Looking for fun things to do in Charleville Qld?
If you want to experience a fun country town from Brisbane, Charleville located 750km West of Brisbane (approximately a 8 hour drive) is a cool place to visit!
While Charleville is a small outback town in Australia, that doesn’t mean that there are not plenty of cool Charleville Qld attractions that make your long drive more than worthwhile!
In this guide, we will outline the best things to do in Charleville including seeing the outback from the sky or getting up close and personal with an Australian Bilby (the kids will love it!)
Don’t miss this country town. It is no doubt one of the best places to visit in Queensland!
Best Things to do in Charleville Qld
1. See Charleville from sky with South-west Air Services’ 20-minute journeys
For guests wanting a true birds-eye view of the Outback, Charleville’s Southwest Air Services provide visitors with the opportunity to enjoy a twenty-minute flight over the land.
Flyers will have the unique experience of getting to see many different natural wonders the Outback has to offer in a short period of time and will gain a deeper appreciation for the varied environments in the area.
And, if visitors time their flights right, they will have the unique opportunity to view sunsets, agricultural movements, or local events in a way that will stick with them for a lifetime.
Image credit: South-west Air Services
2. Charleville Bilby Experience
One of the most popular attractions in all of Charleville, the Bilby Experience brings guests back again and again. Guests are educated by engaging presenters on the species and are taught about methods that are being undertaken to preserve the small animals.
At the centre you are permitted to enjoy up close and personal interaction with the bilbies. And, as a non-profit sanctuary for the endangered animal, the Charleville Bilby Experience uses every cent it makes to pour back into the protection of the adorable species.
The Bilby Centre costs $18 for adults and $10 for children.
3. Charleville Cosmos Centre
The Charleville Cosmos Centre offers visitors—quite literally—an out-of-this-world experience when they visit. It is home to many fascinating attractions from space junk that fell to Charleville from the skies, to the brand-new Astro Dome featuring “Beyond the Sun” and “Birth of Planet Earth”—two experiences that engage the whole family on life beyond our solar system and how our planet was born.
Additionally, families can enjoy self-guided tours of the facilities, learn about how astronauts live in space, and even gaze directly into the sun with special eclipse glasses in an effort to learn more about stars and their makeup.
4. Cosmos Shuttle & Star Gazing Theatre
At the the Charleville Cosmos Centre, don’t miss the Cosmos Shuttle & Star Gazing Theatre.
The best bit is entry is free, making it one of the best free things to do in Charleville.
Image credit: Charleville Cosmos Centre
5. The Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre
The Flying Doctor is an iconic figure in the history of the Outback—one still in active use today, and visitors are encouraged to stop by and learn more about the fascinating lives, experiences, and trials of these doctors themselves.
The visitor’s centre features an introductory film explaining the necessity of an airborne medical service in history, displays of medical equipment both old and new that has been used by Flying Doctors, and an outreach centre that discusses the present-day service rolls these doctors fill.
There’s plenty of fascinating history to explore—especially for fans of aviation, medicine, and adventure!
It is free to visit the centre with the expectation to leave a small donation to help a great cause!
6. Charleville Historic House Museum
As a bank turned boarding house turned museum, the Charleville Historic House Museum, the building is, uniquely enough, almost more rich in history than its many interesting treasures displayed within. Featuring original marble fireplaces, the bank vault, and a large collection of early machinery, the museum is sure to fascinate everyone in your family.
Also included on the grounds are a life size replica Cobb & Co Coach, a life-size rail ambulance, and a life-size steam train engine.
With its doors open seven days a week and access allowed to pets, this destination is sure to provide lots of educational entertainment to visitors.
7. Graham Andrew Parklands
For nature lovers, there are few more beautiful sites in Charleville than The Graham Andrew Parklands.
These botanical gardens are so exquisitely crafted and maintained, that guests return time and again to enjoy the scenic grounds. Featuring a charming working windmill, watercourses, Vortex guns, and adventure playgrounds, the parkland doesn’t disappoint any visitor, no matter their age, ability, or walk of life.
Guests are also welcome to BBQ up a hot meal, play sports in open areas, picnic to their heart’s content, or just enjoy a lovely evening stroll in the native Outback surroundings.
8. Bailey Bar Caravan Park in Charleville for racehorse Wednesdays
For fans of racing, the Bailey Bar Caravan BBQ Dinner and Hobby Horse Racing even held every Wednesday night at 6:00 is a must.
For only $17 per person, the BBQ dinner is some of the best in the area, and the entertainment is equally a great value for your money. When the races begin, patrons are invited to place bets and have the opportunity to walk away with a quarter of the prize pool if their chose steed bests the competition.
The rest of the pool goes toward benefiting the Rural Fire Service, so your money will be well-spent and goes to a great cause.
