Charleville is a charming outback town just 254km from Roma in south-west Queensland. It’s a quintessential outback town that visitors fall in love with almost instantly. We will confess, we are a little bit smitten too because there is just so much to see and do!
If you are ever travelling through the region, stop into Charleville for a night to soak up the many fabulous things in the area. Trust us, 24 hours is not enough, but if you are tight for time, here is how to see some of the best offerings in town in just over a day!
Pull into the Cobb & Co Caravan Park
If you are keen to pitch a tent, or have a caravan in tow, pull into the Cobb & Co Caravan Park on Ridgeway Street. The Cobb & Co Caravan Park is located right in town, meaning everything is just a short stroll away. Once you check in though, you will feel like you are a million miles away in this beautiful leafy park. If camping is not quite your style, the caravan park does have nine cabins on offer so that you can enjoy the serenity of the park in the comfort of the indoors.
Go back to school for a morning
While you are in Charleville, why not head back to school for the afternoon at the Charleville School of Distance Education. Visit on a weekday at 10 am during school terms to learn just how the School of the Air works. A tour costs only $2 and gives you the opportunity to sit in on a real-life lesson!
Grab a bite to eat
If you have worked up an appetite at school, head next to the Heinemann’s Country Bakery on Alfred Street. If you don’t quite feel like a pastry or pie, don’t fret because Heinemann’s offers a cracking selection of other treats, such as sushi.
Explore the town
Once you are done getting schooled, go for a walk into town and check out the outstanding architecture that lines Wills and Alfred streets. This is a great way to orientate yourself while admiring the charm of the town. While you are on Alfred Street, stop in at the Charleville Historic House Museum to admire the architecture of the building dating back to 1887. While you are there, wander around the museum to see a variety of fascinating objects dating back centuries.
Learn about the Royal Flying Doctor Service
While you are strolling around town, head to the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre. Here you can get an insight into just how the Flying Doctors work at south-west Queensland’s largest base. The Visitor Centre is a great place to see how the Flying Doctors has transformed over the years, with medical and radio equipment from the ages.
Enjoy the outback sky
When the sun sets, head to the Charleville Cosmos Centre to take in the beauty of the outback night sky. At night, the centre rolls back its roof, revealing three telescopes that offer an unbelievable view of the stars.
Get tea at Hotel Corones
The Corones Hotel is a bit of a Charleville legend, with a history dating back to 1924. Find the Pub on Wills St, get yourself a stool and kick back for dinner and a coldie.
Visit a working station
The next morning, head 8km out of Charleville to Thurlby Station and get a first-hand look at life in the bush on a 33,000 acre working cattle station. Tours run on Wednesdays, starting at 9 am, with morning tea provided.
Go on a secret tour
Before your Charleville trip comes to an end, make some time to uncover a secret… Did you know that during World War II, Charleville Airport was handed over to the United States Military as a top-secret site? Today, you can go on a Top Secret World War II USAAF History Tour at the base. Be sure to book via the Charleville Visitor Information Centre or online.
While you are on the road, why not check out some of Queensland’s silo art?
By Kate Nutting
