Corner Country Stories Drive

Your drive begins in Charleville - the largest town in South West Queensland and located on the banks of the Warrego River. Charleville is famous for its renowned Cosmos Centre and Observatory where you can 'Journey to Infinity' as you explore the night sky through the powerful Meade telescopes, hold meteorites in you hands and hear why Pluto was taken out of the Planet Club. Meet the delightful and interesting Bilby, one of Australia's most endangered species, at the Save the Bilby Experience. The Charleville School of Distance Education and the Charleville Royal Flying Doctor Base are also worthwhile attractions. Charleville offers a range of motel and camping accommodation. Direct flights from Brisbane are scheduled with QantasLink. Flights from Brisbane via Toowoomba are provided by Regional Express Airlines. A twice weekly rail service from Brisbane to Charleville is available on The Westlander. Hire car facilities are also available!

Departing Charleville, follow the Warrego River through the once prosperous railway settlement town of Wyandra to Cu amullla, which came into being as a Cobb and Co. coach stop. Cunnamulla is also the southern starting point on the Matilda Highway. Follow the Cunnamulla Heritage Trail to learn the story behind many of the historical buildings and businesses. See the famous 'Robbers Tree' and learn the story of the unfortunate local station hand who robbed the local bank at gunpoint. Discover the quaint township of Eulo, where you can encounter tales of Isabel 'The Eulo Queen' and learn the story of the Eulo Mud Springs. Visit Lake Bindegolly National Park; where one of the most important wetland systems in South West Queensland is conserved. Huge numbers of migratory birds and waterbirds can be seen on and around the lakes. Travel to Thargomindah, named after the Aboriginal word meaning 'Cloud of Dust', and discover the historic electrical street lighting story at the Thargomindah Artesian Hydro Power Plant, which is believed to be the oldest working unit in Australia, and possibly the world. The Old Thargomindah Hospital and the Historical Leahy House are other attractions worth visiting.

Travel west to Noccundra on the banks of the Wilson River, contained in the pastoral holding of Nockatunga Station. Tour the Noccundra Hotel, an important Cobb & Co. coach stop, built in 1882 from sandstone quarried in New South Wales and transported by camel train. Pass by large cattle stations and travel through the heart of the oil and gas fields to the famous 200 to 250 year old Burke and Wills Dig Tree, a reminder of Australia's pioneering spirit. I amincka is located on the banks of the Cooper Creek in north-east South Australia and has a permanent population of about 12 to 15 people. It is a fascinating area rich in natural, Indigenous, pastoral and explorer history. The I amincka Regional Reserve spans a total of 1.3 million hectares and is home to 200 species of birds, many native animals and reptiles. Explore the restored Australian Inland Mission building and spot local wildlife. Take a cruise on the Cooper Creek from I amincka to see Wills' grave, Burke's grave, and King's Marker where sole survivor of the ill-fated Burke and Wills expedition , John King, was found.

Follow the Cordillo Downs track 282 kilometres north to the Diamantina Developmental Road, then turn west for 117 kilometres to Birdsville. En route, visit the heritage-listed Cordillo Downs shearing shed - Australia's largest. See Cadelga Ruins and discover the hardships pastoralists encountered during the 1870s. At the end of the famous Birdsville Track is the isolated frontier town of Birdsville situated between the Simpson Desert, Sturt's Stony Desert to the south and rich Cha el Country to the north. Visit the Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre and gallery to view local artists' work. Whilst in Birdsville, enjoy a sunset from Big Red sand hill, a 40-metre-high sand dune on the Simpson Desert's eastern edge, in your own four wheel drive or on a tour with Desert Edge Tours. Birdsville Billabong also offers great sunsets and is popular for walking, kayaking, swimming or fishing. Take a short drive to the Birdsville Racetrack, which hosts the famous Birdsville Races on the first weekend in September. Visit the historic Birdsville hotel for hearty meals, cold beer and accommodation. For a great pie and some tall stories, a visit to the quirky Birdsville Bakery is a must do.......... along with a camel pie!