Major city · Australia
Blackall
Stay one night, two at most: the woolscour, the Black Stump and the Jack Howe statue fill a half-day, and the drive in is the real cost.
Blackall is a small Outback Queensland town of about 1,400 people on the A2 highway, roughly 960 km west of Brisbane and about 300 km from Longreach. It is a working rural service town, not a resort: the reason to stop is the intact steam-powered woolscour, the Black Stump monument and a night of quiet between Charleville and Longreach. Two nights is the useful maximum; one is enough if you are driving through.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Apr–Sep (dry, mild days)
- avoid Dec–Feb (40 °C (104 °F)+ days, storm season)avoid Dec–Feb (104 °F (40 °C)+ days, storm season)
- Airport
- BKQ
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Blackall000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Blackall, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyBlackall is a low-crime country town; the real risks are heat, long empty roads and wildlife at dawn and dusk.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From mobiles
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckBKQ Blackall Airport (QantasLink flights to Brisbane; small terminal, no public transport into town — arrange a lift or taxi (check)).
- Getting aroundBlackall is small enough to walk: the centre is a few blocks, and the woolscour is about 3 km (1.9 mi) out on Evora Road, so you need a car or a lift for that.Blackall is small enough to walk: the centre is a few blocks, and the woolscour is about 1.9 mi (3 km) out on Evora Road, so you need a car or a lift for that.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$5–7 (≈ US$4–5)
- Budget bedPowered caravan or camping site, a night, per personA$25 (≈ US$17)
- Mid-range bedMotel double room, a night, per roomA$170 (≈ US$120)
- High-end bedMotel double room, a night, per roomA$260 (≈ US$180)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$90 (≈ US$60) · Mid A$150 (≈ US$100) · High A$250 (≈ US$170)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BKQ Blackall Airport (QantasLink flights to Brisbane; small terminal, no public transport into town — arrange a lift or taxi (check))
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
Feb
Avoid
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Mar
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Apr
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
May
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jun
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jul
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Aug
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Sep
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Oct
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Nov
not flagged
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Dec
Avoid
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
Best: Apr–Sep. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)), coolest Jul (5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C) low), wettest Jan (6 rain days), driest Aug (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Blackall: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
6 rd
Feb
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
6 rd
Mar
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
5 rd
Apr
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
3 rd
May
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3 rd
Jun
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
3 rd
Jul
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
3 rd
Aug
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2 rd
Sep
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
3 rd
Oct
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4 rd
Nov
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
5 rd
Dec
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Blackall is small enough to walk: the centre is a few blocks, and the woolscour is about 3 km out on Evora Road, so you need a car or a lift for that. Most visitors arrive by car on the A2 and use it for everything. There is no town bus service; taxis are limited (check).
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: 3–3.5 h each way
Drive west on the A2, about 300 km (186 mi)Drive west on the A2, about 186 mi (300 km)
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep in Longreach and continue.
Door to door: 3–3.5 h each way
Drive south-east on the A2, about 300 km (186 mi)Drive south-east on the A2, about 186 mi (300 km)
The usual next stop east; the Cosmos Centre is the draw.
Barcaldine
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min each way
Drive north-west on the A2, about 100 km (62 mi)Drive north-west on the A2, about 62 mi (100 km)
Tree of Knowledge and the Australian Workers Heritage Centre; easy half-day.
Blackall Woolscour
goDoor to door: About 10 min
Drive or get a lift to 302 Evora Rd, about 3 km (1.9 mi) from the centreDrive or get a lift to 302 Evora Rd, about 1.9 mi (3 km) from the centre
Tours start hourly, 9:00–17:00 daily; the plant runs on steam from May to August.Tours start hourly, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM daily; the plant runs on steam from May to August.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Shamrock Street (town centre)
Motels, the visitor information centre and the main pub strip; walkable to everything in town.
Garden Street / caravan park
Powered sites and cabins; best for self-drive and campervan travellers.
Highway edge (A2)
Motels with undercover parking for trailers and utes; convenient if you leave early.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$90–140 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$140–220 (≈ US$95–150) excl. bed
- High
- A$220 (≈ US$150)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel double room1 × 1 night × A$170 | A$170 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$150 | A$300 |
| Woolscour tour2 × A$25 · check | A$50 |
| Pub meal2 × A$30 | A$60 |
| Fuel top-up, 50 L1 × A$100 · check | A$100 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$68 |
| Trip total≈ A$374 per person per day, bed included | A$748≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; fuel and long-distance travel excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$5–7 (≈ US$4–5) |
| Pub counter meal | A$25–40 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Loaf of bread or milk at the local store | A$4–8 (≈ US$3–6) |
| Woolscour tourcheck | A$20–30 (≈ US$14–20) |
| Fuel, per litrecheck | A$1.90–2.30 (≈ US$2) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Distances are large: fuel up in Blackall before heading west or south, and carry water.
- Summer heat is dangerous — plan driving and outdoor stops for early morning.
- Kangaroos and cattle on the road at dawn and dusk; avoid night driving outside town.
- Some businesses close early or on Sundays; check opening hours before you rely on them.
- Mobile coverage is patchy on the highways between towns.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From mobiles
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
BlackallBlackall
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Can you take me to this address?To this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From mobiles112
Embassy
No embassies in Blackall; the nearest consular help is in Brisbane (check your country's listing).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Woolscour tour: about A$25 (≈ US$17) (check)
- Barcaldine return drive: about 200 km (124 mi), roughly A$40 (≈ US$30) of fuel (check)about 124 mi (200 km), roughly A$40 (≈ US$30) of fuel (check)
Say or show
- Where's the servo? — Where is the fuel station?
- Are tours running today? — Is the woolscour open today?
- How far to Longreach? — How far to Longreach?
Phone coverage can drop outside town; save offline maps before you drive.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Blackall. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Sep (dry, mild days) · avoid Dec–Feb (40 °C+ days, storm season) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for BKQ: confirm whether a taxi or motel pickup meets the QantasLink flight, and a fallback if it does not.
- Woolscour page with verified tour times, steam-season dates and last entry.
- Fuel and water fixture for the A2 legs to Longreach and Charleville, including opening hours.
- Summer heat and storm fixtures so the drive-west decision can go green or red.