With restrictions easing a little and the light at the end of the tunnel starting to glimmer in the distance there is no better time than to start dreaming of an Outback Adventure! And when the time comes the best spot to begin your adventure is the Quilpie Shire and its business centre, Quilpie.
Early Morning
There’s no better way to start your day than taking in a beautiful sunrise; and the best spot (without a doubt) to do this is at Quilpie’s Lake Houdraman.
Just 5.5km from Quilpie find a comfy spot at the base of one of the large river red gums that line the bank and enjoy as the sun creeps over the horizon and bounces off the still waters of the lake.
For the more adventurous we highly recommend launching a kayak into the water and enjoying the view from the water itself. Just you, the sunrise and perhaps some curious pelicans…..can’t think of a better way to start the day.
Mid morning
This morning you are heading out into nature for a stroll along the Bulloo River. But first grab yourself a flora and fauna list from the Visitor Information Centre for some light reading and on your way out to the River, stop in and get a coffee for the road. You can’t throw a stone down Quilpie’s Brolga Street without hitting somewhere that makes coffee so there is plenty of choice.
Take the 2km drive to the start of the walk and find a nice place to park. Set off on the walk and enjoy the signs that guide you along the trail and learn about the different types of flora along the river system.
The walk is approximately 500m return so take as long as you like and take in the beauty that is the mighty Bulloo River.
Lunch
Grab some takeaway lunch from Quilpie’s new and improved Old Empire Café (we highly recommend the Chicken Deluxe Burger……DELISH!). Previously knowns as the Quilpie Café & Fuel Stop, the building has been refurbished in early 2020 and is under new management.
With your scrumptious burger head west along Brolga Street towards the end of town where you will find Bi-Centennial Park. Shaded picnic tables, toilets and facilities, playground, gym equipment (to work off that deluxe burger), tennis court and skate park…..there is something to keep the whole family entertained for a while.
Early afternoon
After lunch don’t fall asleep because there is still lots to do. Take a stroll around Quilpie and take in some of the sights. Such as the Military History Museum, Rail Museum or even head to church!
That’s right, you can’t leave Quilpie without visiting St. Finbarr’s Church for a glimpse at the stunning Opal Altar, font and Lectern.
Late Afternoon
For all you athletes out there we recommend taking your clubs out to the Quilpie Golf Course and having a hit on the 18 hole sand green course.
There is a donation box at the club house for anyone wanting to have a hit (P.S. Watch out for the water hazard on the 1st hole….and the possible kangaroo hazards along the course)
Evening
Head to the local Pub or Club and grab a bottle of your favourite wine and then pop into one of the food stores for some cheese and bickies….its time for a sunset picnic.
Baldy Top is going to be the location for this magical afternoon. Located 7.5km from Quilpie, the walk to the top is a relatively easy climb. Once at the top you will be rewarded with panoramic views as far as the eye can see. Nestle in and enjoy the colours that only an Outback Sunset can provide as the sun sets behind Baldy Top’s little sister, Table Top Lookout.
Dinner…..and dancing
Get cosy at the bar at the Heritage Inn, a refurbished 2 storey brick pub built way back in the 1920’s. Strike up some conversations with the very friendly locals and perhaps hear some stories of the area from those who know best.
Enjoy a delicious meal in the dining room before retreating back to the bar to enjoy the musical stylings of owner and talented musician Paul. A great way to end your fun filled day in Quilpie.
Now this is just a taste of some of the things there are to do in Quilpie but there is so much more to do here and in the remainder of the Quilpie Shire on your trip! But don’t take our word for it….visit us and see for yourself……(restrictions permitting)!
