10 things to do in Cunnamulla
If you trace your fingers along a map of the Matilda Way and Adventure Way, they’ll meet each other in Cunnamulla.
Whether you’re heading from Melbourne to the Gulf or Brisbane to South Australia, this outback town will end up in your travel agenda.
Perched on the banks of the Warrego River, you’ll find Cunnamulla 780km west of Brisbane and 140km north of the New South Wales border.
This town was once where bullock teams passed through and shearers spilled from bar windows; but today the small town is known for its natural outback beauty and outback hospitality.
Here are ten things to do in Cunnamulla.
1. Visit the Cunnamulla Fella
Paying tribute to the region’s pastoral heritage, Aussie icon Slim Dusty often wandered the streets of Cunnamulla and popularised the tune, Cunnamulla Fella.
In tribute to the well-known outback song, the giant Cunnamulla Fella in the centre of town is hard to miss.
And while you’re there, stop in at the Cunnamulla Fella Visitor Information Centre to see their museum, art gallery, and Artesian Time Tunnel!
2. Find endless fun at the Warrego River
The Warrego River is much more than a place for fishing fanatics. You can go birdwatching, kayaking, fishing, yabbying and top it off with a swim.
If you’re after a more relaxing time in town, kick back on the banks or unwind with a stroll along the dirt 1.6km Warrego River Walk for a lazy afternoon and check out the local flora and fauna.
3. Make mates with Skippy and Emus
If you’re wanting to spot a kangaroo or emu on your outback trip, Cunnamulla is the place to be.
With approximately 950 roos per person in Cunnamulla and countless emus, this town takes home the title of ‘Outback Queensland’s largest roo and emu population’.
Be wary while driving around Cunnamulla as these mates often hop, skip and jump near the roads, so check out these safety tips here.
4. Meet megafauna at Eulo
Ever wondered if the Australian bunyip was fact or fiction? It’s said that the mythical creature may be a cultural memory of a Diprotodon, a species of Australian megafauna and the largest marsupial ever discovered. Guess what? If you’re looking for one, you’ll find their fossilised remains a short 69km trip up the road in Eulo.
Megafauna evolved after the dinosaur era; although extinct, you can still see their decedents like roos, crocs and wombats today.
Want to get digging? You can help dig for megafauna in Eulo with the help of the Eromanga Natural History Museum who run five day long dig experiences in each August.
5. Get fossicking in Yowah
Make the 160km trip to Yowah for the chance to walk around a living opal gallery.
You’ll find all forms of opal in Yowah, but keep your eyes peeled in the fossicking field for the Yowah nut, a precious opal in siliceous ironstone nodules.
Majority of the town’s residents are small scale opal miners, so if you’re looking for a hot fossicking tip, just ask a local.
6. Embark on a captivating journey into Cunnamulla’s railway history
As you step into a contemporary theater in the town’s historic weatherboard Railway Station, prepare to be transported back in time at Cunnamulla’s All Aboard 3D audio-visual experience.
A giant screen with authentic props serves as the backdrop for tall tales and real-life stories. These stories are narrated by a lively holographic Station Master, guiding you through a visual spectacle where you’ll encounter numerous locals recounting their fond and amusing recollections of both the trains and the vibrant personalities who frequented them.
This attraction is staffed by dedicated volunteers, so why not drop by and show your support!
7. Get your nature lover on at Currawinya National Park and Lake Bindegolly
For National Park lovers, Cunnamulla is a great base to discover two of the finest natural encounters in the bush.
Take a day trip to Lake Bindegolly, an important feeding and breeding habitat for over 60 species of waterbirds and one of the most important wetland systems in the south-west.
Or visit one of Queensland’s biggest National Parks, Currawinya National Park and explore Lake Wyara and Lake Numulla, home to some of Australia’s most important inland waterbird habitats.
8. Enjoy festival fun at the Cunnamulla Fella Roundup and Outback River Lights Festival
In August each year, cowboys, bull riders, shearers and stockmen herd to Cunnamulla for a weekend to celebrate outback spirit and heritage.
And in the Easter Holidays, Cunnamulla lights up with a celebration of the outback lifestyle showcased through live music, arts light displays and our event spectacular.
9. Visit the Cunnamulla Hot Springs
Due to open in late 2023!
This incredible experience beside the Warrego River will feature multiple free-flowing pools filled with mineral rich artesian water of all different temperatures, naturally heated by the artesian basin that runs underground below.
There’ll be hot pools to dip into for a steamy session and cold plunge pools to chill your body, saunas and steam-room, all alongside the river with ample natural surroundings.
10. Find your new favourite camping spot at Charlotte Plains Station
If you like camping spots with more room to move, take your camper trailer to Charlotte Plains Station.
Here, you can camp waterside and jump straight into the artesian springs from your portable home.
Catch the last rays of light or try spot a shooting star from the comforts of one of the tubs or spring.
