TOURS ATTRACTIONS CLONCURRY

The Cloncurry Shire is rich in gold, copper, garnets, amethyst, crystals, Maltese crosses as well as collection of other minor minerals that can be sourced in the region; and at the Rockhana Gem and Mineral Festival you will see them all on display. It is unique and the only event of its kind held in the North West, with live entertainment, children's activities, market stalls and gem and mineral specimens available for purchase. The event is held during the cooler months and many tourists passing by find themselves enjoying a chat with the locals and getting a snap shot on 'life in the bush'....

John Flynn Place Museum and Art Gallery in Cloncurry commemorates the work of John Flynn and the beginnings of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. The museum is a three story venue which also celebrates the contribution from Fred McKay and Alfred Traeger. It was in Cloncurry that the Royal Flying Doctor Service was established in 1928. Flynn's choice of Cloncurry was based on its proximity to the mining camps and scattered pastoralists, all of whom were poorly served by any kind of medical services, and Cloncurry had a hospital. John Flynn Place houses an excellent overview of the Flynn legacy. The museum's display moves progressively from an image of outback conditions at the turn of the century to the history of Flynn himself. It includes some interesting personal memorabilia and explanations of how the whole Flying Doctor system worked in the early days. The Radio Galley is a tribute to amazing work of Alfred Traeger, the inventive genius who gave a voice to Outback Australia, through the pedal radio. A valuable art collection is on display in the Fred McKay Art Gallery, which displays winners of the Ernest Henry Art Show and temporary exhibitions. ...

The Cloncurry/Mary Kathleen Memorial Park Complex is located just off the main highway that runs through town with ample parking for cars, caravans and motorhomes. This is a perfect place to stop and take a break on your journey. It has something for the whole family - with a playground for the kids, amenities and a shaded picnic/barbecue area set in the beautiful parkland. Stretch your legs and go for a 10 minute walk up the lookout past the unique water feature and take in the spectacular panoramic view of Cloncurry and the surrounding rugged landscape. Enjoy the free outdoor display featuring historic mining, rail and farm equipment including a unique 1941 Ford V8 Rail Ambulance which was used when roads were impassible. The former Visitor Information Centre was originally the Oona Police Station building, which was then moved to Dobbyn and again moved to Mary Kathleen as a police station. After the mine shut down and the town dismantled, it was relocated to its current site and used as the Visitor Information Centre until 2013. The park also incorporates the Cloncurry Unearthed Visitor Information Centre and Museum. ...

'The Curry', as Cloncurry is affectionately known by locals, is most famous for being the birthplace of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). Conceived and launched by the Reverend John Flynn in the 1920s, this flying medical service is just as integral to the people of the outback today as it ever was. At the John Flynn Place Museum and Art Gallery, learn about the founding of the RFDS and how Flynn harnessed the emerging technology of the pedal radio to pioneer outback communication. On the theme of aviation, visit the original Qantas hangar where the first passenger flew from Longreach to Cloncurry in 1922. Some say that Qantas was conceived in Winton, born in Cloncurry and grew up in Longreach, so all three towns played a massive part in the Australian icon's development. Cloncurry was named by explorer Robert O'Hara Burke and you can see his drink bottle at the Burke and Wills display in the Cloncurry Unearthed Museum at the Cloncurry/Mary Kathleen Memorial Park, where you can learn about the former Mary Kathleen uranium mine. Mining still plays a huge role in the town's economy with some of Australia's largest copper deposits in the region. The Cloncurry Unearthed Visitor Information Centre and Museum can provide tourist information, fossickers licenses, maps and light refreshments. They also carry a wide range of souvenirs, gift ideas, postcards and Cloncurry t-shirts. If your visit coincides with the Cloncurry Stockman's Challenge and Campdraft, you'll be able to witness skillful displays of bush horsemanship in a tribute to the Australian horseman. Horses and their riders work together to overcome obstacles, move cattle and demonstrate their ability, training and presentation in a series of timed events....

The Cloncurry War Memorial is located at the intersection of Sheaff and Scarr streets. The memorial originally included four clocks - one on each side of the pedestal. These have been replaced with metal circles paying tribute to the RAAF, Navy, Army and Nursing services. The memorial was installed by the Returned Sailors Soldiers Imperial League of Australia. His Excellency the Governor General, Lord Stonehaven, unveiled the memorial on 26 August 1927. He was returning from a short holiday in Normanton where he was engaged in bird watching, duck shooting and fishing, taking advantage of the new QANTAS airline trips to the gulf. Later that year, the memorial clock was handed over to the council to ensure its ongoing maintenance. In 1939 the Cloncurry Shire Council built a new War Memorial Hall, further along Scarr Street. From that time on, ANZAC commemorations were able to proceed to the hall for refreshments. ...