EXPLORE

BOLLON | DIRRANBANDI | HEBEL | MUNGINDI | NINDIGULLY | ST GEORGE | THALLON QUEENSLAND’S SOUTHERN OUTBACK

stgeorgeregion.com.au stgeorgeregion WELCOME TO St George Region

WE WELCOME YOU TO “OUR PLACE”. SHARE OUR RELAXED, RURAL LIFESTYLE, WHERE COUNTRY MEETS OUTBACK. WE OFFER YOU A WELCOME REPRIEVE, LIKE A COUNTRY OASIS.

ur region is not one to observe, but one to immerse yourself in the local culture, taking your time Oto breathe in fresh country air and explore vast landscapes and the freedom of our wide-open spaces.

Experience famous historic Australian pubs, homesteads and painted silos. Meander along the inland rivers and waterways that supply our endless fields of produce. Explore our national parks with native Australian wildlife from prolific birdlife to mobs of emus and kangaroos. Hidden in our region are koala colonies and the endangered northern hairy-nosed wombat.

By night lie under the endless stars of the Southern Cross, for a light show like you’ve never seen.

CONTENTS 02 Bucket List 03 Facilities & Services 04 Explore the St George Region 08 Key Events 10 Itineraries 16 St George Town Map 22 Dirranbandi 24 Hebel 25 Bollon 27 Nindigully 28 Thallon 29 Mungindi 30 Cotton Self-Drive Trail 32 Fishing 33 Business Directory WELCOME TO THE BEAUTIFUL BALONNE SHIRE! There is no such thing as a stranger in “our place” – just people we are yet to meet. Whether you want to meander leisurely or experience all we have to offer – from a rich agricultural heritage, some of the original tracks of the Cobb & Co coaches, the famous painted silos, unique watering holes and even a massive wombat – we are more than happy for you to make our place your place for as long as you like.

St George, Dirranbandi, Bollon, Thallon, Hebel, Nindigully and Mungindi make up the St George Region. Uniquely, all our communities are situated by a river so if fishing appeals to you there will never be a better place to stop and drop a line.

Our Visitor Information Centre, located in St George, is a must first point of call. Here, our friendly and well-informed staff will ensure that you get the best out of your stay with us.

Samantha O’Toole – Mayor

WELCOME TO COUNTRY We acknowledge the traditional owners of this region, all of whom have a deep attachment to the St George Region. As you pass through these lands, we ask that you respect the country on which you walk and that you leave Mother Earth as you found her.

Stop and reflect about where you are and learn about the history and the peoples of this area.

We wish you a safe journey through our traditional lands and hope you appreciate it in all its beauty.

Traditional Custodians

1 Take the perfect holiday selfie at Thallon’s colourful GrainCorp Silos Bucket List

TICK THESE OFF YOUR Sip wine from BUCKET LIST WHILE IN THE Queensland’s ST GEORGE REGION most western vineyard Marvel at St George’s scrap metal Murray Cod

Savour the Russian Bakery flavours in Dirranbandi

Tackle a Road Train Burger at the Nindigully Pub

Enjoy a sunset cruise along the Balonne River Follow in the footsteps of our First Nations People in Bollon

Touch a piece of history at Mungindi’s One Ton Post

View John Murray’s artwork Admire the hand-carved emu eggs at the Hebel Hotel at The Unique Egg

2 Facilities & Services

Charleville Mitchell Roma Miles Sunshine Coast Dalby Surat

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T AY Toowoomba A E W E TUR R ADVEN Moonie G Gold Coast St George Warwick Cunnamulla Bollon

Dirranbandi Nindigully Thallon Goondiwindi Stanthorpe Hebel Mungindi

Lightning Ridge

WHERE ARE WE? AIR ROAD Be ready to explore far and wide Short on time? Take to the skies with Welcome to road trip country! Wind and say “Ahhh the serenity”. Regional Express (Rex). Rex offers flights down the windows and leave your from St George to Toowoomba and worries in the rear view mirror as you From Brisbane, you’ll find us Brisbane twice a week on Wednesday travel along the sealed highways to and 500 km inland over the Great and Sunday (flight schedules subject around the St George Region. Choose Dividing Range or 120 km north to change). your own adventure or follow the scenic of the Queensland border. It won’t routes along the Adventure Way and take you long either to reach our For bookings and more information visit Great Inland Way to reach “our place”. neighbours in Toowoomba or to rex.com.au or call 13 17 13. Your travel companions can direct you venture to the red soils of the with our driving map. outback. No matter how long BUS SERVICES you stay with us, our nook of Call shot gun on a window seat and let Rack up some country miles with a hire Queensland offers you the perfect someone else take the steering wheel car. Car hire is available through Hertz. chance to explore life beyond the for your road trip. The St George Region For bookings and more information call city with our mix of small-town is serviced regularly by Bus Queensland. 07 4622 5120 or 0419 734 148. culture and excellent facilities. For bookings and more information visit For up-to-date road conditions, contact busqld.com.au or call 1300 287 537. the Balonne Shire Visitor Information Centre or visit qldtraffic.qld.gov.au or call 13 19 40.

BALONNE SHIRE VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE Pullpt u a the Balonne Shire Visitor Information Centre as your first pit stop to help you MOBILE PHONE explore life beyond the city. The friendly staff have local hot tips from where the fish COVERAGE are biting to the best place to kick back around a campfire and toast a marshmallow. Now is the time to unwind but if Book a local tour, get your social media fix with the centre’s free wifi or browse the you need to dial up your friends locally made gifts. or family, the Telstra and Optus networks are available in St Got a caravan? There is plenty of caravan parking available at the rear of the building. George. In our surrounding towns, Caravanners can top up their water supply here with the town’s artesian water. the Telstra Next G network is the only network available within a Centre hours M – F: 8:30am – 4:30pm small radius of the towns. Weekends/Public Holidays: 9:00am – 1:00pm. Hours may vary out of season 114 St George’s Terrace, St George – 07 4620 8877

3 EXPLORE THE St George Region

FROM THE MOMENT YOU ARRIVE TO THE TIME YOU LEAVE, ST GEORGE RELAXES THE SENSES IN ALL THE RIGHT WAYS. PERCHED ON THE BANKS OF THE MIGHTY BALONNE RIVER, IT IS THE PERFECT BASE FROM WHICH TO EXPLORE THE BEAUTIFUL BALONNE SHIRE.

DID YOU KNOW? The name Balonne is believed to mean ‘water or running stream’ and ‘pelican’ in the local Mandandanji language.

4 DESIGNATED Camping Areas National Parks

WALLAM CREEK – BOLLON ur region’s two national parks are your antidote to Bollon’s Wallam Creek ticks all the boxes if you’re the city life and will fill your appetite for adventure. looking to rest up at a quiet, comfortable, outback OSet up your own bush camp, lace up your boots for a camping spot with amenities. Located right in town, bushwalk or listen out for the sounds of the local birdlife. To the abundance of wildlife here will flourish around you make the most of your national park experience, you must be at these large sites on the banks of the creek. To find fully self-sufficient and prepared with adequate equipment and out more, refer to the Bollon section. supplies. No phone or wifi services are available. National park campsites must be prebooked online via qpws.usedirect.com/ NINDIGULLY TOURIST & VISITOR AREA QPWS or phone 13 74 68 (13 QGOV). Just 45 km south east of St George, ‘The Gully’ as THRUSHTON NATIONAL PARK it’s locally known, has a picturesque camping area For an adventure and history lesson in one, make your way to perched between the Moonie River and the iconic Thrushton National Park, approximately 40 km north east of Nindigully Pub. Here it’s only a short stroll to the pub’s Bollon. Your phone notifications will be replaced by bird calls with happy hour and you’ll have access to toilets, showers, over 100 different bird species having been identified at Thrushton. tables and the historical Gully Walk. You won’t have to See the wildflowers bloom here in spring or spy a koala or echidna go far if “just one drink” turns into a few more. To find at Neabul Creek. There are no designated walking tracks but keen out more, refer to the Nindigully section. bushwalkers can lace up and pull out a compass for an adventure navigating through this seemingly untouched bushland. The ruins McGEEVER RECREATIONAL GROUNDS – of Thrushton Homestead and surrounding station buildings are a THALLON reminder of the area’s previous life as a sheep proper ty. Camping at Looking for absolute camping goals? Admire Thallon’s the Old Shearers Shed will give you a dose of nostalgia. towering grain silos in all their colourful glory from dawn to dusk at the quiet McGeever Recreational GETTING TO THRUSHTON NATIONAL PARK Grounds. Toilets and showers are available at the Thrushton National Park is accessible in dry weather only grounds. Power is accessible for those who are looking via dirt roads. From St George, drive 51 km west along the for greater comforts by contacting the Town Officer Balonne Highway towards Bollon. When you reach the Boolba on 0427 259 095 or from the Francis Hotel. tennis courts, take the next right and follow the road for 36.3 km (eventually becomes Cypress Tank Road) until you BARWON RIVER – MUNGINDI reach the Rutherglen Road turnoff. Follow Rutherglen Road for Don’t forget your fishing rod if you’re parking up at 14.5 km until you reach the eastern corner of the park. the Barwon River Camp Area. This basic camping area is set on the north bank of the Barwon River in For those travelling from Bollon, drive 14 km east along the Mungindi, 118 km south east of St George. Toilets and Balonne Highway towards St George, turn left at Mourilyan showers available for campers and potable water. Stay Road and travel 17 km north to reach the southern boundary for a day (or longer) to reel in Yellowbelly and Murray of the park. Please leave any gates you pass through as you Cod. To find out more, refer to the Mungindi section. find them. Four-wheel drives are recommended.

