Community

Whether travelling north, south, east or west, all roads lead to the Shire of Boulia – Capital of the Channel Country and Land of the Min Min Light.

Venture through vast open spaces where the landscape changes with every kilometre. The spectacular scenery is bound to captivate all walks of life. Stop and capture the beauty on camera or identify the numerous birds, plants and wildflowers or just enjoy this majestic country we call home.

If you are heading north on your annual fishing trip, why not dangle a line in one of the many waterholes full of yellow belly around Boulia. Perhaps you are going South to Bedourie and Birdsville? Stock up at the Min Min Store, everything from car tyres to delicious deli goods. West takes you on the Donohue/Plenty Highway to Alice Springs - an experience not to be missed.  If East to Winton is on your itinerary you will find yourself on one of the prettiest drives through the Cawnpore Hills.

 The Boulia Shire, covering 62,000 square kilometres and incorporating the townships of Boulia and Urandangi, is approximately midway on a direct line between Sydney and Darwin. The Boulia Shire is readily accessible to 2WD and 4WD vehicles alike. The Kennedy Development Road from Winton to Boulia is fully sealed, as is the road to Mount Isa. The Diamantina Development Road from Boulia to Birdsville is partially sealed with further sealing projects are planned.

 Boulia is most noted for the mysterious Min Min Light, a phenomenon that has never been explained. The first documented sighting of the light was in 1912, however, the local Pitta Pitta People claim it has been around for many years and it is the spirits of their ancestors.

In order to preserve the history and myths surrounding the Min Min Light, the Boulia Shire Council erected the Min Min Encounter Complex. A 45-minute show takes you through the heart of Min Min Country and tells of the legends, yarns and explanations behind the mysterious lights, which are still seen today.

 The Stonehouse Museum is a definite for your ‘must see’ list. See how the early settlers lived, with machinery, saddlery, hospital instruments and fossils collected from around the Shire are on display.  The curator is always there to tell you a yarn or two.

 The talk of the region is Boulia’s newly opened Indoor Sports and Aquatic Centre, a $4.3 million sporting complex which boasts a 25m pool, splash pool, a multi purpose court, exercise room and two squash courts.

 While in the mood for combining exercise and socialising, don’t forget to pack your golf clubs, or hire them here to play on a sand green course and meet the locals in the clubhouse.  Everyone is welcome - children, adults, all can play.

 The old Police Barracks outside of town is a terrific place for a picnic or barbecue and a dip in the large natural water hole surrounded with trees full of birds.  The old Police Barracks also hold a significant place in the early history of the Boulia Shire.

 Does the idea of Easter outback style appeal to you?, then visit Boulia for Easter in the Outback and be part of the crowd at the Rodeo, Races and Campdraft.  Guaranteed to be an action packed weekend from cowboys on bucking bulls to jockeys pacing their steads to the finish post!  Or perhaps you will be making the trip in July to correspond with the famous Boulia Camel Races held religiously on the third weekend of July each year. Everyone flocks to the Rodeo grounds to watch the Ships of the Desert race (hopefully the right way round) the track, then stay on for the night’s entertainment.  Camping at the grounds is free.

 A range of accommodation is available in the Boulia Shire including motel, hotel/motel, caravan park and station stay. Great dining is to be had, whether it be at the Roadhouse, Encounter Café, Golf Club or Hotel.  Plenty of choice for everyone.

 For further information contact the Min Min Encounter and Information Centre, Ph: 07 4746 3386 or email tourism@boulia.qld.gov.au or visit our website at www.boulia.qld.gov.au