searchdrives btn

ABOUT Barcaldine

Barcaldine is situated on the junction of the Capricorn and Landsborough Highways and is known as the Garden City of the West. Many visitors use Barcaldine as a base from which to explore central west Queensland. The extensive range of accommodation and shopping facilities make Barcaldine a relaxing place to stay, recover and explore. Barcaldine is the largest town in the Barcaldine Regional Council area, and it is proud of its interesting and famous history.

Barcaldine is home to the Tree of Knowledge, the reputed birthplace of the labour movement in Australia. The Tree – a ghost gum – grew outside the Railway Station for about 180 years until 2006 when sadly, it was poisoned by an unknown culprit. The famous tree has been preserved and placed under an award-winning timber structure that was constructed to protect the preserved tree and celebrate its importance in Australia’s history. The structure is impressive during the day but when viewed at night is truly magnificent.

The name Barcaldine originates from the Oban region in Scotland. Donald Charles Cameron was one of the first settlers in the district and a direct descendant of the Campbells of Barcaldine Castle. He settled on a portion of land fronting the Alice River and immediately named his property “Barcaldine Downs”. The railway line came as far as Lagoon Creek in 1886 and the township of Barcaldine developed on land from the Barcaldine Downs run.

The Australian Workers Heritage Centre is a national project commemorating not just these events, which changed the course of the nation’s working history, but is a tribute to all Australian working men and women. Set in over five acres of landscaped gardens, it is also home to the Wanpa-rda Matilda Outback Education Centre, which is a unique residential facility for schools and community groups.

Barcaldine is also home to the old-world Radio Theatre, complete with its canvas seats, and the working windmill that pumps water into the sculpture designed and erected by the Youth of Barcaldine, which stands outside the information centre.

Did you know?

Barcaldine's charming facade, one that has earned it the tag of 'Garden City of the West', hides tumultuous tales of a controversial past.

Towns nearby:

Alpha Blackall Ilfracombe Jericho

LOCAL VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE VIEW TOWN ON GOOGLE MAPS

Places to stay near Barcaldine

Things to see and do near Barcaldine

While at Barcaldine 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.

More

Outback 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.

More

Outback 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.

More

Charleville’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.

More

WWII Secret Tag-A-Long Tour – Charleville

Discover why over 3500 United States Army Air Force personnel were stationed in Charleville during World War II.

More

Eromanga 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.

More

Cobbold Gorge Tours

Deep in the heart of the Gulf Savannah region of Far North Queensland is a hidden outback oasis – Cobbold Gorge.

More

St 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.

More

Cotton Farm and Vineyard Tour

Don’t miss out on experiencing the Cotton Farm and Winery Tour held from May to September.

More

Sandytown 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.

More

Discovery 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.

More

Dingo Trax – Birdsville and Outback Queensland

Whether you are a seasoned 4WD enthusiast or completely new to it all, Dingo Trax have your back!

More

Drives passing through Barcaldine

Local Stories

Pride of the Murray – An Australian Icon Comes Back to Life

The Pride of the Murray has been salvaged; a Restoration Fund is in place to help bring her back to heritage condition.

Read More

Everything you need to know about the Winton Outback Festival

Put Winton in your GPS for 19 – 23 September and get to know the Winton Outback Festival with this guide. Is there anything quirkier than a race that has someone sitting on a makeshift outhouse, AKA dunny, and being dragged around a 200m obstacle course? Australia thinks not. The Winton Outback Festival is Australia’s quirkiest event featuring 5 days of quintessential fun held during the September school […]

Read More

The Australian Workers Heritage Centre

Barcaldine – 1,072km north-west from Brisbane Set within 2 hectares of tranquil landscaped gardens the Australian Workers Heritage Centre documents the ‘Story of the Workers’ paying tribute to (among others) the participants of the 1891 Great Shearers’ Strike which led to the formation of the Australian Labor Party in 1892. Subsequently, the Manifesto of the Queensland […]

Read More

Outback Pioneers

Longreach – 1,179km north-west from Brisbane If you love history, then you’ll love Outback Pioneers’ award-winning experiences and holidays. Whether you choose a day tour, or an inclusive package stay, you can expect a warm welcome, entertaining stories and iconic encounters that capture the essence of Queensland’s outback pioneer spirit and lifestyle. And there’s so […]

Read More

WWII Secret Base

Charleville – 742km west from Brisbane Step back through time to discover the wartime secrets of Charleville. In 1943, this small town was used as a secret WWII base for 3,500 United States military personnel and as you can imagine – there’s many fascinating stories to be told! Immersive and interactive exhibits show what life […]

Read More