Taking place on Saturday 24 April, Saddle Up is the perfect reason to slow down and explore Charleville, in the heart of Outback Queensland. From stargazing under pristine skies to rich local history and wildlife encounters, the town is packed with unique experiences beyond the event.
Here’s your guide to Charleville’s must-see hidden gems.
Charleville is home to some of the darkest night skies in Australia, and the Cosmos Centre makes the most of them. The centre features a 15-metre planetarium with a six-projector system creating fully immersive sky shows, and four 14-inch Meade telescopes under a retractable roof for real-time stargazing. During the day, visitors can safely view the Sun through a rare hydrogen-alpha telescope and explore hands-on astronomy displays, virtual-reality space shuttle experiences, and interactive exhibits. At night, guided tours reveal planets, nebulae, star clusters, and the Milky Way, making it a must-visit for budding astronomers and families alike.
The Charleville Bilby Experience offers a rare opportunity to see Australia’s adorable nocturnal bilbies in action. The nocturnal house shifts the bilby’s active night schedule to daytime for visitors, so you can watch these little marsupials forage, play, and explore. Guided talks by keepers explain the species’ importance as 'eco-engineers' and the conservation work done by the Save the Bilby Fund, which has produced over 50 bilby babies in recent years. Visitors can ask questions, view informative displays, and learn how protecting bilbies also safeguards other native species in the Outback.
Charleville’s township is full of charm, and exploring it on foot is a delight. Local bakeries serve up fresh pastries, pies, and coffee, giving you a taste of genuine Outback hospitality. While wandering the streets, you’ll encounter historic buildings, murals, and friendly locals who make the town feel welcoming. It’s the perfect way to slow down, discover hidden spots, and immerse yourself in the rhythm of Outback life.
The Charleville Historic House Museum, dating back to 1887, is one of the town’s most storied buildings. Originally Charleville’s first national bank, it later served as a private boarding house before being transformed into a museum. Inside, visitors can explore treasures from the 1800s, including marble fireplaces, the original bank vault, and period furniture. The grounds feature a large display of early machinery, a life-size Cobb & Co coach, a rail ambulance, and a steam engine, offering a hands-on glimpse into the Outback’s pioneering history.
The WWII Secret Base in Charleville reveals the town’s strategic military importance during World War II. Once a classified site, it hosted American and Australian troops and served as a critical communications and logistics hub. Guided tours take visitors through the remains of the base, sharing stories of life on the frontlines, secret operations, and the base’s role in protecting Australia’s northern territories. History enthusiasts will be fascinated by the preserved structures and archival displays.
No visit to Charleville is complete without stopping at Hotel Corones, an iconic Outback pub with a rich history. Built by pioneering entrepreneur Harry ‘Poppa’ Corones, it has hosted royalty, famous musicians like Johnny O’Keefe and John Paul Young, and countless local legends. Guided tours reveal the stories behind the building, while the bistro offers a taste of local cuisine. Don’t miss the ghost stories—staff share chilling tales of the hotel’s more mysterious visitors, adding a dash of intrigue to your visit.
The Warrego River Walk follows the northernmost tributary of the Darling River and offers a peaceful way to connect with nature and culture. Known locally as “Wadyanana” by the Bidjara people, the trail tells the stories of Mundagudda and the Rainbow Serpent. Visitors can enjoy native trees, birdwatching, picnic spots, and historic and modern bridges along the way. The walk is wheelchair accessible, dog-friendly, and perfect for early morning or late afternoon strolls when wildlife activity is at its peak.
Charleville is a town that surprises at every turn. From its star-filled skies and unique wildlife to its rich history and welcoming Outback spirit. It’s a place that invites you to slow down, explore, and immerse yourself in all the experiences this vibrant town has to offer.
What better way to celebrate Charleville than by kicking off The Outback Trail with Saddle Up? Join us for the official launch, enjoy live music from Tori Darke, Luke Geiger, and Cracker & Jess, with Daryl Kirkup as MC, and connect with fellow travellers in the heart of western Queensland.
Grab your tickets and be part of the excitement!
Celebrate Charleville, soak up the Outback atmosphere, and start your adventure on the Outback Trail.
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Images Courtesy of Tourism & Events Queensland.