Itinerary
By Sarah Bristow
Make your way out west. For it’s here in the centre of Outback Queensland you’ll find the town of Charleville, 750 kilometres from Brisbane perched on the banks of the Warrego River.
Forget what you think you know about this town in the heart of Mulga country - while Charleville is a convenient stopover en route to the Longreach, Roma and Quilpie, and Birdsville, this quaint place is a destination in its own right. Rich in history, flora and fauna, Charleville and its surrounds offer plenty of things to see and do. And this weekend guide proves it.
Ready yourself for your adventure out west. You have two options available to you in terms of reaching your destination. If you are a fan of driving long distance, you could drive the 10 hours from Brisbane to the historic outback town. Or you can take the easy route, joining Qantas Link for its daily flight which takes just under two hours.
Check in to your home for the weekend, Cobb & Co Caravan Park on Ridgeway Street. The country accommodation option may be rather simple, but then so are most of your sleepover options around here. Powered and unpowered sites will greet you, alongside a collection of 9 cabins.
Take your time to stare at the stars courtesy of the Charleville Cosmos Centre. Every night the town institution indulges its local and visiting astronomers by rolling back its roof and sharing some outstanding sights of the planets and constellations above with its trio of Meade telescopes.
Get better acquainted with the largest town in Queensland’s South West with a wander along its streets. History abounds here - especially in terms of architecture. One of the best things to do is to take your own tour of the heritage-listed buildings that scatter Charleville, and cluster around Willis and Alfred Streets.
One of the best things to do in Charleville is without a doubt a pub tour of the district. Hotel Charleville isn’t just home to impressively historic architecture, but the popular drinking hole hosts weekly guinea pig races on Saturdays. The iconic Hotel Corones, home to an impressive antiques collection, is also worth a visit.
Enjoy the region’s vivid pink sunset from the viewing deck of the Warrego River Walk. The one hour journey winds its way along the banks of the northern tributary of the Darling River, and the multitude of floodplains and channels which flank it. Those bursting with energy will find plenty of outdoor gym equipment to enjoy along the way.
Enjoy one of the educational things to do in Charleville with a trip to see the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre. The interactive expanse showcases the growth of the integral Outback health offering which first launched back in 1928. Conveniently the Bilby Experience resides next door - stop by to say hello to the local bilby population.
Photo by @goldcoast_melissawei
Bid goodbye to Charleville with a return road trip (or flight) back to the capital. But don’t miss out on one of the best things to do in the region in neighbouring Cunnamulla and Eulo, a destination 200 kilometres south of town. It’s here where one of Queensland’s most unique tourist attractions reside, the artesian mud baths. Embrace the 20,000 year-old-mud’s anti-ageing qualities, smearing it all over your body while you sit back and relax in one of the outdoor bathtubs.
Commence your journey back to the big smoke with a trip to the closest regional airport. Or choose instead to lay your head within Charleville’s borders for another night, setting off on your foray through the red dirt with dawn’s arrival.