Outback Articles
How Outbacknow can help make your next festival or event a success
If you are an Event Organiser or Festival Committee Member responsible for getting people to come and enjoy your festival and town, let Outbacknow be the solution to your problem.
For some years now we have been promoting festivals and events in regional and outback Australia and have built a reputation (and several large databases) among travellers, visitors, tourists and festival-goers who read this newsletter, follow us on facebook and twitter and go to the Outbacknow website looking for entertainment and experiences just like your festival and they tell us they love what they see.
They also tell us (the promotion of) your festival is another reason for them to travel to your town and enjoy all that it offers.
Internet advertising complements local forms of advertising like Radio, TV and Newspapers and National Print Media such as Magazines but at a fraction of the cost per advertisement yet given the volume of internet usage can be just as effective. Combine this with a large database of followers on social media and e-newsletters makes for a powerful and wide-reaching campaign.
Contact us for an obligation-free chat to find out how little it costs and how easy it is to get more visitors to your event.
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“Great Southern Land” say’s it all
30 years ago, a song was written about our Great Southern Land.Inspired by the landscape three decades on, Friend of Australia Iva Davies partnered with everyday people and well known musicians to celebrate the legacy of this powerful song.
"Great Southern Land" You Tube
And here are a few other photos for you to enjoy!
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10 reasons Winton is a MUST SEE!
Great Winton Accommodation and attractions!
One of the most exciting destinations in the Outback is Winton. With awesome annual events, world class attractions, famous historical and cultural occurences, the penning of our National Song, and the world's only recorded evidence of stampeding dinosaurs...this town is a must see for any outback adventurer!
Winton is approximately 9 hours drive west of Roma and has all the modern facilities you need to make your journey as safe and comfortable as possible. With a range of accommodation, Eftpos, fuel, hospital, hotels, LP gas, great food, mechanical repairs, pharmacy, police, post office, RACQ, and a great shopping centre.
Winton has a rich history with links to the Great Shearers' Strike, Waltzing Matilda and Qantas, but today the town is almost as well known for something far more ancient - dinosaurs. Some of the great attractions and accommodation you'll find in Winton are:
1. Lark Quarry
Visit the world's only recorded dinosaur stampede and the trackways that inspired the stampede scene in the movie "Jurassic Park". This amazing Centre recreates the scene of 95 million years ago when Dinosaurs ruled the earth.
2. Waltzing Matlida Centre
One of the most famous visitors to Winton was Banjo Patterson. While on a holiday in 1895, he penned Australia's favourite ballad and National Song ""Waltzing Matilda"". You can experience the inspiration behind the song at the Waltzing Matilda Centre.
3. Open Air Theatre
Kick back...relax and enjoy "5 Star" service under the clear, majestic Southern Sky and take in the latest in movie entertainment.
4. Opal Fossicking
Opal is Australia's National Gemstone and Winton has its very own unique opal known as Boulder Opal. You can try your luck fossicking for beautiful boulder opal.
5. Combo Waterhole
The place where Banjo Patterson took inspiration from when creating "Waltzing Matlida".
6. Outback Festival
You havent 'experienced' the outback until you've entered the Australian Dunny Derby, or witnessed the World Crayfish Derby Race Meeting, part of the line up of unique events at the Winton Outback Festival.
7. Camel Races
Come along and witness the wild wild west at it's best. Outback Camel Racing is an event you have to experience at least once in your life!
8. QBOA Opal Festival
Don't miss Winton's Opal Festival in July when some of Queensland's best boulder opal and opal jewellery is on display and for sale.
9. North Gregory Hotel Motel
The North Gregory Hotel Motel is steeped in history with the first performance of Waltzing Matilda on 6 April 1895. The pub can accommodate just about anyone with ensuite rooms, hotel rooms, backpackers, even a free tourist park, and also have large family rooms available.
10.Matilda Country Tourist Caravan Park
The Matilda Country Tourist Park offers every modern facility along with the special service that you only find in a family owned and operated business. They'll set you on the right track about the region's attractions, with brief talks at intervals throughout the day on what to see and do while you are here.
To plan your trip to Winton, click Winton Tourism Information get more .
May 04 20112012 Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival
PRESS RELEASE...
2012 Sakura Matsuri – Cowra’s Cherry Blossom Festival promises to be a stunning event!
Sakura Matsuri is a wonderful time at Cowra’s premier tourism attraction. It is a time when the natural beauty of spring and the simple elegance of traditional Japanese culture combine in the unique Australian setting of the Cowra Japanese Garden.
With a dedicated committee combining valued experienced members and some new additions with a fresh take on the festival, plans are already underway to make this year’s Sakura Matsuri an event to remember.
The festival will run from Wednesday 19th through to Sunday 23rd September and will include the favourite Children’s Days, Family Fun Day and evening Cocktail event on Saturday 22nd and the traditional Service of Respect with a BBQ reception on Sunday 23rd.
The complete program for 2012 Sakura Matsuri will be finalised by July. As usual, large crowds are expected and it is strongly recommended that accommodation for the festival is secured as soon as possible. Booking forms will be distributed with the final program and again, bookings for the popular Cocktail evening are recommend to secure your ticket.
For any further information or media enquires please contact either Lawrance Ryan or Belinda Virgo via the contact details listed below;
Lawrance Ryan
Sakura Matsuri Planning Committee
02 6340 2035
Belinda Virgo
Tourism Manager – Cowra Tourism Corporation
02 6342 4333
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
August 22 20122012 Silver City Cup Races, only 100 days to Go
2012 SILVER CITY CUP RACES: 100 DAYS TO GO
A massive 40 per cent increase in prize money has been announced for the 2012 Silver City Cup race meeting which is now just 100 days away.
Broken Hill's oldest horse racing event - which will be held this year on October 27 – will be highlighted by the running of the Silver City Cup, which will carry record prizemoney of $15,000.
"This is a massive boost for the horse racing fraternity in Broken Hill and would not have been possible without the generous support of our major sponsors," President Dave Gallagher enthused as he kicked off the 100-day countdown to race day.
"The committee would like to thank Racing NSW, the Combined Clubs of BH, Lion Australia and Coughlan Drilling for helping us reach the significant $50,000 prizemoney mark this year and we welcome MQP Services to the fold".
"The Cup is up 50% to $15,000, which is befitting an historic event that dates back to 1899 when the first Silver City Cup race meeting was held and the prizemoney boost is a fantastic reward for the trainers, jockeys and owners who have been so loyal to our race meeting - particularly the local contingent," Mr Gallagher added.
While the horse racing action should be better than ever, the committee is also looking to introduce other exciting changes.
A fully catered Silver City Cup marquee - located in prime position at the edge of the track for a bird’s eye view of the races – is expected to be a welcome addition for racegoers.
"We have also upgraded our picnic sites this year to include shade sails which in the past have proven very popular during the St Pat’s races," Silver City Cup Secretary Manager Kylie Casey said.
"Because our race day is not as busy at St Pat's we have been able to allocate prime position to the Cup marquee and we are expecting it will be very popular".
"Anyone wishing to enjoy the best seat in the house should register their interest as soon as possible via .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to Mrs Casey continued".
A new Facebook page (Silver City Cup - October 27) has also been established for people to interact with the committee and keep up to date with the latest news in the lead up to race day.
"The Silver City Cup is a family orientated event and activities for children will again be a big part of the day,” President Dave Gallagher said."
"Our VIP guests last year – Hugh Sheridan and George Houvardas from Channel 7's 'Packed to the Rafters' – were very popular and I am sure our Entertainment Coordinator Jane Weekes will deliver again this year."
"By using our Facebook page, people will be able to keep up to date with all the latest news, including some changes that I am sure will please our loyal members," Mr Gallagher remarked.
July 24 20124 Days Birdwatching In The Bush!
One of the best ways to relax and unwind on your holiday is with a bout of birdwatching. The popular trend is taking the outback by storm with twitchers across the country heading to private wetlands and sanctuaries to get a glimpse of rare and beautiful birds.
Enjoy 4 days birdwatching in the bush with lovely bush trails and natural features. Stay 2 nights at Nolans on the Barwon in Walgett and 2 nights at Lorne Station in Lightning Ridge and get free-guided walking tours and great local birdwatching tips. Don't forget to pack your binoculars!
Birdwatching Holidays
On a recent trip to outback NSW, we discovered a plethora of hidden bird watching retreats and private wetlands for you to explore.
Twitchers, now is the time to check out the rare and beautiful outback birds. Stay 2 nights at Nolans on the Barwon in Walgett and 2 nights at Lorne Station in Lightning Ridge where you can explore local wetlands, enjoy free guided walking tours and capture the spectacular views.
May 03 2011A families courage to follow their dream and travel Australia
Have you ever wanted to follow your dream?
Do you have the courage to sell up all your possessions, leave the securities of full time employment and lifelong friends - to throw caution to the wind and just do it?
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Some are wondering, who the bloody hell are the McLeans?
So here is a brief story of our life.
For years we discussed travelling Australia. Raising 3 girls, living day to day in suburbia, having the same old daily routine & having no savings due to the increasing prices of living, we decided it was time for a huge sea to bush change.
So in August 2010 we decided enough was enough. With a little help of funds from my sister and tax returns, we decided, if we didn’t do it now, we never would.
We debated loans for a 4wd and caravan or to sell what belongings we had, pay out some bills, pay cash for a camper trailer and flee. So the camper trailer is what we decided on.
On January 9, 2011 we left our family (including our 20 year old daughter Amy, as she had her own life and boyfriend), our cat Mickey, some of our dearest and closest friends, secure jobs and a pretty good life on the Gold Coast for the open road. Leaving the coast with $5000, no income until we found casual jobs and our securities in life, was very hard.
So here we are! Jason, Beth, Mercedes and Keiyah
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A Taste of The Ghan
For many years the folk of Alice Springs (Stuart) relied on “Ships of the Desert” (Camels) to bring all their supplies from Adelaide, although very welcome; due to the harsh climate and the unpredictable camel, this supply chain was unreliable.
On the 6th of August 1929 “The Ghan” rolled into Alice Springs for the first time. This service continued to improve and still serves the community over 80 years later.
Construction of the Alice Springs – Darwin line commenced in 2001 and in February 2004 (after 126 years of planning) the Ghan and its passengers reached Darwin in the Northern Territory.
Click on the follow video links to see a short history of "The Ghan" filmed prior to the standard guage line being constructed.
August 07 2012
A Weekend at the Deni Ute Muster
There’s something special about a live concert that puts it well above a CD or record, especially if it’s from an artist that takes you back to an era when music meant fun times- perhaps your youth….. We produce this newsletter from the Deni Ute Muster; and the artist I refer to is Suzie Quatro – yes she still has it!
She sang all our favourites from the 70’s and a few off her new album as well. The weekend is a musical feast, with a dozen or so big name artists and groups playing the main stage as well as twenty or so other groups on 2 other stages covering Rock, Country & Western right through to current charting groups, and music is only part of the weekend.
The Deni Ute Muster is an annual celebration of a great Aussie icon – The humble Ute. Proud owners showcase over 10,000 utes of all shapes, sizes, colours and age.
Some enter into competitions to show their prowess and driving skills while others prefer to show and shine. Another Aussie Icon “The Blue Singlet” has been immortalised by the Deni Ute Muster in the Guinness Book of Records by having the most amount of blue singlets in 1 place.
A swag of Ute based competitions, the RM Williams Bull ride Spectacular- with riders coming from all over Australia to compete, wood chopping and whip cracking events, a circus and magician, the RAAF Roulettes flyover, a mechanical bucking bull, Swag throwing finals and a hundred or so trade sites that will take you’re a couple of days to get through culminating with a Fireworks display and a concert with legendary group Icehouse.
What a weekend!!!!!
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Advertise your Vacancy for FREE
Let us introduce a service that we at Outbacknow have been offering employers and employees of regional Australia for some time now and have re-launched because we have seen demand grow steadily and substantially.
Travellin Jobs Australia links a workforce that is either travelling already or is planning to travel and actively searching for employment opportunities outside their area, with employers in regional and outback Australia who have vacancies.
These potential employees are keen as they will have paid to receive the jobs bulletin with vacancies listed in it and include families, couples and individuals with broad experiences; many of which will have their own accommodation.
Positions they seek include: Full-time, Part-time, Casual, Seasonal, Relief and Volunteer; and jobs might include Administration /Book Keepers, Council Employees, Harvest Labour, Motel / Caravan Park Cleaners, Grounds persons, Relief Managers, Event staff – Ticket sellers, Car park attendants, Hospitality workers, Receptionists, Volunteer positions to name a few. Some will be seeking more permanent Tree-Changes positions and others prefer seasonal work.
We offer this service free of charge to regional employers knowing that many of those jobs would not be advertised nor filled, and the flow-on benefits to the local economy not be realised if employers had to pay for it.
Contact us for more information and to list your vacancy
September 10 2012Australia - the city and the Outback: it’s all about the colour
My name is Paula McManus, I am an amateur photographer living in Adelaide. I enjoy fresh, fun and natural photography.
I love taking photos, especially of people and nature. I try to capture that ‘something’ that I see – the emotion, the personality, the colours – photography is an art all its own and with each shot there is the randomness, the wonderful surprise of capturing the moment.
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I am fairly new to photography, only taking an involved self-taught interest that began in December 2008. Since then, I've 'discovered' the beauty of my city, my state and the great Australian outback.
I love being a tourist in my own country; the unique flora and fauna, the wonderful people and the striking and vivid colours. Photography has opened up my country to me and I try to get out into it and photograph it as often as I can. Access to the great Australian outback is within easy reach of everyone! This country is a photographer's dream.
During the past 12 months, I have been extremely fortunate to see some of this great land from the ground and from the air. I've seen the parched River Murray at dawn from a hot air balloon, I've driven the red roads of the South Australian and New South Wales outback.
I've been thrilled, twice, to see the incredible sight of flood water in the desert - both times from the air - over Lake Eyre and The Darling River/Menindee Lakes system.
I love the Barrier Highway: Highway number A32 that connects Adelaide to Broken Hill.
Also the wild and untamed Yorke Peninsula, the timeless River Murray and the breathtaking Fleurieu Peninsula. I am constantly reminded how lucky we are to live where we can access such varied beauty within an easy drive of the Adelaide CBD.
I hope you take the time to view some of my photos and I hope that they inspire you to go for a drive on the weekend and see what you can see.
For more information on Paula's work or services please see the below:
Outbacknow wishes to thank Paula for the use of some of her photos throughout the Outbacknow website
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Australian Outback Maps - Why Are They So Hard To Find?
Did you know one of the hardest things to find is an Australian Outback Map?
One of the most popular keyword phrases is "Australian Outback Maps". The question is - why is it so hard to find maps to help you plan your journey around outback Australia?
The answer is simple...the "outback" is HUGE! A generic map of the Australian outback doesn't have enough detail to be of value to you to plan your trip. Once you have mapped out a specific route, it is likely you would need a number of maps from different towns, shires and States to help you navigate through the bush. By that time, you have at least three maps with various levels of detail.
OutbackNow has tried to 'ease the pain' by providing Outback Travel Itineries from a high level where you can find a route from every Capital City through the outback to Darwin as well as many other itineries. We also have a link to Google Maps on every outback town on the site which helps you find directions to local accommodation and tourist attractions in each town.
To use the Google maps, simply click on the first map view shows you the town in relation to the State, on the left hand side of the screen, you will see a + and - grid that looks like railway tracks. Click on the + or move the cursur towards the + and you will notice the map produce street names, and in some instances you can see the roof tops of buildings.
There are a limited number of Travel Itineraries on the site simply due to the huge number of variations of possible itineraries. There are boundless unique towns that are "off the beaten track" which offer amazing experiences, and as part of your outback adventure is about discovery - half the fun is stumbling across them.
If you would like more information on getting from A to Z in the outback, email us and we will publish the most popular itineries on the site to make it easy for you and other travellers to journey around Australia.
May 04 2011
Australian Outback Towns
Outback Towns – Tourism Australia 2009...
"When you know Bourke, you know Australia". Henry Lawson
Outback towns are the life-blood of the Outback. They form the heart of Outback communities and their social hub. They’re also full of Outback characters – like publicans, drovers, shearers, smithies and the Aboriginal stockmen; along with the station owners and graziers who come to town to stock up on supplies.
It’s here you’ll get the opportunity to immerse yourself in the life of Outback locals and meet some real Aussie characters. Revel in the mateship, have a good belly laugh and join in some truly Aussie events such as fundraising events for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Buy a ticket in a meat raffle, play ‘Two-Up’ , or place a bet on a cane toad race.
You’ll find our Outback towns out past the spinifex of Inglewood, past the cactus near Goondiwindi, out beyond Moree where the galahs peck at the cotton seed by the side of the road. Way, way out where the fences and telegraph poles have ceased to be; where the horizon stretches out to touch a pale blue sky. The ‘Outback’ may be hard to define, but you’ll know it when you see it.
Red dust roads across the country lead to shanty towns full of character and heritage, where the locals wear Akubra hats and riding boots. Our incredible history has been recorded in towns such as Longreach, Winton, Blackall and Barcaldine in central Queensland, and the NSW country towns of Warialda and Moree which, with their wooden and tin shopfront awnings, resemble Wild West towns from the 1800s.
Our sheep and wheat growing country is full of straightlaced retro towns such as Manilla, Condoblin and Goondawindi which seem to have been preserved from the 1960s.
There are the iconic mining towns of Broken Hill, Silverton, Tennant Creek and Kalgoorlie, and the one-horse towns like William Creek, Birdsville and Daly Waters, which are little more than a pub, a petrol pump and a few houses.
There’s Birdsville, the tiny settlement on the edge of the Simpson Desert at the northern end of the notorious and dangerous Birdsville Track. And Tenterfield, the birthplace of Peter Allen, the ‘Boy From Oz’ who sang about the Tenterfield Saddler.
Then there’s Bourke, the dry and dusty outback town in far North West NSW which provoked author Henry Lawson to write after his visit in 1893, “If you know Bourke, you know Australia”. The “Back o’ Bourke” is more than a geographic location; it’s part of the Australian language and part of our folklore. So, pack up your swag and come out the back of beyond to the ‘Back o’ Bourke’.
Key outback town facts...
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Bourke is a must visit on your Outback adventure as it was once the world’s largest wool-trading centre. The Carriers Arms in Bourke was once a Cobb & Co Inn and a temporary home to our legendary poets Banjo Patterson and Henry Lawson.
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Coober Pedy on the edge of South Australia’s Great Victoria Desert in South Australia, produces 90 per cent of the world’s opals. Its population is made up of more than 40 nationalities and, with year-round extremes in temperature, more than 50 per cent of the population live in below-ground ‘dugouts’.
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The best way to see White Cliffs, another remarkable opal mining town famous for its underground accommodation, is from the air. It looks like a strange moonscape pockmarked by an estimated 50,000 disused diggings.
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Silverton, once a thriving mining centre of 3,000, is now a virtual ghost town of about 50 inhabitants with a number of historic buildings, several art galleries and museums and a pub. Now a popular destination for movie makers, this typical Outback town has been the backdrop for more than 140 films and commercials, such as Mad Max 2, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Razorback and Young Einstein.
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Strahan in Tasmania was named “The Best Little Town In The World” by the Chicago Tribune.
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Built on the wealth of silver mines, the Silver City, Broken Hill, has emerged as a major arts destination in western NSW. Famous Outback painter Pro Hart, lived and worked here and painters and photographers talk about the ‘amazing light’. Once the site of the world’s richest deposit of silver, lead and zinc, today it’s a vibrant mecca for artists and film-makers who draw inspiration from the surrounding landscape. Nearly 30 private galleries and studios are stacked with an eclectic mix of European and Aboriginal art.
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Tamworth in NSW is the home of Australian country music, while Tenterfield houses the Tenterfield Saddlery, made famous by Peter Allen. Nearby Bald Rock, is our second largest rock after Uluru.
- The world’s largest geographical city, the fascinating Outback mining town of Mount Isa, also hosts Australia’s biggest rodeo.
Uniquely Australian...
- Discover the outback towns of northwest NSW. This region is full of iconic towns like Wilcannia, with a population of only 750 and a large Aboriginal community. Moree, on the Gwydir River, which is famous for its therapeutic Artesian Spa Baths, while the Art Gallery houses an extensive collection of Aboriginal art.
- At the Sapphire City of Inverell you can fossick for gemstones, visit the Inverell Transport Museum, the Art Museum, or the Draught Horse Centre.
