Traveller’s Notes: Is the Charleville Bilby Experience Worth It?
If you’re passing through Charleville, chances are someone will tell you to check out the bilbies. The show runs out of the Charleville Bilby Experience in town, and after sitting in on a session, we can say it’s absolutely worth the stop.
The program is run by locals who care deeply about protecting the species. You get a close look at these odd, delicate little night creatures while hearing how their population is being brought back from the brink. The talk is short and relaxed. It’s the kind of session where you walk out feeling like you’ve actually learned something useful rather than being talked at.
It’s an indoor presentation with a chance to see the bilbies moving around in a purpose-built enclosure. Kids love it. Adults get hooked too, especially once the stories start about how these animals survive out here. Sessions run for about an hour, so it’s easy to fit into a travel day.
If you’re staying in town, book ahead. The groups are small and the shows fill quickly in peak season. It’s also a feel-good visit. Every ticket helps fund the breeding program and predator-control work happening around the region.
If you’d like the whole story, you can read our main post on Charleville for more photos and tips.
Other updates you may like…
Charters Towers caught us off guard — a planned two-night stop turned into four days of gold-rush history, quirky landmarks, tyre trouble and small surprises!
We spent three days in Cloncurry, exploring its history, murals, aviation heritage, and dam. From the first Qantas hangar to the birthplace of the RFDS, this outback town surprised us with stories and charm.
Croydon, Normanton, and Karumba gave us history, character, and Gulf Coast charm. From welcoming the Gulflander to cold drinks at the Purple Pub and sunsets in Karumba, this stretch of the Savannah Way was unforgettable.
We explored Cobbold Gorge after a rugged drive from Forsayth. Floating along the calm waters and hiking to the glass bridge, we were captivated by the towering cliffs, wildlife, and serene beauty of this Queensland outback gem.
Exploring the Undara Lava Tubes was like stepping into another world…towering underground tunnels carved by ancient lava flows, part history, part geology, and all awe. A side quest well worth the detour.
Soaked in Mareeba, charmed by Herberton’s historic village, waterfall-hopped around Ravenshoe, and finished with cheesecake and live guitar—our journey through the Tablelands mixed history, nature, and indulgence in perfect balance (with Zoe happily in tow).
Cooktown charmed us with laid-back days, sunset cruises, museums, and even a cheeky paddle for Zoe. We wrapped it all up at the iconic Lions Den Hotel—live music, hearty meals, and full hearts.
Camping at Newell Beach set the scene for exploring Mossman. We browsed markets, braved Mossman Gorge, detoured back to Cairns on a stunning coastal drive (with a giggle at Yorky’s Knob), before heading inland towards Cooktown.
From swimming holes to rainforest tracks, our time between Babinda and Kuranda was a mix of sightseeing, family catch-ups, and a long-overdue crocodile feast.
We broke up the drive north with stops at coastal Cardwell, rainy Tully with its Golden Gumboot, and the atmospheric Paronella Park. Each stop offered its own charm before we pushed on towards Cairns.
Exploring North Queensland took us from the busy streets of Townsville to the calm waters of Big Crystal Creek and the sheer power of Wallaman Falls. City views, creek swims, and unforgettable waterfalls in one stretch.
From a tense river crossing and a surprise snake encounter to a crowded Airlie Beach and a quiet roadside camp in Home Hill — our journey north was full of unexpected turns and memorable stops.
A quick coastal stop turned into seven relaxing days camped beneath palms in Seaforth. Beach swims for Zoe, fresh scones, friendly neighbours, and a kangaroo tourism reality check made this one of our favourite unexpected stays.
We spent a week in Mackay with family, exploring art galleries, sugar tours, vibrant laneway murals, and orchid-filled gardens. While the city didn’t charm us completely, the time together made it memorable.
A roadside rescue, a closed pub, and a peaceful night in St Lawrence. Our trip from Rockhampton to Mackay was a reminder to slow down, lend a hand, and savour the road’s unexpected moments.
Back in Rockhampton after two years, we camped at peaceful Kershaw Gardens, revisited favourite spots by the river, soaked up local art, stocked up on fresh produce, and enjoyed a slice of city life before heading north.
Carnarvon Gorge had been on our bucket list for years, and it didn’t disappoint. Panoramic views, ancient rock art, dramatic cliffs, and lush pockets of green made this one of the most rewarding stops so far.
Our Carnarvon adventure kicked off with black bull “bears,” startled tourists and a stunning warm-up walk into Mickey Creek Gorge. A perfect taster before the main hike into the heart of the gorge.
From railway tragedy in Bogantungan to the supermarket aisles of Emerald, this leg of our trip marked the shift from outback stillness to something closer to civilisation — with Carnarvon Gorge waiting just around the bend.
Barcaldine blends rich history with small-town charm. We stayed at a peaceful local park, visited the famous Tree of Knowledge, admired the mighty Comet windmill, and soaked up the stories that shaped this resilient outback town.
White Station Healing Circle sits quietly near Lake Dunn. We visited without expectations, walked the stone ring, and reflected on similar spaces we’ve seen elsewhere. A grounded look at a place designed simply to pause and feel.
A peaceful few days along the Lake Dunn Sculpture Trail gave us quiet skies, curious art, and a dose of outback magic - including a visit to the healing circle that worked wonders for Zoe.
Planning the Aramac Sculpture Trail? These traveller’s notes outline road conditions, timing and what to expect on the 200-kilometre loop from Aramac, including practical tips for motorhome travellers.
We camped among locusts and legends in Muttaburra, the Home of the Muttaburrasaurus. A tiny town with a big story. Dinosaurs, country hospitality, and that unmistakable Outback sense of humour.
A night of chicken races, rain, and school holiday chaos had us making a quick dash through Tambo, Blackall and Barcaldine — chasing dry ground and peaceful camps before heading into Queensland’s quieter heart.
Charleville gave us two slow weeks of outback charm, filled with friendly faces, hearty meals, and quiet mornings. From historic pubs to bilbies and bombers, there’s more here than first meets the eye.
A quick look at the Charleville Bilby Experience and whether it’s worth your time. Short sessions, close-up viewing and a strong conservation story make it an engaging stop for travellers passing through Outback Queensland.
Between Bollon, Cunnamulla, and Wyandra, we found everything we love about the outback; campfire skies, local stories, and towns that welcome you like old friends. Cunnamulla, in particular, was a surprise worth stopping for.
Artesian bore water feels silky because of natural minerals like silica and magnesium. A mild sulphur smell is normal too, especially in hot water. It’s all part of the Outback hot spring experience.
Cameron is a travel writer, photographer, and freelance copywriter with more than fourteen years of experience crafting stories that connect people and place. Based on the road in a motorhome with his partner, he documents Australia’s quieter corners through Off the Main Road, a travel journal devoted to the towns, landscapes, and characters often overlooked by the tourist trail.
His writing blends observation with lived experience, drawing on a professional background in brand storytelling. Blending visual storytelling with a writer’s eye for detail, Cameron captures moments that reveal the character of regional Australia—from weathered towns and open landscapes to the honest rhythm of life across Australia.
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.