Cloncurry Australia - hottest town in the Outback

Cloncurry in Australia is a rural town in the heart of Queensland's north west. The first Europeans in the Cloncurry area were Burke & Wills on their ill-fated expedition to the Gulf of Carpentaria.

The friendly town on the banks of the Cloncurry river is at the junction of the Flinders & Matilda highways, about 780 km west of Rockhampton. It's a lovely place to stay for a few days. Explore the history and natural surroundings.

Cloncurry is known as the hottest town in Australia, the highest recorded temperature was 53,1°C in 1889. The annual rainfall is about 500 mm, the heaviest rain is coming down between December and March. It's getting sticky and humid then.

Cloncurry a hot spot in Outback Australia

Points of interest

* Mary Kathleen Park (Flinders Highway) features

• old buildings and memorabilia moved from the Mary Kathleen Uranium Mine (Mary Kathleen is now a ghost town about 50 km west of Cloncurry).
• a comprehensive Rock and Mineral display
• steam engines, farm and mining machinery

There's a kiosk and Cloncurry's Tourist Information Office. Open Weekdays from 8am - 4.30pm. Weekends and Public Holidays 9am - 3pm (May to October)

* John Flynn Place (Daintree Street) - the museum is a tribute to the man whose vision was to put a mantle of safety over the Outback. See equipment of the early days, including a scale model of the first RFDS aircraft. The DH 50 had the fitting name "Victory". John Flynn's life's work has been a victory over the tyranny of distance in the Outback.

Included in the complex is the Fred McKay Art Gallery, Alfred Traegar Cultural Centre, Allan Vickers Outdoor Theatre, and Cloncurry Gardens.

Open from 8.00am to 4.30pm week days all year round. Open from 9.00am to 3.00pm week ends from May to the end of September.

* Original Qantas Hangar (Sir Hudson Fysh Drive)

Alexander Kennedy was the first passenger of the Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Service, which quickly became known as Qantas.

* Rotary lookout - Enjoy stunning views over Cloncurry and the rugged hills in the area from the lookout about 2 km west of town near the Normanton turnoff.

* Historic hotels and buildings include the Central Hotel, Post Office Hotel, the courthouse, and many more. Take a stroll around the town, it is worthwhile.

* Chinaman Creek Dam about 3 km west of Cloncurry is a popular recreation area. Go for a swim, enjoy nature walks and birdlife. Don't forget the camera. The colours, especially in the soft afternoon light, are amazing.

I am sure you'll enjoy Cloncurry, Australia's hottest town. Find more ideas to travel Queensland and its historic places.

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