravel. Gidgee stones and moonrocks, extracted from local properties, complete the gardens.

If stepping back in time is more your scene, then take a heritage walk down the main street which has viewing signs depicting yesteryear. The Cambridge Downs Heritage Display Centre, located along the Heritage Trail in Goldring Street, is a replica of the homestead built on Cambridge Downs Station.

Constructed in 1860 from local flagstone, it is a fine example of the architectural resourcefulness of western pioneers. The display centre houses various artefacts of historical and cultural significance and contains historical interpretative panels on Cambridge Downs, the Wanamarra people and the Woolgar Goldfield. Pay your respects to the pioneers that shaped this country at the Pioneer Cemetery and relax at Jack Brown Lions Park.

Whatever your interests, you will enjoy your time spent in Richmond, experiencing everything the area has to offer. You may be lucky enough to be in town for one of the four country race meetings held at the Richmond Racecourse or check out the Richmond Shire Council Calendar of Events via the web www.richmond.qld.gov.au or become a “friend” on facebook, search for Richmond What’s On and visit us for one of the many exciting activities that take place during the year.

68

Overlander’s Way (Flinders Highway), richmond P: 1300 KRONOK (1300 576 665) F: (07) 4741 3802 e: enquiries@kronosauruskorner.com.au

www.kronosauruskorner.com.au

CHARTERS TOWERS ‘THE WORLD’

Population 12800

Situated just 90 minutes south west of Townsville, ‘The World’ as it’s affectionately known is a scenic gold mining city that’s big on history and character.

From a chance discovery of gold in 1872 by a young Aboriginal horse boy, Charters Towers soon turned into a bustling metropolis, which in its heyday boasted being the second largest city in Queensland!

So large was Charters Towers to become, that at the height of the gold rush the town included 11 crushing mills, 65 hotels and one of the very first regional Stock Exchanges in Australia, which still stands proudly at the intersection of Gill and Mosman Streets.

Today the pace is a little less hectic, with visitors able to explore the rich heritage of Charters Towers in their own time. From a quick stop over to a charming day trip or a leisurely couple of days taking in the sights, Charters Towers offers something for every visitor and every interest.

Of course your first stop should be the Visitor Information Centre on Mosman Street, housed in what was once the Union Bank, built in 1880, and staffed with local volunteers who are more than happy to point you towards sights of interest and help with accommodation ranging from hotels to motels, caravan parks and budget accommodation.

The town of Ravenswood was born and along with it many public buildings were hurriedly erected to take advantage of the newly found riches of the gold miners. Forty eight hotels and shanties served to quench the thirst of the miners. Today two hotels remain as magnificent examples of the prosperity of this town’s wealthy beginnings. As mining declined the tiny town survived, relying on the surrounding cattle properties. A new lease of life for the town came about in 1995 when the population of 100 locals was boosted by the arrival of some 300 miners to once again reap the rewards gold mining has to offer.

The town boasts excellent facilities including a tennis court, golf course, BBQ and picnic area near the Showgrounds Caravan Park.

The historic Court House Museum is open daily. The museum volunteer is always keen to share stories of the golden days of Ravenswood. There are a number of self-guided walks so don’t forget to get your map from the Museum before you set off exploring the old chimney stacks, mullock heaps, School of Arts Hall, the old church on the hill, the cemetery and more.

The Museum is also the place to trace family history with comprehensive records available along with a collection of newspaper clippings.

Visit the open cut gold mine look-out to view the pit where giant trucks and machinery once worked. An amazing sight.

Turn off to the right just out of town on the road to Ayr past the showgrounds .

A little further down the road White Blow Environmental Park (5km from the town centre) features a large white quartz rock outcrop that dates back some 300 million years.

To get a feel of the city, pick up a Heritage Walking Map from the Visitor Information Centre and walk the One Square Mile. This is a comfortable stroll, which takes in the best of the city’s heritage listed architecture, like the World Theatre, City Hall and the Post Office.

Although mining continues to be an important part of life in Charters Towers, the old fashioned crushers have long laid silent.

But links to the glory days of mining can still be explored by joining the ghosts of gold Heritage Trail, which includes a trip to Australia’s largest surviving battery relic, the Venus Gold Battery.

But not all of Charters Towers’ past is golden. Once a significant allied military base in World War II, a drive up Towers Hill plays testament to this with some 30 concrete bunkers dotted throughout the surrounding hills still visible to this day. A look at the City Hall World War II photographic display and the incredible collection of military memorabilia at the Charters Towers Folk Museum is a must. And a trip to the Burdekin Weir shows where target shooting with the planes took place.

There is also a lot to offer visitors a little further out of town. An area spanning the size of Tasmania, this hive of agricultural activity gives visitors the chance to discover the rural side of life in the Outback. Stay on a working cattle station or visit the weekly cattle sales at the Dalrymple Cattle Sale Yards.

An easy way to explore this vast area is to take yourself on a selfguided drive. Ask for a more detailed information brochure at the Information Centre.

RAVENSWOOD

Population 150

The town of Ravenswood is listed by the National Trust and is located one hour’s drive east of Charters Towers.

Step back in time and explore the unique aspects of the heritage listed gold mining town of Ravenswood. The gold rush was on in 1868 when two discoveries were made, one by Marmaduke Curr, a cattle station owner and the other by stockman Thomas Aitken.

Charters Towers Covering an area the size of Tasmania, the Charters Towers region offers travellers a unique snapshot of country life as it was in the gold rush days of the 1870s right through the war years and into the new century, where we now enjoy a legacy rich in heritage and character.

Situated just 90 minutes south west of Townsville, Charters Towers, once known as “The World”, is a bustling rural centre that celebrates its grand history through wonderfully preserved heritage buildings, pubs, museums and streetscapes. And not a traffic light in sight!

Ask at the Visitor Information Centre about the “ghosts of gold” Heritage Trail, the One Square Mile and the Venus Gold Battery – each of them a “must see”. You can also visit The Miner’s Cottage, the Zara Clark Museum, see the Texas Longhorns - and much more.

Charters Towers Visitor Information Centre Phone: (07) 4761 5533 Email: tourinfo@charterstowers.qld.gov.au Web: www.charterstowers.qld.gov.au

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

69

MINGELA

Population 20

Drop into the Mingela Hotel, a quintessential outback pub, complete with cat and peacocks. You will need to turn into Mingela to continue your drive to Ravenswood and the Burdekin Falls Dam.

BALFES CREEK

Population 16

Balfes Creek was the original road and rail junction for the basalt country further north.

Dairies in the area once supplied milk to Charters Towers.

HOMESTEAD

Population 100

Gold was discovered to the north of Homestead in 1883 and was mined intermittently for the next 50 years. Two hotels, two butcher shops, two stores, a bank and a cordial factory were part of the town during the railway era. Today you can see the mural at the school depicting local history.

PENTLAND

Population 300

Gold was discovered on the nearby Cape River in 1867 and attracted European and Chinese gold miners. The settlement at Pentland was established by the railway in 1884. Between Pentland and Torrens Creek is the Burra Range Lookout. Look for the wildflowers and wattle flowering in spring.

Annual Pentland Campdraft is in May. Annual Pentland Picnic Race Day is in November.

BELYANDO CROSSING

BLUEWATER SPRINGs

Population 2

Located 110km north east of Charters Towers on the Lynd Highway, the nice shady garden at Bluewater Springs Roadhouse is the perfect place to stop for a coffee.

GREENVALE

Population 150

Greenvale is a nickel mining settlement located on the banks of the Burdekin River approximately 200km north of Charters Towers on the Gregory Developmental Road.

In May each year the Annual Greenvale Campdraft is in full swing, in August Greenvale hosts the Annual Golf Championships and the Father’s Day Billy Cart Races are loads of fun.

