As the heart of Queensland’s Channel Country, Quilpie offers rich history, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant arts scene. From great local dining to breathtaking day trips, here’s how to make the most of your experience in this outback town.
Kick off a tour of the charms of Quilpie at the Old Empire Café, a hidden gem tucked behind a service station. Known for its exceptional coffee, crispy fried chicken and juicy burgers, this is a local hotspot with super-friendly service. Whether you’re in the mood for big breakfast or a midday caffeine fix, this café is laidback and a great place to meet the locals and have a chat.
For an authentic outback pub experience, visit the Imperial Hotel. A historic watering hole, it’s renowned for its welcoming atmosphere, hearty pub fare, and refreshing local brews. Feast on its signature steaks, lamb chops, or classic meat pies, and finish things off with something sweet from the large assortment of desserts cooked on-site, paired with vanilla ice cream.
Make your next stop Offshears Bakery, known for its homemade pastries and freshly baked bread. Adding a touch of local heritage, one of the bakers is a former prize-winning shearer, always happy to have a chat about the region’s rich shearing history. Vegetarians are covered too, with fresh salad rolls on fluffy white buns. While you’re there, don’t miss out on tasting a classic Aussie sweet treat, such as the vanilla slice and lamingtons with a cup of tea or coffee.
Immerse yourself in the origins of Quilpie’s rich history and art at the Visitor Information Centre, Museum & Gallery. Staffed by skilled and knowledgeable locals, this cultural hub can also provide advice on the things to see, things to do and where to eat. The staff also keep a good eye on the weather and know what the roads are like in and out of town, so always ask if you’re unsure of reaching your next destination. They’ll also be more than happy to share the best places to fish, walk, go for a hike or kayak in the region.
The town has a history with opal fossicking, and visitors can try their own luck at the Quilpie Shire Council fossicking area, which doesn’t require a permit. Or, ask the Visitor Information Centre where to purchase some local Quipie Boulder Opal to take home and show your loved ones.
To learn more about the history of Quilpie, check out the Quilpie Shire Military History Museum. Strolling through the display, you can learn all about Quilpie’s military history through photos and memorabilia donated by families of local war heroes. The museum also has tables and chairs if you want to sit and spend more time with the stories of these brave Aussies.
History buffs will also love St Finbarr’s Opal Altar. In 1976, local miner Des Burton installed an entire wall of opal on St Finbarr’s altar, lectern and baptismal font, making it one of the best displays of Quilpie opal you’ll find.
For the best view of the entire Quilpie Shire, make the walk up to Baldy Top Lookout. This red rocky formation contains lots of caves and crevices to explore, formed over millions of years. The ascent only takes around ten minutes, and once you reach the top you’ll be amazed at the panoramic views of the landscape. There’s no better place to take in a sunset, and the new barbecue facilities make it ideal for a classic BBQ dinner.
In 2017, to celebrate one hundred years since the construction of a railway in Quilpie, the Quilpie Shire Rail Museum was officially opened. While the rail line was supposed to continue further west, the extension never continued, making Quilpie the official “End of the Line”. The museum contains artifacts and displays all about this rail heritage, and you can even visit the literal end of the line in the middle of town.
End your trip with a visit to Cave Hill at sunset for an exhilarating natural excursion. Just a short drive from town, it offers far-reaching views of this vast outback landscape as the sky turns brilliant shades of orange, pink, and gold.
Can’t get enough of the charms of Quilpie? Check out the best food and drink in town by clicking here.
