> THINGS TO DO & SEE 1 DAINTREE ST 8 AIRPORT 5KM 1. PLACE M 10 POOL M ERNEST HENRY MINE 38KM M 2. CLONCURRY / MARY KATHLEEN T HENSLEY DR H 9 11 KING ST H MEMORIAL PARK COMPLEX & SCARR ST CLONCURRY UNEARTHED MUSEUM SM H SM 3. CLONCURRY CEMETERY 4. CLONCURRY’S FIRST CEMETERY

> MATILDA 4 5. CHINESE CEMETERY < QUAMBY 43KM SIR HUDSON FYSH DR 3 6. ROTARY LOOKOUT Mount BURKE & WILLS Isa ROADHOUSE 177KM 7. CHINAMAN CREEK DAM 119KM BURKE DEV RD 8. RACE COURSE 9. POST OFFICE SHEAFFE ST HENRY ST RAILWAY ST RAILWAY 10. COURT HOUSE 6 HOSPITAL 11. COMMUNITY PRECINCT 5 MUSGRAVE ST M C H $ P H M P P M UTILITIES RAMSAY ST FLINDERS HIGHWAY McILWRAITH ST H > HOTEL 7 M 2 $ P M C JULIA CREEK M > MOTEL i 2 T 137KM C > CARAVAN PARK INFORMATION WINTON P > PETROL STATION SHEAFFE ST CENTRE POWERHOUSE RD > T > PUBLIC TOILETS PHILLIPS ST $ > BANK / ATM C P SM > SUPERMARKET The Friendly Heart of

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CLONCURRY VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE Flinders Highway / McIlwraith Street / Cloncurry, QLD 4824 Phone / Fax (07) 4742 1361 / Email: info@ cloncurry.qld.gov.au / www.cloncurry.qld.gov.au Cloncurry Visitor Information Centre is open from 8.00am to 4.30pm on weekdays and on weekends from May to September from 9.00am to 3.00pm. Design:Through The Looking Glass Studio, Photography:Through The Looking Glass Studio & Cloncurry Shire Council

This brochure was developed by Cloncurry Shire Council in partnership with Ernest Henry Mining.

Cloncurry Shire Council Administration Office 19-21 Scarr Street, Postal Address: PO Box 3, Cloncurry Qld 4824 Office Hours: 8.30am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday Phone: (07) 4742 4100 / Fax: (07) 4742 1712 Email: [email protected] www.cloncurry.qld.gov.au Tourist Drives:

cairns It is with great pleasure that we extend a very warm welcome to you. It is hoped that the following Karumba information will assist you and make your stay even more enjoyable. NorMANTON Cloncurry is steeped in a history of pioneers forging the way for future inland families. The dedication to the spirit and strength of the outback way has been burke & wills passed through the generations to the present day roadhouse Townsville local. You need to only spend a small amount of time in our town, to realise that we really are “The Friendly Heart of Outback Queensland”. Enjoy your stay and should you require further information please do not mOUNT hesitate to ask the Cloncurry Visitor Information isa Centre for any further assistance.

