Boulia, Queensland

A small settlement of approximately 300 people that is the administrative centre for an area covering 61,176 sq. km, however it boasts a total shire population of less than 600. The town hosts an annual camel race.
Location: 1719 km from Brisbane; 305 km south of Mt. Isa; 364 km west of Winton.
Origin of name: recorded by Surveyor Frederick Arthur Hartnell (1859-1886) in 1882 as being derived from "bool-yo", which was the Pitta Pitta language name of the waterhole near the township.
Brief history: the first Europeans to pass through the area were the ill-fated Burke and Wills. Burke gave his name to the river upon which the town is located and the Wills River is only 14 km away. The town was established in 1876 to service the pastoralists pushing west to what were the last free lands before the desert.
Natural features: Boulia is the home of the mysterious Min Min Light, a phenomena first recorded in the 19th century. Sightings are still recorded from time to time and even many sceptics believe it exists. The lights take the form of a small ball of light around the size of a car headlight, mainly seen just after dark, which often follows a traveller for some kilometres before disappearing into the darkness.
Built features: Min Min Hotel
Heritage features: The Old Stone House; Fossil Museum