Free Visitor Hughenden Guide Region

Experience more than 100 million years of history and culture Free Visitors Guide < A ease share Pl your experience!

#flindersdiscoverycentre #shearingthestragglers #visithughenden #porcupinegorge #mtwalkerhughenden #thisisqueensland

fb.com/flindersdiscoverycentre @flindersdiscoverycentre B > HUGHENDEN REGION e share Contents leas Travel...... 2 P Events...... 4 your experience! Welcome...... 6 Communities of the Flinders Shire...... 8 Attractions in Hughenden...... 10 Attractions around the region...... 14 Prehistoric Past...... 18 Parks & Gardens - Hughenden & District...... 20 Frequently Asked Questions...... 27 Itinerary - Explore Hughenden Region...... 29

Flinders Discovery Centre Flinders Shire Council

37 Gray Street, Hughenden QLD 4821 34 Gray Street, Hughenden QLD 4821 (07) 4741 2970 (07) 4741 1029 (07) 4741 2900 (07) 4741 1741 [email protected] #flindersdiscoverycentre [email protected] www.visithughenden.com.au www.flinders.qld.gov.au #shearingthestragglers #visithughenden Open 7 days 9.00am – 5.00pm November & March #porcupinegorge Saturdays & Sundays 9.00am – 2.00pm December – February #mtwalkerhughenden Saturdays & Sundays 9.00am – 1.00pm Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and #thisisqueensland New Years Day and some public holidays.

Selected images courtesy of imaginemedia

Free Visitors Guide < 1 Travel

GETTING TO HUGHENDEN

BY ROAD Hughenden has five major roads connecting south to Winton and Muttaburra, east to , west to and north to Cairns. Most of these roads are fully sealed highways; however if travelling on unsealed roads, please check at the Flinders Discovery Centre for road conditions. TRANSPORT SERVICES REX AIRLINES Bus Flights Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays Operates between – Townsville – between Townsville – Hughenden – Mt Isa Hughenden – Mt Isa PH - 13 17 13 Ph: 1300 287 537 www.rex.com.au www.busqld.com.au TRAVEL TRAIN Greyhound Bus Service Operates between Townsville – Operates between – Townsville – Hughenden – Mt Isa Hughenden – Mt Isa PH - 1300 131 722 PH - 1300 473 946 www.traveltrain.com.au www.greyhound.com.au Reservations can be made at the Flinders Discovery Centre for Rex Airlines & Travel train.

OUTBACK TRAVEL TIPS

• When travelling in Queensland’s outback • Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunscreen and make sure you have plenty of fuel, water insect repellent. and food. • Advise friends and family of your • ALWAYS check road and weather destination. conditions before leaving. • Obtain good road maps and plan your route. • Always observe local road condition signs. • Don’t forget to take regular breaks to • Watch out for livestock and wildlife on the prevent fatigue. roads, particularly around dawn and dusk. Drive safely and enjoy your stay in the • If a road is accessible only by Hughenden region. 4WD – use only a 4WD.

2 > HUGHENDEN REGION FLINDERS DISCOVERY CENTRE, HUGHENDEN FLINDERS DISCOVERY CENTRE, HUGHENDEN

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Open 7 days 9.00am - 5.00pm Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day @flindersdiscoverycentre ClOpenosed 7 somedays 9.00am public holid - 5.00pmays Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day Dec Jan and Feb – Sat and Sun 9.00am – 1.00pm @flindeFind us onrsdisc Tripoavdvisor!erycen tre Closed some public holidays Nov March – Sat and Sun 9.00am – 2.00pm Dec Jan and Feb – Sat and Sun 9.00am – 1.00pm Find us on Tripadvisor! 37 Gray Street, Hughenden Qld 4821 Nov March – Sat and Sun 9.00am – 2.00pm P: (07) 4741 2970 F: 4741 1029 3E:7 inGfro@flindeay Street,rs Hughenden.qld.gov.au Qld 4821 P: (07) 4741 2970 F: 4741 1029 www.visithughenden.com.au Free Visitors Guide < 3 E: info@flinders.qld.gov.au www.visithughenden.com.au Events

JANUARY MAY • Australia Day Celebrations • Oakley Amateur Picnic Races – Kooroorinya Nature Reserve MARCH • Hughenden Races • Hats, Heels And High Tea • Hughenden Show • St Patrick’s Dinner • Hughenden Town & Country Ball JUNE • Outback Performance Horse Challenge APRIL • Porcupine Gorge Challenge • Anzac Parade and Dawn Service www.porcupinegorge challenge.com.au • Hughenden Campdraft • Mt Walker fun run • North Western Golf Championships

JUNE - Porcupine Gorge Challenge

APRIL - Hughenden Campdraft

4 > HUGHENDEN REGION JULY SEPTEMBER • Stamford Races • Hughenden Bowls Club Invitation Triples