dajarra

winton Content

boulia How to get there & away...... 2 longreach barCALDINE History...... 3 Things to see & do...... 4 Surrounding Areas...... 10 Interesting Facts...... 12 Birdsville Local Attractions...... 13 charleville Sleep & Eat...... 16 Services & Community Directory...... 18 MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE Please check with your mobile phone supplier to see if your phone will Events...... 20 work in Outback Areas. Road Safety...... 21 Best Coverage – Telstra Next G (blue ticked phones for Rural areas) Next Best - Telstra Next G (not blue ticked) and Optus Digital NOTE: · Vodaphone does not work in this area. · Services are limited when travelling between towns. 200 metres above sea level, geographically this The railway reached Cloncurry in 1907 (opened land was the home of the Mitakoodi & the warlike officially in 1908) and remains an important railway Kalkadoons, the original inhabitants of the area. town. Cloncurry Unearthed Museum or John Flynn Place will open the eye of any budding historian to the In 1861 Burke and Wills with King and Gray, were richness of Cloncurry’s history. the first known Europeans to come into the area on their ill-fated expedition to the . Over the years Cloncurry has been the focal point for Burke named the river “Cloncurry” for his cousin, Lady much of ’s greatest innovations. Cloncurry Elizabeth Cloncurry of County Galway in Ireland. In was involved with the beginnings of , and May 1867, Ernest Henry (honoured as founder of the the original QANTAS Hangar is still in use at the town and the vast mineral wealth of the district), aerodrome, where “Queensland and came this way searching for grazing land, instead Aerial Service” is still displayed above the hangar door. he discovered copper and named his find the Great Australia Mine. The town was surveyed in 1876 and named after the river. The Great Australia Mine still exists today as a working icon of Cloncurry’s prosperous past and present. Impressive finds from the region and examples of local mineral and gems are showcased annually at the Rockhana ‘Gem and Mineral Festival’. The airport was also on route for early planes coming The pastoral industry owes its humble beginnings to from overseas and a stopping place for contestants Road Air Travel three noted pioneers of the 1860’s – Ernest Henry, in the great air races of 1919 and 1934. During the Cloncurry is situated on the Overlander’s Way, Cloncurry Airport, Sir Hudson Fysh Drive Roger Sheaffe and Alexander Kennedy. Between Second World War, Cloncurry was the site of a major 770km west of Townsville and 119km east of P (07) 4742 1235, Qantas 13 13 13 them they owned many thousands of acres stocking United States of America Air Base. . The Barkly Highway is a sealed, double Although QANTAS is the only commercial airline sheep and cattle. In the 1860’s, 71% of Queensland’s It was in Cloncurry that the Royal Flying Doctor Service lane highway accessible to all vehicles during the that flies regularly into Cloncurry, the nearby revenue was derived from the Pastoral Industry with was established in 1928. Flynn’s choice of Cloncurry dry season. If travelling on unsealed roads, please caters for a broad range of the rural sector also providing 94% of Queensland’s was based on its proximity to the mining camps and check at the Cloncurry Visitor Information Centre regional airlines, and has rental vehicles available. exports. As the decades passed Cloncurry had the for road conditions. There is a bus link from Mount Isa to Cloncurry and largest cattle selling yards in the North-West region. scattered pastoralists, all of whom were poorly served call 13 19 40 for 24 hour reports or visit a Cloncurry Airport Shuttle by prior arrangement. The selling yards are now mainly used for tick dipping by any kind of medical services. At a time when his www.131940.qld.gov.au to access Road Closures. Qantas Airways (including Qantaslink) and or placing stock onto rail carriages and road trains. ideas seemed wild and revolutionary, he developed a It is especially important to regularly check during 1800 613 84, www.qantas.com.au The weekly cattle sales have now being taken over by scheme which combined aircraft, radios and medicine the wet season as conditions can change rapidly. computer and paddock sales. to provide a mantle of safety for inland people. Rail Cloncurry is a rural town, which continues to derive its Transport Network Queensland Rail offers twice weekly rail service main income from the mining and pastoral industries. Cloncurry is at the junction of the Landsborough/ (Operates between Townsville-Cloncurry- Mount /Matilda Highway Isa) Hutchinson Parade (07) 4742 4227 or 13 16 72 (North/South link) and Flinders/Barkly Highway/ www.traveltrain.com.au Quick Fact Overlander’s Way (East/West link). Cloncurry is host to many major events throughout the year. The Greyhound Bus Service Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge and Campdraft was the first festival Greyhound Coach Service stops in and out of its kind in Australia and is one of the biggest with men and women of Cloncurry twice daily seven days a week at from across the country participating in a variety of horse events. The Cloncurry Travel Agencies, Ramsay Street and Curry Merry Muster Festival is another favourite with street parades, live BP Roadhouse. music and possibly the most competitive rodeo competition in Australia! www.greyhound.com.au, Call Centre 1300 473 946 2 3 cloncurry unearthed A visit through this museum and you’ll learn more about the area and see memorabilia on Cloncurry and the district. See the waterbottle of explorer Robert O’Hara Burke, photographs, history and the Founders Medal of the Royal Geographical Society struck in 1862. This Medal was awarded to Robert O’Hara Burke to commemorate the expedition. The medal was presented to his family in 1967 when Cloncurry gem collection is ranked by experts as one of the celebrated its Centenary, and has been on display in most comprehensive in Australia and a must see. the Museum since 1985. This museum is being relocated to a new and improved History and photographs of Ernest Henry and the museum space which is currently under construction Great Australia Mine are amongst the displays. and due to be re-opened in November 2012. CLONCURRY / Mary Kathleen Memorial Information and memorabilia can be found on local Address: McIlwraith Street (Flinders Highway) Park complex and surrounding towns, including Mary Kathleen (a Phone/Fax: (07) 4742 1361 The Park Complex is located just off the main high- in the early part of the 20th Century); the building former uranium mining town), Indigenous artefacts, Email: [email protected] way (left side from Julia Creek/Winton) with ample was moved and renovated again for use as a Police archaeological items and the museums’ mineral and Web: www.cloncurry.qld.gov.au parking for cars, caravans and motorhomes. This is Station at the township of Mary Kathleen. After the a perfect place to stop and take a break. It has mine ceased production in the 1980s and the town something for everyone, with a playground for the closed the building was relocated to its current site. kids, amenities and a covered picnic and BBQ area Come up and find out what Cloncurry and the all set in a shaded landscaped parkland. Stretch your surrounding area has to offer at the Cloncurry Visitor legs and go for a 5-minute walk up to the lookout past Information Centre. The Information Centre stocks the unique water feature and take in a spectacular a range of gifts, souvenirs, light refreshments, panoramic view of Cloncurry and the surrounding gems and mineral specimens for purchase. If you rugged landscape. Then stroll around the free out- are looking to go fossicking in the area, we are the door display featuring historic mining, rail and farm local Agent for Fossicking Licences which are needed equipment. Best of all the park complex also includes before you set off. the Cloncurry Visitor Information Centre, along with New Visitor Information Centre Address: McIlwraith Street (Flinders Highway) the Cloncurry Unearthed museum. Phone/Fax: (07) 4742 1361 Displays in the free Outdoor Museum at the park Email: [email protected] include steam engines, a McLaren Traction Engine, Web: www.cloncurry.qld.gov.au Must See & do AROUND TOWN farm and mining machinery and the unique 1941 Spend the afternoon strolling around town and imagine how life was at the turn of the century as Ford V8 Rail Ambulance which was used when roads you take the Heritage Walk. Cloncurry has many interesting examples of colonial architecture in the were impassable and was first commissioned back in attractions heart of the town, including the Courthouse, Post Office and Hotels. 1956 and operated until 1971. . Lookout . Reflect back to a bygone era, at the Afghan, Chinese and Pioneer Cemeteries. . Cloncurry Visitors Information Centre Currently the Cloncurry Visitor Information Centre is . Picnic at one of the many parks in and around town, relax and drift away in the serenity of the region. located in the historic Oona Police Station building, . Park & playground which was then moved to Dobbyn (old mining towns . Gem & Mineral Display . Visit both of the museums in Cloncurry, John Flynn Place Museum & Art Gallery and . BBQ & picinic area Cloncurry Unearthed at Cloncurry / Mary Kathleen Memorial Park Complex. . Outdoor displays . Take a stroll down the main street and visit the local shops and businesses. Amateur fossicking site 4 . 5 cloncurry COMMUNITY PRECINCT The Cloncurry Community Precinct is due to open in August 2012 and will create an exciting, state of the art central service area for the community. . Library . Gallery . Meeting/function rooms . Commercial kitchen & amenities . Community Open Space . Council Administration Centre (entrance via Daintree Street)

