Emmet & Yaraka

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.

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.

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.

Yaraka Sunset Tour

Experience one of Outback Queensland’s favourite sunset locations. When in Yaraka, join the hotel bus on their daily sunset tour to the fabulous Mount Slowcombe. It’s only 8km from town and you could easily drive yourself, but why would you, when you can travel with the local publican and get the ‘goss’? Sit back, relax and prepare for one of the top 10 sunsets of the Outback. Okay, we have no real proof to this statement, but trust us……it’s pretty awesome. Make sure you come prepared with drinks and snacks to watch the show.

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. Yaraka Hotel also operates a tour to the Shanty. Please enquire direct.

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.

Swimming Pool

The Yaraka pool is behind the town hall and close to an attractive park with a range of handy amenities.

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.

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