Visitor Info | Outback QLD Masters

What to see and where to stay

Mitchell | Mandandanji Country

Located on the banks of the Maranoa River, 87km west of Roma, Mitchell has enough Australian history to support its own miniseries. From the infamous Kenniff Brothers capture to Major Mitchell’s expedition across the region, follow the stories of yesteryear as you travel the region.

You won’t be stuck in the pages of a history book forever, take a break and rejuvenate the mind and body with a soak in the precious minerals from the Great Artesian Basin.

Augathella

Affectionately known as ‘Meat Ant Country’, this is a little town with a big heart.

Packed in pioneer history, Augathella was home and stomping ground to notorious bushrangers, the Kenniff Brothers and owes its very existence to the bullock teams that camped along the Warrego all those years ago. has everything from serene fishing spots

Pop into Boadicea Gallery & Cinema to view an exhibition of heritage photographs and watch the 1956 movie ‘Smiley’ (based upon a local identity) or wander around town and look at the wonderfully rustic wrought iron sculptures and murals that line the main street.

BLACKALL

Nestled in the middle of the outback, Blackall is known for its colour and culture.

Blackall is an appealing country town with shady tree lined streets and heritage buildings. The town boasts an outdoor gallery of public artworks created by local and well renowned artists.

Home of the Black Stump, Blackall literally grew on the sheep’s back and was a thriving outback township in the early years. Blade shearer Jack Howe put Blackall on the map in 1892 when he set a world record by shearing 321 sheep in 7 hours and 40 minutes. Experience the region’s wool heritage at the Historic Blackall Woolscour.

After a hard day of golf you can rest, relax and revive in the natural artesian waters at the Blackall Aquatic Centre’s thermal spa and swimming pool.

ALPHA

Alpha is the gateway to the west and town of murals, lying 141km east of Barcaldine.

The town was established as a service town for railway construction workers and is known for its petrified wood which you can see firsthand a sculpture by Cedar Creek artist Antone Bruinsma.

Take a leisurely walk around the Town of Murals and view the 28 murals Alpha has to offer. The murals have been painted by local resident artists and beautifully pay tribute to the pioneers of the bush and the history of the district.

You can soak up Alpha’s history at the Jane Neville Rolfe Art Gallery, the Tivoli Theatre Museum, the New Bridge, Beta Hut and Settlers Park.

Richmond | Wanamara Country

Richmond’s landscape may make it hard to believe that the area was once covered by a vast inland sea teeming with prehistoric reptiles and marine life. Thousands travel yearly to Richmond to encounter the marine greats, dating back to over 100 million years ago.

Awaken your inner-palaeontologist at Kronosaurus Korner, Richmond’s museum and research facility. Get your hands dirty with their range of digging and fossil hunting experiences or at the free fossicking fields just outside of town.

Throw in a line, pack a picnic or dive into Lake Fred Tritton, the perfect spot to unwind in the centre of town. Stretch your legs along the surrounding walking track or simply sit back and watch an outback sunset put on a show.

Karumba

Karumba is where the outback meets the sea in Queensland’s Gulf.

Situated on the mouth of the Norman River, this is a fishing mecca attracting those chasing some of the best wild caught Barramundi in Australia.

Learn all about Barra at the Barramundi Discovery Centre which provides the history, stories, lifecycle and habits of these sought-after fish. Jump on board a charter to get the expert local fishing advice or join a tour out on the water to spot the famous local birdlife (and maybe even a croc or two).

There’s nothing quite like watching a Gulf sunset, the sunsets are almost as legendary as the fishing. Pair it with a seafood smorgasbord; you’ll find Barra on every menu in Karumba year-round.

Insider advice & tips for outback travel

Event Schedule

mitchell

21 & 22 June

augathella

28 & 29 June

blackall

5 & 6 July

alpha

12 & 13 July

richmond

19 & 20 July

karumba

25, 26 & 27 July

LIMITED PLACES

The Outback Queensland Masters culminates in Karumba with the Million Dollar Hole-in-One. To compete in the Million Dollar Hole-in-One, you must first have competed in two previous locations. Get practicing. You never know, an extra hole’s practice might just make you a million dollars richer this year.