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Welford National Park

Welford National ParkIn Welford National Park, wind-blown sand dunes form a dramatic contrast to white-barked ghost gums, golden-green spinifex and delicate wildflowers. The Barcoo River, with its large permanent waterholes, dissects Mitchell grass plains and arid mulga woodlands.

Remnants of Aboriginal heritage and use, including water wells and stone arrangements, are found throughout the park. A rare pise (rammed earth) homestead, built on this former grazing property in 1882, is now staff quarters.

Watch wildlife, including colourful Major Mitchell cockatoos, mallee ringnecks and red-winged parrots. Red and grey kangaroos and wallaroos are a common sight at Welford. Drive the self-guided scenic tracks around the park. Go fishing (size and big limits apply). Enjoy bush camping at Little Boomerang, on the Barcoo River. Permits required.

For more information or to book a camping site, please visit the Welford National Park website.

FACILITIES

  • Picnic Area
  • Toilets
  • Riverside Camping Sites

ACTIVITIES

  • 4WD tracks
  • Birdwatching
  • Canoeing/Kayaking
  • Cycling
  • Swimming
  • Walking Tracks

Thomson River

Thomson RiverDiscover and explore the Thomson at your leisure. There are a variety of recreational activities available including fishing, yabbying, kayaking, birdwatching or just simply relaxing.

 

 

 

The Native Well

Native WellLocated 32km North East of Jundah is the Native Well. Here is where the local Aboriginal people captured valuable water supplies. These wells supplies good, sweet water. These wells are hand made selecting the correct place to situate the wells, build a fire and crack the rock to create a water reservior. The hard top rock country provided the best bestoff in the wet to fill the wells. 

 

 Barcoo Shire Museum

Shire MuseumLocated on Macrossan Street, Jundah, the Historial Museum offers a window into the early pioneering times of the district. The history of the Barcoo Shire is in good hands, thanks to the determination of local residents. There is also interest undercover outdoors at the Museum's grounds are two wagons that were used for general fright and wool carting during the pioneer days. The Barcoo Shire Museum is open all year round from 8.30am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. 

 

 Historical site of Magee’s Shanty

Magees ShantyVisit the historical site of Magee's Shanty, a piece of our Shire's history about 90 kms east-southeast of Jundah. The site was put on the map by Banjo Paterson in the heyday of ballad writing and mentioned in his poem “A Bush Christening”. 

It is believed that Banjo was writing the poem about Mr. Tim McPhellamy and his ten-year-old son who were on Sedan Station, and at one time owned the Welford Lagoon Hotel. The McPhellamy boys’ parents resided at the Shanty Pub for some time working their carrier teams before moving to Windorah where Tim was a butcher and later took over the Western Star Hotel in 1912, which still stands today.

A few hundred metres east of these ruins is the resting place of gold prospector Richard Magoffin who at the age of 52 years perished on the 6th of December 1885 in search of water for his horses during a severe dust storm.

 

Barcoo Shire Memorial Park

Jundah War Memorial Park 2Visit the Barcoo Memorial Park accross from the Jundah General Store. Pause at the memorial cenotaph which bears the names of soldiers from the Shire who volunteered their services and fought in the two World Wars and the Boer War. Take a relaxing break in the green oasis; enjoy the BBQ facilities, picnic area and the kids playground. The War Memorial Park also had showers and toilets available for use. 

 

Settler’s Nature Drive

Jundah Nature Drive ex J MilsonThe start of the Settler's Nature Drive is at Thomson River. Follow the 7km loop to see desert spinifex, swampland, gidgee strants, mulga and a variety of trees. Along the way are signs to make indentification easier. This drive takes you along the banks of the Thomson River and extends behind the Jundah township and brings your back out on the Jundah - Quilpie Road. 

 

 

Archer Bros Pioneer Pathway

IMG 3262Take a leisurely walk around the outskirts of town along the path, stopping to read information on Jundah's rich history. 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to Jundah Signs

5989090 3x2 940x627At first, these signs look just like a little old rustic shop front. Upon closer inspection you will discover the history of Jundah. There are four entrances to Jundah and each one has its own Welcome to Jundah sign. 

 

 

 

Barcoo River Crossing

Barcoo River CrossingOn the southern edge of Welford National Park, you'll find the Barcoo River Crossing. The crossing is used for birdwatching, fishing and general river activities. The waters of the River flow towards Lake Eyre in central Australia. The River forms a boundary between Outback Australia and the 'Far Outback'. 

 

 

Retreat Crossing

Retreat CrossroadsThe Retreat Crossroads is named after Retreat Station homestead, which is located here. The following townships can be located from this crossing;

  • Yaraka - approximately 90kms
  • Jundah - approximately 50kms
  • Windorah - approximately 80kms 
  • Quilpie - approximately 250kms

 

 

Jundah Race Club

Jundah Race ClubEarly October of every year the Jundah Race Club hold their annual race meet, now known as the "Barcoo Spring Fling". The annual race meet is the towns highlight, a favourite event for the locals and visitors. With plenty of action including a five race program, fashions on the field, barrel racing, night entertainment until late and much more. For further information on the Jundah Annual Race Meet follow the club on facebook at Jundah Race Club | Facebook

 

 

For further information about Things to Do in Jundah, please contact the Jundah Information Centre.