HIDDEN VALLEY

Population 20

Accessed via Herveys Range Road north of the Towers, Hidden Valley is located in the Paluma Ranges. While you’re in the area, take a walk to Running River and watch the platypus play, see the wallabies grazing and enjoy a spot of birdwatching.

HERVEYS RANGE COMMUNITY

Population 150

Take a coffee break with a difference at the oldest known building in North Queensland.

This historic split log inn was the stopping place for bullock teams and Cobb & Co Coaches.

Population 5

Located around 80km south of Ravenswood lies one of Queensland’s largest lakes, Lake Dalrymple, which is four times the size of Sydney Harbour.

The Burdekin Falls Dam was constructed across the Burdekin River in 1987 for irrigation purposes. The lake has a surface area of 22,400 hectares, an average depth of 8.3 metres and holds 1,860,000 megalitres of water at full capacity. In the wet season it is not unusual for the dam to overflow sending thousands of mega-litres of water on its way down river to the sea.

The Lake is a popular destination for fishing and water sports enthusiasts.

A Stocked Impoundment Permit (SIP) is required to fish Lake Dalrymple/ Burdekin Falls Dam. These are available at Cunningham’s Newsagency in Charters Towers.

Fish found in lake dalrymple include eels, archerfish, sooty grunter, sleepy cod, longtom, leathery grunter, golden perch, silver perch, eel tailed catfish, fork tailed catfish and barramundi.

Only barramundi are stocked regularly, the remainder have self sustaining populations. There are also redclaw crayfish present.

Lake Dalrymple is open to all boating activities and no restrictions apply.

A concrete boat ramp is provided.

Camping is not permitted on the lake but a well serviced camping area with showers, toilets, laundry and powered sites is available. A “first in best dressed” policy applies and a ranger collects camping fees. There is no fuel or shopping facilities.

This is a quiet little camp ground situated off Flinders highway, 111km south west of Townsville or 22km east of Charters Towers, onto Burdekin Downs Road, 3km of dirt track. You can have drinks and damper around the main fire with the other campers or keep your own space away from others. It has good swimming as it is located on the junction of the Burdekin and Fanning Rivers. There’s a swimming pool, hot/cold showers and toilets. A nice relaxing atmosphere.

Dogs are allowed as long as they are well behaved, on a leash and under control.

They also have bait at the office for those that want to do a spot of fishing.

charters towers visitor information centre

70

BURDEKIN FALLS DAM

BIVOUAC JUNCTION

Located 220km south of Charters Towers on the A7 (Gregory Developmental Road). Fish for redclaw in the local creeks. Camp the night and marvel at the stars. Nearby Lake Buchanan is a large, flat salt lake, different from all other salt lakes in Australia because it occurs at a high elevation.

74 Mosman Street, Charters Towers P: (07) 4761 5533 F: (07) 4761 5536 E: tourinfo@charterstowers.qld.gov.au www.charterstowers.qld.gov.au

CHARTERS TOWERS FISHING AND CAMPING INFORMATION

Stock Exchange Arcade, Charters Towers

SweerS ISland reSort

(07) 4748 5544

cobbold gorge tours

1800 669 922

Gulf of Carpentaria – Famous for Fishing Sweers is a rugged outback island situated in the lower Gulf of Carpentaria, accessible via Burketown. Sweers Island Resort caters not only for dedicated fishermen, but also for families, birdwatchers, light aircraft travellers, and those who simply want to get away from it all.

Good Food, Comfortable Accommodation and Great Fishing at an Affordable Price.

Deep in the heart of the Gulf Savannah region is a hidden outback oasis – Cobbold Gorge. Immerse yourself in the natural wonder of a truly unique outback holiday destination. Cruise the gorge to explore its ancient geological landforms, wildlife and birds, go bushwalking or birdwatching, spot a crocodile, or find out about life on a Gulf cattle station.

Cobbold Gorge offers the “Ultimate Outback Adventure” with modern accommodation, and caravan and camping facilities. Access to Cobbold Gorge is by guided tour only.

Bookings Essential. Opened Seasonally April 1 – October 31.

P: (07) 4748 5544 www.sweers.com.au

P: 1800 669 922 F: (07) 4062 5453 www.cobboldgorge.com.au

DOWN UNDER COACH TOURS

1800 072 535

Normanton Visitor Information Centre & Library

Cnr Landsborough & Caroline Street, Normanton QLD 4890 P : 07 4745 1065 | F : 07 4745 1072

Karumba Visitor Information Centre & Library

Down Under Coach Tours is a Maryborough based locally owned business specialising in seniors travel with 30 years’ experience conducting escorted, quality accommodated coach tours to multiple destinations throughout Australia.

19 DAY KARUMBA, COOKTOWN & GREAT BARRIER REEF Departs Brisbane: Thursday, 3rd May 2012 Adult: $5680 Pen: $5642 Single Supplement: $1283 See the vast, sweeping plains of the outback, the lush tropical north and the paradise isles of the coast on this fabulous Queensland holiday.

Highlights: 3 nights Cairns, Gulflander train ride, Karumba cruise, Undara Lava Tubes, Chillagoe Caves, Atherton Tablelands, Cooktown historic tour, Daintree river train, Breakfast with the Birds, Port Douglas, Kuranda train & Skyrail, Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Great Barrier Reef Cruise, Whitsundays.

Cnr Tooley & Normanby Streets, Maryborough QLD 4650 P: (07) 4123 1733 F: (07) 4121 4889 www.downundercoachtours.com.au

Walker Street, Karumba QLD 4891 P : 07 4745 9582 | F : 07 4745 9701

Enjoy the outback hospitality and the welcoming community of the Gulf.

Then get stuck into the exciting croc spotting tours, historic train rides on the Gulflander Train, world renowned fishing, the action packed annual rodeo, gymkhana and show, million dollar sunsets over the Gulf waters, historic hotels, spectacular river cruises, exciting fishing charter adventures… to name but a few things to do on your visit to the Gulf of Carpentaria.

There is so much to do and so much to see in the Carpentaria Shire – you never know what you will discover!

P : 07 4745 1065

E: tourism@carpentaria.qld.gov.au www.carpentaria.qld.gov.au

Fishing at Wharf, Karumba

visit www.adventureoutback.com.au or call 1800 247 966

71

Ensuite

Phone in Room

Television in Room

Tea and Coffee Making Facilities

Room Service

Conference/ Function Room

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Cooking Facilities

Air Conditioning •

Pets Allowed *with prior permission

•

Airstrip

Guest Laundry

Austar

Amenities

•

Pool

•

Barbecue Facilities

Disabled Access

•

Restaurant

Unpowered Sites

Holiday Station

•

The Lake via Aramac P 07 4651 0565

Powered Sites

Aramac

Cabins

Guesthouse or B&B

Hotel or Motel

Accommodation

RACQ Rating

travel directory

Barcaldine

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

3

•

•

•

Ironbark Inn 72 Box Street P 07 4651 2311 E rmdachan@bigpond.net.au www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

•

•

Union Hotel Motel Cnr Oak & Maple Streets P 07 4651 2269 E unionhotel@tpg.com.au www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Bedourie

Royal Hotel Bedourie Herbert Street P 07 4746 1201 E bedourie.hotel@bigpond.com www.bedouriehotel.com

•

•

•

•

•

•

Birdsville

•

Birdsville Hotel 48-50 Adelaide Street P 07 4656 3244 E birdsville@theoutback.com.au www.theoutback.com.au

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Blackall

Barcoo Hotel & Caravan Park 95 Shamrock Street P 07 4657 4197 E barcoohotel 1@iinet.au

•

Blackall Caravan Park 53 Garden Street P 07 4657 4816 E blackallpark@bigpond.com www.blackallcaravanpark.com.au Acacia Motor Inn Landsborough Highway P 07 4657 6022

•

4

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Boulia

Australian Hotel 21 Herbert Street P 07 4746 3144 E bouliapub@bigpond.com Boulia Caravan Park 1 Winton Road P 07 4746 3320 E bouliacaravanpark@yahoo.com