• Hughenden Country Music Festival OCTOBER • Community Care Christmas in July • St Francis School fete Luncheon • Open Golf Championships • Hughenden Gymnastics (annual) • Western Games (biennial odd years) NOVEMBER • Remembrance Day AUGUST • Freestyle on Flinders DECEMBER • Motor Home Rally (registration • Carols by Candlelight required 4741 2970) • Rugby 7’s • Prairie Races

AUGUST - Rugby 7s

AUGUST - Freestyle on Flinders

Free Visitors Guide < 5 Welcome

Welcome to the Hughenden region, with over 41,000 km² of diverse landscapes and history dating back over 100 million years. Explorers and Frederick Walker were the first to lay their eyes on the vast open grassland downs to the south and the harsh basalt country north of Hughenden. These explorers were on a rescue mission for the ill fated Burke and Wills. Reports from Landsborough’s journal sparked much interest in the rolling grasslands that seemed to go on forever.

A blazed historical coolabah tree stands proud only runs in the wetter months of the year. Water as a testimony to the discovery of this region by was sourced through wells in the river base until these two famous explorers. the discovery of the Great Artesian Basin, where First settlement was on Hughenden Station underground bores were installed. by Ernest Henry in 1863, so named from the History for this area goes back hundreds of Tudor Manor house of his grandfather years, with prehistoric history of over 100 million in Buckinghamshire, England. Hughenden years telling a very different story. Hughenden is Station was later sold to Ernest Henry’s cousin situated on the edge of a vast pre-historic inland Robert Gray in 1865 for £4,999. Gray stocked sea, once home to many terrestrial dinosaurs Hughenden Station with 3,000 sheep. as well as marine reptiles, making this area well Mrs Gray, who came to live on the property, was the first white woman in the Flinders. The establishment of the township of Hughenden did not take place until 1876. In that year, Robert Gray allowed a friend by the name of William Mark to build a hotel to cater for the travellers passing through to the Cloncurry mining area. By the following year, a store, a blacksmith and a butcher shop joined the hotel. After 1887, Hughenden began to grow again, as it became an important railhead for the Great Northern Railway. Settlement on the banks of the Flinders River, Queensland’s longest river, would have been a feat in itself. The river which flows into Historic Coolabah Tree the Gulf of Carpentaria, is often a dry river and

6 > HUGHENDEN REGION 1 Y H A W M H M N O L N IT D T HAN L S 2 E T RD A V DEV.

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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q

known as ‘dinosaur country’. The first fossil ever to be found was in 1865 on a property west of Hughenden Hughenden and so the discovery of a greater past was made. Population..... 1,200 (Town)....2,100 (Shire) The streets of Hughenden are adorned with Latitude...... 20°85°’ S a unique series of sculptures from local artists Longitude...... 144°21.1’E depicting fossils and dinosaurs, with a touch of Meters above sea level...... 324 m outback heritage. The wide welcoming streets give easy access to Average rainfall...... 493 mm (19”) local businesses, parks and picnic spots. Temperature Enjoy the relaxed small town life, with a smile Minimum average winter...... 9.6° and a friendly wave on every corner. Maximum average summer...... 35°

Free Visitors Guide < 7 Communities of the Flinders Shire Prairie

POPULATION Prairie is surrounded by beautiful rolling plains of 50 Flinders grass. In the 1870s, Prairie was a main horse change centre for Cobb & Co Coaches. The Great Northern Railway reached Prairie on 6 September 1887. Call into the Prairie Hotel and take a look at the collection of stockmans’ hats and other historical memorabilia. Hear the story of the wandering ringer; this ghostly prowler comes from a story Prairie Hotel Motel dating back to the 1930s.

Torrens Creek

POPULATION Torrens Creek has a long and interesting history. It 20 was discovered in 1862 by the explorer William Landsborough whilst on an expedition in search of Burke and Wills. He named the creek after Sir Robert Torrens, Premier of South Australia. In 1942 Torrens Creek was utilised as an ammunition dump aiding the World War II effort. Call in to the Exchange Hotel to hear the stories of Exchange Hotel Motel how this little town was almost blown away.

8 > HUGHENDEN REGION Stamford

Stamford is situated 61 km south of Hughenden on the Kennedy Development POPULATION Road, dubbed the ‘Dinosaur Way’. Named after the adjoining pastoral land “Stamfordham”, Stamford was once an overnight stop for Cobb & Co Coaches 5 travelling from Hughenden to Winton. Stamford comes alive at its annual race meeting held in July. Many people travel large distances to enjoy this outback experience with the charm and excitement of a country race meeting.

