Let me introduce you to another tiny bush town. Thargomindah is the hub of the Bulloo Shire in the south west corner of Outback Queensland. Like any other township in Outback Australia it has its very own flair and history. That's why I love them all. Aussie bush towns are never boring if you care to discover their secrets.

Established in 1874 on the banks of the Bulloo river, the town is 200km west of Cunnamulla on the Bulloo Developmental Road, also called Adventure Way.

Landscapes in the Bulloo region vary and are ever changing from dry red dust to marooned mud. You'll always experience a special Outback feeling. The name Thargomindah is an Aboriginal word meaning cloud of dust. Well, during one of my visits the town was fairly wet, far away from dusty :).
With the trees along Bulloo river and lots of greenery within the town, I actually thought it was a fairly "green" Outback village.

Points of interest in Thargomindah

Take the heritage walk in town, stroll along Bulloo river, explore the rich history of the region.

• The Post Office opened in 1870 and is one of four remaining mud brick houses. It was destroyed by a storm in 1877. It's interior was burnt in 1952. It still serves as a post office after a turbulent life.
• The old hospital on the outskirts of town was built in 1888 and served as a hospital for 55 years. Today it is home of the visitor information centre and a small museum.

Attractions in the neighbourhood

• Currawinya National Park - The main attraction in the park are Lake Numalla (freshwater) and Lake Wyara (salt water). The wetlands make the park a great place for bird-watching. The National Park's area was once a grazing property. Relics of buildings and machinery are of interest for those interested in heritage.
  There's a project running to re-introduce the bilby which has nearly disappeared in Queensland.
  Currawinya NP is about 200 km south-east near Hungerford and the border to New South Wales. You better have a high clearance vehicle to explore the park.
• Lake Bindegolly National Park is just 35 km east of Thargo. It is a place for nature's enthusiasts. Access to the park and its three lakes is only by foot to protect the fragile nature. There's a 9,2 km walking trail along Lake Bindegolly.
• Take the Dowling Track to Hungerford on the Queensland/New South Wales border. The Royal mail hotel from 1873 still exists and serves the local population of 12. Hungerford is close to the Currawinya National Park.
• Noccundra is about 145 km west of Thargomindah on the banks of the Wilson river. In the early 1880s a stone hotel was built which is heritage listed today. Enjoy a cold drink in the beer garden or on the veranda before you head out further into remote areas.
  
  

The Hydro Power Plant in Thargomindah

The artesian water bore that provided the water power was drilled in 1893. Water pressure was so powerful that the local council decided to build a power plant. Lights in the street went on in the same year.

The hydro-electric power plant continued to supply Thargomindah with electricity until 1951 when it was replaced with a generator driven by a diesel engine.

The artesian bore just 1 km outside town is worth a visit. There's a replica of the original shed, and a display of all types of renewable energy. Inside the shed are many original items including a working Pelton wheel.

I was very lucky and received a private demonstration how they produced electricity in the early days. It really was a highlight when the water roared through the wheel, and the bulbs went on in the shed.

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