BALONNE MINOR – DIRRANBANDI CULGOA FLOODPLAIN NATIONAL PARK Self-sufficient campers can stay at this site 3 km Is a four-wheel drive adventure calling? Then Culgoa Floodplain west of Dirranbandi on Dirranbandi–Bollon Road, National Park is where you’re setting your GPS. Tucked away around 94 km south of St George. You’ll need to bring 50 km south west of Hebel on the Queensland border, this your own drinking water as there are no facilities at national park offers a great side-trip for those wanting a serene this area. camping experience. This 42,895-ha national park will have your binoculars glued to your eyes with more than 150 bird species WARROO BRIDGE recorded here. Amongst the kaleidoscope of landscapes you’ll find stone tool scatters and cooking sites, a reminder of the long Are you a fully self-contained traveller? Rest up after association Aboriginal people have with this land, as well as relics an adventure-filled day by uncovering this secluded of the former Byra Station. spot at Warroo Bridge. Find it by travelling 52 km north of St George on the way to Surat, until you see GETTING TO CULGOA FLOODPLAIN the ‘Wanganui/ Warroo Bridge’ sign. Travel a further 9 km west along the sealed road until you reach The park is accessible in dry weather only via dirt roads. From Warroo Bridge. No amenities are available. Hebel, travel 45 km south to Goodooga along a sealed road. From Goodooga, turn right into Brenda Road before taking the left fork after the cattle grid. Follow the ‘Byra 7 km’ sign until you have reached the park’s eastern boundary. Please leave any gates you pass through as you find them. Four-wheel drives are essential.

5 Agriculture

g ‌riculture is the lifeblood of our region and has served as the Thallon’s fertile soils make it some of Queensland’s bestwheat - original “farm to table” experience for over 40,000 years. growing country. Between September and November, our grain AHere we’ll give you a taste of what it’s like to live on the land depots are a bustling place with the harvest of the winter grain and we’ll reconnect you with where your produce comes from. crops. Our grain is transported by either road or rail to the Port Our waterways which traverse the region provide opportunity for of Brisbane where it takes to the seas to help feed the world. irrigated crops from cotton to grapes (that means wine too) and Turn back time before cotton became our region’s powerhouse; onions, while our rural landscapes offer the perfect conditions for sheep and wool were historically our predominant industry. The beef, sheep and wool production. country surrounding Bollon and between the Moonie, Balonne While the thermostat rarely drops below zero here, it’s not and Narran Rivers were regarded as some of the best sheep uncommon to see our region’s roadsides appear like a white country within the state. Be sure to add Bollon’s Heritage Centre wonderland. Cotton is St George Region’s leading industry to your itinerary to see the shearing displays which are a tribute with Dirranbandi’s Cubbie Station holding the title for the to this. largest irrigated cotton farm in the Southern Hemisphere. Here in the St George Region, we can fuel your soul as well Cotton is planted in spring, grown during summer, and as your taste buds. Horticulture is an important part of our agriculture industry and includes crops such as blueberries, picked in autumn. The seeds grow into green, bushy shrubs broccoli, grapes, onions, carrots and garlic. about a metre in height and require irrigation every 2-3 weeks, dependant on the climate. When the calendar turns If wine is your port of call, we’ll have you sorted from grape over to March/April each year, our region goes into harvest to glass at Queensland’s most western winery. At Riversands mode and you’ll spot the cotton being picked by mechanical Wines in St George, you can sip your way through our best harvesters and gathered into large, wrapped modules, ready local drops. Their vineyard’s wine grapes are made into red and for processing. Take the Cotton Self-Drive Trailto cotton on white table wines, ports and liqueurs while their table grapes to what we’re talking about. Turn to page 30 to embark on the are sold as fresh fruit to supermarkets or turned into grape jams Cotton Self-Drive Trail. and chutneys.

DID YOU KNOW? An Australian cotton bale weighs 227 kilograms

6 Sport ith each of St George Region’s seven towns located on a river, Wwater sport activities are a favourite pastime for locals and visitors alike. The region is also fortunate to have a variety of sporting facilities with two local Golf Clubs – one in St George which boasts one of the best sand green golf courses in South West Queensland and the other in Dirranbandi, as well as impressive ball courts, skate parks and sporting fields where you can catch a local game of cricket or footy. Be sure to pack your swimmers along with your kayak, tennis racquet and golf clubs. Pick up a comprehensive list of all sporting groups from the Balonne Shire Visitor Information Centre.

Birdwatching

f birdwatching is one of your loves, then here in the St George Region you’ll find Iover 240 bird species recorded. Pack your binoculars or telephoto lens to ensure you’re ready to make the most of our region’s wildlife. Ask any local and they’ll tell you that the best birdwatching spots are along our rivers throughout the region.

Cruise down the Balonne River in St George on a birdwatching cruise with Sandytown River Cruises 0400 219 379 with your local guide to help you spot them or head off with a local birding expert on a free 1-hour birdwatching tour around St George.

Spring marks wildflower season here where you’ll be returning home with many snaps of the colourful blooms which contrast strikingly with our surrounding landscapes. To see the best of our blooms, sign yourself up for a four- wheel drive wildflower day tour with Andarr OUR BIRDLIFE HOT SPOTS: on the Terrace Bed & Breakfast in St George. • Beardmore Dam • Bokhara River Running from August to October, tours are available on request. If you would like to • Buckinbah Weir • Warroo Bridge request more information, contact Elizabeth on • Moonie River • Barwon River 0427 254 230. • Wallam Creek • Balonne River • Thrushton National Park • Old Bullamon Bridge To help find our feathery friends, get yourfree copy of the Birds of the Balonne brochure • Culgoa National Park • Balonne Minor River from Balonne Shire Visitor Information Centre.

7 Key Events

MARCH/APRIL • Grazing at the Watering Hole, Thallon (biennial) • St George 399, St George • Battle on the Balonne, St George • Easter in the Vines, St George • St George Campdraft • Dirranbandi Show & Campdraft • Dirranbandi Fishing Competition

MAY • St George Show • Bollon Polocrosse

JUNE • Dragon Country Sandgreen Cup, St George

JULY • Yellowbelly Country Music Festival, St George • Mungindi Races • Paul Kelly & Friends Music Festival, Dirranbandi • St George Polocrosse • St George Cup Races • Dirranbandi Polocrosse

AUGUST • Mungindi Show • Dirranbandi Campdraft

SEPTEMBER • River Dragon Festival • St George Campdraft • Nindigully Campdraft • Hebel Campdraft • Balonne Cutting Horse Futurity, St George

OCTOBER •t S George Fishing Competition

NOVEMBER • Nindigully Pig Races

8 DON’T MISS: St George • Cotton Self-Drive Trail • St George Riverbank Walkway ‌hether you choose to wander your way and go play or join a guided t‌our of our best experiences, we’ll help you connect with the simple‌ • Jack Taylor Weir / Wthings in life rather than your phone screen. As Queensland’s Inland Andrew Nixon Bridge Fishing Capital, you won’t be surprised to find St George perched on the banks of • The Unique Egg the Balonne River where the life of our region revolves around our waterways. • Riversands Wines We’re the perfect place to set up base to help you explore the St George Region, • Sandytown River Cruises where country meets the outback. • St George Pilots & War Memorial Explore our town on foot along the shady Balonne Riverbank Walkway • 1917 T-Model Ford Baker’s Truck which flanks the town. Beginning below the Jack Taylor Weir, this 2 km • Beardmore Dam stretch will have you pulling out your binoculars to spot our thriving local birdlife. Along the way check off the commemorative stone which marks Sir • St George Heritage Trail Major Thomas Mitchell’s crossing of the Balonne River on St George’s Day • Cacti & Succulent Garden back in 1846, and the Fighter Pilot War Memorial paying tribute to two • Miniature Car Collection brave men hailing from St George. The War Memorial Wall monument is • Flood Height Marker located next to this, commemorating those who served in all conflicts. • Heritage Park There’s no better way to experience St George than taking a cruise down • St George Heritage Centre the Balonne River. Pack a bottle of wine and nibbles and take in the serenity • Murray Cod Fish Sculpture onboard the ‘Balonne Baroo Andoo’ with Sandytown River Cruises. Through the eyes of local captain Brett, learn about the river’s cultural aspects and • Cotton Farm & Vineyard Tour its flora and fauna including over 240 bird species which call St George (May – October) home. The sunset reflections on the tree-lined river make for postcard- • St George Heritage Tour perfect photos. Your pooches won’t have to stay behind either with pets (May – October) welcome onboard. Take your pick from a leisurely afternoon cruise, fishing • Mani Tribes Art Gallery tour or a full moon evening cruise. For more information or to book visit stgeorgerivercruises.com or call Brett on 0400 219 379.

St George Riverfront Tourist Park 12747 Carnarvon Highway, St George P 0408 183 134 Email us at kapunda [email protected]

Kapunda Fishing Park > Absolute riverfront powered & unpowered > Bait & ishing accessories sites for all sizes > Firewood, ice, co fee is set amongst 40 acres > Motor home/caravan & camping/tent sites > Clean amenities running treated of natural bush and river, river water, not town bore water > All sites with individual ire places featuring original untouched > Private customers-only > Go bird watching amongst the native fauna boat ramp Aboriginal memorabilia & lora > 24hr park security/boom gate including bush tucker, scar > Pets conditional > All-weather access roads through trees and natural billabongs. > Cafe & convenience store the park Find and like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/KapundaFishingPark

9 5 DAY ITINERARY: Produce, Parks & Pubs Explored

DAY 1: 66 kilometres HEBEL TO DIRRANBANDI • Culgoa Floodplain National Park • Hillview Homestead • Dirranbandi Bakery 4 DAY ITINERARY: • Jack Dwyer Park Itineraries Adventure Way Loop • Dirranbandi Railway Precinct Overnight Dirranbandi. FOR MORE DETAILED ITINERARIES, VISIT: DAY 1: 46 kilometres DAY 2: 65 kilometres STGEORGEREGION.COM.AU ST GEORGE TO NINDIGULLY DIRRANBANDI TO THALLON • Balonne Riverbank Walkway • ‘Watering Hole’ mural at the Thallon GrainCorp Silos 3 DAY ITINERARY: • Riversands Vineyards Outback Oasis Explored • St George Bakery • Self-guided history tour • The Nindigully Pub starting at Francis Hotel Overnight Nindigully. • ‘William the Wombat’ sculpture DAY 1: 46 kilometres Overnight Thallon. 33 kilometres ST GEORGE TO NINDIGULLY DAY 2: DAY 3: 79 kilometres • Balonne Riverbank Walkway NINDIGULLY TO THALLON • The Unique Egg • Great fishing at Moonie River THALLON TO ST GEORGE • St George Heritage Trail • Stroll along the Gully Walk • The Nindigully Pub • St George Bakery • ‘Watering Hole’ mural at the • Throw in a fishing line at Moonie River • The Nindigully Pub Thallon GrainCorp Silos • Sandytown River Cruises aboard Overnight Nindigully. • Self-guided history tour ‘Balonne Baroo Andoo’ starting at Francis Hotel Overnight St George. DAY 2: 33 kilometres • ‘William the Wombat’ sculpture DAY 4: NINDIGULLY TO THALLON Overnight Thallon. • Great fishing at Moonie River ST GEORGE DAY 3: 65 kilometres • Stroll along the Gully Walk • Balonne Riverbank Walkway • ‘Watering Hole’ mural at the THALLON TO DIRRANBANDI • St George Bakery Thallon GrainCorp Silos • Cubbie Station • The Unique Egg • Self-guided history tour starting at • Dirranbandi Bakery • Cotton Self-Drive Trail Francis Hotel • Jack Dwyer Park • Anchorage Homestead • ‘William the Wombat’ sculpture • Dirranbandi Railway Precinct • Riversands Vineyards Overnight Thallon. Overnight Dirranbandi. Overnight St George.

