Bedourie
Channel Country
Situated on a sand dune over looking the Eyre creek flood plain, Bedourie is an historic Outback town, startling life in the 1880s as a major watering and rest stop for drovers and cattle and serviced by Cobb and Co coaches. The Diamantina Shire Council Chamber was moved from Birdsville to Bedourie in 1953, and covers an area twice the size of Denmark. It is a modern town with excellent facilities, including auto services, police station and a medical clinic.
If you are a keen camper then chances are you will have heard of the Bedourie Camp Oven, invented in the droving camps of a bygone era and can still be purchased in town. 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.
After a day of sightseeing, revive yourself at the therapeutic spa which is fed from warm, fresh, crystal-clear water coming directly from an artesian bore, then after that head to The Royal Hotel which has been trading continuously since it was first licensed in the 1880's.
A day trip from Bedourie is the Diamantina National Park, well known for its fishing (Hunters Gorge), birds, wildlife and scenery. The local racetrack comes alive three times a year: a gymkhana (last weekend in June) a camel race (2nd weekend in July) and the Bedourie races meeting (2nd weekend in September).
Bedourie Attractions
Bedourie Outback Golf Course
Bedourie Outback Golf Course is a picturesque desert nine hole course with many challenges to suit beginners to the advanced players. The Bedourie Outback Golf Course is situated alongside Lakes Larry and Sampson.
As well as plenty of sand traps the course even has its own permanent water hazards, Lakes Larry and Sampson (named after their creator). As well as setting the scene for a perfect day of golf, these permanent waterholes also offer some excellent birdwatching while you're waiting for your next shot.
Carcory Homestead Ruins
Listed by the National Trust, the Carcory Homestead Ruins are an example of the rich history of the Diamantina. The building was built in the 1870s from local limestone. It was abandoned by Sir Sydney Kidman after battling extreme drought in the early 1900s. Today it is part of Roseberth Station and serves as a reminder of early settlement in the area.
Cuttaburra Crossing
Cuttaburra Crossing is a permanent waterhole and a renowned wetland on the Eyre Creek. It is located between Lake Koolivoo and Lake Machattie. Cuttaburra Crossing is home to many species of birdlife. This prolific birdlife can be viewed at the roadside rest and viewing area. Come along and enjoy this peaceful place in the outback.
Diamantina National Park
In Diamantina National Park, the mighty Diamantina River, one of Queensland's longest, cuts braided channels through gibber flats, sand dunes and red-capped ranges. The park supports a large number of rare and threatened plants and animals, including the greater bilby. It is also a special place for the Aboriginal Maiawali and Karuwali people. Some of the lakes are listed as wetlands of national importance, while old station buildings, cemeteries and hotel ruins are reminders of historic pastoral use.
The rich colours of this park delight eager photographers. On the157 kilometre Warracoota drive, see changing landscapes, a stock camp and old cattle yards. Experience bush camping at Hunter's Gorge or Gum Waterhole. Go fishing, canoeing and birdwatching. Enjoy spectacular wildflowers which emerge after rain.
Mud Hut
One of the first buildings built in Bedourie, the Mud Hut was erected in the early 1880s with mud collected from Eyre Creek. The only other buildings from that time still standing are the Royal Hotel, across the road, and the original Police Station, which now stands on Ethabuka Station.
In the early days Bedourie was used as a stopover for drovers pushing their cattle down to the markets in Adelaide. Cattle from all over North Queensland came through here, as the prices offered in Adelaide were often much more attractive to the wily station owners than those offered in Brisbane. It is believed that the Mud Hut may also have operated as a Cobb and Co rest-stop due to the remains of a horse yard found out back, and an old horse trough, found in the bed of the Eyre Creek.
At the end of the 1990s the Mud Hut passed into the possession of Sir Sidney Kidman - the Cattle King.
The Mud Hut was bought by Diamantina Shire Council in 2001 from Jean Smith, and has since been fully restored with most of the original timber replaced.
Bedourie Artesian Spa and Swimming Pool
Bedourie's Artesian Spa and Swimming Pool Complex has a 22 person Therapeutic Spa, which is one of the favourite for locals and visitors alike. The crystal clear water comes directly from the artesian bore in town and the 25 metre swimming pool is beautifully cool after your time in the spa.
Whether you are travelling as a family, couple or single the Bedourie Artesian Spa and Swimming Pool Complex is the place to relax and recharge your batteries.
Bedourie Weather - Average Temperatures and Rainfall
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Avg. Max (°C) | 38.8 | 38.4 | 36.2 | 32.5 | 26.8 | 22.6 | 23.3 | 25.5 | 30.8 | 34.1 | 36.3 | 38.4 |
| Avg. Min (°C) | 25.1 | 24.5 | 21.7 | 17.4 | 11.7 | 8.2 | 7.6 | 9.1 | 14.4 | 17.9 | 20.9 | 23.5 |
| Avg. Rain (mm) | 33.4 | 35.9 | 17.6 | 10.1 | 11.6 | 10.0 | 10.3 | 7.2 | 6.3 | 14.1 | 16.2 | 16.2 |
| Avg. Rain Days | 2.8 | 2.8 | 1.8 | 1.1 | 1.4 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 2.2 | 2.2 | 2.4 |