Freckleton's General Store, main street of Camooweal

Camooweal
Strange roadside township on the Queensland-Northern Territory border.
Located 330 km south of Burketown, 188 km from Mount Isa and 440 km from the Stuart Highway in the Northern Territory, Camooweal is 236 metres above sea-level.

On a prominent sign near the entrance to the town, Camooweal proudly declares itself 'Gateway to the Northern Territory' and adds 'Population 300'. They should add 'Most Westerly Town in Queensland' as it is only 13 km from the Northern Territory border.

The road from Mount Isa to the town, known to the locals as 'Tojo's Highway', may well be the worst bitumen road in Australia. Built during World War II with American funds, it was originally designed as a link between the southern states and the theoretical 'front line' in the Northern Territory. It would seem as though it has not been repaired since it was built. Not only does it undulate with the surrounding countryside but it also seems to have acquired corrugations under the bitumen.

The explorer William Landsborough was the first European to pass through the Camooweal area. At the time (1862) he was looking for Burke and Wills. His reports led to the area being settled by pastoralists but it wasn't until 1884 that the town of Camooweal was gazetted. It grew as a service centre for the surrounding properties but the inevitable mechanisation of farming and transport led to its decline. Today the town is little more than a stopover point before crossing into the Northern Territory for the long drive to the Stuart Highway.

Things to see:  

Freckleton's Store
The town's past is recalled in Freckleton's Store (c.1900) and the even older (1891) building which stands next to it. Freckleton's is well worth a visit. It has changed little over the last century. Mr Freckleton is only too happy to talk about the area and his store although he threatens that if he becomes a tourist attraction he'll start charging people for his reminiscences.

Camooweal Caves National Park
Located 8 km south of Camooweal is an intricate subterranean network of dolomite caves. Camping is permitted although the caves fill with water in the wet season and are only for the experienced spelunker at the best of times. Due to the isolation of the site access is difficult. It is necessary to contact the National Parks and Wildlife Service office before visiting, tel: (07) 4743 2055.

	Motels
	Camooweal Roadhouse and Camping Ground, Barkly St Camooweal QLD 4828 Telephone: (07) 4748 2155
	Hotels
	Post Office Hotel Barkly St Camooweal QLD 4828 Telephone: (07) 4748 2124