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The cotton capital of Australia, Narrabri is covered mid-year with the “snow” of ripe cotton plants. The Australia Telescope is at Culgoora, just west of town.
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Famous for black opals, Lightning Ridge is the principle opal mining town in NSW.
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Visit Cobar’s Great Western Hotel, a reminder of its heyday, which claims its verandah, at over 100m, is the longest in Australia. The mining company’s office is now the Pastoral, Mining and Technological Museum.
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You’ll find true Outback spirit at Tennant Creek in Australia’s Red Centre. Gateway to the Devils Marbles and the Davenport National Park, it’s an original frontier gold mining town. In 1874 an overland telegraph station was established at the original Tennant Creek, 11km to the north of the present town.
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Daly Waters in the Northern Territory is a tiny town with only a few houses, a population of 23, a legendary pub known far and wide for its quirky character and a rickety post office covered in outback paraphernalia such as stockwhips. The walls and ceiling of the pub are covered with relics from the past, bras and knickers, signed banknotes in every imaginable currency and drivers’ licences from around the world.
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Kununurra is the gateway to some of Western Australia’s remarkable natural attractions. The mighty Gibb River Road begins here. This red dirt track journeys through a landscape of gorges, waterfalls and cattle stations the size of small European countries. It’s easy to think you’re the first person to visit the area – that is until you stumble across ancient Aboriginal rock art.
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Kalgoorlie on Australia’s West coast is like walking on the set of a Wild West. Explore mines and museums, pan for gold or visit one of its historic pubs. Kalgoorlie’s wide streets and grand old buildings are full of people living the prospecting dream. If you’re lucky you might come across some ‘old timers’ playing bush ‘two-up’ – a traditional game where people bet on the toss of a coin.
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Gold fever also lingers at Halls Creek. Visit the old mud brick post office, or swim in waterholes. See the China Wall – a long quartz vein – and the Wolfe Creek meteorite crater.
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Known as the Gateway to the Gorges, Derby sits on the edge of King Sound with the vastness of the Kimberley Ranges – spectacular gorges, waterfalls, rivers, water lily covered billabongs, sweeping plains and Aboriginal art sites – at its doorstep. It’s a perfect place to stock up on provisions and take in the local sights. Meet the locals on a station stay. Visit Chamberlain Gorge with its Aboriginal paintings; Zebedee Springs featuring Livistonia Palms and thermal pools and Emma Gorge, renowned for its picturesque rock pools.
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The Australian Outback is dotted with great little communities – from Australia’s smallest town of William Creek (population 16 at last count) to the opal mining frontiers of Coober Pedy and Andamooka; from Birdsville with its famous pub and annual horse races to the mining town of Leigh Creek, with its 2.85km coal train. Hire a plane out of William Creek to fly over Lake Eyre; it’s awesome with or without water. Lean on the dog fence outside Coober Pedy. It was built in the 1950s to keep dingoes out of the rich pastoral lands to the south. Visit the Aboriginal heritage museum in the Arabunna Aboriginal Community Centre in Marree.
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Experience the unforgettable thrill of reeling in a giant barramundi in the tropical waters off the tiny Outback town of Burketown, home of the World Barramundi Fishing Championships, where the locals love to share a fishing yarn or two with visitors.
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Meet and mingle with real life Outback characters trackside, as you cheer on the camels racing on the red dirt track at the famous Boulia Camel Races.
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Bush races are big events on the Outback calendar, even if the ‘locals’ have to drive for hours to get there. Head to Roma in Western Queensland, for the Roma Cup or Roma Picnic Races or join thousands of visitors who fly into the tiny Outback town of Birdsville for its annual race meeting.
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It is hard to imagine any place in Australia which evokes quite the sense of loneliness and isolation as that of Birdsville, on the edge of the Simpson Desert. It operates like some kind of mysterious magnet to people who want to go to the most isolated place on the continent.
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Settle into canvas chairs for old nostalgia movies under the Outback stars at the Winton outdoor cinema in central Outback Queensland. Enjoy old Movietone news reels and cartoons under the stars and a cup of tea afterwards.
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Try a round of golf Outback-style at the Yowah Golf Course, but be careful because chances are you’ll hit an opal instead of a golf ball. Tee off on a nine-hole course of sand greens and earth fairways.
For further information please contact:
Tourism Australia Global Public Relations
GPO Box 2721
Sydney NSW 1006
Phone: +61 2 9360 1111
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
July 25 2012Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre (ASHOF)
The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame was officially opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 29 April 1988.
This is a special year for the Hall of Fame and we have some events planned to celebrate.
The contribution the Hall has made to regional tourism and in promoting Australian Rural Heritage has truly made its mark as a nationally significant icon of the bush.
To mark the occasion of the official opening by Her Majesty a cake cutting will occur in the foyer of the Hall on Monday 29 April. The Board of Directors are meeting on site this day and everyone is welcome to come and share in the occasion from 3pm.
Jane Grieve was Executive Director of ASHOF for the ten years prior to opening and will be on hand to sign her new book. Jane’s story, “In Stockman’s Footsteps” recounts her memories as a central figure with the ASHOF Founding Directors to see the project through to completion.
On Saturday 4 May we invite all Longreach and regional locals to join in the festivities at our 25th anniversary “Open Day”. This weekend coincides with our 23rd annual Drovers Reunion and people of all ages are welcome to join in the games with Drovers and learn some skills from days gone by.
There will be face painting and a jumping castle for the kids, and families are welcome to dine at the Cattlemen’s Bar & Grill.
Tony Jackson will be exhibiting the skills of his Australian working dogs conducting a sheep dog trial. You can also come and meet Lachie Cossor our Outback Stockman’s Show performer who will be doing extra performances throughout the day.
Locals are welcome free of charge to the Museum and the show so bring the kids along for a day out.
Emily Pankhurst is also launching her new book titled “Boss Drover and his mates” which tells the story of her much loved husband and drover, Clarry Pankhurst.
If you have a special story to share about the opening, or you played a hand in the development of the Stockman’s Hall of Fame we would love to hear from you. Curator, David Masel will be available all weekend to document and record individuals stories so they are preserved in the archives and your contribution can be recognised.
Rosemary Champion is also looking to recruit more people to represent the QLD Branch of ASHOF and keep the connection and history of the Hall strong.
If you are willing to get involved please let her know.
Our key event for the year, the “Outback Horse and Heritage Expo” is being held in Longreach 25-28 July. The draw card of this inaugural event is the sport of Campdraft, showcasing the truly unique and traditional displays of horse and cattle skills. A Bronco Branding competition will also be run over the weekend.
There will be live entertainment and camping is available on site. All horse disciplines are welcome to showcase their sport, so please get in contact to find out how to be involved. We would like to hold a grand parade and are seeking volunteers to assist with the running of this major event.
For our members travelling to Brisbane for the Exhibition, on Friday August 9 ASHOF are hosting the annual “Graziers and Pastoralists lunch” at Brisbane Tattersall Club. MC Rupert McCall will be introducing our many guest speakers including Jane Grieve to share her stories about the early days of planning for ASHOF. Shane Webcke will also be on hand to discuss his love of the bush. For bookings contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The “Silver Anniversary Ball” is being held on Saturday October 5 at Cattlemens Bar & Grill in Longreach. A three course meal and live entertainment will be provided so people can dance the night away under the stars, or catch up with friends in the marquees. Tickets available through the Hall and more details will follow.
The popular annual “Bushman’s Breakfast” in Adelaide, coincides with the cricket test and this year will also include our 25th anniversary celebrations. The breakfast is confirmed for Friday 6 December and event details will be updated on our social media outlets throughout the year.
March 11 2013Australian Stockmans Hall Of Fame - One Of The 50 Classic Outback Attractions
Explore the spirt of the outback at the Australian Stockmans Hall of Fame.
Each year, thousands make the pilgrimage to explore one of outback Australia's most famous destinations - Longreach in Queensland. While Longreach boasts many tourist attractions, the Stockman's Hall of Fame is famous for its tribute to Australia's bush heritage and celebrates the legacy of the stockman.
A Classic Outback Attraction
Recognised as one of the top 50 classic outback attractions, the Australian Stockmans Hall of Fame was formed from a conviction that there was a need to capture and record the fast disappearing culture and unique history of Australia's pioneers. A commitment was made to establish a monument to the people that created that history.
It is a museum, gallery, entertainment facility, theatre and historical library where facts relating to the outback are preserved and illustrated for the education and entertainment of Australians and visitors to Australia.
To this end the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame has become a mecca for those making the pilgrimage journey to its unique location at Longreach, in outback Queensland. The Outback Heritage Centre features extensive displays on the natural and cultural history of Longreach and the Australian Stockman, providing a fascinating insight for visitors to the region.
The Museum has developed a national reputation for its collection and preservation of the stories of the nation's rural past and its innovative education programs and interactive displays.
Barra, Beef and Bulldust Expo reaches great heights
Tremain-Hill Helicopters will be offering joy flights to those who want to view Karumba from above. Lochie Tremain-Hill says, “It’s truly beautiful; it really is the only way to see the Gulf. You can see for miles and miles – as far as Normanton.”
Those who dare can enjoy a 15-minute joyride in a Robinson helicopter for $100 per person. While this plenty of time for most, Lochie says passengers often beg for more. During a 30-minute flight, Lochie and his pilots can get you up to Rivers where you can see crocodiles lurking and the beginnings of the big wet.
Joy flights will be available during the Beef Barra & Bulldust Expo in Karumba during November
Tremain-Hill helicopters also offers once-in-a-lifetime fishing adventures. Anglers are choppered in to a secret location accessible only by air where the barra practically jump out of the water to hook themselves on your line. Phone Tremain-Hill for pricing and availability.
Scenic flights are just one of the exhilarating attractions at the inaugural Beef Barra and Bulldust Expo, held in and around Karumba this November. There will be market stalls and seminars, kids activities, a feast of beef, barramundi and prawns, plus a huge evening event featuring Troy Cassar-Daley, Mary G and Shane Howard. Don’t miss out on discount concert tickets at www.barrabeefandbulldust.com.au.
Those travelling to Karumba are invited to take part in a range of tours that will provide everlasting memories. See the Undara Lava Tubes, visit the Indigenous-owned station “Delta Downs”, travel the Savannah Way or climb aboard the Old Tin Hare.
The Beef Barra and Bulldust Expo is hosted by the Northern Gulf Resource Management Group and is designed to showcase all that the Gulf region has to offer. This event is proudly supported by the Events Queensland and the Building Rural Communities Fund plus event sponsors SkyTrans, Caring for our Country (Australian Government), Karumba Livestock Exports, South East Asian Livestock Services, MMG Century Mine, Bayer Australia, Stanbroke Pastoral Co., Landmark, Isuzu Trucks, Chrysler Jeep, Towers Motorcycles, Carpentaria Shire Council, North Queensland Register, Queensland Country Life and other local businesses and media partners.
Story and photo provided by
Bore Baths, Artesian Spa, Hot Springs,The Great Artesian Basin, Hot Spots!
There is only one thing to do after a day long travelling adventure - and that is to kick back, relax, and soak up the minerals of a therapeutic hot bore bath. Thanks to the Great Artesian Basin, parts of the Australian outback offer a myriad of hot spots for travellers to indulge in a relaxing soak.
Depending on where you are, (NSW calls them Bore Baths, whereas Queensland calls them Artesian Spas), one thing is certain, a soak in one, is the best remedy for soothing aches and pains and can help to alleviate arthritus.
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Fans of bore baths will frequent them daily for about 40 mins to an hour.
Depending on the temperature (around 40 degrees Celcius), you can submerge your body and take in the earth's nutrients via the mineral waters. After an evening soak you are guaranteed a good night's sleep.
So how did the Great Artesian Basin come about to be....lets take a look
Most artesian spas / bore baths are Free of charge and run by local councils.
If the artesian bath is located out of town, always check with the local Visitor Information Centre about opening times and road conditions.
Here is a suggested list of artesian bore baths to include in your Great Artesian Spa Tour:
Moree, various locations
Located in outback NSW, Moree has a number of accommodation houses that have access to their private artesian spas.
Enjoy a weekend at the multi-faceted tourist retreat. Experience camel riding, relax in private artesian spas and get involved in a working sheep station.
If you are visiting Narrabri or Coonabarabran in NSW , you can take a trip to the Pilliga Bore Baths on your way to Walgett and Lightning Ridge. Entry is Free.
About 40 minutes from Walgett, you will find the Burren Junction Bore Baths. There is accommodation and facilities available. Entry is Free.
Lightning Ridge has many accommodation houses and the Bore Baths are 5 minutes drive from the centre of town. Entry is Free.
Blackall in Queensland has a well kept aquatic centre with an artesian spa.
Mitchell Great Artesian Spa Complex
Relax and let the world go by at the Great Artesian Spa (or Bore Baths) complex, Mitchell's major tourist attraction
Cunnamulla, Charlotte Plains Farmstay
Enjoy nature's bore bath at ""Charlotte Plains"" a working sheep and cattle property 54 kilometres east of Cunnamulla.
Journeying towards Longreach, make a stop at Ilfracombe to experience the natural mineral waters of an Artesian Spa. Kick back, relax and unwind.
Bedourie's Artesian Spa and Swimming Pool Complex has a 22 person Therapeutic Spa, which is one of the favourite for locals and visitors alike.
May 05 2011Broken Hill Silver City Cup
This year’s Silver City Cup horse racing meeting is now just nine weeks away and the generosity of BH artist Howard Steer will help promote the event as the city’s family race day.
Mr Steer, who is well known for his fund raising efforts for a number of charities including the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Make a Wish and The Kidney Foundation, has provided the official artwork for the 2012 Silver City Cup.
“Howard has done a brilliant job capturing the family day focus of our event,” Silver City Cup Secretary-Manager Kylie Casey said.
“The painting depicts children enjoying a jumping castle as a central theme to the artwork and the Silver City Cup is committed to ensuring the kids enjoy our race day as much as the adults.
“We can’t thank Howard enough for the time, thought and effort he has put into preparing the official artwork. It reflects accurately what the race day is all about while also conveying the message with a touch of humour that Howard is well known for,” Mrs Casey added.
The Silver City Cup Committee is also close to finalising its VIP guest celebrities for the October 27 race meeting, which this year’s carries more than $50,000 in prizemoney and trophies.
“Our Entertainment Co-ordinator Jane Weekes has been working very hard to secure two stars of Australian TV and we will be announcing our VIP celebrities very soon,” Silver City Cup Committee President Dave Gallagher said.
“I am also pleased to announce that we have added another race day ambassador this year, with seven-year-old horse racing fan Archer Casey joining our team.
“Last year Makybe Weekes (who is named after triple Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva) helped us promote the family focus of our race day and given Archer’s racing connections, we thought he was a perfect fit to join Makybe in that ambassador’s role,” Mr Gallagher continued.
Archer is an historic name in horse racing as the winner of the first two Melbourne Cups (1861-62) while the local Archer first ventured to Flemington for the races at the tender age of eight months.
“Archer was at Flemington in 2005 when Makybe Diva won her historic third consecutive Melbourne Cup, so there is a nice symmetry with these two youngsters being ambassadors for the Silver City meeting, which is all about families enjoying a fun day at the track,” Mr Gallagher said.
“Archer’s family has a long tradition with horse racing in Broken Hill. He is a descendant of the McClure clan who were very well known horsemen and trainers in the district more than 50 years ago.
“More recently the Casey family owned Wild Vision which won the feature event at the St Pat’s race meeting in 1992 and 1993,” Mr Gallagher added
September 14 2012Charleville - More to do than you could ever have imagined!
Charleville is another one of those outback towns where you can cram your itinary full of events and attractions or simply lay back and unwind! There are many interesting places to see and activites to do around Charleville. You can enjoy magical stargazing, jazz under the stars and relaxing by the banks of the Warrego River!
Here is a 3 day travel itinerary for making the most out of your Charleville trip:
Day 1: Day one is full of discovery!
The Historical House Museum is one of the best ways to delve into the local history of the land. This amazing little time capsule tells the stories of the first settlers to the area and why the town was first created.
Then head to the Royal Flying Doctor base so you can experience first hand, how important this service is to locals in the outback .
The last discovery for the day is a trip to the Corones Hotel for a cold beer. This magnificent old pub has been restored to its former glory days and makes for a great backdrop for re-living "what life was like" in the early days.
During the evening, take a never forgotten journey into the Universe. The Cosmos Centre is the best place to discover the millions of stars and planets that make up the spectacular nights sky. Cosmos guides will share thir knowledge, whilst giving you the opportunity to witness the Galaxy first hand through powerful 12 inch Meade telescopes.
Day 2: Enjoy a gruelling gym session, then kick back and relax!
Charleville has one of the best equipped gymnasiums in the outback. The gym is ideally located at the Showgrounds and has a range of facilities to cater for any fitness level.
After an intense time exercising - the afternoon is for relaxing. The best place for this would undoubtedly be on the banks of the Warrego River. Here you can go birdwatching, picnicking or attempt to lure a nice Yellowbelly onto your line.
During the evening, you can grab a bite at the RSL and enjoy a night at the club. For the naturist, a Bilby Night Tour is a must. You do need to call to book in!
Day 3: Discover a homestead of national historical significance!
On the road to Quilpie you'll find the Myendetta Homestead. Enjoy a morning tea on the beautiful verandahs of this magical outback Australian homestead. Finish the day with an amazing Outback Air Tour of the Mulga Country.
If you are in Charleville early November, giddy up for the Charleville Cup! For details make sure you check out the events calendar to give you the latest information on dates for Charleville events. Looking for somewhere to stay, click Charleville accommodation!
May 03 2011Check out Australia’s best outback art galleries!
The Australian outback is a wonderland of living art, culture and inspiration. The colours, landscapes and people make for captivating works of arts and fascinating subjects for art enthusiats.
Regardless of your destination, each town has a local gallery or artist who captures the unique qualities of the region and transforms into an artistic representation of the bush.
The arid red soil of the outback, the picturesque western plains, the spectacular pink and purple sunsets, native animals on dusk, all are the subjects of creative works by many established bush artists, poets, painters, photograpers, sculptors, designers and writers.
Take some time out to browse through a gallery or take a stroll through the local gardens of the towns you visit. You'll find bush poets in pubs, yarn spinning around campfires, arts in our parks, indigenous dance groups, and more. You'll see art from thousands of years ago to the contemporary art of today. Immerse yourself in our unique culture and heritage seen through the eyes of Australias' very own outback artists.Take the outback inside.
We have scaled the bush to find some of the best artists to check out, on your next outback adventure:
- Pro Hart, Broken Hill
- John Murray, Lightning Ridge
- The Barbara Gasch Gallery
- Wendy Martin Gallery
- Stockyard Gallery and Cafe
- The Ian Lewis Gallery
- Aboriginal Steel Art
- Fiona Lake Photograhy
If you would like to be included on our Outback Artists list, or know someone who should be, please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
May 03 2011Coober Pedy - you’ve never seen anything like it
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"Coober Pedy-you’ve never seen anything like it”
Welcome to Coober Pedy, opal capital of the world. Famous for many things including its underground lifestyle with dugout homes, churches, museums, motels, shops and galleries; this cosmopolitan town lays claim to supplying the lion’s share of opals to the world.
You can’t come to Coober Pedy without soaking up some of its mining history at The Old Timers Mine or having a round of golf at one of the outback’s most unique Golf Clubs – a must for all serious (and not so serious) golfers. See more of Coober Pedy's Outback Tours and Attractions
Several guided tour options are available from Ando Tours (underground B & B), Riba’s and the Old Timers Mine ranging from 1.5 hours, full day and evening tours.
Sites to take in include one of the few drive in theatres still operating today.
Step back in time to our childhood with your regular screenings – details available from the Visitor’s Information Centre.
Various locations around town have been the backdrop for big budget movies and commercials including the Breakaways, the Painted Desert, Moon Plain and The Dingo Fence; all well worth a visit.
The lunar like landscape devoid of trees and grass makes for a spectacular sunset scene and a photographers delight.
Unique accommodation can be found at Underground B & B, and Riba’s Underground Camping and Tourist Park, something you will not experience anywhere else in the world.
