Outback Roads and River Nights
Sometimes, travelling gives you more than you bargained for, sometimes, a little less. This leg took us through Bollon, Cunnamulla, and Wyandra. Three very different stops, each memorable in its own way.
We pulled into Bollon for a peaceful overnight stay, and their riverside donation camp turned out to be one of those happy accidents that make you feel smug about travelling without an itinerary. The site sat under mighty gums beside Wallam Creek, flat as a billiard table and twice as quiet.
Neil discovered the town pub had burnt down earlier in the year, which put a large dent in his evening plans. He’d been picturing a cold beer and a hot schnitzel; instead, he got a lukewarm tinnie from the fridge and my best attempt at camp toast.
Still, the serenity more than made up for it. The only noise was the sound of galahs arguing in the trees and Neil muttering about “paying respects to fallen pubs.”
From there, we followed the Mitchell Highway south to Cunnamulla, a town that surprised us in all the right ways. Known as the gateway to Outback Queensland, it’s got more going on than you might expect for a town of its size. The Cunnamulla Fella statue, standing proud in the main street, sets the tone with a nod to bush ballads, working stockmen, and country humour that still lives strong out here.
We visited the Cunnamulla Fella Visitor Centre, which turned out to be much more than a brochure stop. Inside, the Artesian Time Tunnel took us deep beneath the surface — literally — with an immersive look at the Great Artesian Basin and how it shaped life in the region. It’s the kind of thing that makes you realise just how tough, clever, and resourceful outback communities really are.
Later, we headed out to the Allan Tannock Weir for a sunset walk along the Warrego River, watching pelicans cruise by while the sky turned every possible shade of pink and gold. The evening ended back at the Warego Riverside Tourist Park, sharing a drink around the fire pit with other travellers, as the river silently flowed past.
We rolled into Wyandra, with no expectations, and found a town that could teach others a thing or two about country hospitality. The donation campsite was neat and shady, and the general store served one of the best burgers we’ve had in ages.
These small towns don’t try to be anything they’re not. They’re friendly, unhurried, and full of quiet charm — proof that sometimes the best parts of a trip are found in the space between destinations.
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Bollon, Cunnamulla and Wyandra
Three towns linked by outback roads and river gums. Each offered something different. Bollon gave us peace and parrots, Cunnamulla gave us character and conversation, and Wyandra gave us a burger worth writing home about.
How to Get There
We travelled from St George through to Charleville, following the quiet backroads that tie together Bollon, Cunnamulla, and Wyandra. The drive runs mostly along the Balonne and Mitchell Highways, where long stretches of bitumen cut through red soil and open sky. Every few hundred kilometres there’s a roadhouse, a rest stop, or a lone emu pretending to direct traffic. All roads are sealed, making it an easy and enjoyable trip for motorhomes and caravans.
What to See, Tours and Activities
What we did:
Camped by Wallam Creek in Bollon. It’s quiet, shady, and full of birdlife.
Visited the Cunnamulla Fella statue and Visitor Centre.
Explored the Artesian Time Tunnel and walked along the Warrego River.
Ended the day with sunset views and campfire chats at Warrego River Tourist Park.
Ate one of the best burgers in the outback at Wyandra’s general store.
Other highlights you might explore:
Take a day trip to Eulo, famous for its natural mud baths and local opal shops.
Visit Bowra Wildlife Sanctuary, just outside Cunnamulla, for birdwatching.
Stop at Charlotte Plains Station for a soak in their artesian baths.
When to Visit
April to October is ideal. The days are mild, nights cool, and roads in good condition. Summer brings heat and storms, but the colours of the outback come alive after rain.
Final Thoughts
Bollon, Cunnamulla, and Wyandra reminded us that not every highlight is marked on a map. Sometimes it’s a quiet river, a friendly chat, or a roadside burger that sticks with you long after you’ve driven on.
What’s Nearby
Heading north takes you to Charleville and it’s many attractions; south leads toward Bourke and the Darling River Run. But if you’ve got time, spend another day in Cunnamulla. Take the drive to Eulo or Charlotte Plains Station, and let the outback do what it does best: slow you down in the nicest way possible.
Fast Facts
Location: Bollon, Cunnamulla, and Wyandra, Outback Queensland
Distance: Charleville to Cunnamulla – 200 km; Bourke to Cunnamulla – 260 km
Traditional Owners: Kunja People
Access: Sealed highways throughout
Facilities: Campgrounds, pubs, visitor centres, shops, fuel
Walking Track: Bollon riverside track, Cunnamulla River Walk
Dog Friendly: Yes, most campsites and towns
Best Time to Visit: April to October
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We’ll keep you company on the next stretch of the road.
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From the old Rex Cinema in Monto to a four-kilo peanut haul in Kingaroy, this stretch of Queensland had everything—local tips, bush learning, and the stories you only find on the road.