FREEDOM CAMP OF THE MONTH
We had long wanted to see the Barcoo River. In Tambo, Qld, you will get more than a glimpse of the river made famous by Banjo Paterson; you can even free-camp right beside it. In fact, Tambo has everything a traveller could want: teddies, chicken races and a free riverside camp!
The Tambo Butchery incorporates teddies in its logo and signage, and there is even a‘ teddy pedestrian crossing’. What’ s with all the teddies in Tambo? Well, this town is home to the famous Tambo Teddies business!
Just down Tambo’ s main street is the Royal Carrangarra Hotel,‘ the oldest licensed site in central western outback Queensland’. This hotel is also home to Ben’ s Chicken Racing. It is so popular that the races are held each night from 5pm, April to October, and have raised more than $ 35,000 for charity. You can stay on for live music,‘ cock-tails’,‘ Bawk Bawk’ beer, and even‘ Bore Stain Bubbles’ – their soda water straight from an artesian basin.
Tambo is on the Matilda Way, an 1800km-plus stretch of sealed highway between Cunnamulla and Kurumba. Another bonus when travelling this outback highway is the opportunity for a soak in the hot artesian pools in nearby Blackall – we loved our spas at Lara Wetlands and Morven.
We settled for a drink at the pub, followed by lunch beside the Barcoo River at beautiful Stubby Bend. What a top site! Free and pet-friendly, you can walk to town, have a fire and stay up to 72 hours. It is massive – you will have no trouble finding a spot here.
You’ ll also have no trouble heading home after the chicken races in town, thanks to their courtesy bus.
The town also has caravan parks, cafes, another pub and plenty of history to explore – in terms of accommodation and activities, you’ re spoiled for choice.
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