Coober Pedy also makes a great starting point to explore the surrounding towns of Oodnadatta, William Creek and Marree – which houses an interesting Graveyard of local rail and transport history of the area, or the beginning of your exploration of the Oodnadatta, Strzelecki or Birdsville track, Lake Eyre or even The Simpson Desert – a word of warning though – make sure you and your vehicle are properly prepared if you intend to venture off the main roads and into the outback.
Remember: This is still frontier country!
June 27 2011Coonamble Shire newsletter
Click on the below link for the current Coonamble Shire newsletter
Download Info Sheet February 14 2013Cunnamulla Fella Festival 2012 a great weekend
Cunnamulla Fella Festival 2012
The annual Cunnamulla Fella Festival is on again...Thursday 8th, Friday 9th & Saturday 10th November.
All roads lead to Cunnamulla the Festival Capital of the South West Queensland, where people converge from all over Australia, including National & International riders for our PBR Touring Pro Division Bull Ride and the Rodeo Services Assn. (RSA) Rodeo.
Come and experience the Cunnamulla Fella Festival and real bush hospitality. Take part in great family entertainment and a packed program over two days and three nights.
Thursday Evening 8th: An Official Festival Opening kicks off the festival with “Australian Year of the Farmer” dinner and mini expo with corporate entertainer Clint Paddison.
Friday morning 9th:9am: Smoko in Bob Poncho Park, for all the family with music and activities to keep everyone amused while enjoying a cuppa with friends and family till noon. Live music will be played by some of the participants from the week long workshops that were funded by Festivals Australia.
Friday Evening9th: The Entertainment and Festival Rodeo continues the festival fun at John Kerr Park from 5pm. The excitement starts with live music with band El’ vaquero featuringJamahl Hamilton followed by entertainment in the arena withFlair Entertainment’s Motorcycle Trick Riders straight from Australia’s got Talent. The Festival Rodeo is next, with our first International Rider from Montana USA to try his luck on some of the roughest Australian equine. 3 events will keep you on the edge of your seat, then when you think it can’t get any better, Jamahl and his band crank up the music to dance the rest of the night away.
Saturday morning 10th begins 7.30am with Ergon Energy Breakfast, in Centenary Park. The inaugural Bill Johnstone Memorial Triathlon, a new addition to the festival program, will present winners after the event at the park. Special appearance from Flair Entertainment followed with 9.30am start for the Cunnamulla Fella Challenge celebrating local bush skills, with 7 events to test the ability of all wannabe bushman. (Lots of prize money to be won.) Market Stalls and activities for all will be available.
Saturday Evening the feature event is the PBR Touring Pro Division Bull Ride. It is the 'toughest sport on dirt', and boasts National and International riders, riding some of the rankest bulls for a prize purse of $10,000.00 and the onlyOPAL BUCKLE on thePBR circuit. Never miss any of the action, with widescreen replays.
The closing of the festival will be celebrated with the Land Transport Fire Works display after the bulls’ stop bucking. More live music will continue to end our festival in fine style.
.......So don your Akubra, comfy fancy shirt and head west this November to the Paroo Shire and the Cunnamulla Fella Festival.
September 27 2012
Discover Bourke with Mateship Country Tours
As Henry Lawson says...'if you know Bourke, you know Australia.'
Every Australian should visit Bourke to get a sense of what the outback character and lifestyle is all about. As you can appreciate, there is a very unique story to tell of Bourke. To understand it, you need to hear it from Bourke's best story teller.
Stuart Johnson will take you on a 3-4 hour discovery tour of the town where you will absorb first hand the past and present stories of the outback's most famous town.
The Mateship Country Tours covers Bourke's heritage, high tech citrus and grape farming, at Back 'o' Bourke Fruits , Darling Farms, Clyde Agriculture who are now the largest landowners in Australia.
Expect to see cotton farms with some of the country's largest water storage systems and you'll be impressed with the Jojoba and Pera Bore.
The tour consistently earns the highest praise from both domestic and international visitors. It is a must see for any traveller. Over 45,000 people have enjoyed the tour over the past 11 years.
You will also discover the legend of the mighty Darling River and its robust steamboat history. Stu will take you to one of the most amazing natural attractions in the outback - the Mysterious Oxley.
You will be captivated by the stories, and will get a chance to experience a sense of the special identity of this famous watering hole. This oasis was a rendevous for swaggies, drovers, and bullock drivers.
Dont miss one of the best tours the outback has to offer!
May 04 2011Discover One Of The Queensland’s Most Authentic Outback Experiences
Experience a delicious authentic camp oven dinner. Escape to Blackall during winter (May to August) and you can enjoy one of the outback's most famous and delicious feasts!
A campoven dinner is one of the best ways to warm up those chilly winter nights, and the Blackall Caravan Park is proud to boast an excellent inhouse campoven cook who will prepare you one of heartiest, sumptous and tantalising treats you'll eat in the bush!
You will discover the taste sensation of good ole' country cooking. The menu usually consists of Roast Meat with baked vegetables followed by Damper with golden syrup and Billy tea.
It is a great opportunity to mingle with fellow travellers, listen to the resident musicians and relax.
The Blackall Caravan Park is ideally suited to accommodating motor homes and recreational vehicles.
There is plenty of room, and the Park has become a regular meeting place for travellers coming from all over Australia because of its central location, quality facilities, affordable rates and friendly hosts. Come and see this wonderful Oasis in the Outback. Your hosts, Debbie, Norm & family can offer you a very comfortable and quite stay at their 3 Star park.
The Park boasts ensuite cabins and units, grassy shaded drive through sites, camp sites, 2 amenities blocks, laundry, dump point, EFTPOS, pet friendly (on application), kiosk, and tourist information.
The Caravan Park is one of Blackall's most versatile locations. Located just 3 minutes from the centre of town, you can easily walk to most tourist attractions including the rejuvenating hot artesian spa at the Blackall Aquatic Centre, the Blackall Woolscour, Jack Howe Statue and the original Black Stump.
May 05 2011
Drought Buster Deals! 10 Top Outback Farmstays
Farm or station stays are a fantastic way for you to experience life on the land. Whether it is shearing sheep, mustering cattle, or riding horses, farm or station stays offer a unique holiday experience which are both, challenging and rewarding.
With prices starting from as little as $35 per person, per night, compared to other holiday options, outback farmstays offer great value for money with unparalleled fun. On the farm, children can ride, run, create, build, dig, explore, adventure and imagine. While there are plenty of things to do to keep them busy, it will be the games and the experience they create for themselves which they will truly remember.
For the grown ups, try your hand at helping out with farm activities, or if relaxation is what you are after, farmstays boast great walking tracks, bird watching, photographic opportunities, spectacular views, brilliant sunsets, and at some, there are natural (Bore) baths to soak in.
TAKE A look at 10 of the best farmstays in outback Australia:
Carisbrooke Stations, QLD
Charlotte Plains, QLD
Cameron's Farmstay and B&B Nyngan, NSW
Meadow View Farmstay Tottenham, NSW
Merluna Station Stay Weipa, QLD
Food & Huts by Mt Oxley Bourke, NSW
Lorne Station Lightning Ridge, NSW
Bonus Downs Farmstay Mitchell, QLD
Bimbimbi & Little Hollow Homesteads Chinchilla, QLD
Earth Yields Another Opulent Boulder Opal
Earth Yields another opulent boulder opal. A Quilpie man has discovered a boulder opal expected to rival the $1.2 million Galaxy opal found in 1989.
Opal Miners Queensland president Greg McKay was with miner Allan Kisiel when he cut the boulder 5 weeks ago to expose the 11cm x 9 cm gemstone. "There was elation. It's not every day that you get a piece of that quality and size," Mr McKay said. Mr Kisiel, who has been mining for 25 years, excavated the stone in about 18m of sandstone on his leased claim on cattle land abut 265km northwest of Quilpie. He has already sold it to a private cutter for an undisclosed price.
"The money side is important but not that important," he said. "I enjoy searching for treasures of the earth, which is opals."
He intends to continue mining after celebrating his good fortune. "I might splash it around and go for a holiday,' he said, shen asked how he would spend his windfall.
The Galaxy opal, unearthed in Jundah, was the about the same size as this one, Mr McKay said.
Source:The Courier Mail, Monday 6 November 2006 by Tuck Thompson
May 03 2011Enjoy A 3 Or 5 Day Farmstay Getaway
Outback NSW's friendliest Farmstay
Experience a 3 or 5 day Farmstay Getaway (1 hour's drive from Nyngan )
"Meadow View" is a fully working sheep, cattle and cereal cropping farm, 18 km from Tottenham, and just over an hour's drive from the famous Dubbo Zoo.
The Farmstay is set on 6000 acres, on the western plains with spectacular outback NSW views and magnificent ambience. Perfect for a long weekend getaway or a chance for the family (and the dog!) to get together and relax.
Meadow View offers a beautiful outlook; at night enjoy a sumptuous hearty camp oven dinner under the sparkling night sky or try spotlighting. By day you can enjoy bird watching, bush walking, photography and exploring.
Our historic "Orange Plains" woolshed was built in the 1850's and perfectly presents the work of the shearer.
You can relax and enjoy the farm animals and wildlife in their natural surroundings.
Children will love the farm activities, which include yabbying, tractor rides, farm tour, patting and feeding the farm animals, and collecting chicken eggs, just to name a few!
At Meadow View, you can experience a real working cattle station. With 6000 acres, about 1500 sheep and 200 cattle, the Station farms about 1000-1200 acres of cereal crop - wheat oats and barley. The oats are grown for stock feed, barley for a cash crop and stock feed, and the wheat is grown for a cash crop and delivered to the silo in town.
Our clean and comfortable rooms, can sleep up to 11 and you'll enjoy all the warmth and hospitality of a traditional outback farmstay. Your accommodation includes a fully equipped kitchen, dishwasher, washing machine, clothes dryer, iron and board, TV, DVD, broadband, treadmill and sewing machine. All accommodation includes great kitchen facilities TV, radio and CD player. Bath and shower facilities.
Farmstay Packages are available.
We also offer camping and caravan facilities.
* Pets are allowed by request.
Let your hosts Ian and Meryl look after you during a fantastic farmstay experience.
Escape To A Cosy, Outback B&B This Winter!
The outback offers a wide choice of styles of accommodation or lodgings, from traditional bed & breakfasts, homestays, retreats, self contained cottages, and spas. We've done the hard work for you, and found some fantastic Outback's BnBs.
Lodging or staying with the hosts of our many member properties throughout Outback Australia is the ideal way to make the most of your travels, whether it be a family vacation, honeymoon, simply a getaway, to celebrate a special occasion or even a business trip.
Follow a lovely day with a comfortable night's sleep and a superb breakfast and you'll soon realise what makes visitors want to come back soon - our good old-fashioned hospitality and the natural wonders of outback Australia.
Here are some great deals for Australia's best Outback BnB's!
Riverside Motel
Bourke, NSW
4.5 Stars
Cameron's Farmstay and B&B
Nyngan, NSW
Close to town
Sonja's BnB
Lightning Ridge, NSW
Beautiful little B&B
Mt Tenandra Homestead
Corawa Park Coonabarabran and Coonamble
email for prices
Underground B&B
Coober Pedy SA
email for prices
Escape To Charters Towers This Autumn
Aussie Outback Oasis Cabin & Van Village
Charters Towers' only fully Tourist Park offers 10 acres of spacious shady parkland surroundings, ultra clean modern facilities and extra large drive thru powered/un-powered sites catering for every style of traveller. If you're looking for a little bit of luxury in the outback, our self contained cabins & Deluxe Villas are sure to impress.
There's a surprising amount on offer in Charters Towers - Stroll through the city to see many of our heritage listed architecture, visit Australia's largest surviving battery relic, the Venus Gold Battery. So come and see why people love staying in our friendly park as you explore the rich heritage of Charters Towers. Experience for yourself what all the talk is about!
Features:
- BIG4 Member Park
- Salt water Rock Pool
- Austar available in cabins/villas
- Modern BBQ / Kitchenette Area
- Large Sites - Powered and Unpowered Sites
- Drive through Slab and Grass Sites (big van friendly)
- Modern Amenities
- Bus and Tour Group Friendly
- Drive though Dump Point
- Self-contained Air-conditioned Ensuite Cabins and Villa's (Linen Supplied)
- Bird Watching
- Barramundi Viewing
- Wireless Internet (Net 4)
- 10 acres of Park Land Setting
- Jumping Pillow
10 Acres Delightful Parkland BBQ/pool and Laundromat on site
May 04 2011Experienced Relief Hospitality Management Team
Do you require an experienced relief Hospitality Management Team?
Honest, hardworking, physically fit and self-motivated couple, MICK & LEE DAVIES specialise in relief management of:
- Hotels
- Motels
- Caravan parks
- Shops
- Roadhouses
- Islands
- Homesteads
- Remote bush camps and fishing lodges.
They hold the following gaming licences and course certificates – TAB, RMLV QLD, Approved Managers QLD, Coxswain (Mick), Experienced Office Manager (Lee), Experienced Cook (Lee) Knowledge of several computer accommodation programs including Rezbooks and Motellier, and have their own transport.
They can be contacted on:
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Phone: 07 4748 5655 or 07 4748 5544
Mobile: 0419 849 716 after mid November
Take advantage of their expertise for your next much earned relief.
August 31 2011Explore The World Capital Of Black Opal!
Explore the world capital of black opal - Lightning Ridge in a deluxe airconditioned coach with an experienced local guide. Experience noodling on some of the most successful mining areas in the world
The tour takes in a visit to most amazing tourist attractions in Lightning Ridge. We also take you to the 3 Mile Open Cut, Artesian Baths, unusual local camps, including the unique structure of Amigo's Castle, and exclusive to our tour is a visit to the Black Queen antique lamp museum.
We will take you to Bodel's Camp, one of the oldest camps on the diggings and you will get to go underground at the Walk-in-Mine. Experience a cutting and polishing demonstration with full explanation about Lightning Ridge Opal. Clean amentities are available for this comfort stop.
Lightning Ridge is rich in local art and culture - you will witness a number of sites that capture the true essence of the Australian outback.
The tour includes a private view of one of the most spectacular opal collections in town. Included in the tour is a delicious serving of fresh Devonshire Tea.
F-35 Aircraft Simulators in Longreach
The Qantas Founders Museum, Longreach, is pleased to announce the arrival of three of its four flight simulators for the general public to get hands-on flying experience that is as close as it gets to the real thing.
We look forward to having you here to test the experience.
The QANTAS Founders Museum in Longreach has taken another step in linking the past with the future.
The Museum was established by the Western Queensland community in 1996 not only to tell the story of the foundation of the airline which has become an Australian icon but also to inspire current and future generations of Australians with the story of vision, struggle and persistence in achieving a goal.
The Qantas story began in World War One when a pilot named Paul McGinness and a Gunner/Observer named Hudson Fysh teamed up in Number One squadron of the Australian Flying Corps in Palestine. The aircraft they used was a Bristol Bf.2b which was the leading reconnaissance, ground attack and defence aircraft of 1917.
Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Service obtained its first aircraft in January 1921 and began regular scheduled services in November, 1922.
Through sheer persistence and dogged hard work it proudly became Australia’s overseas airline in 1934 and has grown to become one of the most-respected air companies in the world – and one with which nearly all Australians feel an affinity.
We see it as ours.
Today’s Number One squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force, based at Amberley, the largest RAAF base in Australia, now operates FA-18 Super Hornet aircraft but is due to start using the new Lockheed-Martin F-35 Lightning 2 in 2015. This is the latest reconnaissance, ground attack and defence aircraft – carrying out the same role McGinness and Fysh were almost one hundred years ago.
Under the guidance of Chairman Rodney Seccombe and CEO Tony Martin, the QANTAS Founders Museum has just installed three F-35 flight simulators for visitors to experience and fly.
The F-35 simulators are Queensland-designed and made and the fighter jets are fully networked, so the user can command their aircraft in various modes of simulation interaction between pilots, including the opportunity to participate in co-operative joint strike missions, modern fighter jet dogfights or as an individual user in the highly realistic experience of flight.
They are part of a display showing the contrast between aerial combat, training and equipment that crews had in 1917 through to modern day.
The next step is to install a Bristol Bf.2b simulator (currently being designed and constructed) and will be the only one of its kind in the world. The Bristol Bf.2b simulator is expected to be launched early 2013.
Visitors to the Museum will be able to experience what it was like to fly an open-cockpit fighting biplane in World War One and compare that with flying the most modern military aircraft in the world today.
For An Adventure Of A Lifetime, Discover Outback Australia!
The kids have packed up and moved on, you're retired, (or just damn tired), and the nomadic lifestyle of the so called 'Grey Nomad' beckons. Maybe a trip overseas would be nice , all the places you've ever dreamt of visiting, all of the romantic and historic getaways that you've seen on the movies. Sure, overseas travel does have plenty to offer, but as most soon realise , the lifestyles created by Hollywood's spindoctors costs more than most can afford, not many of us can handle the difference in cultures, very few can speak the language and in a world filled with the everyday fear of terrorism, travel here in good old outback oz does'nt seem so bad after all!
A bulk of the evergrowing number of domestic tourists visiting Australias outback have lived there working life in the cities, never knowing what was right here under their noses. Of course everyone has heard of Ayers Rock and Kakadu National Park, the Mt Isa Rodeo and Longreach's Stockmans Hall of Fame, but have you ever heard of the Grawin Opal field, where this arid moonscape supports three tin shed puds, more sheep than you could count in a nightime of sleeps and a collage of colourful characters all toiling toward their dream of untold wealth. Or has anyone told you about the blind mechanic that runs the garage in Windorah? Probably not!
But around every turn another geographical twist arises to drop your jaw or a local with a grin as big as the Simpson Desert and a warm heart and handshake even bigger is there to greet you and take you on an unforgettable tour of your next memory.
In early 2006 Outback Now was launched to offer information to tourists and locals and provide the platform for what will become somewhat of an online outback community. The need for a site such as Outback Now has arisen from the frustration of web surfers inability to find a one stop outback shop. Previously 'surfers' could find one site with accommodation, one with Events, some with attractions and very few with constantly updated information. Although not specialising in the hardcore 4WD'ing, Outback Now tries to provide you, the tourist, with as much practical information as possible, whilst creating an awareness that each town, no matter the size, holds more than just a passing glance.
Our points of difference to many other tourism directories is that we are privately owned and actually get off our butts and visit the towns which we promote. Our dedicated team are constantly on the road saying G'day to everyone we can, collecting information and eagerly trying to find new ways to improve what we do. After all it is listening to your opinion and taking your ideas on board which will make Outback Now your complete travel companion.
You' wanted maps and weather, so we give you maps and weather. Through Google's extensive and unbeatable function of global mapping, you can now find maps on every outback town, including Satellite imagery which allows you to zoom in and almost grab a kangaroo by the tail.
Our other new addition is weather for each town. Although not accessible for every town, we endeavour to get the nearest possible towns forecast. The optimum time for any outback travel is in the cooler months between March and October, however if mid 40 degree temperatures don't frighten you off, the local's will be quick to offer you a cold beer and an airconditioned swag.
As most of you have already retired back to your cooler southern abode or others ponder on the thought of a romantic escape, keep us in mind as you do your research for your next great escape, and if there is anything, no matter how small an input, please do not hesitate to shoot us through an email, because without your help we can't keep Outback Now your number one outback travel site. Our gaurantee to you is that we'll keep trying 'til the cows come home!
May 03 2011Forbes Camel Races attract a record crowd
Camel races attract record crowd; article from the Forbes Advocate
By Michael Bushell
A record crowd of more than 5000 people watched Wookatook win the Forbes Camel Cup at Forbes Racecourse on Good Friday.
Trained by John Richardson of Yeppoon in Queensland and ridden by local jockey Jaye Davie, Wookatook took home the lion’s share of the $3750 prizemoney on offer in the 400m Camel Cup.
However, the real winners were almost certainly the event organisers, who welcomed the biggest crowd ever in the cup’s 11 year history.
Forbes Camel Races Secretary Lee Marsh yesterday said more than 5000 people enjoyed a “great family day” last Friday, witnessing eight action-packed races and a range of on-course entertainment.
Ms Marsh said “98.5 per cent” of the patrons were visitors to Forbes.
“It was a case of pick the Forbes person over there [at the racecourse],” she said.
The Camel Races committee held several lucky gate draws on Friday, which also told the organisers where the crowd had come from.
Gate prize winners hailed from Milton on the NSW South Coast, from Newcastle and from Canley Vale in suburban Sydney, but Ms Marsh said the event attracted people from all over the state and even overseas.
