Windorah

Windorah is a small town in southwest Queensland, Australia. It is part of the Shire of Barcoo and is located near the Cooper Creek, in the Channel Country region. The town is about 1,200 kilometres (745 miles) west of Brisbane.

 Name 
The name Windorah comes from an Aboriginal word that means “big fish” or “high place”, depending on the local language group.

 Population 
As of the 2021 census, around 115 people live in Windorah. The population is small, but the town supports nearby cattle stations and remote communities.

 Geography 
Windorah is located in the Channel Country, where many small rivers and creeks flow only during the wet season. The land is mostly flat and dry, with sand dunes, gibber plains, and grasslands. Windorah is near where the Thomson and Barcoo Rivers join to form Cooper Creek. The area often floods after heavy rain, but can also be dry for years.

 Climate 
Windorah has a hot desert climate, but it is close to the hot semi-arid climate zone. It is part of the Outback and has very hot summers and cool winters.

Summer temperatures often go above 40°C (104°F). Winter days are warm, but nights can be cold, with temperatures as low as 0°C (32°F). Rainfall is low and mostly falls in summer, but can be unpredictable. Clear skies and dry air make temperature changes between day and night large.

 Economy 
The main industries in Windorah are:
 Cattle grazing
 Tourism
 Some solar energy production

Windorah is home to the Windorah Solar Farm, one of the first in rural Queensland. It helps provide power to the town.

 Transport 
Windorah is remote, but it can be reached by:
 Road: The Diamantina Developmental Road connects Windorah to Longreach and Birdsville
 Air: Windorah has a small airport with flights to Brisbane via Barcaldine and Charleville
 Bus/Coach: Occasional services run between towns

 Facilities and Services 
Windorah has:
 A primary school
 A health clinic
 A police station
 A general store and fuel station
 A hotel/motel
 A small tourist information centre

 Tourism and Attractions 
Tourists visit Windorah to experience the real Outback. Attractions include:
 Cooper Creek – popular for fishing, camping, and birdwatching
 Red sandhills – striking sand dunes just outside the town
 Starry night skies
 Windorah Solar Farm

Nearby events like the Birdsville Races or the Windorah International Yabby Races

 Events 
Windorah hosts fun local events, such as:
 Yabby Races – a quirky annual race of freshwater crustaceans
 Local rodeo and sports days
 Outback festivals and community gatherings