Along the Barkly Highway from Mount Isa is Camooweal which is in fact a part of the city even though it is 189 kilometres away. Known as “the longest main street in the world”, the drive takes around an hour and a half. Only a couple of hundred people live in Camooweal but tourists swell the population when they make the trek out to go camping in the Outback and visit the location of the 500-million-year-old sinkhole caves. Whilst public access to the caves is not permitted, the site is still impressive to see from the safe viewing area at Great Nowranie cave.
At Camooweal Caves National Park, the rugged roads are best navigated in a four-wheel-drive but can be accessed by conventional vehicles in dry weather. Whilst camping is not permitted in the Park, it is open 24 hours a day so you can head in and marvel at the kaleidoscopic changing sky at dusk and dawn.
Camping is permitted along the Georgina River and is popular during the dry season. You can camp by an idyllic billabong where the birdlife is abundant and thriving. Pour yourself a cup of billy tea and revel in the quiet Outback atmosphere. There are no designated sites and no showers or toilets; simply set up camp and get down to the business of serious relaxation.
At The Drover’s Camp, you can immerse yourself in the bush atmosphere while enjoying the hospitality and informative talks given by the tough ex-drovers. Just 1km from the centre of town, this is a must do while in Camooweal. Take a guided tour through the interpretive and historical displays and wonderful artwork and browse through the impressive range of Australiana books. See the volunteers at the information centre for up-to-date information on roads and events and enjoy a rest break at the facilities.
Contact: The Drovers Camp – Visitor Information Centre Ph: 07 4748 2022 E: info@droverscamp.com.au
