Outback Towns and Drives
Find a Town
Find a drive Itinerary
ABOUT Kynuna
Kynuna was established in the 1860s and in its early days boasted three hotels. It was a staging post for Cobb and Co Coaches. Today Kynuna has just one hotel, the famous Blue Heeler Hotel which was built in 1889.
Kynuna is most famous for its links with Banjo Paterson and the ‘Waltzing Matilda’ poem. Folklore has it that Bob MacPherson (owner of Dagworth Station) told Banjo the story of the suicide of Samuel Hoffmeister beside the Combo Waterhole, 13 kilometres upstream of the Diamantina River, in September 1894. Hoffmeister had reportedly been one of the striking shearers involved in the burning down of the Dagworth Woolshed. This story, together with other stories which Paterson had heard, inspired him to write ‘Waltzing Matilda’, at Dagworth. Christina MacPherson, Paterson’s then fiancee, adapted a popular Scottish tune ‘Craiglea’ to become the original music for ‘Waltzing Matilda’.
Combo Waterhole Conservation Park is located 16 kilometres east of Kynuna. It is a very picturesque place and the overshot dams built by Chinese labourers in 1883 are technical masterpieces. The Combo Waterhole is linked to the national folk song Waltzing Matilda and a monument can be found at the entrance to the park. Walk the 2.5 kilometre return circuit to the waterhole along the Diamantina River and have a picnic “under the shade of a Coolibah tree”. Camping is prohibited and dry weather entry only.
Places to stay near Kynuna
Ayrshire Downs, near Winton
99 kmAyrshire Downs Caravan & Camping is a property steeped in Australian history.
MoreJulia Creek Motel
103 kmJulia Creek Motel is a welcoming, family-friendly motel that puts the best of the town right at your doorstep.
MoreJulia Creek Caravan Park
103 kmThe Julia Creek Caravan Park is one of those friendly parks you’ll find yourself recommending to others.
MoreCorella Creek Country Farm Stay
108 kmCorella Creek Country Farm Stay is a place where travellers can relax, interact with nature, and enjoy a sense of freedom.
MoreWinton Outback Motel
149 kmThe Winton Outback Motel is a 25 room property, with a mixture of Queen, King and Family rooms in Standard as well as Premium options.
MoreNorth Gregory Hotel
149 kmThe personality of the North Gregory Hotel reflects the history and ambience of yesteryear whilst providing all the comforts of today.
MoreLittle Grove
150 kmThis is a hosted stay through Hipcamp, below is the information provided by the Host regarding their offering. Little Grove is half an acre of flat land one street back from the main street of Winton. It is one to five minute walk to iconic Winton hotels such as, The North Gregory, The Aussie and […]
MoreOlive Grove
150 kmOlive Grove features a collection of relaxing spaces inspired by natural elements nestled in the heart of Winton Queensland.
MoreRangelands Outback Camp
150 kmRangelands Outback Camp is an exclusive 6 (six) tent camp for only 12 pampered guests.
MoreGidgee Inn Motel
152 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 – Cloncurry
171 kmBurke and Wills found beauty in Cloncurry on their journey through in 1861; now, take your turn when you stay with Discovery Parks – Cloncurry.
MoreCloncurry Caravan Park Oasis
172 kmCloncurry Caravan Park Oasis is situated on the Overlanders Way (Flinders Highway) close to the Town Centre.
MoreOasis Hotel Motel Cloncurry
172 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.
MoreThings to see and do near Kynuna
Samson, the major sculpture was created by artist, Sue Tilley, from a range of vintage metal objects collected locally.
Spirit of the Light Horse Sculpture
103 km
Set off on Julia Creek’s Historical Walk either as a short walk around the main area of town or the half day version.
Historical Walk
103 km
These bright coloured cruiser bikes are free to hire and can be used to travel into town on the fully sealed walking/riding track.
Cruiser Bikes
103 km
Beneath the Creek allows you to hear about these remarkable tiny creatures and to view them in a habitat similar to that in the wild.
Julia Creek Dunnart
103 km
Never taken part in a cattle muster? Now you can, at the Julia Creek Visitor Information Centre virtual reality (VR) cattle muster.
Virtual Reality Cattle Mustering
103 km
The Centre offers a great selection of travel information brochures, maps and a range of souvenirs that can only be found in Julia Creek.
At the Creek Visitor Information Centre
103 km
Peter Dawes Park is centrally located in Burke St Julia Creek. The Park includes undercover picnic tables with BBQ facilities and a shaded kids playground.
Peter Dawes Park
103 km
If you love history, you’ll enjoy the Duncan McIntyre Museum in Julia Creek, home to countless relics from a bygone era.
Duncan McIntyre Museum
103 km
One feature you definitely won’t miss in Julia Creek is the 30 metre wine glass shaped water tower.
Julia Creek Water Tower
103 km
The Julia Creek Opera House is home to a collection of local and regional photographs of the past life of the people of the region.
Julia Creek Opera House
103 km
Grab your friends and kids and pop down for an afternoon of fun and Mini Golf in Julia Creek!
Julia Creek Caravan Park Mini Golf
103 km
For travelers, there are few things more relaxing than slipping into a luxurious Artesian Bath at the end of a long day driving.
Julia Creek Artesian Baths
103 kmWhile at Kynuna why not try these Tours
Red Dirt Tours Pty Ltd
147 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
147 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.
MoreOutback Aussie Tours – Extended Tours
262 kmExplore Outback Queensland and beyond with Outback Aussie Tours, a multi-award winning touring company and Savannah Guides accredited operator.
MoreNorth West Tours
277 kmNorth West Tours specialise in small group tours around Mount Isa and beyond.
MoreCobbold Gorge Tours
299 kmDeep in the heart of the Gulf Savannah region of Far North Queensland is a hidden outback oasis – Cobbold Gorge.
MoreOutback Pioneers
311 kmOutback Pioneers’ award-winning outback tours and experiences, based in Longreach, is all about holidays and experiences that bring the pioneer past to life.
MoreGolden West Tours – Longreach
311 kmGolden West Tours specialises in boutique tours of the sights, sounds and history of Longreach, Ilfracombe and a day tour to Winton.
MoreOutback Aussie Tours – Outback Rail Adventure Day Tours
311 kmThe Outback Rail Adventure is Outback Aussie Tours’ newest tourism experience reconnecting visitors with the romance of rail.
MoreOutback Aussie Tours – Day Tours
311 kmOutback Aussie Tours is a family-owned local operator with over 35 years of experience and unrivalled local Outback Queensland knowledge, passion and connections.
MoreQueensland Helicopters
313 kmQueensland Helicopters is a family owned business that prides itself on customer service and safety.
MoreNorthern Heli-Co
376 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
376 kmKerry D Fishing Charters is a family-owned and operated tour company based in Karumba, Queensland, offering unique and professional fishing experiences.
More