Isisford
Town
Population 262
Isisford is a small outback community south of Longreach. In the mid-1800s large stations were established in the area. This brought hawkers, keen on trading their goods to the landowners. Two such hawkers were brothers William and James Whitman who, after their axle broke trying to cross the Alice River, decided to stay and established Isisford in 1877. First called Wittown, after the brothers, it was renamed in 1880 to recall the nearby Barcoo River ford and Isis Downs Station. The town provided inspiration to iconic Australian poet Banjo Paterson, in particular his poems Bush Christening and Clancy of the Overflow.
Visitor Information
Council offices, St Mary St; (07) 4658 8900
Nearby national parks
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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 -
Carnarvon National Park
Tucked away in this vast, rambling park in Queensland’s Central Highlands is the magnificent Carnarvon Gorge. Boasting towering white...more
Nearby towns
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Longreach
Longreach is the largest town in central-west Queensland. Lying on the Tropic of Capricorn, this 'boom and bust' country is affected by...more -
Blackall
Blackall is west of the Great Dividing Range in sheep and cattle country, and was home to the legendary sheep-shearer Jackie Howe. In 1892...more -
Barcaldine
This pastoral and rail town is located some 100 kilometres east of Longreach. Known as the ‘Garden City of the West’, it was the...more
In Town
Outer Barcoo Interpretation Centre: features the world-class fossil exhibit of Isisfordia duncani, reported to be the ancestor of all modern crocodilians. Also local arts and crafts, town relics and theatrette; St Mary St. Whitman's Museum: photographic exhibition documents Isisford's history; St Mary St. Barcoo Weir: excellent spot for fishing and bush camping.
Nearby
Oma Waterhole: popular for fishing and watersports, and home to a fishing competition and festival mid-year (subject to rains); 15 km SW. Idalia National Park: 62 km SE; see Blackall.
Campsites around town
Barcoo River camping area, Isisford
Camping is permitted beside the Barcoo River in Isisford. The camping area has a toilet block; the nearby park has an amenities block with showers. The Barcoo River offers excellent fishing, camping, canoeing and... Find out moreOma Waterhole camping area 13 km
The Oma Waterhole for self-sufficient campers is set beside the Barcoo River on Yaraka Rd, 13 km south of Isisford. The river offers excellent fishing, camping, canoeing and birdwatching. Isisford is about 120 km west of... Find out moreMonk’s Tank camping area 72 km
Monk’s Tank has a clearing for self-sufficient camping with permits available from a self-registration station. To reach Idalia National Park, follow Isisford Rd from Blackall for 42 km then turn left onto Yaraka... Find out moreYaraka Town caravan park 78 km
This small caravan park for self-sufficient visitors is behind the Yaraka Town Hall, next to the Yaraka Hotel. Three sites are available (free of charge) with concrete slabs, power and water. Yaraka is about 100 km... Find out moreLongreach Caravan Park 92 km
This holiday park provides a comfortable stay in one of central Queensland's popular tourist towns. Facilities include two swimming pools, three spas, a mini mart, wireless broadband internet or internet kiosks, and... Find out moreLongreach Waterhole camping area 96 km
The Longreach Waterhole is reached from the Landsborough Hwy, about 4 km north-west of Longreach. There’s a toilet block, picnic tables and shelters in the adjacent day-use area, but you need to be totally... Find out moreBarcoo River camping area, Blackall 105 km
Caravan-based campers with self-contained facilities can use the clearing on the northern side of the Barcoo River, about 500 m from the centre of Blackall. All visitors must register at the information centre on... Find out moreBarcaldine Tourist Park 115 km
About 1.5 km from the centre of town on Box St (Matilda Hwy), this tourist park with drive-through grassy sites has an excellent range of facilities including wireless internet, and free use of the washing machines and... Find out moreStonehenge Caravan Park 118 km
You’re unlikely to find green rolling hills or ancient monuments around here, but this caravan park is on the corner of Salisbury and Stratford streets in Stonehenge. The town of Stonehenge is part of Barcoo Shire,... Find out moreBroadwater Waterhole camping area 119 km
