9 Things To Do In Thargomindah (QLD) For A Genuine Outback Experience

Most people stop in Thargomindah on their way to Cameron Corner, but there are a few things to do in this modern country town in outback Queensland.

It’s nestled in south west Queensland and has the very first hydroelectric power plant in the country! Not bad for a town in the middle of nowhere.

There are quite a few historic buildings worth checking out as well – the Leahy House, the old hospital, the jail, and even a post office.

While life there can be challenging, there are plenty of things to do in Thargomindah, which makes it a great place for a genuine Outback experience.

9 things to do in Thargomindah

We recognise the traditional owners of this land, the Kullilli.

1) Do the Heritage Walk

Thargomindah’s Heritage Walk is a leisurely 2.3 km stroll that takes you along the main historic attractions, like the Leahy House, the old jail, and the Artesian bore. It’s a great way to get to know the town and the local history.

2) Check out the hydropower plant

Thargomindah boasts the first hydroelectric power plant in Australia and the third one in the world (after London and Paris).

It was established in 1893 and was used to power the street lighting of the town. It’s powered by the water from the artesian bore. Today, you can visit the site and learn about the plant’s operation and historical significance.

3) Visit the Leahy House

This is a beautifully preserved example of early 20th-century architecture in Thargomindah.

The house is made from mud brick and was originally built for the Leahy family. It was later owned by Sir Sidney Kidman, the well-known cattle baron.

Now it serves as a museum, with permanent displays and exhibitions, offering another insight into the history of the region (as does the Old Jail).

4) Visit the Old Jail

This small, rustic building is a stark contrast to the town’s more picturesque attractions, giving a sense of the harsh conditions faced by prisoners in the early 1900s. It’s a must-visit for those interested in the darker aspects of outback history.

5) Old Thargomindah Hospital

Much like the Leahy House, the old hospital is one of the few remaining buildings made of mud brick still standing.

It now houses a museum, showcasing the medical equipment used in the early 19th century, as well as displays detailing the challenges faced by healthcare providers in the outback.

6) Artesian Bore

Thargomindah’s artesian bore was drilled in the late 1800s and taps into the Great Artesian Basin, providing the town’s water supply and powering the hydropower plant.

When the bore was drilled, water was first found at a 795-metre depth. With around 1300 cubic metres of water at 84°C produced per day, the pressure was used to generate the town’s electricity supply.

The bore is critical to the town’s survival in more ways than one and its mysteries can be discovered by taking a tour (go to the Thargomindah Visitor Information Centre for that).

Fun fact: Our tour guide pointed out some bristles in the pool below the outlet. Apparently, dead pigs are sometimes left in the hot water overnight to cook them and make skinning easier!

7) Frederick White’s sculpture “Drawing Water”

This sculpture is a clever reminder of Thargomindah’s reliance on bore water.

Its 52 poles symbolise the 4,700 bores that deliver a reliable source of water to Outback Australia, without which the area would be uninhabitable for much of the year.

The outback bore’s average depth of 500 metres is represented by reflective discs in the centre. Ironically, these were covered in dust, with no sign of the floods that had isolated the town for several months earlier that year.

8) Lake Bindegolly National Park

Lake Bindegolly is a seasonal lake that’s home to over 190 species of birds, making it a hotspot for birdwatchers. It’s a 30-minute drive from the town centre.

When the lake is full, you can see pelicans, swans, parrots, galahs, and more.

It’s also a popular spot for free bush camping, though be aware that there are no facilities available.

Awesome spots at driving distance from Thargomindah

We recognise the traditional owners of this land, the Boonthamurra, Bidjara, Kullilli, Mardigan, Wanggumara, and Gunya.

Noccundra

This small but charming spot is a 1h 20min drive from Thargomindah.

The main attraction is The Noccundra Hotel, built in 1882. The pub there is a great place to grab a cold drink and meet some locals, plus the hotel makes for the perfect overnight stop to other destinations

Yowah

Yowah is renowned for its unique opal fields, as it’s home to the rare Yowah Nut opal.

You can try your luck fossicking in designated areas or join guided tours for a better chance of finding quality opals. Or you can take a relaxing soak in the artesian pools!

The Bluff Lookout offers panoramic views of the surrounding outback landscape, ideal for a nice sunrise or sunset.

It’s a 1h 15min drive from town.

Eromanga

Eromanga is known for its impressive dinosaur fossils, which you can see at the Eromanga Natural History Museum. You can even do hands-on experiences with fossil preparation and excavation!

It’s also known for being the furthest spot from the ocean in any direction in Australia.

There are other museums as well, like The Eromanga Living History Centre which provides a comprehensive overview of the town’s history, including its indigenous heritage and development of the oil and gas industries.

It’s a 3-hour drive from Thargomindah.

Quilpie

Quilpie is another opal hotspot, known for the Queensland boulder opal. If you’re not a fan of fossicking, you can visit St. Finbarr’s Church to see its stunning opal altar, a unique and dazzling feature that sets it apart.

