It’s not surprising that there is an oasis-like atmosphere among the lovely streetscapes of Cunnamulla. The mighty Warrego River clearly was inspirational in the naming of the town that bears an Aboriginal name meaning ‘long stretch of water’. Created by Cobb and Co. in 1879, when the first coach drove through from Bourke, the township of Cunnamulla is the only surviving south-west town along the original route.
Discover the unique town character and the story behind many of the historical buildings and businesses, including hotels, saddlery, Tonkin House, churches and The Warrego Watchman, by taking a walk along the Heritage Trail. You can walk the trail at your own pace or join a guided tour.
To experience what life is like in the outback, you can visit one of the local working stations. See sheep shearing (if the season is right), cattle mustering, or even help out with the daily tasks.
Starring “Steven Tandy” from The Sullivans as the Station Master and your virtual host of the All Aboard theatrical experience.
Among other beautiful places to see in Cunnamulla, meet a cornucopia of Cunnamulla’s colourful characters and hear some of the tallest tales from this side of the Queensland border.
Experience the Outback’s true pioneering spirit and discover how Australia was built on the back of a sheep’s back and narrow-gauge train tracks!
Laugh out loud as locals share in their own words what life was like growing up in Cunnamulla. Apart from the other best places to visit in Cunnamulla, it is also the place where wool was king and rail was their lifeline to the world!
But be warned, by the end of it all, you may just want to stay right here – at the End of the Line!
The Paroo Progress Association have been instrumental in transforming the once dilapidated railway station back to its former glory and building the theatre that supports the show. The theatre boasts a fifteen metre screen and state of the art light and sound system, with chairs that recline to further enhance the experience.
The Warrego River, on the edge of the town, is the perfect spot for a picnic, or some swimming and kayaking. Kayaks are available for hire, and while paddling the tranquil waters, try your eye at spotting the cheeky Cooper Creek turtle. Cunnamulla has some of the most stunning sand hills in Australia. With the vibrant reds against the brilliant blue sky, budding photographers will be in heaven, while birdwatchers can enjoy the peace and spot some of the 245 species found in the region.
If all this exploring just gets too much, take some time to relax at the brand new state of the art bathing complex. The complex features seven pools, a steam room, sauna, relaxation room and plenty of space to stretch out on beanbags, hammocks and lounges.
If you are feeling peckish, take a break and a 200m walk across the street into town to grab lunch at one of the town’s great cafes or pubs.
Grab a massage or facial in one of the beauty and spa offerings in town and then wander back to the Hot Springs for some more soaking in the natural artesian waters!
With a diverse assortment of native flora and fauna both within the town and surrounding region, Cunnamulla is a rewarding destination for nature enthusiasts. The Cunnamulla Bushlands, located on the eastern entrance to the town, showcases some of the area’s superb ecosystems as you take a leisurely stroll along the 1.6km trail, which meanders along a flowing waterway and ending at the wetlands. It’s a golden opportunity to see flora indicative of the region’s different ecosystems all in the one place. An evening visit will give you the best chance of viewing local wildlife, with kangaroos coming to the waterhole for a drink, and an emu or two strolling by.
Birdwatching enthusiasts will marvel at the number of bird species to be found at Bowra Wildlife Sanctuary, just 15km out of town. The sanctuary is internationally renowned as one of Australia’s most rewarding bird watching destinations. With central Western Queensland once covered in woodlands, the area was purchased for conservation by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, with the sanctuary now a stronghold for many threatened and declining bird species. The 14,000ha reserve is home to more than 200 bird species, including the iconic Hall’s babbler, the chestnut-breasted quail, Bourke’s parrot and the black falcon. During August and September you may see a stunning array of wildflowers.
Collect a town map and bird list from the Cunnamulla Fella Visitor Information Centre, which is the town’s visitor information centre. Don’t forget to have your picture taken with the magnificent Cunnamulla Fella statue while you are in town. The larger than life statue is a tribute to the Aussie larrikin stockman. Before departing to explore, make sure you spend the time going through the centre, exploring the rich history of the area in the museum and view the artistic brilliance of the current collection in the art gallery.
The Artesian Time Tunnel, also in the Centre, incorporates an old mine lift and takes travellers back in time 100 million years, deep into the middle of ancient sandstone rocks that form part of the Artesian Basin.
Artesian water is the lifeblood of outback towns and its importance is demonstrated in the time tunnel experience as well as a 30-minute theatre presentation. Here you will discover the home of ancient animals and Australia’s largest dinosaurs that roamed the Eromanga Inland Sea. You will also experience an old opal mine and the early days in the opal fields.
With all the points of interest marked on the town map provided by the visitor information centre, you’re ready to venture further afield. You may decide to take a relaxing drive to Allan Tannock Weir to see the abundant array of wildlife and birdlife and take part in water activities ranging from going on a Warrego boat cruise to kayaking along the river.
Experience the heart of the Australian Outback at the Cunnamulla Fella Roundup, a thrilling weekend of rodeo action, barrel racing, and live music. Held at the Cunnamulla Showgrounds each year in Spring, this event features a jam-packed rodeo program full of bull riding, bronc busting, roping and barrels, as well as top country music acts so you can party the night away! Capturing the true outback spirit, this iconic event is not to be missed.
Cunnamulla is at the crossroads of the Matilda Highway and the Adventure Way. It is also part of the Natural Sciences Loop, as is the nearby opal town of Yowah. There is always something to do in Yowah and the locals are only too happy to show you around and make you feel welcome. Relax in the open air artesian spa and then meet with a local at the fireside dinner or book an opal mining tour and fossick for the unique Yowah nut opal. Call in to the local art galleries and opal shops that line the streets. You’ll find it’s a fascinating little town!
Eulo, dubbed ‘the Montville of the outback’, is a small community with a large pride which is evident when you visit. Local produce and products abound. Visit the Eulo Artesian Mud Baths, discover the Paroo Patch lines of hand-crafted products, browse through the Eulo Queen Opal Centre , and have a drink at the Eulo Queen Hotel where you can hear stories of the infamous Eulo Queen.
Unique to the area are the Artesian Mud Springs, located 13km west of Eulo on the Adventure Way. These magnificent formations are the natural discharge from the Great Artesian Basin and act as release valves to the water pressure.
Drive 100km north of Cunnamulla and visit the laidback township of Wyandra. This small town evolved as a railway settlement halfway between Cunnamulla and Charleville. Follow the heritage trail and become enthralled with the historical architecture buildings that remain from the boom period. Play a game of volleyball or go for a swim at what the locals call ‘the beach’ before heading to the Wyandra Pub for a cold beer and then onto the Post Office Café to enjoy Devonshire tea or watch a movie in the unique outdoor cinema.
Charlotte Plains is a family-owned station and campground, famed among travelling enthusiasts. Located 55km east of Cunnamulla, the 27,000 ha working sheep and cattle property offers a unique and unforgettable destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of Outback Queensland.
Owned and operated by lifelong local Robyn Russell and family, Charlotte Plains offers an exceptional hot artesian bathing experience, insight into a working station and its rich pastoral history, and opportunities to see over 130 bird species and an abundance of wildlife. Charlotte Plains was awarded the 2023 Silver Medal for Best Historic Attraction nation-wide at the Grey Nomads Awards.
Cunnamulla Fella Centre
Phone (within Australia) 07 4655 8470
