Quilpie
Town
Population 563
Quilpie is on the banks of the Bullo River in the outback's famous Channel Country. The town was established as a rail centre for the area's large sheep and cattle properties. Today it is better known as an opal town and, in particular, for the 'Boulder Opal'. The world's largest concentration of this opal is found in the area surrounding Quilpie. The town takes its name from the Aboriginal word 'quilpeta', meaning 'stone curlew'.
Visitor Information
Brolga St; (07) 4656 2166
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 -
Currawinya National Park
Currawinya National Park, set in rugged mulga country, protects a significant wetland system. There are two large lakes, Numalla and Wyara,...more
Nearby towns
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Eulo
Eulo is on the banks of the Paroo River in south-west Queensland and was once a centre for opal mining. The town was originally much...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 -
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
Museum and gallery: historical and modern exhibitions; closed Sat–Sun from Oct–Mar; visitor centre, Brolga St. St Finbarr's Catholic Church: unique altar, font and lectern made from opal-bearing rock; Buln Buln St. Opal sales: various town outlets. Lyn Barnes Gallery: outback-inspired paintings; Brolga St.
Nearby
Mariala National Park The park was formerly used to breed Cobb & Co horses in the early 1900s. It is remote with spectacular contrasts – the rich red earth mixed with green vegetation of mulga trees and shrubs. The threatened yellow-footed rock wallaby and pink cockatoo find refuge in this park. There are no formal walking trails. You can bush camp, but visitors must be self-sufficient. 4WD is recommended; roads may become impassable in the wet season. (07) 4654 1255; 130 km NE.Lake Houdraman: popular watersports and recreation area; river road to Adavale; 6 km NE. Baldy Top: large geological formation with spectacular views; 6 km S. Opal fields: guided tours (no general access); details from visitor centre; 75 km W. Toompine: historic hotel, cemetery and designated opal-fossicking areas nearby; 76 km S. Eromanga: this place is reputedly Australia's furthest town from the sea. It features the Royal Hotel, once a Cobb & Co staging post, and holds a rodeo at Easter; 103 km W.
Eco-friendly activities around town
Charleville Cosmos Centre 198 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 moreCampsites around town
Duck Creek and Sheep Station Creek bush camping 97 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 moreMariala camping area (bush camping) 98 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 moreExplorers Caravan Park 159 km
This campground has 25 powered sites, more than 20 unpowered sites, plus the option of 6 ensuite cabins or 4 standard rooms. It is on Dowling St, near the Bulloo River, in Thargomindah, which is 185 km west of Cunnamulla... Find out moreTrafalgar Campground 181 km
Four-wheel drives are recommended to access this campground for self-sufficient campers. From Jundah, follow the Jundah–Quilpie Rd for about 30 km to the park’s northern boundary. Travel a further 47 km for... Find out moreWard River camping area (bush camping) 183 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 184 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 moreYaraka Town caravan park 193 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 moreLittle Boomerang Waterhole Campground 195 km
On the banks of the Barcoo River, this is a remote campground for experienced, self-sufficient campers. To get there, turn west off the Jundah–Quilpie Rd; the campground is about 10 km from the turn-off. Open... Find out moreMonk’s Tank camping area 196 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 moreWindorah Caravan Park 209 km
There are laundry faciliaties at this caravan park on Diamantina Developmental Rd (Albert St) in Windorah, part of Barcoo Shire. The primary river systems here are the Thomson and Barcoo, which merge above Windorah to... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Bailey Bar Caravan Park 199 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 moreCunnamulla Caravan Park 214 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 moreRest areas around town
Wyandra Rest Area 184 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 moreWhat's on around town
Kangaranga Doo: Aug/Sept.
Wool and Flower Show: includes show and rodeo;
Sept.
