Southern Inland Fishing Loop
349km St George | Bollon
This part of Queensland is famous for its fresh water fishing. The rivers and waterways that traverse
the Balonne Shire are renowned for Murray Cod, Yellowbelly and Blue Claw Yabby.
ST GEORGE TO MUNGINDI 1hr 15mins | 118km
Fishing spots near St George are the Balonne River, Buckinbar Weir, St George River Tourist Park and the Beardmore Dam. The road heads south from St George. There’s a turnoff at the 45 kilometre mark to the Nindigully Hotel, or the Gully as its locally known. Built in 1864 on the banks of the Moonie River it claims to be the longest continually licensed pub in Queensland. There’s camping and fishing spots by the river. Further south is the town of Thallon, you can’t miss it as the giant grain silos painted with the Watering Hole mural stand out in the bush. It wouldn’t be a bush town without a pub and the local is the Hotel Francis. There’s a shady park with bbq and picnic facilities all watched over by the statue of the Hairy Nosed Wombat. Try your luck fishing at the Old Bullamon Bridge. Forty one kilometres south is Mungindi which straddles the Barwon River and the New South Wales and Queensland borders. There’s hotels each side of the border and the river is a good spot for fishing. Relax in the hot Artesian pool and check out the historical One Ton Border Post.
MUNGINDI TO BOLLON | 2hrs 28mins | 231km
Head back through Thallon to Dirranbandi, a journey of 104 kilometres. South West of St George this small town comes alive in the cotton harvest season. Cubbie Station, Australia’s largest irrigated cotton is situated close to town. Visit the town’s bakery where you’ll be surprised to see Russian bakers turning out traditional Russian breads. Drop a line in at Jack Dwyer park if you fancy a fish. Turn South West here if you are heading for Lightening Ridge. The town of Hebel sits on the Queensland New South Wales border. The Hebel Hotel opened in 1894 as the Cobb and Co Changing Station. Members of Ned Kelly’s gang were supposed to have hidden out here. The drive from Dirranbandi to Bollon is 106 kilometres. Learn about Bollon’s history at the Heritage Centre. Have your camera ready as you are likely to spot Emus wandering through the town. Take a walk along the creek and admire the aboriginal art work. Once more try your luck at fishing in Wallam Creek. From Bollon you can head back to St George or on to Cunnamulla.