Boulia

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.

Boulia Heritage Complex

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.

Annual Racing Events

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.

July Camel Races

Boulia’s most famous event of the year is the Boulia Camel Races, to be held from 12-14 July. The races have the longest race in Australia with a 1500 metre camel cup. Camels come from all over Australia to compete, and often as many as 40 camels race on the weekend. 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, so if you have a passion for seeing these creatures racing, you can follow the fun at both events.

Natural Highlights

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.

Boulia Sports and Aquatic Centre

Keep active at the Boulia Sports and Aquatic Centre, which boasts an outdoor playground, full-sized air conditioned basketball court, a squash court, interactive sensory room and a well-equipped gym. The 25m shaded pool is open throughout the year and is available for daylight usage for members outside of opening hours. Opening hours vary by season but 24 hour gym use is available via membership from the Boulia Shire Council administration office. Active afternoons are held three times per week to encourage, promote and support healthy bodies/healthy minds, an initiative of the Boulia Shire Council to support their community’s wellbeing. Separate to the Sports & Aquatic Centre is a children’s splash pool and two tennis courts. Current opening hours and initiatives are promoted through the Boulia Shire Council Facebook page.

Boulia Caravan Park

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.