John Flynn Place Museum & Art Gallery John Flynn Place Museum & Art Gallery system worked in the early days. The ‘Radio Galley’ John Flynn Place has a wide range of souvenirs commemorates the work of John Flynn and the is a tribute to the amazing work of Alfred Traeger, and light refreshments available for purchase. beginnings of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. the inventive genius who gave a voice to Outback Address: Cnr King and Daintree Streets The museum is a three story venue which also Australia, through the pedal radio. Phone: (07) 4742 2778, Fax: (07) 4742 1989 celebrates the contribution from Fred McKay and A valuable art collection is on display in the Fred Email: [email protected] Alfred Traeger. McKay Art Gallery which has a variety of impressive Web: www.cloncurry.qld.gov.au The museum houses an excellent overview of the historic artwork. Take a stroll around the gardens, John Flynn Place Museum & Art Gallery is open Flynn legacy. The museum’s display moves progres- a relaxing spot to wander and view the Cloister from 8.30am to 4.30pm on weekdays and open Cloncurry Library Free membership to residents upon proof of sively from an image of outback conditions at the of Plaques commemorating the life and work of weekends and public holidays from May to . residency or $50- refundable deposit for temporary turn of the century to the history of Flynn himself. pioneer radio engineers and radio operators, the September from 9.00am to 3.00pm. membership It includes some interesting personal memorabilia original flying doctors, the first aerial medical pilots Free entry for locals when shown proof of residency. and explanations of how the whole Flying Doctor and early patrol padres. . Photocopying black/white/colour available . Laminating available licence size up to A3 . Internet available @ $3- per half hour/free use of Historic Fact word for resumes, assignments, homework etc. . Free access to ALE (family history website provided Rev John Flynn, a minister with the Presbyterian Church lived in the by State Library of Qld) Outback for most of his life, setting up hostels and bush hospitals for . Free access to microfiche (births, deaths, marriages, pastoralists, miners, road workers, railwaymen and other settlers. He Qld) for family history research witnessed the daily struggle of these pioneers living in remote areas . Cemetery records, historical society newsletters, local where just two doctors provided the only medical care for an area of history books etc. available for perusal free of charge almost two million square kilometres. Address: Scarr Street Flynn’s vision finally saw the establishment of the R.F.D.S. and Phone/Fax: (07) 4742 1588 13 flying doctor bases around Australia, which continues to spread Email: [email protected] ‘a mantle of safety’ across 6.9 million square kilometres, or 80 % Library is open from 10am – 5pm Monday to Friday and of the Australian continent, this is the most comprehensive 9am -12noon Saturday aeromedical emergency and health care service in the world. 6 7 St. Coleman’s Catholic Church – Sheaffe Street, built in 1907. The Cloncurry Sale Yards –Sir Hudson Fysh Drive are the largest saleyards in North West Queensland. The Airport – Sir Hudson Fysh Drive, the original hangar with Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Service (Qantas) still on the front. PlayStations, refreshment and hot food; skate park. See the monument to commemorate Qantas, when Multi-sports hall where members partake in – located on the are buried here. Burials ceased around the 1880s Chinese cemetery basketball, indoor soccer, boxing, aerobics, PCYC junction of Coppermine Creek and Annabranch is when the Cloncurry Cemetery opened. mother’s group, netball and discos. the resting-place of many Chinese gold miners who The Cloncurry Cemetery – located P (07) 4742 1523, E [email protected] worked in the Cloncurry District at the turn of the on the corner of Alice Street and Sir Hudson Fysh last century. Access to this Cemetery is off the heavy Bowls club Drive where graves date back to the 1880s. It is the vehicle by-pass road at the Annabranch then take the –Corner of Ramsay and Sheaffe Streets, if you play resting place of Cloncurry’s first schoolteacher, Mary old road and park under bridge. bowls, or are interested in learning how, come down Allen who died on the 12th February 1899 from heat to the Cloncurry Bowls Club. Bare foot Bowls is a exhaustion while travelling between The Gorge and friendly and casual affair perfect for those who want Cloncurry and two miners who were killed in July it flew its first passenger (Alexander Kennedy) from to experience this very social game for the first time. 1907 from an accident at the Great Australia Mine. Longreach to Cloncurry on November 3rd 1922 at a Challengers are always welcome so don’t hesitate to The Afghan Cemetery – located in cost of 11 pounds 2 shillings. Look for other phone ahead and organise a game against the locals. the North-West corner of the Cloncurry Cemetery, Monuments to commemorate the RFDS and Battle of Currently no food available at the Bowls Club this section has many graves of Afghan camel train the Coral Seas. P (07) 4742 1162, Opening Times: Wed-Thurs 3.00pm – 8.00pm drivers and a Mohammedan Priest (Syid Omar). All – Corner of Scarr and Sheaffe Post Office Fri – Sat 3.00pm till midnight, Sun 11.00am – 8.00pm graves face North-South toward Mecca. These graves Street, designated as a Country Post Office in 1871, date from around the turn of the century to the 1950s. a money order office in 1883 and an official electric Cloncurry Swimming pool Cloncurry was Queensland’s largest ‘Ghan town’ in telegraph station that same year. This building was The Cloncurry Swimming Pool is located on Daintree Cloncurry’s First Cemetery the late 1890s and early 1900s. It was estimated refurbished in the 1990s. Australia’s record Street, and open from August to May each year. It – located off Sir Hudson Fysh Drive, turning right into that there were more than 200 Afghan Cameleers temperature was recorded here on the 16th January has a solar heated, eight lane, 25m x 20m pool with Golf Course Road. The graves are from Cloncurry’s and 2000 camels providing transport in the Cloncurry 1889 of 127.5deg (53.1Co). Heritage listed building a disabled access ramp and an area for children. early days, it is unable to be established how many District. There is also a shaded water play feature with a – Corner of Daintree and Court House toddler’s wading pool. Come and make use of the Sheaffe Street built in 1898. Visitors can observe the amenities, kiosk, open grassed area and electric BBQ. Did you know? court room through the glass door from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday. Heritage listed building Dame Mary Gilmore D.B.E, who is featured on the ten-dollar note, also rests in the Cloncurry cemetery. After her death in Sydney in PCYC (Police citizens youth club) 1962, Dame Mary was accorded a state funeral from St. Stephen’s –120 King Street, youth drop in centre, offering Presbyterian Church in Macquarie St and her ashes were interred internet café, arcade games, pool tables and air in the grave of her husband in the Cloncurry Cemetery. hockey, free movie theatre, free Xbox and

