Quilpie, Queensland

Quilpie is a small town in South West Queensland, Australia. It is the main town in the Shire of Quilpie. Quilpie is located on the Bulloo River, about 950 kilometres (590 miles) west of Brisbane, and around 210 kilometres (130 miles) west of Charleville.

Quilpie is part of the Australian Outback and is known for its opal mining, sheep grazing, and rural lifestyle.

 History 
The area around Quilpie is the traditional land of the Kalkadoon and Margany Aboriginal peoples.

European settlement began in the late 1800s. The town of Quilpie was established in 1917 as a railway stop. The town grew as a service centre for sheep stations and opal miners.

The name “Quilpie” may come from an Aboriginal word meaning "stone curlew", a type of bird.

 Geography 
Quilpie is located in the Channel Country, a dry region where rivers flow only after heavy rain. The land is mostly flat, with red soil, low shrubs, and grassy plains. The Bulloo River runs near the town, but is often dry.

 Climate 
Quilpie has a hot semi-arid climate. Summers are very hot, with temperatures over 40°C (104°F), while winters are mild during the day and cold at night (down to 2–5°C), most rain falls between November and March, and long periods of dry weather are common.

 Population 
As of the 2021 census, about 574 people live in Quilpie. The population is small, but the town supports a large surrounding area of sheep and cattle stations.

 Economy 
Quilpie’s economy is based on:
 Sheep grazing and wool production
 Opal mining, especially the rare boulder opal
 Local services and tourism

The town is one of the few places where boulder opals are found.

 Transport 
Quilpie is connected by:
 Road: Located on the Diamantina Developmental Road
 Quilpie Airport: Has regular flights to Brisbane and Charleville
 Long-distance bus services
 Railway: The Western railway line ends in Quilpie (freight only now)

 Tourism and Attractions 
Tourists visit Quilpie for its Outback scenery, opal history, and quiet rural lifestyle. Main attractions include:
 Opal searching 
 St. Finbarr’s Church, with a room made of boulder opals
 Lakes and wetlands nearby, good for birdwatching
 Baldy Top Lookout, with views over the Outback
 Drives to nearby towns like Eromanga (home to Australia’s largest dinosaur fossil)

 Facilities 
Quilpie has:
 A primary and high school
 A hospital and medical clinic
 Shops, pubs, fuel station, and library
 Visitor information centre and museums

References