As the founder of True Gusto, an artistic enterprise specialising in creating historical murals and picture books that celebrate regional heritage, particularly focusing on areas such as Lightning Ridge, through Cunnamulla, to Yowah’s opal industry, I have a lot to say about what it takes to live and travel in the outback of Queensland. Australia. Let me share what I know with you. If you want to comment, I would love to hear from you.
Map
Sections
8
Outback Australian Travel
Books about the Outback
Outback Paintings
Opals, Opals and More Opals!
Chunky Outback Jewellery
Souveniers, Postcards and other things
Outback Australian Travel
How can anyone really tell what it is like to be in the Outback? I have attempted to curate some books, locations and artworks that partially tell the story in the hope that you might piece it together like a mosaic. It is better that you come out he...
I will be an artist in residence at Eulo in August. The story of the Eulo Queen is very interesting; you can read about it here. https://medium.com/@jo_78184/eulo-queen-outback-enigma-951d7c6e24a3?sharedUserId=jo_78184
Eulo Queen Hotel and Caravan Park - Hipcamp in Eulo, Queensland
I am saving up to go on a trip with this group.
Club Boutique Hotel Cunnamulla
This my favourite place to be.
Lightning Ridge District Bowling Club
Visitors just luv this joint! Good music festivals too!
Charlotte Plains
I always stay at the Pelican Rest when in ST George (which is pretty often)
Pelican Rest Tourist Park
This hotel has the best eatery in the district. Great selection, great value.
The Australian Hotel St George
Everyone seems to enjoy these tours
Out The Back Australia Tours
I live across the road from the Hot Springs. Needless to say. I go there frequently.
Cunnamulla Hot Springs
I always stay at The Rocks when in Charleville
The Rocks Motel Hotel
I intend to go back to stay at Hebel.
Hebel Hotel and General Store
I loved this place - I will be returning to paint there. Obviously the textures are a delight
Bevans Cactus Nursery
I love this tour have the up and go to get out there and experience
Car Door Tours in Lightning Ridge
There is an Airport in Cunnamulla Currently experimenting with pickups in Sydney
Welcome Pickups
There are only 2 main grocery outlets in Cunnamulla. IGA is right smack bang in the centre of town.
IGA Local Grocer CUNNAMULLA (MILLS & SONS) | IGA Supermarkets
This is a great idea. There is no car rental in Cunnamulla the nearest 2 places for car rental are St George and Charleville
localrent tpx lt 7PmCuIII
Books about the Outback
Who knew? Once I started researching, I found lots to read. Very interesting take on the surroundings. (and every view different)
I was stunned when I found this book. Quite interesting.
The Cunnamulla Job: Beneath the Red Dust Pt 2
Still stunned!
The Station Job: Part Four of Beneath The Red Dust
My dream is to be featured in this maqazine
Outback Magazine : R.M. Williams - Outback Magazine : R.M. Williams
This is an interesting first introduction to Yowah
Yowah Town Book - 2025
I live directly across the road from this amazing wellness retreat. Come to Cunnamulla - you will be glad you did!
Cunnamulla Hot Springs
Interesting take
Opal: Jaw Dropping Thriller by Patricia Wolf
Outback Paintings
I have looked for paintings that capture the spirit and feel of the nearby Outback.
What a beautiful painting. Tania Chanter, Australia
Three Forgotten Memories
"Once Were Burrowers 3" Painting Lyn Graham, Australia
Once Were Burrowers 3
Lyn Graham certainly can capture atmosphere
Simpson Desert 1
Jennifer Bell, Australia captures the isolation well
Desert Wildflower
J A Jones, United States Mixed Media, Acrylic on Glass. Who knew you could do that?
One Golden Orbit l Resin Geode Artwork
"Infinite ground" Painting Swapna Namboodiri, Australia
Infinite ground
Now if you want to see ART this is the place to go. I'll upload some images soon
Chambers of the Black Hand
Minimalism really can capture the isolation and yet beautiful simplicity of the outback
Mellow Yellow
Opal mine Mintabie Australia The alien landscape of this small opal mining settlement in the middle of Australia is gouged with man made caves. Even though you are deep within the earth the whiteness of the limestone evokes an ethereal vision. Limite...
