Thargomindah, Queensland

The township of Thargomindah is located in south west Queensland, Australia on the Adventure Road, approximately 1100 km west of the state capital, Brisbane, and 200 km west of the town of Cunnamulla. Thargomindah is the administrative center for the Bulloo Shire, and lies on the Bulloo River. The shire population is approximately 469 persons (ABS estimate 2003).

Tourism

The tourist information is located in the historic mud brick building of the former hospital and holds information brochures of all over Queensland and beyond. The collection and arrangement of antique household items make a visit very enjoyable. Sports grounds, caravan park and the powerhouse demonstration are available. The nearby river offers trees and water biotopes in the vicinity and is good for a bush walk.

upplies

There are all essential supplies at Thargomindah. The service station hosts also a good general store, fast food, hardware, tyre repairs and mechanics. Camping and outback supply can be found here and water reservoirs should be filled for the last time with bore mineral drinking water before heading west.

Water

Thargomindah has a pressurized hot spring from a bore into the Great Artesian Basin and produced in the past hydroelectric power from it. After 2 years of drilling, a good supply of water was found in 1893. The temperature was 86 °C. In 1924, it was recorded that the bore had a daily output of 2500 m³ and today of 1300 m³ at 84 °C.There is a plenty resource of water for the population and the arid area available for irrigation in front- and backyards and public warm showers are provided.

History

First town in Australia, third in the world, after Paris and London, Thargomindah produced hydroelectric power from 1898 until 1951, which then was taken over by diesel generators until 1988, and finally connected to the national power grid supplied from Cunnamulla. The old bore was source of energy when electric street lights where lit couple to a turbine driven by the bore's natural water pressure. The generator was taken from a unit powered by a steam engine and purchased by the Bulloo Divisional Board becoming the first municipality owned power plant. The power plant is still operating with a daily opening to the public. It is believed to be the oldest, still workable unit in Australia and possibly in the world.

Transport

Thargomindah Airport is located near the township.

External Links and References

[http://www.bullooshire.net Bulloo Shire]
[http://www.action-graphics.com.au/matilda/pages/thargomindah/thargomindahintro.html Thargomindah on Action Graphics]
[http://walkabout.com.au/locations/QLDThargomindah.shtml#Tourist%20Information Thargomindah on WalkAbout]
[http://www.about-australia.com/travel-guides/queensland/outback-queensland/attractions/building-structure/hydro-power-plant/ Hydro Power Plant]