Cloncurry

The township of Cloncurry in North West Queensland occupies a key hub point in the Outback. Known as 'the friendly heart of the great north west'. Cloncurry was founded in 1867 by Ernest Henry. It was built upon copper mines in the surrounding district, which quickly led to it being one of the most prosperous towns in the Outback. Today, Cloncurry's core industries include grazing, copper and gold mining, transport and mining services. Qantas was conceived in Cloncurry and their aircraft hangar still stands at Cloncurry Shire Airport. The Royal Flying Doctors Service was launched Cloncurry with the first flight on 17 May 1928. The John Flynn Place Museum pay homage to this crucial part of Outback life. Visit a working open-cut mine with the Ernest Henry Mine Tours, department from Mary Kathleen Park every Wednesday and Friday from May to September. There is too much to see in just one day, so spend a couple of days in 'The Curry' and don't miss out on seeing some of the area's most popular attractions. Mary Kathleen Memorial Park and Museum houses history and memorabilia on Cloncurry, Mary Kathleen and surrounding district. A 'must see' is the Burke and Wills history display including Burke's water bottle in the Explorers Corner. The mineral and gem collection is ranked by experts as one of the most comprehensive in Australia. Also on display are Aboriginal artefacts and a portrait and breastplate of George, King of Friezland. Cloncurry now services the sheep and cattle properties in the surrounding district and is an important sales centre for sheep, cattle and horses.