This year has gone so quick and July is just around the corner….which means so are School holidays. But don’t worry….we’ve got you covered. We’ve done our research, consulted a team of experts (Digby – 8, Georgina – 5, Nate – 6 and Cilla – 3) and we’ve come up with some fantastic reasons the Quilpie Shire is the perfect July school holiday destination for you and your family!
1.STEP BACK IN TIME
Did you know that the Quilpie Shire is in fact home to Australia’s largest Dinosaur? A 95-98 million year old Titanosaur called ‘Cooper’. Nope we aren’t making that up. You can even meet him for yourself at the Eromanga Natural History Museum, 3km from Eromanga.
There is so much for the whole family to see in Eromanga why not stay the night and have a look around. For more information on accommodation or what to see in Eromanga visit: https://www.visitquilpieshire.com/attraction/eromanga/
2. HELL HOLE GORGE NATIONAL PARK
Hell Hole…..a name that doesn’t exactly scream ‘beauty’ or ‘natural wonder’, but let me tell you….the beauty of Hell Hole Gorge is something that needs to be seen to be believed!
Nestled 69km north of Adavale this National Park provides opportunities for camping and related activities such as 4wding, hiking, birdwatching, swimming and photography…..and let’s not forget RELAXING!
Get your camping permit for National Parks and maps at the Quilpie Visitor Information Centre before you travel.
Make sure you check out Adavale’s other sites while you’re in town!
For more information on Adavale and Hell Hole Gorge National Park jump on to: https://www.visitquilpieshire.com/attraction/adavale/
3. THE WONDER OF THE BOULDER OPAL
Quilpie Shire is home to the stunning Boulder Opal and there are so many ways within the shire that you can see the Opal in all its glory!
Start by trying to find your fortune at the manmade Quilpie Shire fossicking area, 2km from Quilpie. The kids will be happy to spend hours sifting through the offcuts searching for colour in the rocks. Purchase your fossicking pack from the Quilpie Visitor Information Centre before you head out so you’re fully equipped! (No permit required)
If you would prefer a more authentic experience then head Duck Creek and Sheep Station Creek Fossicking areas, 130km south of Quilpie. Spend the day hunting for opal like the early opal miners. (Be sure to get your fossicking permit before you travel.)
To really appreciate the beauty of the Boulder Opal then you must visit St. Finbarr’s Church and admire the Opal Altar, Font and Lectern, all adorned with locally sourced Opal.
For more information visit: https://www.visitquilpieshire.com/attractions/
4. BUDGET CAMPING OPTIONS
Whether you enjoy the tranquillity of bush camping or the luxury of a flushing toilet the Quilpie Shire has all your camping desires covered!
The Lake, 5km from Quilpie is set on the banks of the picturesque Lake Houdraman, a mecca for bird species. Choose from bush camping, powered and unpowered sites or live it up in the refurbished shearing quarters.
The Channel Country Tourist Park in Quilpie offers powered and unpowered sites, grassed area for tents, self-contained cabins but even more exciting is the outdoor artesian spas! Take a dip, watch the sunset and melt all your troubles away!
The Eromanga Caravan Park is a great place for you to stay while you’re visiting Cooper! Powered and unpowered grass sites are available and you’ll be hard pressed to find a better place to camp under the stars!
If you’re heading up to the beautiful Hell Hole Gorge you HAVE to explore Adavale. Visitors are welcome to camp at both the Adavale Sport and Recreation grounds and within the grounds of the Adavale Shire Hall. Toilets and showers are available at both and a coin operated BBQ is located at the Shire Hall grounds.
For more information on other accommodation options in the Quilpie Shire visit: https://www.visitquilpieshire.com/accommodation/
5. WATER ACTIVITIES
It may be the middle of winter in July but you’ll still find some fantastic activities for the whole family base around water!
If you’re travelling with everything from the kitchen sink, to the canoe or kayak then make sure you take a paddle and explore the Quilpie Shire’s beautiful waterholes.
Whether it be The Lake (5km from Quilpie), Kyabra Creek (40km from Eromanga) or the mighty Bulloo River, the Quilpie Shire sure is hogging the most beautiful waterholes!
You can even try your luck at catching a Yellow Belly or some Yabbies….can’t find a fresher dinner than that!
6. GET BACK TO NATURE
If you’re looking for simple unfiltered beauty than boy do we have that down to a fine art.
There’s nothing quite like an Outback sunrise…accept maybe an Outback Sunset….and we should know because we have the best place to see both.
A quick 10min climb to the top of Baldy Top at Sunset and you will be rewarded with the most stunning view in Outback Queensland (sure….we may be a little biased…you will be too once you see it!)
For the best sunrise location launch that canoe we spoke about earlier onto The Lake and watch as the sun rises above the horizon and glistens on the still water. Watch as the Pelicans and other local birdlife awaken with the new day
For more birdwatching opportunities take a stroll along the Bulloo River walk. Follow the path and the interpretive signs to discover the local flora and fauna of the Bulloo River Catchment. Make sure you grab a flora and fauna list from the Quilpie Visitor Information Centre before you head out – see how many you can find!
For more information visit: https://www.visitquilpieshire.com/attractions/
7. FREE STUFF!!
With the other 6 awesome reasons we’ve already used to sell you on why Quilpie Shire is the best holiday destination, number 10 is about to seal the deal!!! Because who doesn’t like to hear the word FREE!!! Let us convince you….
Baldy Top – FREE to visit
The Lake – FREE to visit
Kyabra – FREE to visit
Hell Hole Gorge NP – FREE to visit
Quilpie Shire Fossicking Area – FREE to visit
Bulloo River – FREE to visit
6 Museums – FREE entry
2 Art Galleries – FREE entry
Numerous historical sights – FREE to visit
2 history walks – FREE to visit
Parks with facilities – FREE to use
So tell me, have you booked your trip to the Quilpie Shire yet….WELL WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR! Your Outback Adventure starts here!
