Cunnamulla, the administrative centre of Paroo Shire, sits on the Warrego River about 200 km south of Charleville. It is a friendly, laid-back town and the crossroads for travellers heading west on the Adventure Way to Thargomindah, or south into NSW towards Bourke.
History and Country
Cunnamulla is on the Country of the Kunja people. The name is often said to come from a local Aboriginal phrase meaning "long stretch of water", referring to the Warrego River. The town grew from the 1860s as a stop on the Cobb & Co coach route and a service centre for sheep stations. The railway arrived in 1898, and the town became a major wool-loading centre.
In 1880, a local man named Joseph Wells attempted to rob the bank, then hid in a tree when he was chased by townsfolk. He was caught and later hanged — the last man executed in Queensland for robbery under arms, according to local history. The "Robber's Tree" stands in the town centre.
Things to do
Cunnamulla Fella Centre. The visitor information centre includes an art gallery, artesian displays and the story of the region. The Cunnamulla Fella statue stands outside.
Warrego River walks. The Warrego River walking track follows the riverbank, with birdlife and picnic spots.
Artesian spa. Cunnamulla has developed artesian bathing facilities using bore water from the Great Artesian Basin. Check with the visitor centre for current opening hours.
Robber's Tree. The tree where Joseph Wells hid in 1880.
Eulo. About 65 km west, the tiny town of Eulo has artesian mud baths, a date farm and a historic hotel. It is famous for the Eulo Queen, a colourful hotelier of the late nineteenth century.
Yowah opal fields. About 140 km west of Cunnamulla, Yowah is known for "Yowah nuts" — ironstone nodules containing opal. Fossicking is possible in a designated area; a Queensland fossicking licence is required.
Currawinya National Park. South-west near Hungerford, Currawinya protects lakes Numalla and Wyara, Ramsar-listed wetlands that attract waterbirds in huge numbers. The park also has a predator-proof fence protecting bilbies. Roads are unsealed; check conditions.
A three-day itinerary
Day 1: Cunnamulla Fella Centre, Robber's Tree, Warrego River walk and the artesian spa.
Day 2: Day trip to Eulo and Yowah, with a mud bath and a little fossicking.
Day 3: Head to Currawinya National Park, or continue west to Thargomindah.
Seasons
April to October is the best time to visit. Summer temperatures are high, and storms can flood the Warrego.
Getting there
Cunnamulla is on the Mitchell Highway, about 800 km west of Brisbane. It is linked to Charleville to the north and Bourke to the south, and to Thargomindah by the Bulloo Developmental Road. Regional flights serve the town; check current schedules.
Where to stay and eat
Motels, a hotel, caravan parks and cabins, plus a supermarket, bakery and cafés. Fuel is available.
Travel safety
Watch for kangaroos and stock, especially at dawn and dusk. Fuel up before heading west, where distances between towns are long.
Wool, the railway and Cobb & Co
Cunnamulla's growth was tied to wool. Shearers, drovers and teamsters worked the surrounding stations, and the railway, which reached the town in 1898, carried bales to the coast. Before that, Cobb & Co coaches linked Cunnamulla to Charleville, Bourke and beyond. The Cunnamulla Fella Centre tells the stories of these early transport routes and the people who used them.
Who it suits
Cunnamulla suits travellers crossing between NSW and Queensland, fossickers heading to Yowah, birdwatchers bound for Currawinya, and fans of Slim Dusty.
Packing tips
Bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and a swimsuit for the artesian spa. For Yowah, bring a fossicking licence and basic tools.
Bowra Sanctuary
Bowra Sanctuary, a former pastoral property near Cunnamulla, is managed for conservation by Australian Wildlife Conservancy and is well known among birdwatchers for its mulga woodlands, gidgee and wetlands. Many inland bird species have been recorded there. Check the sanctuary's current visitor arrangements before you go, as access and camping rules can change. See birdwatching in the outback.
Allan Tannock Weir
Upstream of town, the Allan Tannock Weir holds back a long stretch of the Warrego River. It is a popular local spot for fishing for yellowbelly, picnics and birdwatching, and a pleasant short drive from the town centre.
Hungerford and the Dog Fence
South-west of Cunnamulla, the tiny border settlement of Hungerford sits right on the Queensland–NSW border, where the road passes through a gate in the Dog Fence. The historic Royal Mail Hotel has long been a stop for travellers. Hungerford is also an access point for Currawinya National Park. Roads are unsealed and close after rain.
Wyandra
North of Cunnamulla on the Mitchell Highway, Wyandra is a small town on the Warrego River with a local history museum. It's a quiet stop on the drive to Charleville.
The song
"Cunnamulla Fella" was made famous by country singer Slim Dusty, and the song helped put the town on the map. Fans of Australian country music will enjoy the displays at the visitor centre.
Where to next
- Charleville — about 200 km north.
- Bourke — about 250 km south in NSW.
- Thargomindah — about 200 km west.
- St George — about 290 km east.
Cunnamulla Hot Springs
Cunnamulla Tourism describes the Cunnamulla Hot Springs as a riverside wellness complex beside the Warrego River. It has a series of free-flowing artesian pools of different temperatures, naturally heated by mineral-rich water from the Great Artesian Basin, along with cold plunge pools, a sauna and a steam room.
- Pre-booking is preferred, but walk-ins are accepted during opening hours. You can book online.
- A day pass lets you come and go during opening hours. Multi-day passes are available.
- Concession prices are available for seniors.
- It's day use only, with no camping or accommodation on site.
- Pets aren't permitted, except registered service dogs.
The Warrego River Walk starts at the Hot Springs. See the Great Artesian Basin and the Great Artesian Spa Tour.
In town
Cunnamulla Tourism also lists:
- The Artesian Time Tunnel, art gallery and museum at the visitor centre on Jane Street
- The Cunnamulla Fella statue
- The All Aboard 3D sound and light show on Murray Street
- The Cunnamulla Bushlands, 1 km east of town on the Mitchell Highway
- The heritage and art trails
- Kayaking on the Warrego
- Monthly community markets in Centenary Park, on the second Sunday of each month
Practical information
- Services: fuel, supermarket, hospital, police and visitor information.
- Nearest larger town: Charleville.
- Nearby: Eulo, Yowah, Currawinya National Park.
Explore nearby
Nearby park guide: Currawinya National Park.
Frequently asked questions
Who wrote "Cunnamulla Fella"?
The song was written by Stan Coster and recorded by Slim Dusty, becoming one of his best-known songs. A statue of the "Cunnamulla Fella" stands in town.
How far is Cunnamulla from Brisbane?
About 800 km west by road.
What is there to see near Cunnamulla?
The Yowah opal fields, Currawinya National Park, Eulo and its artesian mud baths, and the Bourke and Charleville regions are all within reach.
Is Cunnamulla worth visiting?
Yes. Cunnamulla has the artesian Hot Springs, the Artesian Time Tunnel and visitor centre, Warrego River walks, birdwatching at Bowra Sanctuary, and it makes a base for Yowah opal fields and Currawinya National Park.
How many days in Cunnamulla?
Allow at least one full day for the Hot Springs, the visitor centre and the river walk. Allow two or three days if you want to add Bowra Sanctuary, Yowah or Currawinya.
Sources and further reading
Facts on this page were checked against these primary and official sources. Conditions change — confirm before you travel or buy.
- Paroo Shire Council — Paroo Shire Council
- Currawinya National Park — Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
- Cunnamulla (Wikipedia) — Wikipedia
- Cunnamulla Hot Springs — Cunnamulla Tourism
- Things to do — Cunnamulla Tourism
