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Coordinates: 22°54′35″S 139°54′24″E / 22.9097°S 139.9066°E / -22.9097; 139.9066
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{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Use Australian English|date=January 2012}}
{{Use Australian English|date=January 2012}}
{{Infobox Australian place | type = town
{{Infobox Australian place
| type = town
| name = Boulia
| name = Boulia
| state = qld
| state = qld
| image = Boulia-outback-queensland-australia.jpg
| image = Boulia-outback-queensland-australia.jpg
| caption = Entry into Boulia
| caption = Entry into Boulia
| lga = [[Shire of Boulia|Boulia]]
| lga = [[Shire of Boulia|Boulia]]
| postcode = 4829
| postcode = 4829
| est = 1879
| est = 1879
| elevation= 161.8
| elevation = 161.8
| coordinates = {{coord|-22.9097|139.9066|type:city_region:AU-QLD|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|-22.9097|139.9066|type:city_region:AU-QLD|display=inline,title}}
| pop = 301
| pop = 314
| pop_year = {{CensusAU|2016}}
| pop_year = {{CensusAU|2021}}
| pop_footnotes = <ref name=Census2016/>
| pop_footnotes = <ref name=Census2021/>
| area = 155.1
| area = 155.1
| timezone = [[AEST]]
| timezone = [[AEST]]
| utc = +10:00
| utc = +10:00
| maxtemp = 31.7
| maxtemp = 31.7
| mintemp = 16.6
| mintemp = 16.6
| rainfall = 264.3
| rainfall = 264.3
| stategov = [[Electoral district of Gregory|Gregory]]
| stategov = [[Electoral district of Gregory|Gregory]]
| fedgov = [[Division of Kennedy|Kennedy]]
| fedgov = [[Division of Kennedy|Kennedy]]
| dist1 = 1721
| dist1 = 1721
| location1= [[Brisbane]]
| location1 = [[Brisbane]]
| dist2 = 289
| dist2 = 289
| location2= [[Mount Isa]]
| location2 = [[Mount Isa]]
| dist3 = 363
| dist3 = 363
| location3= [[Winton, Queensland|Winton]]
| location3 = [[Winton, Queensland|Winton]]
| dist4 = 812
| dist4 = 812
| location4= [[Alice Springs]], ([[Northern Territory|N.T.]])
| location4 = [[Alice Springs]], ([[Northern Territory|N.T.]])
| near-n = [[Wills, Queensland|Wills]]
| near-n = [[Wills, Queensland|Wills]]
| near-ne = [[Wills, Queensland|Wills]]
| near-ne = [[Wills, Queensland|Wills]]
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| near-nw = [[Wills, Queensland|Wills]]
| near-nw = [[Wills, Queensland|Wills]]
}}
}}
'''Boulia''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|ʊ|l|i|ə}}) is an [[outback]] town and [[Suburbs and localities (Australia)|locality]] in the [[Shire of Boulia]], [[Queensland]], Australia.<ref name=qpnt>{{Cite QPN|3993|Boulia (town)|accessdate = 12 September 2015}}</ref><ref name=qpnl>{{Cite QPN|42339|Boulia (locality)|12 September 2015}}</ref> In the {{CensusAU|2016}}, Boulia had a population of 301 people.<ref name=Census2016>{{Census 2016 AUS|id=SSC30342|name=Boulia (SSC)|accessdate=20 October 2018|quick=on}}</ref>
'''Boulia''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|ʊ|l|i|ə}}) is an [[outback]] town and [[Suburbs and localities (Australia)|locality]] in the [[Shire of Boulia]], [[Queensland]], Australia.<ref name=qpnt>{{Cite QPN|3993|Boulia (town)|accessdate = 12 September 2015}}</ref><ref name=qpnl>{{Cite QPN|42339|Boulia (locality)|12 September 2015}}</ref> In the {{CensusAU|2021}}, the locality of Boulia had a population of 314 people.<ref name=Census2021/>


Boulia is the administrative centre of the [[Shire of Boulia|Boulia Shire]], population approximately 600, which covers an area of {{convert|61176|km2|mi2}}.
Boulia is the administrative centre of the [[Shire of Boulia|Boulia Shire]], population approximately 600, which covers an area of {{convert|61176|km2|mi2}}.
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The town has a grid layout with 6 roads running east–west and 5 running north–south. Herbert Street is the main street where most of the civic and commercial premises are located.<ref name="globe" />
The town has a grid layout with 6 roads running east–west and 5 running north–south. Herbert Street is the main street where most of the civic and commercial premises are located.<ref name="globe" />


