Major city · Australia
Hungerford
One night, and only if you are already on the Paroo: a pub, a border gate and the Dingo Fence. No fuel, no shops, no reason to detour.
Hungerford is a 23-person town on the Queensland–New South Wales border, at the end of gravel roads from Eulo, Thargomindah and Bourke. One pub, the Royal Mail, doubles as the general store. Come for the Dingo Fence, the Paroo River and the quiet; treat it as a stop on an outback loop, not a destination in itself.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Apr–Sep
- avoid Dec–Feb (40 °C (104 °F)+ days); any week with rain forecast north of the borderavoid Dec–Feb (104 °F (40 °C)+ days); any week with rain forecast north of the border
- Airport
- N/A
- Nights
- 1
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
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Hungerford000 ▾
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 Hungerford, 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
- SafetyVery low crime; the real risks are isolation, heat and flooded roads.
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 a mobile
- 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.
- AirportN/A No commercial air service (Gravel airstrip for charter landings only; nearest scheduled flights are at Cunnamulla, Thargomindah or Bourke.).
- Getting aroundYou need a vehicle.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Beerschooner or stubbyA$7–10 (≈ US$5–7)
- Budget bedFree riverside bush camp, a night, per personA$0 (≈ under US$1)
- Mid-range bedRoyal Mail Hotel room, a night, per roomA$130 (≈ US$90)
- High-end bedRoyal Mail Hotel room, a night, per roomA$180 (≈ US$120)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$80 (≈ US$55) · Mid A$150 (≈ US$100) · High A$260 (≈ US$180)
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
- N/A No commercial air service (Gravel airstrip for charter landings only; nearest scheduled flights are at Cunnamulla, Thargomindah or Bourke.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)
Feb
Avoid
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
Mar
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Apr
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
May
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jun
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jul
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Aug
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Sep
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Oct
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Nov
not flagged
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Dec
Avoid
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
Best: Apr–Sep. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)), coolest Jul (5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C) low), wettest Jan (5 rain days), driest Aug (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Hungerford: 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
37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
5 rd
Feb
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
5 rd
Mar
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
4 rd
Apr
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3 rd
May
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3 rd
Jun
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
3 rd
Jul
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
3 rd
Aug
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
3 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4 rd
Nov
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
4 rd
Dec
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
5 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
You need a vehicle. The town is walkable in five minutes; the Paroo River, the Dingo Fence and the surrounding stations are not. All approach roads are unsealed gravel, usually fine for a 2WD in dry weather.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Currawinya National Park
goDoor to door: About 1 h each way
Gravel road north-east from Hungerford, high-clearance recommended
Artesian lakes, birdlife and old station ruins; self-sufficient travel only.
Eulo
goDoor to door: About 2 h
About 130 km (81 mi) of gravel south-eastAbout 81 mi (130 km) of gravel south-east
Fuel, a pub and the date farm; the usual next stop.
Thargomindah
goDoor to door: About 2 h 15 min
About 170 km (106 mi) of good gravel north-eastAbout 106 mi (170 km) of good gravel north-east
Best base for fuel, supplies and the Bulloo River.
Bourke
overnightDoor to door: About 3 h 30 min
About 250 km (155 mi) of gravel south through the borderAbout 155 mi (250 km) of gravel south through the border
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep in Bourke.
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.
Royal Mail Hotel
The only beds in town: pub rooms plus a caravan and camping area behind it. Book ahead; phone coverage is patchy.
Paroo River bush camping
Free riverside spots on public land; no water, no bins, no toilets. Carry everything out.
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$80–130 (≈ US$55–90) excl. bed (fuel, food from your own supplies, camping)
- Mid
- A$130–200 (≈ US$90–140) excl. bed (pub meals, a few drinks, park fees)
- High
- A$200 (≈ US$140)+ excl. bed (charter flights, guided station stays)
Trip budget
| Royal Mail Hotel room1 × 1 night × A$130 | A$130 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$150 | A$300 |
| Pub meal2 × A$32 | A$64 |
| Beer at the pub2 × A$8 | A$16 |
| Fuel, Eulo or Thargomindah to Hungerford and back1 × A$90 · Depends on vehicle. | A$90 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$60 |
| Trip total≈ A$330 per person per day, bed included | A$660≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; fuel to reach Hungerford excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Pub meal (counter meal) | A$25–40 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Beer, schooner or stubby | A$7–10 (≈ US$5–7) |
| Pub room, double | A$90–180 (≈ US$60–120) |
| Camping behind the pub | A$15–35 (≈ US$10–25) per person |
| Internet at the pub | Donation to the Royal Flying Doctor Service |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The Paroo can flood and cut the northern road even when Hungerford itself is dry: rain upstream is the trigger. Check road conditions before you commit.
- No fuel, no mechanic, no supermarket. Fill up at Eulo, Thargomindah or Bourke and carry water.
- Mobile reception is Telstra 4G and unreliable outside town; there is a public payphone.
- Summer heat and long distances between help: tell someone your route and expected arrival.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From a mobile
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
HungerfordHungerford
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To the Royal Mail Hotel, pleaseTo the Royal Mail Hotel, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
Embassy
No consulates in the outback; the nearest are in Brisbane.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Eulo → Hungerford: about 130 km (81 mi) gravel, about 2 habout 81 mi (130 km) gravel, about 2 h
- Thargomindah → Hungerford: about 170 km (106 mi) gravel, about 2 h 15 minabout 106 mi (170 km) gravel, about 2 h 15 min
- Bourke → Hungerford: about 250 km (155 mi) gravel, about 3 h 30 minabout 155 mi (250 km) gravel, about 3 h 30 min
Say or show
- How far to the next fuel? — How far to the next fuel?
- Is the road open? — Is the road open?
- Where can I camp? — Where can I camp?
- Can I get a room tonight? — Can I get a room tonight?
No fuel, no shops, no bank. Bring cash, water and food.
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 Hungerford. 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 · avoid Dec–Feb (40 °C+ days); any week with rain forecast north of the border · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Road-condition check before departure: Paroo flood status, fuel plan, water carried.
- Bed contract for the Royal Mail Hotel: room versus caravan versus camp, and what to do if it is full.
- Walking cluster: pub, border gate, Dingo Fence, Paroo River, all inside 1 km.
- Heat and isolation fixtures: summer cutoff, RFDS contact, nearest clinic.