CUNNAMULLA is the southern starting point for the “Matilda”. From here, you can also head west along the Adventure Way to the remote area known as Heartbreak Corner or take the Opal Byway loop through Yowah and Quilpie to Charleville.

Originally established about 1867 following explorer William Landsborough’s exploration of the area, Cunnamulla has much to offer those interested in immersing themselves in the heritage of the outback.

First port of call for new arrivals should be Centenary Park, where you’ll find the Cunnamulla Visitor Information Centre situated. Centenary Park provides an outdoor picnic area shaded by a huge coolibah tree and there are free electric barbecues, which makes it a popular spot with visitors for a relaxed smoko or lunch break.

The friendly staff at the visitor information centre can supply all manner of information, from up-to-date road condition and weather reports for those just passing through to tourist information and accommodation and tour booking details for those who wish to stay a little longer. The information centre is also the town’s major stockist of maps, posters, books and souvenir items. While you’re there, also make sure you pick up a birdlist and mudmaps of trails to take to see some of Cunnamulla’s natural attractions. These include the Paroo Pioneer Pathways, which are heritage walks within each town of the shire. At Cunnamulla, you walk in the footsteps of explorers, gun shearers, boss drovers and generations of local people. The walk starts at the visitors centre.

Before picking up your heritage trail booklet and setting off in the great outdoors, view the centre’s displays dedicated to the pastoral riches of the region. One of the displays is a model shearing shed and shearers quarters, built by local retired cocky Dan Gwydir. Dan’s grandfather once managed Tinenburra Station, which was reputedly home to the largest shearing shed in the world with its 101 stands. There is also a wide range of droving memorabilia.

Another display at the information centre features opals on show and for sale. These are Yowah opals, and should whet your appetite for a visit to Yowah, an unusual little settlement where some people say you’ll find more characters per square kilometre than anywhere else on earth!

Corella Motor Inn Cnr Emma and Wicks Streets, Cunnamulla Qld 4490 Phone (07) 4655 1593 Fax (07) 4655 2501 Air-conditioned units, cooked continental breakfast, moderate rates

The name, Cunnamulla, is aboriginal for “long stretch of water” and refers to the Warrego River which runs through the town. The southwest region is rich in aboriginal culture.

While in Cunnamulla, browse among the aboriginal art in a shop in James Street. See didgeridoos, paintings and boomerangs among the range of hand-crafted items.

Air-conditioned motel accommodation is available at the Corella Motor Inn. Get a great start to your day with a cooked breakfast there.

The Country Way Motor Inn offers air-conditioned units, and you can order breakfast delivered to your unit. And at the end of the day you might like to use the barbecue facilities.

If you’re heading straight up the Matilda Highway towards Charleville, pick up a copy of the Heritage Trail Guide for Wyandra. This tiny town, with a population of just 20, is situated about 100km from Cunnamulla and is worth a visit.

To really get a feel of life in those pioneering days, visit the Cunnamulla Bicentennial Museum, which is part of the library complex in John Street.

The museum is open from Monday to Friday and people can see all kinds of old equipment, historical photographs and books.

Wander out to the botanic garden, situated on the eastern side of town on the Matilda Highway. Even though it’s a still very young garden, you can walk around the billabong and relax over lunch, al fresco style, at a picnic table while you’re there.

If fishing, boating or just relaxing under a rivergum is your style, then a five-minute drive from town will take you to the Cunnamulla Weir, a tranquil setting on the banks of the Warrego River. There are some good fishing spots north and south along the river, so try your luck for a yellowbelly or Murray cod. There are places in town where you can stock up on fishing tackle.

Country Way Motor Inn 17 Emma Street, Cunnamulla Qld 4490 Phone (07) 4655 0555 Fax (07) 4655 0455 Air-conditioned units, breakfast delivered to units