Charleville
Town
Population 3275
Charleville is in the heart of mulga country on the banks of the Warrego River and at the centre of a rich sheep and cattle district. By the late 1890s the town had its own brewery, ten hotels and 500 registered bullock teams. Cobb & Co recognised the value of Charleville's location on a major stock route and opened a coach-building factory in 1893. There are also strong links with aviation: the first London–Sydney flight landed here in 1919, Qantas' first fare-paying service took off in 1922 and record-setting aviator Amy Johnson landed nearby in 1930. Charleville marks the terminus of the Westlander rail service from Brisbane.
Visitor Information
Matilda Hwy; (07) 4654 3057
Nearby national parks
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Carnarvon National Park
Tucked away in this vast, rambling park in Queensland’s Central Highlands is the magnificent Carnarvon Gorge. Boasting towering white...more -
Idalia National Park
Set in the Gowan Range in central western Queensland, Idalia National Park is a dry, remote wilderness. Although the park encompasses the...more
Nearby towns
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Tambo
Tambo is the oldest town in central-western Queensland. It was established in the mid-1860s to service the surrounding pastoral...more -
Mitchell
Mitchell, a gateway to the outback, is on the banks of the Maranoa River at the western edge of the Darling Downs. But, located as it is...more -
Cunnamulla
Cunnamulla is on the Warrego River, north of the New South Wales border. It is the biggest wool-loading station on the Queensland railway...more
In Town
Cosmos Centre This centre explores the Australian night sky and its significance to Aboriginal culture. There are multimedia displays, nightly shows and interactive areas where the wonders of the sky are observed through powerful Meade Telescopes. The outback night sky has never looked so beautiful; Matilda Hwy; (07) 4654 7771.Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre: museum displaying memorabilia from the past and present. View the documentary entitled A Day in the Life of the Flying Doctor; Old Cunnamulla Rd. Historic House Museum: a wonderful example of early Queensland architecture. Machinery displays including steam engine and a rail ambulance in restored Queensland National Bank building; open 9am–3pm Mon–Fri, 9am–12pm Sat, other times by appt; Alfred St. Vortex Gun: in 1902 this 5 m long gun was used in an unsuccessful rain-making experiment; Bicentennial Park, Matilda Hwy. Heritage trail: self-guide walk past heritage buildings; brochure from visitor centre. Bilby Tours: one of Australia's most rare and endangered animals, bilbies are captively bred in Charleville. Get up-close and personal with these marsupials on the night tour; details from visitor centre.
Nearby
Tregole National Park This semi-arid national park has a vulnerable and fragile ecosystem. It is largely made up of ooline forest – rainforest species dating back to the Ice Age. Follow the 2.1 km circuit track to see the diverse vegetation and spectacular birds of the park. (07) 4654 1255; 99 km E via Morven.Monument: marks the spot where Ross and Keith Smith landed with engine trouble on the first London–Sydney flight; 19 km NW.
Campsites around town
Ward River camping area (bush camping) 15 km
The Ward River bush camping area is on the east side of the river on the Diamantina Developmental Rd, about 20 km west of Charleville. Visitors must be totally self-sufficient; there is no amenities block and no powered... Find out moreWyandra Camping Reserve 97 km
This basic campground for self-sufficient campers is set behind the school in Wyandra, off Moody St. Wyandra is off the Mitchell Hwy, around 100 km north of Cunnamulla and 90 km south of Charleville.... Find out moreMariala camping area (bush camping) 126 km
Bush camping is permitted within the park for self-sufficient campers. Be aware that there is no ranger in the park (a permit is required before entering), the local water supply is unsuitable for drinking, and there are... Find out moreFisherman Rest camping area 168 km
This riverside campground for self-sufficient campers is 4 km west of Mitchell, 500 m off the Warrego Hwy. Mitchell is on the Maranoa River, 90 km west of Roma and 180 km east of Charleville.... Find out moreNeil Turner Weir camping area 171 km
This camping area is on River St in Mitchell, set by the Maranoa River. If you’re a keen angler, check out Fishermans Rest on the banks of the river. Mitchell is 90 km west of Roma and 180 km east of Charleville on... Find out moreMajor Mitchell Caravan Park 174 km
This caravan park has a total of 67 sites, including 47 powered sites and 16 ensuite sites. On the Warrego Hwy in Mitchell, close to town, the park’s other on-site accommodation options include 3 cabins and 2... Find out moreDuck Creek and Sheep Station Creek bush camping 199 km
Self-sufficient bush camping is permitted in the opal fields of Duck Creek and Sheep Station Creek, about 60 km south-east of Toompine and 130 km south of Quilpie. Check road conditions before arriving, as access is dry... Find out moreNogoa River campsite (bush camping) 203 km