DAY 3: 79 kilometres DAY 4: 106 kilometres DAY 5: 112 kilometres THALLON TO ST GEORGE DIRRANBANDI TO BOLLON ST GEORGE TO BOLLON • Riversands Vineyards • Nullawokka First Nations Gallery • Nullawokka First Nations Gallery • Anchorage Homestead • Bollon Cultural Walk • Bollon Cultural Walk • St George Baths • Thrushton National Park • Thrushton National Park • Sandytown River Cruises aboard • Thrushton Homestead ruins • Thrushton Homestead ruins ‘Balonne Baroo Andoo’ • Aboriginal dreamtime artwork • Aboriginal dreamtime artwork Overnight St George. Overnight Bollon. Overnight Bollon.

10 FOLLOW& SHARE

@StGeorgeRegion BALONNE RIVER MOTOR INN Newly Renovated #ExploreStGeorge . King, Queen, Twin, Family, Economy and Budget Rooms . Ensuites #OutbackQueensland . High quality, new pillow top matt resses . Microwaves #ThisIsQueensland #SeeAustralia . Foxtel . Free WiFi . Pool and BBQ area . Undercover parking – except Economy rooms . Split system air-conditi oners – except Budget rooms . Many dining opti ons located within walking distance . Off street parking for trailers

52-54 Victoria Street, St George P 07 4625 5155 E [email protected] Find us on balonnerivermotorinn.com.au

11 RIVERLAND MOTOR INN KAMAROOKA TOURIST PARK When only the best will do.. Clean • Quiet • Friendly Finding an ideal family-friendly motel in St George does not have . Air-conditi oned modern cabins and rusti c log cabins to be diffi cult. Welcome to Riverland Motor Inn, a nice opti on for . Large, clean, modern ameniti es travellers like you. . Grassed shady sites The spacious, quiet rooms off er split system air conditi oners, . Drive through powered sites microwaves, refrigerators plus super fast WiFi access. . Heated therapeuti c pool . Free Wi-Fi In additi on to our award winning River’s Restaurant (open Monday to . Family and single, ensuited and self contained Thursday), Room Service is available Monday to Saturday. . Close to shops Guests arriving by vehicle have access to free parking. . Camp kitchen, free BBQ . LPG bott le refi lls . Balonne Ice Works on site . Inspecti ons invited

72 Victoria Street, St George 56 Victoria Street, St George P 1800 001 899 P 07 4625 3120 E [email protected] E [email protected] riverlandmotorinn.com.au kamarookatouristpark.com.au

JACARANDA COUNTRY MOTEL RIVER GUM TOURIST PARK Set amidst beauti ful landscaped gardens on the Carnarvon Highway Your hosts Ann & Ivan Bradley welcome you . 18 x Disabled, King, Queen & Family units . Situated 100m from the Balonne River . Quality pillow top matt resses . Ensuite cabins . Ground fl oor units . Grass drive thru sites . Undercover parking & off street parking . Grass tent/camp sites . Breakfast available daily . Powered and unpowered sites . Evening room service Monday – Thursday . Gas barbeques . Free Wifi . Clean ameniti es . Saltwater pool, gazebo & BBQ area . Laundry faciliti es . Microwave . Camp kitchen . RC air con . Clean, quiet and friendly . Guest laundry . Pets under control welcomed . COVID clean . Park pet friendly but no pets in cabins

78–80 Grey Street, St George P 07 4625 1011 M 0474 251 012 E [email protected] 221 Victoria Street, St George jacarandacountrymotel.com.au P 07 4625 5778

12 ‘A bush story Riversands Wines in every glass’

Visit our cellar door – bring a friend ✦ Free wine tasting ✦ Garden café ✦ Group functions ✦ Unique gifts ✦ Caravan parking ✦ Pets welcome in the garden Riversands Easter in the Vines ✦ On Easter Saturday & Sunday ✦ Free entry ✦ Live music ✦ Family fun ✦ BBQ lunch packs & café Riversands Taste of Balonne Long Table ✦ Held down the vines on Australia Day

Open 7 days | Monday to Saturday 9am - 5pm | Sunday 9am - 4pm | BOOK ONLINE

66 Whytes Road, St George QLD 4487 | P 07 4625 3643 E [email protected] riversandswines.com | facebook.com/riversandswines | instagram.com/riversandswinery Half page = Heritage Tour 4 HOUR GUIDEDHalf page = Cotton & Vineyard Tour Heritage Tour ✦ Discover the stories & history of St George on a 4 hour guided bus tour ✦ Visit the Anchorage Homestead & hear about the history of one of our oldest homesteads ✦ Enjoy a wine tasting & lunch at Riversands – learn about the legends behind the wine labels ✦ Running May – October every Tuesday (or on demand – Min. 12 people) – $50/head

ALL TOUR BOOKINGS contact Balonne Shire Visitor Information Centre on 07 4620 8877 or E: [email protected] or Riversands Vineyards on 07 4625 3643 www.riversandswines.com/experiences

St George Cotton Farm & Vineyard Tour

✦ Join a 4 hour bus tour to a local cotton & grape farm hosted by the owners ✦ Learn about cotton & grape growing, irrigation & harvesting ✦ Enjoy a wine tasting & lunch at Riversands ✦ Running May – October every Thursday (or on demand – Min. 12 people) – $50/head

66 Whytes Road, St George Q 4487 P: 07 4625 3643 Riversands Wines BOOK ONLINE E: [email protected] www.riversandswines.com Open 7 days | Monday to Saturday www.facebook.com/riversandswines 9 am – 5 pm & Sunday 9 am – 4 pm www.instagram.com/riversandswinery ‘Our oasis on the Edge of the Outback’

• Perfectly located, Pelican Rest is 1.3km north of town on the Roma Road • 8 acres of spacious parkland with trees and huge grassy sites • Your tranquil ‘country oasis’ in St George for short or longer stays • 12m heated therapeutic swimming pool • Excellent town drinking water • Pet friendly / conditions apply • FREE Wi-Fi ✔ Modern Ensuite Studio, Deluxe Cabins ✔ Large Drive Thru Sites – 25m+ ✔ Superior 1 & 2 Bed + Family Cabins ✔ Powered & Unpowered Grass Sites ✔ Kitchenette, Microwave, Hot Plate, Fridge ✔ Camping Sites ✔ Reverse Cycle A/C ✔ Modern Amenities & Disabled Facilities ✔ Linen Included ✔ Guest Laundry ✔ Outdoor Table & Chairs ✔ Camp Kitchen, BBQs, Pizza Oven ✔ Non Smoking Cabins ✔ Carousel Wood Fire ✔ FREE Wi-Fi ✔ Gas Re ills, Ice, Kiosk ✔ Parking next to Cabins ✔ Dump Point

Complimentary Shuttle to local hotels. Caravan & Boat Storage on request. 12022 Carnarvon Hwy, St George Q 4487 [email protected] | www.pelicanrest.com.au

P 07 4625 3398

ST GEORGE NEWSAGENCY MARANOA MECHANICAL For all newsagency and Gold Lott o products and services while in St George We Keep You Moving! Mon-Fri 7am-6pm/Sat 7am-1pm/Sun 7am-noon . RACQ roadside assistance . Wide range of newspapers and . Specialty paper and products . 24hr towing magazines . Adult and childrens books . Log book servicing . Greeti ng/seasonal cards and . Phonecards . Auto electrical gift wrap . Gift cards . RACQ batt eries . Business, school and home . Western Union Money Transfer . Safety certi fi cates stati onery service . Caravan repairs Other services include: . Windscreen replacements & repairs . Photocopying, binding, . Facsimile send/receive . Ironman 4X4 distributor laminati ng . Drycleaning agency . Airconditi oning AU16528 . Wheel alignments All Golden Casket services being: . Heavy diesel mechanical . Lott o/Instant Scratch-It sales/payouts Visit us – let our friendly, effi cient staff help you with your enquiries.