Stamford Races

Free Visitors Guide < 9 Attractions in Hughenden FLINDERS DISCOVERY CENTRE This huge display area houses an amazing exhibition of fossils from around the world, as well as an extensive and growing display of fossils from the local area. ‘Hughie’ is the star attraction; a life size skeletal replica of a Muttaburrasaurus. ‘Hughie’ is a daunting figure as you enter the display area. Although this dinosaur is believed to have been a herbivore, you get the impression he is something that you would not want to meet on a dark night! Come and witness the amazing light and sound show that takes you back over 500 million years to the beginning of the formation of Porcupine Gorge. ’Shearing the Stragglers’ tells the story of the demise of the sheep industry throughout the Finders Shire. Tales of hardship and change are told through stories of men who lived this grueling life from 1865 to present day times. While wandering around the centre, enjoy the video on Hughenden and district, telling the Federation Rotunda story of how Hughenden came to be. The Flinders Discovery Centre stocks a large FEDERATION ROTUNDA range of souvenirs and information on local This rotunda is made from 20’ windmills and regional holiday destinations, and provides brought in from a local property, dated 1912 and access to FREE WI-FI. 1916. These windmills were originally used to pump water for stock.

10 > HUGHENDEN REGION ECO WALK ON FLINDERS Enjoy a walk through the diverse bioregions of the Flinders Shire ‘Eco Walk on Flinders’. These ecosystems have been replicated along the northern banks of the Flinders River with over 1.5 km of walking tracks. Along the pathway are species of flora and local artwork illustrating important events, and the diversity of Flinders Shire.

Symbolic Grave

CEMETERY ARTS & SYMBOLISM SELF GUIDED TOUR This self guided tour guides the visitor around 24 selected headstones and describes the symbols carved on them and the meanings they represent. The Hughenden Cemetery has a large number of elaborate headstones dating back to 1886. The details included on these headstones, carefully chosen by loved ones, and skilfully carved by stone masons tell many stories ‘Eco Walk on Flinders’ through symbolism.

Free Visitors Guide < 11 FLINDERS RIVER MUTT – FULL BODIED Queensland’s longest river extends 1004 km and REPLICA OF A flows into the Gulf of Carpentaria. The river was MUTTABURRASAURUS named after Matthew Flinders by Lieutenant Stokes of HMS Beagle in 1841. ‘Mutt’ arrived from the Tropical Museum of Queensland in 1999. ’Mutt’ is a very photogenic, The River Walk incorporates a walking trail friendly character who welcomes all guests to along the banks of the Flinders River. Hughenden. This Muttaburrasaurus is a favourite with many who pass through the township. SCULPTURES Hughenden is the home of many impressive sculptural pieces adorning buildings and garden areas throughout the town. The sculptures are made and designed by local artists. These include: • Darby the Dinosaur – Large wall sculpture Flinders River depicting the Muttaburrasaurus. • Leanneosaur – Life sized flying metal sculpture of a Queensland Pterosaur. • Fish sculptures – Metal fish made from washers and scrap metal. • Pterosaurs – Three metal sculptures on the roof of the Flinders Discovery Centre, one in a full skeletal resting state. • Ammonite Sculpture – A representation of an Ammonite fossil made from windmill parts. • Window panel sculptures – Creative window sculptures, depicting the rural culture and rich fossil areas in the Hughenden District. Fish sculpture

12 > HUGHENDEN REGION Tour Times

Hughenden Town and Cemetery walking tours are available between May & September. For more information and bookings call 07 4741 2970 • Bookings are essential so enquire at the Flinders Discovery Centre. • Tours are subject to a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 12 participants.

‘MUTT’

HISTORIC COOLABAH TREE & SURVEYOR’S PEG Frederick Walker and Sir William Landsborough, whilst searching for Burke and Wills, blazed this Coolabah tree. The cement sculpture of a surveyors peg is adorned with four brass plaques representing historical figures and events of the area. HEBREW GRAVE The grave of Jeanette Tolano, who died in 1883, is the only remaining grave from the old cemetery. It is believed that it was never relocated for spiritual reasons. Cemetery Walking Tour

Free Visitors Guide < 13 Attractions around the region PORCUPINE GORGE been carved over time revealing layers of basalt and coloured sandstones, creating the beautiful NATIONAL PARK soft colours of the cliff walls that tower over the Known as Australia’s ‘Little Grand Canyon’ creek below. with its cool, clear, flowing creek, towering The Gorge can be appreciated from two distinct cliffs of vibrantly coloured sandstone and dense areas. The first point is a lookout giving a view vegetation. The Gorge provides a striking deep into the Gorge below. There is no access contrast to the sparsely wooded, dry, flat plains to the base of the Gorge from this point. The which surround it. This impressive canyon reveals second is a National Park campsite area. From strata of sedimentary rocks spanning hundreds here a walking track takes visitors to the base of millions of years of geological history. of the Gorge where the Pyramid formation is a Porcupine Gorge National Park is a canyon prominent feature. Intermittent water holes line hidden away approximately an hours drive north the base of the Gorge, a perfect place for a of Hughenden. The road passes through the flat cool swim. woodlands of typical Australian eucalypts and Camping sites can be either booked online or by acacias and gives no hint of the existence of the phone, or at the Flinders Discovery Centre, and gorge until the edge is reached. The gorge has campers must be self-sufficent.