==History==
== History ==
[[File:StateLibQld 1 142863 Post Office at Boulia, Queensland, ca. 1948.jpg|thumb|upright|Boulia Post Office, circa 1948|alt=|left]]
[[File:StateLibQld 1 142863 Post Office at Boulia, Queensland, ca. 1948.jpg|thumb|upright|Boulia Post Office, circa 1948|alt=|left]]
The town was named by surveyor Frederick Arthur Hartnell in 1882 and was derived from the name of the waterhole near the township called "bool-yo" in the [[Pitta Pitta language]].<ref name="qpnt" />
The town was named by surveyor Frederick Arthur Hartnell in 1882 and was derived from the name of the waterhole near the township called "bool-yo" in the [[Pitta Pitta language]].<ref name="qpnt" />
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The Good Shepherd Catholic Church was built in 1955.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Our History|url=https://www.goodshepherdisa.com.au/our-history|url-status=live|access-date=2020-12-20|website=Good Shepherd Catholic Parish of Mount Isa|language=en-au|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022184615/https://www.goodshepherdisa.com.au/our-history |archive-date=22 October 2020 }}</ref>
The Good Shepherd Catholic Church was built in 1955.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Our History|url=https://www.goodshepherdisa.com.au/our-history|url-status=live|access-date=2020-12-20|website=Good Shepherd Catholic Parish of Mount Isa|language=en-au|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022184615/https://www.goodshepherdisa.com.au/our-history |archive-date=22 October 2020 }}</ref>


In 2019, the Boulia Outback Chapel was established in the former Anglican church building. It is part of the Baptist Church.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Boulia Outback Chapel|url=https://www.bouliachapel.com/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201220070413/https://www.bouliachapel.com/|archive-date=2020-12-20|access-date=2020-12-20|website=Boulia Chapel|language=en-AU}}</ref>
⚫
At the [[Census in Australia#2011|2011 census]], Boulia had a population of 230,<ref name="Census2011Y">{{Census 2011 AUS|id=SSC30211|name=Boulia (State Suburb)|accessdate=10 May 2013|quick=on}}</ref> up from 205 in 2006.<ref name="Census2006Y">{{Census 2006 AUS|id=UCL307600|name=Boulia (L) (Urban Centre/Locality)|accessdate=11 April 2011|quick=on}}</ref>


In 2019 the Boulia Outback Chapel was established in the former Anglican church building. It is part of the Baptist Church.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Boulia Outback Chapel|url=https://www.bouliachapel.com/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201220070413/https://www.bouliachapel.com/|archive-date=2020-12-20|access-date=2020-12-20|website=Boulia Chapel|language=en-AU}}</ref>
In 2019, the Boulia Outback Chapel was established in the former Anglican church building. It is part of the Baptist Church.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Boulia Outback Chapel|url=https://www.bouliachapel.com/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201220070413/https://www.bouliachapel.com/|archive-date=2020-12-20|access-date=2020-12-20|website=Boulia Chapel|language=en-AU}}</ref>


{{clear|left}}
⚫
==Climate==

{{climate chart
== Demographics ==
|[[Boulia Airport]], Queensland, Australia
⚫
In the {{CensusAU|2006}}, the town of Boulia had a population of 205.<ref name="Census2006">{{Census 2006 AUS|id=UCL307600|name=Boulia (L) (Urban Centre/Locality)|accessdate=11 April 2011|quick=on}}</ref>
| 25.7 | 38.8 | 51.4

| 25.0 | 37.9 | 48.3
In the {{CensusAU|2011}}, the locality of Boulia had a population of 230,<ref name="Census2011">{{Census 2011 AUS|id=SSC30211|name=Boulia (State Suburb)|accessdate=10 May 2013|quick=on}}</ref>
| 22.8 | 36.0 | 30.2

| 18.5 | 32.5 | 8.8
In the {{CensusAU|2016}}, the locality of Boulia had a population of 301 people.<ref name=Census2016>{{Census 2016 AUS|id=SSC30342|name=Boulia (SSC)|accessdate=20 October 2018|quick=on}}</ref>
| 13.5 | 27.3 | 11.8

| 9.8 | 23.7 | 9.7
In the {{CensusAU|2021}}, the locality of Boulia had a population of 314 people.<ref name=Census2021>{{Census 2021 AUS|id=SAL30340|name=Boulia (SAL)|access-date=28 February 2023|quick=on}}</ref>
| 9.0 | 23.8 | 8.9

