When you get to Boulia, you can ‘see the light’ for yourself and learn about this unexplained phenomenon at the Min Min Encounter and Visitor Information Centre complex. A 45-minute animatronics show takes you through six scenes, each with special effects and a story of a Min Min light sighting. One of the scenes is a depiction of the bar at the Min Min Hotel. At the centre, you can also gather information on the area from the visitor information desk or buy some souvenirs of your visit.
The complex consists of several buildings showcasing the many decades of Boulia’s history. One of the buildings is a heritage listed stone house fully furnished as it was over 130 years ago. Also on the property is Tom Howard’s Cottage, an early 1900s construction which houses a combination of Indigenous, hospital and early education displays. The cottages are part of a bigger complex which has some amazing marine reptile displays with fossils from 100 million years ago. Set in the yards of the Heritage Complex are a number of machinery and wagons, which were once used in the region at the turn of the century. Check at the visitor information centre for opening times.
Easter Races and Campdraft
Boulia’s calendar of events includes the Easter Races every year. The horse races are on Saturday and the action continues throughout the weekend with a rodeo and campdrafting. The campdraft has a big following and attracts competitors from all over.
Boulia Outback Drags
The annual Boulia Outback Drags will be held in August at the airport. For something completely different, there’s the CWA Spring, Pink Ribbon Night Golf or the RFDS Diamonds and Dust.
July Camel Races
Boulia’s most famous event of the year is the Boulia Camel Races held on the second weekend in July. This is truly the biggest and best weekend of the year for locals and visitors alike. Self-sufficient visitors love it, because a weekend ticket enables them to camp for free (bush camping) at the racegrounds. And the action has to be seen to be believed!
The camel races feature a 13-race card with $30,000 prizemoney plus trophies and ribbons.
It’s not an all-local line-up, either. Camel racing people come from as far afield as South Australia and Victoria to try for the purse. Sometimes there are as many as 40 camels racing on the weekend. No wonder Boulia locals claim it as the best camel races in Australia. With a band on Saturday night and lots of market stalls along with food and drink vendors, the whole atmosphere is fantastic. There’s even a fireworks display.
The Bedourie Camel Races are the week before and the Winton event is the week after, so if you have a passion for seeing these creatures racing, you can follow the fun on an outback camel circuit.
While in Boulia, also see the corroboree tree, the last recognised corroboree tree of the Pitta Pitta tribe and one of Australia’s arboreal rarities. It is a Waddi tree, found in only a couple of areas.
While in the district, fish or birdwatch at the Burke River. A little further afield is Urandangi, where you can fish at the Georgina River, have a drink and lunch at the pub and wander around the pioneer cemetery.
This picturesque park is nestled along the Burke River, with plenty of shady, grassy spots for camping and caravans. The park has both powered and unpowered sites. With a self-contained cabin, riverflat units, en suite units and two dongas. There is accommodation to suit everyone, and pets are more than welcome!
The Boulia Caravan Park is a beautiful spot for guests to cook up a barbecue, and the office sells general merchandise and ice-creams.
Min Min Encounter Visitor Information Centre
Phone (within Australia) 07 4746 3386
Welcome to Travel Action Matilda Country!
We are passionate about promoting the stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture of Outback Queensland. Our website is designed to provide you with all the essential information, insider tips, and exciting experiences to make your journey an unforgettable adventure.
