FAMILY FUN ATTRACTIONS QUILPIE

Home to one of Quilpie Shire's most iconic attractions, St Finbarr's Church rests on the foundations of an intriguing history. In 1976, the Priest at the time, Father John Ryan, decided to compliment the opal mining background of the area by commissioning local miner, Des Burton, to install a border of opal around the carving of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. Instead, Des offered the Priest 'a bit on the wall'. This turned out to be almost an entire wall, which is now installed on St Finbarr's altar, lectern and baptismal font. Des Burton, the father of the boulder opal industry, is largely responsible for putting Queensland Boulder Opals on the world stage. He was a chemist with a pharmacy in Quilpie and spent many years mining opal and opening up the market worldwide. By the 1980s, Des had opened several retailing outlets including Quilpie Opals in Brisbane's Queen Street Mall. Bill Durack was part of a Toowoomba Architectural firm who designed Quilpie's St Finbarr's Church. Bill and his sister Mary Durack, author of Kings in Grass Castles, donated the beautiful glass windows in the western side of the church, in memory of their famous ancestors.

A stroll along the Bulloo River Walk is a tranquil way to appreciate the native flora and fauna of the Bulloo River Catchment. Signs, bearing information about the plant species, are located along the walk. The Bulloo River is an ideal spot to relax under a shady tree and birdwatch whilst enjoying the natural sounds of the bush. Keen birdwatchers are encouraged to identify as many bird species as they can, and jot down their findings in the Quilpie Shire Bird Diary at the Information Centre. The Bulloo River is an ideal place to cast a fishing line and catch a Yellowbelly (Golden Perch) or throw in a yabby pot and snare some delicious Yabbies (fresh water Crayfish). You could have yourself one of the freshest feeds the Outback has to offer.

Located 7.4 kilometres from Quilpie on the Toompine Road rests a red rocky formation, aptly named Baldy Top Lookout. Part of the Grey Range, Baldy Top is one of the most elevated points in South West Queensland. Explore caves and crevices, untouched by civilisation whilst traversing this magnificent boulder formation which was created naturally over millions of years. A climb to the summit of Baldy Top is a relatively easy ten minute scramble. Although Baldy Top appears quite small in its surroundings, once atop this hill, one is amazed by the breathtaking panoramic landscapes that stretch as far as your imagination. As ancient as time itself, Baldy Top offers visitors stunning sunsets whilst experiencing the serenity and solitude of the Outback. You have not seen the Australian Outback until you have seen it from Baldy Top.

Lake Houdraman is situated approximately six kilometres north of Quilpie on the Adavale Road. The natural lake is a beautiful expanse of water set amongst shady gum trees. Seasonally, thousands of glorious water lilies line the banks in the shallow water. This lush oasis is home to a vast array of birds and native animals making it an ideal location to birdwatch and photographs some of Quilpie Shire's unique wildlife. Only a ten minute drive from Quilpie, Lake Houdraman is an ideal spot for a scenic picnic, a refreshing swim, or to watch magnificent sunset. Visiting this beautiful, natural lake teeming with native birds makes it difficult to believe this is Outback Queensland.