Cunnamulla
| Cunnamulla Queensland | |||||||||
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Cunnamulla war memorial, 2010 | |||||||||
Cunnamulla | |||||||||
| Coordinates | 28°04′13″S 145°40′57″E / 28.0702°S 145.6825°E | ||||||||
| Population | 1,233 | ||||||||
| • Density | 0.26856/km2 (0.69558/sq mi) | ||||||||
| Established | 1868 | ||||||||
| Elevation | 189 m (620 ft) | ||||||||
| Area | 4,591.1 km2 (1,772.6 sq mi) | ||||||||
| Time zone | AEST (UTC+10:00) | ||||||||
| Location |
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Cunnamulla is a small town in southwest Queensland, Australia.[1][2] It is the main town in the Shire of Paroo. The town is located on the Warrego River, about 750 kilometres (470 miles) west of Brisbane. Cunnamulla is part of the Outback and is known for its rural lifestyle, sheep and cattle farming, and bush culture.
History
The land around Cunnamulla belongs to the Kunja people, the area’s Traditional Owners.
European settlers arrived in the mid-1800s. The town began in the 1870s as a stop on the Cobb & Co stagecoach route. The name "Cunnamulla" comes from an Aboriginal word meaning "long stretch of water".
Geography
Cunnamulla is located in the semi-arid Outback, with flat land, red soil, and open plains. The Warrego River flows through the town. The area can experience floods after heavy rain. It is surrounded by bushland, farmland, and grazing properties.
Climate
Cunnamulla has a hot semi-arid climate. Summers are very hot, with temperatures over 40°C (104°F). Winters are warm during the day and cold at night (as low as 2°C), most rain falls from December to March, and the rest of the year is usually dry and sunny.
Population
As of the 2021 census, about 1,140 people live in Cunnamulla. The town supports people from many surrounding rural areas.
Economy
Cunnamulla’s economy is based on:
- Sheep and wool farming
- Beef cattle grazing
- Tourism, especially Outback travel and history
- Local services and small businesses
Transport
Cunnamulla is connected by:
- Road: On the Matilda Way, linking it with Charleville and Bourke (NSW)
- Bus services
- A small airport with flights to and from Brisbane (via Charleville)
- A railway once ran to Cunnamulla, but it is no longer used for passengers
Tourism and Attractions
Tourists visit Cunnamulla to experience the Australian Outback and local culture:
- Cunnamulla Fella Statue – a large statue of a bushman, based on a Slim Dusty song
- Cunnamulla Fella Visitor Centre – museum and information hub
- Bowra Sanctuary – popular for birdwatching and nature walks
- Warrego River – fishing, kayaking, and camping
- Drives to nearby towns like Eulo, Yowah (famous for opals), and Thargomindah
Events
- Cunnamulla Fella Festival – held annually, celebrates Outback music, culture, and rodeo events
- Campdrafts, rodeos, and local agricultural shows
Facilities
Cunnamulla has:
- A primary and secondary school
- A hospital and health services
- Shops, fuel stations, pubs, and cafes
- Visitor centre, library, and sporting grounds
- ↑ "Cunnamulla – town in Shire of Paroo (entry 9001)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 11 June 2019.
- ↑ "Cunnamulla – locality in Shire of Paroo (entry 49186)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 11 June 2019.