Outback Towns and Drives
Find a Town
Find a drive Itinerary
ABOUT Cloncurry
‘The Curry’, as Cloncurry is affectionately known by locals, is most famous for being the birthplace of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). Conceived and launched by the Reverend John Flynn in the 1920s, this flying medical service is just as integral to the people of the outback today as it ever was. At the John Flynn Place Museum and Art Gallery, learn about the founding of the RFDS and how Flynn harnessed the emerging technology of the pedal radio to pioneer outback communication.
On the theme of aviation, visit the original Qantas hangar where the first passenger flew from Longreach to Cloncurry in 1922. Some say that Qantas was conceived in Winton, born in Cloncurry and grew up in Longreach, so all three towns played a massive part in the Australian icon’s development.
Cloncurry was named by explorer Robert O’Hara Burke and you can see his drink bottle at the Burke and Wills display in the Cloncurry Unearthed Museum at the Cloncurry/Mary Kathleen Memorial Park, where you can learn about the former Mary Kathleen uranium mine. Mining still plays a huge role in the town’s economy with some of Australia’s largest copper deposits in the region.
The Cloncurry Unearthed Visitor Information Centre and Museum can provide tourist information, fossickers licenses, maps and light refreshments. They also carry a wide range of souvenirs, gift ideas, postcards and Cloncurry t-shirts.
If your visit coincides with the Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge and Campdraft, you’ll be able to witness skillful displays of bush horsemanship in a tribute to the Australian horseman. Horses and their riders work together to overcome obstacles, move cattle and demonstrate their ability, training and presentation in a series of timed events.
Places to stay near Cloncurry
Oasis Hotel Motel Cloncurry
0 kmEstablished in 1978, the Oasis Hotel is a Cloncurry fixture and a hub for the community to come together and enjoy each other’s company.
MoreLeichhardt Hotel
0 kmLocated in North West Queensland, the Leichhardt Hotel Motel Cloncurry is an outback hotel motel, truly local and has been here for over 50 years.
MoreCloncurry Caravan Park Oasis
1 kmCloncurry Caravan Park Oasis is situated on the Overlanders Way (Flinders Highway) close to the Town Centre.
MoreCoppermine Creek Freedom Camp
1 kmCloncurry Shire Council’s Coppermine Creek Freedom Camp is an excellent low-cost, no-frills accommodation option for RV’s of all sizes.
MoreDiscovery Parks – Cloncurry
2 kmBurke and Wills found beauty in Cloncurry on their journey through in 1861; now, take your turn when you stay with Discovery Parks – Cloncurry.
MoreGidgee Inn Motel
23 kmA unique, 4- star, rammed earth complex built in 1997 using Cloncurry’s rich red soils to create a warm and inviting ambiance.
MoreDiscovery Parks – Argylla, Mount Isa
103 kmThe park is perfect for the stop over, take a dip in the pool or just relax poolside reading a book.
MoreSunset Tourist Park
105 kmNestled alongside a spring fed creek, Sunset Tourist Park is conveniently located close to the town centre with shops, cafes and a great bakery.
MoreAAOK Moondarra Caravan Park
105 kmAOK Moondarra Caravan Park provides quality accommodation to the travelling public and caravanners for long or short term stays in Mount Isa.
MoreDiscovery Parks – Mount Isa
105 kmSet by the banks of the beautiful Leichhardt River, the holiday park Discovery Parks. Mount Isa is an excellent base to explore.
MoreIsa Hotel
106 kmThe Isa Hotel is the place for you to meet, socialise and be entertained, in a town where people are the defining feature.
MoreRedearth Boutique Hotel
106 kmRedearth Boutique Hotel brings a premium accommodation experience to the heart of Mount Isa.
MoreAbacus Motel
106 kmOffering outstanding accommodation for corporate guests and travellers, the Abacus Motel Mount Isa is situated close to the airport (4-minute drive).
MoreNightcap at Barkly Hotel
106 kmGuests love Nightcap’s laid-back approach to quality accommodation and convenient location just six kilometres from the Mt Isa airport.
