Camooweal
Camooweal is a roadside township on the Queensland-Northern Territory border. Located 330km south of Burketown, 188km from Mount Isa and 440km from the Stuart Highway in the Northern Territory, Camooweal is 236 metres above sea-level.
On a prominent sign near the entrance to the town, Camooweal proudly declares itself as the 'Gateway to the Northern Territory' and adds 'Population 300'. They should add 'Most Westerly Town in Queensland', as it is only 13km from the Northern Territory border.
The explorer William Landsborough was the first European to pass through the Camooweal area. At the time he was looking for Burke and Wills. His reports lead to the area being settled by pastoralists but it wasn't until 1884 that the town of Camooweal was gazetted. Today the town is little more than a stop over point before crossing into the Northern Territory for the long drive to the Stuart Highway,
Things to see
Freckleton's Store
The town's past is recalled in Freckleton's Store (c.1900) and the even older building, which stands next to it. Freckleton's is well worth a visit. It has changed little over the past century.
Camooweal Caves National Park
Located 8km south of Camooweal is an intricate subterranean network of dolomite caves. Camping is permitted although the caves fill with water in the wet season and are only for the experienced spelunker at the best of times.
