Chickens, Mud and a Quick Getaway
For our second time around, Tambo served up a truly unforgettable evening, and not just because of the rain. We rolled into town just in time for the famous Chicken Races, where feathery competitors strutted their stuff (with a bit of encouragement) on the race track. Despite the weather bucketing down, spirits were high, and all proceeds went to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which made the soggy spectacle even better. There’s something charmingly chaotic about cheering for chickens in the rain.
Unfortunately, we picked the same night as every family travelling for the school holidays in Queensland. The town was bursting at the seams with hyperactive kids on school holiday excursions to Longreach and Winton. After one noisy night, we decided it was time to hit the road again.
We passed quickly through Blackall, where an unexpected sideshow greeted us; a parade of caravans bogged deep in the thick, sticky black soil at the donation camp, all victims of the same overnight downpour. We gave it a miss and kept rolling.
Our next stop, Barcaldine, delivered the serenity we were craving. We found a quiet patch at Roses n Things, a peaceful park on the edge of town. No kids, no rain, no drama, just the hum of the wind through the trees and a cuppa in hand.
Refreshed and slightly drier, we pointed the van north and set off for Aramac, Muttaburra, and Lake Dunn. We were ready for quieter roads, a few nights of stillness, and perhaps a little less poultry-based excitement.
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Tambo
Tambo is one of Queensland’s oldest inland towns, settled in 1863 and is proud of its history as the oldest town in Central West Queensland. It’s a peaceful stop along the Matilda Way, full of character, heritage buildings, and that easy outback rhythm that slows you down the moment you arrive. The town is best known for its handmade Tambo Teddies, born from the wool industry downturn in the early 1990s, and now an icon of the outback.
How to Get There
Tambo is located about 200 kilometres north of Charleville and 100 kilometres south of Blackall, right on the Matilda Way. The drive is straightforward, with sealed highways all the way. If you’re travelling by motorhome or caravan, there’s a good range of camp options in town, including shady riverside spots near the Barcoo River.
What to See, Tours and Activities
What we did:
Tambo Teddies Workshop – Watched the team hand-stitching the famous woollen bears, each one made from Australian sheepskin.
Grassland Art Gallery – A small community gallery featuring regional artists and changing exhibitions.
Tambo Heritage Precinct – Restored historical buildings showcasing the town’s early days.
Post and Telegraph Museum – Learn about the early communication links that connected Tambo to the broader world.
Other highlights you might explore:
Barcoo Riverside Walk – A quiet stroll along the river with shady trees and birdlife.
Heritage Main Street – Admired the old buildings and classic outback shopfronts that give the town its character.
Fishing on the Barcoo – Drop a line and try your luck with yellowbelly or redclaw.
When to Visit
Tambo is best visited during the cooler months, from April to September, when the days are pleasant and the skies are clear. Winter brings mild afternoons and cool nights — perfect for walking, exploring, and enjoying a campfire by the river.
Final Thoughts
We found Tambo to be one of those towns that doesn’t need to shout to make an impression. Between the teddies, the heritage buildings, and the gentle pace of life along the Barcoo, it’s a stop that leaves you feeling lighter — and maybe a little nostalgic for simpler days.
What’s Nearby
We arrived in Tambo after exploring Charleville, following the Matilda Way north. From here, we continued on toward Muttaburra, crossing through wide plains and open skies — another stretch of quiet, steady outback road where time slows down.
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Fast Facts
Location: Tambo, Central West Queensland
Distance: 860 km northwest of Brisbane via the Warrego and Landsborough Highways
Traditional Owners: Bidjara People
Access: Fully sealed via the Landsborough Highway between Blackall and Augathella
Facilities: Fuel, general store, pub, Tambo Teddies shop, caravan park, rest areas, visitor information centre
Walking Track: Tambo Heritage Walk and Coolibah Walk along the Barcoo River
Dog Friendly: Permitted at most camps and public areas (leashed)
Best Time to Visit: April – September for mild weather and clear skies
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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.