Father’s Day is Sunday the 6th September (not far away) and there’s no better place to spoil dad than with a few days in the Quilpie Shire.
Arrive in town Friday afternoon and check into one of our fabulous accommodation houses… but don’t get too comfy because at 5:30 you having a tour of the Heritage Inn (formerly known as the Quilpie Hotel or ‘The Brick’). This 1926 era 2 storey brick hotel has been lovingly restored to its former glory and the evening historical tour is the best way to learn about its history. The tour concludes with wine/beer cheese & nibbles on the deck overlooking the main street of Quilpie as the sun sets in the west.
After that spectacular sunset, head down to the Quilpie Bowls Club for a delicious dinner at TK’s at the Club before heading home for an early night…..Saturday is going to be a busy day.
Saturday morning get up bright and early and grab a quick breakfast on the go (and some sangers for the road) at the Old Empire Café. Make sure you top the car up with fuel here too because it’s a long way between service stations between here and Hell. Hell Hole Gorge that is!
That’s right you’re heading north to Adavale today to explore this historical town and the incredible Hell Hole Gorge National Park. The stunning drive to Adavale is approx. 96km of changing terrain from the vibrant red soil, to the slight rises and hills to the rocky ridges; a photo opportunity around every bend!
Stop in at the Adavale Hall as you arrive in town and enjoy a stroll along the veranda enjoying the historical information and photos that adorn the exterior walls. From here, jump back in the car and follow the signs to Hell Hole Gorge National Park, 80km away.
When you arrive at the park head straight to the Hell Hole waterhole and spend some time exploring the gorge, Powell Creek and the surrounding bush land. It’s also a perfect spot to eat those sandwiches we mentioned earlier. After you’ve explored all this waterhole has to offer head towards Spencer’s Waterhole and enjoy the impressive views atop the cliffs before leaving the park and heading back to Adavale. But don’t be sad….there’s a treat waiting for you in Adavale.
Back in Adavale make your way to the greatest High Tea experience in Outback Queensland at the Elegant Emu. Here you will most likely be greeted first by Mable the very friendly Collie, followed by Cristina and her husband. Sit back on the enclosed veranda and enjoy the décor of the bright colours or the chandelier hanging from the tin roof and forget for a minute you are actually in the Outback and not a Parisian Café as the most delectable High Tea is served.
After you’ve stuffed yourself with delectable treats at the Elegant Emu somehow you are going to have to drag yourself away and make tracks back to Quilpie. Just before you get back to town, pull in at The Lake campground, approx. 5km from Quilpie for a cold drink and a chat around the fire at the Lake View Pub from 5-7pm.
After a beverage overlooking the incredible natural lake, make your way to the Heritage Inn because Saturday night is Parilla night. You will probably smell the incredible smell of the grill before you arrive and let me tell you, the taste is even better than the smell. After dinner relax and enjoy the musical stylings of owner Paul as he serenades you in to the night!
Now Sunday is father’s day so we better let dad have a bit of a sleep in….but not too late. Breakfast is waiting for you back at the Heritage Inn.
After breakie you have 2 choices, all depending on what adventure would tickle dad’s fancy more.
Option 1. Make your way to Moble Homestead for their annual Garden Day. This is a free event open to everyone and raises money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service through donations made on the day. BYO picnic and enjoy an afternoon on the lawn amidst the incredible gardens of the homestead whilst meeting some of the friendliest people in the Outback.
Option 2. Head west of Quilpie to Eromanga, the furthest town from the sea and also home to Cooper, Australia’s largest Dinosaur. You will actually be meeting Cooper at 11am at the Eromanga Natural History Museum 3km from Eromanga so make sure you’re not late! After the guided tour a bit to eat is in order and you can chose from either the Royal Hotel or the Café. You won’t be disappointed with either!
In the afternoon head back to Quilpie where a spot of fishing is in order along the Bulloo River. Who knows….you may even catch a yellow-belly and that’s Sunday dinner sorted!
Head out to Baldy Top Lookout and take relatively easy 10min stroll to the top. Here you will be rewarded with incredible panoramic views and we recommend you plan to arrive for sunset because a sunset atop Baldy Top is something that has to be seen to be believed. Enjoy the incredible colours in the sky as the sun disappears below the horizon capping off a great few days in Quilpie.
For dinner tonight, for those who were unlucky not to catch that Yellow- Belly, head to the Imperial Hotel and order a takeaway Pizza to take back to your hotel and unfortunate start the horrible job of packing to leave. Or you know what……just stay longer! The Quilpie Shire is always happy to have you.
For more information on anything above please see:
https://www.facebook.com/quilpieheritageinn/
https://www.facebook.com/TKs-at-The-Club-1167723026696164/
https://www.facebook.com/theoldempirecafe/
https://www.facebook.com/adavaleqld/
https://www.facebook.com/thelakequilpie/
https://www.facebook.com/moblehomestead/
https://www.facebook.com/EromangaMotel/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Eromanga-Pub/703239873033528
Please note that due to Covid Restrictions bookings are essential and fuel is not available at Adavale.
