Emerald to Mount Isa Emerald to Mount Isa Get off the beaten track and discover the natural beauty of the outback as you travel from Emerald to Mount Isa.

Emerald to Mount Isa Emerald to Mount Isa Seven Night Drive Get off the beaten track and discover the natural beauty of the outback as you travel from Emerald to Mount Isa. Discover Queensland’s prehistoric past and absorb each town’s local history along the way. Van Gogh Sunflower Painting Once famous for its reputation as a major sunflower producer, Emerald is now home to the world’s biggest Van Gogh sunflower painting on an easel located in Morton Park at the western end of Clermont Street (Capricorn Highway). The superstructure is 25 metres high with approximately 13.6 tonnes of steel involved in its construction. Adjacent you’ll find the ‘straw bale’ Visitor Information Centre where the friendly volunteer staff can provide information on exploring Emerald and the surrounding Central Highlands. Fossilised Tree Located outside Emerald’s Town Hall is an amazing fossilised tree which is 250 million years old. The tree was unearthed in 1979 when a new railway bridge was being built across the Mackenzie River for the Gregory Mine. It was presented to the town in its 2

centenary year by the mining company. National Trust listed Railway Station Built in 1900 and restored in 1986, the National Trust listed Railway Station with its wrought iron lacework and pillared portico provides visitors with great photo opportunities. Emerald Accommodation Options Emerald Maraboon Motor Inn The Maraboon Motor Inn offers superb comfort, top facilities and competitive rates. The Motor Inn has 71 air conditioned units. All beds are now triple sheeted, and rooms have new 68 centimetre flat screen LCD televisions. The Maraboon Motor Inn is situated in Esmond Street, between the Maraboon Tavern and the Capricornian Restaurant, directly across the road from the Twin Cinema’s and the Emerald Village Shopping complex. Emerald Cabin and Caravan Village Emerald Cabin and Caravan Village is Emerald’s leading tourist and residential village with full facilities for a comfortable and enjoyable holiday in award winning gardens. They offer cabins, powered sites, and a camping area. It overlooks Emerald’s 18 hole Golf Course, Club House, Bar and Bistro, and is situated next to

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the Olympic heated pool. They are within walking distance to Emerald Central Business District and all modern shopping facilities. Emerald Cabin and Caravan Village is located at 64 Opal Street, Emerald. Discovery Holiday Parks – Lake Maraboon Overlooking Lake Maraboon and on the banks of the beautiful Fairbairn Dam, Discovery Holiday Parks - Lake Maraboon ensures you enjoy the benefits of this lovely location without sacrificing any creature comforts. Located close to Emerald, you can gain easy access to this glorious setting and relax amongst the native wildlife and birds. Park facilities include boat hire, camp kitchen, conference facilities, disabled access, fishing, kiosk, restaurant, swimming pool and waterfront. The Holiday Park is located along Fairbairn Dam Access Road. Emerald to Barcaldine (309km) Tree of Knowledge Barcaldine’s charming facade, one that has earned it the tag of ‘Garden City of the West’ hides tumultuous tales of a controversial past. In 1891, five years after the railway push into the Outback established the township, Barcaldine became the headquarters of the Great Shearers’ Strike. One thousand shearers laid down their blades in a defiant protest that reverberated around the nation and resulted in the formation of the Australia Labor Party and a graziers’ group which later evolved into 4

the National Party. An enduring symbol of the strike lives on today in the Tree of Knowledge, the imposing ghost gum on Oak Street where the strike meetings were held. The Australian Workers Heritage Centre The Australian Workers Heritage Centre is a national project commemorating not just these events, which changed the course of the nation’s working history, but is a tribute to all Australian working men and women. Discover at your own pace through interactive displays, film, photographs, artefacts and recreated historical work settings. It’s also home of the “Young-Un” – the only direct descendant of the Heritage listed ‘Tree of Knowledge’. Beautifully landscaped gardens and shady trees surround a sparkling bore fed billabong creating a cool outback oasis, with the convenience of picnic, barbecue and playground facilities. Barcaldine Radio Theatre Barcaldine is also home to the old world Radio Theatre, complete with its canvas seats, and the working windmill that pumps water into the sculpture designed and erected by the Youth of Barcaldine, which stands outside the information centre. Barcaldine Accommodation Options Barcaldine Country Motor Inn The Barcaldine Country Motor Inn in Box Street is a quality air-conditioned 5

