Boulia, Queensland
| Boulia Queensland | |||||||||
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Boulia's Entrance | |||||||||
Boulia | |||||||||
| Coordinates | 22°54′35″S 139°54′24″E / 22.9097°S 139.9066°E | ||||||||
| Population | 314 | ||||||||
| • Density | 2.025/km2 (5.243/sq mi) | ||||||||
| Established | 1879 | ||||||||
| Elevation | 161.8 m (531 ft) | ||||||||
| Area | 155.1 km2 (59.9 sq mi) | ||||||||
| Time zone | AEST (UTC+10:00) | ||||||||
| Location |
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Boulia is a small town in central-western Queensland, Australia. It is the main town in the Shire of Boulia and is located in the Channel Country, near the Simpson Desert. Boulia is about 300 kilometres (186 miles) south of Mount Isa and around 1,700 kilometres (1,056 miles) from Brisbane.
History
Boulia is in the traditional lands of the Pitta Pitta people, the area’s Indigenous people. The town was established in the late 19th century as a service centre for cattle grazing in the region.
The name "Boulia" may come from an Aboriginal word meaning "water hole".
Geography
Boulia lies in the Channel Country, a flat, dry area where rivers only flow after heavy rain. The town is near the Burke River, which only has water during flood seasons. The surrounding landscape is made up of grasslands, desert, and gibber plains (rocky deserts). The Donohue Highway from the Northern Territory meets the Boulia Mount Isa Road near Boulia. Along with the Winton Road, these roads are part of the Outback Way – a 2,800 km mix of gravel and bitumen roads known as "Australia's Longest Shortcut," running from Laverton in Western Australia to Winton in Queensland.[1]
Climate
Boulia has a hot desert climate. It is one of the hottest and driest towns in Australia. Summer temperatures often go above 40°C (104°F). Winters are mild during the day, but nights can be cold. Most rain falls in summer, but rainfall is very low and unreliable. The sky is usually clear and sunny, and there is strong radiative cooling at night. [2]
Population
As of the 2021 census, about 300 people live in Boulia. It is a small town but provides services for surrounding cattle stations and remote areas.
Economy
Boulia’s economy is based mainly on:
- Beef cattle grazing
- Tourism, especially Outback travel and events
- Some local services and government work
Transport
Boulia is connected by:
- Roads: including the Outback Way, a partly sealed route linking Winton, Boulia, and Alice Springs
- Airstrip: Boulia has a small airport with flights to Mount Isa and other towns
- No railway services
Tourism and Attractions
Boulia is known for:
- The Min Min Light – a mysterious light seen in the desert at night; locals and visitors have reported sightings for over 100 years
- The Min Min Encounter Centre – an interactive museum about the lights and Outback life
- Outback landscapes, sunsets, and wildlife
- Access to nearby desert tracks for 4WD and camping
Events
- Boulia Camel Races – a major annual event held in July, attracting visitors from across Australia
- Local rodeo and sports days
- Easter and Christmas community celebrations
Facilities
Boulia has:
- A primary school[3][4] In 2017, the school had an enrolment of 27 students with 4 teachers and 4 non-teaching staff (3 full-time equivalent).[5]
- A health clinic
- Shops, a fuel station, post office, and pub
- A visitor centre and library
- Public campgrounds and accommodation
References
- ↑ "Australia's Longest Shortcut". The Outback Way. Archived from the original on 15 August 2019. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
- ↑ "Boulia Airport Climate (1886-2024)". FarmOnline Weather. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
- ↑ "State and non-state school details". Queensland Government. 9 July 2018. Archived from the original on 21 November 2018. Retrieved 21 November 2018.
- ↑ "Boulia State School". Retrieved 28 February 2021.
- ↑ "ACARA School Profile 2017". Archived from the original on 22 November 2018. Retrieved 22 November 2018.