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Thargomindah, QLD

Follow the tracks of Cobb and Co. Fish mighty rivers like the Bulloo, Wilson and Paroo and Cooper’s Creek. For some visitors, the highlight is watching the fabulous birdlife on the lakes in Currawinya and Lake Bindegolly National Parks; while others prefer the historic pubs at Hungerford, Toompine and Noccundra. Fossick for opals (or buy them direct from the miner), go adventure four wheel driving, stay on a cattle station, visit the famous Burke and Wills ‘Dig’ tree and Cameron’s Corner – where New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia meet – so much to see and do! The ancient land forms are special – the mulga country, gibber and flood plains and red sandy desert – resplendent with wildflowers following suitable rains.

thargomindah

The first European visitors to this area included people like Vincent Dowling who in 1859 rode his horse from northern New South Wales to the Bulloo River – twelve months before the famous Burke and Wills expedition left Melbourne. Dowling returned in 1864 with cattle to establish Thargomindah Station. More pastoralists with cattle and sheep quickly followed. Burke and Wills ill-fated expedition passed through what is now Bulloo Downs Station in 1860 (just south of Thargomindah) where three members of the expedition – Doctor Becker the German naturalist and noted artist, Stone and Purcell – perished.

The origin of the name ‘Thargomindah’ is unknown though local legend suggests it derives from an Aboriginal word meaning ‘Cloud of Dust’ or perhaps the Echidna.

Australia’s first hydroelectric scheme powered by a high-pressure artesian bore supplied electricity for street lighting and according to the Sydney Bulletin, Thargomindah was one of the three major centres for electricity in the world surpassed only by London and Paris. The hydroelectric scheme continued to meet Thargomindah’s electrical requirements until 1951.

Nearest Airport: Thargomindah

Where to stay?

Experiences

  • 18-35's
  • Active
  • Caravan and Camping
  • Farm/Station
  • Homestay
  • Romance
  • Rural/Country
  • Cultural
  • Environmental
  • Historic/Heritage
  • Nature based
  • Relaxation
  • Remote
  • Self-Drive
  • Soft Adventure

Popular Activities

  • Off Road Driving
  • Bird Watching
  • Bush Walking
  • Canoeing
  • Driving
  • Golfing
  • Sightseeing
  • National Park
  • Adventure
  • Fishing
  • Wilderness
  • Wildlife
  • Outback
  • Fossicking

About Thargomindah

  • Locality: Urban locality
  • Thargomindah Postcode: 4492
  • State: Queensland
  • Region: Outback Queensland
  • Latitude: -27.99573
  • Longitude: 143.81987
  • Elevation: 132m
  • Population: 270
  • Median Income: $44876
  • Area (Sq/km): 42.955
  • Timezone: Australia/Brisbane

Accommodation In Thargomindah

Discover some of the accommodation in and around Thargomindah

Explore The Outback

Australia has a vast remote interior, much of it largely untouched. By night, the outback is deathly quiet, with the only light provided by the stars and the moon - a perfect oportunity for stargazing. Explore the isolated heart of the country, meet and connect with Aboriginal people and experience one of the oldest living cultures in the world. Go ‘walk-about’ and immerse yourself with Australia’s endless outback horizons.

Outback Experiences

Luxe Accommodation

Enjoy a distinctly Australian luxury experience, such as the unforgettable reefs, islands, beaches and coast; rugged mountain ranges, rainforests and vast national parks; and the many vibrant food and wine regions. Take a once in a lifetime adventure and discover the sheer indulgence of experiencing the wonders of Australia in style and stay in total luxury.

Australia has wide variety of accommodation options to suit most budgets and travelling preferences. Choose from luxury lodges, boutique hotels, serviced apartments, motels, bed and breakfasts, caravan parks as well as youth and backpacker hostels.

Accommodation

Glasshouse Mountains

The Glasshouse Mountains in the hinterland of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast are actually the cores of 20 million year old volcanoes. The sides of the volcanoes have eroded away leaving only the hardened rock spiremountain cores we see today. Learn more about this awe-inspiring landscape.

Glasshouse Mountains