From the rugged cliffs of the Great Dividing Range explorer Major Thomas Mitchell once crossed, to the open downs country that caught his eye, it is no wonder that Tambo is being discovered by travellers. Tambo is a living museum of cultural history and a place for the visitor to gain an insight into the lifestyle of Australia’s forebears. The area boasts rich landscapes that attracted pastoralists in the 1860s to flock to Tambo region to take up land for grazing. The pastoral industry still remains the basis of Tambo’s economy today.
Gazetted in 1863, Tambo is the oldest town in the west, wander back in time along the Heritage Walk visiting old buildings and historically significant places. The Coolibah Walk follows the banks of the Barcoo where the native trees reach out across the river and provide a cool haven for the birdlife. While in town, make sure you pop into a local business for a roll of Totally Tambo toilet paper, freely given away as a gift from the community.
Pull-up at the Tambo Dam, a recreational area offering barbecue and picnic facilities, nature walks, bird-watching, native tree forest and water sports (in the warmer weather!). Visit the Tambo Teddies Workshop and see the sheep skin teddy bears being created, each bear is named after a property in the Tambo district, giving them claim to some of the oldest settled country in Queensland.
From Tambo you can head east and experience the Wilderness Way Self Drive Tour traversing three major river systems, taking you to the top of Queensland’s Great Dividing Range and looping back into town. Along the way you can visit many places of interest including sites of early European settlement and Aboriginal rock engravings, passing an array of sandstone formations and vast cliff lines. Nature lovers will enjoy the sights of native flora, fauna and brilliant wildflowers from August to September. Camp overnight in the beautiful Salvator Rosa National Park. Enjoy the 260 kilometre round-trip at your own pace and discover why this area is one of Queensland’s best kept secrets.