The Bulloo Shire, known as the Shire of Natural Resources, is one of the largest shires in Queensland and totals 73,600 square kilometres.

Large cattle and sheep stations cover the region together with major oil and gas fields at Jackson, Ballera and Naccowlah, and opal fields at Black Gate. The Bulloo, Paroo and Wilson Rivers, together with Cooper Creek, traverse the shire. Wildlife and migratory bird species abound.

The administrative centre of the Bulloo is Thargomindah, 1000km west of Brisbane. Affectionately called ‘Thargo’ by the locals, Thargomindah is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘Cloud of Dust’. It is a special town with a unique history.

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 is situated in the spectacular south-west Corner Country and provides the ideal base for day tours. It was the first town in Australia – and the third in the world after Paris and London - to have street lighting, powered by hydro-electricity generated from artesian bore water.

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 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 regularly conducted for visitors. This site is also the finishing spot for the Bulloo River Walk, which is a delightful and leisurely trail from Dowling Street. It’s the perfect way to see the many river red gums growing on the riverbanks, along with a variety of other native trees and shrubs. Birdlife is plentiful and you may even spot the odd pelican, or a Mallee ringneck parrot or a Bourke’s parrot among the trees.

Take the Heritage Walk around Thargomindah. Visit historic Leahy House (once owned by Sir Sydney Kidman), the remnants of the Thargomindah Printery, the mud brick post office and old Thargomindah Hospital. The original hospital is a 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 old ­­hospital is now a visitor information centre and a museum featuring medical and Royal Flying Doctor Service memorabilia, and other relics.

Explore the old and new cemeteries (the new cemetery has graves dating back to the 1890s!), examine historic sites, go fishing or yabbying, or simply commune with nature.

FACILITIES IN TOWN

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 (Fergies Roadhouse – they have everything from tyres to tackle and bait to piping hot pizzas!), post office and gift shop, Toyota dealership (Thargo Motors), community centre, library, swimming pool, golf course, aerodrome, outpatients centre, police station, primary school and sports oval.

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, fresh pizza, fuel and oils, groceries, bait and tackle, ice, LPG refills, souvenirs, maps

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.

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

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

If you’re wanting to make a flying visit, the aerodrome is situated 1km along Gilmour Street (Noccundra-Jackson Road) and 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.

Bulloo River Hotel Motel 62 Dowling Street, Thargomindah Qld 4492 Phone (07) 4655 3125 Fax (07) 4655 3136 Air-conditioned units, air-conditioned restaurant, two bars, courtesy car to and from airport on request Email: brhm05@bigpond.net.au

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