Porcupine Gorge National Park

14 > HUGHENDEN REGION WHITE MOUNTAINS BLACKBRAES NATIONAL PARK NATIONAL PARK White Mountains National Park is characterised Blackbraes National Park and three associated by white sandstone formations and complex resource reserves cover an area of approximately gorge systems that cover 108,000 ha of rugged 52,000 ha. This park straddles the Einasleigh terrain. For much of the year this vast area is an arid Uplands and the Gulf Plains biogeographical landscape but during the wet season it becomes regions. Access is via the Kennedy Developmental a water catchment for streams and rivers which Road 170 km north of Hughenden, which has eventually feed into Lake Eyre in South Australia and sections of unsealed gravel road. The vegetation the Gulf of Carpentaria. is largely open eucalypt woodland dominated by ironbark trees with spear and kangaroo grasses Encompassing a total of 14 different ecosystems, populating the grassy understorey. winter and early spring transform the landscape as the native plants bloom into a palette of colour. Visitors who enjoy geology, dense woodlands, or White Mountains National Park is very remote and bird watching should find Blackbraes National undeveloped and is only suitable for well Park of interest. The park is particularly diverse equipped, experienced bushwalkers and campers. in birds, with over 150 species of birds recorded. Access is from the Flinders Highway 107 km east Camping is available at a shady bush camp near of Hughenden or 140 km south-west of Emu Swamp Dam, which is rich in birdlife. . GENERAL INFORMATION Camp site bookings are available by phone or Always check road conditions before travelling, online, or at the Flinders Discovery Centre. as weather circumstances can change road conditions quickly. PLEASE ENSURE CAMPSITES ARE BOOKED BEFORE ARRIVAL AT THESE In the heart of the Desert Uplands, Moorrinya NATIONAL PARKS. National Park protects 18 land types in the Lake Eyre Basin, one of Australia’s most important CAMP SITE BOOKINGS water catchments. Visit www.qld.gov.au/camping or phone 13 74 68 (24 hours, 7 days) or at Flinders This remote park has dry, flat plains criss-crossed Discovery Centre Hughenden. by watercourses and covered in open eucalypt, paperbark and acacia woodlands and grasslands. Camping is available in a remote and undeveloped setting.

Free Visitors Guide < 15 Kooroorinya Falls Nature Reserve

MOUNT WALKER KOOROORINYA FALLS Once you reach the top of Mt Walker you NATURE RESERVE will be greeted with sensational 360° views Travelling south of Prairie brings you to an of Hughenden and surrounds from six oasis in the desert. Kooroorinya is a spectacular lookout points. waterfall during the wetter months of the year Named by explorer William Landsborough and retains a secluded billabong during the after Frederick Walker, Mount Walker is drier months. Kooroorinya offers bush walking, approximately 478 m above sea level, making bird watching, fishing, and some excellent it approximately 152 m above the township of photographic opportunities. Camping sites offer Hughenden. modern toilet facilities, hot showers and wood Located 10 km south of Hughenden with a fired barbeque. Campers must call into the sealed access road to the top, sunrise and caretaker’s office prior to setting up. sunset on Mount Walker is a must for any This area comes alive each year at the Oakley keen photographer. Amateur Picnic Races held each May.

16 > HUGHENDEN REGION BASALT BYWAY The Basalt Byway is a 4WD track winding between the landscapes north of Hughenden. This track takes you on a journey through some amazing country, featuring rolling walls of basalt, creating deep meandering valleys. Excellent lookouts show the depth and length of many of the valleys you will wind through. One lookout in particular is over an open downs Basalt Byway area with the township of Hughenden in the distance. FLINDERS RIVER There is an abundance of flora and fauna to look at; spotting the odd kangaroo, dingo and BYWAY emu is always a feature of the drive. The bird The Flinders River Byway connects the Flinders life is abundant and in the wetter months of Highway and the Kennedy Developmental Road, the year the wildflowers and flowering gums north of Hughenden. This impressive 4WD track are spectacular. Amongst the downs area crosses the sandy base of the Flinders River, and the flower called the Flinders Poppy which travels through rugged country with views of Hughenden is well known for, blooms in the basalt walls running along the horizon. drier months of the year, creating rivers of red along the open plains. EROMANGA SEA BYWAY Running parallel to the Flinders Highway 50 km south of Hughenden, this drive takes you through the prehistoric Eromanga Sea and the Desert Uplands. Views from the scenic lookout gaze across the open sparse Mitchell Downs region. Take this picturesque 180 km 4WD loop from Hughenden Mt Walker and Prairie.

