Travel Action Matilda Country Magazine 2023 - Volume 34

DISCOVER NOCCUNDRA, THE DIG TREE AND CAMERON CORNER
Noccundra boasts some magnificent stories and a stunning history. When you step out of your
car, you can almost hear the sounds of the old Cobb and Co where they lumbered over arid,
sun-scorched plains to Noccundra to feed and water their horses. Back in the day, Cobb and Co
carriages went the length and breadth of the country to deliver passengers and most importantly,
the mail along with many other essential items.
The Noccundra Hotel, built in 1882, is made of sandstone quarried from Mt Pool in New South
Wales which was transported by camel train. One of the most fascinating features of this building
is the low doorways.
The old hotel and its location has been witness to many stories, including the Andrew Hume
Expedition, which passed Noccundra Waterhole in November 1874. Andrew Hume, also known
as the ‘Black Prince’, was released from prison in Sydney to lead the expedition in search of a
survivor of the lost Leichhardt Expedition. Hume, along with Timothy O’Hea, a famous Victoria
Cross winner, perished on Nockatunga Station. The only survivor of Hume’s party was Lewis
Thompson, an ex-India Army Cavalryman. Those who perished, rest in unknown graves.
If you’re looking for a bit of action, then visit Noccundra on 7-9 October to watch the local talent
in action at the Noccundra Campdraft and Rodeo.
Discover the journey of Burke and Wills and experience one of Australia’s biggest ill-fated
exploratory expeditions of all time by visiting Australia’s national icon, the Dig Tree, where you
will also find the face tree. These iconic trees are just off the Adventure Way on the northern
banks of Cooper Creek at Nappa Merrie Station. Arguably two of the most famous trees in
Australian history, they stand as an enduring reminder of our pioneering spirit and extreme harsh
conditions of the outback. If trees could talk, you would be mesmerised and mortified at the
hardships, the miscommunication and the circumstances which lead to the death of both Burke
and Wills. To truly feel and experience the story, read the interpretative signage displayed on
site, with the trees in the background bent over on the banks of the Cooper Creek, heavy from
the burden they carry. To this day there is still mystery surrounding the story and these legendary
trees as new revelations come to light. The subject of multiple investigations, research and
controversy, the trees are now in the safe hands of the Royal Historical Society of Queensland.
In the little township of Hungerford there is something significant about walking or driving
through the Wild Dog Barrier Fence that separates Queensland and New South Wales. Originally
built as a rabbit-proof fence in the 1880s, various fences were joined and made higher during
the 1940s to exclude dingoes. The fence became the longest fence in the world at over 8500km,
with the length today being about 5600km. Check out some of the quirky ‘trees’ in town and the
old couple at the front of the Hotel.
The Royal Mail Hotel in Hungerford is an iconic pub not to be missed during your outback
journey. Constructed in 1873 of corrugated iron, the hotel was transported over 200kms from
New South Wales on bush tracks and was originally a Cobb and Co staging post.
Noccundra Hotel
Although a cold beer and great food are the
mainstays of most pubs, appreciation for
these simple pleasures is amplified when you
are in the real Outback.
The history of the town, and everything that
signifies the outback, is celebrated with events
such as the Hungerford Field Day, which will
be next held in June 2023, as well as the
annual Hungerford Horse and Motorbike
Gymkhana held on the first weekend of
October, providing fun and entertainment for
the whole family.
BULLOO SHIRE EVENTS
April 25 — Anzac Day Parade
May 26-27 — Shearers Shindig
June 2 — Hungerford Field Day
June 17-18 — Thargomindah
Polocrosse Carnival
July 15-16 — Channel Country Music
Muster
August 26 - Thargomindah Polocrosse
Black Tie Ball
September 16-17 — Thargomindah
Motorbike Gymkhana & Enduro
Sep 30- October 1 — Hungerford
Horse & Motorbike Gymkhana plus
Motorbike Enduro
October 6-8 — Noccundra Campdraft,
Motorbike Enduro & Rodeo
November 11 — Hungerford
Remembrance Day
December 1 — Christmas in the Bulloo
Markets & Christmas Tree
December 31 — Cameron Corner New
Year’s Eve Party
TRAVEL ACTION MATILDA COUNTRY MAGAZINE // Thargomindah
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