Windorah
| Windorah Queensland | |||||||||
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 Windorah General Store, 2013 | |||||||||
  Windorah | |||||||||
| Coordinates | 25°25′14″S 142°39′16″E / 25.4205°S 142.6544°E | ||||||||
| Population | 104 | ||||||||
| • Density | 0.01177/km2 (0.03049/sq mi) | ||||||||
| Established | 1880 | ||||||||
| Elevation | 126.3 m (414 ft) | ||||||||
| Area | 8,835.4 km2 (3,411.4 sq mi) | ||||||||
| Time zone | AEST (UTC+10:00) | ||||||||
| Location |
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Windorah is a small town in southwest Queensland, Australia. It is part of the Shire of Barcoo and is located near the Cooper Creek, in the Channel Country region.[1][2] The town is about 1,200 kilometres (745 miles) west of Brisbane.
Name
[change | change source]The name Windorah comes from an Aboriginal word that means “big fish” or “high place”, depending on the local language group.
Population
[change | change source]As of the 2021 census, around 115 people live in Windorah. The population is small, but the town supports nearby cattle stations and remote communities.
Geography
[change | change source]Windorah is located in the Channel Country, where many small rivers and creeks flow only during the wet season. The land is mostly flat and dry, with sand dunes, gibber plains, and grasslands. Windorah is near where the Thomson and Barcoo Rivers join to form Cooper Creek. The area often floods after heavy rain, but can also be dry for years.
Climate
[change | change source]Windorah has a hot desert climate, but it is close to the hot semi-arid climate zone. It is part of the Outback and has very hot summers and cool winters.
Summer temperatures often go above 40°C (104°F). Winter days are warm, but nights can be cold, with temperatures as low as 0°C (32°F). Rainfall is low and mostly falls in summer, but can be unpredictable. Clear skies and dry air make temperature changes between day and night large.
Economy
[change | change source]The main industries in Windorah are:
- Cattle grazing
- Tourism
- Some solar energy production
Windorah is home to the Windorah Solar Farm, one of the first in rural Queensland. It helps provide power to the town.
Transport
[change | change source]Windorah is remote, but it can be reached by:
- Road: The Diamantina Developmental Road connects Windorah to Longreach and Birdsville
- Air: Windorah has a small airport with flights to Brisbane via Barcaldine and Charleville
- Bus/Coach: Occasional services run between towns
Facilities and Services
[change | change source]Windorah has:
- A primary school
- A health clinic
- A police station
- A general store and fuel station
- A hotel/motel
- A small tourist information centre
Tourism and Attractions
[change | change source]Tourists visit Windorah to experience the real Outback. Attractions include:
- Cooper Creek – popular for fishing, camping, and birdwatching
- Red sandhills – striking sand dunes just outside the town
- Starry night skies
- Windorah Solar Farm
Nearby events like the Birdsville Races or the Windorah International Yabby Races
Events
[change | change source]Windorah hosts fun local events, such as:
- Yabby Races – a quirky annual race of freshwater crustaceans
- Local rodeo and sports days
- Outback festivals and community gatherings
- ↑ "Windorah – town in Shire of Barcoo (entry 43917)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 10 June 2019.
- ↑ "Windorah – locality in Shire of Barcoo (entry 41480)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 10 June 2019.