Cave
I am workig on a series in and around the Land Bridge
Land's Bridge by Jo Murphy | Original Australian Art
I painted these emus last year. They are part of a series
At the Races: Outback Aussies by Jo Murphy | Original Australian Art
Part of the emu series
Living It Up Down Under by Jo Murphy | Original Australian Art
A vivid homage to Australia’s untamed landscape, this young Xanthorrhoea embodies the tenacity and refined form of this iconic native flora. The scratchy brushwork mimics the fronds' texture, and the earthy hues reflect the rugged outback landscape. ...
An Xanthorrhoea we call Willy by Jo Murphy | Original Australian Art
Opals, Opals and More Opals!
During my residency at the Eulo Queen, I will be exploring every aspect of the history of this district.
Opals are a main feature of the outback
0.7ct Lightning Ridge Opal Pendant Necklace ~ 'The Margaret River Halo' | 925 Sterling Silver | Solid Australian Opal
Simple statement with a big message
OPAL ALTAR BIG SUR
You would be surprised how awesome they really are
Holly | Australian Yowah Nut Boulder Opal Necklace
Yes! The opals in Lightning Ridge are black.
Southern Flame - 100% Natural Solid Lightning Ridge Black Opal Pendant in 10k Yellow Gold
Unusual Design
0.8ct Lightning Ridge Opal Ring ~ 'Esperance Blue' | 925 Sterling Silver | Solid Australian Opal
I just love looking at this opal
30ct Queensland Boulder Opal | Solid Australian Opal | Hand-Cut
Such amazing creativity
PIIDHW White Opal Leaf Ring S925 Silver
Celtic knots with opal inlay - tricky!
PIIDHW Irish Celtic Knot Opal Pendant 18"
Chunky Outback Jewellery
Handpicked to reflect the rugged landscape out the back
Handpucked for its simplicity and charm
Fang Accessories
You must admit this is neat!
Tiger's-Eye Stone Necklace Set - Fashion Accessory Store
Out here everything is about nature
Forest Walk Earrings Set – Where Nature Meets Elegance - Fashion Accessory Store
Very unusual design out here the night sky is very important
8-Point Star Layering Necklace Set - Fashion Accessory Store
Souveniers, Postcards and other things
I created these souveniers on Zazzle. They are a great keepsake.
I often drive out the weir to relax.
Picnic Area At Tannock Weir Postcard 256481978199106960
Birds everywhere out here
Greetings from Cunnamulla Postcard
I am playing with these designs
Welcome to Cunnamulla Pin
I really miss this old pub!
Bollon Hotel Was Once on the Way to Cunnamulla Coffee Mug
This is memorabilia because this pub burnt down (sadly missed)
Bollon Hotel a Great Stop on the Way to Cunnamulla Poster
Lightning Ridge has a great cactus farm
Tricky Textures Crazy Cactus Coffee Mug
I have a dream of pinting a long stretch of the Warrego
Wonderful Warrego Waterway Coffee Mug
'Must Haves' to Ensure Safety and Comfort in the Outback
Prevention is a necessity in the outback. It is not as though you can just pick up the phone. Even if you could, sometimes there can be more than one accident. Don't for get plenty of water.
I was bogged down at the local dump recently. Wish I had taken photos of how deep the ute really sank!
Absolute necessity. Sometimes it feels like the flies will carry you away
Mosquito Insect Head Net Mesh Protector Hat Fly Bee-Bug Outdoor Fishing Camping
Good old R M Williams
Vintage R.M. Williams Cap Hat Made In Australia Suede Brim Cotton Strapback NWT
Winter is actually tourist season out here because the summers are so hot. Don't forget a sweatshirt at least.
Cunnamulla Trees Along the Warrego River Premium Oversized Sweatshirt
It is true that you need a hat - that's for sure. But do beware of the magpies also
Australian Magpie Cap
If you come out in the summer - stay cool!
Sunlight Glistens Through the Leaves A-Line Dress
Booking Sites
These sites are not about the Outback; they are booking sites you might wish to use when planning around your trip to the Outback.
Go City is a digital sightseeing pass that bundles multiple local attractions, tours, and activities into a single discounted smartphone package, letting you save up to 50% or more compared to buying individual tickets
Official Website | Sightsee and Save with Go City®
This is on my list of things to do and places to see.
Dinosaur Canyon Experience Fossil Tracksite and Bronze ...