•

Desert Sands Motel 50 Herbert Street P 07 4746 3000 E desertsandsmotel@bigpond.com

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Charleville

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

3.5

•

Charleville Bush Caravan Park & Cottage Lot 1 Frawley Street P 1800 654 541 E info@travelwest.com.au www.travelwest.com.au

•

•

•

Charleville Waltzing Matilda Motor Inn 125 Alfred Street P 07 4654 1720 E charleville.waltzingmatilda@bigpond.com

3.5

Cobb & Co Caravan Park 1 Ridgeway Street P 07 4654 1053

3

•

Evening Star Tourist Park 818 Adavale Road P 07 4654 2430 E eveningstar@activ8.net.au www.eveningstar.com.au

4

•

Mulga Country Motor Inn Mitchell Highway P 07 4654 3255 E mulgacountry@bigpond.com

4

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Charters Towers

Dalrymple Tourist Van Park 24 Dalrymple Road P 07 4787 1121 E stay@dalrymplevanpark.com.au www.dalrymplevanpark.com.au

72

4

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

* pets allowed caravan park only

Birdsville Caravan Park 1 Florence Street P 07 4656 3214 E birdsvillecaravanpark@yahoo.com.au www.birdsvillecaravanpark.com

•

•

•

•

•

•

Conference/ Function Room

•

Room Service

•

Tea and Coffee Making Facilities

•

Television in Room

•

Phone in Room

•

Cooking Facilities

•

Ensuite

•

Air Conditioning

•

Pets Allowed *with prior permission

•

Airstrip

•

Guest Laundry

•

Austar

Amenities

•

Pool

Disabled Access

•

Barbecue Facilities

Unpowered Sites

•

Restaurant

Powered Sites

Holiday Station

Cabins

Guesthouse or B&B

Hotel or Motel

RACQ Rating

Accommodation

•

•

•

•

Cloncurry

Cloncurry Caravan Park Oasis 56-74 McIlwraith Street P 07 4742 1313 E ccpoasis@bigpond.net.au www.cloncurrycaravanparkoasis.com Gidgee Inn Motel 1 Matilda Highway P 07 4742 1599 E info@gidgeeinn.com.au www.gidgeeinn.com.au

3

4

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Cunnamulla

“Aldville Station” Humeburn Road P 07 4655 4814 E alanandlouise@activ8.net.au

3.5

Boutique Luxury Hotel Club Hotel, 15 Louise & Cnr Stockyard Streets P 07 4655 1679 E info@outthebackaustralia.com.au www.outthebackaustralia.com

•

•

•

•

•

Charlotte Plains Pastoral Company 1993 Charlotte Plains Road P 07 4655 4923 E charlotteplains@harboursat.com.au www.charlotteplains.com.au

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Emerald

Discovery Holiday Parks - Lake Maraboon Fairbairn Dam Access & Selma Road P 07 4987 4950 E lakemaraboon@discoverypark.com.au www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au

4

•

•

•

•

•

•

Eulo

“Wandilla Station” Wandilla Station P 07 4655 4065 E dcmeurant@bigpond.com

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Georgetown/Forsayth

Cobbold Gorge Tours Agate Creek Road P 07 4062 5470 E cobboldgorge@bigpond.com www.cobboldgorge.com.au

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Hughenden

Hughenden Allan Terry Caravan Park 2 Resolution Street P 07 4741 1190 E susan.thompson1@bigpond.com www.hughenden.com

3.5

Rest Easi Motel 11 Flinders Highway P 07 4741 1633 E info@resteasimotel.com.au www.hughenden.com Royal Hotel Resort 21 Moran Street P 07 4741 1183 E royal183@bigpond.net.au www.hughenden.com

•

3.5

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Ilfracombe

Wellshot Hotel 15 Main Avenue P 07 4658 2106 E wellshot_hotel@bigpond.com www.wellshothotel.com.au

•

•

•

•

•

•

Innamincka

Innamincka Hotel South Terrace P 08 8675 9901 E innamincka@theoutback.com.au www.theoutback.com.au

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Julia Creek

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

2.5

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Jundah

Jundah Hotel 10-12 Dickson Street P 07 4658 6166 E ju28722@bigpond.net.au www.jundahdownunder.com.au

•

•

•

•

•

Lawn Hill (Boodjamulla National Park) Adels Grove Camping Park Gregory Lawn Hill Road P 07 4748 5502 E reservations@adelsgrove.com.au www.adelsgrove.com.au

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

73

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Conference/ Function Room

•

•

Room Service

•

Tea and Coffee Making Facilities

•

Television in Room

•

Phone in Room

•

•

Cooking Facilities

•

Ensuite

•

Air Conditioning

•

•

Pets Allowed *with prior permission

•

•

Airstrip

•

•

Guest Laundry

•

Austar

Pool •

Amenities

Barbecue Facilities •

Restaurant

Disabled Access

Unpowered Sites

Powered Sites

Holiday Station

Cabins

Guesthouse or B&B

Hotel or Motel

RACQ Rating

Accommodation Longreach

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

3

•

Albert Park Motor Inn & Oasis Restaurant Cnr of Stork & Ilfracombe Roads P 07 4658 2411 E albertpark@westnet.com.au www.longreachaccommodation.com

3

•

Discovery Holiday Parks - Longreach 12 Thrush Road P 1800 356 099 E longreach@discoveryparks.com.au www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au

3.5

Jumbuck Motel Ilfracombe Road P 07 4658 1799 E jumbuck1@bigpond.net.au www.jumbuckmotel.com.au

•

•

•

•

•

Kinnon & Co Outback Lodges 63 Ilfracombe Road P 07 4658 3811 E lodges@kinnonandco.com.au www.kinnonandco.com.au

3.5

Longreach Motel 127 Eagle Street P 07 4658 1996 E info@longreachmotel.com.au www.longreachmotel.net.au

3.5

Longreach Motor Inn 84 Galah Street P 07 4658 2322 E lmi@outbacklongreach.com.au www.outbacklongreach.com.au

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Mitchell

Berkeley Lodge Motor Inn 20-30 Cambridge Street P 07 4623 1666 E berkeleylodge@bigpond.com www.berkeleylodge.webls.net Bonus Downs Farmstay Bollon Road P 07 4623 1573 E bonusdowns@bigpond.com www.bonusdowns.webls.net

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Mount Isa

AAOK Moondarra Caravan Park 2 Moondarra Drive P 07 4743 9780 E aaokmoondarra@gmail.com www.aaok.com.au

3.5

•

All Seasons Verona Cnr Camooweal Street & Rodeo Drive P 07 4743 3024 E h0575-re@accor.com www.accorhotels.com

3

•

Outback Motel 45-47 West Street P 07 4743 2311 E reservations@outbackmotel.com.au www.outbackmotel.com.au

3.5

•

•

•

•

•

Quality Inn Burke & Wills Cnr Grace & Camooweal Streets P 07 4743 8000 E reservations@burkeandwillsmotel.com.au www.burkeandwillsmotel.com.au

3.5

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Quilpie

Channel Country Tourist Park 21 Chipu Street P 07 4656 2087 E channelpark@bigpond.com www.channelpark.com.au

3.5

Quilpie Hotel Motel 36 Brolga Street P 07 4656 1427 E hotelquilpie@gmail.com www.quilpiehotelmotel.com

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Richmond

Ammonite Inn 88 Goldring Street P 07 4741 3932 E amonit33@bigpond.net.au

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Rubyvale

New Royal Hotel 1 Keilambete Road P 07 4985 4754 E wendy@rubyvalehotel.com.au www.rubyvalehotel.com.au Rubyvale Motel & Holiday Units 35 Heritage Road P 07 4985 4518 E rubyvaleholiday@bigpond.com www.rubyvaleholiday.com.au