motel situated on the corner of the Capricorn and Landsborough Highways. The motel has 20 clean and comfortable rooms and tables and chairs outside the rooms where you can take in the manicured lawns. Ironbark Inn Motel The Ironbark Inn, situated in Box Street, is family-owned and operated by Rob and Deb Chandler. The 3L’s licensed family steakhouse is popular with locals and visitors. The 3L’s stands for Liars, Larrikins and Legends welcome. Experience old fashioned bush hospitality and meet the Man from the Ironbark! The Blacksmiths Cottage The Blacksmiths Cottage in Elm Street is a charming historic cottage with extensive verandas set in a pretty garden with half acre grounds very close to shops, attractions and transport. It’s fully restored with period furniture and four poster bed in the main bedroom with summer house for a leisurely afternoon tea in quiet, private surroundings. The cottage is suitable for a couple or family of four or two couples travelling together. Barcaldine to Longreach (107km) Cobb and Co Coach Ride Explore the rich history of Longreach by stepping aboard a Cobb and Co. Coach. Transport yourself back in time and experience life in the old days. Departing from the Station Store at 126 Eagle Street, the ride takes you through the streets of Longreach and out on a 6

‘Gallop through the Scrub’ giving you a taste of the bygone days. Longreach Powerhouse Museum Unearth one of the town’s best kept secrets at the Powerhouse Museum, the largest preserved rural generating facility in Australia. Head to 12 Swan Street and dive into the local history with displays explaining how electricity was generated, maintained and distributed throughout the Shire. Displays also focus on the social and commercial history, agriculture and the 1921 swimming baths. Railway Museum The Longreach Railway Museum is a static museum depicting what life was like in the 1900s when the rail played a vital role in the establishment of the town. The Railway

Station, located off the Landsborough Highway, is in remarkably good condition and close to 100 years old; it’s still used to this day. Stockman’s Hall of Fame For an outback experience like no other, join the more than one million people who have toured the iconic Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, located near the airport on the Landsborough Highway. This premier tribute to the men and women of the outback was officially opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1988. It tells the story of the rural areas from the arrival of the Aborigines more than 40,000 years ago; the establishment of grazing, agriculture, mining, forestry and other industries; life in the outback and the stock worker.

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Qantas Founders Museum Though it was born in Winton, Qantas came to life in Longreach where its humble beginnings and rise to the top is depicted at the Qantas Founders Museum located on Sir Hudson Fysh Drive. This world-class attraction celebrates the founders of the airline, and allows visitors to tour the decommissioned 747 ‘City of Bunbury’ and the Boeing 707 jet, the very first passenger jet ever owned by Qantas. Hop onboard the 747 and explore the computer systems, flight controls, cockpit and cargo holds. Don’t forget to step out onto the wing and experience the full majesty of the plane. Longreach Accommodation Options Longreach Motor Inn The Longreach Motor Inn is a magnificent three and a half star accommodation house adjacent to the town centre of Longreach, close to the historic railway station, kids playground and landscaped walking/bike track. The motel has 57 air conditioned units and two bedroom family apartments on two levels, two guest laundries and undercover parking. A sparkling pool, barbecue area and sauna are located in the landscaped grounds. The Outback Restaurant offers excellent wining and dining. The Motor Inn is located at 84 Galah Street, Longreach. Longreach Motel The Longreach Motel offers country style hospitality to its guests. There are 8

14 ground level units featuring comfortable furnishings, air conditioning, wireless internet and AUSTAR. The Motel, located at 127 Eagle Street, is the most conveniently located motel in Longreach, within 300 metres of all banks, post office, supermarket, cinema, restaurants and shops. Abajaz Motor Inn The Abajaz Motor offers friendly, country hospitality in their quiet, comfortable and clean rooms. The Abajaz is perfectly located midway along the walking track that links the renown Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, Qantas Founders Museum and School of the Air with the town centre. Amenities include undercover parking, free wireless internet, swimming pool, barbecue, guest laundry, fax and photocopying service, cooked or continental breakfast, chargeback, 56 panel 10 kilowatt Solar System, and courtesy transfers. Room facilities include AUSTAR television, reverse cycle air conditioning, tea and coffee, a fridge, microwave, phone and iron. The Motor Inn is located at 11 Wonga Street, Longreach. Longreach to Winton (179km) Australian Age of Dinosaurs Discover one of the nation’s most comprehensive displays of Australian dinosaur fossils. Australian Age of Dinosaurs, located along Elderslie Street, shows the results of the fossil 9