Free Visitors Guide < 17 Prehistoric Past

Over 3,000 fossil specimens from the cretaceous Thompson River near Muttaburra. A near period have been found around the Hughenden perfect skull was also discovered on a property district. Fossil varieties include many marine west of Hughenden in 1987. reptiles, Muttaburrasaurus, Hughenden Sauropod, Sometime after the 1960s, a large Sauropod Queensland Pterosaur and a large selection of was found on a property north of Hughenden. shells, molluscs and fish. More recent finds include the jaw fragment of The first discovery of Ichthyosaur in 1865 was Queensland Pterosaur in 2004, the second find on the Flinders River near Hughenden. This of this species in the Hughenden district. Many specimen of Ichthyosaur vertebra was sent to the hours of preparation revealed a three inch long Museum of Victoria in Melbourne. Later a more lower jaw bone with a few teeth. The jaw had been complete specimen was uncovered, including a washed up against a piece of fosillised wood in the skull and many more vertebrae. The head of an shallow ocean. Pterosaurs were the pelicans of the Ichthyosaur was found at Telemon Station west of Cretaceous inland sea. The animal would have had Hughenden in 1935. It is one of the most complete a wingspan of approximately 2m. Ichthyosaur in the world. Also during 1935 a skull To try your hand at finding your very own fossil, of Kronosaurus was found on the same property. call at the Flinders Discovery Centre for a map and In 1963, a fragment of a Muttaburrasaurus directions. was collected from a cattle yard on the

18 > HUGHENDEN REGION AUSTRALIA’S DINOSAUR TRAIL Australia’s Dinosaur Trail is an exciting adventure travelling across Queensland’s Outback. The trail leads you to the townships of Winton, Hughenden and Richmond, all rich in world class fossils. A journey along the Dinosaur Trail offers visitors a range of unique experiences unlike any other in Australia, let alone the world. The Dinopass is a discounted ticket which entitles the bearer entry to the attractions comprising Australia’s Dinosaur Trail. Two levels are available; the Extended Dinopass provides entry into all (4) of the attractions – Dinosaur Stampede at Lark Quarry Conservation Park, Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum both in the Winton Shire, Flinders Discovery Centre in Hughenden and the Kronosaurus Korner in Richmond. www.australiasdinosaurtrail.com Single and family passes are available and can be purchased from each of the attractions listed on the pass, as well as the Waltzing Matilda Centre.

Free Visitors Guide < 19 Parks & Gardens Hughenden & District

ROBERT GRAY MEMORIAL PARK – PRAIRIE PARK – Located in the centre of Is dedicated to local characters and pioneers of the Prairie on the Flinders Highway, Houses the 35 district. Facilities include free BBQs, picnic areas ft Comet windmill. Facilities include shaded area and public toilets along the northern banks of the with picnic shelter and public toilet. Flinders River. TORRENS CREEK PARK – Is a small rest area in BRODIE STREET PLAYGROUND – Offers free the centre of Torrens Creek on the Flinders Highway. BBQ, picnic area and public toilets. This park has Facililities include picnic table and toilet. a large grassed area with children’s play area and cycle path. NO CAMPING IN PUBLIC PARKS

APEX PARK – DRIVER REVIVER PARK – Is a driver reviver community-based road safety initiative of the Department of Transport and Main Roads and the Queensland Police Service. This is a volunteer operated (open public holidays) facility which include toilets, showers and picnic area.

BULLY PLAYFORD PARK – Is a small picnic area dedicated to one of the long time Rotary members of Hughenden, Arthur ‘Bully’ Playford. Facilities include picnic table and toilets.

RIVERVIEW PARK – Situated on the Flinders River riverbank on the corner of Hann Highway and Comyn Street, has a shaded grassed area and picnic tables.

DISCOVERY PARK – Adjoined to the Flinders Discovery Centre, is a walk through with grassed area, seats and fountain connecting the central business district.

20 > HUGHENDEN REGION RECREATION HUGHENDEN BOWLS CLUB – Is an eight rink synthetic carpet facility with licensed clubhouse. FACILITIES Social games are held Friday from 5pm and HUGHENDEN SKATE PARK – Has a BMX track, Sunday from 3pm. The facilities include shade half court basketball, beginner and open skate area over the green. including half pipe and tabletop. Carve, step-up, HUGHENDEN GOLF CLUB – Is an 18 hole, par drop and grind through Hughenden’s amazing 70 golf course, Social golf (Frothies 6 hole) is held skate park facility which rivals those of most capital every Wednesday. Call into the clubhouse from cities. The facilities include shade over the skate area 3.30 pm and make yourself known. and picnic table. TORRENS CREEK GOLF CLUB – Welcomes HUGHENDEN MEMORIAL POOL – Has a social golfers at any time of the day. Just call into 33 m swimming pool and children’s pool all with the Golf Club. shaded areas. Open September to April.

