Bedourie

Another historic town, Bedourie started life in the 1880s as a major watering and rest stop for drovers and cattle. Cobb and Co coaches serviced the town. Bedourie is an Oasis in the Desert. Bedourie is the administration centre of the Diamantina Shire. Covering 94,690 square metres, it is the second largest shire in Queensland and is twice the size of Denmark. Excellent town facilities include motels, hotel with meals, cabins, caravan parks, restaurant and tavern, general store, post office, fuel and auto services, police station, and a medical clinic. A particular favourite is the 22 person therapeutic spa with the warm, fresh, crystal-clear water coming directly from an artesian bore. To soak up the historic atmosphere of Bedourie is a ﾑmust do' experience. The Royal Hotel was first licensed in the early 1880s and has since traded continuously. The famous Bedourie Camp Oven, invented in the droving camps of a bygone era, can still be purchased in town. In contrast to all the history, the modern Simpson Desert Oasis motel, ensuite caravan park and bar offer visitors every convenience. Just a day trip from Bedourie is the fabulous Diamantina National Park, well known for its fishing (Hunters Gorge), birds, wildlife and scenery. Overnight camping is also permitted. In September the annual horse race meeting, in July the gymkhana, campdraft and rodeo and all the fun of camel racing draw a large number of sport loving visitors. Permanent water in the nearby creek means numerous species of birds can be observed at Carcory Ruins. Cuttaburra Crossing is a renowned wetland area, with prolific birdlife.