fever that has gripped Winton since the first bones of ‘Elliot’ were found on a Winton property. ‘Elliot’ was a Sauropod and is the largest dinosaur yet found in Australia - believed to be nearly 22 metres long. See the life-sized diorama of the Dinosaur Stampede, recreating the scene where small dinosaurs fled from a ten metre Carnosaur. Arnos Wall For a cultural experience of a different kind, head to the two metre high and 70 meter long Arnos Wall on Vindex Street. This modern display of art and architecture is built out of concrete and rock, and features an array of household items including lawnmower parts, vintage typewriters, sewing machines, boat propellers and motorbikes

Waltzing Matilda Centre Learn the truth behind one of Australia’s most iconic songs at the Waltzing Matilda Centre located at 50 Elderslie Street. Step inside and discover why the song, penned by Banjo Paterson, is as relevant to Australians today as it was 110 years ago. Check out the ‘light and sound’ show, while interactive displays interpret the song, Australian history and what it is to be Australian. Heritage Truck and Machinery Museum Take a nostalgic trip into transport history by visiting the Diamantina Heritage Truck and Machinery Museum at Lot 2 Hughenden Road. Take a look at the museum’s historic trucks including vintage fire engines, vehicles

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and machinery as well as photographic and transport memorabilia. Musical Fence Pay a visit to one of the more unique attractions in Winton that will most certainly appeal to your inner musician. Winton is home to the Musical Fence, the only one of its type in the world. Located behind the Truck and Machinery Museum, the musical installation features five metal strings attached to a post; all you need is a stick to strike a chord. This unique tourism drawcard is making a name for itself in the music industry - Gotye used the instrument to create the bass line for his song Eyes Wide Open.

Banjos Overnight and Holiday Units At Banjo’s Overnight and Holiday Units, relax in peaceful garden surroundings on the private verandah of your self-contained ensuite unit. All units are detached and most have undercover parking, some with boat and trailer parking. The partly shadecovered swimming pool awaits those who wish to cool off on the warmer outback days. A pergola area is adjacent to the pool where you can relax with a refreshing drink or a bite to eat. There is an undercover barbecue area for guests to use at any time. A guest laundry is also available. Banjos Overnight and Holiday Units is located along Manuka Street, Winton.

Winton Accommodation Options

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North Gregory Hotel Make your experience of the heart of the outback an unforgettable one. Stay in comfort and style, and experience great food, and great service, in this historically rich hotel. Home to the first performance of Waltzing Matilda, and birthplace of Qantas, the Famous Gregory Hotel is an icon of the west. The North Gregory Hotel has always been known as an iconic watering hole but now also offers weary travellers comfortable hotel rooms offering both shared and ensuite facilities, following stage one refurbishment of this historic hotel. The Hotel is located at 67 Elderslie Street, Winton. Winton Outback Motel The Winton Outback Motel is within walking distance to all the local attractions including the Matilda Centre, Royal Theatre and the historic Corfield and Fitzmaurice Store and excellent eating facilities. Guests can stay in a range of accommodation options including units, and a king room. The Motel is located at 95 Elderslie Street, Winton. Lark Quarry Conservation Park Lark Quarry Conservation Park holds the only evidence in the whole world of a dinosaur stampede. The evidence: 3,300 fossilised dinosaur footprints from a time when dinosaurs stomped through lush rainforests and the outback looked very different from the way it is today. These dinosaur tracks inspired the dinosaur stampede scene

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in Steven Spielberg’s movie Jurassic Park. The tracks are protected inside a solarpowered building, constructed using ecologically sustainable methods. Discover the fascinating story of the stampede of 95 million years ago. Entry to the tracks is by guided tour only (a fee applies). Independent visitors can enjoy a short 500 metre walk along the Spinifex circuit, or enjoy a longer 3.5 kilometre return walk along the Jump Up Loop to explore this awe-inspiring landscape known as ‘jump up’ country. The park is located along Winton-Jundah Road, Winton. Winton to Hughenden (216km) Historic Coolabah Tree The Historic Coolabah Tree is situated past the causeway on the right as you head to the Hughenden Showgrounds. Located on Stansfield Street, the tree is of immense historical importance as it is linked to two relief expeditions searching for the Burke and Wills Expedition. Both expeditions blazed the tree on the banks of what is now Station Creek. In 1861 Fredrick Walker led a team from Rockhampton to the Gulf searching in vain for the missing explorers. The following year Landsborough’s search party passed through from the Gulf. These relief expeditions led people to become aware of the fertility and wealth of the plains adjacent to the Flinders River. Truly this tree should be preserved as a memorial to the brave explorers of this land. Two plaques have been 13

