DALRYMPLE Shire, which surrounds the town of Charters Towers, has so many natural and historic attractions that you could easily spend three days here doing day trips into this diverse region.

You can camp, explore historic towns, do some birdwatching, fish or even experience a genuine rodeo or country race weekend. It shouldn’t really come as a surprise that there’s so much to see and do. The shire is, after all, larger than the State of Tasmania!

You are in the heart of beef country so take the time to visit a cattle sale. These occur every Wednesday morning when graziers, auctioneers and the big cattlemen of the north do serious business amid the constant noise and movement.

To the north is Fletcher Creek, If you’re self sufficient, you can camp on the banks of the springfed creek, or you may choose to visit the adjacent Dalrymple National Park and feel the history come to life as you learn about Ludwig Leichhardt’s journey through this region. Here, you are in Gudjal country, the home of the traditional people. A cairn welcoming you in their traditional language is located near the entrance of Dalrymple National Park. Visit the Great Basalt Wall within the park. The “wall” was formed by a lava flow thousands of years ago and now sits alongside the Burdekin River, with its waterfalls and swimming holes.

If you want to savour outback life on a working cattle station, Bluff Downs is an ideal trip not to be missed. Bluff Downs is about an hour’s drive north along the Great Inland Highway and is surrounded by spectacular deep-water lagoons on the basalt river.

Further northwest is the town of Greenvale, originally a private mining town.

East of Charters Towers, visit Ravenswood and see why the whole of this mining town is heritage listed.

About 80km further south is the Burdekin Falls Dam, popular for fishing and boating. People should be aware, though, that saltwater crocodiles can be found there.
For more information on some of the self-drive tours you can take around the shire, visit the official website at www.GreatTropicalDrive.com.au.