Three Days in Cloncurry

This three-day itinerary, exploring Cloncurry, is suited best to high-clearance vehicles. There are accommodation sites at Cloncurry, Quamby, Kajabbi and Burke and Wills Roadhouse. Self-sufficient traveller? Check out the free campsites at Cloncurry, Mary Kathleen and Corella Dam/Clem Walton Park.

If you are travelling through Cloncurry and heading north, to Normanton and beyond, we recommend following this itinerary as it is written below. If you are travelling east or west, we would recommend checking a map and adjusting the itinerary to suit your travels best, to save driving the same roads twice.

Day 1 – Heart of the Outback Living

In the heart of Cloncurry, you can explore pioneering history that changed the future of outback living in Australia.

1. When you arrive in town your first stop simply must be the Cloncurry Unearthed Visitor Information Centre and Museum to help plan your trip. Don’t forget to explore artefacts from Burke and Will’s iconic expedition.

2. Visit the John Flynn Place Museum and discover Cloncurry’s history as the birthplace of the iconic Royal Flying Doctor Service.

3. Head out to Chinaman Creek Dam for a relaxing splash and venture up to the Cloncurry Lookout for a stunning sunset photo opportunity.

Day 2 – Ghost Towns and Gems

Visit a relic of Cloncurry’s mining past and try your luck fossicking for gems.

1. Begin the day by visiting Cloncurry’s old cemeteries and discover elements of its history, including the Afghan graves where iconic cameleers came to rest. Pick up a copy of the Heritage Tour of Cloncurry brochure at the Cloncurry Unearthed Visitor Information Centre, which highlights all the historic cemeteries around town.

2. Take a 50-minute drive south to Kuridala (74km from Cloncurry) and see stacks from old mines still standing. Don’t forget to get a fossicking license online or at the visitor centre before you go, so you can hit the amethyst fields.

3. One hour and 15 minutes from Kuridala you’ll find the ghost town of Mary Kathleen (68km west of Cloncurry) and the beautiful Corella Dam. The dam is a wonderful place to stop for a campfire lunch or set up camp for an epic sunset.

Day 3 – Pubs and Pioneering Explorers

Day three offers an exploration of iconic outback pub culture.

1. The Quamby Pub (45km north of Cloncurry), was originally built in the 1860’s. The Pub still stands today and has retained its original character. This old town comes alive each July for the Quamby Rodeo.

2. Next stop – Kajabbi just 45 minutes drive away. You’ll find old copper mines, the railway head and the Kalkadoon Pub.

3. One hour and 15 minutes from Kajabbi is the renowned Burke and Wills Roadhouse. The home of the annual rodeo and campdraft events, the roadhouse is the perfect location to stop and enjoy the slower pace of outback living.