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ABOUT Blackall
Rich in agricultural history, heritage and outback character, Blackall is a welcoming country town located on the Matilda Way in the heart of Outback Queensland.
Named after Sir Samuel Blackall, Queensland’s second Governor, the district was first explored by Major Thomas Mitchell in 1846, with the township officially gazetted in 1868. Since then, Blackall has grown into one of western Queensland’s most iconic communities, built on the strength of its pastoral heritage and pioneering spirit.
Often described as a town that “grew on the sheep’s back”, Blackall played a significant role in Australia’s wool industry. Discover this story at the Historic Blackall Woolscour, the last remaining steam-powered wool washing facility of its kind in Australia and one of the region’s most fascinating heritage attractions.
Blackall also earned its place in Australian folklore through legendary blade shearer Jack Howe, who set a world record at Alice Downs Station in 1892 by shearing an astonishing 321 sheep in just seven hours and 40 minutes. His remarkable achievement stood unmatched for almost six decades and cemented Blackall’s reputation as a centre of shearing excellence.
Innovation has always been part of Blackall’s story. In 1885, the town became the first in outback Queensland to drill an artesian bore, unlocking a precious resource that continues to benefit the community today. Visitors can still experience the region’s artesian heritage by soaking in the naturally heated waters at the Blackall Artesian Aquatic Centre.
The town is also home to the famous Black Stump, a historic surveying site that gave rise to the enduring Australian phrase “beyond the Black Stump”, referring to places deep in the country’s remote interior.
From fascinating museums and heritage attractions to relaxing artesian waters, unique outback experiences and genuine country hospitality, Blackall offers visitors the chance to connect with the stories, landscapes and spirit of Outback Queensland.
Whether you’re stopping overnight or staying a little longer, you’ll find plenty to discover in Blackall.
Places to stay near Blackall
Oasis Motor Inn Blackall
0 kmOasis Motor Inn Blackall invites you to experience new levels of comfort as Blackall’s newest four star motel.
MoreLara Wetlands
75 kmLocated on Lara Station (a working cattle property), Lara Wetlands is a bush camping ground set around a tranquil wetland teaming with birdlife.
MoreBush Camp @ Slygo Station
85 kmThis is a hosted stay through Hipcamp, below is the information provided by the Host regarding their offering. Bush camp on the road between Jericho and Blackall. Cleared sites, with lovely bush outlooks, ideal for self-contained campers wanting peace and quiet. Lots of birdlife – great for bird watchers! On a clear night – the […]
MoreTambo Cabin & Caravan Park
94 kmThis is a hosted stay through Hipcamp, below is the information provided by the Host regarding their offering. Tambo Cabin and Caravan Park – Come stay with us! Cliff and Tanya Reid are the proud owners of this establishment. The park has had a total revamp and is coming together nicely. There’s new camp kitchen, […]
MoreThe Kings Cabins
94 kmWelcome to The Kings Cabins, modern and comfortable cabin accommodation in Tambo QLD, designed for overnight travellers, workers, contractors and families.
MoreRoyal Carrangarra Hotel
95 kmThe Royal Carrangarra Hotel has old school basic pub rooms, with shared facilities.
More“Oakwood House” at Wild Wood Park Retreat Tambo
95 kmOakwood House is a beautifully restored century-old home in the heart of Tambo, Queensland.
MoreRosewood Cottage at Wild Wood Park Retreat
95 kmRosewood Cottage is a charming historic cottage in the heart of Tambo, Queensland.
MoreBarcaldine Country Motor Inn
99 kmThe Barcaldine Country Motor Inn is a quality air-conditioned motel situated on the corner of the Capricorn and Landsborough Highways.
MoreDunblane
101 kmDunblane is a wool sheep grazing property located just off the Landsborough (Matilda) Highway 8km west of Barcaldine.
