Travel Action Matilda Country Magazine 2023 - Volume 34

property near Blackall, the petrifi ed tree stump is said to be aged anywhere between one million
to 225 million years.
Blackall was the fi rst site in Queensland to be selected for an artesian bore and the Pioneer Bore
commemorates where drilling fi rst commenced. A mural by local artist Bob Wilson depicts drilling
operations in the early 1900s, while nearby a steam engine and drilling plant show the type of
machinery typically used to construct water bores.
Local resident, Arthur Behan built his fi rst sulky at the age of fourteen. To view the sulky display
take a stroll past the Behan’s garden in Clematis Street.
BLACKALL SHIRE EVENTS
• 5-6 May - Blackall Show
• 22 July - Blackall Poultry Club
Show
• 17-20 August – Better in Blackall
Festival
Artistic treasures abound around the town. Marvel at the ingenuity of unique sculptures, like The
Eagle and Nest, the Circle of Friendship, the Roly Poly and the Bottlebrush—all made entirely
from recycled metal. Lifespan representing Wood, Water and Wool, sculptures by William Eicholtz
dedicated to local identities help to refl ect the rich history of the town.
Local artist Bob Wilson has a number of murals around town, while Sauce from Sauce Studios
has made brick walls come to life with outback scenes. Brightening up the town are locally taken
photographs taking pride of place on many shop windows, ensuring a stroll down the main street
is well worthwhile. Local art schoolteacher Lucy Senior has several paintings, depicting Blackall
in days gone by, on display at Albert Park.
For more information on these and other attractions in Blackall, visit the staff at the Visitor
Information Centre located within the library and have a chat, check out some local timbers and
a wonderfully crafted quilt.
Local Photos
AUGUST IS FESTIVAL TIME!
Mark your calendars! From 17 – 20 August
2023 the Better In Blackall Festival will
be combining the best that Blackall has to
offer. This small community explodes into a
four-day festival that showcases the spirit of
this outback town. Packed with local grazing
plates, sunset wine and food tastings, street
parties, cultural displays, billycart races,
barbecue cook-offs, live music and so much
more! www.betterinblackall.com.
DINE AMONG THE MURALS
With a name like Coolibah, you’d expect
this motel to have something distinctly
Australian about it … and it does. When
you have a meal in the Coolibah Motel’s
fully air-conditioned restaurant, you can
immerse yourself in some of Blackall’s
history, for the walls are an artistic tribute
to the town’s past!
Enjoy scenes depicting the masonic
lodge, the State’s fi rst artesian bore, the
old theatre, old hotels and other views
of yesteryear while you’re tucking into a
hearty country-style meal like steak, red
emperor or pork chops, served with vegies
or a tossed salad.
TRAVEL ACTION MATILDA COUNTRY MAGAZINE // Blackall
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Wash it down with wine, beer or spirits,
then indulge in one of life’s pleasures—a
delicious dessert.