12 Beardmore Place, St George 11 Henry Street, St George P 07 4625 3663 (24/7) P 07 4625 3197 E [email protected] E [email protected] maranoamechanical.com.au

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St George Cemetery & St George Riverfront Tourist Park World War 1 Memorial to the Amoy WELCOME to 12 (Kapunda Fishing Park) - 9km Memorial Shepherds (Thungaby Rd) - 14km Surat - 117km St George MCGAHAN ST Roma 194km Hospital Dalby 302km CARNARVON HWY TURVEY11 CT ATTRACTIONS ISLES ST 1 Riversands Vineyards 6 Cacti & Succulent Garden Showgrounds 2 Sandytown River Cruises 7 Mani Tribes Art Gallery 3 The Unique Egg 8 St George Heritage Centre

BALONNE S MCDONNELL AV High School 4 St George Bakery 9 Murray Cod Fish Sculpture (1917 Model T Ford BALONNE RIVER VICTORIA STREETKILROY ST BORONIA AV 10 Flood Height Marker N CARNATION AV Bakery Truck) MYALL AV 11 T 4 5 Heritage Park 10 Miniature Car HOWE ST Riverbank 5 Collection 12 Anchorage Homestead Walkway 5 St Patricks WAGOO RD 3 School Oval (GOLF COURSE 3KM) 4 W E 7 2 ACCOMMODATION 10 CHURCH ST St Patricks WATTLE DR 6 School 8 BEARDMORE7 PL 1 Jacaranda Country Motel 8 Australian Hotel Motel Pilot and War HENRY ST ELIZABETH ST Memorial 3 ANNE ST 2 Merino Motor Inn River Gum Tourist Park 6 9 S S 3 Riverland Motor Inn 10 Kamarooka Tourist Park ALFRED ST COTT ST ANDREW ST KLINGE LN THURAGGI RD State DYBALL ST 4 Balonne River Motor Inn 11 Pelican Rest Tourist Park Rowden School ROE ST St George Riverfront ST GEORGES TERRACEPark CHARLESPHILIP ST ST St George Hotel Motel 12 5 Tourist Park Bollon - 112km KENNY LN Cobb & Co Hotel Andarr B&B Mitchell - 210km GREY STREET 6 13 Cunnamulla - 291km HUME ST Riverview Hotel Blenheim Backpackers BARLEE ST ARTHUR ST Nindigully - 45km 7 14 Riverbank Budget Accommodation Walkway HUTT ST VICTORIA STREET Thallon - 75km BALONNE HWY MURCHISONHILL ST ST MUNRO ST 1 Dirranbandi - 97km FACILITIES AND SERVICES 2 13 WEATHERALL ST ROBERT ST Mungindi - 118km Visitor Information Centre Health Services MARIE ST RD Hebel - 162km LOGAN LN Canoe Launch Fuel Station Andrew Nixon Bridge CUTLER CT Goondiwindi - 203km WHYENBAH (Jack Taylor Weir) WERIBONE ST 9 ALDRIDGE ST Lightning Ridge - 238km Shopping Centre Police Station

11 8 LINDORES ST BUCHAN BYPASS Major MARGARET ST Moree - 240km Public Toilets Ambulance ALFRED ST WILSONTAYLOR AV ST Mitchell ARTHUR ST CARNARVON HWY

9 Monument Free Electric BBQ Fire Brigade DRIVE

Cavanough PARSONS CLIFF Park BOWEN ST Laundromat Cycling/Walking Track Library ANDERSON LN ST GEORGE AIRPORT HERBERT ST Memorial/Monument Creative Arts ALBERT ST Amphitheatre Education Centres

Boat Ramp Swimming/Thermal Springs

ALFRED ST Church St George Men’s Shed

Mitre 10 store Dump Point

ALBERT ST Aged Care Facility Golf Club C SANDY LANDS RD O BALONNE SHIRE VISITOR M Tennis Court Netball Court MITCHELL ST M INFORMATION CENTRE I

S S Lawn Bowls Bottle Exchange I O 114 St George’s Terrace, St George QLD 4487 N E Playground Skate Park R S P: 07 4620 8877 E: [email protected] 1 P O WHYTES RD Riversands IN T To Racecourse Vineyards (3km) RD

16

BEESONS RD 14 JOHNSTON RD 12

St George Cemetery & St George Riverfront Tourist Park World War 1 Memorial to the Amoy WELCOME to 12 (Kapunda Fishing Park) - 9km Memorial Shepherds (Thungaby Rd) - 14km Surat - 117km St George MCGAHAN ST Roma 194km Hospital Dalby 302km CARNARVON HWY TURVEY11 CT ATTRACTIONS ISLES ST 1 Riversands Vineyards 6 Cacti & Succulent Garden Showgrounds 2 Sandytown River Cruises 7 Mani Tribes Art Gallery 3 The Unique Egg 8 St George Heritage Centre

BALONNE ST MCDONNELL AV High School 4 St George Bakery 9 Murray Cod Fish Sculpture (1917 Model T Ford BALONNE RIVER VICTORIA STREETKILROY ST BORONIA AV 10 Flood Height Marker N CARNATION AV Bakery Truck) MYALL AV 4 5 11 Heritage Park 10 Miniature Car HOWE ST Riverbank 5 Collection 12 Anchorage Homestead Walkway 5 St Patricks WAGOO RD 3 School Oval (GOLF COURSE 3KM) 4 W E 7 2 ACCOMMODATION 10 CHURCH ST St Patricks WATTLE DR 6 School 8 BEARDMORE7 PL 1 Jacaranda Country Motel 8 Australian Hotel Motel Pilot and War HENRY ST ELIZABETH ST Memorial 3 ANNE ST 2 Merino Motor Inn River Gum Tourist Park 6 9 S SCOTT ST 3 Riverland Motor Inn 10 Kamarooka Tourist Park ALFRED ST ANDREW ST KLINGE LN THURAGGI RD State DYBALL ST 4 Balonne River Motor Inn 11 Pelican Rest Tourist Park Rowden School ROE ST St George Riverfront ST GEORGES TERRACEPark CHARLESPHILIP ST ST St George Hotel Motel 12 5 Tourist Park Bollon - 112km KENNY LN Cobb & Co Hotel Andarr B&B Mitchell - 210km GREY STREET 6 13 Cunnamulla - 291km HUME ST Riverview Hotel Blenheim Backpackers BARLEE ST ARTHUR ST Nindigully - 45km 7 14 Riverbank Budget Accommodation Walkway HUTT ST VICTORIA STREET Thallon - 75km BALONNE HWY MURCHISONHILL ST ST MUNRO ST 1 Dirranbandi - 97km FACILITIES AND SERVICES 2 13 WEATHERALL ST ROBERT ST Mungindi - 118km Visitor Information Centre Health Services MARIE ST RD Hebel - 162km LOGAN LN Canoe Launch Fuel Station Andrew Nixon Bridge CUTLER CT Goondiwindi - 203km WHYENBAH (Jack Taylor Weir) WERIBONE ST 9 ALDRIDGE ST Lightning Ridge - 238km Shopping Centre Police Station

11 8 LINDORES ST BUCHAN BYPASS Major MARGARET ST Moree - 240km Public Toilets Ambulance ALFRED ST WILSONTAYLOR AV ST Mitchell ARTHUR ST CARNARVON HWY

9 Monument Free Electric BBQ Fire Brigade DRIVE

Cavanough PARSONS CLIFF Park BOWEN ST Laundromat Cycling/Walking Track Library ANDERSON LN ST GEORGE AIRPORT HERBERT ST Memorial/Monument Creative Arts ALBERT ST Amphitheatre Education Centres

Boat Ramp Swimming/Thermal Springs

ALFRED ST Church St George Men’s Shed

Mitre 10 store Dump Point

ALBERT ST Aged Care Facility Golf Club C SANDY LANDS RD O BALONNE SHIRE VISITOR M Tennis Court Netball Court MITCHELL ST M INFORMATION CENTRE I

S S Lawn Bowls Bottle Exchange I O 114 St George’s Terrace, St George QLD 4487 N E Playground Skate Park R S P: 07 4620 8877 E: [email protected] 1 P O WHYTES RD Riversands IN T stgeorgeregion To Racecourse Vineyards (3km) RD

17

BEESONS RD 14 JOHNSTON RD For all your Electrical, IT, Furniture, Bedding, Cookware & Air Conditioning needs, see the friendly staff at

NICK’S FIX IT Balonne Betta Home Living Automoti ve and Mechanical Repairs . Experienced and quality workmanship provided . All vehicle repairs . Roadworthy certi fi cates and log book servicing BRETT & LIZ . Service and repairs to air conditi oners . Wheel alignments . Competi ti ve rates . Drop off and pick up service . Local family business . Open Monday to Friday 8am – 5pm

UHFs & TELSTRA PREPAID 138 Arthur Street, St George MOBILE PHONES AVAILABLE P 07 4625 5654 M 0438 190 330 E nicksfi [email protected] BALONNE BETTA HOME LIVING 21 Henry Street, ST GEORGE | Ph: (07) 4625 5249 FB Nick’s Fix It www.betta.com.au | [email protected]

We are your one stop shop for Hardware, Timber, Camping and everything in between! SWAP & GO GAS KEY CUTTING HOMEWARES FISHING EQUIPMENT CAMPING EQUIPMENT ESKIES BBQ’S TABLES & CHAIRS GENERATORS TARPS & TENTS GENERAL HARDWARE POWER & HAND TOOLS OPEN 6 DAYS P: 4625 3399 147 - 161 GREY STREET | ST GEORGE

18 CROSS ENGINEERING O’BRIEN TOYOTA Welding & Fabricati on | Steel & Fencing A family owned and operated franchise . Mobile Welding . Scrub Canopies O’Brien Toyota St George & Thargomindah cover all of your sales, . Repairs to all Earthmoving, . Catt le Feeder service, parts, transport, fi nance and insurance. Farming & Transport . Fencing Materials – O’Brien Toyota St George & Thargomindah is a private family owned Equipment Rural & Domesti c business; guest sati sfacti on is the key to providing a quality experience . Guilloti ne & Folding Faciliti es . Gates & Panels at our dealerships. No matt er what your requirements are, O’Brien . Fully equipped Fabricati on . Sheet/Plate Toyota St George & Thargomindah is really worth the drive. Workshop . Reinforcing Steel Operati ng hours: . Agricultural Pipe Work . Pipe, RHS, SHS & Rod . Sti ck Rakes . Downgrade Steel . Monday – Friday 7:30am to 5pm (St George) . Cutt er Bars . All secti ons of Steel . Saturday 8:30am to 11:30am (St George) . Monday – Friday 8am to 5pm (Thargomindah)

40 Victoria Street, St George P 07 4620 3300 61 Dowling Street, Thargomindah 24-44 Buchan Bypass, St George P 07 4655 3225 P 07 4625 5012 Neale O’Brien M 0418 620 522 E [email protected] E [email protected] crossengineering.com.au obrientoyota.com.au TAKE HOME MORE THAN JUST GREAT MEMORIES You’ll love the massive range of embroidered shirts that feature something iconic & representative of St.George. These shirts will put a smile on your face and remind you of our wonderful town, not only that... all your friends will comment on what a nice shirt you are wearing. Come in to Golders to see the full range of tourist shirts on offer!

