FREE Visitor Blackall Guide

Follow the Matilda Highway to Blackall, nestled on the banks of the famous Barcoo River

Jack Howe Gallery Aquatic Centre Woolscour Welcome from the Blackall-Tambo Regional Council Around Blackall Aerial view of Blackall Shamrock Street

Blackall Hospital

Uniting Church

Anglican Church Heartland Church

Catholic Church

Kingdom Hall

Blackall—Tambo Regional Council Welcomes You... Contents Visitor Information Centre

Blackall Attractions pg 1 - 8 Sculptures pg 9-10 Town Map pg 11-12 Services Map pg 13-14 Historic Plaques pg 15 - 16 Blackall Visitor Information Notable residents pg 16 Centre Parks & Rest Areas pg 17 “Ram Park” 145a Shamrock St Uniting Church Fast Facts pg 17 Blackall QLD 4472 History Highlights of Blackall pg 18 P: 07 4657 4637 F: 07 4657 4913 E: [email protected] National Parks pg 19 E: [email protected] 4 x 4 Trips pg 20 www.blackalltambotourism.com.au www.btrc.qld.gov.au Towns near Blackall pg 20 www.facebook.com/BlackallVIC https://twitter.com/Blackall_VIC Directory pg 21 - 22 Great Artesian Basin pg 23 Blackall Events: Contact the Blackall Visitor Information Centre or check out the Blackall-Tambo Tourism or Council websites for up-to date information on events being held in Blackall .

Please Note Phone Service is Next G only. Enjoy pure clean water from Emergency Contacts deep below the earths surface. Emergency 000 All taps in Blackall are supplied with water straight RACQ 131905 from the Artesian Basin, Police Station 07 4657 4200 which is drinkable. SES 132500 Hospital 07 4650 7700 Information on the Great Black Stump Medical Centre Artesian Basin is on page 23 07 4657 4677

Exploring the Past, Innovating the Future... Attractions Anything west of here “is beyond the Black Stump” No.11 on Map Behind the State School in Thistle Street is located the Black Stump memorial. This site represents the observation site surveyors used to establish a principal meridional circuit traverse around the town in 1888. This surveying was done to gain a more accurate basis for maps of . The surveyors used the stump for the placement of their transit to gain latitude and longitude observations. The use of a stump rather than a set of legs gave more stability for the transit. As time passed any country to the west of Blackall was considered to be “beyond the Black Stump”. The first settlers who brought sheep, moved into the district in 1861. J.T. Allan was the first person to bring cattle in 1862. Jack Howe – Legendary Shearer No. 6 on map Jack Howe, ’s most famous shearer, shore a record of 321 sheep in 7 hours 40 minutes in 1892. He also set a record of 237 sheep shorn with electric shears which was not broken for 58 years. A memorial statue is located outside the Universal Garden Centre in Shamrock Street. Inside is a gallery, with a historic display, relating to legendary shearer Jack Howe and local town history. It is not widely known now but Blackall's claim to fame was once based on the popular, and for the time, risqué limerick: A popular girl of Blackall Wore a newspaper dress to a ball Her rig-out caught fire And burned her entire, front page, sporting section and all.

1 Blackall—Tambo Regional Council Welcomes You... Attractions

Blackall Woolscour – Australia’s Heritage at its best No.14 on map Blackall has the only fully intact steam- powered wool washing plant left in Australia. The Blackall Woolscour is a living museum and a direct physical link to Australia’s pioneering era. It is totally authentic, unique, full of history and has great educational and social values. The Woolscour operated commercially under steam power from 1908 until 1978, and though it is now a tourist attraction, the machinery is as functional now as it was then. Tour guides are on site every day (except Christmas Day) from 9 am to 5 pm and tours operate on the hour with the last tour leaving at 4 pm. The engine operates on steam from May to August each year and on electricity for the rest of the year. A visit to the Woolscour will allow your imagination to be captured by the secrets of yesteryear.