“I know we had a couple of people from Switzerland here,” she said.
Last year’s Camel Races attracted about 4500 people and had been the biggest prior to last Friday.
Children were entertained by the animal nursery, the St George Dragon and the SES Platypus and by attractions such as the emergency services gopher races, sponsored by Frank Spice and won by the Rural Fire Service crew.
“The SES finished second and the police were in chase of them all,” Ms Marsh said of the gopher races.
Musical group The Battlers played for the crowd at various times throughout the day and the pushbike shearing and sheep dog trials were also popular.
The Camel Races committee is comprised of members of the Forbes Rugby League and Forbes Jockey clubs and funds raised will be spread throughout the community to various organisations and charities.
A final tally of profits from the event had not been determined yesterday, but Ms Marsh expected the record crowd would translate onto the balance sheet.
“A lot of charities will do very well out of the day,” Ms Marsh said.
With the event growing each year, Ms Marsh said the committee looked forward to 2013.
“We’ll be back bigger and better for next year,” she said.
Article from the Forbes Advocate April 2012
March 12 2013Fuel Costs for traveling around Australia
Fuel Costs
I stumbled across a little gem the other day at the Brisbane Caravan and Camping Show, in the form of a booklet titled ‘Fuel Prices – The Good News’. Naturally it caught my eye – anything to help the wallet, right?
The booklet is put out by the Caravan and Camping Industry Association NSW, and looks at various scenarios; from a 14 day 600km driving holiday right up to a 180 day trip around Outback Australia (“The Big One”). It covers family cars, 4WD’s (both towing) and motor homes. The study, conducted by KPMG (international audit, tax and advisory services) covers all costs that a family would reasonably incur whilst holidaying. The study looks at the cost of food, site fees, maintenance, entertainment etc, but draws our attention to the impact (or moderate impact) that various price increases in fuel will have on the overall cost of a holiday. And there lies the secret – it gets us to focus on fuel costs for what they are – a component of your total holiday costs, not the huge cost we might otherwise think it is. The study concludes that a 20c per litre increase in the cost of fuel results in an overall increase in daily costs of about 2% - the cost of a cup of coffee.
I checked out their website Caravan-Camping as well when we got home, and that gives you even more detail, including a handy calculator to help you estimate any scenario that you might encounter.
Thank you CCIANSW – a very handy resource and good to see a glass (or tank) half full focus on holiday costs.
A footnote – not everything is more expensive in regional areas or the outback. Rents and wages are a component of costs adding to prices of everything you buy and both are under less pressure in regional areas. For example – A tenant of a new shopping mall in a city will pay hundreds of thousands of dollars per year in rent (factoring in the cost of land etc), that has to be passed onto the consumer. Often this cost is lower in regional areas, offsetting the cost of transport and therefore helping the budget a bit.
June 17 2011Get away for a Dirty Weekend in the Australian Outback!
One way to get down and dirty with a loved one this year is by checking out all the action of the outback's dirtiest events...
Mungindi Mud Trials
Experience the thrill of a real outback experience with the Mungindi Mud Trials. A day of pure adrenaline, speed, skill, mud, dirt, flies, blow outs and action is set to thrill spectators and off road enthusiasts. Enjoy watching the cars earn there points while playing in the mud.
Gascoyne River Dash
The river dash is now run as a dry river dash for buggies, motor bikes, 4WD's and off road machines. It is an annual event and attracts entries both locally and statewide. It is a gruelling race which tests both the driver/s and vehicles stamina.
Julia Creek Dirt and Dust Festival
The Dirt and Dust Festival is an annual community-run event staged in Julia Creek, along the Overlanders Way. The Festival is based around one of the toughest triathlons in Australia, run at 12 noon, starting at the local water hole.
Birdsville Races
Entering Birdsville, you may well wonder was this worth the drive, because my friends, this is one of the most remote places on earth. However to those with their eyes completely open, she holds a beauty like no other outback town and a beating heart that near jumps out of itself every September.
May 04 2011Get Cosy In An Outback B’N'B
9 of the most Romantic outback Destinations
The outback has hundreds of outback BnB's to rekindle those romantic flames. Let sparks fly as you get cosy among the gum trees at one of the many BnB's, farmstays or holiday retreats set up to help you relax and unwind.
We have many accommodation houses including BnB's, farmstays, holiday retreats, motels, pubs to choose from in each of the following towns:
- Do some lovin' in Longreach
- Get whisked away in Winton
- Go Krazy in Katherine
- Fall in love in Lightning Ridge
- Take your beauty to Barcaldine
- Champagne in Charleville
- Cuddle up in Kununurra
- Enjoy a good red in Roma
- Get cosy in Cunnumulla
Looking for other town options, or use the search bar to find any outback town.
May 04 2011Great Australian Doorstep Camp Hire
Great Australian Doorstep Camp Hire....
No longer is it an excuse that you do not have a tent, cooker or chairs to stop you from sharing a starry sky and campfire beside your Favourite River or palm-fringed stream with family or friends.
The Great Australian Doorstep Camp Hire has come to the rescue.
For as little as $26 per day you can have all the comforts of home without the need to buy or store it.
The basic range includes tent, mattress with pump, lantern, chairs, table, cooler, stove with gas bottle and a cleaning pack.
The deluxe pack adds a camp kitchen, frypan, saucepan, crockery, cutlery and utensils.
All you will need to supply are your clothes, bedding and food.
Dozens of other options are also available should you desire a touch of luxury.
Currently available in SE Queensland and Northern NSW from the Gold Coast depot, other sites will be opened soon.
Check out their website for more details and lots of other ideas to make your next camping trip just a little bit special.
April 03 2012Gutsy challengers sought for Australia’s toughest triathlon
Gutsy challengers sought for Australia’s toughest triathlon
A tiny town in Outback Queensland is challenging Australia’s gutsiest triathletes to take on one of the country’s toughest events when it hosts the annual Cannington Dirt n Dust Triathlon on April 20.
This year, the triathlon – which is a major draw card for Julia Creek’s Dirt n Dust Festival – will feature as the opening race in the second annual North Queensland Triathlon Series (NQTS).
According to Dirt n Dust Committee President Stephen Malone, inclusion in the NQTS is a huge coup for the Dirt n Dust Triathlon.
“The Dirt n Dust Triathlon has a long-standing reputation as one of the most unique triathlon events in the country. While it’s shorter than many coastal events, challengers face some real physical and mental challenges including swimming through a muddy creek, riding 25km along an empty outback highway and running 5km over searing bitumen, often in temperatures approaching 40○C,” said Mr Malone.
“While we see many competitors return for the Triathlon year after year, it can be difficult to attract new competitors to the event because our location is so remote.
“The North Queensland Triathlon Series gives people another reason to make the trip out to Julia Creek, rather than leave it on the backburner.”
The NQTS started in 2012 with seven events and has expanded this year to 13. NQTS coordinator William Dawson said the series is a combined initiative of Triathlon Queensland and North Queensland Triathlon enthusiasts wishing to foster competition between various clubs in the region.
“There was a lot of support for the Dirt n Dust Triathlon to be included in the 2013 series, particularly from members of the Mount Isa Triathlon Club, and we are pleased that the North West will be represented by such a reputable and well-loved event,” said Mr Dawson.
About the Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival
The Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival will be held on April 19 - 21, 2013.
For more information, and triathlon registration, please visit www.dirtndust.com.
March 31 2013Introducing the Hillbilly Goats
The Hillbilly Goats
Kick your shoes off, put your hoe-down & hang on to ya britches! .... The Hillbillygoats will have you up hootin’ and a-hollerin’ as they perform their up-tempo arrangements of Mountain-Grass Music, Hillbilly Roots and Old Time Blues.
We first ran across this group at the Barcaldine Tree Of Knowledge Festival where they were billed as headline act. Their unique and fun style had the crowd on their feet and dancing to some old-time songs with an up-tempo beat. It was electric. I quickly found out they had played at an impressive list of festivals in the last year or so including Tablelands Folk Festival, Wallaby Creek, Yungaburra, Port Douglas Carnivale, Cairns Blues Festival and Cooktown Discovery Festival to name a few.
The Goats are leaving an impressive hoof-print everywhere they go! 4 years of PUB GIGS, FESTIVALS and FUNCTIONS have seen this band emerge into far-northern favourites with a herd of goat-fans in convoy.
Touring regularly with Bill Chambers, the Goats are taking their name to distant paddocks. It’s a perfect musical combination - Bill Chambers has the old hillbilly licks and flat-picking style to compliment the Old Time energy & harmonies of the Hillbillygoats "Pub Show" as well as their "Out of the Mountains" show...
“OUT OF THE MOUNTAINS” their latest album is a progressive musical journey that begins centuries ago with the settlement of immigrants in the Appalachian Mountains and features Bill Chambers guitar works on several tracks. Due to lack of entertainment, they created their own fun through music. Singing songs they brought with them from their native countries evolved over time and rooted itself as a new form of music that was influenced heavily by a mixture of Irish, Scottish and African rhythms. This "Mountain Music" has endured for hundreds of years, giving birth to what we now know as Blues, Bluegrass and Country music along the way.
Featuring Banjo, Bones, Mandolin, Double Bass, Guitars, Dobro, Harmonica, Drums, Spoons, Harmonies and Comedy, this band is a whole lot of yeeha! So whether you are a pub, club, festival or individual wanting a great band for your own function, the Hillbillygoats have a show that will not let you down
"...this energetic band would create a fabulous, fun night out....the musicianship is outstanding and the arrangements are well constructed using clean honest vocals with an emphasis on storytelling..." Lonnie Martin, The Folk Rag (Nov 2011)
“...After just retuning from major festivals in the USA, I reckon the Hillbillygoats are up there with the best in the Old-Time scene...” Bill Chambers (Aug 2012).
November 02 2012ISA’S FISHING CLASSIC LURES NATIONAL EXPOSURE
The 2012 Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic!
Planning for Mount Isa’s annual Fishing Classic has set off at a cracking pace in 2012 with organisers the Mount Isa Fish Stocking Group today announcing the return of one of the nation’s most popular outdoor adventure lifestyle programs, Creek to Coast.
Star presenter and lovable larrikin Scott Hillier and Creek to Coasts youngest presenter and former Miss Universe competitor Kimberley Busteed will be playing dual roles at the 2012 event, acting as both special guests and hosts while filming segments on the Classic, now known as Queensland’s Richest Freshwater Fishing Competition.
To be hosted from Black Rock, Lake Moondarra on October 26, 27 and 28 the 2012 Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic has the attention of anglers and visitors from across the nation as a line-up of fishing fun and entertainment like never before takes shape.
Now in its fourteenth year the 2012 Classic will not only see special guests in attendance, but the return of much loved favourites such as the Dragon Boat Regatta, Beach Volley Ball competition, yabby races and live entertainment.
Airing on Chanel 7 across the nation Creek to Coast showcases the best four wheel driving, boating, camping, fishing and water sports that Queensland has to offer. Inclusion of segments from the Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic is a great way to promote not only the now infamous Fishing event staged by the Mount Isa Fish Stocking Group, but the benefits our whole region has to offer visitors.
Come and experience “the classic” and all that Mt Isa has to offer on this great value and fun family weekend.
August 29 2012Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival’s “Best Butt” competition begins in Cairns March 2nd 2013
Julia Creek Dirt "n" Dust Festival
At the Creek and Julia Creek Information Centre
Lets chat about Tourism and Accommodation in Mining Towns!
Tourism and Accommodation in mining towns.
Many road trips from S.E Australia to North, Western and Coastal Queensland and from S.E Queensland to Western Queensland or N.T. will take the traveller through towns like Dalby, Chinchilla, Miles, Roma, Injune, Emerald or Clermont; and unless you have been living under a rock the last few years, these towns are now in the grip of a mining boom.
It is a common belief among some that these areas should be given a wide berth, that traffic congestion, road conditions and securing accommodation are issues best avoided so choose another route.
Recently we had reason to travel through these towns (with a caravan) and found not all the news to be bad. I know that there are still car-based travellers that turn up and expect a room without first booking ahead, but as time goes by those become fewer and fewer.
Most choose to book sometimes 6 to 8 weeks ahead. Caravan and camping tourers – well that’s another story!
Most of the councils and particularly the Visitor Information Centre staff are working hard to find alternatives including some free camping options to keep the tourists enjoying the many attractions these towns offer.
If you can’t find a site at one of the 4 caravan parks in Dalby; try some of the nearby towns of Bell or Kaimkillenbun, the Lake Broadwater National Park or check with the VIC for other options.
At Chinchilla the VIC staff were pleased to tell us of the Chinchilla Weir (a free camp for max of 2 nights stay) and all its features, other camp grounds include Archers Crossing south east of town and at Kogan. Also the VIC at Chinchilla houses a collection of Petrified wood from the local area where you can purchase a fossickers licence and map of local fossicking areas.
The Miles VIC staff will advise you about the showgrounds, Possum Park, Columboola Country Caravan Park or free camping at Gil Weir. Make sure you have a look through the Miles Historical Village and Museum while you’re at the VIC.
1st stop when visiting Roma would have to be the Big Rig Tourist Complex that houses the VIC and other great attractions. There y
ou will be advised of another place to stay if you can’t get a spot in the 3 caravan parks. Bassett Park is at the town’s showgrounds and racing precinct on the northern edge of town and offers basic amenities, power and water only if the other parks are full.
Injune offers a basic camp ground with power and water at the Rodeo and Cutting grounds on the edge of town if the towns caravan park is full, a fee is payable at the VIC. There is also a road side stop about 70kms north of town with no facilities or a camp ground again with no facilities at Lonesome National Park north of Injune.
Emerald has 2 caravan parks to try but if they are full the options are: beside the bridge and the botanical gardens in the centre of town, Lake Maraboon / Fairbairn Dam caravan park about 30 kms from town or the nearby Gemfields towns of Anakie, Sapphire or Rubyvale where there are plenty of caravan parks and accommodation to choose from.
Please note:
The point we want to make in this article is to show that whilst some councils have taken their eye off the tourism ball and focused their time on the challengers that mining activity in the area has thrown at them, there is still plenty to do and see in these towns.
Accommodation is available but you may need to plan your journey and book ahead or take advantage of the many basic camp sites on offer near the towns.
The Outbacknow Team.
May 25 2012
Lucky Tourists $20,000 Richer After Weekend At Lightning Ridge
More and more tourists are flocking to the opal mining town of Lightning Ridge in Northern New South Wales, after South Coast couple - the Cerrones discovered opal worth a whopping $20,000 at the Visitor Information Centre noodling area.
The local Visitor Information Centre offers a "noodling area", where tourists can pan through metres of opal dirt in search of their very own gemstone treasures. Most tourists are lucky enough to find pieces of potch and colour to show off to friends and family. But for Mary and John Cerrone, their luck makes the most worthy of opal miners cast a green eye.
After watching an opal cutting demonstration, Mary knew just what to look for and spent Saturday afternoon fossicking on the mullock heaps. Mary caught what is known in the industry as "opal fever"
More and more tourists are flocking to the opal mining town of Lightning Ridge after tourists discovered opal worth a whopping $20,000 at the Visitor Information Centre. They returned early Sunday morning to take advantage of the bright early sun to try specking again.
After a short while, Mary discovered a stone that appeared to have some colour, so took it to local jeweller, Jo Lindsay of Lost Sea Opals. Ms Lindsay polished the stone and exposed a magnificient 14.92ct gem red on black opal and another red opal weighing 5.78ct. Together the stones are worth around $20,000.
The story is typical of the nature of opal mining. Regardless of the amount of technology and earth moving machinery, while you need preparation, a good eye for detail, success of an opal miner is largely due to luck. Local opal miners, provide the dirt for the tourists to "noodle in" and unfortunately for one local miner, one man's trash, is another tourists treasure!
The Cerrones are now celebrating their new found fortune and vow to return to Lightning Ridge to try their luck again.
May 05 2011Millmerran Sheep Races
Thanks to major sponsor ADL Equipment the 25th of August 2012 will see the 9th consecutive Millmerran Sheep Races cater for all tastes and all budgets.
Gates open at 11am and the six race program begins at 1pm with the calcutta finale at 4.30pm. ABC radio personality David Illiffe shall compere the day with football legend Shane Webcke helping to get the sheep down the race track.
The Millmerran Sheep Races is a fun and high-spirited day held at the Millmerran Showgrounds, a collaboration of efforts by the St Joseph's Parents & Friends and wider community, hosting a day of musical entertainment and children’s activities open to the whole community. The Parents & Friends Association realise the expense of taking the family out for an occasion and are committed to making sure that every family can attend the day if they wish to, despite the financial hardship they may be experiencing. With this in mind we do not charge an entry fee, allowing spectators to enjoy themselves without financial burden.
Children are entertained with a “side show alley” style activity area for the young ones, face painting and this year we have secured the very popular Rock Climbing Wall as well as the ever popular Bucking Bull. Children purchase an affordable armband which allows them access to the rides all day. We have found that if the children have fun then the parents will enjoy themselves even more.
Musical entertainment is another important part of our event, significantly enhancing the enjoyment of the day for all age groups. This year we are delighted to bring to Millmerran the fantastic Brisbane band “Golden Child”. In keeping with our local theme, the opening act for “Golden Child” is the extremely talented Millmerran band “CC & the Crusade”.
Fashions of the Field will be hotly contested with a large array of prizes so make sure you dress to impress our judges. You will also be entertained with local business "Maylee Boutique" showing off their exquisite garments in this year’s Fashion Parade. To top the day off there shall be wood fired pizzas served for dinner so you can dance till late.
Bring along swag, tent or caravan, hook up to one of the many powered sites, camp the night and join us for breakfast the next morning.
For more information contact Nikki Macqueen 0417 793705 or Patrick Nason 0427 221663
www.millmerransheepraces.com
Millmerran Sheep Races
The tiny town of Millmerran is coming to life – there’s a buzz about the town. It’s race day, but not the normal bloodstock; it’s sheep. On a glorious late-winters day the sun is shining in readiness for another record-breaking Millmerran Sheep Races Festival. The sheep have arrived and are waiting with anticipation the “Dressing up Ceremony” where they will be prettied up in race colours and allotted a “Jockey” (knitted and stuffed animals) to ride on their backs.
Campers are rolling in with all sorts of rigs from tents through camper-trailers to caravans (the motels in town are doing well also) intent on a good time watching the races and listening to the live music well into the night.
We amble over to the main arena where there are plenty of attractions to keep the kids entertained (climbing wall, jumping castle, merry-go-round and bucking bull – the bucking bull will also get a work-out tonight with the men’s and ladies bull riding championships) The usual array of food and drinks are available and the bar is open till midnight.
Punters dressed in their finery – suits, ties, frocks, hats and fascinators mill around the betting ring (to buy tickets in the sweepstakes draw) as race-caller Mark Droney from Landmark announces the start of the first race.
Gates are down and they’re off….well sort of. The stewards ably led by Guest Chief Steward, sports and TV personality Shane Webcke need to coerce the sheep to race – maybe they have stage fright or maybe as the sheepdog 
said in the movie Babe “sheep aren’t the smartest critters”, but when 1 props they all prop. The stewards do their thing and the sheep ‘race’ on down the track running around or springing over obstacles – some of them imaginary to the finish line. The feverish pitch of the race-caller (names like Ewe Sain Bolt, No Shank You and Sally Shearson) and the enthusiastic cheering of the crowd make for an exciting photo finish.
The banter between race-caller Mark Droney and Compere/ ABC Southern Queensland Radio personality David Illiffe keeps the crowd entertained between races as does specialist events like the Maylee Boutique Fashion Parade, Fashions on the Field, Landmark Men’s and Ladies Welly Waddle – a hilarious footrace (complete with prize money) where contestants in colourful wellington boots race down an obstacle course with a full glass of beer and winners are not necessarily first across the line….
State politicians Barnaby Joyce & Lawrence Springborg and Mayor Paul Antonio take the opportunity to keep in touch with the local issues and show their support for the event in a friendly and fun environment.
Jockeys like Big Ted, The Easter Bunny, The Sorbent Puppy, Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny and others ride flighty ewes and rams with names like Dingo’s Dinner, No Holes Baaa’d, Suzie Ewe (not Suzie Q) and Contrary Mary in the 6 race plus Calcutta Final program. With prize money of over $1500.00 competition is fierce with syndicates bidding for ‘ownership’ in the Calcutta (Auction).
