| At a Glance | |
|---|---|
| Location | Queensland’s Natural Sciences Loop – from Cunnamulla through Eulo, Thargomindah, Noccundra, Eromanga to Quilpie |
| Cost | Varies by site – includes free camps and station stays |
| Pet Friendly | See Camps App |
| Campfires | See Camps App |
| Facilities | Varies – artesian baths at Charlotte Plains, camp kitchen at Thargomindah, showers and toilets at Eromanga Hall and Wilson River |
| Vehicle Access | Suitable for caravans – creek crossings on some routes |
| In Camps App | Yes – all sites featured are in the Camps Australia Wide App |
Just back from our winter travels, our plan was to spend most of our time in NSW. Covid has shelved that for a while, instead we drove further west and took on Queenland’s Natural Sciences Loop!
I like my hot baths – what a delight to stop into Charlotte Plains Station (906) 46 km east of Cunnamulla, and have a soak in their soothing artesian waters. I enjoyed a nag with plenty of travellers, including the owner’s family. School holidays meant camping was very popular, but you have a huge area to spread out. The waters extend a long way through the campsite – with baths positioned along. We’ll be back to this one and tag along on the station tour, highly recommended!
It was in Cunnamulla the next day, we learnt more about the importance of the Eromanga Basin in the Artesian Time Tunnel at the Visitor Information Centre. Not only a perfect spot for picnic, but also to say hello to the Cunnamulla Fella.
Next stop: Eulo. Home of megafauna, gourmet honey, leather and the Eulo Queen Hotel. We camped on the Paroo River. History at the Police Cells was intriguing – one officer turned up for work in nothing but his boots and hat! I’ll go back to visit the Eulo Store again, the air raid shelter and mud bath!
Lake Bindegolly looked like a wonderful camp, but we’d booked into Thargomindah Explorers and a pub lunch! Did you know this small outback town had the first hydro electricity in Australia? And the third in the world?
Thargomindah know how to ‘do’ tourism – with self led tours via a swipe card (even a ghost at the hospital), a scenic walk along the Bullo River and a friendly Visitor Centre with a tick sheet with local things to do and people to meet – like Dogga Dare at the Caravan Park and Surly Shirley at the pub. The camp kitchen kept us out of the rain and mud and back on track the next morning.
By this stage, the SA border was closed, so we saved The Dig Tree for another trip. It didn’t stop us enjoying some of the BEST burgers we’ve ever had, at the remote outpost, Noccundra Hotel. The publican told me he bakes them himself each morning – and I peeked inside the dining room to finally find a doorway even I could bump my head on!
The Channel Country is worth experiencing – I didn’t expect it to be so hilly and beautiful. We would have happily camped on the peaceful Wilson River, council toilets and showers are near the pub.
We ploughed on through more creek crossings into Eromanga. Another day, another pub – well two pubs today! We chatted to other travellers there, had a pic with the town dinosaur sign then more socialising with travellers on route to the Big Red Bash at the brilliant freedom camp at Eromanga Hall. Complete with excellent showers, toilets and playground.
I’ve dragged the family to plenty of museums over the years. But if you come all the way to Eromanga – you have to meet Cooper (or at least Cooper’s thighbone) – Australia’s largest dinosaur. Hands down, the best museum experience we’ve had.
Our last stop on the Natural Sciences Loop was Quilpie and a climb up Baldy Top with outback red dirt views!
Still on my bucket list are Cooladdi, Charleville and Yowah with more stations, National Parks and opals. Next time!
All these sites are in our CAMPS guide books and CAMPS AUSTRALIA WIDE App!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Queensland’s Natural Sciences Loop?
The Natural Sciences Loop is a touring route through outback Queensland that takes in historic towns, dinosaur discoveries, artesian water experiences and stunning Channel Country landscapes. Key stops include Cunnamulla, Eulo, Thargomindah, Noccundra, Eromanga and Quilpie.
Where can I experience artesian baths along the loop?
Charlotte Plains Station, located 46 km east of Cunnamulla, offers soothing artesian water baths positioned throughout a large camping area. The campsite is perfect for school holidays with plenty of space to spread out, and station tours are highly recommended.
What can I see at the Eromanga Natural Science Museum?
The museum features Cooper, Australia’s largest dinosaur, including Cooper’s impressive thighbone. It’s described as the best museum experience by travellers and is a must-visit if you’re in Eromanga.
Are there good free camping options on the Natural Sciences Loop?
Yes, Eromanga Hall offers an excellent freedom camp with showers, toilets and a playground. The Wilson River near Noccundra also has peaceful camping with council toilets and showers near the pub.
What’s special about Thargomindah?
Thargomindah was the first place in Australia to have hydro electricity and the third in the world. The town offers self-led tours via swipe card, a scenic walk along the Bullo River, and friendly tourism experiences including a tick sheet of local things to do and people to meet.
Where can I get the best food along the route?
Noccundra Hotel serves some of the best burgers in outback Australia, with the publican baking fresh bread each morning. Both Eulo and Eromanga also have excellent pub meals worth stopping for.
What other attractions are in Eulo?
Eulo is home to megafauna history, gourmet honey, the historic Police Cells, the Eulo Queen Hotel, and camping on the Paroo River. Don’t miss the Eulo Store, air raid shelter and mud bath.
Is the Natural Sciences Loop suitable for caravans?
Yes, caravans can travel the loop, though be prepared for creek crossings, particularly in the Channel Country region. The route offers varied camping from station stays to freedom camps with good facilities.