| 10.6 | 26.3 | 2.9
⚫
== Climate ==
| 15.4 | 31.0 | 11.4
⚫
Boulia experiences a [[desert climate#Hot desert climates|hot desert climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen:]] ''BWh'', [[Trewartha climate classification|Trewartha:]] ''BWhl''); with very hot summers with occasional rains; warm to hot, dry springs and autumns; and mild, dry winters.
| 19.1 | 34.6 | 12.7
⚫
Daytime temperatures are very hot, having over 200 afternoons on an average year over {{convert|30|°C|°F|0}}. Although even in June and July the average maximum is a warm to very warm {{convert|23.8|°C|°F|1}}, [[frost]]s are not unknown in the morning during these months, but do not occur in most years. Annual rainfall is extraordinarily erratic: it has been as low as {{convert|24.1|mm|in|2}} in 1905 and {{convert|51.1|mm|in|2}} in 1963. However, when the monsoon is strong rainfall can be heavy: in January 1974 Boulia received {{convert|464.9|mm|in|2}} of rain, in March 1887 {{convert|352.5|mm|in|2}}, and in March 1950 {{convert|345.5|mm|in|2}}. Maximum annual rainfall totals are {{convert|798.6|mm|in|2}} in 1950 and {{convert|774|mm|in|2}} in 1974, but the [[median]] annual rainfall is only {{convert|215.6|mm|in|2}}.<ref name="Bureau of Meteorology">[[Bureau of Meteorology]]</ref>
| 22.6 | 37.1 | 25.2
| 24.8 | 38.7 | 35.4
| units = metric
| float = right
| clear = both}}
⚫
Boulia experiences a [[desert climate| hot desert climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen:]] ''BWh'', [[Trewartha climate classification|Trewartha:]] ''BWhl''); with very hot summers with occasional rains; warm to hot, dry springs and autumns; and mild, dry winters.
⚫
Daytime temperatures are very hot, having over 200 afternoons on an average year over {{convert|30|°C|°F|0}}. Although even in June and July the average maximum is a very warm {{convert|23.8|°C|°F|1}}, [[frost]]s are not unknown in the morning during these months, but don't occur in most years. Annual rainfall is extraordinarily erratic: it has been as low as {{convert|24.1|mm|in|2}} in 1905 and {{convert|51|mm|in|2}} in 1963. However, when the monsoon is strong rainfall can be heavy: in January 1974 Boulia received {{convert|464.9|mm|in|2}} of rain and in March 1950 {{convert|352.5|mm|in|2}}. Maximum annual rainfall totals are {{convert|98.6|mm|in|2}} in 1950 and {{convert|774|mm|in|2}} in 1974, but the [[median]] annual rainfall is only {{convert|215.6|mm|in|2}}.<ref name="Bureau of Meteorology">[[Bureau of Meteorology]]</ref>
{{Weather box
{{Weather box
|location = [[Boulia Airport]], Queensland, Australia (1991-2020 normals, extremes 1886-present); 162 m AMSL
|location = [[Boulia Airport]], Queensland, Australia (1991-2020 normals, extremes 1886-present); {{convert|162|m|ft|0|disp=or}} AMSL
|metric first = Yes
|metric first = Yes
|single line = Yes
|single line = Yes
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|Nov record low C = 8.9
|Nov record low C = 8.9
|Dec record low C = 10.0
|Dec record low C = 10.0
|precipitation colour = green
|rain colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 51.4
|Jan rain mm = 51.4
|Feb precipitation mm = 48.3
|Feb rain mm = 48.3
|Mar precipitation mm = 30.2
|Mar rain mm = 30.2
|Apr precipitation mm = 8.8
|Apr rain mm = 8.8
|May precipitation mm = 11.8
|May rain mm = 11.8
|Jun precipitation mm = 9.7
|Jun rain mm = 9.7
|Jul precipitation mm = 8.9
|Jul rain mm = 8.9
|Aug precipitation mm = 2.9
|Aug rain mm = 2.9
|Sep precipitation mm = 11.4
|Sep rain mm = 11.4
|Oct precipitation mm = 12.7
|Oct rain mm = 12.7
|Nov precipitation mm = 25.2
|Nov rain mm = 25.2
|Dec precipitation mm = 35.4
|Dec rain mm = 35.4
|unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm
|unit rain days = 1.0 mm
|Jan precipitation days = 4.6
|Jan rain days = 4.6
|Feb precipitation days = 3.8
|Feb rain days = 3.8
|Mar precipitation days = 2.3
|Mar rain days = 2.3
|Apr precipitation days = 1.0
|Apr rain days = 1.0
|May precipitation days = 1.2
|May rain days = 1.2
|Jun precipitation days = 1.3
|Jun rain days = 1.3
|Jul precipitation days = 0.9
|Jul rain days = 0.9
|Aug precipitation days = 0.6
|Aug rain days = 0.6
|Sep precipitation days = 1.4
|Sep rain days = 1.4
|Oct precipitation days = 1.6
|Oct rain days = 1.6
|Nov precipitation days = 3.0
|Nov rain days = 3.0
|Dec precipitation days = 3.5
|Dec rain days = 3.5
|Jan humidity = 41.0
|Jan humidity = 41.0
|Feb humidity = 43.0
|Feb humidity = 43.0
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}}
}}