After the frantic final, local band CC & the Crusaders take to the main stage followed by Ladies and Men’s (mechanical) Bull-rides, then Brisbane band Golden Child rocked the night away.
Next morning was a much more subdues affair with bacon & egg burgers the order of the day. The willing and dedicated band of volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure everybody had a great time and many will do the same in a few weeks’ time for the local Campdraft and then again in October at the Australian Camp Oven Festival – that’s what helps glue communities together in the bush. Profits not only go to the hosting St Joseph’s primary School to cover the purchase of sporting goods, computers etc but is shared with local charities, the fire brigade and the community retirement village – not bad for a school with an enrolment of only 88 students, but most of all talking with the guests they all thoroughly enjoyed the day.
Be sure not to miss the 10th Annual Millmerran Sheep Races in 2013 (last weekend in August) It’ll be even bigger….
August 30 2012NEWSLETTERS
April 2013...So many vans on the road
March 2013... Enjoy your travels over the Easter break.
February 2013...So many places to see and explore.
January 2013...Happy New Year - So where are you travelling to this year???
Decmeber 2012... Merry Christmas
November 2012.... What are you doing for your Christmas Break?
October 2012...There's so much to see I don't have time for my job....
September 2012... A country Race Meeting, rodeo, Campdraft, Fishing classic....
August 2012.... Warm sunny days, clear crisp night - just the perfect time for travel....
July 2012 ....What's on your Bucket List???
June 2012 .....What a great time to travel the Australian Outback
May 2012 ......This is what life is all about.....
April 2012 .....The rejuvenated outback of Australia awaits you...
March 2012 ...Perfect time for Outback Travel
February 2012...Everyone's thinking about travel
January 2012....Happy New Year to you all
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Nindigully New Years Eve
Hi to all our valued friends and colleagues....
Hopefully you can spare us here at the Nindigully Pub 5 minutes of your valuable time...if not we do understand.
Nindigully is a very small country town consisting of five (yes 5) dedicated hard working people, the pub plus 3 houses.
Our nearest town is St George app 45 kilometers away. Goondiwindi, Moree and Roma are 2 hours away , 4 hours will get you to Toowoomba, Dalby , Armidale or Bourke. Brisbane , Gold and Sunshine Coasts , Emerald and Tamworth are app 6 hours easy drive. There are plenty of beautiful motels in St George to accomodate several hundred people.
The Gully is a family owned (since Aug 2002) and operated country pub that does rely heavily on tourism and particularly on the success of its events.
The benefits of our events do flow thru to the surrounding communities as people travel from many places and spend along the way and their return home at service stations ,other pubs and general stores.
The importance of tourism to the bush is immense and integral to our survival. We strive here at Nindigully to make every person who visits a friend for life...as our town entry signage says "come as a stranger, leave as a friend".
Our claims to fame are....the oldest continually licensed hotel (pub) in Queensland (licensed 1864) still in its original location and position on the banks of the beautiful Moonie River. Voted in 2011 by CNN (CNNGO.COM) Australias No1 Outback Pub....Voted Australias best country pub by 4x4 Australia magazine in late 2006.
Winner of the Balonne Shire buisness of the year in 2006. Recently we have received notoriety for building Australias Biggest Burgers, our smallest Megaburger weighs in at 5.5 Kilos (the Roadtrain burger) and it is available every day at the gully excluding events...it feeds a minimum of 4 adults.
We have 10 different burgers over 10 kilograms..each a different shape and with different ingredients, each feed a minimum of 15 adults. The largest is 25 kilos and is over 1 meter long in the shape of a semi trailer (prime mover and trailer are seperate yet join together for presentation)...it feed 30 people minimum. All our 10 kilo plus burgers are available on a 3 day preorderand are very popular with rally groups and mega families.
In March 2010 we had our biggest recorded flood in the pubs history. Floodwater reached 4.65 metres and the floorboards of the pub. We lost all our plumbing from under the pub and all our tank water. Pub was surrounded by water yet had none on tap. We were isolated for over a month but had a lot of fun.
On 31.12.2010 (nyeve 10/11) our pub was closed by the Inspector of Police in Roma who was of the belief we were in threat of being flooded overnight. All our guests were sent home at 3pm new years eve by the police and all monies were refunded to our guests. This was a huge loss to us & our Community but to all our Workers also.The river was at 2.45 meters at 3pm on 31.12.10 (2 Sydney harbours from any danger) and 2.65 at 9am 1.1.11. A long way from any danger and quite a normal flow for the time of year.The inspector allowed us to reopen by 2pm 1.1.11 but everyone had gone home so 10/11 was a sad new year for us. Sometimes life does not make sense but we all move on to better times as we have.
Today (14.12.11) we are at 2.90 meters with no problems and noboby has even called us let alone closed our pub.
This new years will be the biggest ever at the Gully. For $50 adults (kids under 14 free) patrons get3 huge days of entertainment, starting Friday 30.12.11 with country music band Kerry Kennedy & Double Barrel playing into the night.
New years eve we will host the legendary Rob Black and the Kelly Gang who we booked over 2 years ago to play this year.We have our late licenses approved.
At midnight on new years eve Wazza from Fireworks Downunder will light up our beautiful starlit sky with his own massive fireworks display. The largest calibre (diameter and weight) fireworks in Australia are let off every year at Nindigully. You will have to travel to Asia to see the size mortars Waza fires here at the gully.
On new years day our special gully friend and entertainer Adam Kilpatrick will sing to you from lunch time till late afternoon followed by Neil Duddy into the night.
By then we hope to of worn everyone out as the 5 of us will certainly be tired.
The weekend is fully catered for your enjoyment by Doggas Bury the Bone Banquets from Thargomindah who has a talent for serving up wonderful healthy bush tucker to as many people as we can throw at him. He will feed you from 6am till late into the night daily. Assisting him and ourselves as always are our friends,family and the people of Variety Club Qld, we love you all.
The theme for the weekend as usual is a Pool Party so bring your own pool and blow ups and set up along and in the Moonie River and enjoy the party. Bikinis and Boardshorts are encouraged . And of course RM's and Akubras are always welcome.
If anyone can find anywhere else in Australia New years eve that you can get 3 days and nights of entertainment ,massive fireworks spectacular, free camping beside a beautiful river and free use of pub showers and toilets always then please call and let me know.
PLEASE help us by getting us out there into the media and your friends minds and help us make this our most successful year ever.
All the best to you all for 2012 and always....thanks heaps for your time.
December 19 2011Nindigully Paint the Pub Pink
The Nindigully Pub invites you come along and enjoy our very special Event the Nindigully ‘Paint the Pub Pink Fundraising Party’ to benefit the McGrath Foundation.
As you may be aware, Nindigully Pub is the oldest Pub in Queensland. It is still in its original condition & position on the Banks of the Moonie River in SW Queensland and offers a typically ‘Queensland Country’ feel from its rustic exterior to warmth of its people. Nindigully itself consists of the Pub and 3 houses with a population of 9 people.
Nindigully Pub is a ‘must do’ tourist destination for the travelling public and has gained somewhat of a cult following from grey nomads in particular from all over Australia. Do not let the small population of this town scare you, when an event such as this is held here, the population of the town grows to in excess of 2000 people.
This event commences during the week leading up to Saturday the 29th September 2012 with numerous media events including commercial state and national television and radio coverage including inviting celebrities to paint their own section of the pub.
The pub will be holding entertainment every day through that week which will culminate on the Saturday with a Pink Stumps Cricket Game outside the pub during the day where, upon a donation patrons will be able to mix and play with and against several celebrities. Come along and be part of the fun.
Once the sun goes down, the party will really begin with several bands. We will also be raffling off items to assist in raising money as well as selling McGrath Foundation Merchandise throughout the weekend.
We will be painting Nindigully Pub Pink from top to bottom to help raise much needed funds for the McGrath Foundation. As far as we are aware this has never been done before especially to an Iconic Pub.
Should your company wish to donate an item, minor or major we would be most grateful and your involvement would be recognised accordingly. Nindigully Pub will remain Pink through until the end of November and it is guaranteed that all of your Sponsorship Exposure will remain in place for entire length of the venture.
Every photograph, every interview and every visitor will see your company’s contribution and involvement in this very worthy cause.
Debbie Lee & Steve Burns 0421088372 / 0428744292 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
August 29 2012North Gregory Hotel ReBoot Weekend
After months of planning and toiling the famous North Gregory Hotel in Winton is about to officially ‘Reboot’ itself and reinvigorate the colourful life of the outback region.
The hub of Winton has been through it all… fires, wars, fires, droughts, fires, recessions and of course a global financial crises. Throw in a few interesting owners and managers to either entertain or rile the patrons and the Winton locals have been well and truly tested along the journey. But now, following a detailed refurbishment by the new owners, she once again stands with pride and dignity in the main street of Winton.
While she has been modernised with new air-conditioning, plumbing and a kitchen revamp, the heritage of the famous structure has been restored and protected. Colour schemes, light fittings and furnishings have been designed to pay tribute the 1950’s era of when the grand lady was rebuilt (again).
The historical significance of the North Gregory, with direct links to Banjo Paterson and Waltzing Matilda, QANTAS and all the other outback yarns woven through and around the hotel have not been ignored.
New owner, Clive Kitchen recognises the significance of the North Gregory Hotel to Winton and the region, “I see the successful refurbishment and re-establishment of the North Gregory to its former grandeur and glory as an essential part of the business and tourism scene of the Winton region”. To make sure every historical detail was seen to Clive consulted with historians and hired film set designer Adam Head and renowned architect Bruce Mason to oversee the refurbishment.
Clive and his management team have organised the North Gregory Hotel ‘ReBoot’ weekend to coincide with the North Gregory Turf Club race weekend on the 14th and 15th of September. Race goer’s will be treated to a day of comfort in style at the beautifully appointed Winton Race Track where the North Gregory Turf Club committee present facilities second to none. The two feature races on the five race card are the Harry Forster Memorial WFA and the North Gregory Hotel Bracelet. Budding 2016 Olympians can show their mettle in the North Gregory Hotel Gift Dash-4-Cash footrace between the horse races, with $500 up for grabs.
The Reboot celebrations will begin (and end) at the North Gregory Hotel and will be hosted by legendry Australian ‘Bushy’ Ted Egan and include:
Friday 14 Sept – Yabbie Races, Children’s Carnival, Calcutta, Outback BBQ, The Mic Travers Band
Saturday 15 Sept – The North Gregory Turf Club 5 Race Program, at Winton Racetrack featuring the inaugural race honouring Harry Forster and the North Gregory Hotel Bracelet – Fashions on the Field, TAB and Bookie facilities (Melbourne Spring Carnival Underwood Stakes Day). The ‘Reboot’ then continues back at the famous North Gregory Hotel with the Outback BBQ continuing and more entertainment from Ted Egan, Children’s Carnival, footy finals on the big screens and the Mic Travers band to party on into the evening. Event flyer attached. If it happens in Winton, it happens at the famous North Gregory Hotel…..
August 27 2012
Nothing Beats Queensland
Queensland - it's time for a road trip
Nothing Beats Queensland
Nope, you won't beat Queensland for a warm and sunny getaway.
The roads are open, the sun is shining and now is the time to visit! (To those in the Southern parts of Australia - save on electricity and let Queensland's sun warm you up!)
The floods are long gone and the landscape is looking fantastic. If you've made plans to come to Queensland this year, don't delay them! And if you haven't made plans to visit, you'd better come and see what you're missing out on.
There's plenty of work for those looking for it, and the list of things to do is just getting longer. The roads are open and trafficable and Queensland is waiting for you to arrive (well we certainly can't wait to have a drink with you!)
So pack up your caravan and we'll see you soon in sunny Queensland!
A good brew found in Toowoomba
Pete and the crew at Toowoomba Homebrewers on James Street are the latest trendy spot to stock our full wine range.
All our wines, ports, liqueurs and pottery items are available at the Homebrew centre. It's just like dropping into our cellar!
So if you're looking to pick up a few bottles of your favourite, or wanting to try your hand at creating your own beer and spirits, Toowoomba Homebrewers is the spot for you!
Special deals NOW on Riversands Wine at Toowoomba Homebrewers - ask in store for details.
What's happening down the paddock?
Out of adversity comes opportunity. That's definitely the case down the paddock at Riversands.
Quite a few trellis posts (the ones that are up and down every row) needed replacing after the floods. The ground swelled which has caused some of the posts to dislodge and lean over. So we thought 'while we're fixing the posts, let's take the opportunity to plant some new vines.'
Here's the juice from the vines
June 09 2011October Gleams With Outback Opal
Celebrate October with Australian Opal!
Opal is the birthstone for people born in October. There is no better place for finding one of these spectacular gemstones than in the heart of the Australian outback! Australia produces the world's best opal and the outback boast's Australia's best opal towns.
Celebrate your loved one's October birthday by treating them to something spectacular - opal. Opal comes in a great range of colours and all types of jewellery including necklaces, pendants, earrings, rings and watches.
4 Great Opal Ideas For October
1. Have a relaxing hot artesian bore bath
Head for the nearest Opal mining town, book into luxury accommodation and be treated to a hot artesian bore bath.
2. Go opal jewellery shopping!!!!
- Sunrise Opal Mines
- Lost Sea Opals
- Black Opal Tours
3. Try your luck at opal fossicking!
Explore opal fields and have a go at opla fossicking - imagine if you found a special piece of opal?
4. Take an outback adventure to an opal mining town!
Here is the quick heads up on the best mining spots in Australia - experience first hand fossicking and check out the spectacular Australian Opal!
- Quilpie
- Lightning Ridge
- White Cliffs
- Coober Pedy
- Winton
Did you know - opal is Australia's National Gemstone?
May 03 2011Outback Art, Sculptures and Pictures
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Wayne Strickland's love for horses and Australia's heritage shows in his sculptures, paintings and stories.
He uses his lifelong association with the men and horses of the Australian Outback and Australian Bush to create masterpieces on canvas and in bronze, fibreglass and resin.
His work is on display in museums and galleries around the world including his famous sculpture of the great Phar Lap that is on display in the Victorian National Gallery.
He specialises in telling his stories through his artwork.
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OUTBACK AUSSIE EVENTURES LAUNCHED
OUTBACK AUSSIE EVENTURES LAUNCHED
Award-winning Outback tourism operator Outback Aussie Tours launched a new enterprise to meet the changing needs of tourism in remote regions.
To celebrate the success of the Outback Queensland Eventures campaign, Outback Aussie Tours has launched a range of new packages to make Outback Queensland Events more accessible.
ThenewOutback Aussie Eventures packages were announced to coincide with the launch of the second year of the Outback Queensland Eventures campaign.
This year, the campaign has introduced a social media activation component through Facebook, to encourage consumers to make an Outback Promise to visit the region at least once in their life.
This exciting new addition to the campaign was launched on Friday by Queensland Tourism Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Minister Jann Stuckey MP at the Norman Hotel, in Brisbane.
Principal of Outback Aussie Tours, Alan Smith, said that the move towards packaging tourism product around events was driven by a changing market.
“The demand for Outback product is changing,” said Mr Smith, “people are becoming busier and want shorter and more intense experiences.”
He said wrapping product around events gave that intensity, a chance to see the Outback on display and also a chance to experience the vast solitude of the inland environment.
“And visitors are becoming more demanding of tourism operators, the day of the waffling tour guide is over. People today demand facts delivered in an informative and entertaining way.”
Outback Aussie Eventuresgives an opportunity for consumers to wrap highly planned experiences around events such as the Birdsville Races in September, the Angel Flight Outback Trail Blazer in October and other events like the Winton Outback Festival.
“All these events and more will become available as a seamless event experience operating from and to an established transport portal such as Longreach with daily flights from capital cities and regular rail services,” Mr Smith said.
Outback Aussie Eventureswill also cater for conferences for corporations and groups wanting a unique Outback experience.
Outback Aussie Tours and Outback Aussie Eventures are based in the Outback Queensland town of Longreach.
For further details contact Outback Aussie Eventures on 07 4658 3000 or email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
March 19 2013Outback Australia - Top 10 Hot Spots
There is so much to do in the Australian outback. Here is just a small snapshot of some of the fantastic tourist destinations you can explore...
1. Longreach
There is so much to do in outback Queensland's famous town. Experience the amazing Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame, relax and unwind on the magical Thomson River Cruises, or view the Qantas Founders Outback Museum. There is always the option of the exhilarating MV Longreach Explorer, or why not enjoy Banjo's Outback Theatre and Woolshed.
2. Winton
Known for its stunning boulder opal, this is an ultimate outback holiday destination. Visit the dinosaur stampede at Lark Quarry or discover the history behind Australia's national song at the Waltzing Matilda Centre. For thrill seekers you cant go past the wild Winton Camel Races or Outback Festival.
3. Ayers Rock
Yulara really is base camp for the amazing mountains of Uluru and Olgas. From Yulara you can explore one of the most amazing rock formations in the world and for Simpsons fans, the Olgas can look like Homer laying flat sleeping, from a certain position.
4. Mount Isa
Mount Isa is a famous outback town nestled on the banks of the Leicharht River, the town is predominately a major industrial, commerical and administration centre. However, it is the history in mining, fossils and indigenous culture which makes it a real drawcard for tourists to outback Queensland
5. Katherine
This is the ideal town to set off on a red centre adventure. Here you can go to the breathtaking Katherine George, head south to Uluru, west to the amazing Kimberley's, or north to Darwin. Along the way, you will find brilliant National Parks boasting waterfalls, water holes and great walking tracks.
6. The Kimberley's
This tourist region offers exhilarating lookouts and boasts some of the most impressive scenery of North Western Australia including the Ord River and Mirima National Park Prehistoric looking ridges encase the banks of the Ord. You will be amazed by the serenity and calmness of the landscape.
7. Coober Pedy
This outback town is a great base to explore the Stuart Highway to the red centre and Darwin. Don't miss Lake Ayer and the surrounding National Park. You can go underground in the world capital of opal and enjoy the mesmerising arid landscapes and peacefulness of the desert.
8. Bourke
Being the one of the main centres of the outback, Bourke is a very popular tourist spot. The Kid man's Way offers fantastic camping sites with raw natural beauty. You can learn of the amazing heritage of Australia's best bush poets including Henry Lawson, and the Darling River is idea for some water sports, fishing and boating activities.
9. Broken Hill
Located in the heart of the Australian outback, this area is popular for exploring mines, and is a living museum. With exquisite art and craft shops, including Pro Hart's amazing work and sweeping views of the red, arid plains, it is perfect for a stopover to take inspiration from the magical scenery.
10. Lightning Ridge
Packed with tourists, this town boasts over 20 tourist attractions and opal mining adventures. There is so much to see, with fantastic scenic drives, walking tracks, therapeutic bore baths and friendly locals. It is the ideal base for a relaxing holiday to escape the winter blues.
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Outback Australia Air Safaris
TRAVEL WEST AIR SAFARIS
Lake Eyre and Birdsville Hotel 1 day tour out of Brisbane. SATURDAY 8th SEPTEMBER 2012
Today you can tick off 2 of your “Bucket List” when you witness the spectacle and fly over the great Lake Eyre (including the Cooper Creek Channel Country and Lake Yamma Yamma - the largest lake in Queensland) whilst enjoying a comprehensive commentary on the western river systems that make up the Lake Eyre Basin and other interesting history and drop in for a cleansing ale at the historic Birdsville Hotel & have a brief look around town on this fully escorted and catered air safari.
Fully inclusive day trip from Brisbane including in-flight breakfast, morning & afternoon tea, lunch, light dinner, commentary from Charleville by Graham Reid. This trip is so much more than just about seeing amazing Lake Eyre – it’s the journey & hearing how the water reaches the lake.
Travel in a high-winged Dash 8 with a maximum 35 passengers, departing from the Brisbane Jet Base, Brisbane Airport.
Lake Eyre and Birdsville Itinerary 2012
Central Australia & the Kimberley Air Safari out of Brisbane. MONDAY 10th SEPTEMBER 2012; 11 MAY 2013, 8 JUNE 2013 and 14 SEPTEMBER 2013
Professionally guided by Graham & Deb Reid, this 9 day-8 night fully catered journey from Brisbane will visit Longreach, Birdsville, over Lake Eyre to Coober Pedy, Ayers Rock, Kununurra, Broome and Alice Springs. You will fly low over the beautiful Carnarvon Gorge, Bungle Bungles and “Horizontal Waterfalls” visit QANTAS Founders Museum, Stockman's Hall of Fame, the iconic Birdsville Hotel and National Road Transport Hall of Fame; enjoy a Sunset Cruise on the Thomson River and an Ord River Cruise. You will tour Ayers Rock, an underground opal mine and Coober Pedy; fly over Lake Eyre, the Olgas, Big Red and the Simpson Desert, dine under the stars and enjoy dozens of unforgettable experiences during the 9 day safari. For those with limited time this is the ultimate outback experience.
