Explore the magic of Cunnamulla in three days

If you didn’t know Outback Queensland has a beach, haven’t experienced a gidgee campfire under the blanket of a billion stars, and want to see where the biggest mob of kangaroos choose to live in Queensland, it’s time you hit the road for Cunnamulla.

Where is Cunnamulla and how do you get there?

You’ll find this charming outback town sitting on the banks of the mighty Warrego River approximately 780kms west from Brisbane and 140kms north of the Queensland border with New South Wales. 

Chose to fly with the friendly folk at Rex Airlines from Brisbane Airport (with brief stops in Toowoomba and St George), or load up the car with the kids, jump in your 4WD - hitch up the camper van and take the Warrego Highway all the way from Brisbane to Cunnamulla. Expect around a 10-hour drive, but with plenty of places to stop and stay along the way. Take your time enjoying the raw, spell-binding beauty of the outback as you sink deeper.

Day 1 - AM

Every town has a story, and Cunnamulla’s is a beauty. A visit to the Cunnamulla Visitor Information Centre weaves it magically for you, but first, grab a selfie with The Cunnamulla Fella, who was immortalised by Sim Dusty in his eponymous song, and who sits right outside the door. Once inside, wind yourself back 100 million years in the Artesian Time Tunnel discovering how the Artesian Basin is a geological wonder, which supplies life-giving water to the outback. You’ll hear about the Ancient Eromanga Sea too, and the dinosaurs and marine creatures that once roamed and swam here. Yes, really!

Learn about the traditional language groups of the region – the Badjiri, Budjeti, Kooma, Kunja, Mardigan and Muruwar; and how cultural influences continue to weave throughout the towns rich tapestry.

And you can’t come to Cunnamulla without checking out Cobb & Co, rattling on dirt tracks from Bourke in 1879. Today, Cunnamulla is the only surviving south-west town part of its original route. You’ll also learn how opal mining and sheep grazing brought a fresh flush of hopeful settlers to the region and how these important industries still support the town today along with beef, wheat and lamb production.

Day 1 - PM

With a wealth of history now tucked under your belt, and aware of the water underneath - take a wander to discover how it supports an abundance of wildlife at nearby Bowra Wildlife Sanctuary. If you’re a keen twitcher, you’ll be in your element watching as many as 200 species of birds that call Bowra home, along with over 300 vertebrate species including the biggest mob of kangaroos known in Queensland. Find a spot in the shade to sit and be serenaded by the soundtrack of the outback – it’s pure bliss.

Cunnamulla has plenty of places to lay your head for the night. If you’d like to be close to the town centre, check in to Cunnamulla Tourist Park. With 50 powered sites, ensuite cabins and shady tent sites on offer plus camp-oven-themed dinners and piping hot billy tea, you’ll please the whole family here, and pets are welcome to stay at the park too so your furry friends can join in.

Day 2 - AM

After brekkie at one of the town’s array of cafes and an obligatory stop in at Cunnamulla Bakery for an apple turnover (divine), pack your swimmers and a towel before taking a leisurely 97km drive to Wyandra. Once a major stop for steam trains to top up their water supplies, these days, you’ll find the Post Office Café serving legendary Devonshire Teas. Next, you’ll want to hit the beach. Yes - the beach, it’s a local favourite with a sandy cove right on the Warrego River, and after a dip you can claim bragging rights to swimming at Outback Queensland’s only beach.

Day 2 - PM

If one swim wasn’t enough it’s now time to return to Cunnamulla and visit the stunning new Cunnamulla Hot Springs featuring seven pools of varying temperatures plus sauna, steam room and plenty of space where relaxation is guaranteed. Here you can immerse yourself in the warm, soothing waters in multiple free flowing pools filled with geothermic, mineral rich artesian water, right on the banks of the Warrego River.

Day 3 – AM

As the crossroad for many onward journeys, Cunnamulla is a great spot to stop in for a few days, but also a great base to explore the surrounding area. Take a 69km drive west to Eulo, where you can check out some mega fauna - a diprotondon (which is a giant wombat) sits proudly as the statue guarding the town - or throw a line in at Five Mile Waterhole to try to catch a Yellowbelly in the Paroo River.

Yowah is a little further at 160km, but you’ll love this colourful town where you can find or buy a 'Yowah Nut.’  Grab a permit to do some fossicking of your own or buy from one of the locals who will love to regale you with tales of their opal mining prowess.

Day 3 – PM

If you’re heading further inland to Thargomindah, stop in at the stunning Lake Bindegolly National Park, home to more than 195 species of birds and 80 species of animals, plus over 300 plant varieties. While 170km south-west of Cunnamulla, you’ll find Currawinya National Park, which is considered one of Australia’s most important inland waterbird habitats and a site to learn about Budjiti Aboriginal cultural heritage. 

If you’re returning east, plan to spend a few nights at Charlotte Plains Station where you can camp out by the naturally heated artesian springs, take a soak, or spoil yourself with a stay in the more luxurious Shearers Quarters. Because you haven’t truly experienced a bush sunset until you’ve seen one while soaking in an artesian spring fed warm bath.

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