For great views, head to Baldy Top Lookout for an epic panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, perfect for sunrise or sunset. It’s a 2-hour drive from town.

Cameron Corner

Cameron Corner is where the borders of Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia meet.

Thargomindah is the nearest town from Cameron Corner on the Queensland side, so it’s a bit of a drive (5.5 hours) but the novelty of standing in three states at once is worth it!

Once there, the Cameron Corner Store is a quirky place to grab a meal and chat with other travellers.

This spot is also the site of the Dingo Fence, one of the longest structures in the world, built to keep dingoes away from fertile lands in the south.

When is the best time to go to Thargomindah?

The best time to visit Thargomindah is during the cooler months, from April to September. The temperatures are way more comfortable for outdoor activities.

The worst time is summer because temperatures often exceed 40°C – exploring isn’t only unpleasant but can potentially be dangerous if you’re not well-equipped.

How to get to Thargomindah by car?

The best way to get to Thargomindah by car is via the Adventure Way, an iconic outback drive in Queensland that stretches +1,100 kilometres from Brisbane all the way to Innamincka.

It’s pretty much a sealed road, even up to Noccundra. So, unless you’re planning to go to Innamicka or Cameron Corner, you won’t need a 4WD.

It’s a long drive, though (11 hours) so it’ll take you a few days to get there:

Here are a few stops you could make along the way if you’re driving from Brissy:

• Toowoomba: Known as the “Garden City,” is a 1.5-hour drive from Brissy. The parks are beautiful, there’s an epic cultural scene, and has a rich history.

• Dalby: Drive another hour to get to this charming rural town. There are a few hotels and caravan parks here where you can stay overnight.

• St George: Start the next day with a 3-hour drive to this riverside town. Consider staying overnight to spend the day tasting wine and the local produce!

• Cunnamulla: Continue the next day with a 3-hour drive to this quintessential outback town known for its friendly locals, rich history, and unique artesian waters. Then you can either stay the night or continue the 2-hour drive to Thargomindah!

Should you rent a caravan?

We 100% recommend you do, but we’re biassed – we live one and we love the lifestyle!

They’re extremely convenient. You won’t have to rent a car and book your stay separately. Plus there are quite a few free or cheap campgrounds along the way to help you save some money.

If you don’t own a caravan, here are some caravan rentals we recommend. All of them offer pick-up and drop-off in Brisbane and other major cities:

• Travellers Autobarn is the cheapest option that doesn’t sacrifice quality. Check Autobarn rentals here.

• JUCY campervans are the middle ground. Their caravans are often bigger than Autobarn’s while still keeping good prices. Check JUCY rentals here.

• Star RV is the best for premium campervans. If you want to go on an adventure without sacrificing comfort, this is it. Check Star RV rentals here.

How many days to stay in Thargomindah?

Thargomindah is a small place, so 2 days is more than enough to explore the town and do some tours. But if you like to camp or are an avid birdwatcher, consider staying a few more days to fully appreciate Lake Bindegolly.

Where to stay in Thargomindah?

There are two motels and a few caravan parks in town:

• Bulloo River Hotel Motel.

• Thargomindah Oasis Motel.

• Explorers Caravan Park.

• Yapunyah Caravan Park.

• Thargomindah Station.

Where to eat in Thargomindah?

This outback town might be small, but it’s got some solid options for a decent meal. So, if you’re wondering where to grab a feed in Thargomindah, here’s a rundown of the spots you’ll want to check out.

• Explorers Rest ($$) One of the best spots in town for a feed, especially if you’re after the famous Bulloo Burger. Friendly staff and a great choice if you want to add all the extras to your meal.
• Yowah Nut Cafe ($$) A top spot for good coffee and delicious carrot cake, with friendly staff and reasonable prices. It’s worth the one-hour drive from Thargomindah.

Top tips

Bring plenty of water, especially if you plan to do the Heritage Walk or visit Lake Bindegolly. The town is very remote, so ensure your vehicle is in good condition and carry spare fuel and a tyre repair kit.

Also, be mindful of the weather, it gets scorching in summer. Lastly, respect the natural environment by following Leave No Trace principles, particularly if you’re camping at Lake Bindegolly.

Did you know?

Thargomindah was the name of a nearby station in the area, but it’s not clear where the name came from.

Some say it’s an Aboriginal word meaning either “echidna” or “cloud of dust”. Although we didn’t see any echidnas there, we couldn’t avoid seeing lots of dust… so that’s the one we’re sticking with!

FAQs 

The bottom line

Thargomindah might be a small town on your way to Cameron Corner, but it’s packed with unique experiences that are well worth your time!

For a bit of local history, the Leahy House and the Old Thargomindah Hospital are a must-visit. And of course, check out the hydroelectric power plant and the artesian bore!

Don’t miss out on the birdwatching opportunities at Lake Bindegolly, where you can spot a variety of species in their natural habitat.

Thargomindah is a gem in the outback. Stop there for a day or two, you won’t regret it!