Blackall Aquatic Centre No.12 on map With its therapeutic qualities and relaxed quiet outdoor surroundings it’s easy to enjoy the facilities at the aquatic centre. Take time to rest, relax and revive in hot artesian waters before continuing your travels. As well as the hot artesian spa, there is a 50 m Olympic size pool set in beach style surrounds, with walk in access and a disabled lift to ensure everyone can enjoy the qualities of the artesian water. When you’re not in the water, sit around the pool in the fresh air and tropical surrounds and enjoy this surprising oasis. Change rooms, hot showers, toilets and a kiosk for snacks and drinks are all there for your convenience. Exploring the Past, Innovating the Future... 2 Attractions Ram Park No.1 on map Ram Park is the setting for historic buildings which exhibit the history of Blackall and the community of Yalleroi. Navena Homestead reflects a typical home of early pioneers on the land while the Yalleroi School is characteristic of a one teacher school. The Blackall and Yalleroi Railway Station are also a memory from when the rail was a life- line for Blackall and other towns in the west from 1908 until its closure in 2005. The big Ram symbolises the importance the wool industry was to Blackall.

Labor Federation Memorial No.5 on map Located in Short Street the Labor Federation Memorial commemorates the first meeting that led to the first shearers’ union in December 1886. This group became the Australian Labor Party.

Major Mitchell Memorial No.3 on map The Major Mitchell Memorial, which is located in Shamrock Street, was unveiled on the 19th September 1946. Thomas Mitchell was the first European to explore the area in 1846, which then led to the area being opened up for settlement. The clock is dedicated to Major Mitchell, Graham Douglas and their aboriginal interpreter Youranigh.

Fossilised Tree Stump No.4 on map The fossilised tree stump located in Shamrock Street was found on a local property. It is believed to be a conifer and related to the hoop pines of today. The wood has been preserved by silicification and is anywhere from 1 to 225 million years old. Blackall now stands where the Eromanga Sea once was 146-65 million years ago. 3 Blackall—Tambo Regional Council Welcomes You... Attractions Blackall Cemetery No.20 on map Many of the graves in the Blackall Cemetery date back to the late 1800s. In the cemetery are the grave sites of legendary shearer Jack Howe, Roy Dunne and Annie (Granny) Harlow. Roy set a record when astride his goat Nugget they leapt over a 3’ 6” jump. Annie (Granny) Harlow was Blackall’s midwife for many years and is a registered Unsung Hero at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame & Heritage Centre in Longreach. View photos of Roy Dunne and Annie (Granny) Harlow on their headstones. Masonic Lodge No.8 on map The first Masonic Lodge was formed in Blackall in 1887. Members of the lodge utilised a number of buildings until the current Lodge was built in 1908. In 1978 it was approved for listing with the National Trust for its architectural and structural interest.

Memorial Park No. 7 on map Like many outback towns, many of Blackall’s men and women served this country in war. Their bravery is commemorated with a Cenotaph, Memorial Gun, Stone Seat and a sculpture to WW1 VC & MC recipient Edgar Towner.

Exploring the Past, Innovating the Future... 4 Attractions Pioneer Bore No.9 on map In 1885 Blackall became the first town in Queensland to sink an artesian bore. The bore, aptly named Pioneer bore, was sunk to a depth of 800 m but was not the first to reach water. The bore along with a replica of the drilling rig, can be seen at the end of Clematis Street. The mural was painted by local artist Bob Wilson.

Town Bore No.10 on map Blackalls water supply is pure uncontaminated water, which is suitable for drinking, from the Great Artesian Basin. The water supply comes from three bores sunk to a depth of 800 m, and the water flows from the basin under its own pressure. Due to the depth the water comes from it is a scorching 58°C when it bursts to the surface. Due to its high temperature a cool water system is more likely to be found in Blackall homes than a hot water system.

Town Quilt and Regional Wood— Blackall Library No.16 on map Inside the Blackall Library marvel at the ingenuity behind the ‘Town Quilt’ made by the 60’s & Better Group of Blackall and the counter made from timbers found in the Central West region.

5 Blackall—Tambo Regional Council Welcomes You... 5 Attractions Bird Life No.19 on map While in Blackall take a stroll along the river and keep an eye out for the wide variety of birdlife that live in or visit the region at different times of the year. A list of birds sighted can be found at the information centre. The most recent bird recorded was the Pacific Baza.

Local legend says, "anyone who crosses the Barcoo River 10 times is here to stay." Blackall experienced the highest recorded The popular meaning for Barcoo is flood in 1990 with a flood level of 7.3 m. given as ‘ice on the water’

Mr & Mrs Behan’s Sulky Display No.13 on map Mr Behan made his first sulky when he was about 14 years old in Wagga. His buggy and wagon display are on show in his garden, and gives Blackall a special charm that wouldn’t be seen anywhere else.

