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Bilby Experience
The Charleville Bilby Experience is a centre dedicated to bilbies, one of nature’s eco-engineers. During our interactive shows see bilbies in their nocturnal house and learn their important role in balancing our ecosystem. Hear what Save the Bilby Fund is doing to save this environmental marvel from extinction.
Charleville Historic House Museum
This beautiful Charleville landmark was purpose-built in 1887 to house Charleville’s first national bank. It later served the community as a private boarding house. Then, in the 1970s the building was purchased by the Charleville and District Historical Society to house today’s Museum. Explore the rooms of this magnificent old Queenslander, filled to the brim with historical photographs, memorabilia, artefacts and timeless treasures.
Cosmos Centre
Explore the night sky with an experienced sky guide at Charleville Cosmos Centre. Using powerful Meade telescopes you’ll view planets, stars, star clusters and our magnificent Moon. Take a close up look at the rings of Saturn, there’s more than you think. Learn about dwarf planets and marvel at the craters of the Moon.
Hotel Corones
You could be mistaken for thinking the history behind Hotel Corones and its founder was taken from a Hollywood script. Arriving in Australia penniless, Harry went on to make Australian history, not once, but several times throughout his life. He was granted permission to use the royal insignia on the hotel’s crockery, hosted many famous guests, and much more.
Top Secret WWII Tour
It’s like finding an archaeological dig before it’s uncovered. Charleville Airport became part of the United States of America in 1942 when the site was handed over to the USAAF as a top secret site during World War II. There were up to 3500 (the population of Charleville today) United States Servicemen serving in the area. Many of the sites have been uncovered and you can join a guided tour of the base.
Two Days in Charleville
DAY ONE:
An experienced guide will board your coach at the Cosmos Centre for a tour of the USAAF Top Secret sites. Find out why Charleville was selected for this top secret site in WWII. Visit intriguing historical sites and learn about the highly classified computerised bomb aimer. Head into downtown Charleville and the famous Hotel Corones – built in stages, the hotel was completed in 1929 during Charleville’s wool industry. Join a guided one-hour tour with exclusive access to normally restricted areas of the hotel and hear the rags to riches story of local character Harry Corones followed by lunch in the hotel dining room. Visit the Historic House Museum and discover treasured items dating back to the 1800s. Early evening, visit the Cosmos Centre for the Big Sky Twilight Tour. See an amazing night sky brought into focus with the help of powerful Meade telescopes and listen to captivating stories from their experienced sky guide.
DAY TWO:
Tour one of the largest classrooms in the world at Charleville School of Distance Education. View the facilities and watch a class delivered in real time between one of the dedicated teaches and ‘on-air-students.’ Enjoy some free time to explore the shops in downtown Charleville followed by lunch at the Charleville RSL. Discover the rich history of the Royal Flying Doctor Service at the RFDS Charleville Visitor Centre. Visit the Bilby Experience and hear first-hand what the Save the Bilby Fund is doing to protect this environmental engineering marvel. Tour through the nocturnal house where you will meet these beautiful bilbies. Dinner tonight will be at your accommodation.