THE CAMOOWEAL area is honeycombed with caves, including rare sinkhole caves formed in the Cambrian Period.

If you just like being in the bush, visiting the caves is a rewarding experience, but only experienced cavers with gear should venture into the depths. One cave is off the road between Mount Isa and Camooweal and another about 5km on the other side of town on the road to Gregory Downs. The rare sinkhole caves, dating back 500 million years or so, can be found at the Camooweal Caves National Park, about 20km south of Camooweal. They are very photogenic, so take your camera.

Make local enquiries before travelling to the national park. There is no telephone service available there.

The national park is the home of many birds, and there is a little billabong beside the camping area. There are toilets but no power at the grounds. If you enjoy camping in natural surroundings, stay overnight at the national park, but take your own water. You have to be totally self sufficient! If you like your comforts, you might prefer to stay in Camooweal itself. The Camooweal Roadhouse, Motel and Caravan Park on the Barkly Highway can provide everything from air-conditioned units to restaurant meals. The roadhouse is open seven days and has all fuels including autogas.

Camooweal has an interesting history. A century ago, there were bullock trains in the main street and the town was bustling with energy. Long before Mount Isa became a major centre, Camooweal was the gateway to the Northern Territory and the Gulf. Nowadays, Camooweal (which is just 12km east of the Northern Territory border) comes under the jurisdiction of Mount Isa City Council so could be considered a “suburb” of Mount Isa - even though it’s more than 180km away!

The shire hall, circa 1935, is an example of colonial architecture and is part of the town’s National Heritage. It houses a display of historic photographs. See a cairn erected to commemorate William Landsborough’s discovery of the Barkly Tableland in 1861 and another cairn erected by personnel stationed in Camooweal during World War II. Visit the local cemetery then gain a rare insight into the past with a visit to the Barkly Tableland Heritage Centre. The centre covers the past century of social, economic and cultural history of the area.

The Georgina River is a big attraction of the area, with more than 50 bird species. Enjoy the views from the Georgina River Bridge, erected in 2002 to ensure accessibility to the town even during floods.

When you’re heading further afield, Lawn Hill National Park and Riversleigh are accessible by road to the north.