erected near the tree as a tribute to them. 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. Come and witness the amazing light and sound show that takes you back more than 500 million years to the beginning of the formation of Porcupine Gorge. The Bioregions display gives concise information about the four different bioregions in the Shire, explaining land types, flora and fauna unique to these areas. ‘Shearing the Stragglers’ tells the story of the demise of the sheep industry

throughout the Flinders Shire. Tales of hardship and change are told through stories of men who lived this gruelling life from 1865 to present day times. The Centre is located at 37 Gray Street, Hughenden. Basalt Byway The Basalt Byway is a four wheel drive track winding between the landscapes north of Hughenden. Leave the town heading towards Porcupine Gorge and take the gravel road after a couple of kilometres. This track takes you on a journey through some amazing country, featuring rolling walls of basalt, creating deep meandering valleys and lava flows. Excellent lookouts show the depth and length of many of the valleys you will wind through. One

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lookout in particular is over an open downs area with the township of Hughenden in the distance. Hughenden Accommodation Options Hughenden Allen Terry Caravan Park Situated on Resolution Street, the Hughenden Allen Terry Caravan Park offers shaded grassy camp grounds, caravan sites with power and sullage. Available are clean, modern cabins (one and two bedroom), with ensuite air-conditioning, cooking facilities, linen, air conditioned single ensuite units with linen, air conditioned budget single rooms with shared amenities, kitchen and television room. The park is pet friendly, however no pets in accommodation.

Rest Easi Motel & Caravan Park The Rest Easi Motel is located on the Flinders Highway in Hughenden. This quiet and spacious motel offers clean, well appointed double and family rooms. All rooms have Austar Movies and more. The Motel is perfect for the traveller who wants some comfort for the night. Campers and caravanners are also welcome. The Motel is located in Moran Street, Hughenden. Hughenden Royal Hotel Resort The Hughenden Royal Hotel Resort offers 48 modern air-conditioned units with ensuite. There are two bars and bottle shop on premises as well as TAB, pokies and an inground swimming pool.

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Hughenden to Richmond (115km) Kronosaurus Korner Fossil Centre Begin your dinosaur tour of discovery and imagination in Richmond, situated on the Overlander’s Way halfway between Townsville and Mount Isa. The Kronosaurus Korner Fossil Centre on Goldring Street on the Overlander’s Way is primarily dedicated to displaying marine reptiles. However, Kronosaurus Korner is also home to Australia’s best preserved dinosaur skeleton. After visiting Kronosaurus Korner you may like to try your hand at finding your very own fossil. Richmond Heritage Trail If stepping forward in time from the prehistoric era to a more recent past is more your scene, then take a heritage

walk around the town, viewing the signs depicting yesteryear. Pay your respects to the pioneers that shaped this country at the Pioneer Cemetery, relax in the Lions Park, visit the Cambridge Ruins 40 kilometres out of town, or take a walk along the Flinders River. Lake Fred Tritton Lake Fred Tritton is conveniently located at the edge of town. With a 1.2 kilometre circumference and a maximum depth of eight metres, Lake Fred Tritton allows visitors and locals the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of water sports and leisure activities. Every October the lake hosts the October Full Moon Festival where you can experience jazz under the stars.

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Richmond to Julia Creek (149km) At the Creek - Visitor Information Centre At the Creek is located on the Corner of Julia and Burke Street in Julia Creek. This accredited visitor information centre offers a one stop shop for travel information including maps, brochures, and itineraries. Through outdoor audio stations, movies and static displays, come and experience life in Julia Creek and McKinlay Shire told by local residents. Open daily. Grab a map and brochure about the historical walk through town.

