Primary Industries
The diversity of habitats in Quilpie lend
themselves to a vast range of wildlife, animals, breeds of cattle and sheep,
and birdlife. To the west, towards
Eromanga, is the best place to spy the majestic wedge-tailed eagle soaring on a
thermal current in search of prey. At dusk and dawn, you can see wallabies and
kangaroos feeding in the scrubby undergrowth. The graceful brolga can usually
be seen in pairs, courting each other with a dance that would rival a royal
ballet.
Lake Houdraman is a beautiful expanse of
water set among shady gum trees. Seasonally, millions of glorious cream water
lilies line the banks in the shallow water. Visiting such a lush oasis makes it
difficult to believe this is outback Queensland.
At Lake Houdraman, all manner of water birds can
be heard calling to each other and you can spend hours of enjoyment capturing
them on film or in the sight of your binoculars. You may even be fortunate enough to see the
rare freckled duck gliding through the calm water. The visitor centre has a
full colour pictorial guide to the birds of the region to enhance your bird
watching experience in the Quilpie Shire.
The Bulloo River
is nearby. Try your luck at fishing for yellowbelly or catching yabbies in the
nearby creek. Please note this is a total carp-free zone and heavy fines apply
to offenders using carp for bait. Take a stroll along the river walk on the
shady banks of the Bulloo
River. Interpretative signs are positioned along the
way to tell you about the variety of trees and this is an ideal spot for more
birdwatching.
Three national parks are found
in the Quilpie Shire but only two are presently open to the public. Mariala National Park is a remote wilderness and
home to yellow-footed rock wallabies, echidnas and wallaroos. Take your binoculars for spectacular bird
watching opportunities. Bush camping is permitted at Mariala National Park
but you must be fully self sufficient and obtain a camping permit. Bring extra
supplies and inform a responsible person of your expected return dates.
To Do
Bulloo River Walk (don’t
forget to get your bird guide from the visitor centre)
Picnic at Lake Houdraham,6.5km
from Quilpie
Visit the wool scour plaque at
the Quilpie Airport
Learn about Amy Johnson’s
landing in Quilpie
Visit the artesian bore and
try a cold glass of bore water
Climb Baldy Top Lookout, 7.4km
from Quilpie
Learn about the birds that are
the street names of Quilpie
Did You Know
Organic merino wool, produced
in the Quilpie shire, has been used to make clothes for New York fashion week.
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Things To Do
Community
