The town of Boulia may have a population of less than 500 people, but it punches above its weight when it comes to amazing things to see and do.
This list of our favourite Boulia experiences will delight anyone travelling to Queensland’s inland sea.
The Min Min is a mysterious light that is said to appear on the horizon and follow you, first recorded at the Min Min Hotel, now in ruins, in the 1890s. Today, Boulia is known as the ‘land of the Min Min Lights’, best represented by the Min Min Encounter Centre on the main street.
Here, you can enjoy a 45-minute show detailing the mystery and history of this legendary light display. Listen as Aussie characters such as Bluey and Mrs McGreal explain their own interactions with the lights, and decide for yourself whether these glowing lights are real or myth.
Almost 110 million years ago, during the Cretaceous Era, Boulia was submerged beneath the inland Eromanga Sea. As a result, marine fossils have been found buried beneath the sand for generations, including the best examples of Ichthyosaurs and Plesiosaurs in Australia.
These fossils can be seen in the Boulia Heritage Centre, alongside other artefacts including the world’s oldest fossilised remains of a turtle. The heritage complex showcases three distinct periods in Boulia’s history, paying tribute to Boulia’s First People, the Pitta Pitta people, and their connection to the land. It also features equipment and artefacts from the early pioneers who lived 130 years ago.
A heritage-listed stonehouse cottage reveals what life must’ve been like in the 1800s with photographs, homewares and more on display inside the homestead.
Each year, the highly-anticipated Boulia Camel Races draw crowds from all over the country. As the longest-running camel race in Australia, it is attended by all the best riders competing for prestige on the red dust track. Attendees will also enjoy live music, food stalls, fireworks and children’s entertainment to make for a weekend of fun. Helicopter rides, starting from the racecourse, offer unparalleled views of the outback scenery from high above. For those interested in learning more about the races, jockeys and trainers are interviewed on the tracks after the final races.
For more sporting fun, Boulia Golf Club is a unique outback golfing destination combining panoramic views, red earth, and heaps of open space. The club even hosted the Outback Queensland Masters in 2019 and 2024, attracting golfers from across the state. After working up an appetite on the course, check out the popular clubhouse, where cold drinks and hearty meals abound. Regular fish and chips nights and other special events are always the talk of the town.
To cool off after a long day in the outback sun, the Boulia Sports and Aquatic Centre is always open for business. Work out in the air-conditioned gym, or splash around in the 25-metre pool. The centre also contains an indoor sports stadium for basketball, netball, volleyball and badminton, as well as two squash courts. The children’s playground and barbecue area is perfect for a lunchtime outing with the family, while the shaded tennis courts are perfect for a quick match with friends.
Located just behind Boulia State School is the last recognised Corroboree Tree of the Pitta Pitta tribe. One of the rarest plants in Australia, this tree can be distinguished by its spiky, needle-like leaves and can live for 200 years.
The Australian Hotel Motel Boulia is a great place to rest after a day exploring this outback oasis. The restaurant serves classic pub meals, as well as a special camel menu including camel meat patties, pies and sausage rolls made in house. They even have Crazy Camel Lager, made especially to honour Boulia’s camel history. It’s the perfect place to reflect on all of your wonderful Boulia experiences, and take a load off for the evening.
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