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HUGHENDEN to CHARTERS TOWERS (243 kms)

We leave the vast plains behind as we approach the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range, passing through the historic hamlets of Prairie (with its much visited pub), Warreah and Torrens Creek, where you'll find it hard to resist The Big Didge.

Get details on the southerly detour via Kooroorinya Falls from either Hughenden or Prairie. It might prove fruitful if you've brought your fishing tackle.

White Mountains National Park straddles the highway between Torrens Creek and Pentland and rivals Porcupine Gorge for natural splendour. Its alabaster-like sandstone walls tower well over 100 metres in places.

Charters TowersCharters Towers is a picture-postcard town in every respect, with its colonial splendour preserved in the many fine buildings, large and small, that make up this town. There's a lot to be said for resisting architectural progress, and Charters Towers is a monument to the tasteful grace or our pioneer nation-builders. Just stroll up and down Milchester and Mosman Streets for a nostalgic glimpse of how life might have been at the turn of last century.
A drive to the top of Towers Hill (you can't miss it) is a must. The view is spectacular and even more so at dusk.

There's bountiful accommodation for all tastes and budgets, ranging from quaint B&Bs through pubs to the more conventional motels and caravan parks. A staggering wartime photographic display lines the walls of City Hall reminding us of the role played by so many of the northern towns during that desperate time. Rumours of a huge arms stash buried near the town still persist. The weapons, ranging from small arms to whole tanks, were allegedly buried so that a guerrilla campaign could be waged after the inevitable Japanese occupation.

CHARTERS TOWERS to TOWNSVILLE (134 kms)

When you've finished perusing the multitude of museums, relic shops and bric-a-brac in Charters Towers, prepare yourself for the bustling tropical metropolis of Townville about two hours east.

This leg is a pleasant dawdle, making for an easy start or finish to your trek. Most of the little towns along this stretch evolved as railheads, Cobb & Co staging points or gold mines and have now reverted to sleepy little hamlets with little more than a pub, a shop and a few dwellings.

TownsvilleTownsville, in stark contrast to the many ornamental villages already visited, is a vibrant tourist hub with all the attendant trappings. A colourful boardwalk now graces the foreshore, and picturesque old hotels hang disco and backpacker banners from every point. There are shopping malls, theatres, casinos, restaurants, galleries and museums for all possible tastes. Those with a penchant for history and militaria will enjoy the RAAF, Kissing Point and Maritime Museums while others with a more delicate persuasion, can get their fill at attractions like the Billabong Sanctuary (17 kms south), Museum of Tropical Queensland or any of the plethora of reef tours on offer.

What's On

January
Australia Day Celebrations (throughout)
March
Sedan Dip Fishing Comp (Julia Creek)
National Trust Heritage Festival, Mount Isa
Country Matrons Ball, Hughenden
April
Hughenden Country Music Festival
Hughenden Campdraft
Julia Creek Dirt and Dust Festival
Bonza Bash, Charters Towers
RFDS Charity Shoot, Mount Isa
Stockman at Sedan DipMay
Tennant Creek Go-Kart Grand Prix
Kajabbi Yabby Races
Julia Creek Campdraft
Charters Towers Country Music Festival
Turf Club Meeting, Richmond
June
McKinlay Races
Mount Isa Show
Saxby Roundup
Camooweal Campdraft and Rodeo
July
Tennant Creek Show
Julia Creek Races
Camooweal Drovers Reunion and Festival
August
Cloncurry Mardi Gras
Sedan Dip Races
Kynuna Surf Carnival
Mt Isa Rodeo
September
Tennant Ck Desert Harmony Festival
October
Hughenden Night Rodeo
Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic
Mt Isa Oktoberfest
November
Melbourne Cup Race Meeting, Richmond
December
Christmas by Candlelight, Mt Isa

WEATHER
Month
Max Temp C
Min Temp C
Rainfall (mm)
January
36
22
81
February
35
22
81
March
34
20
65
April
30
16
36
May *
26
12
34
June *
23
8
27
July *
22
7
27
August *
25
8
17
September
28
12
18
October
32
16
33
November
35
19
39
December
36
21
65
* Best months to travel


Things To See and Do (Major attractions)

Tennant Creek
Battery Hill Gold Stamp Battery, Museum and Mine
Open Daily. Tours 0930-1700 Apr-Oct. Ph: (08) 8962 3388
Camooweal
Freckleton's Store (heritage listed)

Camooweal Caves National Park
Ph: QNPWS (Mt Isa) 07 47432055
Mount Isa
Riversleigh Fossil Museum and Visitors Centre
19 Marion Street. Book mine tours here.
Open: 0730-1700 weekdays, 0730-1400 weekends
Ph: 1300 659 660 or 07 4749 1555
Mary Kathleen Memorial ParkCloncurry
Mary Kathleen Memorial Park and Museum
Open 0700-1600 Mon-Fri, 0900-1500 Weekends
Ph: 07 4742 1361
John Flynn Place Museum and Cultural Centre
Daintree St, Open 0700-1600 Mon-Fri, 0900-1500 Weekends
Ph: 07 4742 1251
Julia Creek
Duncan McIntyre Museum
Burke Street. Shire history and memorabilia.
Richmond
Kronosaurus Korner Museum and Information Centre
Open 7 days 0830-1645. (07) 4741 3429
Hughenden
Porcupine Gorge National Park 45kms from Hughenden
Camping (small fee applies).Toilets, shelters. No fires or pets.
Ph: QNPWS (07) 4741 1113
White Mountain National Park
Access via Torrens Creek or Pentland
No fires. Limited vehicle access.
Ph: 07 4787 3388 (Charters Towers)


Train It!

The Ghan (c) GSRWhy not break your drive to either Alice Springs or Townsville with a relaxing train journey on either (or both) the Queenslander or The Ghan?

Both trains easily accommodate a modern 4WD, camper trailer or car and offer a delightful enhancement to any larger trip.

The legendary Ghan boasts a range of options that include luxury sleepers and day/night seats, while The Queenslander matches the Ghan in every respect with luxurious dining, gourmet menu and personal service.

A great chance to meet fellow travellers, enjoy a drink, dine in style and get a good night's rest whilst staying on the move. Both services even offer a hire car or 4WD add-on at your destination.

For further Information:
Queensland Rail: 132 232 www.qr.com.au
Great Southern Rail: 132 147 www.gsr.com.au

Tourism Contacts and Web Sites

Queensland Outback
1800 247 966
www.outbackholidays.tq.com.au
Tennant Creek Regional Tourist Assoc
08 8962 3388
www.tennantcreektourism.com.au
Hughenden Visitor Information Centre
07 4741 1021
www.desertuplands.org.au/hughenden/index.html
Mount Isa - Riversleigh Centre
1300 659 660
www.riversleigh.qld.gov.au
Townsville Enterprise
1800 801 902
www.townsvilleonline.com.au
Charters Towers/Dalrymple Shire Tourism
Ph: 07 4752 0314
www.charterstowers.qld.gov.au

Editor's Notes, Thanks and Credits

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