74

4

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Conference/ Function Room

•

Room Service

Ensuite

•

Tea and Coffee Making Facilities

Air Conditioning

•

Television in Room

Pets Allowed *with prior permission

•

Phone in Room

Airstrip

•

Cooking Facilities

Guest Laundry

•

Austar

Barbecue Facilities

•

Amenities

Restaurant

•

Pool

Disabled Access

Unpowered Sites

Powered Sites

Holiday Station

Cabins

Guesthouse or B&B

Hotel or Motel

RACQ Rating

Accommodation Sweers Island

Sweers Island Resort Pty Ltd via Karumba P 07 4748 5544 E sweers@westnet.com.au www.sweers.com.au

•

•

Tambo

Tambo Mill Motel & Van Park 34-40 Arthur Street P 07 4621 7000 E tambomil@bigpond.net.au www.tambomillmotel.com

3.5

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Thargomindah

“Kilcowera Station” Hungerford Road P 07 4655 4960 E gtsherwin@bigpond.com www.kilcowera.com.au

•

Epsilon Pastoral Co “Epilson Station” P 07 4655 4324 E epsilon5@activ8.net.au

•

Explorers Caravan Park 88 Dowling Street P 1800 820 890 E explorerscaravanpark@bigpond.com

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Windorah

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

3.5

3.5

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Winton

Banjo’s Overnight & Holiday Units 78 Manuka Street P 07 4657 1213 E banjosunits@hotmail.com Boulder Opal Motor Inn 16 Elderslie Street P 07 4657 1211 E boulderopalmotel@bigpond.com www.boulderopalmotorinn.com.au

3

3

•

•

“Carisbrooke Station” Carisbrooke Station P 07 4657 0084 E carisbrooke@reachnet.com.au www.carisbrooketours.com.au Matilda Country Tourist Park 43 Chirnside Street P 07 4657 1607 E info@matildacountrytouristpark.com www.matildacountrytouristpark.com

•

•

3.5

•

Matilda Motel 20 Oondooroo Street P 07 4657 1433 E matildamotel@westnet.com.au

•

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

•

Tattersalls Hotel & Caravan Park 78 Elderslie Street P 07 4657 1309

•

Winton Hotel 43 Werna Street P 07 4657 1519 E kjhotels@hotmail.com

•

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

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Transport Operators

Phone

Website

Avis

136 333

www.avis.com.au

Greyhound

1300 473 946

www.greyhound.com.au

•

Qantas

13 13 13

www.qantas.com.au

•

QantasLink

13 13 13

www.qantas.com.au

•

Queensland Rail Travel

1800 805 281

www.queenslandrail.com.au

•

Rex Regional Express

13 17 13

www.rex.com.au

•

Skytrans

1300 759 872

www.skytrans.com.au

•

Scheduled Service

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Charter

•

Hire

•

•

Rail

Air

Coach

• •

• • • • •

•

•

75

Attractions

Street Address

Phone

Fax

Email

Website

94 Ash Street

07 4651 1579

07 4651 1570

awhc1991@bigpond.com

www.australianworkersheritagecentre.com.au

Artesian Spa & Swimming Pool Complex

Nappa Street

1300 794 257

07 4746 1272

travel@diamantina.qld.gov.au

www.diamantina.qld.gov.au

Community Hall & Indoor Sports Centre

Herbert Street

1300 794 257

07 4746 1272

travel@diamantina.qld.gov.au

www.diamantina.qld.gov.au

Outback Golf Course

Diamantina Developmental Road

1300 794 257

07 4746 1272

travel@diamantina.qld.gov.au

www.diamantina.qld.gov.au

Birdsville

48-50 Adelaide Street

07 4656 3244

07 4656 3262

birdsville@theoutback.com.au

www.theoutback.com.au

Birdsville Race Club Inc.

Adelaide Street

07 4656 3252

07 4656 4655

admin@birdsvilleraces.com

www.birdsvilleraces.com

Barcaldine

The Australian Workers Heritage Centre

Bedourie

Birdsville Hotel

Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre

Billabong Boulevarde

07 4656 3300

07 4656 3302

info@diamantina.qld.gov.au

www.diamantina.qld.gov.au

Birdsville - Bedourie The Bilby Way

Eyre Developmental Road

1300 794 257

07 4746 1272

travel@diamantina.qld.gov.au

www.diamantina.qld.gov.au

Blackall

Evora Road

07 4657 6042

07 4657 6042

blackallwoolscour1@bigpond.com

blackallwoolscour.jimdo.com

Boulia

25 Herbert Street

07 4746 3386

07 4746 3387

tourism@boulia.qld.gov.au

www.boulia.qld.gov.au

Stonehouse Museum

57 Pituri Street

07 4746 3386

07 4746 3387

tourism@boulia.qld.gov.au

www.boulia.qld.gov.au

Bourke - Quilpie

Bourke-Quilpie

07 4655 3399

07 4655 3374

thargo.info@bigpond.com

www.thargotourism.com.au

Brisbane - Adelaide

Brisbane - Adelaide

07 4655 3399

07 4655 3374

thargo.info@bigpond.com

www.thargotourism.com.au

Barkly Highway

07 4748 2022

info@droverscamp.com.au

www.droverscamp.com.au

Charleville

1 Park Street

07 4654 7771

07 4654 1113

sbf.charleville@gmail.com

www.savethebilbyfund.org.au

Cosmos Centre & Observatory

1 Qantas Drive

07 4654 7771

07 4654 7772

obguides@bigpond.com

www.cosmoscentre.com

Cloncurry Mary Kathleen Park Museum

McIlwraith Street

07 4742 1361

07 4742 1361

info@cloncurry.qld.gov.au

www.cloncurry.qld.gov.au

Curry Merry Muster Festival

30 Ramsay Street

0487 760 503

info@currymerrymuster.com.au

www.currymerrymuster.com.au

John Flynn Place Museum & Art Gallery

Cnr King & Daintree Streets

07 4742 2778

07 4742 1989

jfplacecloncurry@bigpond.com

www.cloncurry.qld.gov.au

Eulo

Leo Street

07 4655 4890

07 4655 4890

datefarm@bigpond.com

www.datefarm.com.au

Georgetown/Forsayth

Agate Creek Road

07 4062 5470

07 4062 5453

cobboldgorge@bigpond.com

www.cobboldgorge.com.au

Hughenden

37 Gray Street

07 4741 2970

07 4741 1029

info@flinders.qld.gov.au

www.flinders.qld.gov.au

Innamincka

South Terrace

08 8675 9901

088 675 9961

innamincka@theoutback.com.au

www.theoutback.com.au

At the Creek Visitor Information Centre

34 Burke Street

07 4746 7690

07 4746 7005

tourism@mckinlay.qld.gov.au

www.atthecreek.com.au

Dirt & Dust Festival

Burke Street

07 4651 6607

07 4651 6607

admin@dirtndust.com

www.dirtndust.com

Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre

Landsborough Highway

07 4658 2166

07 4658 2495

museum@stockmanshalloffame.com.au

www.stockmanshalloffame.com.au

Kinnon & Co (The Station Store)