Camping for self-sufficient campers is permitted at Broadwater Waterhole, 2 km north of the access road. There are no walking tracks, but the waterhole is a great spot for watching wildlife such as birds and turtles.... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Discovery Holiday Parks – Longreach 92 km
Longreach is a busy tourist centre during the cooler months and a booking is important even though the park has expanded recently. It is within walking distance of the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and about 2... Find out moreBlackall Caravan Park 106 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 moreBarcaldine Tourist Park 115 km
A newer park on the southern outskirts of town, this park is easily accessible from the Matilda Highway. It has good facilities and offers free billy tea and damper in the tourist season. Bookings are required in peak... Find out moreTambo Mill Motel and Caravan Park 196 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 moreRest areas around town
Newstead Creek Rest Area 85 km
74 km W of Barcaldine (R) or 6 km E of Ilfracombe (L) Large area well off the road. Limited shade. GPS: S23 30.096 E144 33.099 ... Find out moreIlfracombe Park Area 85 km
Middle of town Parking area at the historical vehicle display. GPS: S23 29.379 E144 30.504... Find out moreDartmouth Rest Area 86 km
63 km W of Barcaldine (R) or 17 km E of Ilfracombe (L) Large open area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S23 30.741 E144 40.237 ... Find out moreDouglas Ponds Rest Area 91 km
23 km N of Blackall (L) or 84 km S of Barcaldine (R) Large secluded area well off the highway among some trees. Limited shade. GPS: S24 16.579 E145 20.473... Find out moreThompson River Camp Area 96 km
5 km NW of Longreach (R) or 175 km SE of Winton (L) Large secluded area well off the highway (via River Farms Road). Good facilities. Only limited shade. GPS: S23 24.594 E144 13.776... Find out moreSaltern Rest Area 98 km
29 km W of Barcaldine (R) or 51 km E of Ilfracombe (L) Large open area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S23 32.092 E144 59.767 ... Find out moreClover Hills Rest Area 102 km
78 km N of Blackall (R) or 29 km S of Barcaldine (L) Large open area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S23 48.067 E145 18.550... Find out moreLloyd Jones Weir Camp Area 104 km
T/O 102 km N of Blackall (L) or 5 km S of Barcaldine (R) Large secluded area located 9 kilometres west of the highway among the trees on the banks of the Alice River. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Unsealed access.... Find out moreBlackall Camp Area 105 km
South side of town Large area on the Barcoo River via Isisford Road. Facilities across the road. GPS: S24 25.506 E145 27.774 ... Find out moreMacsland Rest Area 113 km
24 km NW of Longreach (R) or 156 km SE of Winton (L) Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S23 16.588 E144 07.657... Find out moreBlackall South Rest Area 115 km
91 km NE of Tambo (L) or 10 km S of Blackall (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S24 27.575 E145 33.056... Find out moreBarcaldine East Rest Area 118 km
85 km W of Jericho (R) or 2 km E of Barcaldine (L) Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S23 33.167 E145 18.417 ... Find out moreBarcoo River Rest Area 143 km
58 km NW of Tambo (R) or 43 km SE of Blackall (L) Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S24 34.975 E145 48.651 ... Find out moreMorella Rest Area 154 km
69 km NW of Longreach (R) or 111 km SE of Winton (L) Large open area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S22 58.550 E143 51.589... Find out moreAlice River Rest Area 159 km
34 km W of Jericho (L) or 53 km E of Barcaldine (R) Small area just off the highway among a few large trees at the site of a memorial. Good shade. GPS: S23 33.902 E145 48.235... Find out moreMacFarlane Rest Area 177 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 moreJericho Park Area 186 km
Middle of town Parking area adjacent to the highway in the middle of town. GPS: S23 36.113 E146 07.426 ... Find out moreChorregon Rest Area 195 km
110 km NW of Longreach (L) or 70 km SE of Winton (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S22 41.466 E143 34.425 ... Find out moreTambo Park Area 197 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 197 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 moreWhat's on around town
Sheep and Wool Show: May.
Fishing Competition and Festival: July.
Horse and Motorbike Gymkhana: June/July.
Isisford Ross Cup: horseracing; Oct.