Free Visitors Guide < 21 VOHLAND RURAL SUPPLIES LOCATED IN RAY WHITE RURAL BUILDING

THOMAS COOK, WRANGLER, JUST COUNTRY, OUTBACK, CRUEL GIRL, CINCH. JEANS, SHIRTS, TOPS, SHOES, LEISURE & WORK WEAR. HOLDEN & ROCK ‘N’ ROLL MEMORABILIA WRANGLER, ARIAT, TWISTED X, THOMAS COOK, FISH N CHIPS + BELTS, SWAGS & BAGS ROBERT AND BURGERS PET PRODUCTS, FODDER ETC BRONWYN WEARING PIZZAS WHAT YOU WOULD EXPECT TO FIND MEALS 5 RICHMOND HILL DRIVE IN A STOCK & STATION STORE ESPRESSO COFFEE PH: 07 47410 100 23-25 BRODIE STREET, 8AM - 8PM CLOSED SUNDAY HUGHENDEN 4821 PH: 07 4741 0254 F: 07 4741 1129 FAX: 07 4741 0111 55 BRODIE ST HUGHENDEN QLD 4821 CONTACT : 07 47410000 [email protected] [email protected]

HUGHENDEN TYRE GREAT WESTERN HOTEL ROYAL HOTEL RESORT CENTRE

OFFERS RELAXING ENVIRONMENT 45 MOTEL UNITS DINE IN AT BOB & JOE’S RESTAURANT 4 SEMI CONTAINED UNITS LARGE VERANDA IN WONDERFUL BREAKFAST & DINNER OPEN PLAN SETTING LUNCH SAT & SUN POKER MACHINES, POOL TABLES ROOM SERVICE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AIR CONDITIONED 10 AIR CONDITIONED MOTEL UNITS AVAILABLE TAB, KENO, POKIES & AUSTAR FOX SPORTS EXTENSIVE RANGE OF TYRES & BATTERIES THURSDAY NIGHT POOL COMP WHEEL BALANCING & ALIGNMENT ROUND POOL TABLE BOTTLE SHOP HYDRAULIC HOSES & FITTINGS LAUNDRY FACILITIES AFTER HOURS SERVICE AVAILABLE CONFERENCE ROOM 5 RICHMOND HILL DRIVE HUGHENDEN QLD 4821 PH: (07) 4741 1803 FAX: (07) 4741 1831 [email protected]

CHENGS CHINESE RESTAURANT BRODIE STREET 21 MORAN STREET HUGHENDEN DINE IN – TAKE AWAY HUGHENDEN QLD 4821 QLD 4821 BYO RESTAURANT PH: 07 4741 1454 PH: 07 4741 1183 AIR – CONDITIONED FAX: 07 4741 1846 EMAIL: CATERING FOR: ENGAGEMENT & FAX: 07 4741 1731 EMAIL: BIRTHDAY PARTIES, WEDDING [email protected] [email protected] RECEPTIONS, BUSINESS FUNCTIONS, SOCIAL OCCASIONS

OPENING HOURS: Sunday – Thursday 11.30am – 2.30pm; 5.00pm – 9.30pm Friday – Saturday 11.30am – 2.30pm; 5.00pm – 10.00pm

31 BRODIE STREET HUGHENDEN QLD 4821 PH / FAX: (07) 4741 1478

22 > HUGHENDEN REGION HUGHENDEN SUPERMARKET

• ALL YOUR GROCERY NEEDS • FRESH FRUIT & VEGETABLES • COMPETITIVE SUPERMARKET PRICES • FROZEN FOOD • COLD DRINKS & ICE CREAM • FRIENDLY COUNTRY SERVICE WITH WEEKLY SPECIALS • AMPLE PARKING • EFTPOS 4 – 6 RESOLUTION STREET • ICE HUGHENDEN QLD 4821 PH / FAX: (07) 4741 1190 VISIT: www.hughendenvanpark.com.au 31 MORAN STREET PO BOX 229 EMAIL: HUGHENDEN QLD 4821 [email protected] PH: (07) 4741 1109 FAX: (07) 4741 1767

FREE WIFI REST EASI MOTEL

CLEAN, QUIET & SPACIOUS FRIDGE & MICROWAVES 3 STAR MOTEL ROOMS BBQ FACILITIES ROOM SERVICE, MEALS ACCEPT VISA, AIRCON, HEATERS, PHONES, TEA MASTERCARD & AMEX & COFFEE MAKING FACILITIES CAMPERS & CARAVANS WELCOME

11 RICHMOND HILL DRIVE, HUGHENDEN QLD 4821 PH: (07) 4741 1633 FAX: (07) 4741 1705 EMAIL: [email protected]

Free Visitors Guide < 23 PRAIRIE HOTEL/MOTEL

PUT THIS ON YOUR “ TO DO” LIST VISIT TOM & ANDREA AND FAMILY FOR A TRUE OUTBACK PUB EXPERIENCE.