Wishing Well at McLean Place No.2 on map Work on the Bushmans Hotel’s water reservoir began in 1891 and was completed in 1893. In 2004 the water reservoir (now known as the Wishing Well) was cleaned out by local volunteers and 60 tonnes of rubbish, including sewing machines, shoes and bottles, was removed.

Exploring the Past, Innovating the Future... 6 Attractions

Muir’s Garage No.17 on map Muir’s Garage is a symbol of a by-gone era. It was built supplementary to the blacksmith’s shop in 1924 and was bought in 1931 by Mr John Muir and operated until its closure in 1993. The building is constructed of hard wood timber, bush posts, has an earthen floor and is completely surrounded by corrugated iron.

Bushman’s Hotel No.15 on map The Bushman’s Hotel was built in 1891 with handmade bricks from the local brick factory which was located near the Barcoo Hotel. The bricks were ‘made with material from a nearby paddock The first hotel licence was issued in and burned on the banks of the Barcoo’. 1867. In 1875 Blackall had a population of only 45, which apparently justified two hotels - O’Malley’s & Desmond’s. The first Catholic Church was constructed of locally made bricks and blessed and opened in August 1884, where the present church now stands. The building was demolished after being wrecked in a cyclonic blow.

THE OLD The building of the Blackall Memorial Hall was devised by the Blackall sub-branch of the Returned Sailor's Soldier's Airmen's Imperial League. Built in 1937 it remained in use by the community until 1996. Now the building is utilised by the youth of the town for creative workshops and the back section has been converted into the Blackall Youth Centre.

7 Blackall—Tambo Regional Council Welcomes You... Attractions

‘The Don’ mural No.28 on map “The Don” was painted by local artist Bob Wilson and commemorates George Gill whose wagon “The Don” was one of the last teamster loads of wool to be transported to the rail head in 1924. The mural shows 28 horses carrying 103 bales of wool.

Blackall Saleyards No.21 on map Built around the mid 1970’s the saleyards were established as a structure to sell local cattle and have been in operation for many years. While in recent years there have been additional activities such as private scanning, weighing or spelling, the major function remains auctioning of cattle. Attendance at a typical sale day would be approximately 100 people with an average of 85000 cattle sold a year. A decision was made to cease sheep and lamb sales in 2000. The sheep yards still exist but are in poor repair. Cattle sales are held each Thursday.

THE NEW The Cultural Centre was opened in 1996 and serves as the community center. The form of the building is a large soft curved roof echoing the long rolling forms of the western topography, while the walls form a backdrop to the line of mahogany and fig trees, which echo the cliffs of the hills, which interrupt the western plains.

Exploring the Past, Innovating the Future... 8 Attractions Jack Howe Map M9 Jack Howe became famous in 1892 for shearing 321 sheep with blade shears in 7 hours and 40 minutes at Alice Downs Station near Blackall. A record which has never been broken with blade shears. Artist Bodo Muche created the bronze piece of artwork that now stands in front of the Universal Garden Center and Gallery, the front is a replica of the Universal Hotel which once stood on this site.

Edgar Towner Map N9 Edgar Towner, soldier and grazier, was born on 19th April at Glencoe Station near Blackall. Edgar Towner was awarded the Victoria Cross for most conspicuous bravery, initiative and devotion to duty on 1st September 1918, in the attack on Mont St. Quentin, near Peronne in France) during WW1. He also received the Military Cross. Melbourne sculptor William Eicholtz was commissioned for this sculpture of Edgar Towner as a young man that was unveiled on 24th April 2009.

The Eagle and Nest No. 25 on Map The Eagle and Nest was built with a focus on community and its connection to the Barcoo River. Richard Moffat buried himself in railway dog spikes as he built the Wedge Tail Eagle and its nest, while timber and bolts from the old bridge help the eagle maintain its vigil over the township of Blackall and the mighty Barcoo River. “The nest is a home and a place to raise a family, which is another representation of what Blackall feels like to me,” said Richard.

Roly Poly Map A9 The Roly Poly is another form of creativity by the artist Richard Moffat, his concept behind this was all about having fun. As you can see, he portrayed this quite well and the Roly Poly is a great spot for a photo opportunity just outside of Blackall.

9 Blackall—Tambo Regional Council Welcomes You... Attractions

Circle of Friendship No. 27 on Map Richard Moffat also created the Circle of Friends. This sculpture is located in the median strip opposite Grant Daniel & Long and is sometimes missed as it fits into our landscape perfectly. This unique sculpture represents the feeling of the community being a family.

