Everything you need to know about Cloncurry

Located in Queensland’s north-west, Cloncurry certainly puts the out ‘back in outback, but getting here is part of the adventure.

If you’ve got a week or two up your sleeve, take an outback road trip. Both Overlander’s Way and Matilda Way will lead you to Cloncurry – just choose if you want to travel north through the heart of the outback, or venture inland from Townsville via western towns and national parks.

Prefer to fly? QANTAS operates flights into Cloncurry Airport, while many airlines fly into nearby Mount Isa, where you can rent a car and drive approx. 1 hour 20 mins to Cloncurry.

You can also arrive by train on the Inlander, which travels between Townsville and Mount Isa.

Best time to visit Cloncurry 

One look at the barometer and it’s easy to see why this outback town is nicknamed ‘The Curry’. Cloncurry weather sees extreme summer temperatures soaring well into the 40s, while winter offers pleasant sunny days in the mid-20C range.

Time your visit with one of Cloncurry’s events to experience the community spirit soar instead. July’s Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge and Campdraft brings three days of horsemanship and entertainment; August’s Curry Merry Muster has everything from rodeo to live music and bush poetry; or join the locals for a street party during Beat The Heat Festival in September for live entertainment, curry cooking competitions and novelty mine cart races, followed by outback spin on the Spring Races on Hensley Drive.

Where to stay in Cloncurry

Whether you’re looking to rough it in nature or want comfort close to town, Cloncurry accommodation has you covered.

Self-sufficient campers and caravanners will find serenity free camping at Clem Walton Park on the banks of Corella Dam. Cast a line or cool off in the water: this area is pet-friendly too. Prefer to hook up to power? Cloncurry Caravan Park Oasis and Discovery Parks offer cabins, powered and unpowered sites suitable for camping, caravans, camper vans and motorhomes. For a centrally-located hotel within walking distance of pubs and tourist attractions, check into Gidgee Inn Motel or Red Rock Motel.

But for accommodation that goes far beyond a place to rest your head, book a few days at Corella Creek Country Farm Stay. From the hearty welcome of hosts Georgie and Eric to sinking into a thermal spa, feel yourself unwind and enjoy the simple life as you get a behind-the-scenes look at the farm, meeting goats, sheep and hens along the way. It’s a two-hour drive from Cloncurry, but this is an experience in itself.

The best things to do in Cloncurry

This little outback town is steeped in history, so one of the best things to do is to soak it all up and visit the museums and heritage trails that pay tribute to its past.

You may not know that Cloncurry was the birthplace of the Royal Flying Doctor’s Service in 1928, but you can learn all about its humble beginnings at John Flynn Place which documents this captivating Australian story and the life of its founder. Aviation enthusiasts should look out for the operational Qantas hangar – another slice of history as Qantas’ first hangar and the landing place for the inaugural flight from Longreach.

Over at Cloncurry Unearthed Museum, lay eyes on Burke’s waterbottle, a relic from the ill-fated expedition of 1861, check out the gem and mineral collection, and discover more of the area’s history including displays about the Mary Kathleen mine.

Here in the outback we display local art outside, so swap the gallery for a water tower on the edge of town. Part of the Australian Silo Art Trail, the Cloncurry Water Tank is a mesmerising masterpiece by artist Joel Fergie that captures Cloncurry’s burning sunset sky and Indigenous community. 

Here to appreciate the great outdoors? Head 3km west of The Curry to fish, boat, and kick back at Chinaman Creek Dam. Throw in a line and there’s good chance you’ll reel in sooty grunter, barramundi and red claw – stick around for sunset to see golden hour over Cloncurry River. Even if you’re not camping, Clem Walton Park is worth a visit to fish, kayak or SUP, too.

Rigby Falls is best explored after rainfall, but one place that should be on your radar for any visit is the abandoned ghost town of Mary Kathleen. This eerie site once belonged to the nearby uranium mine, but emptied out once it closed.

Got a 4WD? Witness the area’s natural beauty and industrial history on the 23km Ballara Mining Heritage Trail, which takes in rugged landscapes and former mining townships as it winds its way through the outback, then take a cooling dip in Fountain Springs.

Where to eat in Cloncurry 

You’re guaranteed a good pub feed in the outback, and Cloncurry is no exception – so pull up a barstool at Central Hotel or Post Office Hotel and you could easily while away hours chatting with the locals.

Then there’s the classic pies and pastries at Cloncurry Bakery, pizza and pasta at Grinners, or RedDoor Café for coffee, cakes and burgers.

Fancy a drive? Make your way to neighbouring town McKinlay for a beer and counter lunch at Queensland institution Walkabout Creek Hotel. This kitschy and character-filled pub might look familiar: famous for its cameo in Crocodile Dundee.