Tambo
Town
Population 346
Tambo is the oldest town in central-western Queensland. It was established in the mid-1860s to service the surrounding pastoral properties, which it continues to do today. This long history can be seen in the heritage buildings on Arthur Street.
Visitor Information
Council offices, Arthur St; (07) 4654 6133
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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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 -
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 -
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
Old Post Office Museum: display of historic photographs; Arthur St. Tambo Teddies Workshop: produces popular all-wool teddies; Arthur St. Coolibah Walk: nature walk along banks of the Barcoo River.
Nearby
Carnarvon National Park, Salvator Rosa section One of the more remote sections of the park, Salvator Rosa is a perfect spot to escape the crowds. The attractive Nogoa River and Louisa Creek flow through the valley. See the spectacular rock formations, Belinda Springs and other natural attractions on the self-guide trail, which starts at the Nogoa River camping area. (07) 4984 4505; 130 km E. Mt Moffatt section: see Mitchell. Gorge section: see Roma. Ka Ka Mundi section: see Springsure.Wilderness Way: a 420 km self-guide drive including Aboriginal rock art, historic European settlement sites and the Salvator Rosa section of the Carnarvon National Park. Check road conditions before departing; brochure available from council office.
Eco-friendly activities around town
Bilby experience - Charleville 169 km
As the home of the Save the Bilby Fund, Charleville is the spot to learn about the greater bilby, which has disappeared from nearly 90 per cent of its former range in Queensland. Learn about the habits and habitat of... Find out moreEmerald Botanic Garden 245 km
Pack a picnic and explore the 42-hectare Emerald Botanic Garden on the banks of the Nagoa River. It has 6 kilometres of walks, and gardens representing major plant communities in central Queensland (with 90 per cent of... Find out moreCampsites around town
Barcoo River camping area, Blackall 95 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 moreNogoa River campsite (bush camping) 96 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 moreKa Ka Mundi camping area 121 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 moreMonk’s Tank camping area 161 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 moreDargonelly Rock Hole camping area 166 km
This campground is beside the rock hole at Marlong Creek, accessed by conventional vehicles in dry weather only. Up to 35 people can camp at the site at any one time, and there is a water supply for drinking and cooking... Find out moreWard River camping area (bush camping) 170 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 moreBarcaldine Tourist Park 176 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 moreWest Branch camping area 177 km
This site is near the west branch of the Maranoa River and can be reached by conventional vehicles in dry weather only. Open fires are permitted only at existing fire rings; check for fire bans. No generators are... Find out moreRotary Shelter Shed camping area 179 km
Four-wheel drives are required to access this camping area, about 17 km north-east of the park office. There are no defined sites, but a maximum of 15 people can camp at any one time. Bring all self-sufficient goods and... Find out moreMariala camping area (bush camping) 180 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 moreCaravan parks around town
Tambo Mill Motel and Caravan Park 1 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 moreBlackall Caravan Park 94 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 moreBailey Bar Caravan Park 168 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 moreBarcaldine Tourist Park 176 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 moreBlue Gem Caravan Park 216 km
For those interested in trying their luck on the gemfields, this park is a good base. It forms part of a shop and service station complex and is centrally located in Sapphire on the banks of Retreat Creek, where... Find out moreDiscovery Holiday Parks – Lake Maraboon 229 km
This park is located 18 km south-west of Emerald on the shores of Lake Maraboon, a popular spot for watersports and fishing. Red-claw crayfish are a major attraction. Many visitors come specifically to stay at Lake... Find out moreMajor Mitchell Caravan Park 248 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 moreRest areas around town
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 more
MacFarlane Rest Area 21 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 moreBarcoo River Rest Area 56 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 moreCoolabri Rest Area 74 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 moreBlackall South Rest Area 85 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 moreBlackall Camp Area 95 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 moreAugathella Camp Area 106 km
Middle of town Large area just off the highway behind the Ellengowan Hotel. GPS: S25 47.786 E146 34.964... Find out moreDouglas Ponds Rest Area 115 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 moreAlpha Park Area 142 km
Middle of town Shady parking area well off the highway on the main street into town. GPS: S23 38.906 E146 38.524... Find out moreJericho Park Area 142 km
Middle of town Parking area adjacent to the highway in the middle of town. GPS: S23 36.113 E146 07.426 ... Find out moreMitchells Rest Area 152 km
139 km W of Emerald (R) or 31 km E of Alpha (L) Small area adjacent to the highway at the site of a memorial to explorer Major Mitchell. GPS: S23 39.655 E146 55.830... Find out moreAlice River Rest Area 153 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 moreClover Hills Rest Area 154 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 moreDrummond Range Park Area 166 km
110 km W of Emerald (R) or 60 km E of Alpha (L) Small secluded area well off the highway at the lookout. GPS: S23 39.388 E147 12.242 ... Find out moreLloyd Jones Weir Camp Area 173 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 moreBarcaldine East Rest Area 176 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 moreMorven Park Area 190 km
Middle of town Parking area adjacent to the highway near the museum. Good shade. GPS: S26 24.933 E147 06.647... Find out moreSaltern Rest Area 197 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 moreWhat's on around town
Tambo Stock Show: Apr.
Day/Night Rodeo: Oct.
Market Day: Dec.