Central Australia & the Kimberley 9 days Itinerary 2012
For bookings and enquiries phone: 1800 654 541 or Email Travel West
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Outback Mates - a local ambassador program
Outback Mates
Tourism continues to play an important role in the future economy of this region and with this in mind the Outback Queensland Tourism Authority (OQTA) and the Barcaldine Regional Council have combined resources to establish the 'Outback Mates' Program.
Covering the Barcaldine Regional Towns of Alpha, Aramac, Barcaldine, Jericho and Muttaburra this new initiative embraces the essence of why travellers love Outback Queensland. Apart from the natural beauty, it is the friendly and sincere nature of the locals which keep them coming back.
'Outback Mates' is a local ambassador program aimed at helping and greeting visitors to the regional as part of their daily job or activities. Those appointed as 'Outback Mates' may be council workers, business people or retired 'townies'.
They will be identified by an 'Outback Mates' uniform and will assist visitors with general information, local insights and probably a few tall stories. This is a voluntary position sanctioned by the employer and will work closely with the Visitor Information Centre to greatly enhance the visitors experience to the region.
This unique program will put visitors in touch with local identities and connect them to the region in a way not previously available and is another reason why Outback Queensland is known as tourist friendly.
Through promotion of the program and travellers word of mouth it is expected these 'Outback Mates' will become known by visitors as a friendly source of information, local knowledge and general advice.
They can be contacted through the local Visitor information Centres in each of the towns.
August 11 2012Outback Queensland Trip 2012
What an awesome country we live in. I know it sounds like a cliché but it’s been one continuous adventure since the last e-newsletter in Barcaldine.
The Tree of Knowledge Festival was a fun weekend with street parades; show & shine and the Revfest showcasing some beautiful machines and the goat races – what a day that was. (Not so much as a scratch on the pampered and pet goats) We stayed at Barcaldine Tourist Park and enjoyed Tom Lockie’s talks over Billy Tea & Damper.
At Aramac we were not only fortunate to explore a beautiful little town but we caught up with the drovers on the Harry Redford Cattle Drive for tea and the nightly entertainment not once, but twice.
We thoroughly enjoyed sitting around the campfire chatting with the excited and exhausted participants, the drovers, cooks and wonderful team of volunteers that make this event the “bucket- list” event that it is. We stayed in the clean little council run caravan park on the edge of town.
Next day we checked out the neat and proud little town of Muttaburra; steeped in history and home to Muttaburrasaurus (more on dinosaurs later) Muttaburra plays host to the Shearers Reunion on 8 – 10 June 2012.
At Longreach 2 fantastic and iconic attractions that you must see are Qantas Founders Museum – covering Australia’s aviation history and the birth, life and struggle of Australia’s most famous airline - and The Australian Stockman’s Hall Of Fame, a moving tribute to the stockmen, drovers and families that forged outback Australia.
Do not miss Luke’s stock and Bullock team show most days at 11 am. If you can only spare a couple of days in Longreach do yourself a favour – don’t try to cram both attractions into the same day - rather do 1 each morning and spend the rest of the day exploring the town.
Whilst in Longreach we enjoyed the Longreach Tourist Park (under new ownership) and the roving family of Brolgas that call the park home.
Winton is well known as home of Australia’s national song – Waltzing Matilda but more recently has taken on the title of Dinosaur capital of Australia.
2 attractions – Lark Quarry Dinosaur Stampede and The Australian Age of Dinosaurs where you can watch the scientists uncover the secrets of our 100 million year old prehistoric past – are fascinating.
It is hard to believe that only 10 years ago few people knew that dinosaurs roamed around here and while some were huge others were no bigger than a chicken.
The Matilda Centre – as well as telling the story of Banjo Patterson’s Waltzing Matilda also houses much of the history of the area in Qantilda Pioneer Place and the Outback Regional Gallery.
Allow at least 4 hours to make your way through the Matilda Centre before checking out the many other attractions Winton has to offer.
In Winton we stayed at Winton Matilda Country Tourist Park enjoying the nightly entertainment by resident poets Mel and Susie, their famous roast dinners and the tours to Lark Quarry and Australian Age of Dinosaurs.
More to follow soon…..
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Outback with a difference! Remote with lots of water
For those of you that can only manage a few days break over the summer I have a great idea for a getaway – one that we took advantage of ourselves just last summer.
A few of us got together and hired a catamaran from “Millennium Cat Sailing Charters” and sailed around Moreton Bay, mooring off Tangalooma Resort and exploring Moreton Island (Brisbane’s best keep secret).
We chose a Catamaran because not all the “crew” (i.e. me) were sea-dogs and a Catamaran is as stable as it gets in the water.
You can put your Chardy or coffee down on the table without fear of spillage in all but the roughest seas (Moreton Bay is great like that).
We spent the week snorkeling the crystal clear waters off the wrecks at Tangalooma and Bullwar, sailing, fishing and sightseeing. We saw Dolphins, Turtles, Dugongs, Whales, Squid (calamari) and thousands of colorful aquarium type fish.
The evenings aboard the Cat were magic – bbq’s on the deck with the lights of Tangalooma in the background watching the dolphins frolic in the warm waters and listening to the sounds of gentle waves lapping the boat.
About the Catamaran:
Millennium Cat is a Seawind 1000 Catamaran, Australia's most popular sailing catamaran - very solid & comfortable - easy to sail.
She has 2 x 20HP Honda engines, electric anchor winch, and all the mod cons.
Up to 10 people can share this fantastic bareboat experience - there are 4 double cabins plus the saloon table drops down to create a huge double bed - sheets, towels & pillows are provided - just bring your swimmers & beach towel.
A fully equipped galley has a gas cooktop/griller, oven, fridge & freezer - all plates, cutlery, glasses - you bring your own food & drinks.
The Bathroom has a flush toilet, vanity, hot and cold fresh water shower.
Large Saloon has seating for 10 people and flows out to a large Deck area with a gas BBQ & more seating - huge esky too!
All the mod cons - GPS Plotter Navigation, Auto pilot, wind & depth instruments, Dual Helms, VHF Radio, CD Stereo, HD LCD TV with DVD - excellent local Brisbane TV reception.
Some Ideas for Charter.....
Weekend Getaway Specials
Early boarding Friday afternoon, night in Marina, maybe visit some of the many fine Restaurants available in Manly.
Head off early Saturday
Return by 4 pm Sunday afternoon
Seven Day Adventure Special
Early boarding Friday afternoon, night in Marina, great Restaurants in Manly
Head off early Saturday
Return by Friday 4pm
Skipper accompanying for instruction based on an hourly rate.
Skippered Day Trips for up to 20 passengers available:
For Skippered Group day trips .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) at Millennium Cat Sailing Charters for a quote based on your requirements, catering, numbers etc.
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Outbacknow - The Deni Ute Muster
Deniliquin Ute Muster
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I remember driving in to Deniliquin from Hay – along the long paddock – we had pulled over to stretch our legs and grab a cup of coffee, about half an hour out. I looked up at the sky over ‘Deni’ and thought to myself ‘we’re gunna’ get wet’! The sky was black in parts and dark grey in others and I wondered how the Ute Muster would fare tomorrow. By the time we drove into town, the worst of that storm had passed, and it was just a light drizzle but there was huge puddles everywhere!
‘Been like this for a couple of days’ said the guy at the hardware store, ‘Gumboots are flying out the door’ – and that pretty much summed up the weekend; not that anyone seemed to worry too much about the mud, that wasn’t about to spoil anyone’s fun!
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We camped on the side of the road that night, along with thousands of others – tents, campervans, converted buses and swags; heaps of swags. A few people had fires, sitting or squatting around them with the obligatory tinny, but at least the rain held off.
Next morning we were up early and parked the van inside the family paddock in time to get down to the front gates for opening – cars, utes, 4wd’s and more utes were lined up as far as the eye could see in both directions, patiently awaiting 6am for the gates to open. After the speeches and photo’s, the big iron gates swung open and about 20,000 or so anxious revellers drove in with utes and cars loaded with firewood, camping gear and swags. Many of the utes were adorned with flags, stickers, oversized bull bars and aerials.
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This tribute to the humble workhorse (ute) was both interesting and entertaining. After a few snaps I wanted to check out the main arena to see what else the Deni Ute Muster had in store for us. There were dozens of marquees and tents selling clothes, belts, hats, bush apparel, artwork, music cd’s, author-signed books, stickers and even letterboxes.
The array of food stalls – from all corners of the globe – was enticing, and live music had already started on one of the three stages. Time to sit back and enjoy the show. For those who needed it, a full side show alley was on offer or perhaps vintage or veteran cars, utes, tractors and trucks are more your scene. I wandered around chatting to the proud owners of cars I had never heard of, but you could not help but admire the work that had gone into some of them to get them back to showroom condition.
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In one of the arenas, ute owners were competing in ‘circle work’ trials and nearby the bull riders were competing for points that would take them into the championships and prize money. Eight seconds must seem like an eternity when you’re on the back of the best part of a ton of agro beast. The rodeo clowns really earn their money and play an integral part in keeping the fallen riders out of harm’s way- well mostly anyway.
The Bundy Bar, Bundaberg Distillatorium and XXXX Gold Retreat (mobile two storey pub) were trading well. Holden were proudly displaying their latest ute, and if you felt that you needed to test your strength against one – you could enter the Grunt Off (tug-of-war).
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Music played well into the night with acts like Adam Harvey, Beccy Cole and The Sunny Cowgirls working up to the headline act ‘Suzie Quatro’. There’s just something about an old rocker that takes you back to your youth; the age of the crowd ranged from teenagers to seventy-something and they all seemed to enjoy the show.
Next day (Being AFL grand final weekend), the big screen was well patronised and half time entertainment – 80’s rock band ‘Mental as Anything’ were well received.
The world record ute count and world record blue singlet count were over for another year and the music was pumping, while circus performers, the Pied Piper show, reptile encounters, wood chop and the Australian Travelling Fishing Show kept the crowds entertained.
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Over in a nearby arena the Clarion Precision Driving competition was heating up, and over the weekend judging on 18 categories of Show and Shine were being fiercely contested on every front - from loudest sound system, best noted exhaust to ultimate street ute and best of breed.
Troy Casser-Daley, Adam Brand, Guy Sebastian, Eskimo Joe and Icehouse rocked on into the night.
Next morning, things were a bit slower – greasy bacon and eggs were the order of the day as the procession of revellers slowly started to depart. With fond memories so too did we, and as we drove out of town I decided that this was not going to be the last Ute Muster for me! Thanks Deni – I can now see why the Deni Ute Muster has such a cult following!
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PitStop to the Creek
The Festival travels along the Overlander's Way and includes 3 World Class Festivals:
- McDonalds Charters Towers Country Music Festival
- Julia Creek Dirt & Dust Festival
- Richmond Outback Fossil Festival
View information on:
January 21 2012
Put some colour into your outback holiday with Australia’s best opal events
Without a doubt, one of the most impressive products extracted from the red earthy soils of the outback is Australian opal. This spectacular gemstone is found deep in the heart of the bush and is highly sort after as a precious commodity in the world market.
One of the easiest ways to find the world's best opal is by going to Australia's best opal shows. There are a number of opal events in outback NSW and Queensland, and the Coober Pedy Opal Festival in South Australia.
Whether you are looking for one-off designer jewellery, gifts for friends, collectors pieces or a rare, unique specimen of spectacular opal to call your own, you are bound to find it at an opal event.
Plan your winter escape around one of these fantastic opal events:
Coober Pedy Opal Festival: Easter each year
Coober Pedy holds its annual opal festival and opal miners Hall of Fame inductions every Easter from Good Friday to Easter Sunday.
Winton QBOA Opal Festival: Usually 1st Friday in July
The Queensland Boulder Opal Association's Opal Festival is held so that the miners, buyers, retailers, exporters and jewellers can meet at a central venue to do their buying, selling and socialising.
Yowah Opal Festival: Friday, July each year
Dont miss the World windlass races, Opal Jewellery Design Competion and 2 days of action packed outback fun with the Yowah Opal Festival.
Lightning Ridge Opal Festival: Late July each year
Celebrate the culture and character of Lightning Ridge's Opal Festival. Be dazzled by the spectacular designs entered in the International Opal Jewellery Design Awards. The event is one of the world's most prestigious opal jewellery design competitions will be held in Lightning Ridge.
Check outbacknow events to confirm dates.
May 04 2011Qantas Founders Museum’s Boeing 747 and Wing Walk is open to tourists!
Qantas Founders Museum lifts their Boeing 747 plane
Earlier this year, the management team at the Qantas Founders Museum were faced with a rare and challenging problem, how to stop a Boeing 747 from sinking??
The Qantas Founders Museum in Longreach is a not-for-profit community-based organisation which strives to preserve and tell the history of Qantas Airways from its humble beginnings in Western Queensland in the early 1920’s to the major airline it is today.
The 185 tonne Boeing 747 was donated to the Museum by Qantas in 2002 for display and for visitors of the museum. It has been the most significant addition to the museum’s collection of Qantas’ most iconic aircraft.
The aircraft has been in Longreach for just under 10 years and is one of Longreach’s biggest landmarks. It has sat quietly as thousands of visitors went through the plane on tours and Wing Walks until one morning in February 2012, a tour guide noticed that the ground around the nose wheel of the plane was uneven.
Over the next few weeks, the ground would continue to subside until the concrete slab that the nose wheel was sitting on had dropped by over a foot. As a result, the Boeing 747 and the surrounding areas had to be closed to the public until repair work had been completed due to safety concerns.
It was suspected that a fuel tank from the Second World War may have been the cause of the subsidence but soil surveys of the area confirmed that this was not the case; instead loose soil to a depth of four metres had resulted in the soil compressing under the weight of the nose of the plane.
With the soil surveys completed, the management of the museum had to work out how to stabilise the plane and ground surround its nose. After consultation with several engineers a plan was forged: First, build a cradle underneath the plane to support the weight of the plane and prevent it from sinking further and second, lift the nose of the Boeing 747, stabilise the ground and lower the nose back onto a new concrete slab... easier said than done.
By mid-February a cradle had been built and seemed to stop the ground movement. On the 28 May, with the assistance of Qantas Engineers, their lifting equipment and a crane hired by local Longreach Company, Rayners crane hire, the lifting of the Boeing 747 nose began.
News of the lift spread quickly and it was not long before a crowd of locals, tourist and media were watching and recording the delicate operation. With much creaking from the plane and the nylon supports wrapped around the fuselage to lift the plane, the Boeing 747 Nose wheel was lifted and the cradle reinforced to the new height to hold the weight off the front landing gear.
Over three weeks, twelve screw piles were driven into the ground surrounding the Nose wheel and a new, level concrete slab was poured to be ready for when the nose would be lowered back down to ground. The lowering of the nose finally happened on Friday 15 June, using the same procedure as the initial lift.
Fortunately all went smoothly, much to the relief of Qantas engineers and the Qantas Founders Museum staff.
On Saturday 16 June 2012, the Boeing 747 and its Wing Walk were opened to public tours again after being closed for three months.
The Boeing 747 is now included in a new “Jet Tour” which goes through the Boeing 747 and Boeing 707.
For more information and images about the repair and the Qantas Founders Museum please visit the Qantas Founders Museum Website
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Quamby Rodeo Childrens Nomination form
Download Info Sheet July 04 2011Quamby Rodeo Ladies Nomination form
Download Info Sheet July 04 2011Quamby Rodeo Mens Nomination form
Download Info Sheet July 04 2011
Quamby Rodeo Program is now out
For all of you going to the Quamby Rodeo this Saturday 28th July 2012, here is the days program!
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Rediscover dinosaurs!
Australia's outback was once part of the 'Great Inland Sea'. Over 110 million years ago, dinosaurs roamed the arid plains. Nowadays, the outback is rich in world class dinosaur fossils, bones and shells.
There are many opportunities for you to tag along with a palaeontologist to rediscover dinosaurs. Visit a number of different fossil sites, help dig up fossils and learn how palaeontologists go about solving some of the problems that confront them when collecting fossils. Visit several fossil sites in the Central West of NSW and Central Queensland.
Visit world famous fish fossil deposits, learn how and where to find fossils; how to collect them and how to make proper records of your finds. Learn how to identify them and how to make casts. Take a closer look at the rocks in which the fossils occur and with the help of your guide learn to interpret the fossil sites. Work out what kind of environment the now fossilised lifeforms used to live in, what the climate was like and what the now fossilised creatures might have eaten.
For specific Fossil Fever tours and attractions, click on any one of these outback towns:
May 03 2011Royalty to visit Longreach
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Savannah Guides Chillagoe School April 2013
Savannah Guides Chillagoe School April 2013
Get a deeper understanding of Australia’s landscapes and behind the scenes at a tour guide workshop that any nature lover is welcome to join.
A Savannah Guides School is a get together of professional Tour Guides, National Park Rangers, researchers and interested individuals sharing knowledge in the field.
The next Savannah Guides School is based at Chillagoe, approximately 170kms west of Cairns, 18-21 April. This four day workshop will focus on Chillagoe’s incredible surroundings which will give us insights into many geological, ecological and astronomical concepts.
Local field trips will explore the magnificent Chillagoe Limestone Caves, with an option for adventure caving.
Our location on the edge of the ancient Australian continent will have us investigating the region’s geology.
A rich mining heritage is now preserved and we’ll visit new restoration projects.
Chillagoe has its own private observatory and we’ll explore the heavens.
Meet Traditional Owners, visit a magnificent Ford Museum and lots more! You’ll find the Savannah Guides fraternity very welcoming!
Registration Fee $425 includes workshops, field trips, meals except breakfast. Camping and accommodation available (not included)
For more information visit the website or email us
March 04 2013Savannah Guides Schools
Savannah Guides School: Nitmiluk National Park 1st - 4 th November 2012
A great exploration of the Nitmiluk national park and especially a look into the great partnerships with indigenous Rangers and tourism. We have plenty of fascinating presenters and fun participants coming, and as always everyone is welcome. You don’t need to be in training or looking for accreditation, although the connection can be a step in that direction. Mostly the four days will provide a much deeper connection with the gorge and people working around it. Click this link for full details regarding the Savannah Guides School at Nitmiluk National Park
Download Info Sheet September 24 2012
Savannah Way
From reef to outback the Savannah Way is one of Australia’s last frontier journeys. Running from Cairns, across the base of Cape York to Normanton & Karumba it skirts around the edge of the Gulf of Carpentaria to the Qld/NT border; on to Katherine in the Top End and across to Broome in Western Australia's North West.
Cairns is a vibrant cosmopolitan city surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef on one side, tropical rainforests and palm fringed beaches. Enjoy fabulous shopping and warm balmy evenings strolling along the esplanade before heading up to the Atherton Tablelands to start your adventure; here the wet season has rejuvenated the land, creeks bubble and roar over awesome waterfalls on their way to the coast.
Call in on a coffee plantation and sample some of their liquid gold, try your luck fossicking for topaz near Mt Surprise or visit Undara Volcanic NP and check out the lava tubes, part of the longest lava flow from a single volcanic crater on Earth.
Visit outback copper and gold mining towns and marvel at their many National Trust and Heritage Listed buildings restored to their former glory as well as stunning natural attractions at Copperfield and Cobbold Gorges. A trip from nowhere to nowhere (Normanton to Karumba) aboard the Gulflander Train is one of Outback Australia’s truly unique train journeys and one to remember.
As you near the coast the wetlands between Normanton and Karumba and around Burketown offer excellent birdwatching, wildlife and fishing. Take a couple of days out to explore another of the Gulf’s little gems; Sweers Island Fishing Resort where you can experience those famous Gulf sunsets, the spectacular Morning Glory Clouds that sweep across the Gulf in spring, fishing or explore the island at a leisurely pace. Flights are available from Karumba or Burketown.
A detour to Lawn Hill NP will reward you with beautiful scenery, aboriginal art sites and canoeing up the gorge as well as amazing fossils at nearby Riversleigh.