Orange-barked yellow-jacket trees and beautiful wildflower displays are some of the highlights of the Salvator Rosa section of Carnarvon National Park. This is a bush camping site for entirely self-sufficient campers.... Find out moreBush camping 209 km
Self-sufficient campers are welcome to camp in Thrushton National Park, but be aware that there are no facilities or amenities. Come equipped with a gas/fuel stove.... Find out moreKa Ka Mundi camping area 209 km
With more than 30 km of escarpments and plateaus, the Ka Ka Mundi section of Carnarvon National Park has good wildlife watching; look out for king parrots and red-necked wallabies. It is 130 km south-west of Springsure.... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Tambo Mill Motel and Caravan Park 169 km
Well-located right in the heart of the main street of Tambo, this park is just a few years old and has great amenities. Everywhere in town is walking distance and the complex has a restaurant. Bookings are required in... Find out moreMajor Mitchell Caravan Park 174 km
Soak away your aches at the artesian spa pools or wander into the centre of town for some sightseeing, both just a short walk from this modern, popular park. Its greatest attraction, however, is that you pay for your... Find out moreCunnamulla Caravan Park 193 km
This is a typical country-town caravan park with good amenities, good basic facilities and a resident manager. The park is in a quiet, off-highway location and is an ideal base for exploring the area or a good choice for... Find out moreBlackall Caravan Park 233 km
Easily accessible from the Landsborough (Matilda) Highway, the park is just a short walk from the town centre. It is popular during the winter tourist season, offering camp-oven meals each evening. Bookings are required... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
This wonderful hotel brings the history of outback wealth and society of earlier days alive. In fact it’s so fascinating you can take a two-hour tour. The hotel was built between 1924 and 1929, and was owned and... Find out more
A very comfortable place to stay 1.5 kilometres from the centre of Charleville, the Mulga Country Motor Inn is an ideal stop in an area where outback adventuring can mean less than grand accommodation. Set in beautiful... Find out more
Recently refurbished units make this a comfortable place to stay, close to the centre of town. The owners will pick you up and drop you off at the airport, train or bus, and they welcome short- or long-stay guests. There... Find out more
Rest areas around town
Augathella Camp Area 76 km
Middle of town Large area just off the highway behind the Ellengowan Hotel. GPS: S25 47.786 E146 34.964... Find out moreMorven Park Area 87 km
Middle of town Parking area adjacent to the highway near the museum. Good shade. GPS: S26 24.933 E147 06.647... Find out moreWyandra Rest Area 97 km
100 km N of Cunnamulla (R) or 100 km S of Charleville (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S27 14.979 E145 58.909... Find out moreCoolabri Rest Area 109 km
36 km N of Augathella (R) or 80 km S of Tambo (L) Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S25 28.246 E146 35.710 ... Find out moreMungallala Park Area 130 km
West side of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S26 26.762 E147 32.564... Find out moreNardoo Camp Area 158 km
36 km N of Cunnamulla (R) or 164 km S of Charleville (L) Campground located just off the highway at the homestead. Good facilities but only limited shade. GPS: S27 47.434 E145 52.450... Find out moreFisherman's Rest Camp Area 168 km
T/O 5 km W of Mitchell (R) or 84 km E of Morven (L) Small but shady riverside camp area located 1 kilometre north of the highway. NOTE: Large caravans/motorhomes should stay on the top level. GPS: S26 28.501... Find out moreTambo Park Area 169 km
South side of town Parking area at the lake on the south side of town. Very good facilities but only limited shade. GPS: S24 52.913 E146 15.582 ... Find out moreStubby Bend Camp Area 169 km
1 km NE of Tambo via Alpha Road Large area on the banks of the Barcoo River. GPS: S24 52.569 E146 15.787... Find out moreNeil Turner Weir Camp Area 171 km
T/O 2 km W of Mitchell (R) or 87 km E of Morven (L) Pleasant area located 2 kilometres north of the highway on the river. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S26 28.452 E147 57.379 ... Find out moreMacFarlane Rest Area 184 km
24 km NE of Tambo (R) or 77 km SW of Blackall (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S24 45.047 E146 06.380... Find out moreCunnamulla Park Area 193 km
West side of town Parking area on the west side of town. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S28 04.137 E145 40.871 ... Find out moreAmby Camp Area 194 km
Middle of town Camp area adjacent to the highway behind the hotel. Limited shade. GPS: S26 32.948 E148 11.200 ... Find out moreWhat's on around town
Market: Historic House Museum; 1st Sat each month.
Charleville Show: May.
Bilby Festival: food, music and celebration of National Bilby Day; Sept.