126 Eagle Street

07 4658 2006

07 4658 2006

store@kinnonandco.com.au

www.kinnonandco.com.au

Longreach River Cruises

84 Galah Street

07 4658 2322

07 4658 1828

lmi@outbacklongreach.com.au

www.outbacklongreach.com.au

Longreach School of the Air

Sir James Walker Drive

07 4658 4232

07 4658 4200

tours1@eq.edu.au

www.longreacsde.eq.edu.au

Qantas Founders Museum

Sir Hudson Fysh Drive

07 4658 3737

07 4658 0707

info@qfom.com.au

www.qfom.com.au

Queensland Outback Pics

105 Eagle Street

07 4658 0170

deb@outbackpics.com.au

www.outbackpics.com.au

Rio Station

889 Longreach-Tocal Road

07 4658 2123

info@ourlongreach.com.au

www.ourlongreach.com.au

0427 582 890

admin@vastarts.net

www.vastarts.net

Historical Woolscour Min Min Encounter

The Dowling Track

The Adventure Way

Camooweal

Drovers Camp Association Festival Bilby Experience

Cloncurry

Palm Grove Date Farm & Winery Cobbold Gorge Tours

Flinders Discovery Centre Innamincka Hotel

Julia Creek

Longreach

Vast Arts Inc-Kunmurri Art Trail Guide

Morven

Albert Street

07 4654 7771

07 4654 7772

tourism@murweh.qld.gov.au

www.murweh.qld.gov.au

Mount Isa

PO Box 2280

0431 745 083

07 4749 5001

info@mifsg.com.au

www.lakemoondarrafishingclassic.com.au

Mount Isa Irish Association

1 Nineteenth Avenue

07 4743 2577

07 4743 0310

mtisairishclub@hotmail.com

www.theirishclub.com.au

Outback at Isa

19 Marian Street

07 4749 1555

07 4743 6296

info@outbackatisa.com.au

www.outbackatisa.com.au

Underground Hospital & Museum

Joan Street

07 4749 0281

Xstrata Mount Isa Rotary Rodeo

19 Marian Street

07 4743 2706

07 4743 8435

enquiries@isarodeo.com.au

www.isarodeo.com.au

Bruford Street

07 4658 5610

07 4658 5686

llorac@activ8.net.au

www.muttaburra.com

Morven Historical Museum Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic

Muttaburra

Dr Arratta Memorial Museum & AA Cassimatis Store

76

diane03@bigpond.com

Attractions

Street Address

Phone

Fax

Email

Website

Richmond

91-93 Goldring Street

07 4741 3429

07 4741 3802

enquiries@kronosauruskorner.com.au

www.kronosauruskorner.com.au

Rockhampton

134-136 William Street

07 4922 2989

07 4921 3787

beefexpo@beefaustralia.com.au

www.beefaustralia.com.au

Rubyvale

97 Heritage Road

07 4985 4444

07 4981 0099

miners.h@bigpond.com.au

www.minersheritage.com.au

Rubyvale Gem Gallery & Apartments

3 Main Street

07 4985 4388

07 4985 4380

rubyvalegemgallery@bigpond.com

www.rubyvalegemgallery.com

Sapphire

Freedom Road

07 4985 4375

info@gemfest.com.au

www.gemfest.com.au

Tambo

17 Arthur Street

07 4654 6223

07 4654 6223

tamboteddies@bigpond.com

www.tamboteddies.com.au

Winton

Australian Age of Dinosaurs

Landsborough Highway, “The Jump Up” Road

07 4657 0078

07 4657 0045

info@australianageofdinosaurs.com

www.australianageofdinosaurs.com

Corfield & Fitzmaurice

Elderslie Street

07 4657 1486

07 4657 1486

tourism@matildacentre.com.au

www.experiencewinton.com.au

Dinosaur Stampede at Lark Quarry Conservation Park

Winton Jundah Road

1300 665 115

07 4657 1886

vic@matildacentre.com.au

www.dinosaurstrackways.com.au

Outback Festival

60 Oondooroo Street

07 4657 1558

07 4657 1558

outbackfestival@bigpond.com

www.outbackfestival.org

Waltzing Matilda Centre

50 Elderslie Street

07 4657 1466

07 4657 1886

waltzing@matildacentre.com.au

www.matildacentre.com.au

Winton Camel Races

Winton Showgrounds

07 4741 7185

07 4741 7185

blacket64@skymesh.com.au

www.experiencewinton.com.au

Winton Opal Company

80 Elderslie Street

07 4657 0747

Winton’s Diamantina Heritage Truck and Machinery Museum

Lot 2, Hughenden Road

0429 806 140

07 4657 1558

heritagetruckswinton@hotmail.com

Wookatook Gift & Gem

71-73 Elderslie Street

07 4657 1296

07 4657 1541

wooka2@bigpond.net.au

Winton-hughendenrichmond

Winton, Hughenden, Richmond

1800 247 966

Kronosaurus Korner Beef Australia

Miner’s Heritage Walk-In Mine

GemFest Festival of Gems Tambo Teddies

Australia's Dinosaur Trail

Winton-Laverton

0418 785 285

The Outback Way

Visitor Information Centres

wintonopalcompany@gmail.com www.wintontruckmuseum.com

www.australiasdinosaurtrail.com

07 4661 7783

info@outbackway.org.au

www.outbackway.org.au

Street Address

Phone

Fax

Email

Website

07 4985 1050

alpha007@bigpond.com

www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

ALPHA

Rowley Roberts Tourist Information Centre

Shakespeare Street

07 4985 1050

ARAMAC

Aramac Post Office

Gordon Street

07 4651 3147

Augathella

Augathella Library & Information Centre

Main Street

07 4654 5247

BARCALDINE

Barcaldine Tourist Information Centre

Oak Street

07 4651 1724

BEDOURIE

Bedourie Outback Visitor Centre

506 Herbert Street

BIRDSVILLE

Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre

BLACKALL

www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au Augathella_library@bigpond.com