Wood, Water and Wool No. 24 on Map Robert Bridgewater worked with native timbers to create a unique piece of artwork to represent Wood, Water and Wool to honour the historic Blackall Woolscour’s centenary in 2008. “I wanted it to look like altar carvings and it’s horizontal to give the idea of a landscape as well” Robert said.

LifeSpan No. 26 on Map Fredrick White made LifeSpan predominately from recycled bore casing. This piece of artwork represents life in general; paths that sometimes converge or momentarily cross over, then towards the end of life, like the beginning, level out to a new time for experiencing.

Cutting Out No. 23 on Map This sculpture was officially unveiled to coincide with the Australian Campdraft Association National Finals held in Blackall during April 2010. Jennie Scott, the artist of this sculpture, worked with a wide range of materials such as driftwood, cement, fabric, wire and strands of copper wire (for the mane) to create this equestrian masterpiece.

Bottle Tree No. 22 on Map Whitsunday Sculptor Adriaan Vanderlugt was commissioned by the Blackall Cultural Association to create a piece of public art for the community’s Living Arts Centre. Adriaan created the Bottle Tree Sculpture, which stands over 3 metres high and is a landmark attraction at the Living Arts Centre on the corner of Rose and Hawthorne Streets in Blackall.

Exploring the Past, Innovating the Future... 10 Town LEGEND Attractions Seen Other Points of Interest Seen 1. Ram Park H9  15. Bushman’s Hotel J9  2. The Wishing Well J8  16. Town Quilt & Local Timber (Library) L9  3. Major Mitchell Memorial Clock K9  17. Muir’s Garage L10  4. Fossilised Tree Stump L9  18. Cultural Centre N10  5. Australian Labor Federation Memorial K9  19. Bird Life H12  6. Jack Howe Gallery M9  20. Cemetery L2  7. Memorial Park & Towner Memorial N9  21. Saleyards M1  8. Masonic Lodge N10  Art Work 9. Pioneer Bore L11  22. Bottle Tree M6  10. Town Bore C7  23. Cutting Out R8  11. The Black Stump N8  24. Wood, Water & Wool K11  12. The Aquatic Centre R8  25. Eagle & Nest J11  13. Behan’s Sulky & Wagon Display L3  26. Lifespan K12  14. The Historic Woolscour M1  27. Circle of Friendship J9  28. The Don J9  29. Roly Poly A9 

11 Blackall—Tambo Regional Council Welcomes You... Map LEGEND Historic Plaques Seen 30. Shamrock Street Floods K9  31. Central Café K9  32. Barcoo Hotel L9  33. Blackall Post Office L9  34. Blackall Cinema M9  35. Universal Hotel M9  36. Blackall State School N9  37. Smith’s Garage M9  38. Lyceum Theatre M9  39. Auction Mart L9  40. James McKenzie’s Store L9  41. Tattersall’s Hotel K9  42. Queensland National Bank K9  43. Old Blackall Shire Hall L10  44. Pioneer Bore L11  45. Blackall Masonic Lodge N10 

Exploring the Past, Innovating the Future... 12 Town

Accommodation Barcoo Hotel (ATM) K9 Central Star Snack Bar M9 Acacia Motor Inn K9 Five Star Handimarket (ATM) M9 Coolibah Motel Q9 Barcoo Hotel & Caravan Park K9 Churches Daisy Cottage P13 Blackall Caravan Park O10 Anglican Church K8 Memorial & Sports Club K8 Blackall Motel F9 Catholic Church G7 Prince Of Wales Hotel M9 Coolibah Motel Q9 Heartland Church C7 Reefy’s Takeaway M9 Living Arts Centre M6 Uniting Church L8 Tina’s Bistro & Coffee K9 Hawthorne Holiday Units M10 Kingdom Hall Jehovah’s Witnesses M11 Union Hotel K5 Banks & ATM’s Eateries Food Stores Bank of Queensland (Newsagents) K9 Acacia Motor Inn Restaurant K9 IGA K9 Commonwealth Bank & ATM K9 Barcoo Hotel K9 Barcoo Butchery M9 National Bank Agent (Post Office) L9 Blackall BP Roadhouse R9 Five Star Handimarket M9 Rural Bank (Elders) I9 Blackall Caravan Park O10 Schluter’s Bakery M9 Westpac Bank (Council) J8 Blackall Woolscour M1

