Emmet
Once a thriving railway siding with a population of 30 it today has only two residents, approx. half way between Isisford and Yaraka, was once a fully functional town with an operating railway station and a large number of residential housing. Situated on the railway line running from Blackall to Yaraka, it was the main depot for neighbouring properties to pick up their supplies, stores and mail. Now the residents are down to two people. Stop and look through the historical display at the old store and railway station. There is also a picnic area for you to use to take a break.
Emmet Store Museum
Stop and look through the historical display at the old store. There is also a picnic area for you to use to take a break.
Emmet Railway Museum
Emmet, approx. half way between Isisford and Yaraka, was once a fully functional town with an operating railway station and a large number of residential housing. Situated on the railway line running from Blackall to Yaraka, it was the main depot for neighbouring properties to pick up their supplies, stores and mail.
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.
Yaraka
The small township of Yaraka is nestled between Mesa Hills with the backdrop being the Yang Yang Ranges that offer unique and spectacular picture postcard scenery – a photographer’s delight with their craggy escarpments that are a cacophony of hues and colours at sunrises and sunsets. The township offers powered caravan sites for a small fee, a swimming pool and amenities next to a beautifully maintained and cared for park with BBQ and ample covered seating with a tennis court and children’s playground.
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.
'End of the Line' Museum
Haven’t we all wanted to say that we travelled to the ‘end of the line?’ Well now you can. When in Yaraka, make sure you pop in to the End of the Line Museum housed in the original railway station. While there, you’ll find out all about the Great Western Rail project and how it impacted Yaraka. If you love stories about trains and the railway, then you won’t want to miss this attraction. Along with the stories, there are some really interesting artefacts and mementos from Yaraka’s days as a railway town.
Mount Slowcombe Sunset Tour
The spectacular lookout of Mount Slowcombe is situated only 8 kilometres from Yaraka. Visitors can walk over to the Hotel, grab some drinks and snacks and climb aboard our modern air-conditioned 13 seater bus and enjoy the 10 minute journey to the top of Mount Slowcombe. Once there sit back, enjoy a cool drink and amazing views, and changing colours of a truly magnificent outback sunset.
The trip takes approximately an hour and a half with the cost being a donation to the Yaraka School Fund or the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Meals available at the hotel upon your return.
Book Now on (07) 46575526
The Castle Rock Tour
All terrain vehicle – Experience a trip to Castle Rock is not only memorable as it takes you through mesa hills and ranges iwth plenty of opportunities for photographs but with beautiful outback scenery. Castle Rock is unique with an amazing display and variety of rocks which includes the possibility of finding opal. The trip is for a duration of approximately three hours and the cost is subject to the number of people taking the trip. Pre booking is required and conditions apply. Phone Chris on 07 4657 5526 for more details.
The History Tour
The History Tour will take you on a journey back in time. Tourists will enjoy a 40 minute bus trip out to The Powell Creek area, west of Yaraka. The first stop is the town of Welford, which unfortunately never came to be. All that shows of the proposed town are surveyors pegs which still stand, after nearly a 100 years.
After this we head North and checkout the beautiful Battle Waterhole, and Boomerang Waterhole on our way to Magee’s Shanty. Magee’s Shanty is where legend has it Banjo Patterson wrote ‘A Bush Christening’. In close proximity, we pay tribute to Richard Magoffin, who unfortunately perished in 1876.
You enjoy the journey in our air conditioned bus with the tour talking approximately 3 and a half hours at a cost of $25 per person. Book Now on (07) 46575526
Magee's Shanty
‘On the Outer Barcoo where the churches are few, And men of religion are scanty, On a road never cross’d ‘cept by folk that are lost, One Michael Magee had a shanty.’ Visit the historic site of the shanty immortalised in Banjo Paterson’s poem “A Bush Christening.” McGee’s Shanty is within an easy drive of Yaraka.
Magoffin's Grave
A short distance from the town of Yaraka, not far from Magee’s Shanty is the lonely grave of gold miner Richard Magoffin. This grave is on the clay pan where Magoffin collapsed and perished from thirst. Sadly he was only a few hundred metres from the tree lined course of the Barcoo River; so close yet so far for Magoffin.
Wildlife Spotting
If it’s wildlife you’re seeking, then head to Yaraka for wildlife galore. Some visitors have likened their visit to driving through a Safari Park. There’s plenty of roos, but you’re also likely to see goannas, goats, pigs, kite hawks, wedge tailed eagles, galahs, cockatoos, finches and even some pelicans. Make sure you have a chat to the locals in Yaraka before venturing out on your wildlife adventure.
Yaraka Hotel
Nestled against the Yang Yang Range the family run Yaraka Hotel offers great home cooked meals, cold beer and warm hospitality. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is available 7 days a week and we offer Merlo Coffee.
Yaraka Swimming Pool
The Yaraka pool is behind the town hall and close to an attractive park with a range of handy amenities. There is a contact number on the pool gate to ring a pool attendant to gain access.
Wellsford 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.