9. Go on a Secret WW2 tour
For fans of history, the Secret WW2 tour is a must-see stop in Charleville. Back in 1942, the Charleville airport actually became part of the United States of America when the USAAF handed it over as a top-secret site during World War II and 3,500 U.S. servicemen were deployed to the area.
Many sites have been uncovered over the years and guided tours are offered of the base providing guest book in advance at the Charleville Cosmos Centre and Information Centre or online.
10. Corones Hotel Stories and Scones Tour
The Stories and Scones tour of the Corones Hotel is one of visitors’ favourite activities in Charleville. With a captivating, and highly intriguing history, the story of the Hotel Corones is one like no other. In a classic rags to riches story full of good humour and joviality, guests are inundated with tales of the rich, famous, and otherwise who have visited or stayed in the hotel.
These tales span royalty, ghosts, and much, much more! Families, couples, and singles alike are sure to enjoy the entertaining tour as they are regaled with knowledge of some of the town’s most fascinating past.
11. Yabby Races [April – September]
The Yabby Races are a local and visitor favourite in Charleville. Hosted every Wednesday from April to September, the Yabby Races are a fun way for guests to engage with locals over a roaring good time.
Visitors get the chance to buy their own yabbies, place their bets, and wait (often quite a long time) to see the outcome of this much-anticipated athletic event.
And, all the proceeds from the aces go to fundraising for the Royal Flying Doctors Service. It’s a time-honoured way of wasting the day away, and guests are sure to walk away with fantastic vacation stories to tell.
12. School of Distance Education Tour
With tours running every week day during school terms, the School of Distance Education offers visitors the opportunity to discover more about the school and its educational benefits.
Families are encouraged to come tour the premises to learn more about the school’s operations, and are permitted to even sit in on a lesson with a teacher while the educators are “on air” with their students.
Tours are only $5, so the cost is quite reasonable, and while the tours do not operate during whole school field events like the Sports Muster and Kickstart Conference, there are still plenty of opportunities to engage with teachers, faculty, and the school.
13. Charleville Water Tower Mural
Painted in May of 2019 by artist Guido van Helten, the Charleville water tower has become a beacon of local art to the town and its visitors.
The monochromatic mural is painted in a shockingly realistic 3D style and stands tall and narrow at a height of thirty metres. It features a group of rival children intertwined in sport, and is dedicated to the significance of a game between Charleville and the neighbouring city of Cunnamulla.
It symbolizes community and cooperation in diversity in southwest Queensland. Guests are sure to be inspired by this towering tribute to friendship.
Best Charleville Walks
14. Outback Native Timber Walk
Wondering what to do in Charleville Queensland if you like to get out and about?
Of all the engaging, must-see activities around town, the Outback Native Timber Walk is one of the best ways for visitors to get hands-on experience with the naturally beautiful surroundings of the Outback.
The parkland features many different varieties of birdlife, fauna, and flora, including eighteen species of plant life natively grown in the park.
The Charleville Visitor Information Centre at the railway station provides guests with maps of the property and information about some of the various plants and animals that inhabit the area. Families are sure to enjoy taking time to visit the parkland and enjoy all it has to offer.
Image credit: queensland southern outback
15. Charleville Heritage Trail Walk
The Charleville Heritage Trail Walk offers visitors a perfect way to engage with the town, visiting different areas and exploring the local colour on well-marked trails.
Self-guided trail maps are provided to guests with optional audio CDs from the Charleville Visitor Information Centre to enhance guests’ experience with information recorded by locals who know and love the area well.
Stories on the CDs include information about architectural styles around town and histories dating back to 1888. Visitors are sure to enjoy morning, afternoon, or even evening strolls around this trail.
16. Warrego River Walk
There are many enjoyable activities to engage in with nature in Charleville, but nothing quite so peaceful as taking a river walk along the banks of the Warrego.
With trails navigating from the Adrian Street River Crossing and back, visitors are given all the makings to a lovely afternoon spent outdoors, and when the season’s right, it’s even possible to extend that walk along the dry river bed and continue on to the next body of water, or even further beyond that.
Additionally, the site offers a series of varied outdoor gym equipment for the more adventurous and athletically inclined.
17. Charleville Weather Station
For anyone interested in meteorology or learning how meteorologists predict the weather, a tour of the Charleville Weather Station is a must.
Located near the Charleville Airport, this attraction provides a fun-filled, fantastic experience that families can enjoy together time and time again.
Visitors are welcome to take educational guided tours of the facilities with one of the station’s meteorologists, or they can choose to observe the automated balloon release process at their own convenience. Either way, you’re sure to learn something new with each visit. Bookings for tours and trips can be made directly with Weather Station Tour Attractions.
18. Angellala Bridge Explosion Site
A memorialized dedication site to the biggest non-military explosion in Queensland’s history, the Angellala Bridge Explosion Site is one you won’t want to miss.
