- Gateway to National Park’s
That’s right, but not satisfied with being the gateway to one incredible National Park, Adavale is actually the gateway to 3 of Queensland’s most incredible Parks.
The most popular park without a doubt would have to be Hell Hole Gorge National Park, 69km north of Adavale. Part of the Powell plateau which forms part of the Grey Range, the deeply incised Powell Creek with steep, dissected escarpments and vertical cliffs up to 45m high, drains through the centre of the area along with the smaller Spencers and Gorge Creek.
Not just an incredibly scenic park, it also provides opportunities for camping and related activities such as 4WDing, hiking, bird watching, swimming and photography. The rugged gullies associated with Powell Creek invite exploratory walks looking for unusual plants or glimpses of the diverse animal life. A visit to the park is a must!
59km east of Adavale is Mariala National Park where you will experience the hidden beauty and solitude of the often dry, but far from lifeless rangelands clothed in uniform mulga grey. Make sure you keep an eye out for some of Mariala’s 140 species of birds, 26 reptiles, 10 frogs and 27 mammals. You may even be lucky enough to spot a Koala!
North of Adavale is the third park, Idalia where you will emerge from thick mulga scrub to lofty escarpments and rocky gorges where elusive yellow-footed rock wallabies hide and views surprise. Be captivated by colourful sunsets over distinct plains and explore heritage sires for an insight into the hardships faced by those living here in years gone by.
For more information on National Parks visit: https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/
- You can have a High Tea
After busy days of exploring National Parks, return to Adavale and spoil yourself with some R&R at the Elegant Emu. Cristina is serving up some of the tastiest delicacies in the Outback with her High Tea and Premium morning tea experiences and it is simply a must do when travelling around Adavale. I can vouch for the apple turnovers with homemade puff pastry….DEVINE!
For more information or to make a booking visit: www.elegantemu.com
- Once home to 6 hotels
That’s right. Adavale’s population was once thirsty enough to keep 6 drinking establishments in business. The first pub ever built was the Imperial in 1880. This hotel was even once owned by the Durack family of King’s in Grass Castle’s fame. As times changed and the population of Adavale dwindled (and also those fire’s that seem to ravage old hotels), there only stands one pub in Adavale these days and that is the Adavale Pub & General Store. Make sure you pop in when you are in Adavale and say G’day!
NOTE: The Pub is currently closed due to COVID-19 so please contact them before travelling on (07) 46 564 656.
- Was once a thriving business centre
In fact long before Quilpie ever existed, Adavale was the main business centre for the area, which was even then called the Adavale Shire. The town reserve was gazetted in December 1878 however the town wasn’t officially surveyed until November 1880.
Adavale’s growth was due to the discovery of Opal as well as the large pastoral leases that were being taken up in the surrounding area. In 1886 Adavale’s population was reported as 156 with it peaking at 300 in 1925. It would be 5 short years later that the population would dwindle enough for the Adavale Shire to be abolished and the Quilpie Shire to take its place.
For more information on Adavale’s fascinating history, visit the Shire Hall in Adavale and enjoy the historical display.
- They have a perfect family friendly event everyone will enjoy
The Adavale Rodeo, Challenge, horse gymkhana & Bikekhana weekend in Adavale is quickly becoming one of the must do events in Outback Queensland.
Usually held around April each year, this year’s event has changed slightly with what’s been going on in the world (hasn’t everything?), and is now being held from the 2nd to the 4th of October.
Make sure you save the date and plan your trip to Adavale this October.
For more information on this event make sure you like their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Adavale-Sport-Recreation-Association-534393456942198/
Thank you to Aaron Kent and Stacey Scott for photos used in this content.
