Explore Barcaldine, Qld, where tree-lined streets, the Tree of Knowledge, quirky nearby towns, camping spots and outback charm make a perfect stopover.
Barcaldine, or Barcy as it’s affectionately known by locals, lies in central west Queensland, 520km west of Rockhampton. Sitting like a verdant oasis at the crossroads of the Capricorn and Landsborough highways, Barcaldine might be officially considered ‘outback’, but with its tree-lined streets — each named after a tree — it’s aptly regarded as the ‘Garden City of the West’.
Exploring the main towns of the Barcaldine region
Five towns make up the Barcaldine region: Alpha, Jericho, Aramac, Muttaburra and Barcaldine, and each exudes its own charismatic quirkiness. There’s picturesque Alpha, with its 27 colourful murals scattered throughout town depicting local history and culture. Fifty-four kilometres away, Jericho boasts the smallest still-operating drive-in theatre in Australia, with room for around 34 cars (or 34 seats for those who prefer the ambience of old-fashioned recliners). The drive-in, which first opened in 1969, operates on the third Saturday of every month. In Jericho’s main street there is a sculpture of the Crystal Trumpeters, created by local historians to tell the story of how Joshua won the battle of Jericho. Nearby, Redbank Park on the banks of the Jordan River is a favourite place to camp and fish. This donation campground is an oasis by the water, with excellent amenities and plenty of shady and sunny spots for rigs of all sizes.
Redbank Park on the banks of the Jordan at Jericho
Aramac and Muttaburra both offer great camping and are interesting stopovers for caravanners, with sculptures of bulls and dinosaurs prominently featured. While you’re in the region, don’t miss visiting the beautiful, bird-filled Lake Dunn, 68km north-east of Aramac. It’s a great place to stay while checking out the Lake Dunn Sculpture Trail — the longest sculpture trail in the world. This 200km loop connects Aramac, Lake Dunn and Jericho, and features 40 sculptures by local artist Milynda Rogers.
The Lake Dunn Sculpture Trail is a must do if you’re travelling to Barcaldine
After we left the tiny towns of Jericho and Alpha, Barcaldine felt like a bustling metropolis with cafes, museums and bakeries doing a roaring trade. Caravans were everywhere when we visited mid-August 2025, many parked near the most famous attraction, the Tree of Knowledge.
There are a number of caravan parks in town as well as a donation campground at Lloyd Jones Weir with ample room to set up along the water. Facilities include toilets, a dump point and potable water filling points. Lloyd Jones Weir is a short drive (15km) south of town, with a fully sealed road except for the last kilometre.
Discover the history and heritage of Barcaldine
Barcaldine gets its name from the Oban region in Scotland. One of Barcaldine's first settlers, Donald Charles Cameron — a descendant of the Campbells of Barcaldine Castle — set up on the Alice River and called his station Barcaldine Downs. When the railway line pushed through to Lagoon Creek in 1886, a small township started to grow on part of the Barcaldine Downs run, eventually becoming the Barcaldine we know today.
The Tree of Knowledge
These days it’s the historic Tree of Knowledge for which the town is best known. It was here in 1891 that striking shearers gathered under a eucalyptus ghost gum in front of the Barcaldine Railway Station in protest of the working conditions of the day. This led to Barcaldine becoming the birthplace of the Labour movement in Australia.
The original Tree of Knowledge was mysteriously poisoned in 2006, however, its preserved trunk and branches stand in symbolism under a towering architectural memorial. It’s impressive during the day, but at night — when the site is illuminated — it’s magnificent. Don’t forget to look down when you visit: the original root ball is visible through thick, non-reflective glass. Nearby are plaques, memorials, sculptures and stories honouring those who fought for workers’ rights.
The Tree of Knowledge in front of the Barcaldine Railway Station
The Tree of Knowledge is impressive at night
Australian Workers Heritage Centre
Visit the Australian Workers Heritage Centre for a fascinating insight into the working conditions and events of the past. Spread across two hectares of landscaped gardens, it showcases an enormous amount of Queensland and Australian history.
There are a number of wonderful museums in Barcaldine
Dunraven Station
The wool industry was once the main focus of Barcaldine, but today it’s the tourist dollars that help drive this town. In 2025 there are reportedly around 60,000 sheep in the Barcaldine shire, a far cry from 1861 when sheep exceeded 394,655.
