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ABOUT Alpha
Gateway to the West.
Alpha was named after an early property in the area which was taken up in 1863 and then became established as a service town for railway construction workers. The town belongs to the Barcaldine Shire, one of Queensland’s largest cattle producing areas. Located on the Capricorn Highway, its streets are named after poets, the main street being Shakespeare Street.
The region is famous for its petrified wood and you can see firsthand the sculpture by Cedar Creek artist Antone Bruinsma. It is a representation of a boulder that has been opened to reveal its treasures and mysteries with the Fossilised Forest Sculpture in the main street. The exterior of the sculpture has interesting forms, carvings and stone attachments to reflect the history of the prehistoric area in which petrified wood formed.
Take a leisurely walk around the ‘Town of Murals’ and view the 27 murals Alpha has to offer. The murals have been painted by local resident artists and beautifully pay tribute to the pioneers of the bush and the history of the district.
You can soak up Alpha’s history at the Jane Neville Rolfe Art Gallery, the Tivoli Theatre Museum, the New Bridge, Beta Hut and Settlers Park.
Places to stay near Alpha
Mitchell Grass Retreat
Luxury Under Canvas. Opened in 2020, Mitchell Grass Retreat is a luxury glamping retreat based in Longreach, Outback Queensland.
MoreBailey Bar Caravan Park
This little tree lined park is a winter haven for many travellers looking for a homely stop over on their way to the north.
MoreCamp at Neville Hewitt Weir, Baralaba
Chain Lagoons is a free camping area not far from Taroom.
MoreMaree’s Farmstay
Maree’s Farmstay is an Airbnb Farmstay on a Brahman cattle station situated right beside Mount Moffatt Carnarvon National Park.
MoreCamp at Goovigen Recreation Grounds
Goovigen Recreation Grounds is a quiet, low-cost campground located on Stone Crescent in Goovigen. Grassy and slab sites available with easy access from the highway.
MoreCamp at Chain Lagoons, Taroom
Chain Lagoons is a free camping area not far from Taroom.
Located off the Leichhardt Way on Chain Lagoons Road.
MoreThe Lake Quilpie
The Lake Quilpie offers a range of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets.
MoreCamp at Cracow Town
There is a small campsite that is donation camping, the sites are powered and there are facilities and showers.
MoreCharlotte Plains
Charlotte Plains is a family-owned and operated sheep station near Cunnamulla Queensland!
MoreThings to see and do near Alpha
Redbank Park is loated on the banks of the Jordan River just east of Jericho.
Redbank Park, Jericho
Step back in time where everyday early outback life is on display at Morven Historical Museum.
Morven Historical Museum
Today, Saddliers Waterhole and Hamburg Creek are a traveller’s oasis.
Saddliers Waterhole and Hamburg Creek
The Maranoa Art Gallery is housed in the beautifully transformed old Maranoa Picture Theatre and is the cultural hub of Mitchell.
Mitchell on Maranoa Art Gallery
Inside the heritage listed Corfield and Fitzmaurice building awaits one of the nation’s most comprehensive displays of Australian Dinosaur fossils.
Corfield and Fitzmaurice Building
Greycliffe Homestead was originally built in the 1870s and constructed of slabs cut with adze and a pitsaw, rafters were crafted from round bush timber.
Greycliffe Homestead
Beat the heat and relax at the Quilpie Swimming Pool Complex. There is a children’s wading pool and kiosk available for your convenience.
Quilpie Memorial Swimming Pool
The Whitula Gate Museum is based around an original slab hut built by the Rabbit Board in 1906 as a boundary riders’ hut.
Whitula Gate Museum
When travelling the Overlanders Way, between Townsville and Mount Isa, the Jack Brown Lions Park at Richmond presents itself as a halfway stopover.
Jack Brown Lions Park
Unlock your inner-palaeontologist and explore Australia’s ancient marine past at Richmond’s Free Fossil Hunting Sites.
Richmond Fossil Hunting Sites
While at Alpha why not try these Tours
Outback Aussie Tours – Day Tours
Outback Aussie Tours is a family-owned local operator with over 35 years of experience and unrivalled local Outback Queensland knowledge, passion and connections.
MoreOutback Aussie Tours – Outback Rail Adventure Day Tours
The Outback Rail Adventure is Outback Aussie Tours’ newest tourism experience reconnecting our visitors with the romance of rail.
MoreOutback Pioneers
Outback Pioneers’ award-winning outback tours and experiences, based in Longreach, is all about holidays and experiences that bring the pioneer past to life.
MoreCharleville’s ‘Magnificent 7’
Discover stars, WWII secrets and bilbies for starters on Charleville’s ‘Magnificent 7’ day tour in Outback Queensland. Morning tea, lunch and transfers included.
MoreWWII Secret Tag-A-Long Tour – Charleville
Discover why over 3500 United States Army Air Force personnel were stationed in Charleville during World War II.
MoreEromanga Natural History Museum
The Eromanga Natural History Museum is committed to discovering, conserving and showcasing the fossil, natural and cultural heritage from the prehistoric and modern-day environments.
MoreSt George Heritage Tour
Discover the stories and legends of St George, including a visit to the Anchorage Homestead with a fully guided tour including morning tea.
MoreCotton Farm and Vineyard Tour
Don’t miss out on experiencing the Cotton Farm and Winery Tour held from May to September.
MoreSandytown River Cruises
Sandytown River Cruises offers visitors an opportunity to experience the beautiful Balonne River, a small but important part of Queensland’s inland river system.
MoreCobbold Gorge Tours
Deep in the heart of the Gulf Savannah region of Far North Queensland is a hidden outback oasis – Cobbold Gorge.
MoreDiscovery Experiences – Undara
Only 3½ hours drive from Cairns and four hours from Townsville in Tropical North Queensland, you’ll discover a land so different in contrasts…. Undara.
MoreDingo Trax – Birdsville and Outback Queensland
Whether you are a seasoned 4WD enthusiast or completely new to it all, Dingo Trax have your back!
More