Girls & Boys

Ladies Mens

ESTABLISHED 1927 www Email: goldersstgeorge @GoldersAustralia 109 Victoria St, St. George (07) 4625 3323 @bigpond.com

19 et to know more about the local cotton industry on the Dine, drink and feast your way through St George. Our quaint 94-kilometre Cotton Self-Drive Trail. Grab a barista- cafés will fix your need for caffeine and have you licking your lips Gmade coffee and pack some smoko and journey through with their home-made treats. For a night off cooking take to our the history of our region’s irrigation and cotton industry. local dining scene or enjoy a hearty pub meal. Between October and April each year is when you’ll see the Clink glasses at Riversands Wines and sip your way through action unfolding. Turn to page 30 to embark on the Cotton Self- Queensland’s most western winery. Nestled on the banks Drive Trail. of the Balonne River, they’ll give you the full vine to vino For the absolute best of St George, our Cotton Farm and Vineyard Tours are the cream of the crop. Held from May to October, our Balonne Shire Visitor Information Centre can book you in for this four-hour guided experience to really give you a taste for life here in St George. Our passionate local farmers will take you from the front door of your accommodation to one of our cotton producers who will give you the 101 on how cotton is grown, irrigated and harvested. Thinking it’s thirsty work? A tour of the Riversands Vineyards to follow will have you sipping and swirling their wines alongside a delicious lunch. To make a booking contact the Balonne Shire Visitor Information Centre on 07 4620 8877.

The Unique Egg is where you’ll find emu eggs transformed into genuinely impressive hand-carved pieces of illuminated art. Created by the steady hands of local artisan Steve Margaritis for more than 40 years, the eggs are on display in store but have been displayed at World Expos and gifted as far as the White House.

HALLS FURNITURE & FLOORING CENTRE THE UNIQUE EGG Carpet Court Flooring Centre | Furniture Court Carved Illuminated Emu Eggs Bi Rite Electrical | Bed’s R’ Us The Unique Egg, located at The Balonne Sports Store, is where you For all your furniture, fl ooring and electrical needs…. Call in store today. will fi nd the humble emu egg carved into a stunning, illuminated . Flooring . Bedding . Rugs piece of art. . Electrical . Baby goods . & so much more Local character and arti san Steve (‘Stavros’) Margariti s has hand . Furniture . Offi ce carved an amazing variety of patt erns and scenes on each egg and illuminated them. This is the world’s only display of hand carved, illuminated emu eggs, which have been gift ed as far as the White House! . Open Monday – Friday 9.00am to 12 noon | 1.00pm to 4.30pm Saturday 9.00am to 12 noon.

14 Grey Street, St George P 07 4625 3296 F 07 4625 3771 108 Victoria Street, St George E hallsff [email protected] P 07 4625 3490 FB Halls Furniture Court St George FB The Unique Egg

20 experience. Here you can tour the vineyard and taste their just $5, Trent will show you St George through his own eyes wine range including their delicious fortified muscats and onboard his historic vehicle, with all proceeds going to the famous port at their cellar door. Find a spot in their country Royal Flying Doctor Service. garden to spend a morning or afternoon and experience their country hospitality – you won’t be sorry. Their award-winning Pack a picnic and your tacklebox for a trip to Beardmore wines make the best souvenir to take home with you. Dam on the edge of town. See kangaroos lazing at the recreation area and spot pelicans gliding along the water. For a unique country bakery experience, make tracks to the Stay for sunset and you’ll be rewarded with an afternoon St George Bakery. Fuel your pie hole with one of their flaky light show. Upstream, the Beardmore Dam is the point where pastries before jumping on a tour of town with the town’s very the Maranoa and Balonne Rivers meet forming the northern own baker Trent on his 1917 Model-T Ford delivery truck. For catchment of the Murray Darling Basin.

tep back in time to the 1800s on the St George Heritage proceeds going towards the Hear and Say Centre. Trail. This drive trail will have you exploring St George’s Call 07 4625 4190 to arrange a viewing. Simportant historical sites and turning the history pages on what’s shaped the town. Got connections? For those Open to the public, The Bush Tucker Garden in St George wanting to retrace family history, make a pit stop at the has plenty to offer for those interested in learning more St George Heritage Centre and browse their collection of about native Australian foods used for culinary and historical information or see the completed blacksmithing medicinal purposes. shop, printing press and steam engine in working condition. To find the trail brochure and Heritage Centre hours, visit the Car enthusiasts can make their way to our local Miniature Balonne Shire Visitor Information Centre. Car Collection specialising in diecast cars. Call 07 4625 3636 and arrange a viewing for a gold coin donation. Funds raised There’s no need to hit the books for a history lesson on St go towards Care Flight. George. The St George Heritage Tour will take you back in time starting with a town tour and then a visit to the Awake to a new day beyond the city from a variety of our heritage-listed Anchorage Homestead, one of the region’s accommodation options – there’s something for everyone: oldest homes built in 1903. Steeped in history, the homestead relaxing caravan parks, fully self-contained cabins, is surrounded by an acre of green lawn and cottage-style immaculate motels, B&B’s with true country hospitality flair gardens, adding to the beauty of the residence where and unpowered camping spots with million-star views. you’ll enjoy morning tea. You’ll then make your way to the St George Heritage Centre to continue your lesson of the HISTORY town before topping your day off with a wine tasting at What’s in a name? St George gets its name from when Riversands Vineyards, where grapes were first planted in explorer Major Sir Thomas Mitchell crossed the Balonne River 1986. To make a booking contact the Balonne Shire Visitor on Saint George’s Day, 23rd April 1846. Information Centre. The Jack Taylor Weir – Andrew Nixon Bridge was constructed Make a splash when the day’s exploring is done at the from 1948-52 and Beardmore Dam followed twenty years Balonne Artesian Thermal Hot Springs (BATHS) in later from 1968-72. St George. With the water a warm 34 degrees from the Great Artesian Basin, there’s no better way to unwind in the WAR MEMORIAL afternoon, believe us. The St George World War I Memorial is located on the If there’s time in your St George itinerary, make your way hospital grounds, along the riverside of the current hospital. It to the Cacti Garden which boasts cacti from across North, was constructed in 1928 and was once the entrance to the St South and Central America. Entry is a gold coin donation with George Memorial Hospital.

21 Dirranbandi

SOUTH WEST OF ST GEORGE, WE WELCOME YOU WITH OPEN ARMS TO DIRRANBANDI. OUR FIELDS OF WHITE COTTON-LIKE-SNOW HAVE THE TOWN BUSTLING THROUGHOUT THE COTTON HARVEST MONTHS. JUST A STONE’S THROW FROM OUR TOWN IS THE LARGEST IRRIGATED COTTON FARM IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE, CUBBIE STATION, SIZING UP BIGGER THAN SOME EUROPEAN COUNTRIES.

iscover the magnitude of Cubbie Station for yourself including their traditional honey bread (Pryanick) – a Russian on tour with Dirranbandi Outback Tours. Touring the speciality dating back to the ninth century. Stay and admire the Dstation will show the passion and work that has gone Russian teapots or stock up your basket for the perfect picnic. into developing Australia’s largest cotton farm and largest irrigation property in the Southern Hemisphere – a highlight for If you're looking for a quiet spot to picnic, head to the Jack many visitors to Dirranbandi who finish the tour with a greater Dwyer Memorial Park on the Balonne Minor River at the understanding of how the property operates. Book your spot by edge of town. Throw in a line from the pontoon here to land a calling the Dirranbandi Caravan Park on 0447 555 685. Murray Cod or Yellowbelly.

Uncover the town’s history with a visit to Dirranbandi’s River Enjoy a walk to stretch your legs along the town’s river walk or & Rail Precinct. Dirranbandi marks the end of the South West start at the Post Office and make your way along the colourful rail line and was the destination of the very last mail train to Mosaic Walkway for an artistic take on Dirranbandi’s history. operate in Australia. Call into Railway Park to find the old waiting Planning to stay? We’ve got you covered with a caravan park, room, the original parcels office and the 1913 Station Master’s two motels and a hotel. residence, now the Dirranbandi Rural Transaction Centre. Here you will have the opportunity to chat with a local and find out more about the town’s history. HISTORY On the 4th August 1885 the town site was proclaimed While at the park you will find a stone cotton bale in memory with the name Dirranbandi being believed to come from an of Des Stevenson, the pioneer of Dirranbandi’s cotton industry Aboriginal word meaning ‘frogs croaking in a swamp at night’. and Cubbie Station. A neighbouring bronze statue celebrates the remarkable story of Aboriginal stockman Tom Dancey – the 1910 In May 1913 the South Western railway was officially opened winner of Australia’s most famous foot race, the Stawell Gift. in Dirranbandi. It serviced the 413 km mail run from Warwick and saw Australia’s last mail train in 1993. For a culinary and cultural experience in one, set your GPS to the Dirranbandi Bakery. This surprising cultural stop is like In 2011, Dirranbandi became its own inland island with stepping inside your grandma’s kitchen. Russian-born baker the town becoming surrounded by flood waters during the Natalia runs the local gem where you’ll find the cabinets stocked Queensland Floods. The town was isolated for six weeks and with fresh pies, bakery favourites and sweet Russian delights supplies had to be airlifted into the town.

