Tours and Activities

There are plenty of ways to fill in the time during your stay at Tyrconnell. Equally it is the perfect place to relax and absorb the outback ambience.

TOURS

Mine Site Tour

No visit to Tyrconnell is complete without a tour of the site, taken either as part of a day trip or during an overnight stay. Make sure you call us to check on tour times and availability, and to make a booking.

We recommend you allow two hours for the tour, which includes the fascinating history of the area and the gold mine, a guided walk of the site and a demonstration of the rare 120 year old quartz crushing machine in operation.

Morning or afternoon tea in Cate and Andy's old cottage is also included.

Cemetery Tour

For overnight guests, an evening tour of the nearby Thornborough cemetery (5 km away) provides a real insight into pioneer life.

Hear the tragic, poignant and sometimes amusing stories of 7of the early settlers Cate has been able to research.

The tour takes approximately 1 hour. Transfers are available for up to 6 guests.

TOURS OF THE REGION

Mount Mulligan Tour

As an optional extra, Cate and Andy offer a side trip to spectacular Mount Mulligan, 25 km north west of Tyrconnell.

Often referred to as the Ayers Rock of the north, this 18km long 300m high sandstone bluff is Queensland's oldest Aboriginal site and also has a tragic coal mining history.

This is also a must see for self-drivers.

Aboriginal Tour

It may be possible for you to meet a member of the Kuku Djungan tribe, traditional owners of Mt Muligan and the area surrounding Tyrconnell. A half day tour may include a visit to their home near Wolfram Camp (50km from Tyrconnell) or a trip to Mt Mulligan with one of the Djungan people.

In their home, about 50km from Tyrconnell you will be shown the various stages of didgeridoo making, hear the instrument being played and have an opportunity to buy from the craftsmen themselves.

This is not an organised tour, but a personalised visit, and is therefore subject to availability.

ACTIVITIES

A variety of activities are available to overnight guests at Tyrconnell.

Gold Panning

Panning for gold is something that gives visitors a genuine appreciation for the efforts of the early settlers. There are numerous creeks (including Tyrconnell Creek) in the immediate area that are suitable for goldpanning.

The use of pans, sieve and pick are free of charge to guests during their stay, or for a better chance of finding a few specks, opt for a panning demonstration by Andy.

Champagne at the Lookout

Adjacent to Tyrconnell is the lookout which is an ideal spot to enjoy champagne and appetisers at sunset. It can be reached by car or on foot. You can choose to be accompanied by Cate or Andy or make it a private occasion….a perfect surprise for someone you love (by special request and subject to availability).

Bushwalking

There are several walks from or near Tyrconnell. These range from a short walk up to the bluff to watch sunset or catch an early morning panorama of the area, to a longer walk to a pioneer road and a lone grave. Walks can be guided or self-guided.

Birdwatching

Over 50 different species of birds have been noted at Tyrconnell, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching. Red tailed black cockatoos, pale headed rosellas and channel billed cuckoos during the wet season are just a few.

An Australian Field Guide to Birds is provided in each cottage.

Wildlife

Although most of the wildlife in the area is nocturnal, it's possible to spot a wallaroo or agile wallaby while walking at dawn or dusk.

Cate and Andy are registered wildlife carers and may have orphaned or injured native animals on site at times.

Star-gazing

Nothing beats outback stars. With no light pollution to interfere, and especially during the dry season (April to October) when humidity levels are low, the night skies at Tyrconnell are awe-inspiring.

A telescope is available at Cate and Andy's cottage for improved viewing.

Swimming

Tyrconnell has 2 dams on site, both available to overnight guests for swimming.

Other swimming spots in the area can also be pointed out, though by the dry season (September), all dams in the area can be quite low on water.