13 Blackall—Tambo Regional Council Welcomes You... Services

Fuel/Mechanical Medical Centre J8 Shops BP Roadhouse R9 Services Blackall Newsagency K9 Caltex Service Station M9 Airport – Qantas Link A10 Blackall Rural Traders O9 Blackall Motel F9 Centrelink Office L10 Molly’s Hair Design L9 Blackall Tyre Service J9 Council J8 Homemakers Furniture K9 Elliott Diesel & Auto Q5 Dept. Primary Industries I9 Outback Emporium K9 Guy’s Outback Workshop M9 Bus QLD Bus Service Outback Jeans K8 RACQ (Caltex) M9 (BP Roadhouse) R9 The Lost Art L9 Ross Rural Services M9 Laundromat L8 Parnaby’s Leading Edge L9 Will’s Welde Works K8 Men’s Shed J8 Peter Shaw & Co L9 Medical Services Police I8 Post Office L9 Ambulance J8 Public Library L9 Splitenz Hair Salon L9 Chemist K9 Public Phones N9, L9, E9 Universal Garden Centre M9 Hospital B11 QGAP/Courthouse I9 Visitor Information Centre H9

Exploring the Past, Innovating the Future... 14 Historical Plaques Blackall has a number of plaques which detail the history of a significant building or site. Some buildings still remain and are relatively unchanged from when they were first constructed. The plaques not only show the history of Blackall but also give an insight into the ingenuity and resourcefulness demonstrated by those that lived in relative isolation. Each plaque gives a brief description which is accompanied by a photograph.

30. Shamrock Street 31. Central Café— 32. Barcoo Hotel—Due Floods—Floods are a Cafés played an important to a high number of timber regular occurrence on this role in the social life of buildings, hotel fires were corner of Blackall’s main Blackall. A visit to the common in country towns. street. Long term residents café was a social Two hotels burnt down on said the flood of 1990 was highlight with silver table this site, both in the 1920s, of a similar height to this settings, printed menus and each time another has one in 1906. and waitresses. risen from the ashes.

33. Blackall Post 34. Blackall Cinema— 35. Universal Hotel— Office—The first post The building that became The façade of this shop is office opened on April 1, the Blackall Theatre in a replica of the Universal 1864, 11 miles north of 1956 was first erected as Hotel, owned by Jack the current site of an aircraft hangar in Howe who retired from Blackall. The first Townsville during World shearing at the age of 39, postmaster was paid a War II and was used by twice in 1900-1902 & salary of £12 per annum. the US Air Force. 1907-1919.

36. Blackall State 37. Smith’s Garage— 38. Lyceum Theatre— School—The first school Smith’s Garage grew from For 30 years, from the was opened in 1877 with a 2 men to having more middle of the 1920s to eight students. A new staff than the council for a 1955, the open-air Lyceum school opened in 1884 and time after World War II. Theatre operated from this then another in 1928. In For a time it was open site. Two policemen were 1965 the primary section around the clock to keep always on duty inside the was rebuilt after a fire. up with demand. theatre on the weekends.

15 Blackall—Tambo Regional Council Welcomes You... Historical Plaques

39. Auction Mart—This 40. James McKenzie’s 41. Tattersall's Hotel— building served as an Store—James McKenzie The Tattersall’s Hotel was auction mart and notice of traded goods as far away on this site until its sales was given by a town as Boulia and in the 1870s destruction by fire in 1994. crier. Early burial records established himself as a It began life as single tell the story of the harsh merchant in Blackall, storey building in the early conditions endured by the making his first sales in 1870s and a second storey original settlers. 1875 on this site. was added in 1907.

42.Queensland National 43. Old Blackall Shire 44. Pioneer Bore— Bank—The Queensland Hall—This building was Drilling commenced on National Bank first completed in 1937 and Queensland’ first artesian commenced business in was the venue for bore at this site in 1885 Blackall in 1878. The first functions until 1995. A because the town dam and building resembled a sign over the door proudly a well sunk in the Barcoo homestead rather than a proclaimed the ‘Returned River were unable to commercial business. Soldiers Memorial Hall’. provide adequate water.