In a bit over a thousand kilometres you will have seen heritage and history, fossils and gems, stunning gorges and beautiful birdlife, grasslands and wetlands ,rainforests, waterfalls, wildlife and aboriginal art….and you haven’t even left Queensland. This exciting Outback Australian adventure filled journey is too good to put it on your bucket list; book it now.
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Slim Dusty - Tourism Association Invests in Future
Solar Eclipse Cairns November 14 2012
On Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 6.39 am (Cairns time) a total solar eclipse will be visible in Northern Australia and the Pacific Islands. Very few people have the opportunity to view a total solar eclipse as the shadow only covers a very small area of the Earth and you must be in a limited zone to see the moon cover the entire face of the sun.
Seeing a total eclipse is perhaps one of the most spectacular astronomical phenomenons that you will ever see. Being in the right spot is essential, and on November 14, 2012 the easiest spot to view the total eclipse will be in Cairns, Far North Queensland, Australia.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the earth and sun close enough to block some or all of the sun’s direct light. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes in front of the sun and blocks it completely, forming a shadow on the earth. For this to occur the sun, earth and moon come in a straight line in their orbits and it will seem like the moon has covered the sun.
For more information including best viewing sites, times, warnings, safety, road conditions & closures and what to do if you can't be in or near Cairns for the event visit http://www.eclipsecairns.com/
Article information from http://www.eclipsecairns.com/
November 01 2012Some Of The Outback’s Best Farmstays!
FARMSTAYS - real 'Aussie' experiences that you will talk about for years to come.
Whether you call them farm stays or station stays, the Australian outback is home to some of the most unique tourism experiences in the world! You can immerse yourself in true outback life, with a visit to a farm stay or station stay. Here you can truly get away from it all and begin to understand the powerful lure of such an outback lifestyle.
Station and farm stays are a unique holiday experience where visitors can gain more of an understanding of daily outback life. You may find yourself helping with the annual muster, rounding up sheep or crackin the whip on a herd of unruly bovine beasts.
After a hard day's work, you'll enjoy some famous outback hospitality with camp oven dinners, story telling around open log fires, scrumptious damper, and superb "5 Star" service under the Southern Sky.
With an Australian farm stay holiday, you can get a complete package of working farms and outback stations that are real Aussie experiences that you will talk about for years to come. The outback offers a range of accommodation styles and experiences, here are a few of the best we have discovered.
Merluna Station
Merluna Station is a family owned and run cattle station on the Cape York Peninsula. There's something for everyone whether it's just to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life to listen and watch the birds and native animals in their natural environment, or come along and experience the day to day of station workings. More on Merluna Station.
Lorne Station Farmstay
Lorne Station is 5 minutes from the centre of Lightning Ridge on the outskirts of the opal fields. Only 200 metres from the white mullock heaps of the opal fields, Lorne Station is one of the only working stations in the area that provides tourist accommodation. More on Lorne Station.
May 04 2011Something to read - voice of the Outback
Purple Roads....
The newest novel by Fleur McDonald -
Voice of the Outback grew up among the farming communities of Orroroo in SA and now lives east of Esperance, on 8,000 acres. Here, she works with her husband, has two children and a menagerie of dogs, cattle, sheep, crops, not to mention tractors and other machinery!
Fleurs Other books include Red Dust and Blue Skies
The book....
When Anna and Matt finally buy their dream farm, their struggles aren't quite over. First it's patchy rain and poor crops, then Matt has an accident ... and even when the heavens finally open all might yet be lost.
Anna and Matt Butler were childhood sweethearts with a dream of owning their own land, a dream they achieved through hard work and determination.
But as the seasons conspire against them and Matt is involved in a terrible accident, the couple face financial ruin and the loss of their farm.
As they fight for everything they hold dear, they suddenly find themselves caught up in events much bigger and more dangerous than they could ever have imagined.
Purple Roads is a story about maintaining faith in yourself, staying true to your ideals and, most of all, the belief that some things are worth fighting for.
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Take a trip back in time 50 years when you next visit the Qantas Founders Museum
Take a trip back in time 50 years when you next visit the Qantas Founders Museum.
Our new Gallery 1 display is ‘Round the World by 707’ and will bring back lots of memories for anybody old enough to have travelled on the first Qantas jets.
Those not old enough to remember will get a glimpse of what international air travel was like in the 1960s when jets were the absolutely latest thing!
We’ve pulled out all those old travel posters with their wonderful, if slightly clichéd, artwork that were designed to entice Australians to visit a world we’d only heard and read about until then.
See how air fares reduced compared to weekly wages when the 707s went into service and see how they’ve come down since.
Discover the story of the 10-minute 707 flight that almost ended in disaster and find what’s under the ‘skin’ of the mysterious ‘Black Box’.
And, believe it or not, you’ll find a time when the rich and famous thought a vinyl bag was a genuine status symbol!
It’s all FREE in Gallery 1 at the Qantas Founders Museum in Longreach for a limited time.
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The Adventure Way
Your journey from Brisbane to Adelaide along the Adventure Way is just that – an adventure.
It will take you through lush agricultural country in the Lockyer Valley up the escarpment and into the vibrant garden city that is Toowoomba – a city that celebrates its history with pride.
Toowoomba offers fine dining, art galleries, shopping, and theatre as well as heritage trails, Cobb and Co museum, military museum, a tombstone trail and dozens of fine examples of architecture dating back to our pioneer past.
Leaving Toowoomba we head west through Oakey – home of the “museum of Australian Army Flying”- a must see attraction before continuing on to Jondaryan where you will enjoy Australia’s only open air working museum – The Jondaryan Woolshed.
At Dalby stop off at the visitor information centre in Thomas Jack Park – their friendly staff will send you off with enough information to fill in a couple of days exploring this rich and diverse city.
Moonie – site of Australia’s first commercial oil field is also known for its beautiful murals depicting the town’s history. Stop off at the Rural Transaction Centre and take in the Moonie Heritage Trail.
Travel through Westmar and on to the beautiful town of St. 
George on the banks of the Balonne River. Scenic walks, fishing and bird watching are popular pastimes; as are visits to The Unique Egg (Emu egg carvings), The Heritage Centre and Aboriginal Bush Tucker Garden and Jack Taylor Weir. No visit to St. George would be complete without “knocking a coldie off” at the famous Nindigully Pub (45kms south) or treating yourself to a coffee or enjoying some award winning wines or liqueurs at Queensland’s 
most western winery – Riversands Vineyards. Better leave yourself a couple of days to get through St. George.
From St. George head west through Bollon where you can enjoy an Aboriginal Cultural tour or visit the Heritage and Craft Centre before arriving at another gem of Western Queensland – Cunnamulla.
Stop off at the Cunnamulla Fella Centre and they will send you on your way with enough information and stories to keep you entertained for days. You will see the Artesian Time Tunnel, Art gallery and museum; enjoy the Warrego river walk, bushlands and town harvest trail before continuing on to Eulo for a therapeutic mud bath and spa.
Visit Palm Grove Date Farm and winery, take in the town’s history at the Eulo Queen Hotel and enjoy some R & R fishing or camping by the Paroo River.
At Yowah you might partake in some opal fossicking or 9 holes of golf on a course with a difference – sand greens and earth fairways.
Take a break at the well serviced town of Thargomindah and enjoy some of its many attractions.
Tour Australia’s first Hydro Electric Scheme, historical buildings, walking trails, throw in a line or simply relax by the Bulloo River.
Further afield, take in the historic Noccundra Hotel, the beautiful Lake Bindegolly National Park or Cameron Corner, where the borders of Qld, SA and NSW meet.
On the way to Innamincka, stop off at Nappa Merrie Station and take in Burke and Wills famous “Dig Tree” on the Cooper Creek – also well known for its fishing.
The remote outpost settlement of Innamincka lies on the stock route now known as the Strzelecki Track and within the Innamincka Regional Reserve.
Take in an authentic outback pub experience, the towns interesting indigenous and pastoral heritage and visit the Trading Post.
Leaving Innamincka, you travel south along the Strzelecki track to Lyndhurst then through the stunning Flinders Rangers towns of Leigh Creek, Hawker and Quorn, all worthy of a stopover to experience the beauty of this area before continuing on to Adelaide.
The Adventure Way is a journey you cannot rush – there is just too much to see; a true Outback Adventure that will change you forever!
August 19 2011
The Best of Barcaldine!
A recent study of this historic outback Queensland town has revealed that Barcaldine plays host to some of the most unique outback attractions. Of course the iconic Tree of Knowledge will always hold pride of place in local and tourists hearts, but as most already know the tree was poisoned and only with the care of some very skilled arborists, remains in a critical but stable condition. A bounty has been offered to find the despicable idiot behind the poisoning.
No matter what the result Barcaldine is also supported by some awesome tours and attractions to keep the inquisitive tourist occupied for at least a week.
The Australian Workers Heritage Centre is one of the best outback experiences, because of its size and unique buildings that will first capture your attention. From Railway Workers, blacksmiths, farmers and factory workers, mothers, nurses and teachers - the Heritage Centre pays tribute to the lives of these extraordinary people who helped to shape our great nation into what it is today.
The Barcaldine and District Folk Museum lives in the old National Bank building which now sits on the corner of Beech and Gidyea Sts and is home to one of the best local history museums you will see.
If it's action, adventure and a true taste of the Australian Outback you are looking for do not leave town without going on an Artesian Country Tour. Tom Lockie will mesmerise you with his homegrown charm and amazing knowledge of the bush while taking you to some of the most awe inspiring local locations.
While your hearts still racing, grab the reigns and head out to the Barcaldine Jockey Club. If you are lucky enough to catch one of the club's 7 meetings, with legandary identities like Blackall's Charlie Prow and local up and coming trainer Todd Austin going head to head, a thrilling day of galloping action will be assured.
For those looking to enjoy Barcaldines softer side, a trip 'Between the Bougainvilleas' or to 'Roses and Things' may be in store, or even a wander around St Peter's Church, Masonic Lodge or poke your head into one of Barcy's historic hotels.
If you are looking for great accommodation, we suggest you try the Barcaldine Tourist Park, or Landsborough Lodge Motel, (you can view accommodation and photo's by clicking on the links).
May 03 2011The Great Australian Ride
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For years I have often thought to myself, “I wonder what's really out there”! Then that day came, you know the one! The one when you can take no more, where you question your own value and purpose in the world. When the pain of change is less than the pain of staying the same. For me it was like a light switch and I could resist no more, consumed with stories of distant Outback Adventures my inquisitive nature needed to be relinquished, set free and escape this suburban chaos.
Read more by clicking on the Download info sheet
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The Outbacknow Roadshow
The team at Outbacknow are packed and ready to hit the road again, this time through Outback NSW and Northern Victoria in their brand new caravan compliments of New Age Caravans.
We believe showing off Outback Australia to the travelling public is a dream job and we drew the lucky straw.
We Showcase the Towns, attractions and businesses to travellers who might otherwise overlook the outback’s unique beauty and charm in favour of the glitz and glamour of a city ‘holiday’ but to me you haven’t had a real holiday till you’ve taken in an outback sunset with a glass of wine after a day of exploring or sat by a campfire staring up at the millions of stars overhead….
Our trip takes us from Nindigully in South West Queensland (home of the famous Nindigully Pig Races in November) through 40 odd towns as we zigzag across Outback NSW and Northern Victoria taking in some of the most spectacular scenery and attractions along the way.
We visit iconic towns like Lightning Ridge, Bourke, Cobar, Broken Hill, Menindee Lakes, Mildura, Hay as well as dozens in between.
We call in on the Deni Ute Muster and Cobar’s Festival of the Miners Ghost as well as some unique attractions and stunning National Parks.
Made possible by the generous support of sponsors such as New Age Caravans, media partners The Great Australian Doorstep TV and Radio show, On The Road Magazine, Australian Travelling Angler Magazine, Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures (Mr4X4) and Outback Tourism Businesses, our trip and exploits can be followed on the Outbacknow website and Facebook.
So if you see us on the road or in a park, come on over and say “G’day”
Hope to catch you somewhere in the Great Australian Outback!
August 31 2011
The Outbacknow Roadshow so far
The Outbacknow NSW Roadshow (the trip so far)
Those of you that have been following our latest trip on facebook will have seen some great pics. We started the trip in Artesian Spa country (Moree) through Narrabri, Coonabarabran, Tooraweenah, Gilgandra, Dubbo, Narromine, Nyngan, Cobar, Hillston, Griffith, Leeton, Narrandera, Hay and now Deniliquin. Every town is an event in itself and has many unique attractions worthy of a stopover. Many of them also celebrate their history and culture with an annual Festival or Event.
The purpose of the Outbacknow Roadshow is to Showcase the Outback towns, seek out more attractions, events, festivals and accommodation options for you – the travelling public to enjoy.
We thank the following Caravan Parks for putting us up (or putting up with us) and enjoyed their friendly and welcoming hospitality:
Mehi River Van Park in Moree: Artesian Bore Baths and excellent facilities, bbq and campfire
Tooraweenah Caravan Park (near Coonabarabran): Quiet, tranquil, clean shaded and grassy sites
Narromine Tourist Park: Spacious lawned sites, clean amenities, great motel on site, in a quiet location – a great detour alternative (off the Newell Hwy) to Dubbo and quicker too.
Nyngan’s Riverside Caravan Park: Large river frontage, lots of cabins, spacious sites and an animal farm you can interact with.
Cobar Caravan Park: Great camp kitchen, shady sites, birdlife galore and close to many of the town’s attractions.
Hillston Caravan Park: A great little Park in a beautiful little town – well worth a stopover.
Leeton Caravan Park: Spacious clean grassed sites, covered bbq area, a bunkhouse “lodge” suitable for groups.
Hay Caravan Park: Beaut bush setting, spacious amenities, fantastic covered camp kitchen complete with bbq and fire place.
All parks offered something special that made the stay unique and memorable. A big thank you to all of you for making us welcome.
As the saying goes “ you don’t know what you don’t know” and we found so much that we hadn’t even heard of that made this (first half)of the trip so exciting – can’t wait for the rest of it.
A special thank you to Liz and the team at the Deni Ute Muster for inviting us to share their awesome event and great town!
October 03 2011
The Psychology of People….Making your advertising work
The Psychology of People……….Making your advertising work
People are funny creatures - if you tell them something, they generally don’t believe you unless they trust you, or they have heard the same thing before – probably again from someone they trust.
It is a very confident and informed person that will back their judgment and pay up cold hard without doing further research; and this is why it is so important to get your message right when advertising.
Consumers are hardened to traditional forms of advertising and the internet is no exception.
How many times do you try to research a travel destination or accommodation where the message on the webpage is copied word for word from the visitor information centre website or the businesses own website.
This form of reinforcement only serves to discredit both the source and the duplicate webpages concerned.
This brings me to next point: reinforcement is an important part of psycology. Your advert must reinforce a positive image that the consumer has already seen; or will go on to see.
Weather it is Outbacknow, your own website or a magazine article that finally convinces the consumer to trust your product or service; each plays their part in the decision making process, and you can’t shortcut this process.
At Outbacknow we use a very successful blend of information, pictures and key words. We research what people are searching for and present it to them as they want it presented.
Finally: do not look at similar forms of advertising as a duplication or waste of money. Take 2 websites for example…. Each will have a different audience, different reach, different traffic flow and hopefully a different reinforcement of the same message (already discussed)
A website with wide reach (newsletter databases, bulletins, established audience etc.) and a high traffic flow can serve to provide traffic and build exposure to a website that is not well known – and reinforces the message at the same time – after all isn’t exposure why we advertise in the 1st place?
BUT: psychology being what it is; you might need to hear this message again from another trusted source…..
See you around somewhere in the great Australian Outback
June 22 2011Things that happen in Queensland’s outback town of Julia Creek
I don’t know what would posess anyone in their right mind to want to torture themselves swimming, cycling and running for over 30 kms in some of outback Australia’s most inhospitable climate but plenty want to try.
Australia’s most unique triathlon (now part of the Saucony Adventure series) stirred into life in 1994 when a couple of blokes at the local pub wanted to do something to put Julia Creek on the map.
The Triathlon - swum through a muddy creek, ridden and ran on searing bitumen was the starting point for what has now become the Iconic Julia Creek Dirt and Dust Festival, growing to include the:
- Dirt & Dust Bullride, part of the PBR Australian National Tour
- The BHP Artesian Express Horse Races with exclusive Red Claw Luncheon (from local produce)
- The Dirt and Dust Ute Muster
- Australia’s Best Butt Competition
- Bog Snorkelling
- Live Music
- Kid’s Entertainment
- Plus 25 odd categories of the Triathlon itself
$10,000 in money and prizes lure competitors to the triathlon whilst $8,000 in prize money and qualifying points towards the Australian Finals make for a bruising Bullride.
A free concert featuring popular country music artists Luke Dickens and Victoria Braillie and ongoing family entertainment road out an action packed weekend at Julia Creek.
Julia Creek is located half way along the Overlander’s Way, between Townsville and Tennant Creek and is one of Australia’s most exciting drives.
Make sure you allow enough time to explore this beautiful part of Australia’s Outback Queensland.
January 23 2012Toilets and Dump Points across Australia
We stumbled over another interesting bit of information after talking to one of our Visitor Information Managers recently – a website that lists Public Toilets and Dump Points across Australia – a useful bit of information for travellers.
www.toiletmap.gov.au not only lists over 14,000 toilets and dump points across Australia by location, it also includes:
- Opening hours
- Availability of parking
- Disability access
- Baby change facilities
- Sharps disposal units
- Showers
- Drinking water
- Caravan dump points.
This interactive website includes a trip planner, search bar, GPS locations, is available on mobile phones and even has an IPhone App.
You can browse by Route, Town, Points of interest and GPS – some important features when travelling with children or elderly passengers.
Never again will you be caught short…..
September 10 2011Travel along the Adventure Way Brisbane to Adelaide
Travel the Overlanders Way
Spanning 1550 kms across the rugged Australian outback from the tropical city of Townsville - gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and on to the 1930’s gold rush town of Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory; is the Overlanders Way.
The fully sealed highway offers the modern day adventurer an opportunity to trace the stock route chosen by drovers (overlanders) who brought vast herds of live cattle from the Cattle Stations of the East Kimberley to the markets and port facilities on the North Queensland coast more than a century ago.
The Overlanders Way is a key link between Highway One on the East Coast and the Explorers Highway in the Northern Territory travelling through some stunningly beautiful countryside and iconic outback Australian towns.
To spend a few days enjoying the cosmopolitan city of Townsville – capital of the North, its trendy coffee shops & alfresco restaurants, its beautifully restored heritage buildings, waterfront precinct, the Great Barrier Reef or “Maggie” (Magnetic Island) might be just what the Doctor ordered to get you into explorer mode and ready for your adventure along the Overlanders way.
The 1870’s gold rush turned Charters Towers into Queensland's second largest city. Its prosperous past is evident in every street, Charters Towers even boasted its own Stock Exchange. A heritage walk is the best way to take in this awesome and beautiful town – don’t rush; there’s more than a few days of exploring for you in “the World” as it is affectionately known. Call into the Visitor Information Centre on Mosman Street to purchase or hire an interesting audio CD and map on the city’s history and features to get you started.
White Mountains National Park straddles the Overlanders Way between Charters Towers and Hughenden. Featuring spectacular white sandstone bluffs and gorges, brilliant wildflowers and diverse landscape ranging from forests to sand dunes make this park a significant habitat for wildlife and birdlife, some of which can be seen from Burra Range lookout on the highway.
At Hughenden, the Flinders Discovery Centre and Visitor Centre houses a full skeletal replica of a Muttaburrasaurus as well as an amazing exhibition of fossils from both the local area and around the world; the Porcupine Gorge Light and Sound Show and Shearing the Stragglers display (the story of the demise of the local sheep industry) – all well worth a visit. About 60 kms north of town is Porcupine Gorge National Park, Australia's ‘Little Grand Canyon’ with its towering cliffs of vibrantly coloured sandstone, contrasting green vegetation and crystal clear flowing creek – just the place for a refreshing dip and a few days camping.
Richmond, located on the banks of the Flinders River and known for its marine fossils was once rugged country submerged beneath the Great Inland Sea almost 120 million years ago. Kronosaurus Korner (which houses the Visitor Centre) is considered to hold Australia’s most exciting Marine Fossil display including several significant and rare skeletons and can be found in the centre of town. Richmond is also known for its bougainvillea-lined streets, parks and gardens, and Lake Fred Tritton; well stocked with Barramundi and Redclaw and a popular water sports venue. You will need to spend a couple of days in Richmond.
