Back in 2008, Bill and Judith were travelling across Australia when they heard that Bollon’s 135-year-old post office was up for sale. For Bill, this wasn’t just any town—it was home. As a proud Kooma man, his ties to the region run deep, with his father, aunts, and uncles growing up on the yumba (camp) along the banks of the Wallam Creek. Although they were in Western Australia at the time, they wasted no time making the long journey back across the Nullarbor to see the building for themselves.
The decision was almost instant—this was where they wanted to be. Settling into life in Bollon, they took on the post office business and expanded their tour company, Nullawokka, offering small group experiences that shared First Nations culture and history. The name “Nullawokka” means black tracks (Nulla = black/dark and Wokka = tracks) and represents not only Bill’s history of living and working as a tour guide in many places around Australia but also the tracks left by his First Nations ancestors across the arid desert lands.
After five years in Bollon, Bill and Judith relocated to Victoria to care for family. What was meant to be a short two-year stay stretched to six, during which they ran a native foods café, distributed Outback Pride bush foods, and launched the first version of the Nullawokka First Nations Gallery in Hervey Bay. But the call of the bush was strong, and when both their post office building and house in Bollon became available at the same time, they knew it was a sign to return.
Arriving back in Bollon in March 2020—just as the world was shutting down due to the COVID-19 pandemic—Bill and Judith found themselves with time to bring their next big idea to life. They set to work transforming the old post office into a gallery, painting it bright pink in honour of their pet galah, Widji (a First Nations word meaning ‘broomstick’). By the time Queensland reopened for travel, Nullawokka First Nations Gallery & Tours was ready to welcome visitors.
Bill and Judith are passionate about supporting Indigenous artists and sharing authentic cultural experiences. Each summer, when outback tourism quietens, they travel to remote communities across WA, NT, and SA to visit art centres and connect with artists directly. By purchasing artworks in person, they ensure fair pay for artists and bring diverse Dreaming stories and cultural perspectives to the gallery.
Visitors to Nullawokka can expect an intimate and enriching experience. The gallery is a welcoming space, showcasing incredible First Nations artworks from across the country. Those who join one of Bill’s tours are in for something truly special—whether it’s a walking tour along the Wallam Creek or an immersive storytelling experience, each journey is infused with Bill’s deep cultural knowledge and personal connection to Country. And, of course, every tour includes a gourmet native food tasting, with seasonal delicacies like emu egg quiche, green ant marmalade, and smoked kangaroo.
For Bill and Judith, Nullawokka is about more than just business—it’s about creating opportunities for First Nations people to engage with tourism, hospitality, and the arts. They hope to inspire young Indigenous leaders to share their stories, strengthen their connection to culture, and step into roles that celebrate and preserve their heritage.
As they look to the future, their vision is clear: to continue growing Nullawokka as a place where visitors can learn, connect, and appreciate the richness of First Nations culture. So next time you find yourself on a QLD Music Trail through Outback Queensland, make sure to stop by Bollon and experience the magic of Nullawokka for yourself.
In the words of Bill & Judith: Yoway & palya! (“See you when I am looking at you”).
Experience the hospitality of Bill and Judith firsthand at Lunch with the Locals.
The Outback Trail
April 27
Bollon
Images courtesy of Tourism & Events Queensland.