Best places to visit in Tambo | Travel Action Matilda Country

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—in fact, the town won the award as Queensland’s Friendliest Town a few years ago.

Stop, relax and take a deep breath of country air. This is a 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, check the original judge’s bench and prisoner dock, and take the time to admire the locally made Rhythm of Life quilt which is a pictorial interpretation of Tambo’s past 150 years. If you are a reader, ask about the Tourist Card which can be used at all rural libraries in Queensland.

There is no entry fee at the Heritage Precinct where you can step back in time to view Tambo’s original Post and Telegraph offices and see how communications worked in earlier times. The Post and Telegraph offices were moved by bullock in 1904 to make way for the new Post Office. 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.

Tambo has long been a hub for transport and trade, with generations of families keeping the outback moving. The newly opened Tambo Transport Museum celebrates this rich history, showcasing the evolution of transport from the horse-drawn carriers of the 1860s to the early motorised trucks of the 1920s and today’s modern fleets.

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!

Walking Trails

For a relaxing stroll, take the self-guided Coolibah Walk located on the banks of the Barcoo River. The river with its many swimming holes and fishing spots is part of the Tambo way of life. 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.

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. The area is a wonderful habitat for birds and native wildlife. You can take a stroll along the pathways that wind through the parkland, connecting with the nature walk that skirts the Barcoo River. There is even outdoor gym equipment that is free for all to use.

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. 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.

Accommodation

Tambo offers Tambo Caravan Park and the Tambo Mill Motel and Caravan Park for accommodation. For those who are totally self-contained call in at the Information Centre and ask about Stubby Bend, located on the banks of the Barcoo River. Stubby Bend offers free camping, where you can relax in the evenings and enjoy the variety of wildlife that visit the area.

Off-Road Touring

For a 4WD adventure, take the Wilderness Way drive between Springsure and Tambo. The Wilderness Way, a 320km round trip, is a self-drive tour through an area of rugged beauty, where travellers can enjoy spectacular views of vast cliff lines and deep gorges. Massive sandstone formations along the ranges have been created over time from wind and rain, and are a sight to behold. Go bushwalking in Salvator Rosa National Park, with its crystal clear springs and colourful, spring wildflowers. Stretch your legs and be rewarded with the sight of a 10m wide hole below the summit of Spyglass Peak, or climb Homoranthus Hill for stunning panoramic views. Afterwards, relax and have a picnic at the Louise Creek Junction day-use area. Due to the terrain, high clearance 4WD vehicles are recommended.

If you are going to Blackall from Tambo, take the scenic Langlo-Adavale Road, approximately 200 kilometres and taking approximately one day to complete. Along the drive, you will see plenty of wildlife and livestock as you pass through a number of local stations. You will need to take care while driving as the track is not fenced and the animals roam freely. A 4WD is needed for this track and as the road can become impassable in wet weather, make sure you check the road conditions at the Tambo Information Centre before heading off.