Lochern National Park
Lochern has 20km of Thomson River frontage. The park protects 24,300ha of important habitat, with many lagoons and waterholes providing refuge for birds and other wildlife. The people of Lochern also adapted to the cycles of wet and dry. First Nations people enjoyed the bounties on offer from seasonal transformations of the land. Pastoralists built dams with long wings and stone-pitched ends to catch extra rainwater, and set the hen-house and motor room high and dry.
Idalia National Park
Idalia National Park is 113km south-west of Blackall in the Gowan Ranges. Access to Idalia is suitable for four-wheel-drive only. Take the Isisford Road from Blackall for 42km then turn left into the Yaraka Road. At the Benlidi siding, turn left and follow the ldalia-Benlidi Road for about 34km to the park boundary. Enjoy birdwatching, bushwalking, scenic driving, exploring historical sites and watching wildlife.
Welford National Park
Welford is a land of contrasts—wide coolibah-lined waters and grey alluvial channels of the Barcoo River slice a brown and green swathe through Mitchell grass plains and arid mulga woodlands. Golden-green spinifex and white-barked ghost gums grow atop a vivid backdrop of red sand dunes. Majestic river red gums line the Barcoo River, the southern boundary of the 124,000ha park. Varied habitats create vital refuges for wildlife, including mulga parrots and the vulnerable yellow-footed rock-wallaby.
Botanic Walkway
The Longreach Botanic Walkway, a 2.5km linear garden between the town centre and the Stockman’s Hall of Fame, was designed by landscape architect Lawrie Smith, with inspiration drawn from the natural environment of the region. The garden displays and interprets the native plants of the Mitchell Grass Downs bioregion and demonstrates the potential of local dryland species for use in landscape and horticulture in the town parks, streets and home gardens in the region. A particular feature of the garden is a focus on water wise techniques for maintaining the plantings in the often hot and dry conditions of western Queensland.
Thomson River Flood Plain Walk
Walk from Town to the Old Bridge. This four and a half kilometre one way track features a diverse range of plants and animals, best viewed in the early morning or late evening. Also Parkrun starts from here each Saturday morning.
Iningai Nature Reserve
Iningai Nature Reserve is named after the Iningai Traditional Owners who lived along the Thomson River. The park includes three walking loops around the Nature Reserve, with information points around the tracks. The landscape is part of the Mitchell Grass Downs region – one of the most extensive natural grassland ecosystems in the world.
Thomson River
Enjoy the Thomson River, have a picnic in the Apex Park on the banks of the Thomson River or sunset nibbles on the pedestrian bridge. Take advantage of the boat ramp; put in your boat or kayak and explore the river or even go for a swim. Do you like to throw a line in?? Well you won’t be disappointed when fishing along the banks of the Thomson River with Yellowbelly, Black Brim or a Yabbie or two.
Lilly Lagoon
Lily Lagoon is a temporary waterhole which is fed by the Thomson River. Surrounded by Tangled Lignum, Coolibah Trees and River Cooba that provide a rich habitat for the native birds and wildlife. The wildlife use the waterhole to breed and grow, although when the Lagoon dries up, the roots of the Lilies and some water life bury themselves deep into the mud, which are able to lie dormant until the next flood. The Lilies are from the Nympahea genus of Water Lilies. These Lilies are unique to the Thomson River system being only found around Longreach.
Yellowbelly Fishing Classic
Annual Longreach Yellowbelly Classic Fishing Competition, held in the last weekend of August. Make it competitive or just take your esky and camp chair and relax by the Thomson river with family and friends.
Yuranigh Pond
Fancy a picnic by a tranquil pond just six kilometres out of town on Emmet Road? The pond was named after Yuranigh an Aboriginal Australian from Molong in New South Wales. Yuranigh worked as a guide for Sir Thomas Mitchell, safely guiding his expedition team through vast unpopulated country. His quiet confidence earned him the explorer’s friendship and respect. So, as you picnic by the pond, you can ‘ponder’ the story of its namesake!
Isisford Fishing Competition
Held annually on the last weekend of July. A weekend of fishing, camping and fun with family and friends. Great Cash Prizes to be won, catch a Yellowbelly, Catfish or a Black Bream. There will be food, a bar, entertainment and activities happening over the weekend. Friday night, meet and greet.
Oma Waterhole
This permanent waterhole is located just 16km south west of Isisford on the Isisford Yaraka River Road. It is popular for camping, fishing and water activities. Hot showers and toilet facilities are available and there is boat ramp access. Oma Waterhole is also the venue for the annual Isisford Fishing Competition.
Please note:
This camp ground is subject to wet weather and flooding, before camping please check weather conditions and register at the Isisford Council Office.
$5.00/night per vehicle or $27.00/vehicle for 7 nights.
Barcoo Weir
The Barcoo Weir is a campers delight, with the local pub, cafe and amenities within a short walk. It is a great place for a picnic or for the bird watchers and photographers out there there are plenty of places snap that perfect pic!
Please note:
This camp ground is subject to wet weather and flooding, before camping please check weather conditions and register at the Isisford Council Office.
$5.00/night per vehicle or $27.00/vehicle for 7 nights.
Mount Slowcombe
Mt Slowcombe is near the town of Yaraka, with a tar sealed road winding its way to the top making it easily accessible even for cars. The 360-degree views from the top of this Mesa hill leave every visitor shaking their heads in disbelief that so few people have discovered this spectacular Outback gem which has been compared to being Queensland’s equivalent of the Northern Territory’s Kakadu. Not only does Mt Slowcombe offer awesome views it also has an electric BBQ and covered seating to enhance the experience! Any tourists planning their trip should make Mt Slowcombe a priority on their itinerary.