It’s such a unique site because even though the explosion was felt up to thirty kilometres away from its epicentre, not a single soul lost their life that day.
The site today stands alongside the rebuilt road and is littered with interesting informational billboards detailing the day’s events. Guests who have visited the site claim is has a “feeling” about it, and say that visitors to the area shouldn’t miss checking it out.
Image credit: queensland southern outback
19. Take a day trip to Augathella
Part of the Shire of Murweh, Augathella attracts most of it’s visitors with an unexpected attraction: the humble meat ant.
Native to Australia, the meat ant earned its name based on its carnivorous tendency to consume the flesh of vertebrate animals once they have passed away.
As the self-proclaimed “Home of the Meat Ant,” the town has dedicated a park complete with sculpture to the fascinating insect. Additionally, the town boasts many arts and crafts that are locally produced, and it features many rustic metal sculptures that are sure to intrigue visitors from a wide range of backgrounds.
Where to Eat in Charleville Qld
1. Heinemanns Bakery & Café
There’s no better place to sip hot coffee, people-watch, and get a real feel for the spirit of Charleville than at Heinemann’s Bakery and Café.
This restaurant combines quality baked goods with fast, friendly service, making it one of the town’s must-visit locations. Heinemann’s is open seven days a week, specializing in breakfast and lunch foods, and they have excellent, vegan- and vegetarian-friendly options.
There’s plenty of indoor seating, but if the weather is nice, customers are always welcome to enjoy the café’s outdoor dining experience. And if you’re not in the mood to dine-in today, takeaway is always an option.
2. On the Rocks Restaurant
If you’re looking for a dining experience that perfectly marries modern tastes with the quintessential aesthetic of the Outback, look no further than On the Rocks Restaurant.
Featuring spacious verandas outside and beautifully high ceilings inside, the dining experience here is unparalleled in Charleville—and that’s not even to mention the food. On the Rock’s cuisine, specializing in authentic, Australian dining, is equal to the restaurant’s grand design.
With local favourites like Tomahawk Steak and Lamb Shank Pie, the dishes served here provide diners with all the comforts of a home-made meal with a restaurant-quality, modern flair.
3. Blue Gum Café
Rated one of the top cafés in all of Charleville, the “Best in the West” Blue Gum Café is a family-friendly restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and brunch six days a week.
Customers return time and again to enjoy excellent salmon bennies, steaming hot fry-ups and melt-in-your-mouth ham and cheese toasties. They also boast excellent vegan and vegetarian options like the Vegie Breaky Board and the Chia Breakfast Bowl.
But if you’re not in the mood for a meal, the Blue Gum also serves some of the best drinks in town, from cappuccinos to iced coffees, milkshakes and iced chocolates, and most things in between.
4. Hotel Corones
In addition to being one of the best hotels in town, the Hotel Corones boasts high-quality dining options. With a menu chock-full of locally-sourced fruits and vegetables, diners are guaranteed fresh ingredients in every meal.
And unlike some of the other restaurants in town, the hotel is open seven days a week for dinner service, featuring a pizza bar on Sundays and Mondays.
It also has a fantastic county pub atmosphere supplemented by friendly staff and a wide variety of wines, spirits, and beers all served from the longest bar in all of Queensland.
5. Charleville R.S.L Bistro
Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, the R.S.L. Bistro offers a range of tasty, filling meals from an a-la-carte menu featuring steak, seafood, chicken, and vegetarian dishes, so you’re sure to find many options to enjoy.
The Bistro also hosts theme nights Mondays through Thursdays with special discounted prices for select meals including Tuesday’s Barramundi and Thursday’s Rump Steak for $25 each.
And, with loads of interesting artwork and memorabilia decorating the walls, the restaurant’s friendly, open atmosphere is just as inviting as the food is delicious.
Where to stay Motels & Hotels in Charleville
1. Hotel Corones
Built in the 1920s, this charmingly historic heritage-listed hotel provides guests with the classic feel of a bygone era paired with comforts catered to the modern traveller.
It features a bistro, a bar, and a bottle-shop in-house, and it’s also within convenient walking distance of many popular restaurants, shops, and attractions in Charleville.
The rooms themselves feature many amenities as well including room service, balcony views, WiFi, air conditioning, and televisions to help guests make the most of their downtime. So if you’re looking for a hotel full of creature comforts and character, look no further than the Hotel Corones.
2. Mulga Country Motor Inn
Located a short drive from the Cosmos Centre, families would be hard-pressed to find more comfortable, spacious family rooms than those offered at the four-star Mulga Country Motor Inn.
With ensuited bathrooms, an on-site swimming pool with an overlooking BBQ, and fun children’s activities, the Inn is an ideal location for those travelling with children. It features free high-speed internet, free airport transportation, a self-serve laundry service, and excellent room service to help ensure guests’ stays are as comfortable as they can be.
