Outback Towns and Drives

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Blackall

ABOUT Blackall

Named after Sir Samuel Blackall, the second Governor of Queensland, Blackall is located on the Matilda Highway . The district was discovered in 1846 by explorer Major Thomas Mitchell and the township was gazetted in 1868; there is plenty of heritage and history to uncover.

Literally growing on the sheep’s back, Blackall became a thriving outback township. You can discover all about the wool industry at the Historic Blackall Woolscour, the last remaining scour in Australia, a virtual living museum.

Blade shearer Jack Howe put Blackall on the map in 1892 at ‘Alice Downs’ when he set a world record by shearing 321 sheep in seven hours and 40 minutes. It actually took another 58 years before anyone could match this feat and that was by machine shears.

Blackall was the first Outback town to start drilling an artesian bore back in 1885, today visitors can rest, relax and revive in the natural artesian waters at the thermal spa and swimming pool at Blackall’s Aquatic Centre.

Blackall is also the home of the Black Stump which was used for surveying purposes and permanently marks the original Astro Station established in 1887. Anything west of this point is said to be ‘beyond the black stump’.

Whether spending a long time or a short time, there is plenty to see and do in Blackall!

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Places to stay near Blackall

Mitchell Grass Retreat

Luxury Under Canvas. Opened in 2020, Mitchell Grass Retreat is a luxury glamping retreat based in Longreach, Outback Queensland.

Bailey 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.

The Lake Quilpie

The Lake Quilpie offers a range of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets.

Maree’s Farmstay

Maree’s Farmstay is an Airbnb Farmstay on a Brahman cattle station situated right beside Mount Moffatt Carnarvon National Park.

Artesian Waters Caravan Park

Artesian Waters Caravan Park is a popular spot for opal fossickers and tourists alike. It is located in the heart of the Yowah opal fields,

Hotel Cunnamulla

Hotel Cunnamulla offers real country comfort with classic country hotel-style rooms with private ensuites.

Cunnamulla Tourist Park

The park is ideally located at the cross roads of the Matilda and Adventure Highways and is the perfect spot to base yourself.

Charlotte Plains

Charlotte Plains is a family-owned and operated sheep station near Cunnamulla Queensland!

Camp at Neville Hewitt Weir, Baralaba

Chain Lagoons is a free camping area not far from Taroom.

Camp at Chain Lagoons, Taroom

Chain Lagoons is a free camping area not far from Taroom.

Located off the Leichhardt Way on Chain Lagoons Road.

Camping at Apex Park, Moura

Apex Park offers affordable camping in Moura, in the Banana Shire.

Camp 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.

Redbank Park, Jericho

Quilpie Memorial Swimming Pool

Morven Historical Museum

Saddliers Waterhole and Hamburg Creek

Whitula Gate Museum

Corfield and Fitzmaurice Building

Mitchell on Maranoa Art Gallery

Hydro Power Plant

Leahy Historical House

Dowling Track

Jack Brown Lions Park

Richmond Fossil Hunting Sites

While at Blackall 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cotton Farm and Vineyard Tour

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

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.

Dingo Trax – Birdsville and Outback Queensland

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

Cobbold Gorge Tours

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

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.

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