8 9 <

NORMANTON

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ke dev. ke burke & wills Quamby roadhouse Malbon Situated 46km north of Cloncurry the Albert Hotel, now Malbon is about 56km from Cloncurry. Today only a

The Quamby Pub was built as the Customs House in the r few houses remain in Malbon, once a busy rail siding 1860s. With the aboriginal meaning of Quamby being, oad on the Great Northern Railway line to Mount Isa. ‘stop, rest a while’, it is a great opportunity to see what Branch lines also went from Malbon to Kuridala then remains of what was once a prosperous Railway Town. onto Selwyn. Check with the Cloncurry Visitor Information Centre for Hotel opening times. Duchess Event: Quamby Rodeo, July Quamby This former mining town is a hamlet on the railway line between Cloncurry and Mount Isa, 130 km from Kajabbi the former and 90 km from the latter. Today, relive Kajabbi 100 km north west of Cloncurry was once Townsville the glory days over a drink or two at the local Duchess an important centre. The nearby mines at Dobbyn < Hotel, where the beer and stories flow. and Mount Cuthbert attracted copper miners to the Points of Interest: area and, as a railhead in the 1920s, it was a location < The Duchess Hotel, Duchess Mine, Old Lime Quarry where the cattle owners from the state’s far North Ba West brought their herds for shipment to the coast. rkly Dajarra 3 2 lands Believe it or not Dajarra was once the largest trucking Kajabbi stands in an area that is steeped in history it ghway1 is where you see the famous old corrugated iron hotel; MOUNt isa hi depot in the world. Dajarra is now a quiet, laid back < town. The older people of the area who remember it was named after the Kalkadoon Aboriginal tribe. b o Dajarra’s heyday say that the area trucked more cattle The old Kalkadoon Hotel (now closed) commemorated r the warrior Kalkadoon tribe who in 1884 fought their ou than Texas in the USA. Drovers would bring cattle from g as far away as Western Australia to put them on the last battle against the mounted police on the slope of h Battle Mountain. hi train at Dajarra. Then came the road trains and soon Point of Interest: g the railway was turned into just a memory. malbon hway Kalkadoon and Kalkadunga Tribe’s memorial stands Dajarra Hotel Mark Street opposite the old hotel. Good fishing spots can be found P (07) 4748 4955, F (07) 4748 4962 along the and Aboriginal cave paintings n Winton Dajarra Roadhouse 2 Lethem Street can also be seen in the area. Kajabbi and the rural sector < P (07)4748 4844, F (07) 4748 4876 predominantly utilises School of the Air. Dajarra Police Station P (07) 4748 4866 NOTE: The Leichhardt River is impassable during wet season Centacare Agent Jimberalla Hall, Burke & Wills Roadhouse s Free phone 13 1021 < duchess Matilda Hwy Normanton, P (07) 4742 5909 Dajarra State School Matheson Street, This roadhouse has 10 powered sites and sits at the MOUNt Prep –Year 7, P (07) 4748 4914 junction of Wills Developmental Rd and Burke isa Developmental Rd, about 180 km north of Cloncurry unsealed roads Point of interest: Post Office Museum and about 200 km south of Normanton. The camping Event: Dajarra Rodeo and Campdraft, September surface is a mixture of grass and dirt; bring your own 1 burke & wills memorial firewood. It’s the getaway to Normanton, Karumba and to Gregory Down, Adele’s Grove and Boodjamulla dajarra 2 fountain spring rest area National Park. Boulia Event: Burke & Wills Campdraft, May 3 former town mine & Mary Kathleen

