BOULIA
- rincan18
- Oct 22, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 26
Boulia is currently a 3 star accredited Queensland Tidy Town.
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History and Geography Facts
Boulia is known as the Capital of the Channel Country and home to the infamous Min Min Light. With a small population of about 300 people, the Shire spans a large 63,000 sq Kms in outback Central West Queensland.
Located approximately 296 kilometres (184 mi) by road south of Mount Isa and is on the Outback Way billed as Australia’s Longest Shortcut; a 2800 kilometre gravel and bitumen road which runs between Laverton in Western Australia and Winton, Queensland. Boulia lies on the Burke River, named after the explorer Robert O’Hara Burke who passed through the area with the Burke and Wills expedition in 1860.
The area is best known for sightings of the Min Min lights, mysterious shimmering lights that appear at night. The lights are said to be caused by atmospheric refraction that occurs when cold air is trapped below warmer air.
Extensive grazing of beef cattle is the predominant industry around the Boulia Shire.
Local Government Information
Boulia Shire welcomes all travellers to it’s 61000 sq klms of rugged landscape, open Mitchell grass downs and channel country which is noted for being one of the best Australian natural wool/beef producing country. The local Council, community members and land managers work hard and in partnership to keep it weed and pest free, so the people in generations to come can see it in its most natural condition. The Shire boundaries are the Northern Territory to the west, Diamantina Shire to the south and Winton Shire to the east, Mount Isa and Cloncurry Shire’s to the north.
Annual Events
· Boulia Camel races - The famous Boulia Camel Races is held annually every third weekend in July. This event draws crowds in their thousands to watch camels race around the track to win that elusive Boulia Camel Cup. With live entertainment, fireworks, markets and more, this is a great weekend for all the family.
· Rodeo and campdraft - Normally held annually in May is Boulia's Annual Rodeo & Campdraft event. Featuring bull rides, barrel racing and live entertainment this is an event not to be missed.
· Boulia QCWA spring fair - Thanks to the efforts and coordination of the hard working members of the Queensland Country Womens Association Boulia branch, the annual Spring Fair gives the local Boulia community a chance to showcase their talents with displays and competitions in a vast array of categories such as cooking, horticulture, arts and craft and photography.
· Australia day awards - On Australia Day each year, the Boulia Shire Council hosts an Australia Day Awards ceremony, a time when well deserving citizens in our community are recognised for their efforts and achievements. The categories awarded are:
· Citizen of the Year
· Young Citizen of the Year
· Organiser/Organisation of the Year
· Community Event of the Year
· Senior Sportsperson of the Year
· Junior Sportsperson of the Year
Attractions
· Stonehouse museum : Set in the yards of the Heritage Complex are a number of machinery and wagons, which were used in the region around the turn of the century. Many facets of early pioneer life are to be found at the Complex, including historical hospital and dental machinery and tools. Local Indigenous artefacts are displayed along with photographs and stories. The Heritage Complex is also home to 100 million year old fossils of marine reptiles which were abundant in this area when it was an inland sea. Boulia boasts a Plesiosaur fossil which is 80% complete and is among the world's best discoveries.
· Min Min Encounter & Visitor Information Centre : Min Min Encounter is a unique theatrical experience incorporating animatronics, fibre optic and loads of other high-tech wizardry. The Encounter is a tribute to the long honoured art of the bush yarn, all based around the famed Min Min light phenomenon. The 45 minute show introduces you to the story of the Min Min Light by various characters who claim to have seen the mysterious light.
· Boulia golf club : A truly unique golfing experience. 18 hole sand green course, have a swing quite literally among the gum trees. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the Club House which is open every Friday at 5pm and offers meals every second Friday. We now also take event bookings, call today to make yours.
Accommodation and dine in
· Boulia desert sands motel – with suppling accommodation and food.
· Boulia Caravan park – only suppling accommodation
· Australian hotel/motel – Suppling accommodation and food
· Min Min store – only suppling food
· Camels rest coffee shop – only suppling food
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