Flinders

Welcome to Flinders Shire and Hughenden, where natural wonders, incredible scenery, art, culture and prehistoric past provide a backdrop for a vibrant, friendly community set on Queensland’s longest river - the Flinders.

Flinders Shire is a place where horizons stretch further, history feels closer and there is new discovery around every corner. The Shire sits approximately halfway between Townsville and Mount Isa on the popular Overlander’s Way drive. As such, it has become a major hub for transport and travellers alike making it the ideal gateway to the great North West.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the breathtaking views of Porcupine Gorge in the north and the vast Flinders River which winds from the White Mountains in the north-east through to the west and the Great Inland Sea.

Nestled in the heart of Flinders Shire, Hughenden is the gateway to Dinosaur Country. Explore the rich paleontological heritage at the Flinders Discovery Centre, home to fascinating dinosaur fossils and interactive exhibits dating back to the Cretaceous era.

The town offers a warm, welcoming community with vibrant local events like the Annual Agricultural Show, Festival of Outback Skies and the Country Music Festival, as well as an array of charming cafes, and unique shops.

Hughenden combines history, nature, and hospitality, making it an ideal destination for families, adventurers, and history buffs alike.

The Stats

1,544 Population

41,200km² Area

$90,636 Median Family Income (Above state average)

$113,750 Median House Price

Top 3 Industries

1. Agriculture

2. Renewable Energy

3. Tourism

Education

1 Childcare Centre

Hughenden Kindergarten & Early Childhood Centre

5 Primary Schools

St Francis Catholic School (P-6)
Hughenden State School (P-12)
Prairie State School (Kindy-6)
Cameron Downs State School (Kindy-6)

1 High Schools

Hughenden State School P-12

Many of the students from the rural community of Flinders Shire and surrounds complete their high school studies at Hughenden State School or one of the many high quality boarding schools in Mount Isa, Charters Towers or Townsville.

Key Attractions

Porcupine Gorge National Park

Hughenden Recreational Lake

Mount Walker

Kooroorinya Falls Nature Reserve

White Mountain National Park

Moorrinya National Park

Blackbraes National Park

Comet Windmill & Retail Precinct

Flinders Discovery Centre

Prehistoric Park

Stargazing & Astro-Tourism

Hughenden Art Trail

Fossicking & Fossil Hunting

Flinders River

Connectivity

Flinders Shire is located in north west Queensland approximately 380 km west of Townsville and 520 km east of Mount Isa. The Shire's main town is Hughenden, which serves as the administrative and service centre for the region.

The Shire is close to natural landmarks like Porcupine Gorge National Park and forms part of the Dinosaur Trail, known for its rich fossil heritage, attracting tourists to explore ancient geological formations and dinosaur discoveries.

By Road

Flinders Shire is located on the Flinders Highway, also known as the Overlander’s Way, which connects Townsville on the east coast to Mount Isa and the Northern Territory in the west. The Shire is north of Winton and Muttaburra and south of Cairns.

It is easily accessible via the Flinders Highway from Townsville and the Barkly Highway from the Northern Territory. Both highways are double-lane sealed and accessible to all vehicles during the dry season.

By Air

Regional Express (REX) operates between Townsville and Mount Isa every Monday, Wednesday and Friday with stops in Hughenden, Richmond, Julia Creek, Cloncurry and Mt Isa. For more details visit Rex Airlines.
Cloncurry Airport also offers regular QantasLink and Alliance Airlines flights to Townsville, Mount Isa, Cairns and Brisbane.
Additional regional and national flights can be accessed from Mount Isa Airport and Townsville Airport.

By Rail

Queensland Rail offer a twice weekly Inlander rail service between Townsville and Mount Isa. For more information visit Queensland Rail.

Service

Telstra provides the most reliable mobile phone coverage across Flinders Shire, particularly in the main town of Hughenden and along the major highways. Telstra’s 4G network covers most of the populated areas, but coverage can become more limited in the more remote regions of the Shire.
View Telstra's Coverage Map

With Thanks

Live North West Queensland would like to thank Flinders Shire Council for their support in developing this resource and continued support in developing regional north west Queensland. For further information visit the Council website and support resources.