Various explorers wandered through the area which is today the town of Charleville. The earliest of these wanderings was by an Edmund Kennedy in 1847. For some time the location was a calling point for the stock route which existed at the time, leading from New South Wales to Western Queensland. It was in 1863 that a Lands Office was opened, and in 1865, the towns first inhabitants arrived on the scene. They were a Louis and Mary Janetzky who built a hotel.

Three years after their arrival, Mr W.A. Tully surveyed the town, and named it after the Irish town in which he had grown up, Charleville. Over time, the town began to develop, with hotels, a business centre at Miller's Crossing and courthouse all coming into being. In 1879 an Act divided the State of Queensland into what was then called 'Divisions', today known as 'Shires'. The Muweh Division was created, taking in the towns of Charleville, Morven and Ellengowan. In 1896, the coach company Cobb and Co. arrived in the town, opening a factory, which in its heyday employed some 40 men. The coaches finally ceased in the town in 1920, and it was in 1924 that the last coach on the Australian roads, the one running in Surat, ceased its operations.


Historical Attractions

There is a statue of 'Weary Willie' in the main street of the town, representing the hardship that was endured in the task of opening up the West.

Museums

Historic House is where visitors can learn something of the towns history. It is where the old Queensland Bank, which was built in 1881, is to be found. Today, its spacious front rooms form part of the Folk Museum, with furnishings in the style of its earlier days. Amongst the wide selection of items on display, are Aboriginal artefacts, a fully operational steam engine, a fire engine, a replica Cobb and Co. coach, as well as a machinery shed which exhibits all kinds of old vehicles.

The Royal Flying Doctors Service Visitors Centre is another must for those keen to acquire an insight into the development of this crucial service. Visitors can learn about how exactly doctors operate the service, and glance back in time at the various kinds of aircraft and radio equipment that have been used over time.

Natural Attractions

The National Parks and Wildlife Service in Charleville offers visitors the wonderful chance of seeing a variety of wildlife - kangaroos, parrots, cockatoos, and in particular wallabies, including the Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby and the Bridled Nail Tail Wallaby. In addition to the wildlife, there is also the chance to wander through the landscaped gardens which have native trees and shrubs. There are picnic facilities in the grounds.

Other Attractions

Why not join the experts in the collection of weather information at the Charleville Meteorological Office. Visitors can observe the release of hydrogen-filled balloons which have radar reflectors attached to them, enabling them to collect the necessary information on the upper winds. The $1 million Race Course Complex is a must for anybody interested in the sport. The season runs from February to November, and a day of fun is guaranteed.

There are a number of festivals held in the town. The Spring Festival is a thanksgiving ritual for the mulga tree. This hardy tree is considered to be an important source of stock feed in drought time. The Booga Woongaroo Festival takes place on October, over a period of 7 days. It includes events like an art and crafts competition, cabaret, a mardi gras and much more besides.

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