George Cragg
It is believed that opal was first discovered by George Cragg, a stockman from Warrnambool Station, in 1888, and the first mine was worked in 1894.
At one time, Opalton was a bustling township and there were more than 600 people working the opal field around the turn of the 20th century. Since that time, the population has dwindled to approximately 25 today. In 1899, the largest piece of pipe opal ever recorded was discovered at Opalton – it was over 10 feet (3m) long and rumoured to be as thick as a man’s leg!
Opalton Bush Camp & Historic Walking Tracks
Opalton is situated 123 kilometres south of Winton in a large Designated Fossicking area. It is one of the largest opal fields in Queensland and is known for the quality and uniqueness of the boulder opal that is mined there.
The majority of the journey is on a well-maintained unsealed road. No fuel is available in Opalton, however the shop has some basic supplies of bread, milk, ice, drinks and lollies. Please ensure you are fully stocked prior to your departure from Winton. https://www.winton.qld.gov.au
There is bush camping available at the Opalton Bush Park – hot showers, toilets, fresh or dam water and some undercover parking provided. As well as a sheltered BBQ area, there is a great Pizza oven, small and large BBq plates and an enclosed shed/eating area for day visitors. Loads of room for everyone to spread out and enjoy the peace and quiet and the starry nights. Everyone likes to meet up for the afternoon noodling show and a few stories with local miners.
Donation is $2.50/person/ night.
Historic Walking Tracks
Nearly 7klms of historic walking tracks is the latest exciting addition to Opalton. Tracks vary from just 450mtrs to the longest loop of 4 klms.
Track loops all begin at the information centre and are clearly marked. Signs should be installed before 1st April. Tracks includes are:-
Historic Opalton township – Historic cemetery plaque – Lookout – Horse Yards – slaughter yards – dam.
Enjoy a stroll through our beautiful area and spot some wildlife on the way.
Getting There?
Check the weather and road conditions before you visit. Turnoff to Opalton is 15 klms from Winton on the Jundah Road, turn left. Dirt road approx. 125klms to Opalton which is very well maintained, however after heavy use corrugations may occur. There are no nasty dips or creek crossings so suitable to all towable vehicles. Two wheel drives can make it at times with care. Watch the grids and road conditions after any rain event.
https://www.winton.qld.gov.au/downloads/download/55/road-conditions
How to get there
Rail
“Spirit of the Outback” rail services run twice weekly to and from Brisbane to Longreach. There is a coach link to Winton.
Air
Qantas Link flies daily from Brisbane to Longreach with connections to Winton and Townsville on Tuesday and Thursday with Rex Regional Express. For further information on flights to Longreach visit the Qantas Link website.
Bookings with Rex Regional Express please visit www.rex.com.au or phone 13 17 13.
Car
Avis and Budget Rent-a-car is available in Longreach. Visit the Avis or Budget websites for more information.
Bus
Daily coach services to and from Brisbane and Mt Isa via Bus Queensland.
If you are travelling to Winton and require assistance with your travel-arrangements, please contact the QBOA secretary on (07) 4657 0082
Accommodation
| ACCOMMODATION IN WINTON | ||
| Australian Hotel Elderslie Street | Phone 07 4657 1214 | |
| North Gregory Hotel 67 Elderslie Street Van Park behind Hotel | Phone 07 4657 0647 info@northgregoryhotel.com | Hotel & Motel Rooms |
| Tattersalls Hotel & Caravan Park Elderslie Street | Phone 07 4657 1309 | Hotel Rooms & Caravan Park |
| Winton Hotel 2 blocks from the main street | Phone 07 4657 1519 kjhotels@hotmail.com | Hotel Rooms |
| Pelican Fuel Stop & Caravan Park Elderslie Street Powered & Unpowered sites | Phone 07 4657 1478 | Units & Caravan Park |
| Matilda Country Tourist Caravan Park Northern end of town Powered & Unpowered sites | Phone 07 4657 1607 tmatpark@bigpond.com | Cabins |
| Banjo’s Overnight & Holiday Units Northern end of town | Phone 07 4657 1213 banjosunits@hotmail.com | Self contained units |
| Boulder Opal Motel Eastern end of Elderslie Street | Phone 07 4757 1211 boulderopalmotel@bigpond.com | Motel Rooms |
| Matilda Motel Entrance from Elderslie Street & Oondooroo Street | Phone 07 4657 1433 matilda1@dodo.com.au | Motel Rooms |
| Outback Motel Western end of Elderslie Street | Phone 07 4657 1422 info@wintonoutbackmotel.com | Motel Rooms |