45. Blackall Masonic Lodge—The Temple was dedicated on August 3, 1908, and was noted to be one of the best provincial Masonic buildings in the state. The Blackall Masonic Lodge is on the Queensland Heritage Register. Notable residents of Blackall  Roy Dunn world record holder of goat  Jack Howe – World Champion Shearer high-jump  The family of W G Perry started their cir- cus from Northampton Downs in outback Notable connections to Blackall Queensland in 1885, later assuming the  Harry Redford was a well known Australi- promotional name of Eroni Brothers. an cattle thief or cattle 'duffer'. He was also  Major E Towner – VC winner 1914 – known as Captain Starlight, "the gentleman 1918. bushranger".  Bill Kewley, a Blackall resident, was ap-  Mr Don Wallace part owner of Terrick pointed as secretary of the Queensland Terrick and owner of Carbine – winner of Shearers Union in 1887. the Melbourne Cup 1890

Exploring the Past, Innovating the Future... 16 Parks & Rest Areas Short St Seating, toilets, showers inc. disabled

Banks Park Play area, tables & benches, electric BBQ’s, toilets inc. disabled.

Memorial Park Tables & benches, cenotaph, Major E Towner statue.

River Picnic Area Tables & benches, water taps & wood BBQ’s

Ram Park Tables & benches, toilets, VIC

Fast Facts The area was explored in Average annual min temp – 15.1C 1846 by Sir Thomas Mitchell. The lowest temperature recorded for 2014 was-2.8C on 11 July.

Blackall was named in 1868 after The town’s water supply is bore water Queensland’s second from the Great Artesian Basin. Governor, Sir Samuel There are very Blackall. few hot water Population 1588 systems with

Average annual rainfall 535.3 mm water at a temperature of The highest daily rainfall recorded 58° C to 62° C was 160.5 mm on 18 January 1950. being fed

Average annual max temp – 30.3C directly to homes and businesses. The highest temperature recorded for 2014 was 45.7C on 3 January Bore depths are approx. 800 m

17 Blackall—Tambo Regional Council Welcomes You... History Highlights

The area around Blackall was explored in 1846 by Sir Thomas Mitchell, who named the river Victoria. This was subsequently changed to the more distinctive Barcoo, an aboriginal name meaning ‘Ice on Water’. Shamrock St c 1930s. The The land was opened up for pastoral Tattersalls Hotel is on the right of occupation in 1861 with cattle being the photograph brought into the country in 1862. The township of Blackall was officially surveyed in 1868, though it is reported in 1864 there was an original township 4 miles to the east of present day Blackall. By 1875 Blackall had a population of 45, two hotels, a courthouse, lock-up, office of District Commissioner of Crown Lands and Chinese Market Gardens.

In 1885, the pioneer bore was drilled with a depth of 1600 ft. (487.68 m) and gushed 300 000 gallons (1 135 623 L) a day at a temperature of 119° F (48.3° C).

By 1892 Blackall boasted 272 tents, 127 tin houses, 385 wooden houses, 4 brick homes and 19 drays. In 1892 Jack Howe set two world shearing records and was presented with two medals by the Eucalyptus Company. In 1905 Roy Dunn set a world record for jumping 3’6” on his goat Nugget. . Fast Facts The Blackall Woolscour was established in 1906 and in 1907 Dr Hewer drove the first car (a Napier) into Blackall. Public bathing was allowed at the waterhole at Five Mile Garden – ladies bathing should be 8 – 10 pm on weekdays, only in the dark and never on Sundays!

In 1893 it took the Barcoo Coaching Company 12 hours to reach Barcaldine, but by 1911 the journey only took 4 hours. In 1917 the Kargoolnah Shire Council realised bridges were needed and in 1918 the first bridge was completed at a cost of £2000.

1931 saw the amalgamation of Kargoolnah Shire and Town Council into the Blackall Shire Council. By 1964 the shire had a population of 3 291 and in 1974/5 TV came to Blackall. 1990 saw record floods and in 1994 the Tattersall’s Hotel burnt down. In 2005 Blackall closed its Railway line 97 years after its opening.

Bank of NSW 1899 Amalgamation came to the shire again in March 2008 when the Blackall Shire Council combined with the Tambo Shire Council to become the Blackall-Tambo Regional Council.

Exploring the Past, Innovating the Future... 18 National Parks Idalia National Park This 144 000 ha park, 113 km south west of Blackall, protects mulga woodlands, the headwaters of the and has a wide variety of wildlife and fauna including the bridled nailtail wallabies. Visit innovative stake stockyards built from the 1920’s -30’s and wander among the rusty iron and splintered bush timer relics. Camping is permitted at Monks Tank and activities include bird-watching, bush walking, scenic driving and watching wildlife. Camping is available.

Welford National Park 30 km south east of Jundah, Welford offers majestic river gums that line the Barcoo River on a 124 000 ha park. A rare pise (rammed earth) homestead which was built in 1882 when the park was a grazing property is now the staff headquarters. Varied habitats create vital refuges for wildlife, including rare yellow-footed wallabies and mulga parrots. Camping is available.

