Exploring the Heart of Queensland’s Outback
Like a fly on top of a turd, Blackall is sitting there victorious in the rough Queensland outback thriving under the hot Australian sun. Eleven hours inland from Brisbane it is not a common holiday destination but picks up over the winter months while the land is cool. Known for being your regular cowboy town with its most iconic historical landmark be a Black Stump, Blackall lives up to its town slogan “there’s more than fuckall in Blackall”.
Blackall was once the shearing capital of Queensland and the place to be when it comes to wool. Now, all that remains is the 1908 Wool-scour which is over run with herds of boomers, pushing though there like sheep themselves, going one tour after another. They really are the only generation keeping the “important” things alive…
Empty hotels and always closed shops line the main street and are all that’s left over after the industrial change from sheep to cattle and turning the ground to hard desolate nothingness. It’s population of around 1000 people are as rough as the land they live on, from notorious alcoholics to the local pedophile. And as Jeff at the pub would say… “it’s the Blackall culture”. Each outing is splashed with a ray of grumpy faces and forced smiles but though all of that, this place has heart. There was always a local wanting to hear about our travels, someone to enjoy a beer or two with down at the pub and someone you was happy to lend their tools or knowledge.
If you happen to visit Blackall on a Sunday make sure you go check out the town’s bowling club, Gary ‘5’ will always make you feel welcome and will most probably share a beer with you. He always has a couple of good stories ready to go.
The highlight of this little country town is without a doubt it’s artisan spring swimming pool. It is located at the town’s entrance and consists of one Olympic size pool with two amazing spas. All of the pools are heated and it is absolute perfect way to spend a quiet winter day in Blackall.
You will have to share the pool with a few grey nomads who bob around like giant inflatable balls and slowly wrinkle their way into a plum. You won’t be bothered by any of the towns locals who decide not to partake in this towns hidden gem. As drinking and smoking aren’t allowed they very rarely show up. Cause whats a pool without drinking eh? With only a $2 entry fee (pp) it makes for a fantastic place to waste the day before heading back to camp to sit around a fire.
Overall, Blackall was a place of experiences. Completely eye opening to the true Aussie cowboy culture and gave us a lot of what to “not” to do in life. Blackall is another world away, a small place with massive heart.
Here are some hidden gems near Blackall:
- The Black Stump, Blackall
- Blackall Aquatic Centre, Blackall
- Lara Wetlands, Landsborough Hwy – QLD
- Tree of Knowledge, Barcaldine – QLD
Forever Travelling, Chris & Claire.
Greetings from 
Leave a comment