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Mitchell

Great Artesian Spa, Courtesy of Tourism Queensland

Population 942

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 on the Great Artesian Basin, it does not suffer the dry heat or exhibit the arid landscape typical of the region. The town was named after Sir Thomas Mitchell, explorer and Surveyor-General of New South Wales, who visited the region in 1846. Its long pastoral history is shown in the fine examples of heritage buildings on the main street.

Visitor Information

Great Artesian Spa Complex, 2 Cambridge St; (07) 4623 8171

www.visitmitchell.com.au

Nearby national parks

  • Carnarvon National Park

    Tucked away in this vast, rambling park in Queensland’s Central Highlands is the magnificent Carnarvon Gorge. Boasting towering white...more

  • Isla Gorge National Park

    Isla Gorge National Park, in Queensland’s Central Highlands, lies at the southern end of the Dawson Range and features rugged...more

Nearby towns

  • Roma

    Roma is in the Western Downs region and was named after the wife of Queensland's first governor. Roma boasts a few historic 'firsts' for...more

  • Charleville

    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...more

  • St George QLD

    On the banks of the Balonne River is the Western Downs town of St George. It is the last post in southern Queensland before the heavily...more

In Town

Kenniff Courthouse This courthouse was in use from 1882 to 1965. It held the murder trials for the Kenniff Brothers, infamous bushrangers who killed a policeman and station manager in 1902. The courthouse is now a museum with a bushranger exhibition, visual display, and art and craft sales. The landscaped grounds incorporate a community mosaic, an operating artesian windmill and a small billabong. Cambridge St.Great Artesian Spa Complex: with relaxing waters in a garden setting, this is Australia's largest open-air spa; Cambridge St. Graffiti murals: depict the past, present and future of the Booringa Shire; around town. Art galleries: including the Maranoa Art Gallery and Nalingu Contemporary Indigenous Gallery. Horse-drawn wagon tours: in season; details from visitor centre.

Nearby

Carnarvon National Park, Mt Moffatt section This section of the park is mainly for driving, with short walks to scenic spots. See the sandstone sculptures of Cathedral Rock, Marlong Arch and Lot's Wife, or visit the Tombs for the ancient stencil art of the Nuri and Bidjara people. The high-country woodlands and forest are home to a variety of wildlife, and birdwatching for raptors and lorikeets is exceptional. 4WD recommended; (07) 4984 4505; 256 km N. Gorge section: see Roma. Ka Ka Mundi section: see Springsure. Salvator Rosa section: see Tambo.Neil Turner Weir: birdwatching and picnics; 3.5 km NW. Fisherman's Rest: good fishing spot; 6 km W. Maranoa River Nature Walk: informative 1.8 km circuit walk starting at Fisherman's Rest. Kenniff Statues: depict the story of the brothers at their last stand; 7 km S. Major Mitchell Cruises: cruises down Maranoa River departing from Rotary Park, Neil Turner Weir; bookings at visitor centre. Aboriginal tours: guided tours run by Nalingu Aboriginal Corporation; details from visitor centre.

Eco-friendly activities around town

Charleville Cosmos Centre 173 km

During the day at this centre you can view the sun through special telescopes, play with the interactive displays and watch films on astronomy. Come at night to explore the stars, planets, moons and galaxies with an... Find out more


Campsites around town

Major Mitchell Caravan Park 1 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 more


Neil Turner Weir camping area 2 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 more


Fisherman Rest camping area 5 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 more


Injune Caravan Park 93 km

Check in first at the Tourist Information Centre, then make your way to this campground with laundry facilities. It’s on Station St in Injune, about 90 km north of Roma. Winter is the busiest period so book ahead... Find out more


Green Timbers Fishing Reserve camping area 129 km

For self-sufficient campers only, there are no facilities at this site, 18 km south of Surat. It is off the Carnarvon Hwy, accessible in dry weather only. Surat is on the Carnarvon Hwy, 78 km south of Roma and 116 km... Find out more


