Tambo, Queensland - Teddies, Chicken Races & Outback History

Wander * Explore * Discover
Jul 18, 2023
3 min read

Updated: 17 hours ago

Tambo, Queensland - Teddies, Chicken Races & Outback History

Set deep in Western Queensland, the historic town of Tambo is one of those outback destinations that instantly wins you over. Located 862 kilometres northwest of Brisbane, Tambo proudly wears the title of the oldest town in Western Queensland, blending heritage, heart and a healthy dose of quirky fun. From handcrafted teddy bears and riverside walks to aviation history and legendary chicken races, Tambo offers an unforgettable taste of classic outback life.

On our recent visit to Tambo, we started the day at Tambo Teddies, then wandered around the Town before exploring the Historic Precinct. From the Tambo Dam, we followed the Coolibah walk along the Barcoo River to the Qantas Crash Site and finished the night at Ben’s Chicken races.

A Morning with the Famous Tambo Teddies

Our day in Tambo began with a visit to its most famous residents — the beautiful handmade bears at Tambo Teddies. The story behind them is as heartwarming as the bears themselves.

During the harsh drought of the early 1990s, when wool prices collapsed, locals came up with a creative idea to support the community by making and selling lambswool teddy bears. What started as a small survival project has since grown into a national icon, earning Tambo the title of Outback Teddy Capital of Australia. Today, these unique bears are treasured in homes all over the world, and watching them being handcrafted is a truly special experience.

Wandering the Streets of Tambo

After our teddy encounter, we wandered through town, discovering sculptures and outdoor exhibits that reflect Tambo’s personality and history. Along the way, we spotted Flo the Fire Engine, the Wild and Woolly Truck, and even met Frank and Maggie outside the Post Office — playful touches that make exploring the town centre feel like a treasure hunt.

Despite its small size, Tambo has everything you need, including cafés, two classic outback hotels, a supermarket, a butcher, art galleries and a fuel station — all wrapped up in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

Stories Preserved in the Historic Precinct

The heart of Tambo’s history lies in its beautifully preserved Historic Precinct. The Visitor Information Centre is housed in the heritage-listed Historic Courthouse, built in 1888, and is one of the oldest buildings in town.

Nearby, the original Post Office and Telegraph Office now form part of the Tambo Heritage Precinct, featuring interactive displays that bring the town’s past to life. We explored exhibits on early communication, including Morse Code, and learned about one of the lesser-known chapters of Australian aviation history — the first Qantas plane crash.

Riverside Reflections on the Coolibah Walk

From the Tambo Dam, we followed the Coolibah Walk, a peaceful trail that winds along the banks of the Barcoo River. Shaded by coolibah trees, this gentle walk offers a chance to slow down and enjoy the natural beauty that sustains outback towns like Tambo.

A short detour from the walk leads to the Qantas Crash Site, where a small memorial marks the tragic event of 24 March 1927, when a mail plane travelling between Charleville and Mount Isa crashed, claiming the lives of the pilot and two passengers. It’s a quiet, reflective spot that adds depth to the town’s story.

An Evening of Laughter at Ben’s Chicken Races

As the sun dipped low, we headed to the Royal Carrangarra Hotel, the oldest licensed hotel in Western Queensland, for one of Tambo’s most entertaining traditions — Ben’s Chicken Races.

Held nightly at 5:00 pm from May to October, the races are a lively community event. Colourful chickens are auctioned to bidders, then set loose to chase a remote-controlled car filled with chicken treats around the track. The atmosphere is full of laughter, cheering and friendly competition — and best of all, all proceeds go to local outback charities.

A courtesy Chicken Bus runs to and from the caravan park and Stubby Bend Campground, making it easy to enjoy dinner, the races and a drink or two without worrying about the drive home.

Why Tambo Is an Outback Treasure

Tambo may be small, but it’s packed with stories, creativity and genuine outback hospitality. From the soft wool of its famous teddies to the flowing Barcoo River, from historic buildings to unforgettable chicken races, Tambo captures the spirit of Western Queensland like few other towns can. If you’re travelling through outback Queensland, Tambo isn’t just a stop — it’s an experience.