Julia Creek is an RV friendly town where you can enjoy beautiful sunsets and clear starry skies and is home to the Julia Creek Dunnart - an endangered marsupial only found within a 100km radius of Julia Creek. Check out the display at ‘At the Creek’ – the town’s multi award winning Visitor Information Centre and major Tourist Attraction along with restored Queensland Police jail cells, three restored railway fettlers’ cottages and other displays. If you’re lucky enough to be travelling through Julia Creek in April take in the Dirt & Dust Festival – a truly unique triathlon that could only happen in a place like Julia Creek.
The ‘Curry’ (Cloncurry) enjoys a rich history as both the founding place of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and destination of the first Qantas flight in 1922 (The original Qantas hanger is still in use today) You will be awed by the John Flynn Place Museum & Art Gallery which houses the history of the RFDS; and Mary Kathleen Memorial Park which houses history and memorabilia on Cloncurry, the former township of Mary Kathleen, the Burke and Wills history display, a comprehensive mineral and gem collection and the Visitor Centre. These and a dozen or so other attractions will keep you enthralled for at least a couple of days – no need to hurry…..
‘The Isa’ is one of those truly iconic cities of outback Australia and your exploring starts at Outback at Isa, the cities Visitor Centre. At the centre you can experience first-hand the daily workings of an underground mine at The Hard Times Mine, observe palaeontologic research during daily lab tours with the resident Palaeontologists at the award winning Riversleigh Fossil Centre or enjoy the beautiful Outback Park. There are plenty of other attractions including Mount Isa Family Fun Park - the largest all abilities playground in Queensland, the fabulous fishing at Lake Moondarra and being the gateway to both the spectacular Lawn Hill Gorge and the world-heritage listed Riversleigh Fossil Fields, Mt Isa is just the place to spend a few days.
Located within the Mount Isa City boundary but around 200 kms west of Mt Isa is the town of Camooweal - "The Western Gateway to Queensland" and being that Camooweal’s main street is actually the highway, makes this the longest main street in the world! Camooweal Caves National Park, south of town contains caves and sinkholes created when the soluble dolomite is eroded by water to form an extensive system of caverns under the ground and is a popular place to visit, as is Freckleton's Store, Camooweal Cemetery and the Drovers Camp Information Centre.
Barkly Homestead is a welcome stopover on the last leg of your journey along the Overlanders Way. Enjoy the outback hospitality and a cool drink before you head for the big smoke of Tennant Creek.
Tennant Creek was the site of Australia’s last gold rush and together with the rugged yet beautiful surrounding countryside and the influence of Aboriginal art and culture make this town one of Australia’s exciting destinations. Make your first stop the Tennant Creek Visitor Information Centre at Battery Hill Mining Centre where you can look over the original 1930’s Government gold stamp battery or enjoy an underground mine tour, explore a World War 2 camp hospital – now museum, the Old Telegraph Station or the Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre. The ancient Aboriginal mythology of the fossilised eggs of the Rainbow Serpent (Devils Marbles) south of town or The Pebbles just north of town will have you enthralled – there’s just so much to do in Tennant Creek.
Probably the hardest thing you will have to decide now is where will the rest of your adventure take you from here – North to Katherine and Darwin or South to Alice Springs? The Overlanders Way is just the start…..
Click on an image to enlarge and use arrows to view as slideshow
TV stars head to Broken Hill Silver City Cup Race Meeting
Logie nominee Rhiannon Fish and her ‘Home and Away’ co-star Dan Ewing are heading to Broken Hill to be part of the 2012 Silver City Cup race meeting on Saturday October 27.
Rhiannon and Dan are considered two of the hottest TV stars in Australia at the moment and Silver City Cup organisers are “delighted” the popular duo has agreed to be part of the annual race meeting.
“Securing Rhiannon and Dan to be guest judges for the race day fashion events was an involved process and we are delighted that the have agreed to be part of what should be our best race meeting yet,” Silver City Cup Entertainment Co-ordinator Jane Weekes said.
“Having national TV celebrities at the racecourse brings another dimension to the Silver City Cup race meeting and we hope all the ‘Home and Away’ fans in Broken Hill make the effort to get out to the track and greet the stars.
“The Silver City Cup race meeting is designed to be an event that the whole family can enjoy and we hope that having Rhiannon and Dan on board will attract people who perhaps aren’t regular racegoers,” Ms Weekes added.
Canadian-born Rhiannon has played the role of April Scott on Channel 7’s top-rating ‘Home and Away’ since 2010 and is considered a role model for teenagers because of her regular work supporting charities.
Dan Ewing, who grew up on the northern beaches of Sydney, enjoyed a successful sporting career before turning his attention to acting. He plays the role of Heath Braxton on ‘Home and Away’ and also performed with distinction on the hit reality program ‘Dancing with the Stars’ in 2011.
“Both Rhiannon and Dan are extremely talented individuals who have built up a loyal following and they are looking forward to meeting their fans here in Broken Hill,” Silver City Cup Committee President Dave Gallagher said.
“Jane Weekes has pulled off a great coup in getting these celebrities to be part of our race day and I’d encourage all ‘Home and Away’ fans to come out and meet Rhiannon and Dan and enjoy our day.
“Obviously we would not have been able to bring Rhiannon and Dan to the Silver City Cup without the tremendous support of our sponsors and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them as well,” Mr Gallagher continued.
As well as judging the fashion events, Rhiannon and Dan will also be special guests at the post-race VIP dinner and two lucky racegoers will be given the chance to personally meet the stars.
September 14 2012Unravel The Mystery Of The Australian Outback Phenomenon
Ssshhhh...it's late, it's dark, if you are very quiet, you can hear the embers of the fire crackling as you curl up in your swag, the crickets get louder, every so often, you hear a rustling of leaves...what is it, what could it be? You lay back and your gaze is on the spectacular Southern sky, with a million stars sparkling at you, you look for shooting stars and other un-identified flying objects...
...Then out of the corner of your eye, you see small bright lights appear and disappear as quickly as a flashing neon sign. The lights appear hovering in front of you, as you move your head to try and see the cause of the light, the light moves with you.
What happened? Where did they go? Are they real or did you just imagine it?
Min Min Encounter
Unravel the mystery of the Australian outback phenomenon of the Min Min lights with a visit to Boulia's Min Min Encounter.
The Min Min Encounter is a unique theatrical experience incorporating animatronics, fibre optics and loads of other high tech wizardry. The encounter is a tribute to the long honoured art of the bush yarn, all based around the famed Min Min Light phenomenon. At the Min Min encounter you will have an outback experience like no other. In the 45 minute show you will be introduced to the story of the Min Min Light by various characters who claim to have taken on a journey through Min Min country to have your own Min Min experience complete with spine tingling effects and an unpredictable ending.
Min Min Cafe
Refreshments including sandwiches, cakes, drinks and cappuccinos are available from the Encounter's Cafe also within the facility. The whole centre is wheelchair accessible.
Opening Hours & Admission
| Date: | Weekdays: | Weekends: |
| April to September | 8.30 am to 5 pm | 9 am to 5 pm |
| September to March | 8.30 am to 5 pm | 9 am to 2 pm |
| Closed Christmas 24 Dec to 1st Monday in January | ||
| Ticket Type: | Ticket Price: |
| Min Min Encounter Adult | $15 |
| Min Min Encounter Child/Concession | $13 |
| Min Min Encounter Family Rate (2A + 2C) | $35 |
| Stone House Adult | $5 |
| Stone House Concession | $3 |
| Stone House Family Rate (2A + 2C) | $10 |
| Combo Ticket (Joint Min Min Encounter & Stone House Museum) | $17 Adult |
| Combo Ticket (Joint Min Min Encounter & Stone House Museum) | $13 Conc |
| Combo Ticket (Joint Min Min Encounter & Stone House Museum) | $37.50 Family |
Min Min Encounter & Information Centre Herbert Street Boulia QLD 4829
May 05 2011Waltzing Matilda Day Celebrations in Winton!
WALTZING MATILDA DAY 2013
On Saturday April 6, 2013 the annual celebration of Australia’s most requested; most sung; most played song… Australia’s unofficial National Anthem, “Waltzing Matilda”, will be held at the North Gregory Hotel, Winton.
In celebration of “Waltzing Matilda Day” 2013, Winton Shire Council, The Waltzing Matilda Centre & the North Gregory Hotel will proudly present and host the “Vision Splendid Dinner”.
History records that Banjo Paterson and Christina Macpherson penned the words and music to Waltzing Matilda following the Great Shearers Strike at Dagworth Station in January 1895 and legend has it that on April 6 that year, the very first public performance of Waltzing Matilda took place at the famous North Gregory Hotel at a banquet held in honour of the Queensland Premier of the day, former grazier, Sir Hugh Nelson, and pivotal moments of our nations history have taken place in and around the outback splendour of the Winton District ever since.
History Lives In Winton - and Waltzing Matilda Day 2013 will celebrate the history made in and around Winton, and those who helped make it.
The “Vision Splendid Dinner” will recognise through awards, the involvement and celebrate the achievement of some of the many people directly involved in many of the regions recorded historical events.
After all, some of Winton’s historical events and achievements are Australia’s historical events and achievements… The Great Shearers Strike, Waltzing Matilda, QANTAS, Opals, Dinosaurs and recently Goyote and the Winton Musical Fence; it is an impressive list!
The evening will raise funds for the Waltzing Matilda Centre Limited and conjointly celebrate Winton’s significant contribution to Australia’s Film Industry; hence the evening will feature films past (The Proposition), present (Mystery Road) and future (Banjo & Matilda) and include a presentation from special guests from the ‘Outback’ film industry.
WALTZING MATILDA DAY 2013
What - Waltzing Matilda Day
When - April 6, 2013
Where - North Gregory Hotel, Winton
Why - Winton’s Past Celebrated And Its People Recognised
We hope to see you in Winton… “where his ghost may be heard…..”
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Thomas Upton Chief Executive Officer Winton Shire Council Phone 0746 572666
And
Col Kenna ‘Creator’North Gregory Hotel 0438 288 896
Warrumbungle National Park comes alive again in November
Entertainers include: Diesel, Rob Binks, jess Holland and the Streamliners!
Concert goers; don't forget to bring your own seating and warm clothes as it does cool off at night and a torch is always useful at the end of the evening as you walk back to your car. Buses will run from Coonabarabran and return, but bookings are essential.
August 15 2012We’ve found a way for you to Live the Dream
New Age Caravans and OutbackNow have joined forces!
Outbacknow is the most comprehensive FREE online guide to the Australian Outback – featuring Towns, Events, Festivals, Attractions, Accommodation and Jobs.
Born out of a passion for travel, to live and experience our beautiful country, we discovered the real Australian experience and adventure was only available in the outback.
Now we want to share it with you!
If you are looking for bird watching, camel races, driving adventures, dining under the stars or just star gazing, the Outbacknow website will guide you in the right direction including outback itineraries and maps.
Maybe your interests are country music, fossicking for gems, fishing, heritage trails, wineries or quirky festivals then this free resource will take you there.
YOUR JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY STARTS HERE
Outbacknow has joined forces with New Age Caravans and together with Outbacknow Jobs we’ve found a way for YOU to LIVE THE DREAM
The Recipe:
1. Use the Outbacknow website to plan your adventure
2. Purchase a New Age Caravan as your home away from home
3. Utilize the Outbacknow jobs bulletin to keep you on the road a little longer
Enjoy the journey with us – keep an eye out for the Outbacknow / New Age Caravan somewhere in the outback.
May 25 2011What is Outback Australia?
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Outback Australia is the vast, remote, arid area of Australia, although the term usually can refer to any lands outside the main urban areas. The term "the outback" is generally used to refer to locations that are comparatively more remote than those areas named "the bush"
The Australian Bush is something unique, referring to landscape generally of dry soil, thin to thick woody shrubs and bushes under a sparse canopy of eucalypts trees.
Early explorers found the Australian outback extremely harsh but with persistence they identified area’s that had enough water to support repeater stations that would allow them to establish the Overland telegraph line around the 1870’s.
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The bush was admired as a source of inspiration by the likes of poets Henry Lawson and Banjo Paterson. Through their poems and stories these poets allowed the reader to identify with the outback in their own way.
Relating to the bush in this way was a big step forward for the early Australians as they struggled with the outback.
The legacy of the harsh but fragile Australian outback is rich in the spirit of the bush.
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Even in this rugged natural beauty there is plenty of wild life, though sometime hard to see as they hide in the bushes during the day to keep cool, venturing out in the evening and early morning.
Birdlife is abundant around the watering holes at dawn and dusk in the outback. You will see unique Budgerigars, Cockatoos, Galahs and many little varieties of finches, a must for bird watchers with a camera.
In central Australia camels thrive, used by early explorers for transport and to carry packs, they were abandoned when no longer needed and now roam the inland free with Brumbies – horses that have escaped from stations and become wild.
Horses are still used on outback stations although with the requirement to move cattle quicker, many stations have advanced to 4WD’s, motor bikes and helicopters.
Still there is the need for experienced outback station all-rounders – Jackaroo’s and Jillaroo’s to work and look after the livestock.
If it weren’t for the early explorers who risked their lives to open up the Australian Outback .jpg)
to settlement and those that continued in their footsteps, we would not be able to enjoy what the spectacular Australian Outback has to offer.
Many of our early stock routes are now the highways we travel to access the numerous outback towns of Australia and the use of camels “Ships of the Desert” have become popular with tourism and camel racing in the outback.
June 16 2011Win a New Age Caravan
Win a New Age Caravan...
Escape, Explore, Enjoy in a New Age Caravan - New Age of living.
Have you ever wondered how a caravan is made?
Take a virtual tour of the New Age factory with this video that takes the viewer from design right through to quality control check of the finished caravan.
See how the vans are built and discover what New Age Caravans do differently that makes all the difference.
Check out the new 2012 layouts and start to plan where you are going for your first trip in your New Age Caravan; Escape, Explore, Enjoy - five star accommodation where ever you end up.
For your chance to win a 16 ft. Little Joey caravan - compliments of New Age Caravans with all the modern conveniences enter in the competition here.
(Winner will be drawn October 7th 2012)
April 03 2012
Winton North Gregory Turf Club races
In the spirit of Banjo Paterson, this weekends North Gregory Turf Club racing program in Winton is all about commemorating the knock-about legends (equine or otherwise) that bring so much life and character to the bush racing scene.
All five races of Saturdays card commemorate a horse, a person, a pub or an event (much like many of Banjo’s poems) that have contributed to the bush, the picnics or the cups of outback racing.
The day is presented by the North Gregory Turf Club and sponsored by the famous North Gregory Hotel.
If Banjo were alive today he’d be at the Winton race track this Saturday:
Winton: North Gregory Turf Club Saturday 15, September 2012
Race 1 - 1:30PM JH LINDSAY Maiden Plate (1000 METRES)
Spring Daywas, without a doubt, the greatest sire the West had seen in the forty years preceding his death in 1971 at the age of twenty-two. He was foaled in the United Kingdom in 1949 and was by Sermon from Corrievrechan. Jim Lindsay, from Camara, Winton bought him in England in 1957. Spring Day raced until he was seven years old. He was eight times a winner and was placed atRoyal Ascot.
His progeny, too numerous to be listed completely, have thrilled thousands of race goers with wins on every track from Townsville to Birdsville. Some of the winners include Uvea, Handspring, Revs Just Jim, Springaway, Day’s Design, Bay Scene, Spring Mist, Gold Pencil, Leg Slip, Howzat, High Fern, Splitem, Layman, Dutcheringa, Bon Devon, Spring Caste, Mini Spring and Spring View.
Many owners sent their mares to Spring Day resulting in large numbers of his descendants hitting Queensland racetracks during the 1960s and 1970s. Almost all these horses were winners. The progeny of Spring Day were responsible for breaking a large percentage of the existing records in the four and a half furlong to sixteen hundred metre races during this period … and the locals rejoiced with each new success regardless of who owned the winner.
In effect, Spring Day belonged to the Winton District
Race 2 - 2:15PM THE AUCTION Class 4 Handicap (1000 METRES)
A truly great race horse From Winton, Auction was the darling of Brisbane race crowds during the war years and was undoubtedly the weight-carrying champion of Queensland racing. Auction also jointly holds the record for most wins at a Brisbane racetrack with 21 at Albion Park. He won a first division carrying 12st6lbs (approx 79 kilos) and ran a course record for six and a half furlongs. It also was a weight-carrying record for all tracks in Brisbane which stands nearly 70 years later. Auction won twice at Albion Park with more than 12 stone and won five races with more than 11 stone. The staggering thing about his 21 wins is that 19 of them were in open handicaps. Trained by R. Wall, Auction's win in the 1943 Newmarket (later the Doomben 10,000) saw a record crowd at Albion Park where racing was held during WWII.
Auction had 67 starts for 24 Wins and 14 Placings. Sire: Monash Valley. Dam: Miss Winton
Race 3 - 3:00PM NORTH GREGORY HOTEL BRACELET QTIS Class 1 Handicap (1200 METRES)
Raise a toast to our most famous bush poet Banjo Paterson, for it was at the North Gregory Hotel where Australia's unofficial national anthem, Waltzing Matilda, was performed in public for the very first time in 1895. History records that Banjo was just up the track staying at Dagworth Station when he penned the ode to the battler.
Burnt to the ground not once, not twice…three time, but just like the Mitchell grass tussocks in the outback surrounds, the North Gregory Hotel keeps coming back after a fire and it is back again after a major refurbishment.
The North Gregory Hotel has been serving up genuine outback hospitality for over 130 years and is the spot to share an icy beer with locals including opal miners, station owners, ringers, truck drivers, cattle buyers and shearers.
If it happens in Winton, it happens at the famous North Gregory Hotel….
Race 4 - 3:45PM HARRY FORSTER MEMORIAL Weight for Age (1200 METRES)
Whether it was riding, breeding or training; Harry Forster is a legend around the race tracks of Central and North Western Queensland. Born in Charters Towers, as a young fella he jackaroo’d around the west including at Euthella and Corona and after many travelling years Harry and his wife Sue eventually settled at Belfield, between Richmond and Winton in 1983 where he stayed until his passing in 2010.
Besides Sue, Harry’s greatest love was horses and in 1958 he became an amateur jockey riding all the Gracedale horses of that era. Harry rode many a winner and picked up a truck-load of trophies and winners whips with one of his most notable days being at the Sedan Dip meeting in 1982 where he rode the card.
In another great racing achievement he became one of the first father and son combinations to ride in the same race, with his son Andrew and his daughter, Sally was Clerk of the Course.
The Forster family have been described as a cornerstone to racing industry of the north and western Queensland
Race 5 - 4:30PM WJ (SANDY) WHITEHEAD Class 3 Plate (1400 METRES)
Sandy Whiteheadaged 89 (turns 90 February 2013) will be present for the race named in his honour. Sandy is the present patron of the North Gregory Turf Club
Has lived at “ Mentone “ Corfield most of his life and is a Member of race clubs at Winton, Corfield, Stamford and Hughenden.
Sandy has a long association with NQR Racing committee Townsville, appointed to the executive in 1964, became a member long before this
One of the highlights of his association with racing in the Winton district was planning and construction of the starting barriers still used at Winton and Corfield race meetings today. These barriers were first constructed and operational in 1966 (during a long drought). The barriers were constructed as a community project and included a group of locals including Jack Kavanagh, Oondooroo Stn, Ted Little, Lanifer Stn, Jack and Gordon Kennedy, Werna Stn (the draftsmen) and Jim Lindsay, Camara Stn, other volunteers and helpers of note were Jack Polgreen, Dennis Ogg, Ian Mitchell, Ken Brown, Bill Glasson (former member for Gregory) Sandy Whitehead, Murray Whitehead, John O’Connell, Bruce Patterson, Sandy Brodie, Bus Rohan.
Mr. Jim Lindsaywas the first starter using these barriers at Winton race meeting in 1966.
The materials used to construct the barriers was mostly donated by local people, some drive axils from World War 2 Army Blitz helped them to be robust and very mobile.
2011 saw the starting barriers upgraded to meet Racing Queens land Minimum Standards.
On Saturday September 15 these 46 year old barriers will be used to start the five-race programme.
September 14 2012Browse Articles
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