==Events==
== Events ==
The town hosts the [[Boulia Camel Races]], the longest camel race (running a 1500m cup final) on the Australian [[camel racing]] circuit.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bouliacamelraces.com.au/|title=Boulia Camel Races 19–21 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190815034030/http://www.bouliacamelraces.com.au/|archive-date=15 August 2019|url-status=live|access-date=15 August 2019}}</ref>
The town hosts the [[Boulia Camel Races]], the longest camel race (running a 1500m cup final) on the Australian [[camel racing]] circuit.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bouliacamelraces.com.au/|title=Boulia Camel Races 19–21 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190815034030/http://www.bouliacamelraces.com.au/|archive-date=15 August 2019|url-status=live|access-date=15 August 2019}}</ref>


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During August drag races are held at the Boulia Airport which attracts an enthusiastic crowd.
During August drag races are held at the Boulia Airport which attracts an enthusiastic crowd.


==Facilities==
== Facilities ==
[[File:Min Min Encounter, 2016.jpg|thumb|Min Min Encounter, 2016]]
[[File:Min Min Encounter, 2016.jpg|thumb|Min Min Encounter, 2016]]
Boulia has a range of public facilities open to the community. These include a public library, public hall, sports complex, racecourse, the Min Min encounter tourist centre, museum, visitor information centre, and camel races. The [[Boulia Shire Council]] operates a public library at 18 Burke Street.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/networking/directory-of-public-libraries|title=Directory of Public Libraries|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111192343/http://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/networking/directory-of-public-libraries|archive-date=11 January 2018|url-status=live|access-date=11 January 2018}}</ref>
Boulia has a range of public facilities open to the community. These include a public library, public hall, sports complex, racecourse, the Min Min encounter tourist centre, museum, visitor information centre, and camel races. The [[Boulia Shire Council]] operates a public library at 18 Burke Street.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/networking/directory-of-public-libraries|title=Directory of Public Libraries|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111192343/http://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/networking/directory-of-public-libraries|archive-date=11 January 2018|url-status=live|access-date=11 January 2018}}</ref>
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There are no secondary schools in Boulia.<ref name="globe" /> The nearest secondary schools are in [[Mount Isa]] and [[Winton, Queensland|Winton]], but these are too distant for a daily commute. The [[Spinifex State College]] in [[Mount Isa]]<ref name="globe" /> offers boarding facilities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://spinifexsc.eq.edu.au/Supportandresources/Formsanddocuments/Documents/Policies%20and%20Procedures/residential-prospectus-2015.pdf|title=Residential Campus|date=2015|website=[[Spinifex State College]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190815073816/https://spinifexsc.eq.edu.au/Supportandresources/Formsanddocuments/Documents/Policies%20and%20Procedures/residential-prospectus-2015.pdf|archive-date=15 August 2019|url-status=live|access-date=15 August 2019}}</ref> Other boarding schools or [[distance education]] would be options for secondary schooling.
There are no secondary schools in Boulia.<ref name="globe" /> The nearest secondary schools are in [[Mount Isa]] and [[Winton, Queensland|Winton]], but these are too distant for a daily commute. The [[Spinifex State College]] in [[Mount Isa]]<ref name="globe" /> offers boarding facilities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://spinifexsc.eq.edu.au/Supportandresources/Formsanddocuments/Documents/Policies%20and%20Procedures/residential-prospectus-2015.pdf|title=Residential Campus|date=2015|website=[[Spinifex State College]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190815073816/https://spinifexsc.eq.edu.au/Supportandresources/Formsanddocuments/Documents/Policies%20and%20Procedures/residential-prospectus-2015.pdf|archive-date=15 August 2019|url-status=live|access-date=15 August 2019}}</ref> Other boarding schools or [[distance education]] would be options for secondary schooling.