POINTS OF INTEREST: • Cubbie Station Tours • Rural Transaction Centre • Des Stevenson Memorial • Tom Dancey Statue • Mosaic Walkway • Jack Dwyer Memorial Park • River & Rail Precinct • Dirranbandi Bakery • The Blue Tree

22 DIRRANBANDI MOTOR INN Friendly Service & Country Hospitality . Spacious rooms . Breakfast available daily . Competi ti ve rates . Dinner available . King, queen, twin & family Monday – Thursday rooms available . Easy access off the main street . 18 ground fl oor units with off street undercover . All reverse cycle air parking conditi oners . Guest Laundry available . Free WiFi . Disabled unit

13 Railway Street, Dirranbandi P 07 4620 7000 E [email protected] dirranbandimotorinn.com.au

NULLAWOKKA FIRST NATIONS BOLLON POST OFFICE GALLERY & TOURS Open Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm . Located in the historic Bollon Post Offi ce building . Bank@Post . Authenti c artworks, nati ve bush foods, unique gift s and Australian . Mobile Recharge & Telstra SIM Cards – Be prepared Telstra is the made souvenirs only service available in Bollon (Aldi Telstra, Belong and others do . Entertaining and educati onal Bollon Cultural Walks conducted by a not work) descendant of the local Gwamu/Kooma people . Concession Stamps . Personalised 4WD tours to signifi cant First Nati ons sites in the . Local informati on area available on request . Souvenirs . G i ft s . Craft s by the Creek Handmade Products . Stati onery . Follow us on Facebook for road and weather reports

39 Main Street, Bollon 8 George Street, Bollon P 0413 062 068 P 0455 064 175 E [email protected] E [email protected] facebook.com/nullawokkagallery @nullawokka facebook.com/bollonpostoffi ce

23 Hebel

PERCHED ON THE EDGE OF THE QUEENSLAND BORDER, OUR SMALL TOWN OF HEBEL IS HOME TO TALES OF THE NED KELLY GANG AND COBB & CO.

he heart of the town is the historic Hebel Hotel, and for good reason. Your eyes won’t miss the ochre red Troof and the artworks adorning the front of the pub by Australian realist painter, John Murray, which make for a road trip photo must-have. The pub’s interior is decked with recycled bush furniture and if these pub walls could talk, they’d tell you the tales of the Ned Kelly Gang who frequented at this very establishment. You’ll be guaranteed to meet a friendly local and be able to pull up a stool and knock back a frosty brew in a hotel that’s stood here since the 1890s.

Hebel’s art tour continues at the Hebel Historical Circle. Out of the red earth, tall timber posts hover over illustrated signs; each narrating their own story of Hebel’s history. Complete with play equipment, there’s something for everyone. For serious bush campers and adventures, Hebel is the perfect Built in 1897 as the local dancehall, the Hebel General jumping-off point for visitingCulgoa Floodplain National Store and Caravan Park has kept much of its original Park. This is nature at its best, so be prepared to be totally self- rustic character. Serving classic country hospitality, it’s sufficient. For more information on national parks, turn to page 5. more than just a general store with all the essentials. Rusty wheelbarrows, lawnmowers, and tables made from planks and HISTORY barrels decorate the store front; step inside and you’ll find the Before being known as Hebel, the town was first known as place decked with memorabilia and country style furnishings. Kelly’s Point. Local rumour has it that members of the Try one of their ever-popular pies or stay for dinner where infamous Ned Kelly Gang, Dan Kelly and Steve Hart, are said by night you can take your pick from dining under a ceiling of to have lived here in secret. The town’s name was changed stars on the veranda or dinner by candlelight in their quaint to Hebel in the 1880s, although its origins remain a mystery. restaurant. Pull in for the night at their pet friendly caravan Some suggest the town was named after a German settler, park at the rear. Weiner Von Hebel, while others suggest it comes from an Aboriginal word meaning ‘hot place’. Anglers can make an afternoon of fishing by making their way to the Bokhara River, a stone’s throw from the main street. The Hebel Hotel opened in 1894 as a Cobb & Co changing station before later operating as a hotel. The hotel’s original name was the Commercial Hotel.

POINTS OF INTEREST: • Hebel General Store • Hebel Hotel • Hebel Historical Circle • Culgoa Floodplain National Park • Bokhara River

24 Bollon

THE SMALL TOWN OF BOLLON LIES ON THE BANKS OF THE PEACEFUL WALLAM CREEK ALONG THE ADVENTURE WAY. YOU WILL KNOW YOU ARE TRULY IN THE OUTBACK BY THE RED SOIL, THE ENDLESS BLUE SKIES AND THE FRIENDLY LOCALS.

POINTS OF INTEREST: • Aboriginal Dreamtime Artwork Trail • Bollon Heritage Centre • Nullawokka First Nations Gallery & Cultural Walks • Walter Austin Memorial Park • Bollon Returned Servicemen Memorial Wall • Bollon Post Office • Deb’s Café • Bollon Hotel • Thrushton National Park

o trip to Bollon is complete without visiting the eyes aren’t focused on the branches above, they’ll appreciate Nullawokka First Nations Gallery. The gallery found the Aboriginal Dreamtime Artwork along the path that will Nin Bollon’s old post office features works from local lead you from the picturesque Wallam Creek Caravan and emerging artists and authentic gifts. Be sure to join their Camping Area to our little town’s main street. afternoon two-hourBollon Cultural Walk to discover traditional scar trees, find bush medicine and experience There’s no such thing as “roughing it” here in Bollon. Take your a gourmet bush tucker tasting with a descendant of the pick from our shady caravan and camping area along Wallam local Gwamu/Kooma people. Emu-egg quiche anyone? Creek with free toilets and showers in the main street or choose Personalised half or full-day tours can be created for those an outback pub experience, staying in the comfort of the Bollon wanting to delve into more about Bollon. Hotel after enjoying a classic pub meal and a yarn with your new travelling mates. The Bollon Heritage Centre is nestled in the heart of the main street. Take an afternoon to turn the pages of the town’s rural If your four-wheel drive is packed and ready for a bush history with a shearing display and Aboriginal culture through adventure, Thrushton National Park is only 40 km north east of its range of artefacts. Throughout the town, you’ll find it’s proud Bollon via dirt roads. For more information on our national parks, of its long association with the sheep and shearing industry, turn to page 5. with many of the locals still working in the industry. Deb’s Café, found in the main street, will fix your hunger pains with a range of HISTORY hearty and delicious foods. It is believed the town’s name originated from the Indigenous word ‘Bolion’ meaning ‘stone tomahawk or axe’ and was Nearby at the Walter Austin Memorial Park lies the Bollon adapted later to the word Bollon. Returned Servicemen Memorial Wall. This monument features Flight Lieutenant George John Steele who served in Bollon’s seen its fair share of major flooding events. Ask the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II and was a local about the time in 2010 when the entire town was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Flying Cross medal. inundated except for the pub which remained the driest point in the main street! Keep your camera charged and ready for a stroll along the 1.2 km creek-side walkway for some koala spotting. If your

25 OPEN 7 DAYS

• Fuel • Groceries  Gas • Repco

• Fresh Bread & Bakery (every Tuesday) • Coffee / Tea • Hot Pies • Rural Supplies • Friendly Service • Air-Conditioned

PHONE 07 4625 6450 69 MAIN ST, BOLLON QLD 4488 Nindigully

LOCATED WHERE THE CARNARVON HIGHWAY MEETS THE BARWON HIGHWAY, NINDIGULLY MAKES THE PERFECT PIT STOP FOR TRAVELLERS JUST 45 KM SOUTH EAST OF ST GEORGE.

nown as the ‘Gully’ by locals, it’s home to Queensland’s OPEN 7 DAYS oldest continually licensed pub – theNindigully Pub. KStanding on the banks of the Moonie River since 1864, this treasured piece of Queensland history may not have a large local contingent to feed (population: 9), but the pub’s sizeable meals and wealth of heritage have people flocking from all corners of the country. You’ll want company too so you can tuck into their 5.5kg Road Train Burger, featuring a 1.2 kg patty and • Fuel • Groceries  Gas • Repco a supersize serving of onion rings and chips.

The pub has made its own silver screen appearance having (every Tuesday) featured in Hugh Jackman’s feature film ‘Paperback Hero’. You’ll • Fresh Bread & Bakery find theiconic Boomerangs from the film’s Boomerang Café still in town painted in strong vivid hues, making it hard to miss.

Embrace the tranquil surroundings and take a stroll along • Coffee / Tea • Hot Pies The Gully Walk and learn about the local history and wildlife through the interpretive signs. For those who’ve packed their fishing rods, throw in a line at the Moonie River and kick back • Rural Supplies • Friendly Service while you wait for the fish to bite. Throw down your swag on the pub’s veranda, check into a historic pub room, or set up camp under the shade on the banks of the Moonie River – either way you won’t have to stumble far • Air-Conditioned to find a place to spend the night.

HISTORY The name Nindigully is said to be a combination of an Indigenous word ‘nindi’ meaning ‘small’ and the English word ‘gully’.

In the town’s heyday, its main and adjoining streets boasted a hall, school, post office, telephone exchange, mechanics, store and the pub which ser ved as a Cobb & Co changeover st ation bet ween the NINDIGULLY PUB late 19th century and early 20th century. Queensland’s Oldest Hotel In the Nindigully Pub’s 150+ year history, it has seen almost as Nindigully Pub ‘The Gully’ is located in its original conditi on and positi on many name changes as it has poured beers. Its first name was the on the banks of the Moonie River. A great place to escape and experience Nindigually Hotel, now spelt Nindigully, but it’s also been known as the true Outback Australia, while spending a night or two in a comfy bed in one of the rooms in Queensland’s Oldest Pub. The Gully att racts The Grand Hotel, Travellers Rest Hotel, Sportsmans Arms Hotel thousands of locals and travellers every year for a cold beer and a fresh and Sternes Hotel. chef-prepared meal – the kilogram T-bones are legendary! . Boasti ng the best fresh cooked meals in the west including the famous ‘Road Train’ Burger (feeds minimum of four people – please book in advance) . Accommodati on available . Free Beer Yesterday POINTS OF INTEREST: . Annual Pig Races . The perfect venue for your outback wedding or special event • Nindigully Pub • The Gully Walk • Paperback Hero Boomerangs Sternes Street, Nindigully P 07 4625 9637 M 0428 744 292 • Moonie River E [email protected] nindigullypub.com PHONE 07 4625 6450 69 MAIN ST, BOLLON QLD 4488 27 Thallon

SURROUNDED BY PRIME GRAIN-GROWING COUNTRY, YOU’LL FIND THALLON ON THE MOONIE RIVER, 33 KM SOUTH OF NINDIGULLY AND 40 KM NORTH OF MUNGINDI. AMONG THE WHEAT, OATS AND CHICKPEAS, YOU’LL COME TO SEE THAT THE AREA’S BEEF, SHEEP AND LAMB PRODUCTION ADDS TO THE TOWN’S CONTINUAL HIVE OF ACTIVITY.