Lochern National Park 150 km south west of Longreach, Lochern National Park includes 20 km of Thomson River frontage. The park’s 24 300 ha is home to many lagoons and waterholes which provide refuge for birds and wildlife. Camping is available as is canoeing and kayaking. There are no walking tracks but visitors can wander around the river and waterholes. As the terrain is gentle the habitat drive is suitable for walking as well as mountain bikes, but beware of other vehicles.

Information on National Parks can be found at http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/ A Parks information book is usually available at the Blackall Visitor Information Centre. Please be aware that during rain and fire threats the parks may be closed.

19 Blackall—Tambo Regional Council Welcomes You... 4 x 4 Day Trips Langlo – Adavale Road Undeveloped road, 4 X 4 required. Black soil, impassable in wet weather

Rather than taking the Matilda Highway, this track is a great alternative to see more of Queensland’s Outback as you travel between Tambo and Blackall. The drive presents great views of beautiful outback landscapes. You will see native wildlife and livestock as you pass through a number of stations. Take care as the track is not fenced and livestock roam freely. Moonbria and Barcoo River Road Undeveloped road, 4 X 4 required. Black soil, impassable in wet weather.

Get the feel of a real outback driving adventure! The Moonbria and Barcoo River Road is a great way to travel off-road between Blackall and Isisford. As you travel over the black soil plains to the Barcoo River, you will see a wide variety of native wildlife and birds. Camp on the banks of the mighty Barcoo and try your luck at catching a yellowbelly. Towns near Blackall

Towns located near Blackall on the Matilda Highway include Tambo – Gateway to the west, full of historical buildings, home of the Tambo Teddies and much more; Barcaldine, home of the Tree of Knowledge, Worker’s Heritage Centre and more; Longreach, home to the Stockman’s Hall of Fame, Qantas Museum, Kinnon & Co and more; Winton home of the Waltzing Matilda Centre and more.

Leave the Matilda Highway and visit towns such as Isisford, Emmet, Yaraka, Stonehenge, Jundah, , Jericho, Alpha, Aramac and Muttaburra and experience the real Central West.

Exploring the Past, Innovating the Future... 20 Directory

Accommodation Dining Out & Take-Away Acacia Motor Inn Acacia Motor Inn P: 07 4657 6022 P: 07 4657 6022

[email protected] Barcoo Hotel P: 07 4657 4197 Barcoo Hotel P: 07 4657 4197 Blackall Caravan Park P: 07 4657 4816 Blackall Caravan Park Bookings essential

P: 07 4657 4816 Blackall Memorial and Sports Club [email protected] P: 07 4657 4711 www.blackallcaravanpark.com.au Bookings essential

Blackall Motel Blackall Woolscour P: 07 4657 4611 P: 07 4657 6042

[email protected] BP Roadhouse Bookings: 1800 357 367 P: 07 4657 4422

Central Star Snack Bar Coolibah Motel P: 07 4657 4175 P: 07 4657 4380 Coolibah Motel [email protected] P: 07 4657 4380 www.coolibahmotel.com.au Daisy Cottage Churches M: 0428 220 514

Anglican Church Prince of Wales Hotel P: 07 4657 4731 Saturday – 5.30 pm 1st Sunday of each month – 10 am Reefy’s Takeaway P: 07 4657 4667

Blackall Catholic Church Tina’s Bistro & Coffee Tues & Thurs – 5 pm P: 07 4657 4795

First Friday of the month – 9 am Union Hotel Saturday – 6 pm P: 07 4657 4877

Heartland and Assemblies of God Food Stores Sunday – 9 am 5 Star Handimarket Blackall Uniting Church P: 07 4657 6616

Sunday – 9 am Barcoo Butchery P: 07 4657 4684 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses IGA P: 07 4657 4151 Tuesday Night – 7.30 pm Sunday Morning – 10 am Schluter’s Bakery P: 07 4657 4264 21 Blackall—Tambo Regional Council Welcomes You... Directory Medical Financial Services Blackall Hospital Commonwealth Bank (limited hours) P: 07 4650 7700 P: 07 4657 4411 www.commbank.com.au Blackstump Medical Centre P: 07 4657 4677 Westpac Instore - Council Office P: 07 4657 6982 Outback Chemist www.westpac.com.au P: 07 4657 4616