10 < 11 In this area you can find Blue-winged Kookaburras, Grey-crowned Babblers, Spotted Bowerbirds, Double-bar Finches, Pheasant Coucals and the Cloncurry Ringneck Parrot (we call them Buln-Bulns). The Ballara breed of the Dusky Grasswren has been recorded on the approaches to the park. Fishing Located 3 km West of Cloncurry, the Chinaman Creek Did you know? Dam is a veritable oasis of local flora and fauna, The Cloncurry parrot is a member of the ringneck perfect for fishing. Common fish often seen in the family of parrots which belongs to the genus area include Barramundi, Sooty Grunter, Sleepy Cod, Barnardius. The Cloncurry parrot is restricted Red claw Cray fish and Catfish. to the and the Cloncurry area in Some of the fishing places around Cloncurry: North West Queensland. , Fort Constantine Crossing, Kajabbi, Lake Julius, Clem Walton Park and Corella Dam. Bird Watching WILDLIFE There are a number of birds that are possible to sight An abundance of wildlife can be seen around the here in Cloncurry and surrounding regions, so if you Cloncurry area, from rock wallabies, kangaroos, are interested in birds visit: goannas, lizards and snakes to the odd camel or two. Climate Water • Anywhere around the Cloncurry River You may find as you are wandering around the parks This region is in the semi-arid tropics and Although Cloncurry is located within the flood • The back of Chinaman Creek Dam of Cloncurry the Gilbert’s Dragon more commonly experiences typically long, hot summers and catchment of rural Queensland, surrounding road and You can obtain a Bird- Watching list and also a list of known as the ‘ta-ta lizard’. You will know him when short cool winters. Rainfall pattern in summer is bridge upgrades have ensured the town is always most common snakes, spiders and lizards from the you see him because he will wave ta-ta just before dominated by monsoonal weather from November well prepared for the wet season. Local creeks and Cloncurry Visitor Information Centre. he runs away from you! to March, average rainfall: 500mm. Heavy monsoon dams provide ideal locations for a spot of fishing or rains between December and March can cause major an afternoon swim. flooding, and therefore extremely hazardous, if not Due to its remote location and monsoonal weather impossible driving conditions. Caution should be patterns, Cloncurry residents are often required to exercised if you are considering driving to or through observe water restrictions. While Cloncurry is the outback. currently operating under Level 1 water restrictions, residents should check updates on the Council Land marks website or visit the Council Administration Office The Cloncurry Hills and Ranges are Precambrian. for all the latest changes to water usage rules and Mt. Leviathan, locally known as Black Mountain regulations. is situated near Chinaman Creek Dam, 3km from Cloncurry - a haven for the abundance of birdlife. The Cloncurry River, with its beautiful weeping Teatrees and the picturesque waterholes is home Did you know? to a variety of wildlife. Cloncurry holds the record for Australia’s highest recorded temperature of 53.1oC in 1889.

12 13 be purchased at the Visitor Information Centre and Clem Walton Park & Corella Dam contains mud maps, route descriptions and historical Stop at Clem Walton Park, a picturesque spot 57 km notes of a number of off road destinations. The west of Cloncurry on the Barkly Highway to Mount Ballara Mining Heritage Trail brochure is available at Isa, this spot provides a recreational/camping area the Cloncurry Visitor Information Centre. and abundant birdlife. Over the years the water level Heading West to Mount Isa turn left at the Ballara has dropped at the dam, but it is still a great place Heritage Trail Sign just before the Fountain Springs to fish and bird watch. The Corella Dam is open to all Rest Area. This track will take you into the heart of forms of boating; no boat ramp is provided however the Argylla Ranges and can be difficult in places, boats may be launched from the bank with care. particularly after rain. Travel about 19.6 kms and Clem Walton Park and Corella Dam area supports you pass the site of the old Ballara township, then a Blue-winged Kookaburras, Grey-crowned Babblers, further 3.8 km to Fountain Springs – a permanent Spotted Bowerbirds, Double-bar Finches, Pheasant waterhole. Continue back through Ballara and onto Coucals and Cloncurry Parrots (Barnardius zonarius Hightville and Wee McGregor Mine. Be sure to heed macgillivrayi), or locally known as the Buln-Buln. the warnings provided, respect the sanctity of the The Ballara breed of the Dusky Grasswren has been sites and remember you are on private property. recorded on the approaches to the park. Chinaman Creek Dam & Fossicking Explore and enjoy. Facilities: toilets & picinic tables Recreational Area A variety of minerals or gemstones can be found Camping is permitted but think of others and take your rubbish with you 3kms west of Cloncurry, near Normanton turnoff, in the surrounding area of Cloncurry so it is not Chinaman Creek Dam is the perfect spot to relax surprising that fossicking is a very popular activity with friends and family. The Dam is a great place for among tourists and amateur collectors. For the bushwalking, picnicing or having a BBQ with friends amateur fossicker a site has been provided in the and, of course, going fishing. Chinaman Creek Dam is grounds at Cloncurry /Mary Kathleen Memorial Park also an ideal spot from which to view the spectacular Complex. A fossicking bag can be purchased at the outback sunsets. Cloncurry Visitor Information Centre. Many areas Boating: Chinaman Creek Dam is open to all forms of around Cloncurry have being protected from mining boating. A concrete boat ramp is provided. activities so that material will remain available for Facilities: toilets, swings, picinic tables fossickers to collect. Fossicker’s licenses and mud No camping permitted maps of where you are allowed to fossick can be obtained from the Cloncurry Visitors Information Centre. Always check locally before setting out. These INTERESTING FACT following collecting sites are in the Cloncurry region: Fullarton River, Kuridala, Amethyst Castle, Mary Cloncurry and its surrounding area has an Kathleen, Crystal Mountain, Fountain Springs abundant mineral wealth. There are many mines in the region including Xstrata Copper’s Ernest 4x4 Driving in and around Henry Mining operation located 38 kilometres Cloncurry north east of Cloncurry. Ernest Henry Mining is a There are lots of 4WD historical adventure trails Experiences Activities copper, gold and magnetite mining and between Cloncurry and Mount Isa, where you can • Adventure • Lakes/Rivers/Dams • Animal Viewing • Off Road Driving processing operation and is named after the visit places like the former Mary Kathleen Uranium • Caravan & Camping • Nature based • Bird watching • Self-Guided founder of Cloncurry, Ernest Henry, who Mine and township. The Cloncurry Trails book can explored, prospected and mined in the local area. • Flora/Fauna • Wildlife • Bushwalking • Swimming

