TOP 10 MUST-DO EXPERIENCES
when visiting Blackall and Tambo
From iconic attractions and local characters to stunning landscapes and authentic Outback hospitality, Blackall and Tambo offer experiences that stay with you long after the journey ends.
1. TOUR & CAMP OVEN DINNER AT THE WOOLSCOUR
Step back in time at the Blackall Historical Woolscour, one of the last remaining steam-powered woolscours in the world and a fascinating window into Australia’s wool industry heritage. Wander through the historic machinery, hear the stories of the shearers, wool workers and pioneers who helped build the Outback, and experience a piece of living history that can’t be found anywhere else.
For the full Outback experience, stay on into the evening for a traditional camp oven dinner. Gather around under the stars for hearty country cooking, bush poetry, music and good old-fashioned hospitality in a setting that feels authentically Australian. It’s the perfect way to end a day in Blackall and create memories that will stay with you long after the journey home.
Top Tip: Book both your tour and camp oven dinner in advance, especially during peak travel season.
2. PICK A WINNER AT BEN’S CHICKEN RACING
It’s not every day you find yourself cheering on a chicken, but that’s exactly what happens at Ben’s Chicken Racing.
A true Outback institution, this quirky and unforgettable experience has become one of Tambo’s most-loved attractions. Pull up a chair, choose your feathered favourite, and watch the action unfold as Ben’s racing chickens make their dash for glory. Fun, unique and unmistakably Tambo, this is one attraction you won’t find anywhere else.
Top Tip: Arrive early to secure a good seat and take your time exploring the grounds before the racing begins.
3. JOIN THE RAM PARK TOUR WITH STEWIE
One of Blackall’s most unique experiences, Ram Park comes alive on the daily guided tour with local character Stewie.
Packed with stories, history and plenty of laughs, Stewie brings the precinct to life as you explore vintage machinery, historic buildings and fascinating pieces of the region’s pastoral heritage. His local knowledge, humour and passion for the Outback make every tour a memorable experience.
If you want to discover the real stories behind Blackall and its pioneering past, this is an experience not to miss.
Top Tip: Tours operate daily at 10:00am, making it the perfect way to start your day exploring Blackall.
4. TEST OUT YOUR MORSE CODE SKILLS IN TAMBO
Step back into a time before mobile phones and instant messages at the Tambo Heritage Precinct. Home to an original telegraph office, this fascinating display offers a glimpse into how people communicated across vast Outback distances long before modern technology arrived.
Try your hand at Morse code and imagine what it was like to send messages across Queensland one dot and dash at a time. Alongside the telegraph office, you’ll discover stories, artefacts and displays that bring Tambo’s pioneering past to life.
It’s a fun, hands-on experience that offers a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity and resilience of early Outback communities.
5. VISIT TAMBO TEDDIES
A true Outback icon, Tambo Teddies has been delighting visitors for generations with its handcrafted bears and unmistakable country charm.
Step inside the workshop and watch skilled makers bring each teddy to life using Australian sheepskin, creating unique keepsakes that are loved around the world. From classic bears to character-filled creations, every Teddy has its own personality and story.
Whether you’re looking for a special gift or a reminder of your Outback adventure, a visit to Tambo Teddies is a must-do experience in the heart of Tambo.
6. ENJOY COFFEE AT A REAL MASONIC HALL
Part boutique café, part garden retreat, The Lodge on Hawthorne is one of Blackall’s most charming places to slow down and unwind. Set within a beautifully reimagined former Masonic Hall, this unique space blends heritage character with contemporary style. Enjoy barista-made coffee, homemade treats and a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by thoughtfully designed gardens that invite you to linger a little longer.
Whether you’re meeting friends, taking a break from the road or simply enjoying a quiet morning, The Lodge on Hawthorne offers a peaceful slice of Outback hospitality with plenty of character.
7. DISCOVER PUBLIC ART & LOCAL GALLERIES
Both Blackall and Tambo are open-air galleries, where public art brings local stories, history and character into everyday spaces. From striking sculptures and creative installations to galleries showcasing regional artists, art is woven throughout the towns in unexpected and memorable ways.
Take your time wandering through streets, parks and public spaces—you’ll find pieces that celebrate Outback life, local heritage and the landscapes that shape the region. It’s an easy, relaxed way to explore, with each artwork offering a glimpse into the people and stories behind the communities.
Top Tip: Stop by the local Visitor Information Centre for maps and guides to public art.
8. RELAX IN ARTESIAN WATERS
Take time to soak it all in at the Blackall Aquatic Centre, where naturally heated artesian waters invite you to relax, recharge and unwind. A favourite stop for visitors, the centre features a therapeutic spa heated between 36–40°C, perfect for easing tired muscles after a day of exploring.
With easy access, modern amenities and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a true Outback oasis year-round.
9. EXPERIENCE THE REAL CATTLE INDUSTRY
Agriculture is alive in our region, and there’s no better place to see it in action than the Blackall Saleyards.
Join the morning activity on Thursdays (when sales are scheduled) and step onto the elevated viewing platform for a unique vantage point over a live cattle auction in the heart of Queensland beef country. Watch as cattle are drafted, weighed and sold in a fast-paced, working environment that captures the rhythm of Outback life.
Guided tours with Bushie’s Blackall Tours offer insight into the industry, the auction process and the people behind it all, making it both an educational and unforgettable experience.
With on-site facilities, shaded seating and easy parking, it’s a relaxed way to witness a true working saleyard in action.
Top Tip: Tours run Thursdays at 9:00am when sales are scheduled—check ahead so you don’t miss it
10. END THE DAY AT AN OUTBACK PUB
No visit is complete without a night at a local pub.
From the character-filled Barcoo Hotel in Blackall to the iconic Royal Carrangarra Hotel in Tambo, home to Ben’s Chicken racing, these are places where stories are shared, meals are hearty, and the atmosphere is unmistakably Outback.