Bank Of Queensland - Newsagents Regional Communications P: 07 4657 4444 Internet – Bigpond Next G National Bank - Australia Post Telephone – Telstra Next G P: 07 4657 4147 TV – 7, ABC, Imparja, SBS Elders Rural Bank - Blackall Radio – 4LG Classic Hits 1098, 4LG P: 07 4657 4466 Blackall 100.7FM, 4ABCRN; Blackall [email protected] 107.9 FM, 4CH

Automated Teller Machines Charleville 603 AM, 4QL Barcoo Hotel Longreach 540 AM Commonwealth Bank 5 Star Handimarket Sport Recreation Clubs & Associations Laundromat Clematis St Visit www.btrc.qld.gov.au

Mechanical & Fuel Transport Services Supplies Blackall Motel – fuel supplies Bus Queensland Bus Service Daily service: Brisbane—Mt Isa P: 07 4657 4611 www.busqld.com.au Blackall Tyre Service P: 07 4657 4849 Avis Car Rental Central Star Service Station Longreach www.avis.com.au

(Caltex) (LPG refill) Budget Car Rental P: 07 4657 4249 Charleville, Barcaldine & Longreach Elliot Diesel & Auto www.budget.com.au M: 0457 364 421 Guy’s Outback Workshop Qantaslink—Charleville, Blackall, Barcaldine & Longreach M: 0427 574 698 www.qantas.com.au Reliance Blackall (BP) (LPG) Spirit of the Outback train P: 07 4657 4422 Brisbane to Barcaldine Ross Rural Services www.traveltrain.com.au P: 4657 4277 Exploring the Past, Innovating the Future... 22 The Great Artesian Basin

The Great Artesian Basin (GAB) is one of the largest artesian groundwater basins in the world and underlies approximately one-fifth of Australia extending beneath regions of Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and the Northern Territory.

The Basin covers a total area of over 1 711 000 square km and it has an estimated total water storage of 64 900 million mega-litres (a mega-litre is one million litres and is equivalent to about half the water in an Olympic swimming pool).

The Great Artesian Basin was formed between 100 and 250 million years ago and consists of alternating layers of water-bearing (permeable) sandstone aquifers and non-water-bearing (impermeable) siltstones and mudstones.

Natural discharge occurs mainly from mound springs in the south-western area. Mound springs are natural outlets of the artesian aquifers from which groundwater flows to the surface. Dating of the artesian waters has given ages of almost 2 million years for the oldest waters, which occur in the south-western area of the Basin.

History The inland of Australia is traversed by streams but these rarely flow and have few permanent waterholes. Unpredictable rainfall and high evaporation meant that early dams and earth tanks built to service the growing population and pastoral industry were unreliable.

Prior to European settlement, Aborigines used the mound springs of the Great Artesian Basin. Some of these mound springs feature in Aboriginal myths and hold significant spiritual and cultural beliefs of indigenous communities. Mound springs were and still are a valuable resource for the support of wildlife.

Europeans first discovered the artesian groundwater in 1878 when a shallow bore sunk near Bourke in New South Wales produced flowing water. In 1885 the Queensland Government Geologist decided to drill a deep bore at Blackall, however, before completion of this bore, the first artesian flow in Queensland was obtained near Cunnamulla in 1887. Later that year Barcaldine became the first town with artesian water.

The number of bores drilled in Queensland increased from 34 to 524 in the ten year period from 1889 to 1899. By 1915 over 1 500 flowing artesian bores had been drilled throughout the Basin. Thousands of kilometres of bore drains were excavated to distribute water around properties, thus allowing sheep and cattle to be raised on the vast Mitchell grass, mulga and spinifex plains. Bore drains are small, open channels that can extend 100 km or more.

The water from the Great Artesian Basin continues to be of vital importance to outback regions of Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia. This water is often the only available supply for towns and properties for their domestic and stock-watering requirements. The GAB also supplies water for minor irrigation works, key mining and extractive industries, the petroleum industry, an emerging tourism industry and limited industrial purposes.

23 Blackall—Tambo Regional Council Welcomes You... Around Blackall CWA Hall

Golf Club

Bowls Club

Memorial Park

Tennis Club

Exploring the Past, Innovating the Future... Blackall Visitor Information Centre ‘Ram Park” 145a Shamrock St Blackall QLD 4472 P: 07 4657 4637 F: 07 4657 4913 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] www.blackalltambotourism.com.au www.btrc.qld.gov.au