1 The Artesian Time Tunnel at the 2 Bushlands 3 Artesian Mud Baths at Eulo 4 The Living Opal Gallery of Cunnamulla Fella Centre The 6 hectare site is positioned on the eastern Palm Grove Date Farm offers a relaxing Opal is the Australian National Gem and the Artesian Mud Bath experience. Step into the Artesian Time Tunnel and be outskirts of Cunnamulla and the looped walking township of Yowah is a ”Living Gallery” with the transported back in time,100 million years and track meanders along a flowing waterway and Soak in warm Artesian water impregnated with story of Opal everywhere you turn and 90% of hear the story of the The terminates at the Wetlands. It takes you on a Artesian Mud, then pat on a milky grey mud the population being small scale miners. (the life blood of the Outback). Learn how the journey through six regional ecosystems within pack to let your skin soak in the goodness Opals of Yowah are world renowned for their underground river flows beneath 1/5 of inland the Shire; Mulga Lands, Sandhills, Gidgee from this mineral-rich product that is used by beautiful colours and magnificent patterns all Australia and helps to water this great country. Stands, Mitchell Grass Plains, Wetlands, beauticians all over the world. created by nature with water playing a large Brigalow Country. The water from the aquifer is almost 2 million Artesian Mud mixed with minerals from shales part in its formation. All forms of Opal can be years old by the time we use it – if only it could Each zone features plants and soils typical deep below the earth’s surface, rises to the found at Yowah but this little township’s point tell tales of time past. Our landscape has to the region and you are able to sense the surface near Eulo. The natural phenomenon is of difference is the unique “Yowah Nut”. been transformed and moulded by water and space and freedom as you explore the natural known as Mud Springs and they are release Look for the signs and drop into the numerous is obvious in the Paroo Shire with the Warrego attraction of the Shires varied land types. Maps valves for the Great Artesian Basin. and unique style Opal Galleries to view a & Paroo Rivers and the natural wonders of the can be collected from the Cunnamulla Fella spectacular display of gems and to inspect Information Centre. Don’t be disappointed - ring ahead for an Mud Springs and Opals. appointment. opal being cut and polished.

5 Hydro Power 6 The Burke and Wills ‘Dig Tree’ 7 Lake Bindegolly National Park 8 Pelican Point on the Plant and Artesian Bore on Cooper Creek Lake Bindegolly National Park centres around Pelican Point is a focal point on Thargomindah’s Thargomindah was the first town in Australia, In August 1860, the Victorian government one of the most important wetland systems River Walk. In 1864-65, Vincent Dowling and the third in the world, after London and sponsored an expedition to make the first south- in south-west . The lake system settled Thargomindah Station on the banks of then Paris to produce hydro-electric power north crossing of the continent to the Gulf of supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, the Bulloo River on the opposite side to where for street lighting, through the harnessing of Carpentaria. Robert O’Hara Burke and William and is home to more than 195 species of the town now stands. A river crossing was bore water from the Great Artesian Basin. In John Wills led the ill-fated trip from Melbourne, birds including parrots, galahs, cockatoos, eventually established between the Station 1891, drilling commenced on a bore to supply reaching Cooper Creek by December. Burke honeyeaters, fairywrens, swans, wedge-tailed and the Town, and this created a Weir in the Thargomindah with water, and in 1893 a good and Wills started north with Grey and King, eagles and whistling kites; 80 other kinds river. This section of the river, together with water supply was struck. A permanent Hydro while four men remained. Only hours before of animals, and 300 species of plants. The the surrounding river bank, is a favourite spot Power Plant display has been created as a Burke and Wills’ return, the Stockade Depot Park features three lakes – the saline Lakes for locals and visitors to walk, visit, swim, testament to the early pioneers. A working Camp party left, after carving instructions into Bindegolly and Toomaroo, and the freshwater canoe, picnic, and fish. It is also a popular Pelton Wheel, and a display of old equipment the trunk of a tree to dig for buried provisions. Lake Hutchinson. A 9.2km circuit walk skirts location for viewing birds, animals and flora. is housed in a replica of the original Hydro In September, a search party found only the edge of Lake Bindegolly. An observation In recent times, it has been named Pelican Shed. Hydro demonstrations are conducted King alive. The blazes on the ‘Dig Tree’ are point is located at the edge of the lake, and Point, because of the number of Pelicans that daily from March to October. a memorial to Burke and Wills’ expedition. camping is permitted on the southern side of regularly visit the spot. the Road reserve.