www.murweh.qld.gov.au

07 4651 2243

infocentre@barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

1300 794 257

07 4746 1272

visitors@diamantina.qld.gov.au

www.diamantina.qld.gov.au

Billabong Boulevard

07 4656 3300

07 4656 3302

info@diamantina.qld.gov.au

www.diamantina.qld.gov.au

Blackall Visitor Information Centre

108a Shamrock Street

07 4657 4637

07 4657 4913

binfo@btrc.qld.gov.au

www.btrc.qld.gov.au

BOULIA

Min Min Encounter

25 Herbert Street

07 4746 3386

07 4746 3387

tourism@boulia.qld.gov.au

www.boulia.qld.gov.au

CHARLEVILLE

Charleville Visitor Information Centre

Qantas Drive

07 4654 7771

07 4654 7772

tourism@murweh.qld.gov.au

www.murweh.qld.gov.au

CHARTERS TOWERS

Charters Towers Visitor Information Centre

74 Mosman Street

07 4761 5533

07 4761 5536

tourinfo@charterstowers.qld.gov.au

www.charterstowers.qld.gov.au

CLONCURRY

Cloncurry Information Centre

McIlwraith Street

07 4742 1361

07 4742 1361

info@cloncurry.qld.gov.au

www.cloncurry.qld.gov.au

CUNNAMULLA

Cunnamulla Fella Centre

2 Jane Street

07 4655 8470

07 4655 1120

cunnamullainfo@paroo.qld.gov.au

www.paroo.qld.gov.au

HUGHENDEN

Flinders Discovery Centre

37 Gray Street

07 4741 2970

07 4741 1029

info@flinders.qld.gov.au

www.flinders.qld.gov.au www.longreach.qld.gov.au

ILFRACOMBE

Wellshot Centre

9 McMaster Drive

07 4658 3551

07 4658 2598

admin1.ilfracombe@longreach. qld.gov.au

ISISFORD

Isisford Branch Office

20 Mary Street

07 46 58 8900

07 4658 8950

admin1.isisford@longreach.qld. gov.au

www.longreach.qld.gov.au

JERICHO

Jericho Tourism Information Centre

Darwin Street

07 4651 4129

07 4651 4133

jerichoi@barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

JULIA CREEK

At the Creek

34 Burke Street

07 4746 7690

07 4746 7005

tourism@mckinlay.qld.gov.au

www.atthecreek.com.au

JUNDAH

Jundah Visitor Information Centre

11 Dickson Street

07 4658 6930

07 4658 6221

jundahinfo@barcoo.qld.gov.au

www.barcoo.qld.gov.au

KARUMBA

Karumba Visitor Information Centre and Library

Walker Street

07 4745 9582

07 4745 9145

tourism@carpentaria.qld.gov.au

www.carpentaria.qld.gov.au

LONGREACH

Longreach Visitor Information Centre

Qantas Park, 97 Eagle Street

07 4658 4150

07 4658 4177

tourism@longreach.qld.gov.au

www.longreach.qld.gov.au

Morven

Morven Friendly Grocer & Visitor Information

Albert Street

07 4654 8231

MT ISA

Outback At Isa

19 Marian Street

07 4749 1555

MUTTABURRA

Muttaburra Post Office

Sword Street

07 4658 7147

NORMANTON

Normanton Visitor Information Centre and Library

Cnr Landsborough Hway & Caroline St

07 4745 1065

www.murweh.qld.gov.au 07 4743 6269

info@outbackatisa.com.au

www.outbackatisa.com.au www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

07 4745 1072

tourism@carpentaria.qld.gov.au

www.carpentaria.qld.gov.au

77

Visitor Information Centres

Street Address

Phone

Fax

Email

Website

QUILPIE

Quilpie Visitor Information Centre

51 Brolga Street

07 4656 0540

07 4656 1441

tourism@quilpie.qld.gov.au

www.quilpie.qld.gov.au

RICHMOND

Kronosaurus Korner

91-93 Goldring Street

07 4741 3429

07 4741 3802

enquiries@kronosauruskorner. com.au

www.kronosauruskorner.com.au

Stonehenge

Stonehenge Community Centre

9 Stratford Street

07 4658 5857

07 4658 5859

stonehengecc@bigpond.com.au

www.barcoo.qld.gov.au

TAMBO

Tambo Visitor Information Centre

30 Arthur Street

07 4654 6408

07 4621 6660

tourism@btrc.qld.gov.au

www.btrc.qld.gov.au

THARGOMINDAH

Thargomindah Visitor Information Centre

Cnr McGregor & Eccles Streets

07 4655 3399

07 4655 3374

thargo.info@bigpond.com

www.thargotourism.com.au

WINDORAH

Windorah Visitor Information Centre

8 Maryborough Street

07 4656 3063

07 4656 3137

windorah_library@bigpond.com

www.barcoo.qld.gov.au

WINTON

Winton Visitor Information Centre

50 Elderslie Street

1300 665 115

07 4657 1886

vic@matildacentre.com.au

www.experiencewinton.com.au

Services

Street Address

Phone

Fax

Email

Website

Alpha

1 Capricorn Highway

07 4985 1233

07 4985 1383

alpha.elite@bigpond.com

www.alphaqueensland.com.au

Barcaldine

39 Oak Street

07 4651 1353

07 4651 1353

davieslj@bigpond.net.au

Barcaldine Bakery

169 Oak Street

07 4651 2999

07 4651 2999

baker@barcaldinebakery.com

Barcaldine Pharmacy

91 Oak Street

07 4651 1121

07 4651 1887

barcaldine.pharmacy@nunet. com.au

www.barcaldinepharmacy.com.au

Barcaldine Tourist Association

Oak Street

07 4651 1724

07 4651 2243

infocentre@barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

George Bourne & Associates

67 Elm Street

07 4651 2177

07 4651 1587

admin@gbassoc.com.au

www.engineeringtheoutback.com.au

Birdsville

Billabong Boulevard

07 4656 4697

07 4656 4625

Birdsville Fuel Service & Post Office

Adelaide Street

07 4656 3236

07 4656 3263

birdsvillefuelserv@bigpond.com

Brisbane

346 Waterworks Road

07 3366 1700

07 3366 1688

chp@bigpond.com

Kupro Pty Ltd - Wot’s on in Queensland

3 Aberfoyle Street

0438 052 052

07 3378 2275

warren.letters@yahoo.com.au

Cairns

22 Moore Street

07 4055 6122

07 4055 6188

sales@trav.com.au

www.trav.com.au

Camooweal

Lot 15, Barkly Highway

07 4748 2022

07 4748 2044

info@droverscamp.com.au

www.droverscamp.com.au

Charleville

Partridge Street

0417 746 554

07 4654 1050

carriewyatt@tpg.com.au

www.charlevilleracing.com

Cunnamulla

Out the Back Australia

15 Louise & Cnr Stockyard Streets

07 4655 1679

07 4655 0400

info@outthebackaustralia.com.au

www.outthebackaustralia.com

Eagle Farm

280 Curtain Ave West

07 3268 6488

07 3268 5310

spell@linklogic.com.au

www.linklogic.com.au

Hughenden

31 Moran Street

07 4741 1109

07 4741 1767

drewwestcott@bigpond.com

Ilfracombe

30-32 Main Avenue

07 4658 2265

07 4658 2265

ilfracombegeneralstore@hotmail.com

Julia Creek

43 Burke Street

0427 467 183

07 4746 7316

malone46@bigpond.net.au

Longreach

9 Wonga Street

07 4658 1136

07 4658 1136

palmbp@bigpond.net.au

Caltex Roadhouse

33 Ilfracombe Road

07 4658 1086

07 4658 2642

ruthanderson@jmrfutures.com

Cattlemen’s Bar and Grill

Landsborough Highway

07 4658 1168

07 4658 2495

helen@stockmanshalloffame.com.au

www.stockmanshalloffame.com.au

Central West Qld Remote Area Planning and Development Board

100 Galah Street

07 4652 5600

07 4652 5699

rapad@rapad.com.au

www.rapad.com.au

Central West Travel

Longreach Airport, Landsborough Highway

07 4658 1155

07 4658 3084

cwtrav@bigpond.net.au

Irvines

115 Eagle Street

07 4658 1666

07 4658 3048

judy@irvines.com.au

Johnno’s Camper Trailers

27 Thrush Street

0438 739 199

Longreach Regional Tourism Association

PO Box 222

07 4658 1288

Longreach Shell Service Centre

Ilfracombe Road

07 4658 1706

Longreach Tyre Centre

143 Eagle Street

07 4658 1207

07 4658 2371

wynntyres@bigpond.com

McGinness’ Restaurant (Qantas Founders)

Sir Hudson Fysh Drive

07 4658 3737

07 4658 0707

info@qfom.com.au

Merino Bakery

120 Eagle Street

07 4658 1715

07 4658 0045

benandalice@telstra.com

Myers Newsagency

113 Eagle Street

07 4658 1324

07 4658 0386

myersnews@antenna-tech.com.au

Mount Isa

28-30 Traders Way

07 4743 5957

07 4743 0074

pieliz@bigpond.com

Carpentaria Newspapers Pty Ltd

112 Camooweal Street

07 4743 3355

07 4749 1190

admin@starnews.com.au

www.northweststar.com.au

Mount Isa Chamber of Commerce & Tourism

22 West Street

07 4743 9881

07 4743 7266

admin@mountisachamber.com.au

www.mountisachamber.com.au

Mount Isa Irish Association

1 Nineteenth Avenue

07 4743 2577

07 4743 0310

mtisairishclub@hotmail.com

www.theirishclub.com.au

The Alpha Gateway & Café AL Davies

Birdsville Bakery

Campbell Higginson Town Planner

Parker Travel Collection Drover’s Camp Assoc. Inc Central Warrego Race Club

Link Logic

Hughenden 5 Star Supermarket Ilfracombe General Store & Cafe Stephen Malone Photography BP Longreach

