MOST WEEKENDS during the season, the Channel Country Caravan Park hosts a campoven dinner and a “taste of Quilpie” burger night. With true bush entertainment and a campfire, it’s the kind of night that will stay in your memory long after you’ve moved on.

Entertainment includes the park’s own in-house bush poet, John “the Ferret” Morgan, who arrives in July and stays for the rest of the season. The park also has a happy hour, which is actually a talk to share information about the district and about tours you can take, which range from horse and buggy trips around town to a flying visit to Birdsville.

If you’re keen to see Birdsville without having to drive all the way, the park can organise air transfers, tour, overnight cabin accommodation and a free continental breakfast.

Learn why Quilpie is “Kings in Grass Castles” country as you travel through original Durack country on the half-day Mail Run Tour. The tour takes a maximum of four passengers.

Discover opals while you’re in Quilpie. You can try a bit of noodling for free at the park, where a little fossicking area has been created just for guests. Or try the real thing at Deuces Wild, an opal claim belonging to the park owners. A 3ha area has been set aside for fossickers. You just pay a per car fee, grab a mudmap and head for the property, 70km from town.

If you’re heading out to Birdsville after Quilpie, ask about mates’ rates at the Birdsville Caravan Park. It’s also operated by Outback Parks and they like to give a discount to people who stay at both parks.