For a taste of life on the land, head to Dunraven Station, 19km south-west of Barcaldine. Set on 25,000 hectares, the station has been in the Doneley family for more than 110 years. Owners Roberta and Paul are more than happy to share their family’s story with visitors. Tag-a-long 4WD tours are popular across their spectacular station.
Barcaldine and District Historical Museum
More history can be found at the Barcaldine and District Historical Museum, located in what was once the Queensland National Bank. The museum is a treasure trove of local history, photos and artefacts of the area. Close by, at the junction of Beach and Ash Streets, is the Barcaldine War Memorial Clock Tower — an impressive marble structure honouring local men who served during World War I. It’s one of the few clock-type war memorials in Australia and the only one of its style in Queensland. With Barcaldine’s flat topography, bikes are a great way to get around.
Barcaldine and District Historical Museum, formerly the Queensland National Bank
The Barcaldine War Memorial Clock Tower is unique in Queensland
Other must-visit spots
- Drop into the Barcaldine Visitor Information Centre, once the Globe Hotel but now a purpose-built centre dedicated to tourism and art.
- Climb Pat Ogden Tower for views over the town
- Follow the Between the Bougainvilleas Heritage Trail to discover many of the town’s significant historic buildings, including the Radio Picture Theatre.
- Radio Picture Theatre is an Art Nouveau cinema opened in 1926. If you time it well, as we did, you can enjoy a movie on Friday and Saturday night. Run by volunteers from the Arts Council, it retains its old-world charm with original canvas seats and a traditional intermission long enough to grab an ice cream. Ticket prices are just $10.
Catch a movie at the old Radio Picture Theatre
- About a kilometre from town is the Barcaldine Rec Park, opened in 2021 — a purpose-built 1.1km-long lake that’s open all year round and designed for small boats, swimming and summer sports. It was here we saw the Spirit of the Outback train pass by.
- Spirit of the Outback: This historic train travels from Brisbane to Longreach and stops in Barcaldine twice a week. Here passengers often step onto the platform to snap a photo of the famous Tree of Knowledge before boarding again to continue their outback rail journey. Caravanners can linger longer.
The beauty of Barcaldine
Barcaldine’s streetscape is dotted with pubs. In 1887 the town had 12 hotels operating in the main street. However, over the years fires destroyed many and in 2025 only five remain. All are colourful and welcome visitors happily. We spoke to a local woman at the visitor information centre who told us her first job in Barcy was at the Union Hotel, once the Royal. Years ago, she reminisced, the town was bustling with a thriving wool industry, and hotels were the place for shearers to come, relax and unwind. These days, she said, the town relies heavily on people like us, travelling through and perhaps stopping for a few days to explore.
Sculptures and pubs line the main street
And if you do stop for a few days, it’s worth it. You can feel the friendly vibe and slower pace. Watch the sun set at Lara Wetlands — you can camp overnight or simply go for the day. Grab breaky at the Ridgee Didge Cafe, enjoy a wood fired pizza at the Lounging Emu or a coffee made from their very own Barcaldine blend at the bakery (imaginatively named Barcaldine Bakery).
One thing you can be guaranteed of in Barcaldine is top quality water. Barcaldine’s water comes up from the Great Artesian Basin and has been the liquid gold of the outback town since 1910. A 27ft historic windmill on Oak Street symbolises the vital role of artesian water in the outback. In 2016 Barcaldine won the title for ‘Best Tap Water’ in Queensland and it’s a title the locals are all too happy to share with visitors to the region.
The prominent water wheel, symbol of the importance of artesian water for the area
Find out more:
Barcaldine Visitor Information Centre
149 Oak Street
Barcaldine Qld 4725
T: 07 4651 1724
Open hours:
- March to October:
- Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.00pm
- Weekends: 9am to 2pm
- November to February:
- Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4pm
- Weekends closed
THE NEXT STEP
If you want to learn the latest caravan news, find the most innovative new caravans, tow vehicles and camping gear or get inspired to plan your next adventure to some of Australia's best getaway destinations, subscribe to our weekly newsletter. We promise to send you only the best content.
Related articles:
Exploring outback Queensland: Carnarvon Gorge road trip
Qantas Founders Museum launches new digital experiences
Discover the best of Barcaldine in outback Queensland