Major city · Australia
Cloncurry
Stop one night on the Barkly Highway between Mount Isa and Townsville: John Flynn Place, the Qantas hangar and the old mine sites fill a half-day.
Cloncurry is a small outback service town on the Barkly Highway, about 120 km east of Mount Isa, with a population of roughly 2,700. Copper made it rich from 1867, Qantas was conceived here and the Royal Flying Doctor Service began here. Sights are few and close together, so a half-day plus one night is enough unless you are passing through on the way to the Gulf.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Apr–Sep (dry, cooler nights)
- avoid Oct–Mar (extreme heat, wet-season road closures)
- Airport
- CNJ
- 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
Emergency numbers for Cloncurry000 ▾
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 Cloncurry, 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
- SafetyA small, quiet town and generally safe to walk by day.
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 · 13 19 40 Road conditions (Queensland Traffic)
- 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.
- AirportCNJ Cloncurry Airport (Regional flights to Townsville and Mount Isa; the Qantas hangar stands at the aerodrome.
- Getting aroundThe town is flat and small: Scarr St and Ramsay St are a block apart and most sights are within a 15–20 minute walk.
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)
- Street or quick mealBakery pie or sandwichThe bakery does not open evenings.A$8–14 (≈ US$6–10)
- BeerBeer in a pubA$8–12 (≈ US$6–8)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekA$20–40 (≈ US$14–30)
- Budget bedCaravan-park cabin, a night, per roomA$120 (≈ US$80)
- Mid-range bedPub room with shared bathroom, a night, per roomA$120 (≈ US$80)
- High-end bedPub room with shared bathroom, a night, per roomA$160 (≈ US$110)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$90 (≈ US$60) · Mid A$160 (≈ US$110) · High A$280 (≈ US$190)
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
- CNJ Cloncurry Airport (Regional flights to Townsville and Mount Isa; the Qantas hangar stands at the aerodrome. Schedules change: check with the airline.)
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
Avoid
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Apr
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
May
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Jun
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Jul
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Aug
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Oct
Avoid
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
Nov
Avoid
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
Dec
Avoid
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
Best: Apr–Sep. Avoid: Oct–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Nov (38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)), coolest Jul (11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C) low), wettest Jan (9 rain days), driest Jun (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Cloncurry: 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)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
9 rd
Feb
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
9 rd
Mar
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
6 rd
Apr
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
3 rd
May
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
2 rd
Jun
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
1 rd
Jul
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
1 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
1 rd
Sep
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
1 rd
Oct
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
3 rd
Nov
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
5 rd
Dec
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
7 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
The town is flat and small: Scarr St and Ramsay St are a block apart and most sights are within a 15–20 minute walk. A car is needed for the Mary Kathleen memorial park and the aerodrome. Fuel up here before long outback legs.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 1.5 h each way
Drive west on the Barkly Highway, about 120 km (75 mi)Drive west on the Barkly Highway, about 75 mi (120 km)
Big enough for a mine tour and a full day; better as an overnight than a return trip.
Mary Kathleen memorial park
goDoor to door: Under 15 min
Short drive from the highway, follow the signs
Mining relics and the story of the abandoned uranium town; go early in the day.
Normanton and Karumba
overnightDoor to door: Several hours
North via the Burke Developmental Road
Gulf country; too far for a day return, plan at least one night.
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.
Ramsay St (Barkly Highway)
Most motels line the highway; drive-up rooms, easy parking, some road noise.
Scarr St (main street)
Pubs with rooms and the supermarket; one block north of the highway, walkable to the museum.
Caravan parks
Powered sites on the edge of town; book ahead in the dry season and during mine-related demand.
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$150–230 (≈ US$100–160) excl. bed
- High
- A$250 (≈ US$170)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel room1 × 1 night × A$180 | A$180 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$160 | A$320 |
| Powered caravan site, one night1 × A$45 · check | A$45 |
| Museum entry2 × A$12 · check | A$24 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$25 | A$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$62 |
| Trip total≈ A$341 per person per day, bed included | A$681≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; fuel and flights 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) |
| Bakery pie or sandwichThe bakery does not open evenings. | A$8–14 (≈ US$6–10) |
| Beer in a pub | A$8–12 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Fuel, per litrecheck; outback prices run higher than the coast. | A$1.80–2.20 (≈ US$2) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | A$20–40 (≈ US$14–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer heat is dangerous: 40°C (104°F)+ days, so carry water and avoid midday walking.Summer heat is dangerous: 104°F (40°C)+ days, so carry water and avoid midday walking.
- Wet season (roughly Nov–Apr) can close outback roads and flood creek crossings: check road conditions before driving.
- Mining demand pushes motel prices up and fills rooms: book ahead.
- Long distances between towns with no phone signal: tell someone your route.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From mobiles
- 112
- Road conditions (Queensland Traffic)
- 13 19 40
Pocket card
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CloncurryCloncurry
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From mobiles112
- Road conditions (Queensland Traffic)13 19 40
Embassy
No embassies here; the nearest consulates are in Brisbane and Sydney. US citizens can register with the consulate in Brisbane (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Motel room, one night: about A$140–260 (≈ US$95–180) (check)
- Pub room with shared bathroom: from about A$90 (≈ US$60) (check)
- Fuel, per litre: A$1.80–2.20 (≈ US$2) (check)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Where is the toilet? — Where is the toilet?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Is the road open? — Is the road open?
English is the working language; a few words of greeting go a long way in small towns.
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 Cloncurry. 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, cooler nights) · avoid Oct–Mar (extreme heat, wet-season road closures) · 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
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for CNJ: flight days, taxi or hire-car pickup, overnight rung.
- Walking cluster map for Scarr St and Ramsay St with the museum, pubs and supermarket.
- Place pages with verified hours for John Flynn Place, the Qantas hangar and the Mary Kathleen park.
- Wet-season road-closure fixtures so the drive legs can go green or red.