Windorah is part of a unique landscape, surrounded as it is by scenic countryside, picturesque ruins and spectacular red sandhills.

The red sandhills are a must for all visitors to see. They are situated about 10 minutes’ drive west of town on the road to Birdsville. The road bisects two kinds of country - the red sand­hills to the north and flood channel country on the southern side.

Cooper Creek, immortalised in poetry by Andrew ‘Banjo’ Paterson and part of the inland lifeblood of Australia, is one of the great nat­ural attractions of Windorah. It was named way back in 1845 by Charles Sturt to honour the first Chief Justice of South Australia, Charles Cooper. Today, Cooper Creek is still famous as the watercourse where two rivers, the Thomson and the Barcoo, join to form a creek.

There are also ruins, mostly old pub sites, situated within about 90km of town. The JC ruins (they used to be part of the township of Canterbury) are situated about 80km west of Windorah. If you’re a history buff, you may enjoy wandering around the cemetery and the ruins.

In a good season, the spring wildflowers are a lovely sight. And make sure you take the 12km-long nature drive that starts on the edge of town and winds its way to Cooper Creek. You will be able to identify 38 species of trees (their common names are signposted). Pick up a pamphlet at the Windorah Visitor Information Centre in Maryborough Street. This will give you the botanical names of the plants, plus a list of birds you may see. The centre is part of a complex that takes in the library and has internet access. The local museum is on the same property, so take the time to look over the slab hut museum and the old Cooper Queen, a steel hull boat once used to row supplies across the water to the town. The slab hut dates back to 1906 and was built on Whitula Creek.

Just out of town on the Quilpie Road, is Windorah’s solar farm - five sun-reflecting mirror dishes which provide daytime electricity to the town.

While you’re in town, try out the nine-hole golf course with its sand greens. And if you’re keen on the outdoors, camping is allowed at the creek. Do some fishing!

Cooper Cabins Cnr Edward and Virtue Streets Windorah, Qld 4481 Phone (07) 4656 3101 Fax (07) 4656 3090 Fully self-contained cabins with en suite, air conditioning, kitchen; air-conditioned bar and dining room

Cooper Cabins offer nine self-contained cabins in town. Some people stay overnight. Avid birdwatchers or fishing enthusiasts will often settle in for a week! There’s a little barbecue area so you can sit and watch the sun set as you’re turning the snags for dinner. The complex also has a laundry for guests.

You don’t have to be a guest of Cooper Cabins to patronise their bar and dining room, open seven days a week. Enjoy home-cooked dinner and a few drinks. (They also sell softdrinks.)

If you’re towing a van or have brought your tent, pick a site at the council caravan park. The park incorporates public amenities, coin-operated laundry and fly-proof dining area.

Going to the Birdsville Races? Plan to be in town for the Windorah International Yabby Races the Wednesday before ... it’s all great fun!

Windorah Caravan Park Windorah Qld 4481 For further information phone (07) 4656 3063 Powered sites, laundry and dining room, barbecue facility

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