Blackall, Queensland - Artesian Waters & Wool History in the Outback

Wander * Explore * Discover
Jul 20, 2023
3 min read

Updated: 13 hours ago

Blackall, Queensland - Artesian Waters & Wool History in the Outback

Set on the banks of the Barcoo River in Central West Queensland, around 964 kilometres northwest of Brisbane, Blackall is a classic Outback Queensland town shaped by wool, water, and wide horizons. First explored by Major Thomas Mitchell in 1846 and gazetted in 1868, Blackall grew into a thriving sheep town and today stands proudly at the heart of a vast cattle region.

With record-breaking shearers, steaming artesian water, striking sculptures, and a deep connection to Australia’s pastoral past, Blackall is a rewarding and memorable stop on any outback journey.

From Wool Capital to Cattle Country

While modern Blackall is now the hub of a huge cattle-grazing region, its wool heritage is impossible to miss. The town celebrates its past through historic sites, public art, and stories of the people who helped shape life in Outback Queensland.

When we visited Blackall, we started the day with coffee and cake at the Lodge on Hawthorn. We then swam at the Aquatic Centre before exploring the Blackall Wool Scour. We then wandered around Blackall, looking at the murals and sculptures, discovered the black stump, and visited Ram Park. We finished the day watching the sunset at the Roly Poly sculpture.

Relaxed Start at The Lodge on Hawthorn

We began our day at The Lodge on Hawthorn, a beautifully restored heritage-listed building that now houses a café, antique store, and gift shop.

After enjoying coffee and cake, we wandered through the peaceful gardens — a surprisingly green and tranquil space that sets the tone for exploring this outback town.

Artesian Waters at the Blackall Aquatic Centre

In 1885, Blackall became the first outback town in Queensland to drill an artesian bore, tapping into the underground waters of the Great Artesian Basin.

Today, those naturally heated waters flow into the Blackall Aquatic Centre, where visitors can swim, soak, and relax in the warm thermal pool. Open daily, it’s a wonderful way to unwind — especially after a long drive through the outback.

The Blackall Woolscour -A Living Piece of History

A highlight of any visit is the Blackall Woolscour, Australia’s last remaining steam-operated wool-washing plant.

Operating from 1908 to 1978, the Woolscour played a vital role in preparing fleece for export. Today, passionate volunteers run guided tours throughout the day, bringing the machinery to life and sharing fascinating stories of the wool industry that once powered the region.

Murals, Sculptures & Outback Stories

Wandering through town, we discovered colourful street art murals and life-sized sculptures that reflect Blackall’s character and creativity.

One of Blackall’s more unexpected claims to fame is that it was the birthplace of the Perry Brothers Circus, the first circus to circumnavigate Australia. In Banks Park, Jumbo the Elephant stands as a quirky and much-loved reminder of this chapter in the town’s history.

Beyond the Black Stump

The famous Black Stump is another must-see. Originally used for surveying, it permanently marks the site of an Astro Station established in 1887. From here, anything further west was said to be “beyond the black stump” — a phrase that has since become part of everyday Australian language.

Jack Howe & a World-Record Shear

Blackall is forever linked to legendary shearer Jack Howe, who put the town on the world stage in 1892. At Alice Downs Station, Jack Howe hand-sheared 321 sheep in just seven hours and 40 minutes, setting a world record that stood for 58 years — and was only matched later with the help of machine shears.

Ram Park & the Pioneer Bore

At Ram Park, you’ll find a giant ram statue, heritage railway displays, old buildings, and historic machinery that bring Blackall’s pastoral past to life.

Nearby, the Pioneer Bore marks the site of Queensland’s first artesian bore. Here, steaming 58-degree water flows from the ground, alongside murals and heritage farm equipment that tell the story of innovation in the outback.

Sunset at the Roly Poly Sculpture

We finished the day at the Roly Poly Sculpture, watching the sun sink behind the vast outback landscape. As the sky shifted through soft golds and deep reds, it was the perfect way to end a day immersed in Blackall’s stories.

Why Blackall Is Worth the Journey

Blackall is more than an outback stopover — it’s a town rich in history, resilience, and character. From world-record shearers and steaming artesian water to living industrial heritage and striking public art, Blackall offers an authentic glimpse into Queensland’s pastoral heart.

If you’re travelling through Outback Queensland, Blackall is a rewarding place to slow down, explore, and connect with Australia’s outback story.