Cunnamulla

Cunnamulla is a small town in southwest Queensland, Australia. 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