The Natural Sciences Loop is a self-guided drive itinerary that kicks off in Charleville and takes in some of Australia’s most remote communities – including Quilpie, Eromanga, Thargomindah and Cunnamulla.
Along the way tourists can visit many local attractions that highlight the region’s stunning landscapes and natural history. In Charleville, a popular attraction is the Cosmos Centre and Observatory. Visitors can take part in stargazing at night, as well as sun viewings during the day. The centre also acts as the town’s visitor information hub.
The Bilby Experience is the only way for visitors to get up close and personal with these endangered marsupials. Money raised from the experience and associated merchandise goes towards repopulating the species. Charleville’s newest accommodation is the Rocks Motel. It offers 20 stylish rooms; a swimming pool; and its very own restaurant, ‘On the Rocks’.
Sunrise Opals is the best place to buy opals in the town of Quilpie. They have plenty of beautiful gems in stock and owner Mark is a wealth of knowledge.
A terrific place to stay when in Quilpie is the Quilpie Heritage Inn. The Heritage Inn has a history of hospitality dating back to 1926 but has recently undergone a big renovation. It also offers a stylish bar and restaurant.
In the town of Eromanga, a great place to meet the locals is the Royal Hotel. It was built in 1885 and was once a Cobb and Co station.
The Eromanga Natural History Museum has an incredible collection of dinosaur and mega- fauna fossils dating back almost 100 million years. The museum has become a major tourist attraction in south-west Queensland. It offers various tours so visitors can learn about Australia’s ancient inhabitants. It also has a learning program for kids that trains the palaeontologists of tomorrow.
Right next door is the recently opened Cooper’s Country Lodge. There are 6 studios, including one family suite, and they all offer 4-star outback luxury.
Cosmos Centre
1 Milky Way Road, Charleville
4654 7771
www.cosmoscentre.com
Save the Bilby
4654 3057
www.savethebilbyfund.org
The Rocks Motel
74 Willis Street, Charleville
4654 2888
www.rocksmotel.com.au
Sunrise Opal
www.sunriseopals.com
Quilpie Heritage Inn
36-38 Brolga Street, Quilpie
4656 1427
www.quilpieheritageinn.com
Eromanga Natural History Museum
1 Dinosaur Drive, Eromanga
4656 3084
www.enhm.com.au
Outback Tourism
46501274
www.outbackqueensland.com.au
