Cloncurry Qld 4824 (Pop 3 000)

Cloncurry is a quiet Outback mining town located 1 705 km n-w of Brisbane. It is the site of the region's first copper discoveries (1867) and during WWI, Cloncurry was the largest source of copper in Australia. A postwar copper slump resulted in the birth of the town’s very interesting aviation history which included the first regular Qantas flight landing here and the establishment of the first Flying Doctor Base (1928). Its central location between Townsville, the Gulf, Longreach and Mount Isa has assured Cloncurry's continuing presence. The pastoral industry replaced copper mining and is today one of the economy’s mainstays. Markets 2^nd Sat. Country. Music & Bush Poets Festival (July), Merry Muster Rodeo (Aug), Clash of the Mines (Oct).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
The Great Australian Mine, across the railway line from Schaeffe St to see remains of mine site. John Flynn Place, cnr Daintree & King Sts incorporates the Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum celebrating this excellent and vital institution and also dedicated to Rev John Flynn (Flynn of the Inland) who established the service and chose Cloncurry for its central location. The museum features interesting historic displays and memorabilia as well as the first RFDS aircraft. Also here is the Fred McKay Art Gallery, Alfred Traegar Cultural Centre and Alan Vicers Outdoor Theatre. Mary Kathleen Memorial Park & Museum, McIlwraith St fascinating buildings and relics of the abandoned uranium mining town of May Kathleen, Aboriginal artifacts and its prize possession being Robert O’Hara Burke’s waterbottle. Historic Cloncurry includes the Post Office (1885), Courthouse (1898) and Old, Afghan and Chinese Cemeteries.

Nearby:
Rotary Lookout (2 km west) lovely town and river views. Kuridala (88 km south) abandoned mining town & old cemetery. Duchess (132 km south) formerly the richest copper mine in the area and today a quiet, isolated mining town.

Accommodation:
Cloncurry has 3 hotel/motels and 3 caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: Mary Kathleen Park, McIlwraith St. Tel (07) 4742 1361.