9 Living History Centre at Eromanga 10 Baldy Top and Table Top Lookout 11 Opal Fossicking Area near Quilpie 12 Opal Altar at St Finbarr’s At the Eromanga Living History Centre which Located approximately 7.4 kilometres from Strike it rich!!! Whilst in Quilpie spend some Catholic Church incorporates a Museum and Object Theatre, browse Quilpie on the Toompine road are two lookout time looking for a beautiful boulder opal gem at Home to one of Quilpie Shire’s most iconic through hundreds of historic photos and stories of the points which are part of the Grey Range. the Free Opal Fossicking Area situated just two attractions, St Finbarr’s Church rests on the surrounding area, on computer. View a self operated Exploring Baldy Top, formed naturally over kilometres from town. This council provided foundations of an intriguing history. In 1976, film in the Theatre Room. Some of the many topics millions of years, is to adventure into ancient attraction can best be described as “Opal Father John Ryan, decided to compliment covered are Oil exploration, early pastoral pioneers, caves and crevices, untouched by civilisation. Mining – The Easy Way!” Alternatively travel the opal mining background of the area by opal mining and information regarding the discovery Nearby Table Top, aptly named due to its to the century old opal mines of Duck Creek commissioning local miner, Des Burton, to of Dinosaur bones near Eromanga. The Centre also flat summit, is an ideal spot to picnic whilst and Sheep Station which are situated near the install a border of opal around the carving of has a photo display that automatically shows pictures enjoying brilliant 360 degrees panoramic iconic Toompine Hotel. It was at Duck Creek Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. Instead Des from the 1860’s to present day. The Living History viewing. The outstanding rock faces of Table where the first ever registered opal lease in generously donated an entire wall of opal which Centre/Museum is next to a public park, covered Top provide fantastic photo opportunities. A Australia was granted in 1871! These mines are was installed on the altar, baptismal font and picnic tables and chairs, playground equipment and climb to the summit of Baldy Top or Table Top designated fossicking areas and a Fossicking lectern. The late Des Burton is remembered BBQ facilities. Gracing the entrance to the park is a takes an easy ten minutes. Once atop, you Licence is required.The colours of the Quilpie as the father of the boulder opal industry stunning monument inlaid with opal in memory to the will be amazed by breathtaking landscapes Shire Logo were inspired by the Boulder Opal. as he was largely responsible for putting Opal Opolis days of Eromanga. that stretch as far as your imagination. ‘Why chase rainbows when you can wear one.’ Queensland boulder opals on the world stage.

13 Bilbies 14 Cosmos Centre & Observatory 15 Charleville Mulgalands Botanical 16 Weather Station Tour Charleville is home to the captive breeding All year round Cosmos guides share their Reserve Ever wondered how meteorologists predict programme to ensure the survival of the knowledge and wonder of the night sky. With This reserve has a unique collection of native the weather? You can find the answers by species. Learn about the habits and habitat the use of powerful telescopes, you travel species from the tussock grasses through visiting the Charleville Bureau of Meteorology. of the Bilby through a DVD and guide thousands of light years into space. Your guides to the riverside vegetation. Drive through Choose to enjoy a guided tour of the facility presentations, before visiting the outdoor build on your knowledge of the formation of the reserve where interpretation signs and with a Meteorologist (Mon to Thurs), or simply enclosure where Bilbies can be observed. the stars and galaxies, reveal the beauty and wide tracks will take you on a journey observe the automated process of the balloon Between April and October The Save The Bilby meaning of coloured stars and the fascination of discovery of the arid plant species that release. Weather balloons carry equipment that Fund run Bilby presentations where visitors of the planets and our Moon. Real Stars, Real thrive in our often harsh environment. collects readings of temperature, air pressure learn the story behind saving and improving Telescopes. Some of the common names of the and humidity, which helps meteorologists the national recognition of the Bilby. Learn of During the day join the Cosmos guides to hold mulgalands vegetation you will see are work out what the weather will do. They can the amazing work done by many people who, a shooting star in your hand and discover what Mulga, Poplar Box, Bimble Box, Silver Leaf often be the explanation to UFO sightings, as in their own time, work tirelessly to ensure the happened to Pluto. Protected by an incredible Ironbark, Wilga, Beefwood, Corkwood, they travel to all sorts of places and become survival of the species. filter, visitors can gaze at the surface of the Sun Ironwood, Long Fruited Bloodwood, strange shapes as winds blow them around. Cypress Pine, Spinifex and Gidyea. On your way out, stop by the little Bilby Shop. through a telescope with a Cosmos guide. Bring the family along for a great educational Purchase something to help save the Bilby. Four wheel drive is essential. experience.