Balonne Bridge camping area 131 km

This basic campground with toilets and picnic tables is on the Carnarvon Hwy, on the north side of the town of Surat. You need to bring firewood and drinking water to this site, 78 km south of Roma and 116 km north of St... Find out more


Cow Paddocks camping area 134 km

This site with no facilities is 2 km east of Surat on Sawmill Rd. Surat is on the Carnarvon Hwy, 78 km south of Roma and 116 km north of St George.... Find out more


Judd’s Lagoon camping area 143 km

Great for fishing, this quiet and tidy campsite is on Mongool Rd, 5 km south-east of Yuleba. There are few facilities on-site, so bring drinking water and firewood. Yuleba is on the Warrego Hwy, 60 km east of Roma and 80... Find out more


Bush camping 147 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 more


Warroo Bridge camping area 149 km

Camping is permitted on the north side of the bridge at this site, 60 km north of St George. Bring your own drinking water. To get here, follow the Wycombe School–Warroo Bridge Rd from the Carnarvon Hwy, then... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Major Mitchell Caravan Park 1 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 more


Villa Holiday Park 81 km

This well-maintained park about 2 km from the town centre is our choice of places to stay in Roma. A winery and shop adjoin the park, and there are large grassy areas, clean amenities and a selection of cabins. It gets... Find out more


Roma Big Rig Tourist Park 83 km

A clean modern park close to the Warrego Highway on the eastern approach to Roma, this is within walking distance of the Big Rig tourist attractions and just a few blocks from the centre of town. It becomes busy during... Find out more


Bailey Bar Caravan Park 172 km

We regularly stay at this very good owneroperated park. Set in a quiet, off-highway location about 1.5 km from the town centre, the park has great lawns, clean amenities and good facilities. Bookings are required in peak... Find out more


Possum Park Caravan and Camping Park 212 km

We always enjoy staying at this unusual caravan park; once a World War II munitions dump, the underground bunkers have been converted to cabins. Owner-operated, it is a great park set in a quiet location alongside the... Find out more


Tambo Mill Motel and Caravan Park 248 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 more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Berkeley Lodge Motor Inn

There are 27 ground-floor units here and a fully licensed 150-seat restaurant, making it a comfortable gateway stop before tackling the outback. The lodge is in the centre of town and only a minute’s walk to the... Find out more


Bonus Downs Farmstay

Stay at one of the Maranoa’s oldest and most historic properties. Accommodation is provided in the self-contained Jackeroos Cottage or in cheaper camping and shearing shed facilities, where you share bathrooms,... Find out more


Rest areas around town

Neil Turner Weir Camp Area 2 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 more


Fisherman's Rest Camp Area 5 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 more


Amby Camp Area 22 km

Middle of town Camp area adjacent to the highway behind the hotel. Limited shade. GPS: S26 32.948 E148 11.200 ... Find out more


Muckadilla Park Area 43 km

East side of town Large area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S26 35.101 E148 23.304... Find out more


Mungallala Park Area 43 km

West side of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S26 26.762 E147 32.564... Find out more


Morven 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 more


Wallumbilla Park Area 121 km

Middle of town Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S26 35.214 E149 11.317... Find out more


Yuleba Creek Rest Area 142 km

79 km W of Miles (R) or 60 km E of Roma (L) Large area just off the highway on the banks of the creek among a few large trees. Good shade. GPS: S26 36.653 E149 23.416  ... Find out more


Barneys Rest Area 148 km

72 km W of Miles (R) or 67 km E of Roma (L) Large area just off the highway among the trees behind the truck bay. Good shade. GPS: S26 37.269 E149 27.389... Find out more


Augathella Camp Area 159 km

Middle of town Large area just off the highway behind the Ellengowan Hotel. GPS: S25 47.786 E146 34.964... Find out more


Coolabri Rest Area 178 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 more


What's on around town

Mitchell Rodeo: Mar/Apr.

Maranoa Diggers Races: Apr.

Campdraft: Mar.

Agricultural Show: May.

Mitchell Show: May.

Fire & Water Festival: Sept/Oct.

Bushstock Contemporary Musical Festival: Oct.

Christmas in the Park: Dec.

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