Tambo

Central west’s oldest little town.

Come and see for yourself just how welcoming the locals are in the small towns of western Queensland. Tambo in particular is famed for its friendly residents. When you arrive in Tambo, stop, relax and take a deep breath of country air. This is little town living at its best! At night, admire the myriad of stars in the sky. By day explore Tambo’s history, natural attractions and the creative endeavours of the locals.

Historical Tambo

Tambo is the oldest town in the central west so there’s history to uncover when you visit—right from the moment when you call in at the Visitor Information Centre, which is located in the Heritage-listed Old Courthouse. While you’re there, take the time to admire the locally made Rhythm of Life quilt which is a pictorial interpretation of Tambo’s past 150 years. You can check your emails for a small fee and if you are a reader, ask about the Tourist Card which can be used at all rural libraries in Queensland.

Part of the reason visitors feel so welcome in this little town is that Tambo shares much of its history for free. There is no entry fee to step back in time at the Post and Telegraph Museum and see how communications worked in earlier times. Next door, admire the displays and view a touch screen DVD to watch people talking about what it was like growing up and living in Tambo in earlier times.

The Grassland Gallery offers beautiful touring, local and regional art exhibitions. The exhibits change each six to eight weeks. Entry to the gallery is free.

Call in and admire the Tambo Teddies and watch as these gorgeous bears come to life in the workshop. It won’t only be the children who fall in love with these unique bears. Find the one that seems to be calling your name and buy it to take home.

Walking Trails

Then put on your walking shoes and take the self-guided Coolibah Walk located on the banks of the Barcoo River. Take in the Qantas Crash Memorial and learn about the native flora along the river. If you’re there in the early morning or late afternoon, you’re almost sure to see some of the native animals that call this spot home.

While in the mood for walking, the Heritage Walk takes you around the historical buildings located around town. A little history on wheels is the Tambo Truck, Wild and Woolly, which represents the days when wool was king and small-bodied trucks were piled high with wool bales.

Another piece of transport history is Flo, the Tambo Rural Fire Brigade’s fire truck. The imported 1928 model did service in Brisbane and Charleville before being brought to Tambo to complete her working life. The truck has been beautifully refurbished and is definitely worth a photograph!

Picnicking

If you’re looking for somewhere to picnic or enjoy a quiet few hours, then Tambo Dam located at the eastern entrance to town is ideal. This green oasis offers picnic tables, free barbecues and public toilets. For the benefit of self-contained travellers, an ezydump point is located next to the amenities building and has easy access. If you’re a birdwatcher, the hide is a perfect spot to spend some time and watch the birdlife. Static gym equipment can be found on a walk around the dam, so if you’re interested in fitness and strength training there’s no excuse!

EE Parr Park, located in the centre of town, is another lovely area with picnic tables and barbecues. A fenced and covered playground area also allows those little travellers to work off some of their excess energy.

Accommodation and Supplies

Fresh bread and other food supplies are available daily from Foodworks, so it won’t take long to gather the supplies for a picnic or barbecue. Motel, caravan park and hotel accommodation is available in town. Snacks and meals are available from Caltex Roadhouse, Fanny Mae’s and counter meals are offered by both hotels.

Tourist Information Icon

Visitor Information

Tambo Visitor Information Centre
Phone (within Australia) 07 4654 6405

Tambo Shire Events

April 23 — Tambo Stock Show
May 20-22 — Tambo Campdraft
May 21 — Babushka Book Club – Touring Show
May 25 — Festival of Outback Opera
May 28 — Tambo Cup Races
July 30 — Ladies Day Tambo Races
October 1 — Tambo Rodeo

Directory

Neighbouring destinations to explore

Aramac, Alpha and Jericho

Blackall

Charleville