POINTS OF INTEREST: • McGeever Recreational Grounds • Thallon Town Park • Francis Hotel • Thallon GrainCorp Silos Watering Hole Mural • Local Murals • ANZAC Memorial • Giant Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat statue • Local Images Photographic Exhibition • History Trails

riving along the Carnarvon Highway, you’ll spot Thallon from country miles away where the vibrant Thallon DGrainCorp Silo Murals will signal your approach to town. The Watering Hole Mural covers four, 30-metre-high silos featuring icons of the district including the Moonie River, a beautiful sunset, a scarred tree recognising Thallon’s Indigenous community, pale-faced rosellas and a mob of sheep which celebrates the area’s agriculture. The mural was painted by Brisbane artists Travis Vinson ‘Drapel’ and Joel Fergie ‘The Zookeeper’. It’s hard to believe that this photo opportunity must-have was created from just one A4-sized drawing. The FRANCIS HOTEL fully operational silos can be best enjoyed using the designated Open 7 days – 8am ti ll Late viewing platform.

The Pub with the Lot: Local Att racti ons: If you think the silos are beautiful by day, be sure to see them . Friendly country atmosphere . ‘The Watering Hole Silos’ mural at night under our blanket of stars when you set up camp at . Cold beer . William the Giant Wombat the McGeever Recreational Grounds. The relaxed camping . Great meals 7 days a week . ‘Local images’ photo gallery . Air-conditi oned . History trails area is located opposite the silos with toilets, showers and accommodati on . Catch a cod in the Moonie power available. . Tourist informati on River . General store and post offi ce . Bird watching Get your best selfie angle ready to meet William the Wombat . Local souvenirs at Thallon’s town park and see how you size up against the two- For upcoming events, follow the pub on Facebook or check out our metre-tall sculpture of a Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat. Thallon website. has a special connection to the critically endangered species with some of the earliest specimens found in the area. The town park is a perfect place to stop and break up time on the road with shady trees and facilities including a playground, picnic tables, 16 Pine Street, Thallon free electric BBQ and toilets. P 07 4625 9188 E [email protected] Thallon’s Francis Hotel is the hub of the community. Boasting thallonpub.com.au plenty of outback charm and pouring beers since 1911, you’ll

28 satisfy your appetite and hunger for local history here. Knock and Pom. From the Francis Hotel, be sure to pick up a history back a coldie and tuck into local traditional pub grub or check out booklet that tells the stories of life on ‘Old Bullamon’, the the pub’s photographic exhibitions. If you thought you had seen once-vast pastoral station on which Thallon now stands. all of Thallon’s mural magic, think again, the pub’s water tanks feature a tribute to the Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat by the HISTORY same artists as the town silos. Send a postcard from the pub or stock up on groceries to refill your fridge here, ready for the next The town’s name comes from its railway station named after the leg of your adventure. Commissioner for Railways – JF Thallon, who developed most of Queensland’s rail system when the railway line was extended Pick up one of the self-guided history trail brochures to delve west from Talwood to Thallon. Thallon was gazetted in 1911 as a into Thallon’s early European history such as ‘The Roads of town reserve and with the coming of the railway, shops and a hotel Yesterday’, a short driving tour or visit Thallon in its heyday on were soon established. Thallon’s first permanent grain storage the ‘Old Town’ walking tour. Be sure to ask for directions to facility was built in 1969. In 1977 two giant concrete silos were view the mural on the old railway bridge of local legends Colly constructed followed by another two in 1982. Mungindi

WE WELCOME YOU FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE BORDER. VERY FEW TOWNS ARE SPLIT IN HALF BY A STATE BORDER, BUT MUNGINDI IS ONE PLACE WHICH CAN CLAIM SUCH A TITLE. STRADDLING THE BARWON RIVER, THIS QUIRKY TOWN HAS A POLICE STATION ON EACH SIDE OF THE BORDER AND RUNS ON TWO TIME ZONES DURING DAYLIGHT SAVING.

POINTS OF INTEREST: • One Ton Post • Mungindi Hot Artesian Pool • Two Mile Hotel • Barwon River Parkland • Mungindi Rural Transaction Centre

or a tiny town, Mungindi packs a punch with a rich colonial Spend an afternoon in the tranquil waters ofMungindi’s Hot history. Touch a piece of history at Mungindi’s One Ton Artesian Pool for some R&R in the mineral-rich water to make FPost; it’s one of the two original survey pegs dating back sure you’re ready for the following day’s adventure. Opening over 100 years. Found on the west bank of the Barwon River, hours vary between summer and winter. the One Ton Post stands out as a remarkable monument erected by surveyor JB Cameron to mark the end of a three- You can pub hop your way from one side of the border to year task surveying the straight section of the Queensland/New the other here too; sinking a cold one from the Two Mile South Wales border, from Cameron Corner to the Barwon River. Hotel’s original lacquered mahogany bar with charred shrapnel or the Jolly Swagman’s beer garden. Take your Once you’ve placed your hands on the One Ton Post, make pick from the pubs to stay the night, or park up at the local your way to the Barwon River Parkland. Roll out a picnic rug and enjoy the parkland’s shady trees or take the opportunity caravan park. to cast a line into the river. For those continuing their journey south, stop in at the Fill the remainder of your time here with a stroll down the main Mungindi Rural Transaction Centre to get the local tips on street and say g’day to the friendly locals. Looking to take a dip? the Moree Plains Shire and beyond.

29 Cotton Self-Drive Trail

Distance: 94 km channel system supplies water from 2. BEARDMORE DAM Time: 1.5 - 2 hrs Beardmore Dam located north of St (Lake Kajarabie) George, via Thuraggi watercourse and Our next stop is Beardmore Dam, Pack your thermos and some smoko the SunWater pump station facility. The located 22 km north of St George. on this 94 km journey that will have water from the Thuraggi watercourse Start this part of the trail by driving you become a cotton expert. Each stop travels through Moolabah Weir and back along St George’s Terrace, where features interpretive signage to help then Buckinbah Weir before being you will notice a large pump station you delve into the local history and released into the irrigation farming area on the corner of Hutt Street. The development of the cotton industry. through manually operated gravity flow SunWater pump station on the corner There’s no need to pack your skis for control structures. this journey through our fields of white; provides water to the St George you’ll see our cotton season in full swing The Balonne River forms part of the irrigation channels at a maximum rate between October and April each year. Murray Darling Basin system and is a of 110 megalitres per day and was short yet significant part of south west constructed at the same time as the Cotton is planted in spring with cotton Queensland’s inland river group. The Jack Taylor Weir. seeds emerging from the ground five to river flows from St George in a south 14 days after planting – depending on soil west direction towards Dirranbandi As you continue driving along the temperature and moisture. The seeds and breaks into two rivers – Culgoa and river, you’ll be able to appreciate the grow into green, bushy shrubs about a Balonne Minor River. The Balonne Minor magnitude of the beautiful Balonne metre in height and require irrigation River then separates into the Ballandool, River. Across from the Balonne Shire every 2-3 weeks, dependant on the Bokhara and Narran Rivers. Visitor Information Centre, you can climate. The plants briefly grow pink find a marker that showcases the flood and cream coloured flowers that, once 1. J ACK TAYLOR WEIR – heights of the swollen Balonne River pollinated, drop off and are replaced with ANDREW NIXON BRIDGE from years gone by. fruit, better known as cotton bolls. Inside The Cotton Self-Drive Trail begins each cotton boll is the fluffy white lint When you reach the end of St George’s at Balonne Shire Visitor Information that we’re all familiar with, as well as fuzzy Terrace, follow the road before cotton seeds. Centre. From here, drive 1.3 km along St George’s Terrace towards our first turning left onto Victoria Street which Irrigation is vital for the production of stop – the Jack Taylor Weir – Andrew becomes the Carnarvon Highway. cotton, as well as grapes and other small Nixon Bridge. For the perfect photo From here, travel 12.8 km, until you crops. The St George Irrigation Scheme opportunity with this local icon, reach Thungaby Road and turn left. As was approved in 1953 for the purpose constructed from 1948 – 1952, park you travel north along the Carnarvon of irrigation and town water supply. at Cavanough Park. While there, find Highway, you will be driving parallel The St George irrigation area consists the commemorative stone to mark to the Balonne River towards Surat. of a channel system relaying water to Major Sir Thomas Mitchell’s crossing of Turn onto Thungaby Road and follow a large farming area 8 km south east of the Balonne River on St George’s Day the sealed road for a further 8 km to St George. The vast 213 km open earth in 1846. Beardmore Dam.

DID YOU KNOW? You may be far from the tropics but did you cotton on to the fact that this natural fibre is grown on a plant related to the hibiscus?

30 3. S T GEORGE 2 Tourist Drive to IRRIGATION AREA Beardmore Dam After exploring Beardmore Dam, set your GPS for the St George irrigation CARNARVONHIGHWAY area. Follow your tracks back along Balonne Shire Visitor the bitumen road and turn right onto Information Balonne River MOONIE HIGHWAY Carnarvon Highway, towards St George Centre and from here travel 6.7 km until you see the Salmon Road sign. Make a left and follow the road to meet the Carnarvon ST GEORGE

1 Salmon Road Highway. Turn left at the T- junction, and CA RNA St George Jack RVO only 3 km down the road you will begin N H Taylor IG Irrigation HW A Area Buckinbah approaching the St George irrigation Weir Y area and cotton farms. You will approach Weir 3 4 a turnoff on your left to Buckinbah Weir, Bu h Ro which is also known as Buckinbah Road. c kinba ad

