2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the Quilpie Shire. From the opening of new experiences, to the reopening of others and some incredible new events – there is something for everyone to enjoy!
- Pay a visit to Queensland’s BEST Visitor Information Centre.
Did you hear? Quilpie has the BEST Visitor Information Centre in Queensland after winning GOLD at the 2022 Queensland Tourism awards in the Information Services Category!
When visiting the Quilpie Shire, make your first stop here as the friendly local staff can help with any enquiries and even let you in on the little-known local secrets and history of the area!
While you are there, step out the back and wander through our Quilpie Shire Museum and Art Gallery then head next door to check out the Quilpie Shire Military History Museum & Quilpie Shire Rail Museum.
You can also relax in comfort and catch up with family and friends by accessing the free WIFI, make you National Park bookings and make sure to book in for their newest experience; The Quilpie night Show – the story of Quilpeta.
- Quilpeta Night Show
Take your seat on the expansive green space in front of the supersized outdoor screen for the brand new Quilpeta Night Show.
Meet your digital host, Q the Stone Curlew who will guide you through an interactive journey of the story of Quilpie stepping back some 95 million years ago. Along the way, you’ll meet giant Titanosaur Cooper and George and learn about the Quilpie’s First Nation Maranganji people. You’ll discover the colourful Boulder Opal story and early pastoral settlements. It’s a wonderful introduction to Quilpie, its people and the beauty of the Channel Country.
With your ticket you will receive a complimentary wine or beer with souvenir wine glass or cooler plus individual package of nibbles to enjoy during the show. Rug up warm in a provided blanket with the sun setting as the show begins.
The show will screen Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:00 pm (show times may vary depending on sunset times).
To book or for more information visit: https://www.visitquilpieshire.com/attraction/what-to-see-in-quilpie/
- Rick’s Memorial
To really feel the heart of the Quilpie community, pay a visit to Ricks Memorial, 54km east of Quilpie on the Quilpie-Charleville Road. This favourite local lookout spot is now a place to remember one of their own, Lance Corporal Stjepan ‘Rick’ Milosevic.
The outback memorial has been created in rusted steel that settles in the red earth of ‘The Jump Up’ with expansive views over the Channel Country towards Quilpie.
- Take a swing at the Outback Golf Masters
Australia’s most remote and richest amateur golf series returns to the Quilpie Golf Club in 2023.
Tee off in Quilpie Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd July for the chance to win $10,000 in the hole-in-one challenge, culminating with the million-dollar hole-in-one challenge in Mount Isa.
To get your tickets visit: https://www.outbackqldmasters.com/passes/
- Have a beer at the Brick
Quilpie’s Brick Hotel re-opens in 2023 and we couldn’t be more excited!
The historic “Brick” hotel built in 1926, is a boutique hotel offering accommodation and bar. The building is fully restored and showcases all the charm and glory of the 1920s.
Make sure you pop in to The Brick in 2023 and welcome Wayne and Brenda and wish them the best of luck at their new hotel.
- Soak it all in at The Lake
The Lake, a caravan park cross stay station stay just 4km east of Quilpie is the perfect accommodation option whether you are looking for an unpowered site for your tent, some power for the van or even a fully self contained cottage.
In 2023 we recommend checking out their new bathhouse experience – bookings can be made at the office and it’s the perfect way to enjoy an outback sunset.
- Opera at Baldy Top
After a successful event at Quilpie’s Baldy Top in 2021, Queensland Opera is back with their new show ‘Lady sings the Maroons’ on Saturday 27th May 2023.
“Following the great success of Are You Lonesome Tonight, Opera Queensland (OQ) takes a deep dive into the Queensland songbook to celebrate some of Australia’s most loved artists. The Saints, Gladys Moncrieff, Savage Garden, and Harold Blair are just a few who inspire Lady Sings the Maroons. “
“A mixtape created for a road trip from Brisbane to Cunnamulla, The Isa to Cairns and back again, Lady Sings the Maroons, tells a story about the art of making a great song and the artists who create them. As well as discovering how some of Queensland’s most iconic hits came to be, audiences will be introduced to dearly loved songs from the operatic canon. Expect the playlist to surprise, as Puccini is reimagined through the Bee Gees and The Go-Betweens are given a Mozart treatment.”
“Featuring the phenomenal voices of Jess Hitchcock, Irena Lysiuk and Marcus Corowa, the production will be available for touring in May 2023.” Opera Queensland
Tickets will be available online soon so keep an eye out on the Visit Quilpie Shire Facebook and Website.
- Head back to Toompine
Everyone loves Toompine and we are so excited to have the ‘Pub with no town’ renovated and reopened.
Toompine South Western Hotel was built in 1893 to replace the previous one that had burnt. It is located on the Dowling Track and was once a bustling town founded on Opal. It was then a Cobb and Co exchange station during the Cobb and Co years.
Quilpie locals Stu and Kate Bowen bought the pub in December 2019 and together with their daughter and Son in Law Lauren and Sean have restored the pub over the last 2 years. The Pub is now open 7 days a week and offer barista coffee and cake, breakfast, lunch, dinner, Bar as well as the new addition, draft beer.
To help them celebrate, save the date and make your way to Toompine for their ‘Back to Toompine’ Celebrations and official opening – 29th September to 2nd October 2023.
To keep up to date with what’s happening at Toompine visit: https://www.facebook.com/toompinepub/about
- A musical evening under the stars
Enjoy an evening under the stars at Quilpie’s Baldy Top with world renowned performer, Mirusia.
Mirusia is an Australian born Soprano with Dutch heritage and with 16 years of international touring and concerts under her belt, Mirusia is a highly sort after soprano.
Mirusia will perform her Songbird show under the delight of the million star sky. The night will feature songs that have inspired Mirusia in her Journey including songs like Jolene, Amazing Grace and The long and Winding Road, it promises to create wonderful memories from all who attend.
Associated ticketing will be available and on sale in 2023. Bus transfers to Baldy top will be available. For more information contact the Quilpie Visitor Information Centre or visit: https://www.visitquilpieshire.com/events/
- Celebrate NAIDOC Week in Quilpie
After the success of their 2022 NAIDOC Week celebrations Quilpie promises that their 2023 program will be even better.
Join us at Baldy Top Lookout for a traditional smoking ceremony or at the Quilpie Shire Art gallery for the opening of their annual Indigenous art exhibition. Events will be planned between Sunday 2nd and Thursday 8th July 2023 so save the dates. A full program of events will be online as they are confirmed. Visit www.visitquilpieshire.com/events for more information.
With these and so many other reasons to visit the Quilpie Shire in 2023 why not start planning your trip now!