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Accommodation Discovery Holiday Park Wagon Wheel Motel Central Hotel/Motel Post Office Hotel/Motel Wagon Wheel Restaurant 2 McIlwraith Street 54 Ramsay Street 46 Scarr Street, P (07) 4742 1418 Sheaffe Street, P (07) 4742 1411 54 Ramsay Street Cloncurry can cater to everybody’s P (07) 4742 2300 P (07) 4742 1866 Monday to Saturday F (07) 4742 2356 P (07) 4742 1866 taste in comfort and style of accommodation. With a large range Free Phone 1800 635 59 F (07) 4742 1819 Lunch: 12.00pm to 2.00pm Lunch: Mon-Sat 12.00pm - 2.00pm F (07) 4742 1819 to choose from, caravan parks, F (07) 4742 2303 E reception@ Dinner: 6.00pm to 8.00pm Dinner: Mon-Sat 6.30pm - 9.00pm Fully Licensed A la Carte Restaurant motels and hotels, you can rest E [email protected] thewagonwheelmotel.com.au Cloncurry Bakery & Café Sunday BBQ in the Beer Garden – 7 Days 6.00pm - 8.30pm assured that wherever you choose Gidgee Inn Motel Wal’s Camp Scarr Street, P (07) 4742 1442 7.00pm - 8.00pm to stay, you will be well looked 2 McIlwraith Street Phillip Street (2kms south of Town) Dine In or Take Away, Roadrunner Roadhouse & after. P (07) 4742 1599 P (07) 47 42 1606 Mon-Fri 6.00am - 4.00pm, Café: McIlwraith Street Central Hotel/Motel F (07) 4742 2431 E [email protected] Sat 7.00am - 1.00pm, P (07) 4742 1416 / UHF 40 46 Scarr Street E [email protected] Sun7.00am - 1.00pm, Open from 5.00am - 10.00pm 7 days a week. Cooked meals, P (07) 4742 1418 Leichhardt Hotel/Motel Dine in or Cloncurry Fish Café F (07) 4742 2290 5 Scarr Street Ramsay Street, P (07) 4742 0525 Licenced Dining, Take-away, Takeaway Snacks, Cold Drinks, Large Vehicle/ E [email protected] P (07) 4742 1389 Our Restaurants may vary in price, Dine In or Take Away F (07) 4742 1741 Mon-Fri 7.00am - 8.00pm Motorhome Access to Bowsers, Cloncurry Caravan Park Oasis but you are guaranteed a great Toilets & Showers. 56-74 McIlwraith Street Oasis Hotel/Motel meal at them all, accompanied Sat, Sun & public holidays P (07) 4742 1313 17 Ramsay Street throughout by great service. All 5.00pm - 8.00pm F (07) 4742 0029 P (07) 4742 1366 diet tastes and requirements can Cuppa’s on Ramsay E [email protected] F (07) 4742 1802 be met by any of our Cafes and Mon-Fri 8.30am - 6.00pm Restaurants. Cloncurry Shire is Did you know... Cloncurry Motel E [email protected] Sat & Sun 9.30am -1.00pm cattle country and we’re not that 41 Sheaffe Street Post Office Hotel/Motel P/F (07) 4742 0383 far from the Gulf of Carpentaria, The Wagon Wheel Motel is the oldest liquor licensed premises P (07) 4742 1866 Sheaffe Street E [email protected] one of the best spots in Australia in North West Queensland with a licence that was granted more than F (07) 4742 1819 P (07) 4742 1411 Gidgee Inn for beef and seafood, what more 135 years ago. It was established as the Prince of Wales Hotel in 1876. F (07) 4742 2356 McIlwraith Street Coyote Inn can we say? The current restaurant building was built in 1926 after the previous E [email protected] P (07) 4742 1599 building was destroyed by fire. There’s lots of history, antiques and 25 McIlwraith Street BP Roadhouse Cloncurry P (07) 4742 0786 Red Rock Motel Fully Licensed A la Carte Restaurant artefacts to be seen. Ramsay Street, P (07) 4742 2407 F (07) 4742 0781 56-58 Scarr Street Mon-Sat 6.30pm to 9.00pm Open 5.00am - 9.00pm, 7 days a E [email protected] P (07) 4742 2728 Grinners Pizza & Pasta week, including public holidays The Gidgee Inn Restaurant and motel is made from rammed F (07) 4742 2133 Take Away earth which was selected as the preferred building media because of Ramsay Street (situated in the its wonderful natural insulation qualities. Rammed earth comprises a Wagon Wheel Restaurant) mixture of local gravel, coarse sand and clay which is mixed and bound What’s on in Cloncurry P (07) 4742 1480 with about 6% of white cement. The damp mixture is shovelled into To find out what’s on in Cloncurry - read the local All of our venues have various entertainment Wed-Sun 5.00pm - 9.00pm in-situ moulds and compacted using a compressed air rammer. The notice boards or shopfronts around town, try the throughout the year, so it’s best to ask what’s Leichhardt Hotel/Motel moulds are removed immediately and the surface is brushed to give a newsagency, Woolworths, Foodworks and the Post happening this week, as some things can occur 5 Scarr Street , P (07) 4742 1389 natural earth appearance. A silicon coating is sprayed on the surface to Office. By doing this you are assured of a more up quite quickly. Fully Licensed, Bistro style meals seal and proof the walls. The colour is natural – Cloncurry Red! to the minute overview of what’s happening within Mon-Sat Lunch 12.15pm - 1.30pm our community. Mon-Sun Dinner 6.30pm - 8.30pm 16 17 Schools Cloncurry Scout Association Cloncurry Pharmacy Department Transport & Cloncurry Travel Agencies Chaplain’s Newsagency Childcare Centre Seymour Street, P (07) 4742 0101 33 Ramsay Street, P (07) 4742 1454 Main Roads 39 Ramsay Street, P (07) 4742 1107 Cnr of 23 Ramsay and King Street 80 Steele Street, P (07) 4742 1728 Girl Guides F (07) 4742 1099 16 -22 Ramsay Street P (07) 4742 1457 E [email protected] Opens: Mon- Fri, 7.30am - 6.00pm Every Tuesday, 5.00 - 6.00 pm P (07) 4769 3200 or 13 2380 VEHICLE SERVICE Cloncurry Cleaning & Laundry E [email protected] Guide Hut Cloncurry Veterinary Surgery 67 McIlwraith Street 4WD Service Cnr of Uhr and McIlwraith Street McIlwraith Street, P (07) 4742 1254 P (07) 4742 2907 Cloncurry Kindergarten Churches 28 Ramsay Street 65 Seymour Street, P (07) 4742 1148 Lions Club F (07) 4742 1858 F (07) 4742 2905 E [email protected] Anglican Church P (07) 4742 2559 E [email protected] P (07) 4742 2963 or M 0427 739 523 Cloncurry Post Office 1st & 3rd Mon each month 6.30pm Uhr Street, M 0419 717 207 Freecall 1800 077 353 Community Health Cnr Sheaffe & Scarr Street Cloncurry State School / P-12 Leichhardt Hotel Assembly of God Caltex Service Station 49 Daintree Street, P (07) 4742 1102 Mon - Fri 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Cnr Sheaffe & Daintree Street Ramsay Street, P (07) 4742 2760 6 Ramsay Street P (07) 4742 8333, F (07) 4742 8300 F (07) 4742 2343 P (07) 4742 1497 St Coleman’s Catholic Church P (07) 4742 1260 Emergency Flinders Medical Centre Isa Skills/Job Future Cloncurry TAFE Campus Sheaffe Street, P (07) 4742 1398 F (07) 4742 1426 Services Unit 4/27 Ramsay Street 2/6 Scarr Street, P (07) 4742 1150 35 Ramsay Street, P (07) 4742 2380 Cloncurry Tyre Service Open: Mon- Fri 8.15am - 4.15pm Cloncurry Police Station P (07) 4742 2233 Uniting Church www.isaskills.org 35 Scarr Street, P (07) 4742 8888 F (07) 4742 2266 McIlwraith Street, P (07) 4742 1239 King Street, P (07) 4742 1441 St Vincent de Paul Society School of the Air Niverak Smash Repairs Police, Fire, Ambulance: 000 Ramsay Street, P (07) 4742 1195 Predominantly utilised by the rural 29 Ramsay Street Queensland Ambulance Banking Service sector where the majority of the Fuel Stations P (07) 4742 2204 Musgrave Street, P (07) 4742 1100 Commonwealth Bank Agency families live on stations within a Ausfuel 24 hrs. Airport Road, F (07) 4742 2205 Radio Stations at Cloncurry Post Office 450km radius from Mount Isa. Queensland Fire & Rescue Accepts Ausfuel and AFD cards. P (07) 4744 8333 Service, 47 Scarr Street, P (07) 4742 1497 RACQ Road Service ABC Carpentaria 567AM Australian Fuel Distributors (24 hrs.) P 13 19 05 F (07) 4744 8300 42 Scarr Street, P (07) 4742 1642 Rabobank 4LM 666AM (AFD) Phillip Street, P (07) 4742 1655 St Joseph’s Catholic School 39 Ramsay Street, P (07) 4742 2831 Triple J 10435FM – BP Roadhouse Cloncurry P-7, Cnr Ham & Sheaffe Street Medical Services National Australia Bank Grocery Shops to a 5km radius of Cloncurry Ramsay Street, P (07) 4742 2407 P (07) 4742 1633 Blue Care Nursing Service Ramsay Street, P 13 22 65 Foodworks Supermarket M 0409 190 218 Caltex Service Station 88 Steele Street, P (07) 4742 1613 Westpac Ramsay Street, P (07) 4742 1303 E [email protected] 6 Ramsay Street, P (07) 4742 1260 Cloncurry Dentist Ramsay Street, Woolworth’s Supermarket Sheaffe Street, P (07) 4744 4407 P 13 20 32 / (07) 4742 1155 Roadrunner Roadhouse & Cafe Scarr Street, P (07) 4742 1173 CLUBs McIlwraith Street Cloncurry Car Club Cloncurry Hospital Musgrave Street, P (07) 4742 4500 P (07) 4742 1416 / UHF 40 Contact: Mick Hughes Government LOCAL BUSINESSES Cloncurry Hospital has 25 beds. Departments Woolworth’s Petrol Plus P (07) 4742 1523 or M 0402 522 941 Services include: post natal care, Access Electronics Centre Link Agent Ramsay Street, P (07) 4742 2807 F (07) 4742 2781 antenatal clinics, women’s clinic, 22 Scarr Street TV stations Cloncurry Rotary Club emergency treatment Chest Clinic, 12a Ramsay Street P (07) 4742 2590 (Near Gidgee Baskets) P 13 10 21 Contact: Michelle Mitchell x-rays and outpatients. Visiting Transportation F (07) 4742 2591 • ABC M 0428 772 236 or Larinda Turrell specialists include: Flying Surgeon, Cloncurry Railway Station Cloncurry Taxi Service Brodie Hardware • 7 Central Podiatrist, Dietician and Mental on M 0400 624 739 Hutchinson Parade 14 A Scarr Street, P (07) 4742 1408 Cnr Sheaffe and Scarr Streets • Imparja 2nd Mon each month Health Workers. P (07) 4742 4209 or M 0428 46 8294 P (07) 4742 1414 • SBS and Austar Gidgee Inn, 7.00 pm F (07) 4742 1371 18 19 WHEN TRAVELING & CAMPING IN THE OUTBACK IT IS WISE TO.. Plan ahead and make sure you have significant supplies, plenty of fuel, water, food and always carry spare tyres and a good first-aid kit. Ensure you have a current road map and call into the local Visitor Information Centre for all up to date weather and road conditions before leaving. MARCH SEPTEMBER Remember to take regular breaks to prevent fatigue. Curry Day Westpac & Northern Agricultural Mining Expo Take care and drive to the conditions of all unsealed roads, extra care must be taken on loose “It’s about us” - this fun community event is held Held biannually, this event showcases the latest surfaces as these can be unpredictable. to inform new arrivals to the community what is mining and agricultural technology. available in Cloncurry in the way of clubs, sporting Ernest Henry Art Show Take care when overtaking road trains, be sure that you have clear vision around these groups and organizations. An annual art competition that draws entries from long vehicles (some of these vehicles can be as long as 53 metres in length), heavy vehicles JUNE around the nation. and caravans can only do so when you can clearly see at least 1km ahead. Be aware that loose surfaces such as dust and loose gravel can be flicked up.Remember when travelling Cloncurry District Show OCTOBER behind a if you can’t see his mirrors, he can’t see you. Locals showcase their best produce, handcrafts, Battle of the Mines cooking and more. All the fun of the fair! A friendly, yet competitive Rugby League Carnival When travelling on single lane sealed roads, give road trains right of way, and slow between all the mines in the North West District. down and move off the left as far as possible, allowing the road train to remain on the JULY road. Also in wet conditions the edges can be soft, so when pulling off to the left, you Rockhana Gem and Mineral Festival DECEMBER should always keep your right wheels on the bitumen. This 3 day festival showcases the impressive wealth Cloncurry Christmas Festival of minerals and crystals in the region. Be dazzled A great family event with Santa visit and markets. If the road condition is only accessible to 4WD – Use only a 4WD Vehicle. by the array of displays, sales and activities on offer. When travelling to remote areas ensure to advise the Police or responsible person Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge & Camp Draft on your intended itinerary and report back on your arrival. This true blue stockman’s festival is one of the best Regular Events with competitors from all over Australia displaying Sunday Markets When entering private property, ie Stations, remember that this is someone’s home, their horsemanship skills. Held at the Cloncurry/Mary Kathleen Memorial Park and should be treated as such, all gates should be left as you find them, open gates are left open and closed gates should be closed after passing through them. Quamby Rodeo on the 4th Sunday of the month from May This country rodeo is a fun day for all the family. to September. New stall holders are welcome! Beware of stock and wildlife on all roads; dawn and dusk are the time when animals AUGUST Race Meetings are most active. Always fun, with country hospitality and fashions Curry Merry Muster Festival Beware of certain areas which are unfenced. Kick off the festival at the Street parade on Friday of the field, 5 race meetings throughout the year, night. Do not miss the action of the richest single a great day out! Should your car break down in the Outback, it is important that you stay with your vehicle payout Rodeo in Australia. at all times, stay in the shade and keep hydrated, do not attempt to walk to safety. Ask for a Calendar of Events at the Cloncurry Visitor Information Centre 20