Additionally, private units come equipped with air conditioning, a microwave and fridge, and a kettle for guests’ convenience.
3. The Rocks Motel – Charleville
As one of the top accommodations in Charleville, The Rocks Motel is a fantastic location for travellers from all walks of life. Each standard room is equipped with a private bathroom, comfortable beds, free WiFi, a flatscreen television and coffee-making facilities.
The upgraded studio rooms offer further amenities including a hairdryer, free toiletries, and complementary coffee capsules. The motel also features a swimming pool and the on-site, highly-rated restaurant, On the Rocks, where guests can enjoy tasty modern Australian cuisine.
The motel further offers a free shuttle service and is centrally located within the town.
4. Charleville Motel
Enjoyed for its four-star rating, clean rooms, and friendly staff, the Charleville Motel is a top accommodation in the town. Guests particularly enjoy the on-site garden, the large, outdoor swimming facilities, and the unlimited access to free WiFi.
Couples are similarly drawn to the motel because of its close proximity to shops and cafes and the and the outstanding value they receive for their money.
With room options like the Budget Queen, it is incredibly easy for travelling duos to save a little bit more of their expense money to engage in adventures while still being able to afford a top-quality private room to relax in at the end of the day.
5. Charleville Waltzing Matilda Motor Inn
Only walk from the best local shops and dining options in town, the Charleville Waltzing Matilda Motor Inn offers comfortable accommodations, on-site amenities, and a free airport shuttle service for its guests.
Each of the inn’s air conditioned rooms include television sets with satellite packages, a refrigerator, a toaster, and tea/coffee making facilities with the optional use of a microwave available upon request.
Additionally, the inn offers guests the chance to relax and unwind by their sun-warmed outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant open Monday through Thursday with a full menu and open Sundays with a more limited version of that menu.
6. Cosmos Country Motor Inn
Guests will find all the accommodations they need in an inn when they choose to stay at the Cosmos Country Motor Inn. Each room comes fully equipped with a functional kitchenette, an ensuite bathroom and shower, a hairdryer, and complementary bed linens and towels are provided as well.
Guests are also welcome to use a communal BBQ area outdoors, the guest laundry, and a free airport transfer service. Additionally, the inn is ideally located a mere five minute drive from both the local airport and Warrego River, and while the inn doesn’t feature its own pool, the local swimming facilities are only a ten minute walk away.
7. Warrego Motel
Located close to the Warrego River, the Warrego Motel is a clean and comfortable option for families, couples, and singles traveling to Charleville.
Each room has air conditioning, satellite-connected television sets, a microwave, a kettle, a hairdryer, a wardrobe, and a private shower equipped with free toiletries for each guests’ convenience.
Luggage storage is provided, and the staff are always friendly and happy to help around the clock with the motel’s twenty-four hour front desk.
Additionally, guests won’t want to miss out on the continental breakfasts served on-site every day, and there are several restaurants, bakeries, and cafes within close walking distance of the motel for lunch and dinner options.
Where to stay – Caravan Parks – Charleville
1. Bailey Bar Caravan Park
Conveniently located in town, the Bailey Bar Caravan Park provides with a taste of the naturally beautiful environment paired with excellent customer service. The site doesn’t have curbed roads or manicured lawns, but that only adds to its appeal as an Outback destination.
With a camp kitchen, pet-friendly accommodations, amenities blocks, free WiFi hotspots, and a BBQ area for the enjoyment of you and your family.
And if you want to enhance your stay all the more, Bailey Bar also boasts the Yabby Race and dinner package, Lamb on the Spit dinners, and Camp Oven meals served with a healthy dose of self-proclaimed bush hospitality!
2. Cobb & Co Caravan Park
Featuring some of the best customer service Charleville has to offer, the Cobb and Co. Caravan park is a lovely slice of the Outback that provides a peaceful, quiet place for travellers to take life a little easier.
It offers powered, unpowered, drive thru, and cabin options for guests as well as BBQ areas, a camp kitchen, amenities blocks, laundries, disabled-accessible showers, and Wifi. The facilities also offer campfires in the winter, and pets are always welcome.
Additionally, despite the park’s undeniably gorgeous nature-filled environment, guests are only ever a short walk away from the main strip of shops.
3. Charleville Bush Cottage
For travellers looking for that perfect, quiet, Outback retreat, there is no better destination than the Charleville Bush Cottage. Set on forty gorgeous acres, this non-smoking, pet-free holiday home is spacious and entirely self-contained.
It comes equipped with a queen-sized bed, a full kitchen, a laundry, reverse cycle air-conditioning, and an furnished patio, BBQ, and campfire pit in the backyard for those relaxingly cosy stargazing nights.
And, despite its remote setting, the cottage is a mere two kilometres away from the main shops in town, so guests have easy access to great cafes and coffee shops at their convenience.