Donald McIntyre Museum & Duncan McIntyre Park Discover the history of Julia Creek and see what pioneering life was really like from the collection of photographs, historical items and memorabilia on display. It’s believed Donald and his brother Duncan McIntyre were one of the first Europeans to settle in the area and named the township, Julia Creek. Open daily. Nature Trail Behind the caravan park is a great nature trail that takes around an hour to complete. An abundance of local birds and wildlife can be seen in the early morning and late afternoon. Obtain a bird list from the information centre.

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Julia Creek Accommodation Options Julia Creek Motel The Julia Creek Motel offers clean and comfortable motel style rooms. Guests can stay in air conditioned/heated rooms with an ensuite, AUSTAR, wireless internet, and tea and coffee. Undercover parking is available, and guests can utilise the pool and BBQ area. The Motel is located at 98 Burke Street, Julia Creek. Julia Creek Caravan Park The Caravan Park has all the necessary facilities for a comfortable stay. The park includes self-contained units, grassed camping areas, power and unpowered sites, laundry, and a camp kitchen. The park is located along Old Normanton Road.

Julia Creek to Cloncurry (137km) Qantas Hangar The airport on Sir Hudson Fysh Drive is home to the original Qantas Hangar is in Cloncurry. The site features a monument commemorating the first passenger flight from Longreach to Cloncurry on 3 November, 1922. It also offers a historical background on Qantas including a range of interesting artefacts. John Flynn Place John Flynn Place on Daintree Street commemorates the founding of the Royal Flying Doctor Service in 1928. The centre has three floors of historical material including photographs, documents and artefacts which give a fascinating insight into the early days of the service. Also on site are the Fred

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McKay Gallery and Cloncurry Gardens. Mary Kathleen Memorial Park and Museum See memorabilia from the historic Mary Kathleen Uranium Mine and township at the Mary Kathleen Memorial Park and Museum on McIlwraith Street. There are iconic photographs and other pieces on display, including those once belonging to Robert O’Hara Burke from the Burke and Wills exploration team. The site also features the region’s historic police station and one of Australia’s most comprehensive rock and mineral displays. Chinaman Creek Dam and Recreational Area Just 3km from town on the Barkley

Highway, enjoy a relaxing picnic by the water while gazing upon Mount Leviathan - known to the locals as Black Mountian because of its black-ore. Cloncurry Accommodation Options Cloncurry Caravan Park Oasis Located in McIlwraith Street and closest to town, the Cloncurry Caravan Park Oasis has grassed sites, camp sites, BBQ’s, camp kitchen and pool. Central Hotel The Central Hotel is located on the corner of Scarr and Sheaffe Streets in Cloncurry in the centre of town. The hotel offers completely serviced air-conditioned accommodation, public and lounge bars, meals and a beer garden.

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Cloncurry Motel The Cloncurry Motel is located on Shaeffe Street. It offers 15 airconditioned accommodation rooms with ensuite, TV, fridge, tea and coffee facilities and guest laundry. Cloncurry to Mount Isa (121km) Outback at Isa Outback at Isa is the hub of tourism in North West Queensland and a perfect place to begin your tour of this region. They are an award winning visitor information centre, and run range of experiences. The Hard Times Mine is a unique underground mining experience in a mine built and operated by real miners, which provides a rare opportunity to get up close and experience first-hand the daily life and workings of an underground mine. The Isa Experience Gallery is an interactive, multi-media gallery interpreting the region’s fascinating cultural, indigenous, pioneering and mining heritage. The Riversleigh Fossil Centre interprets the fossils extracted from the nearby WorldHeritage Riversleigh fossil fields and Outback Park is a two hectare landscaped park. Outback at Isa is located at 19 Marian Street, Mount Isa. Royal Flying Doctor Visitor Centre Come and learn more about this uniquely Australian service at the Mount Isa RFDS Base on the Barkly Highway. There is a Visitors Centre and the 20

Outback Shop. Sit back in comfort and watch a documentary video, then wander through the museum displays. Afterwards, browse through the Outback Shop for a memento of your visit with purchases helping the RFDS keep their aircraft and their doctors in the skies. Underground Hospital and Beth Anderson Museum Learn about Mount Isa’s first hospital in the early years of mining operations and its history and importance throughout World War II. The Underground Hospital and Beth Anderson Museum is located in Joan Street, Mount Isa. Mount Isa City Lookout The lookout on Hilary Street provides a sweeping 360 degree picturesque view of Mount Isa and the Mines. There is ample parking and picnic tables at the lookout. Images courtesy of Tourism Queensland unless otherwise stated.

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