MoreThings to see and do near Cloncurry
Cloncurry’s own self-guided drive tour features old railway stations, the Cloncurry Airport, heritage listed buildings, monuments commemorating World War II and plenty more.
Cloncurry Tourist Self-Drive
0 km
John Flynn Place Museum and Art Gallery in Cloncurry commemorates the work of John Flynn and the beginnings of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
John Flynn Place Museum and Art Gallery
0 km
LillyJane Home and Lifestyle is a boutique destination offering a carefully curated collection of homewares, gifts, fashion, and lifestyle treasures.
LillyJane Home and Lifestyle
0 km
Florence Clark Park, located in the Cloncurry town centre, is a great place for a family picnic.
Florence Clark Park
0 km
In the mid to late 1900’s, Mary Kathleen township was home to thousands of residents, most worked on Australia’s largest known uranium deposit.
Mary Kathleen Mine & Town
0 km
The memorial was installed by the Returned Sailors Soldiers Imperial League of Australia.
Cloncurry War Memorial
0 km
The accredited Visitor Information Centre staff are friendly and knowledgeable and can provide you with local information.
Cloncurry Unearthed Visitor Information Centre and Museum
1 km
The Cloncurry River, with its beautiful weeping eucalyptus trees, is home to a variety of wildlife.
Cloncurry River
2 km
Get out and explore nature on Cloncurry’s Eco Trail. The scenic trail winds its way through our outback bushland.
Cloncurry Eco Trail
2 km
The Cloncurry Lookout is just a three-minute drive out of town, and features a stunning water tank mural and 360-degree views of the outback.
Cloncurry Lookout
3 km
Enjoy paddle boarding, fishing, picnicking, bird watching and more at Chinaman Creek Dam. It has something for the whole family!
Chinaman Creek Dam
3 km
Corella Dam and Clem Walton Park are fabulous places for a picnic, some fishing, kayaking or a night under the stars camping, for free.
Corella Dam/Clem Walton Park
50 kmWhile at Cloncurry why not try these Tours
North West Tours
113 kmNorth West Tours specialise in small group tours around Mount Isa and beyond.
MoreYagurli Tours
274 kmYagurli Tours is an Indigenous owned business operated by the Gangalidda and Garawa Peoples.
MoreBalloon Aloft Burketown (Moungibi)
274 kmBalloon Aloft is partnering with Yagurli Tours for a hot air balloon experience with a difference this June to September.
MoreNorthern Heli-Co
281 kmNorthern Heli-Co provides unforgettable scenic flights, heli fishing experiences, custom charter options and aerial photography throughout the Gulf of Carpentaria and Cape York areas. Our
MoreKerry D Charters
282 kmKerry D Fishing Charters is a family-owned and operated tour company based in Karumba, Queensland, offering unique and professional fishing experiences.
MoreRed Dirt Tours Pty Ltd
317 kmRed Dirt Tours is your Winton touring specialist and offers a number of tours to the spectacular natural and man-made attractions of the Winton region.
MoreElite Aviation Services Pty Ltd
317 kmBased in Winton, Queensland, Elite Aviation Services offers helicopter and plane scenic flights and charters over the spectacular landscape around Winton and the Diamantina River.
MoreCobbold Gorge Tours
365 kmDeep in the heart of the Gulf Savannah region of Far North Queensland is a hidden outback oasis – Cobbold Gorge.
MoreOutback Aussie Tours – Extended Tours
432 kmExplore Outback Queensland and beyond with Outback Aussie Tours, a multi-award winning touring company and Savannah Guides accredited operator.
MoreTalaroo Hot Springs Tours
446 kmIn the heart of the Gulf Savannah Way in outback Tropical North Queensland, Talaroo’s magical landscape is alive with the culture of the Ewamian people.
MoreBig Red Tours
460 kmLuxurious outback hospitality – relax in their quality 4WD coach and enjoy their hospitality with a professional local tour guide.
MoreDingo Trax – Birdsville and Outback Queensland
460 kmThe desert 4×4 tag along tours take in the best of the Australian outback.
More