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Charleville, Queensland - Bilbies, World War II History and Outback Stories
- Wander * Explore * Discover
- Jul 12, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: 17 hours ago
Charleville, Queensland - Bilbies, World War II History and Outback Stories
Sitting proudly in South West Queensland, Charleville is a town where big skies meet big stories. Located around 750 kilometres west of Brisbane, Charleville is a must-stop destination for outback travellers, offering a fascinating mix of wildlife conservation, wartime history, public art and some of the best stargazing in the country.
From meeting elusive bilbies to uncovering secret World War II operations and exploring the night sky, Charleville delivers memorable experiences from sunrise to well after dark.
On our recent visit to Charleville, we started the day by learning about the Bilbies, then visited the World War II Secret Base and wandered around the Graham Andrews Parklands. We then walked along the streets of Charleville, saw the silo art and ended the day at the Cosmos Centre.
A Morning with the Bilbies
Our day in Charleville began with one of the town’s most iconic experiences — a visit to the Bilby Experience. Home to the largest bilby breeding program in Queensland, this dedicated facility plays a vital role in protecting one of Australia’s most endangered native animals.
We joined an informative keeper talk, learning about the bilby’s habits, challenges and conservation journey, before heading into the specially designed nocturnal house. Watching these shy, big-eared marsupials move about in their low-light environment was a real highlight of our visit. This experience is extremely popular, so booking ahead is essential.
Secrets of the Outback During World War II
Next, we stepped into a lesser-known chapter of Australian history at the World War II Secret Base. This engaging, interactive exhibit reveals the surprising role Charleville played in 1943, when more than 3,500 American Army Air Force troops were stationed in the region.
Through displays, audio recordings and immersive storytelling, we learned how the base operated in secrecy and why Charleville was strategically important. Visitors can also join a Tag-along Tour, driving to six significant wartime sites scattered around the town and surrounds.
Wander Around Graham Andrews Parklands
After a busy morning, we slowed the pace at the Graham Andrews Parklands. This beautifully landscaped area offers shaded walking paths, water features and sculptures that tell stories of resilience in the outback.
One of the quirkiest features here is the Big Red Chair, a fun photo stop and a great place to take a break.
Nearby, the historic Steiger Vortex Rainmaking Guns stand as a reminder of desperate attempts to break the drought in 1902, when these unusual devices were fired into storm clouds in the hope of producing rain.
Street Art, Murals and Heritage Streets
Wandering through Charleville’s streets revealed a town full of colour and character. Heritage buildings sit alongside vibrant murals and quirky artworks, each adding another layer to the town’s personality.
A standout piece is the Charleville Water Tower mural, painted by renowned street artist Guido van Helten. The artwork features four children intertwined through sport and culture, creating a powerful visual story that celebrates community, youth and connection in the outback.
An Evening Under the Stars
As the sun dipped below the horizon, we headed to the Cosmos Centre, one of the best places in Australia to explore the night sky. From April to October, the centre is open daily and offers free access to the interactive Cosmos Shuttle and the Star Gazing Theatre, where documentaries introduce the wonders of the universe.
We had hoped to join the Big Sky Observatory Tour, but cloudy conditions meant the outdoor telescopes were unavailable. Instead, we enjoyed the backup Planetarium Virtual Observatory, an immersive dome experience that brought the stars, planets and galaxies vividly to life — a fantastic alternative and a memorable way to end the day.
More Reasons to Stay Longer
Charleville has plenty more to explore if time allows. Other highlights include the Historic House and Museum, a Corones Hotel Tour, the Angellala Bridge Explosion site, the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre, and even an Outback Date Farm Tour — each offering a different insight into life in this resilient outback town.
Why Charleville Should Be on Your Outback Itinerary
Charleville is far more than a stopover — it’s a destination rich in stories, science and soul. From rare wildlife and wartime secrets to colourful murals and some of the clearest night skies you’ll ever see, this outback town offers experiences that linger long after you’ve left. If you’re travelling through Queensland’s west, Charleville is a place where the outback truly comes alive.
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