MoreIlfracombe Caravan Park
142 kmThis is a hosted stay through Hipcamp, below is the information provided by the Host regarding their offering. Located just 28km due East of Longreach on the Matilda Way, Ilfracombe Caravan Park offers shady powered van sites and comfortable cabin style accommodation. Experience a sense of freedom and adventure as you spend time exploring the […]
MoreRoyston Station
160 kmRoyston Station is a working cattle and goat property in Outback Queensland.
MoreRoyston Station Farmstay
163 kmEscape to the heart of Outback Queensland at Royston Station — a 40,000-acre working property located near Longreach.
MoreSaltbush Retreat
163 kmSaltbush Retreat’s rustic but beautiful accommodation reflects the unique textures and tones of Outback Queensland.
MoreThings to see and do near Blackall
Blackall Golf Club is a standout in Queensland’s outback golf scene — a friendly, community-focused club where every round feels like a country adventure.
Blackall Golf Club
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The Major Mitchell Memorial clock commemorates Thomas Mitchell who was the first European to explore this area back in 1846.
Major Mitchell Memorial
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Donated by Robert Perry, descendent of the circus troupe that carved their name into history when they formed way back in the 1860’s.
Perry Bros Circus Elephant
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If you like your art alfresco, then you’ll love the Blackall Sculpture Trail.
Blackall Art & Sculpture Trail
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The Jack Howe Statue is a must-see stop and a reminder of the people whose hard work built the Outback.
Meet the Legend of Jack Howe
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Anything west of here “is beyond the Black Stump”. Located behind the Blackall State Schools in Thistle Street is the Black Stump memorial.
The Black Stump – Blackall
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What better way to rest, relax and unwind after a day’s sightseeing but in the warm waters of the Great Artesian Basin at Blackall Aquatic
Blackall Artesian Aquatic Centre
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The Five Mile Waterhole is a great little waterhole which is quiet and shady location with plenty of room for keen fishermen.
Five Mile
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The Blackall Woolscour is the last remaining steam operated wool washing plant in Australia. This complex is a living museum.
Blackall Historical Woolscour
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Visitors can experience the action of a live sale from the purpose built viewing deck.
Blackall Saleyards Visitor Experience
19 km
While at Blackall why not try these Tours
Stratford Country
132 kmStratford Country offers immersive tours of Indigenous and Pioneer history and modern beef production for self-contained caravaners on all-inclusive weekends.
MoreQueensland Helicopters
160 kmQueensland Helicopters is a family owned business that prides itself on customer service and safety.
MoreOutback Aussie Tours – Outback Rail Adventure Day Tours
162 kmThe Outback Rail Adventure is Outback Aussie Tours’ newest tourism experience reconnecting visitors with the romance of rail.
MoreOutback Aussie Tours – Day Tours
162 kmOutback Aussie Tours is a family-owned local operator with over 35 years of experience and unrivalled local Outback Queensland knowledge, passion and connections.
MoreGolden West Tours – Longreach
162 kmGolden West Tours specialises in boutique tours of the sights, sounds and history of Longreach, Ilfracombe and a day tour to Winton.
MoreOutback Pioneers
162 kmOutback Pioneers’ award-winning outback tours and experiences, based in Longreach, is all about holidays and experiences that bring the pioneer past to life.
MoreSheehan Events
162 kmSheehan Events is an Australian event management company specialising in premium outback events and bespoke air tours across regional Australia.
MoreTravel West Outback Tours
201 kmTravel West operate Four Wheel Drive Motel Accommodated Tag Along Tours to Birdsville, Innamincka and the Corner Country.
MoreHotel Corones ‘History & Stories’Tour
202 kmTowns of Western Queensland have unique and amazing histories that can’t be just read about they need to be experienced.
MoreCharleville School of Distance Education
202 kmYou are invited to come along and experience the Distance Education way of schooling. Charleville School of Distance Education (formerly Charleville School of the Air)
MoreCharleville Bilby Experience
202 kmSee bilbies in their nocturnal house and learn how the breeding facilities are making a massive difference at saving them from extinction.
MoreOutback Date Farms
202 kmOutback Date Farms is an Australian, family run enterprise based in Charleville, Queensland.
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