See us on tripadviser.com.au under the Prairie Hotel Motel, also Wiki Camps Australia under Prairie Hotel Queensland. FLINDERS HIGHWAY PRAIRIE QLD 4816 PH: (07) 4741 5121 OR MOB: 0427876750 | EMAIL: [email protected]

EDGERTON PLUMBING FORGOT TO PICK SOMETHING UP WHILE VISITING THE FLINDERS & GAS SERVICES DISCOVERY CENTRE?

• GIFTWARE • MEN’S, WOMEN’S • BOOKS, CDS AND CHILDREN’S T-SHIRTS ORIGIN ENERGY AND MAPS • TOYS • LOCAL PRODUCTS GAS SUPPLIES • JACARU HATS • FREE WIFI GAS REFILLING SERVICES

12 STANSFIELD ST HUGHENDEN PH: (07) 4741 1734 FAX: (07) 4741 1707 A/H: (07) 4741 1710 WWW.VISITHUGHENDEN.COM.AU

24 > HUGHENDEN REGION WINDMILL INN COFFEE LOUNGE AND BISTRO

DINE IN OR TAKEAWAY THURSDAY ROAST NIGHT ESPRESSO COFFEE FRIDAY PIZZA NIGHT DAILY SPECIALS SUNDAY BUFFET BREAKFAST HOMEMADE CAKES / OPEN GRILLS, BURGERS, SEAFOOD, DEVONSHIRE TEA LOADED POTATOES AND MUCH MORE. OPEN DAILY 7:30AM FOR BREAKFAST

OPEN HOURS LONGER DURING THE TOURIST SEASON 7 GRAY STREET, HUGHENDEN 4821 PH: 07 4741 1995

FULL RANGE OF GROCERY LINES GREAT FRESH FRUIT & VEGETABLES HOT BREAD DAILY COME SEE OUR GREAT DELI RANGE

OPEN: MON - FRI 8:30AM – 6:30PM SAT 8:30AM – 1PM SUN / PUB HOL 9:30 – 1PM We accept all major credit cards Great Specials Every Week.

13 GRAY STREET HUGHENDEN QLD 4821 ONLINE ORDERING NOW AVAILABLE. PH: (07) 4741 1670 FAX: (07) 4741 1850 CLICK AND COLLECT AT EMAIL: [email protected] www.hughenden.myfoodworks.com.au

Free Visitors Guide < 25 FLINDERS STAR SERVICE STATION

24 HOURS SELF SERVE (DEBIT/CREDIT CARD ) DISCOUNT FUEL CHEAPEST FUEL IN TOWN LOCATED IN THE CENTRE OF TOWN

8 GRAY STREET HUGHENDEN QLD 4821 PH: 0427 411 626

26 > HUGHENDEN REGION Frequently Asked Questions

MOBILE NETWORK & PAYPHONE HOW MANY FUEL STATIONS IN LOCATIONS HUGHENDEN? When travelling in the Flinders Shire, the only We have five fuel stations in Hughenden that mobile phone coverage we have access to is the carry unleaded and diesel, two of these have 98% Telstra Next G network. Our closest neighbours octane and Priestley’s Roadhouse on the Flinders who have Optus are Cloncurry, Longreach and Highway has LP Gas. Charters Towers. WEEKEND BUSINESS OPENING HOURS Locations of public payphones are Remember you’re in the outback now and we love • 11 Gray Street Hughenden weekends free so we can take part in all the great • 61 Brodie Street Hughenden activities and events happening. Generally most • 1 Resolution Street Hughenden businesses are only open from 9am to 12pm on • Richmond Hill Dr Hughenden Saturday mornings and closed for the remainder of the weekend. Foodworks do trade from 9.30am • 37 Savage Street Prairie – 1pm on Sundays/Public Holidays as well as their • 10 Russell Street Torrens Creek Saturday trade 9am – 1pm. • Winton Road Stamford PUBLIC HOLIDAYS RADIO STATIONS & TELEVISION As well as the state and national holidays, we have We may be in the bush, but we certainly do have an extra one thrown in for the Hughenden Show. access to television and radio stations. The show is held annually on the last weekend in Hughenden receives all the major free to air May and the public holiday is on Friday. digital TV channels. If you arrive in town and BOTTLE SHOPS want to watch your favourite team play, both We have two bottle shops in Hughenden. hotels have Foxtel Fox Sports. You won’t miss out on your early morning news with • Great Western Hotel – 14 Brodie Street local radio. • Royal Hotel Resort – 21 Moran street • ABC Local radio – 1485AM IS THERE FREE CAMPING IN • ABC Radio National – 107.5AM HUGHENDEN? • ABC Triple J – QLD 105.9FM There is no free camping or camping at the • 4GC – 756AM Showgrounds in Hughenden. RV camping is • SBS – 104.3FM available for fully self contained Motor homes/ Vans for $6.00 per night. Call into Flinders • FM 88 Discovery Centre for your permit. There are three caravan parks in town.

