Outback Queensland Locations

Why not meet a few locals and book a room in an old country pub. Camp under the stars and breathe in the fresh night air, or simply enjoy the comfort of an air-conditioned motel. Take a sunset river cruise on the Thomson, see farm animals and horses on.. read more

In 1891, five years after the railway push into the Outback established the township, Barcaldine became the headquarters of the Great Shearers' Strike. One thousand shearers laid down their blades in a defiant protest that reverberated around the nation and resulted in.. read more

The twin jewels in Mount Isa's crown are the spectacular Lawn Hill Gorge in Boodjamulla National Park and its neighbour, the world-heritage listed Riversleigh Fossil Fields, both of which are accessed from Mount Isa. A must see while in Mount Isa is the Outback at Isa.. read more

Barcaldine was catapulted into the history books as the headquarters of one of the greatest upheavals in Australia's working history - the Great Shearers' Strike of 1891. The award winning Australian Workers Heritage Centre records these historic events.. read more

Birdsville began life as 'Diamantina Crossing' in 1881 and was given its present name in 1885. It is said that one Robert Frew, a local identity, gave the name as a compliment to the birdlife of the area. Another theory on the town's name is that locals.. read more

The Blackall Woolscour, an historic wool washing plant which operated on steam from 1908 to 1978, is believed to be the only complete operation of its kind left in Australia, with the original steam machinery still in place. Outback characters bring the halls to life as.. read more

But there's much more to be experienced in Boulia. Spectacular outback vistas and a myriad of native flora and fauna set the scene for what should be a memorable visit, rich in history with fossils, culture and a pioneering past. The first Europeans to pass through the.. read more

Camooweal proudly declares itself 'Gateway to the Northern Territory/Queensland'. The road from Mount Isa to the town, known to locals as 'Tojo's Highway', was built during World War II with American funds and was originally designed as a link between.. read more

In March 1888, rail transport reached Charleville. This railway gave Charleville a direct link with the state capital, Brisbane. This line still operates passenger services twice a week to Charleville on board Queensland Rail's Westlander. Cobb and Co, the famous coach.. read more

It was here where the idea for Qantas was first mooted. 'Conceived in Cloncurry, born in Winton and grew up in Longreach' goes a local saying. The original hangar still stands at the local aerodrome. The Royal Flying Doctor Service was also launched in Cloncurry.. read more

Cunnamulla is the supply town for travellers heading further west, perhaps in search of a splash of colour – for out past Eulo is opal country. The town was established to service the huge sheep and cattle properties, one of which was Tinnenburra, at.. read more

At the Eulo Queen Hotel, not only the ale flows freely, but so too do the many legends surrounding the Eulo Queen. Isobel Robinson ran the hotel towards the end of the nineteenth century – virtually reining over the town and the nearby opal fields, hence her title –.. read more

Hughenden is situated on the banks of Queensland's longest river, the Flinders. The town is located above the Great Artesian Basin and relies on sub-artesian bores for its water supply. Hughenden, the hub of the North West, has direct road access to.. read more

The establishment was called Whittown but the name was changed in 1878 to 1879 to Isisford after the ford in the river and proximity of Isis Downs Station homestead. 'Isis Downs' was named after the Isis River in England. The Barcoo River was once called.. read more

The district's main industries are cattle, sheep, and mining at BHP Cannington. Julia Creek is a major stock trucking and cattle sales centre. Its impressive saleyards are fitted with lighting for night loading and unloading. The area is home to a rare and endangered.. read more

Jundah's Historical Museum is a window into the early pioneering times of the district. Other points of interest in the town include the Jundah Post Office with its beautiful shopfront mural and the Galaxy Opal, one of the world's largest Boulder Opals.. read more

Kynuna is most famous for its links with Banjo Paterson and the 'Waltzing Matilda' poem. Folklore has it that Bob MacPherson (owner of Dagworth Station) told Banjo the story of the suicide of Samuel Hoffmeister beside the Combo Waterhole, 13 kilometres.. read more

The town's wide tree-lined streets and substantial colonial buildings reflect its early importance as the centre of a busy farming and pastoral district famous for its grains, beef and sheep. The town is rapidly becoming an important stop on the tourist route to Outback.. read more

The gorge is a great place for viewing wildlife, especially birds. Take a 2.4 kilometre walk along a track to the base of the gorge. Listen for the calls of currawongs, parrots and soaring birds of prey. Look closely to see black ducks, red-winged parrots.. read more

Queensland is the world's only producer of ironstone boulder opal and the Quilpie mining district is the largest boulder opal producer in the State with approximately 200 leases currently being worked. Opal produced in the Quilpie Shire finds its way.. read more

Crossing the rolling downs country of north west Queensland, originally opened to white settlement by the explorer William Landsborough in 1862, the township of Richmond is a welcome sight on the horizon. Situated on the Overlander's Way halfway between Townsville and.. read more

Tambo is a living museum of cultural history and a place for the visitor to gain insight into the lifestyle and heritage of Australia's forebears. There are the sites of the early European settlement that was to lead pastoralists in the 1860s to flock to Tambo taking.. read more

The first European visitors to this area included people like Vincent Dowling who in 1859 rode his horse from northern New South Wales to the Bulloo River - twelve months before the famous Burke and Wills expedition left Melbourne. Dowling returned in.. read more

Windorah's history is linked with Isisford for it was the Whitman brothers who established both towns. Originally known as Stony Point, its current name is the Aboriginal word for 'place of large fish'. This relates to Cooper's Creek, which is formed by the junction of.. read more

Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Service (Qantas), Australia's national airline was formed in Winton in November, 1920 and its first board meeting was held in the Winton Club on 21 February 1921. Winton is famous for its water supply which thrusts its way to the.. read more

Opal was first discovered at Yowah towards the end of the nineteenth century. The original mine, The Southern Cross, is still producing today and the council provides a public fossicking area for visitors. It could be your lucky day, so stay a while. Show an interest in.. read more

The locals have done a marvellous job celebrating their history, culture and dry Outback humour. A mini museum in the old butcher house displays local relics from over a century ago. Annual events include the Fishing Carnival and the Bull Ride and Gymkhana.. read more

The Old Stage Changeover Shanty - known to the locals as Netting Hole - dates back to 1875 and is located on the northern side of town, along the Warrego Highway near Amby Downs waterhole. Amby Quarry, located on the western side of town, is a lava flow.. read more

Henry ‘Harry' Redford (better know as Captain Starlight) commenced this 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.. read more

Start with a screening of the 20-minute ‘Outback to Augathella' documentary and then head off to explore the colourful murals and rustic metal sculptures throughout town. Explore Augathella by following the Heritage Trail and the River Walk. Don't miss Kenniff's.. read more

Call in for a thirst quencher at the hundred-plus year old Barringun pub, Tattersall's, and there relive some of the memories of the town's glory days. Buildings, now abandoned, include two police stations, one on the Queensland side and the other in New South Wales.. read more

Bedourie is an Oasis in the Desert. Bedourie is the administration centre of the Diamantina Shire. Covering 94,690 square metres, it is the second largest shire in Queensland and is twice the size of Denmark. Excellent town facilities include motels.. read more

Twice a year this ghost town comes alive with activity as locals and visitors alike arrive by plane, coach and motor vehicle to enjoy local events. On the first weekend after Easter it's a fun-packed weekend at the Gymkhana. On the third Saturday in September horse.. read more

The interpretive centre contains information on the world’s longest fence, the Dingo Fence. Licensed accommodation, camping, fuel, meals, telephone and souvenirs are available at the ‘Corner’. read more

The township of Cheepie is located 80 kilometres east of Quilpie on the Charleville Road. The water supply was firstly brought to town by train and stored in tanks but it was later taken from the nearby Beechal Creek, a tranquil oasis amid the arid backdrop.. read more

Pick up a copy of the Heritage Trail Guidebook and discover the history of the town that refuses to disappear. Cooladdi also boasts a great fishing sport close by at Quilberry Creek, so why not take the time to visit, kick back for a day or two and fish?.. read more

Corfield has a rich history with links to the Great Shearers' Strike but the latest claim to fame is probably its proximity to the dinosaur skeleton of a 20 to 30 tonne sauropod that once grazed the area. Corfield is located by road 83 kilometres north-west of the.. read more

The town also has a rich aboriginal heritage and is home to aboriginal tribes from around the Diamantina River, the Gulf and the Northern Territory. The old culture is upheld here. The aboriginal language is taught at the school by a couple of elders and one local elder.. read more

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 old lime quarry a little further out of town remain as reminders of more heady days. Located 123 kilometres south.. read more

Emmet is the western gateway to the spectacular Idalia National Park where dry mulga scrub and rocky escarpments are home to the yellow footed rock wallaby. read more

The Old Royal Hotel, built in 1885, is one of the original buildings and was once a Cobb and Co. Staging Post. The rustic outdoor machinery museum will soon be complemented by an indoor Living History Centre incorporating an Object Theatre. The new museum.. read more

The town was named after Irish pioneer pastoralist Thomas Hungerford. The Royal Mail Hotel was established in 1873 and from 1875 was a staging post for Cobb and Co. It is still a licensed Hotel today. Don't miss the Hungerford Horse and Motorbike Gymkhana in October.. read more

Another record claimed by the shire is that of the largest mob of sheep ever moved as a single flock. In 1886 a mob of 43,000 sheep were moved through the area by a droving team of 27 horsemen and that doesn't include the cooks, blacksmiths and hands.. read more

Whilst only a small settlement, Kajabbi stands in an area that is steeped in history. The warrior Kalkadoon tribe, after whom the local hotel is named, had their last battle against mounted troops on the slopes of nearby Battle Mountain. Mining relics, including smelter.. read more

Like many of its counterparts along the track, this little town, established more than 100 years ago, was a staging post for Cobb & Co. coaches and a social gathering point for the graziers whose vast properties surround it. McKinlay is home to the Walkabout Creek.. read more

Originally chosen as an ideal camping spot for early travellers into the Outback, a settlement formed. Even today Morven, with its garden beds and picnic tables, is regarded as a good place to take a break from driving. Morven Museum houses a must-see.. read more

One of the interesting natural features of the area is a stand of Ooline trees. On the road between Mitchell and Mungallala, the Warrego Highway crosses hills which are wooded by a specimen of a rare tree commonly known as Ooline (Cadelia Pentastylis).. read more

Experience the vastness of the true Queensland Outback and discover the Heritage Trail and Cemetery dating back to 1885. Enjoy a day exploring, bush-walking, water-skiing or fishing. If you are a keen angler you will be attracted to the headwaters of.. read more

Grab a line and fish in the Wilson River waterhole opposite the hotel, also an ideal camping spot. Noccundra holds an annual race meeting in May and a rodeo / gymkhana in October each year. Fun-filled days not to be missed! read more

Now home to a much smaller community, Opalton boasts one shop where you are likely to meet all the locals when the mail is delivered every Thursday. Try your luck in the public fossicking area. There are camping facilities at the bush park and basic.. read more