Aussie Bake

78

07 4658 3277

www.birdsvillebakery.com

www.smalone.com.au

longreach@campertrailer.com.au

www.longreach.campertrailer.com.au

longreachrta@gmail.com

www.longreachrc.qld.gov.au

kinsey@bigpond.net.au

www.qfom.com.au

Services

Street Address

Phone

Fax

Email

Website

Mount Isa Con't The Buffs Club

Cnr Grace & Simpson Streets

07 4743 2365

07 4743 7773

contact@buffs.com.au

www.buffs.com.au

Sapphire

PO Box 303

07 4985 4403

gems@coolamonsapphires.com

www.coolamonsapphires.com

Tambo

32 Arthur Street

07 4654 6288

07 4654 6119

tambofoodworks@bigpond.com

Thargomindah

Dowling Street

07 4655 3399

07 4655 3374

thargo.info@bigpond.com

Winton

76A Elderslie Street

07 4657 1242

07 4657 1763

winton.gs@bigpond.com

BP Winton Roadhouse

35 Chirnside Street

07 4657 0199

07 4657 1725

bp.wintonroadhouse@ reliancepetroleum.com.au

www.reliancepetroleum.com.au

O’Regan and Partners Chartered Accountants

11 Oondooroo Street

07 4657 1300

07 4657 1300

mountisa@oreganaccountants. com.au

www.oreganpartners.com

Orlando Orchards Fresh Fruit & Veg

15 Oondooroo Street

07 4657 1398

07 4657 1398

Searles Outback Store

72 Elderslie Street

07 4657 1450

07 4657 1122

Spar Winton

Cnr Vindex & Manuka Streets

07 4657 1254

07 4657 1202

winton@5staronline.net

Tuff Tyres Winton

40 Chirnside Street

mitchellearth@bigpond.com

k.ludwick@hotmail.com

Woolloongabba

38-40 Fisher St, East Brisbane

07 3334 8000

07 3391 5118

michael@vinkpub.com

Children Welcome •

•

Disabled Facilities

Hotel/Motel

Meals •

•

•

Camping

• •

• • •

• • •

•

• •

•

•

• * on some tours

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

• •

•

• • •

•

•

• •

•

• •

•

•

•

•

•

•

• •

•

•

•

•

• • •

• •

Winton / Carisbrooke Station “Carisbrooke Station” P 07 4657 0084 F 07 4657 0086 E carisbrooke@reachnet.com.au www.carisbrooketours.com.au

•

•

Springwood / Fun Over Fifty Pty Ltd P 1300 554 505 F 07 3808 3955 E info@funoverfifty.com.au www.funoverfifty.com.au

•

• •

Quilpie / Skinny Dingo Tours 36 Brolga Street P 1300 858 867 E info@outbackmailrun.com www.outbackmailrun.com

•

Mount Isa / Rugged Aussie Adventures Breakaway Drive P 07 4743 2756 F 07 4743 2749 E ruggedadventures@bigpond.com www.ruggedaussieadventures.com

•

Mitchell / Claravale Tours “The Cottage”, Claravale P 07 4623 2721 F 07 4623 2721 E our.cottage@bigpond.com www.claravale.webls.net

•

Longreach / Queensland Helicopters C/-Longreach Airport, Hangar Road P 0417 624 422 E qldheli@bigpond.com www.queenslandhelicopters.com.au Maryborough / Down Under Tours Cnr Tooley & Normanby Streets P 07 4123 1733 F 07 4121 4889 E admin@downundercoachtours.com.au www.downundercoachtours.com.au

Tag Along •

• • •

• •

•

•

•

Longreach / Kinnon & Co 115a Eagle Street P 07 4658 1776 F 07 4658 1794 E info@kinnonandco.com.au www.kinnonandco.com.au Longreach / Outback Aussie Tours Longreach Railway Station P 1300 787 890 F 07 4658 3350 E info@oat.net.au www.outbackaussietours.com.au

•

• • •

•

• •

Longreach / Heritage Tag-a-Long Tours Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame P 07 4658 2166 F 07 4658 2495 E tagalong@stockmanshalloffame.com.au www.stockmanshalloffame.com.au

•

• •

•

• •

•

•

Lawn Hill / Adels Grove Lot 3, Lawn Hill Gregory Road P 07 4748 5502 F 07 4748 5600 E reservations@adelsgrove.com.au www.adelsgrove.com.au Longreach / Air Central West Pty Ltd “Llewellyn” P 07 4658 9187 F 07 4658 9253 E plowens2@bigpond.com www.aircentralwest.com.au

•

•

•

•

Georgetown/Forsayth Cobbold Gorge Tours Agate Creek Road P 07 4062 5470 F 07 4062 5453 E cobboldgorge@bigpond.com www.cobboldgorge.com.au Karumba / Sweers Island Resort Pty Ltd Sweers Island P 07 4748 5544 F 07 4748 5644 E sweers@westnet.com.au www.sweers.com.au

•

•

• •

Cunnamulla / Out the Back Australia 15 Louise Street & Cnr Stockyard Street P 07 4655 1679 F 07 4655 0400 E info@outthebackaustralia.com.au www.outthebackaustralia.com.au

•

• • •

Charleville / Travel West Lot 1 Frawley Street P 1800 654 541 E info@travelwest.com.au www.travelwest.com.au

•

Charleville / Outback Airtours 1 Qantas Drive P 07 4654 3033 F 07 4654 3395 E tours@swas.net.au www.outbackairtours.com

•

Charleville / Cruisin’ Charleville Taxi Tour 1 Qantas Drive P 07 4654 7771 F 07 4654 7772 E obguides@bigpond.com www.murweh.qld.gov.au

•

Burketown / Savannah Aviation Cnr Beams & Bowen Streets P 07 4745 5177 F 07 4745 5211 E savair@bigpond.com www.savannah-aviation.com Cairns / Oz Tour Safaris Lot 1, Captain Cook Highway P 1800 079 006 F 07 4055 9535 E info@oztours.com.au www.oztours.com.au

Non Smoking

Four Wheel Drive

• •

•

www.vinkpub.com

• •

Birdsville / Skinny Dingo Tours Florence Street P 07 4656 3160 F 07 4656 3167 E flights@centraleagleaviation.com.au www.centraleagleaviation.com.au

•

Birdsville / Central Eagle Aviation Billabong Boulevarde P 07 4656 3160 E flights@centraleagleaviation.com.au www.centraleagleaviation.com.au

•

Tour Operators

•

VINK Publishing

Coach/ Coaster

07 4657 1841

Half Day or Less

07 4657 1340

Day Tour

73 Elderslie Street

Extended

Winton Pharmacy

•

07 4657 0711 07 4657 1541

•

07 4657 0700 07 4657 1296

Aircraft

Winton Business & Tourism Association

•

Balamara Bakery

www.thargotourism.com.au

•

Dowling Track Promotions Group

•

Tambo Foodworks

•

Coolamon Mining Pty Ltd

79

Twenty 'must do' experiences on your next adventure to Outback Queensland These experiences will enthral, excite, challenge and energise, but most of all are some of a very long list of ‘Must do’s’ when visiting Outback Queensland.

’ of Add them to your ‘Bucket List

experiences!

outback sunset Watch the amazing colours of an See Lake Eyre from the air the floods See wildflowers in bloom after hway hundreds of cattle to cross the hig Talk to a drover as you wait for k pub Meet a local in a famous outbac er rain See the landscape come to life aft

What is your sc ore?

0- 5 What h ave you been d oing?

6-10 Pack yo ur bags for you r next adventure 11-15 You nee d to get off the beaten track 16-20 You’re almost a local!

oons Fish remote rivers, lakes and lag e to life at sunset See amazing rock formations com d yarns (and tell your own) Sit by the campfire and get tol a rodeo Feel your pulse race as you watch m the comfort of your car, fro ard ky bac t ges big ’s rld wo Look out over the caravan, tent or farm stay birdlife) fari’ (kangaroos, emus, camels, Spot wildlife on an outback ‘sa tional park Take a bushwalk through a na

Visit a famous outback event or participate in a dinosaur dig ls opa d an s ire ph sap , nes sto Go fossicking for gem Catch a barra or a mudcrab or festival Attend a local agricultural show explore Drive off the beaten track and el or yabbie race Place a bet on a local horse, cam sky and the millions of stars ht nig the w vie d an g swa a in Sleep , culture, history and rs te ac ar ch its r fo s ou m fa “Outback Queensland is ine Aussie embrace of nu ge e th el fe rs ito vis e d come ancient landscape wher s. So pack your bags an itie un m m co g in m lco a vast network of we and say gidday!”

