Boulia, Queensland

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.

 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. 

 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 In 2017, the school had an enrolment of 27 students with 4 teachers and 4 non-teaching staff (3 full-time equivalent).
 A health clinic
 Shops, a fuel station, post office, and pub
 A visitor centre and library
 Public campgrounds and accommodation

 References