Major city · Australia
Cunnamulla
Stop one night on the Matilda Way between Charleville and Thargomindah, or skip it: the town is a pub, a weir and a river walk, not a destination.
Cunnamulla is the civic centre of the Paroo Shire, a town of about 1,100–1,500 people on the Warrego River in south-western Queensland. It sits on the sealed Mitchell Highway (A71), 190 km from Charleville and about 2 hours by road. There is no car rental and no public transport, so most visitors arrive by car and stay one night. The sights are a small museum, a statue, a weir and a 2 km river walk; the town is a useful fuel and food stop on a long outback drive, not a place to build a trip around.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Apr–Sep
- avoid Dec–Feb (extreme heat), and any week with heavy rain in the catchment (road flooding)
- Airport
- CMA
- 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.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
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 Cunnamulla000 ▾
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 Cunnamulla, 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 a mobile · 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.
- AirportcheckCMA Cunnamulla Airport (Skytrans flies from Brisbane, St George and Thargomindah on Wednesdays and Sundays (check current schedule)).
- Getting aroundNo car rental and no public transport in town.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or bakery pieA$5–12 (≈ US$4–8)
- BeerBeer in a pubA$7–10 (≈ US$5–7)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekA$20–40 (≈ US$14–30)
- Budget bedPowered caravan or camp site, a night, per roomA$40 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedPub or motel room, a night, per roomA$160 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedPub or motel room, a night, per roomA$240 (≈ US$160)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$90 (≈ US$60) · 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
- CMA Cunnamulla Airport (Skytrans flies from Brisbane, St George and Thargomindah on Wednesdays and Sundays (check current schedule))
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
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°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 (36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)), coolest Jul (4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C) low), wettest Jan (5 rain days), driest Aug (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Cunnamulla: 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)
5 rd
Feb
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
5 rd
Mar
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°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)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
3 rd
Aug
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
2 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°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
No car rental and no public transport in town. The centre is walkable in 10–15 minutes. A car is needed for the weir (about 5 km downstream) and for anything outside town. Fuel up here before the long empty stretches in any direction.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Eulo
goDoor to door: About 45 min each way
Drive south on the Bourke Developmental Road (about 60 km (37 mi))Drive south on the Bourke Developmental Road (about 37 mi (60 km))
Small Paroo River town with an artesian bore bath; combine with the road south.
Door to door: About 2 h each way
Drive north on the A71 Mitchell Highway via Wyandra
Better as a stop on the way in or out than a return day trip.
Thargomindah
overnightDoor to door: About 3 h each way
Drive west on the Adventure Way
Too far for a return day; sleep there and continue west.
Yowah
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h each way
Drive west then north on unsealed roads (check conditions)
Opal mining settlement; unsealed access, so ask locally before setting out.
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.
Town centre (Jane, Emma and Murray streets)
Pubs, motels, bakery and the visitor centre within a few minutes' walk; the only sensible base.
Highway edge
Motor inns on the approach roads; you will need the car for everything, including dinner.
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
| Pub or motel room1 × 1 night × A$160 | A$160 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$150 | A$300 |
| Pub counter meal2 × A$30 · check | A$60 |
| Fuel, per litre (outback premium)2 × A$2 · check | A$4 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$25 | A$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$57 |
| Trip total≈ A$316 per person per day, bed included | A$631≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; fuel to reach Cunnamulla excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or bakery pie | A$5–12 (≈ US$4–8) |
| Pub counter mealEvening service in the town centre; hours vary. | A$25–40 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Beer in a pub | A$7–10 (≈ US$5–7) |
| Fuel, per litrecheck | A$2.00–2.40 (≈ US$2) |
| Motel or pub room, per night | A$110–240 (≈ US$75–160) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | A$20–40 (≈ US$14–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The Mitchell Highway is sealed but floods: check road conditions before driving after rain, and never cross water over the road.
- Distances between towns are long and mobile coverage drops outside town; carry water, fuel and a paper map.
- Summer heat is dangerous: plan driving for the morning, not the middle of the day.
- Book accommodation ahead in the cooler months and around local events; the town has few beds.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From a mobile
- 112
- Road conditions (Queensland Traffic)
- 13 19 40
Pocket card
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CunnamullaCunnamulla
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
- Road conditions (Queensland Traffic)13 19 40
Embassy
No consulates in town; the nearest are in Brisbane. US, UK, Canadian and other embassies and consulates-general are in Canberra and the state capitals (check addresses).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Fuel, per litre: A$2.00–2.40 (≈ US$2) (check)
- Pub counter meal: A$25–40 (≈ US$17–30)
- Motel room, per night: A$110–240 (≈ US$75–160)
Say or show
- How far is it to the next fuel? — How far is it to the next fuel?
- Is the road open? — Is the road open?
- Where is the visitor centre? — Where is the visitor centre?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Is there water here? — Is there water here?
- Thanks very much — Thanks very much
Outback Queensland: fuel, water and phone coverage are the things to plan around, not the town itself.
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 Cunnamulla. 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 (extreme heat), and any week with heavy rain in the catchment (road flooding) · 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
- Airport-to-bed contract for CMA: Skytrans Wednesday and Sunday arrivals, taxi or motel pickup, overnight rung.
- Two walking clusters with rescue anchors: the visitor centre and Fella statue, then the Warrego river walk and weir.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (visitor centre and museum, weir, Robbers Tree, heritage trail) and eat pages with pub kitchen hours.
- Flood and heat fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialParoo Shire Council
- officialQueensland Rail — Westlander
- officialSkytrans
- secondaryWikivoyage: Cunnamulla, revision 5244089 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Cunnamulla
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