STONEHENGE, Australia, is a long way removed from the famous standing stones bearing the same name in England. For a start, the far western Queensland settlement doesn’t have a standing stone in sight. And it’s about as different from England in climate and landscape as you could get.

Situated just off the Thomson Developmental Road, Stonehenge has a population of 40 people. Its name dates back to the times when the area was a safe crossing area for bullock teams and their drivers. A stone fortress had been built for the bullock drivers to overnight in, and when the building fell into ruins, the area became known as “Stonehenge”.

The Australian namesake has its own claim to fame. Stonehenge is one of only three areas in Australia chosen as a base for an over-the-horizon radar defence initiative. While it is a long way inland, Stonehenge is in a perfect position to be a transceiver in a Department of Defence program to guard the coastline.

Visitors usually make their headquarters at the Stonehenge Hotel while they’re exploring the country. Jeff and Judy Baldry are the friendly hosts at the hotel, which is only 25 years old despite the fact that Stonehenge was settled before Longreach.

Judy is considered the honorary tourist officer for the area, so she can give you all sorts of information.

Stonehenge is in channel country, and in flood time townspeople have to boat out across the river. The Thomson is just behind the hotel, and can be as wide as 7km in flood. The river attracts many kinds of birds including corellas, galahs, white cockatoos, spoonbills and wild budgerigars.

Many people travelling through with their 4WDs and caravans come up the Birdsville Track or the Strzelecki Track en route to Longreach. Stonehenge is less than two hours’ drive from Longreach and the hotel has air-conditioned rooms, counter meals and dining room fare.

If you are towing a van or have brought your tent, you can stay at Stonehenge’s caravan park.

For those with 4WD vehicles, a great way to appreciate the geographical features of the area is to take the 7km John Egan Pioneer Track, which passes through downs country, scenic Hill View country, spectacular erosions and rocky outcrops, a natural spring and a gorge.

The trip is named after one of the local identities whose descendants were early farming settlers in the area. The actual driving time is only about 20 minutes, although many people like to take smoko to eat at the gorge. Lots of people unhook their vans so they can take the route.

Stonehenge is the gateway to the Lochern National Park, 40km away. Pick up a bird list and other national park information at the hotel.