To add more Outback Queensland experiences to your Bucket List: Phone – 1800 247 966 Website – www.adventureoutback.com.au Facebook – www.facebook.com/QueenslandsOutback Twitter – www.twitter.com/outback_qld

can help you throughout

Queensland

Accredited Visitor Information Centres offer friendly, professional holiday advice and booking assistance.

Thursday Is.

Mossman Port Douglas

Gre a t

Bamaga

Weipa

B

Kuranda Mareeba Atherton Herberton Malanda Ravenshoe

a

rr ie

Coen

W

o

r

Gympie

Burketown

Normanton

SA VA NNAH WA Y

Georgetown

Croydon

Burke and Wills Junction

Cardwell

Hinchinbrook Is. Orpheus Is. Magnetic Is.

Ingham TOWNSVILLE

Ayr OVERLANDE R’S

HI Camooweal GHW A

Mount Isa

Y

Cloncurry M

HWAY

Richmond

Marian

TH

Kynuna

INL

Beenleigh Mt Tamborine Harbourtown Surfers Canungra Paradise Coolangatta

R

Yeppoon

GR O E UT

Great Keppel Is.

Rockhampton Blackwater

Heron Is. Gladstone Tannum Sands MA Miriam Vale Lady Elliot Is. Biloela TIL Rolleston Agnes Water D Blackall C Gin Gin Bundaberg Tambo Eidsvold Childers Fraser Is. Windorah Hervey Bay W AY Maryborough Injune Augathella Gayndah Tiaro Gympie WARREGO HIG HWAY Charleville Noosa Kingaroy Nambour Roma Mooloolaba Mitchell Quilpie Chinchilla Maleny Caloundra Miles Moreton Is. Dalby BRISBANE Toowoomba Moonie St George Thargomindah North Stradbroke Is. Ipswich South Stradbroke Is. Inglewood Cunnamulla Warwick Surfers Paradise Goondiwindi Stanthorpe A U ST

Jericho

RA

LI

S A’

C HHA RDT

Y NT R OU

LE I

WAY IGH AH

Betoota

N D WAY

IG HWAY

GREAT INLA

MATI LDA H

WAY HIGH

Birdsville

IN

Emerald CAPRICORN HIGHWAY

Barcaldine

Bedourie

A Y

Longreach

Clermont

Boonah Warwick Beaudesert Rathdowney

OU

W

D

Muttaburra Boulia

Strathpine

TT

AN

Winton

Caboolture

Bribie Island Redcliffe Wynnum Manly Toowoomba Lockyer Dunwich Brisbane Valley Cleveland Ipswich

Sarina

AS IFIC CO PAC

E AT

AH IGH WA Y

Noosa Coolum Maroochydore Mooloolaba Kawana Caloundra

Fernvale

Gatton

Brampton Is. Mackay

Hughenden GR

ILD

Esk Hampton

WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS Home Hill Bowen Airlie Beach Proserpine

E

Dajarra

OVERLANDER’S HIG

Julia Creek AT

Charters Towers

e ag rit He

E

Murgon Kybong Wondai Nambour Kingaroy Montville Maleny Nanango Blackbutt Beerwah

ld

Mossman Green Is. CAIRNS Fitzroy Is. Chillagoe Atherton Babinda Innisfail Ravenshoe Dunk Is. Tully

Karumba RIN

Bedarra Is. Hinchinbrook Is.

e Re

f

Cooktown

Port Douglas Mareeba

TO K A THE

Innisfail Mission Beach Dunk Is.

Cardwell

r

Pormpuraaw Kowanyama

Fitzroy Is. Babinda

Tully

Lizard Is.

Laura

Green Is.

CAIRNS

When holidaying in Outback Queensland, keep an eye out for the yellow on blue italicised ‘i’ sign. Staff at accredited Visitor Information Centres can give you friendly advice on all things such as weather and road conditions, where to stay and what to do, and help book your accommodation and activities. So drop in for all your information needs including maps and brochures, or even just to have a chat with a local!

For centre contact details and holiday information visit:

queenslandholidays.com.au/vics or download the FREE

‘Tourism Queensland’ iPhone App

ACCREDITED VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES This sign denotes genuine, quality visitor information centres. These centres have achieved specified industry standards and are recognised within their region as genuine, quality information providers.

BARCALDINE

Barcaldine Tourist Information Centre Oak Street, Barcaldine P (07) 4651 1724 F (07) 4651 2243 infocentre@barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

BEDOURIE

Bedourie Outback Visitor Centre 506 Herbert Street, Bedourie P 1300 794 257 F (07) 4746 1272 visitors@diamantina.qld.gov.au www.diamantina.qld.gov.au

BIRDSVILLE

Wirrarri Visitor information Centre Billabong Boulevard, Birdsville P (07) 4656 3300 F (07) 4656 3302 info@diamantina.qld.gov.au www.diamantina.qld.gov.au

BLACKALL

Blackall Visitor Information Centre 108A Shamrock Street, Blackall P (07) 4657 4637 F (07) 4657 4913 binfo@btrc.qld.gov.au www.btrc.qld.gov.au

BOULIA

Min Min Encounter 25 Herbert Street, Boulia P (07) 4746 3386 F (07) 4746 3387 tourism@boulia.qld.gov.au www.boulia.qld.gov.au

CHARLEVILLE

Charleville Visitor Information Centre Qantas Drive, Charleville P (07) 4654 7771 F (07) 4654 7772 tourism@murweh.qld.gov.au www.murweh.qld.gov.au

Starlight’s Lookout

CHARTERS TOWERS

Charters Towers Visitor Information Centre 74 Mosman Street, Charters Towers P (07) 4761 5533 F (07) 4761 5536 tourinfo@charterstowers.qld.gov.au www.charterstowers.qld.gov.au

CUNNAMULLA

MOUNT ISA

Outback at Isa 19 Marian Street, Mount Isa P (07) 4749 1555 F (07) 4743 6296 info@outbackatisa.com.au www.outbackatisa.com.au

QUILPIE

Cunnamulla Fella Centre 2 Jane Street, Cunnamulla P (07) 4655 8470 F (07) 4655 1120 cunnamullainfo@paroo.qld.gov.au www.paroo.qld.gov.au

Quilpie Visitor Information Centre Museum & Gallery 51 Brolga Street, Quilpie P (07) 4656 0540 F (07) 4656 1441 tourism@quilpie.qld.gov.au www.quilpie.qld.gov.au

HUGHENDEN

RICHMOND

JULIA CREEK

WINDORAH

LONGREACH

WINTON

Flinders Discovery Centre 37 Gray Street, Hughenden P (07) 4741 2970 F (07) 4741 1029 info@flinders.qld.gov.au www.flinders.qld.gov.au At the Creek 34 Burke Street, Julia Creek P (07) 4746 7690 F (07) 4746 7005 tourism@mckinlay.qld.gov.au www.atthecreek.com.au Longreach Visitor Information Centre Qantas Park, 97 Eagle Street, Longreach P (07) 4658 4150 F (07) 4658 4177 tourism@longreach.qld.gov.au www.longreach.qld.gov.au

Kronosaurus Korner 91-93 Goldring Street, Richmond P (07) 4741 3429 F (07) 4741 3802 enquiries@kronosauruskorner.com.au www.kronosauruskorner.com.au Windorah Visitor Information Centre 8 Maryborough Street, Windorah P (07) 4656 3063 F (07) 4656 3137 windorah_library@bigpond.com www.barcoo.qld.gov.au Winton Visitor Information Centre 50 Elderslie Street, Winton P 1300 665 115 F (07) 4657 1886 vic@matildacentre.com.au www.experiencewinton.com.au

For more information or for your FREE copy of Outback Queensland Travellers' Guide please contact: Outback Queensland Tourism Association Inc P: 1800 247 966 F: (07) 4658 2834 E: info@outbackqld.com.au www.adventureoutback.com.au