In the heart of central western Queensland, west of Blackall and south of Ilfracombe, you will discover country that is as diverse and ancient as time. If you’re keen about fishing, you’ll also discover that this is yellowbelly country.
The Outer Barcoo has a population of about 290 people and covers an area of 10528 square kilometres. The main primary industries are cattle and sheep. The Barcoo River, famous for its golden perch, meanders calmly through the region and offers some great fishing holes.
The towns of this area are Isisford, Yaraka and Emmet (now part of the Longreach Regional Council). The larger town is Isisford, which was settled in the mid-1800s and the architecture reflects the lifestyle of its humble beginnings. The town has an 18-hole golf course, swimming pool, tennis court, park with covered children’s playground and fascinating little museums – the old bakery, Cafe Arcadia and Whitman’s Memorial Museum. It also has a post office, police station, two hotels, fuel outlet, primary health centre, QGAP office, ambulance, primary school, library and internet facilities. There is a camping charge of $2 per night per vehicle to camp along the banks of the Barcoo, weir or at the Oma Waterhole. Shower and toilet facilities are available within easy walking distance of the town. Visitors have commented that the town has the best facilities around.
A popular annual event is the Isisford Fishing Competition, which is held the last weekend of July every year.
Attractions in the region include the Isis Downs shearing shed (pictured above right), Major Mitchell historical sites and local museum displays.
The small township of Yaraka is situated 100km away from Isisford. Forming a magnificent backdrop is the Grey Range. Bountiful open Mitchell grass plains, long been regarded as some of the best grazing country in Australia, can be seen in this region.
Take a drive up the newly sealed road up to the top of the Mt Slowcombe Tourist Lookout; don’t miss out on the breathtaking views of the natural beauty of the surrounding land of Yaraka. Travel through and experience the interesting changes of scenery and follow the railway line to Emmet, which is shadowed by the Macedon Range and is the western gateway to the spectacular Idalia National Park with its rugged escarpments and harsh beauty.
It’s said that once you spend time on the tranquil coolibah-lined banks of the Barcoo at Isisford you become a local and find yourself returning again and again. Some visitors stay several months and some find they cannot leave, but most return to their favourite campsites imbued with memories of special times and great friendships. .
.
