Like so many Outback Queensland towns, Eulo – 70 kilometres west of Cunnamulla along the Adventure Way – has its own unique personality and a swathe of quirky attractions that make it a must-stop destination.
The fact that, for decades, it hosted the iconic Eulo Lizard Races gives visitors an idea of what this friendly community with a population of around 100 is all about.
Sitting next to the Paroo River, Eulo really kicked into life on the back of opal mining nearby. The post office opened in 1872; the police station in 1880; and a school in 1888.
At its peak, the township reportedly housed three hotels but, today, just the iconic Eulo Queen remains. The pub was named after former landlady, Isabel Gray, a colourful Outback character known as the Queen of Eulo.
The Eulo Queen Hotel is still open for business. PIC: Tourism Qld
The pub also has a van park out the back. Another camping option for grey nomads is at Wandilla Station, 18 kilometres south; and the stunning Alroy Station, a working sheep and cattle property 60 kilometres north which offers camping on the banks of Yowah Creek.
The town’s historic general store burnt down in 2011 and, although it was quickly rebuilt and re-opened, it closed again last year after the owners were unable to find a buyer.
A great way to get your bearings here is to take the heritage trail which goes past the cemetery, several historic buildings, and the old racetrack, which had its last race in 1957.
The town’s opal heritage is on show at the Eulo Queen Opal Centre where both rough and cut opal sourced from the Yowah, Koroit and Blackgate opal fields is on display. Also here is honey and other locally-produced natural products made from bee’s wax. Bees love to feed on the flowers of the area’s native Napunyah tree.
The area has a vibrant arts and crafts scene. PIC: Tourism Qld
There is a real focus on arts and crafts here, with another highlight being the Paroo Patch leather goods store. The area was once inhabited by giant mammals which lived during the Pleistocene Epoch. A large bronze statue of an extinct Diprotodon – a relative of wombats and koalas – greets visitors to the town.
Other points of interest include St Francis’ Anglican Church, which was closed in 2010; the Eulo flood truck, an old Dodge which had been ‘lifted’ to enable it to drive through floodwaters; and an old WWII air raid shelter.
Just out of town are the unique mud springs, a group of big mounds that were effectively release valves for the Great Artesian Basin. A local business, the Artesian Mud Baths, now offers visitors the opportunity to soak in the warm artesian water and absorb the goodness from the rich minerals.
A visit to Eulo is one of those truly unique experiences that makes taking the Big Lap such an unforgettable adventure.
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