Thanks to nearby Warrego River camp sites set up by explorer Edmund Bourke in 1847 and 1862 on his expeditions to prove that west Queensland waterways flowed south rather than north, Charleville was always destined to become an important centre. And, by the time of the big push west in the twilight of the 19th century, Charleville was a lively frontier town with the local brewery supplying 10 inns where the drivers of 500 locally-registered bullock teams slaked their thirst.

Perhaps because of the town's links with pioneer aviators Ross and Keith Smith, Hudson Fysh and Paul McGinnes chose to fly their first scheduled Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services (Qantas) flight from Charleville to Cloncurry in 1922. Today, in good times and bad, Charleville presides over vast sheep, beef and cotton holdings. Stargazers can take advantage of the clear skies.

Home to Australia’s iconic bilby, experience them Up Close and Personal and have the opportunity to touch their uniquely soft fur and capture a memento to take home. Charleville, the Bilby capital of Australia, breeds bilbies for reintroduction into Currawinya National Park. Experience one of the interactive shows on offer, where you will witness bilbies in their nocturnal house and gain knowledge related to their important role in balancing our eco-system. 

Known as the star-studded capital of outback Queensland. With no city lights and non-pollution to cloud your view, nothing stands in the way of what lies between you and the stars for a phenomenal view. Take a visit to the Charleville Cosmos Centre and observatory to learn and discover more about our galaxy. The opportunity to experience a night or day observation is on offer. See the webpage for more details. Bookings can be made at the Cosmos Centre or phone 4654 7771 or email enquiries@cosmoscentre.com   

Universal dreaming tours, held daily at routine times of the year. Joining in for storytelling, shared by an experienced sky guide, you will be intrigued with ancient cultural astrology stories. Enjoy some toasted marshmallows by the warmth of the fire pit.

If history appeals you won’t be disappointed with what you can discover in Charleville. The top secret USAAF arrived in Charleville during WW2, set up camp for four years and constructed 101 buildings on site. Covering a vast area of approximately 25 square. Step inside the world of the ‘Top Secret precinct- Charleville’ and discover what 1942 marked the arrival of….

Or take a visit to the Historic House Museum where you will view displays of a by-gone era of history and time. Take the opportunity to explore the history of the Royal Flying doctors at the Charleville Base Royal Flying Doctors Visitors Centre. This Charleville base services brings essential services to the remote outback and today services an area of over 7.69 million square kilometres.

Fun Fact: The Australian $20 note features the Rev John Flynn (1880 - 1951), founder of the Aerial Medical Service in 1942 and the Royal Flying Doctor Services in 1955.

The Hotel Coronas is the most famous historic landmark in Charleville. Built in the 1920’s this famous landmark represents a major part of Charleville and the region's history. If you love a great story and want to learn more about the history of this this hotel. Daily tours depart at 2pm, for 2 hours, along the way your guide will share the tales of Harry Corones (Poppa), concluding with homemade scones.

In May of 2019, Charleville became part of the Australian Silo art trail. Thanks to the talents of Guido van Helten, who travelled to Charleville to paint their water tower. 

The Charleville mural design is related to the neighbouring community of Cunnamulla. Together these artworks form the broader concept of cooperation and diversity in south west Queensland.

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