B u n d Y Willandra or W an DID YOU KNOW? H R o

H a G St George d Australia’s cotton industry is one A E

R Cotton Gin

of the most water efficient cotton E

L T

industries in the world, thanks to S A 5 biotechnology and advances in C precision irrigation and timing

modules. There are two types of cotton Bundoran Road until you approach the modules that are produced: St George Cotton Gin on your right. 4. BUCKINBAH WEIR Before reaching the Carnarvon Highway Rectangle cotton modules – Cotton The Buckinbah Weir is your next stop. To intersection, there is an area to pull harvesters pick the cotton which get there, turn left onto Buckinbah Road over on the left. The St George Cotton is then transported to the module and follow the bitumen road straight Gin was closed in 2014, however, builder machine via a boll buggy. The ahead for 10.8 km until you come across St George’s Beardmore Gin still module builder compresses the cotton a water reserve. Along the way, you’ll spot operates today. several water storage dams on your right into large rectangular cotton modules which farmers utilise to capture rainfall which are then covered with a large Take a right onto the Carnarvon Highway and hold their water allocation delivered tarp. The average rectangular cotton and travel back towards St George. via the St George Irrigation Scheme. module weighs between 12 - 16 tonnes, Along the way, you’ll spot more cotton producing 22 - 28 bales of ginned cotton. farms and irrigation channels traversing The St George irrigation area is part of the highway. Round cotton modules – 2010 saw a the Murray Darling Basin and therefore is new cotton harvester introduced in part of the broader Murray Darling Basin which the cotton harvester picks the Plan. The plan provides a coordinated cotton and rolls it up at the rear of approach to water use across QLD, NSW, DID YOU KNOW? the machine and encases it in yellow ACT, VIC and SA, and means a reduction Cotton pickers cost approximately plastic. This modern technology was in water allocation for agricultural $750,000 and are purchased in developed to reduce the cost of labour purposes to ensure the environmental US dollars and machinery by eliminating the boll sustainability of the extensive river systems across the Murray Darling Basin. buggy and module building process. The average round cotton module weighs The cotton farms are irrigated using approximately 2.5 tonnes, producing 4 After 17 km, the St George Airport siphons that flood the paddock and bales of ginned cotton. will be on your left and John Deere on gravity feed down each row. Any your opposite right. Here you have the From here, the cotton modules are loaded excess water from the farm is recycled option of parking by turning left into the onto trucks and sent off to the cotton gin, and pumped back into water storage airport at Cliff Parsons Drive, to take a a factory that separates the cottonseed facilities, to ensure limited water waste. stroll across the road to catch a better from the lint (raw cotton fibre) and is then After looking around, travel back along glimpse of the machinery used on the pressed into rectangular bales. Buckinbah Road for 4.6 km until you farms including cotton pickers, tractors, harvesters, spray rigs and more. reach Bundoran Road. Turn left onto 5. ST GEORGE COTTON GIN Bundoran Road and check out the view We’re talking botanicals of a different Got questions about cotton? The of the cotton farms and paddocks. kind here as you continue your journey Balonne Shire Visitor Information Centre During March/April each year our region to the cotton gin. Drive along Bundoran staff and volunteers are happy to answer goes into harvest-mode where the Road for 4 km until you approach an your questions or help you organise a cotton is picked using large mechanical intersection with a sign indicating Ian visit to a local cotton farm on one of our harvesters and compacted into cotton Paul Road. Turn right and continue along local tours.

31 Fishing

or fishing of an outback kind, catch your Fdinner from where the Condamine and Maranoa Rivers meet the Balonne River. These rivers are renowned for Yellowbelly and Murray Cod; after all, this is Queensland’s Inland Fishing Capital. Keen anglers will have plenty of freedom while in pursuit of ‘the catch of the day’ as you don’t require a fishing licence here.

FISH GUIDE:

Yellowbelly (Golden Perch) Warroo Bridge Bronze to slate green above, sides golden Maranoa River (61km) olive shading to yellow or white below. To Roma, Surat Lake Y Best eating fish of the western streams. TO MITCHELL W Kajarabie H

Wallam Creek N O The flesh is firm, white with good flavour. M k

I V T e

C R e H A r Average Size: [can reach 23 kg in QLD]. E N L C

L R

- S

Thrushton A y

T

C b

G Best Bait: Shrimp, worms & prawns. Bag National Park n

E

O r

R Beardmore o G h

E Limit: 10. Minimum Size: 30 cm. Boolba T R Dam Bollon D (Wallam Creek) DVENTURE WA NIE HIGH Murray Cod A Y MOO WAY 112km Buckinbah Weir Green above and pale cream below. The St George tail and dorsal fins are covered with many To Cunnamulla To Dalby

B 45km O Y green spots. Average Size: 8 kg-35 kg. L L W O H Moonie River N H -D Best Bait: Small fish, do not use carp.Bag G IR A R E Nindigully A R 105km N E Limit: 2. Minimum Size: 60 cm. B L A S N A D C I 76km R D Yabbies Wallam Creek C To Goondiwindi A

Balonne River R N 30km Blue Claw: Body is usually blue-brown, A Dirranbandi R Noondoo V native to Queensland. Egg carrying (Jack Dwyer Park) O N

females and young must be returned to Balonne Thallon

21km Minor 44km (Old Bullamon Bridge)

Bridge Culgoa River H the water. Bag Limit: 100. Red Claw are Culgoa er iv W R r Flood Plains l e Y not found in St George Region. a v National Park o i d R 43km n a a r Il a Y kh A Carp (Cyprinus Carpio) can be found Bo W ND LA r in our waterways. Carp must not be IN e T v EA i Mungindi R R Hebel G 65km (Barwon River) returned to the water alive or dead. n a r r a To Moree Using carp for any reason, such as To Lightning Ridge N for eating or use as fertiliser, is not permitted in Queensland. Riverbanks can become inaccessible and very boggy during and after wet weather with access being restricted for up to two weeks. NEED SOMETHING TO HELP YOU REEL IN YOUR CATCH? Not all fishing hot spots are designated Buy your bait: Fishing supplies – find fishing line and camping locations, so pull up for the • The 5 Star Handimarket tackle at: day at these spots to unwind and wait • JCM’s Auto & Fuel • Mitre 10 for the fish to bite. There are limited or • BP Service Station • Golders no facilities at these locations. Drought • JCM’s Auto & Fuel and below average rainfall can affect Closed Freshwater Cod season • Balonne Sports Store water levels and impact fishing at applies to the Balonne River Weir these locations. from 1 September – 30 November.

32 GET A HEAD START WITH THESE LOCAL FISHING HOT SPOTS TO CAST YOUR LINE: • Warroo Bridge, St George (61 km north) • Beardmore Dam, St George • Balonne River, St George • Buckinbah Weir, St George • Jack Dwyer Park, Dirranbandi • Balonne Minor Bridge, Dirranbandi Directory • Bokhara River, Hebel • Wallam Creek, Bollon • Moonie River, Nindigully ACCOMMODATION FEELING HUNGRY? • Barwon River, Mungindi Bollon Bollon • Old Bullamon Bridge, Thallon Bollon Hotel 07 4625 6188 Bollon Fuel & Rural Supplies 07 4625 6450 • St George Riverfront Tourist Park Dirranbandi Dirranbandi Caravan Park 0447 555 685 Bollon Hotel 07 4625 6188 Dirranbandi Hotel Motel 07 4625 8299 Deb’s Café 07 4625 6118 Dirranbandi Motor Inn 07 4620 7000 Dirranbandi Dirran Pub 07 4625 8322 Dirran Pub 07 4625 8322 IMPORTANT CONTACTS Hebel Dirranbandi Bakery 07 4620 7868 Police, Fire, Ambulance Hebel Hotel 07 4625 0923 Dirranbandi Hotel Motel 07 4625 8299 000 Hebel General Store Dirranbandi Motor Inn 07 4620 7000 SES (State Emergency Services) & Caravan Park 07 4625 0920 Dirranbandi 13 25 00 Thallon Service Station 07 4620 7734 Queensland Road Conditions Francis Hotel 07 4625 9188 Tucka Shack 07 4620 7476 qldtraffic.qld.gov.au Hebel 13 19 40 Mungindi 2 Mile Hotel 02 6753 2051 Hebel General Store New South Wales & Caravan Park 07 4625 0920 Traffic Road Reports Jolly Swagman livetraffic.com Hotel Motel 02 6753 2022 Mungindi 13 17 00 Mungindi Caravan Park 0409 484 014 Jolly Swagman Hotel Motel 02 6753 2022 RACQ Roadside Assistance Nindigully 13 11 11 Nindigully Pub 07 4625 9637 Nindigully Dirranbandi Hospital nindigullypub.com Nindigully Pub 07 4625 9637 07 4625 8222 St George Thallon Mungindi Hospital Andarr on the Francis Hotel 07 4625 9188 02 6705 6100 Terrace Bed & Breakfast 0427 254 230 St George St George Hospital Australian Hotel Motel 07 4625 5000 5 Star Handimarket 07 4625 3031 07 4620 2222 Balonne River Motor Inn 07 4625 5155 Asian Pearl Chinese Balonne Shire Council balonnerivermotorinn.com.au Restaurant 07 4625 3668 balonne.qld.gov.au Blenheim Backpackers 0447 812 200 Australian Hotel Motel 07 4625 5000 07 4620 8888 Cobb & Co Hotel 07 4625 5655 BP St George 07 4625 3411 Jacaranda Country Motel 07 4625 1011 Cobb & Co Hotel 07 4625 5655 jacarandacountrymotel.com.au Delicate 07 4625 5666 Kamarooka Tourist Park 07 4625 3120 kamarookatouristpark.com.au The Farmhouse 07 4506 1735 VISITOR INFORMATION St George Riverfront JCM’s Auto & Fuel 0410 642 174 Tourist Park 0408 183 134 Merino Restaurant 07 4625 3333 Balonne Shire merinomotorinn.com.au Visitor Information Centre Merino Motor Inn 07 4625 3333 [email protected] merinmotorinn.com.au Rivers Restaurant 07 4625 1229 07 4620 8877 Pelican Rest Tourist Park 07 4625 3398 riverlandmotorinn.com.au Dirranbandi Rural pelicanrest.com.au Riversands Wines Café 07 4625 3643 Transaction Centre Riverland Motor Inn 07 4625 1229 riversandswines.com 07 4625 8411 riverlandmotorinn.com.au Stevie-Jeans 07 4625 3223 Mungindi Rural Riverview Hotel 0477 778 590 St George Bakery 07 4625 3777 Transaction Centre River Gum Tourist Park 07 4625 5778 St George Hotel Motel 07 4625 4444 02 6753 2389 St George Hotel Motel 07 4625 4444 The Pit Stop Café 07 4625 4368

33 BALONNE SHIRE VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 114 St George’s Terrace, St George 07 4620 8877 [email protected] www.stgeorgeregion.com.au

Printed 2021