Thargomindah is an Aboriginal word meaning “Cloud of Dust”. Thargomindah is a special town with a unique history, and is affectionately known by the locals as “Thargo”. The town rests on the banks of the Bulloo River, 200km west of Cunnamulla, and 1000km west of Brisbane.

In 1860, the epic expedition of Burke and Wills through far southwest Queensland paved the way for settlement in the area. It was during this time a remarkable bushman by the name of Vincent James Dowling pioneered and settled Thargomindah Station, which is situated on the opposite side of the Bulloo River to where the Town Reserve of Thargomindah was gazetted on December 31, 1874.

Thargomindah has a population of around 250 residents, and the shire’s population is approximately 420. The traditional source of industry in the shire is beef and wool, however today petroleum/oil and gas comprise a large part of the shire’s economy.

For visitors, the shire has many natural attractions, including three major rivers filled with fish and yabbies, the famous Cooper Creek and wildlife ranging from kangaroos to birds including wedge-tailed eagles, emus and migratory bird species.

Thargomindah was the first town in Australia - and the third in the world after London and Paris - to have electric street lighting. In 1891, drilling started on a bore to supply the town with water, and in 1893 an exceptionally good supply was struck at 795m (2650ft), with the water coming from the bore at a temperature of 84˚C. This bore has played a significant part in history, as Thargomindah was the first town to have reticulated bore water. The bore was the source of energy for Australia’s first hydro-electric scheme when Thargomindah’s streets were lit by means of a generator coupled to a water turbine driven by the bore’s natural water pressure. This method was in operation until 1951, when diesel generators came into use. The town was connected to the National Grid System in the 1990s.

Next to the original old bore, a replica of the original power plant shed has been built to house a working Pelton wheel and generator, which is now used to demonstrate how the town received its first electricity more than a century ago. The generator is coupled to a water turbine, which is driven by the pressure of the artesian water from the bore. Hydro power plant demonstrations are conducted daily for visitors from 4.30pm until 5.00pm during April to October.

Thargo Motors 61 Dowling Street, Thargomindah Qld 4492 Phone (07) 4655 3225 Fax (07) 4655 3269 Tyres, oil, fuel, repairs and service, Toyota parts and service

To gain more of an insight into the remarkable life of people who lived in the outback in the early days, take the Heritage Walk around Thargomindah. Visit Leahy House, once owned by Sir Sydney Kidman, and built after 1885 when the Deed of Grant was made to the Thargomindah Newspaper Co. The house is built of the original, locally made, mud brick and was continuously lived in until 1995, when the council purchased the building and handed it to the Thargomindah Historical Society in trust for the community.

The Thargomindah Post Office was opened in 1870, only to be levelled to the ground by a storm in 1877, and have its interior burnt out in 1952. The present day Thargomindah Post Office has been constructed of the locally made mud brick, and is one of only four remaining mud brick buildings still standing in the town today.

The original Thargomindah Hospital is a great monument to the life and times of the first settlers in outback Queensland. Built prior to 1888, it served the community’s medical needs until 1976, at which time the current Outpatients Centre was built in Dowling Street. The original hospital is now a visitor information centre and a museum featuring medical and Royal Flying Doctor Service memorabilia, and other relics.

Remnants of the original Thargomindah Printery building still stand in Sams Street. The building was constructed of locally made mud brick in 1870.

The Old Thargomindah Cemetery, located close to the township, has only a few headstones remaining and they date back to 1882. The New Town Cemetery has graves dating back to the 1890s. The township has a Heritage Walk, which joins the Bulloo River Walk at the original Cobb and Co Crossing. The stone crossing was in use up until late 1929 when the current bridge was built. During the late 1890s, Thargomindah became a staging post for coaches that serviced the distant settlements of Hungerford, Wompah, Noccundra, Oontoo, Kyabra and Toompine.

The Bulloo River Walk is a leisurely walk along the river, featuring many river red gums extending along its banks. Birdlife is plentiful, and you may even spot the odd pelican, or a Mallee ringneck parrot, or a Bourke’s parrot among the trees.

The Nature Walk starts in Dowling Street and finishes at the Hydro Power Plant Display. A variety of native trees, shrubs, and plant life are featured along this walk.

As well as being the main township in the Bulloo Shire, Thargomindah is a clean spacious little town that offers great country hospitality to visitors. The town itself has a general store (including hardware), roadhouse (including general store), post office and gift shop, Toyota dealership, community centre, library, swimming pool, golf course, aerodrome, outpatients centre, police station, primary school, and sports oval.

Bulloo River Hotel Motel 62 Dowling Street, Thargomindah Qld 4492 Phone (07) 4655 3125 Fax (07) 4655 3136 Air-conditioned units, air-conditioned restuarant, two bars, courtesy car to and from airport

A range of accommodation is available. For friendly hospitality, meet Duck and Daisy at the Bulloo River Hotel/Motel. (Their real names are Donald and Shirley, but they answer to the Disney characters’ nicknames). Enjoy a cold drink from the bar or a great outback meal in the restaurant. Motel accommodation is available adjacent to the hotel in air-conditioned rooms with en suites.

One of the best caravan parks in the far southwest is the Thargomindah Explorers Caravan Park. The park has six en suite cabins (one with disabled facilities), as well as a bunkhouse with four separate rooms for the budget conscious. Internet access is available. The park offers powered and sewered sites, as well as non-powered sites, and campsites, and features a well appointed camp kitchen. You will enjoy a warm friendly welcome from managers Paul and Ide Rush!

Making a flying visit? The aerodrome, situated 1km along Gilmour Street (Noccundra-Jackson Road), has a fully sealed runway, which is 1460m long and features PAL (Pilot Activated Lighting) night landing facilities. Avgas and Jet A are available on site.

Fergies Roadhouse Truckies Bypass, Thargomindah Qld 4492 Phone (07) 4655 3178 Fax (07) 4655 3210 Open seven days, EFTPOS, RACQ service depot, takeaway food and meals, fuel and oils, bait and tackle, ice, LPG refilles, souvenirs, maps