Located in the heart of Mulga country, Charleville is the largest town in Queensland’s southwest and a gateway to the outback. As you approach, the soil shifts to a striking red, marking your arrival in a region brimming with unique attractions and hidden treasures.
From stargazing beneath breathtaking night skies to meeting Australia’s adorable bilbies, discover the top 5 things to do in Charleville and start planning your ultimate outback adventure.
Get close to one of Australia’s most beloved and endangered species at the Charleville Bilby Experience. Discover the inspiring conservation efforts to protect bilbies while enjoying a rare opportunity to see them in action.
Join a guided tour of the nocturnal house, where you’ll witness the bilby’s night-time activities during the day. Learn about the critical work being done by the Save the Bilby Fund, which has bred over 50 bilby babies in recent years, helping secure the species’ future. Expert keepers will explain how their breeding and release programs are rebuilding bilby populations across Australia.
Ideal for families and wildlife enthusiasts, this unique experience is one you won’t want to miss.
King Street, Charleville QLD 4470
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Did you know Charleville offers some of the clearest skies in Australia? At the Charleville Cosmos Centre, Queensland’s largest planetarium, you can explore constellations, planets, and galaxies through high-powered telescopes. With evening star talks and interactive exhibits, this destination is a must-visit for stargazers and curious minds alike.
1 Milky Way, Charleville QLD 4470
This historic pub is more than just a watering hole. Hotel Corones offers guided tours that explore the fascinating stories behind this iconic establishment, including the legacy of Harry ‘Poppa’ Corones, the pioneering entrepreneur and record-holder who built it. Along the way, discover the famous figures who’ve stayed here, from royalty to legends like Amy Johnson, Johnny O’Keefe, and John Paul Young.
Complete your visit with a meal at the bistro for the full experience. And don’t forget to ask the staff about the hotel’s ghost stories—they’re a local legend!
33 Wills Street, Charleville QLD 4470
Step into history at the WWII Secret Base, where you’ll discover Charleville’s pivotal role in Australia’s wartime efforts. Guided tours walk you through the remains of this once-classified site, revealing fascinating details about the American and Australian military presence in the area.
Qantas Drive, Charleville QLD 4470
Embark on a scenic walk along Charleville’s Warrego River Walk, which follows the northernmost tributary of the Darling River. The path, known as ‘Wadyanana,’ was created by the local Bidjara people and translates to "I’ll be walking around somewhere else when he comes."
As you walk, discover signs that tell the story of Mundagudda and the Rainbow Serpent, view the historic and modern bridges, and enjoy native trees and wildlife. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for birdwatching. The walk is wheelchair accessible, dog-friendly (on a leash), and offers picnic tables along the way.
Wills Street, Charleville, QLD
Images courtesy of Tourism & Events Queensland.
The Outback Trail
May 3
Charleville Showgrounds