Free Visitors Guide < 27 BRINGING YOUR POOCH TO HUGHENDEN WHY THE GORGE IS NAMED “PORCUPINE Your pooches are welcome in Hughenden but GORGE”? IS IT BECAUSE THERE ARE A LOT please be aware that the Flinders Shire coordinates OF PORCUPINES THERE? a wild dog (1080 poison) baiting program bi- It is thought that the Gorge received its name due annually throughout the Shire. A number of tourist to the spear grass in the area (much like spikes routes journey through private property and we on an echidna) and/or because there are a lot of ask that you please respect this and be aware that echidnas in the area. baits may be close to roads. Dogs are not permitted in National Parks in CAN I GET OUT TO PORCUPINE Queensland and there are no dog’s kennels in GORGE IN A 2WD? Hughenden. However, we have dog minders, Yes, with no trouble. The 73 km road to the groomers and one dog friendly caravan park. campground is fully sealed. During the wet season check with the Flinders Discovery Centre for recent PUBLIC POOL road reports. The Hughenden Aquatic Centre in Resolution Street is unheated and closes during the winter months, usually from April through to September.

Churches Uniting Church

SACRED HEART 2.00pm (subject PARISH to change) 24 Mowbray Street UNITING CHURCH Service Time Crn Stansfield & Saturday 6.30pm Resolution Streets ST THOMAS Service Times ANGLICAN Sunday 9.30am CHURCH Hardwicke Street JEHOVAH’S Service Time WITNESS 2nd Sunday of the Churchill Street month 9.00am Service Times 4th Saturday of the Wednesday 7.30pm Month visiting priest Sunday 2.30pm

28 > HUGHENDEN REGION Itinerary Explore Hughenden Region

Suggested self guided itineraries to help you better plan your stay.

DAY 1 Visit the Flinders Discovery Centre, to see ‘Hughie’ a Muttaburrasaurus, the amazing fossil exhibition and the Porcupine Gorge Light and Sound Show. Pick up your map with the points of interest guiding you around Hughenden to see the impressive metal sculptures depicting dinosaurs designed and made by local artists.

DAY 2 Spend time at Porcupine Gorge National Park and trek 1.2 km to the base to savour the magnitude of this amazing gorge system. For 4WD enthusiasts, enjoy selected drives throughout the Shire, taking in amazing landscapes and diverse terrain. Finish the day with a trip to Mount Walker, 10 km south of Hughenden for an outback sunset. (Camping at Porcupine Gorge must be booked before arriving at campground) Phone: 13 74 68

DAY 3 Enjoy a 1.5 km walk along the diverse bio–regions of the Eco walk on Flinders. Meet the local guide at the Flinders Discovery Centre, take a town walk and hear the history of Hughenden. Head to Prairie on the Overlanders Way, Prairie Hotel is well worth the inspection. Head 54 km south of Prairie to the natural surrounds of Kooroorinya Falls Nature Reserve. The falls run only during the rainy season.

Free Visitors Guide < 29 The Lynd Junction Croydon The Lynd Junction 266km Cairns 644km

Charters Towers 32km Townsville 166km

40 32

51 Julia Creek 144km 44 Mount Isa 397km 112 44

61

LAKELAND G 59 R KURANDA E CHILLAGOE MAREEBA A Muttaburra 188km Aramac 298km ATHERTON T Barcaldine 364km INNOT HOT SPRINGS 95 MT GARNET RAVENSHOE Winton 215km Longreach 393km Muttaburra 208km Barcaldine 355km

Savanna MT h Way SURPRISE THE LYND B GREENVALE A R WHITSUNDAY CHARTERS TOWERS ISLANDS R y Wa I TORRENS s r' E HUGHENDEN CREEK e nd a R rl Gre PRAIRIE Ove a t Inla BELYANDO CROSSING

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d AUGUSTA i FORBES K Sealed Road ORANGE Unsealed Road S GRIFFITH tu y rt Hwy w STRATEGIC TOURING ROUTES H BATHURST well Australia’s Country Way ADELAIDE Ne NARRANDERA TOCUMWAL YASS SHEPPARTON Leichhardt Hwy & Newell Hwy This map is for promotional use only. e iv r Matilda Hwy & Kidman Way For gazetted road names and accurate detail, l D SEYMOUR sta please refer to a quality touring map. Coa Overlander’s Way ne u r This map only contains strategic touring routes o lb Paci c Coast Touring Route e and does not include any regional routes or M local drives. Sydney This map has been produced by the Flinders Shire Council courtesy of Tourism Queensland.

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