==Mars==
== Mars ==
The name Boulia is used as a name for a [[List of craters on Mars: A-G|crater]] on the planet [[Mars]], specifically commemorating the town.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov/Feature/842?__fsk=-1915221476|title=Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature|publisher=[[Astrogeology Research Program]], [[NASA]]|accessdate=9 April 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407144440/https://planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov/Feature/842?__fsk=-1915221476|archivedate=7 April 2017}}</ref>
The name Boulia is used as a name for a [[List of craters on Mars: A-G|crater]] on the planet [[Mars]], specifically commemorating the town.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov/Feature/842?__fsk=-1915221476|title=Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature|publisher=[[Astrogeology Research Program]], [[NASA]]|accessdate=9 April 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407144440/https://planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov/Feature/842?__fsk=-1915221476|archivedate=7 April 2017}}</ref>


==Heritage listings==
== Heritage listings ==
Boulia has a number of [[heritage-listed]] sites, including:
Boulia has a number of [[heritage-listed]] sites, including:
* Pituri Street: [[Boulia Stone House]]<ref>{{cite QHR|14814|Boulia Stone House|600039|accessdate=7 July 2013}}</ref>
* Pituri Street: [[Boulia Stone House]]<ref>{{cite QHR|14814|Boulia Stone House|600039|accessdate=7 July 2013}}</ref>


==See also==
== See also ==
{{Portal|Queensland}}
{{Portal|Queensland}}
* [[Boulia Airport]]
* [[Boulia Airport]]
{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}


==References==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
== External links ==
{{Commons category|Boulia, Queensland}}
{{Commons category|Boulia, Queensland}}
* [http://www.boulia.qld.gov.au Shire website]
* [http://www.boulia.qld.gov.au Shire website]
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[[Category:Towns in Queensland]]
[[Category:Towns in Queensland]]
[[Category:Central West Queensland]]
[[Category:Shire of Boulia]]
[[Category:Shire of Boulia]]
[[Category:1879 establishments in Australia]]
[[Category:1879 establishments in Australia]]

Revision as of 08:10, 13 June 2024

Boulia
Queensland
Entry into Boulia
Boulia is located in Queensland
Boulia
Boulia
Coordinates22°54′35″S 139°54′24″E / 22.9097°S 139.9066°E / -22.9097; 139.9066
Population314 (2021 census)[1]
 • Density2.025/km2 (5.243/sq mi)
Established1879
Postcode(s)4829
Elevation161.8 m (531 ft)
Area155.1 km2 (59.9 sq mi)
Time zoneAEST (UTC+10:00)
Standort
LGA(s)Boulia
State electorate(s)Gregory
Federal division(s)Kennedy
Mean max temp Mean min temp Annual rainfall
31.7 °C
89 °F		 16.6 °C
62 °F		 264.3 mm
10.4 in
Localities around Boulia:
Wills Wills Wills
Wills Boulia Wills
Wills Wills Wills

Boulia (/ˈbʊliə/) is an outback town and locality in the Shire of Boulia, Queensland, Australia.[2][3] In the 2021 census, the locality of Boulia had a population of 314 people.[1]

Boulia is the administrative centre of the Boulia Shire, population approximately 600, which covers an area of 61,176 square kilometres (23,620 sq mi).

The area is best known for sightings of the Min Min lights,[4] mysterious shimmering lights that appear at night[tone]. The lights are said to be caused by atmospheric refraction that occurs when cold air is trapped below warmer air,[5] a phenomenon known as Fata Morgana.

Geography

Boulia is in the Central West Queensland and is located approximately 296 kilometres (184 mi) by road south of Mount Isa. Boulia is at the crossroads of a number of outback routes, including the Boulia Mount Isa Road (which goes north-west towards Mount Isa), the Selwyn Road (which goes north-east to Selwyn), the Winton Road, which goes east toward Winton), and the Boulia Bedourie Road (which goes south-west to Bedourie).[6] The Donohue Highway coming from the Northern Territory joins the Boulia Mount Isa Road just outside of Boulia,[6] which together with the Winton Road forms part of the Outback Way billed as "Australia's Longest Shortcut", a 2,800 kilometres (1,700 mi) gravel-and-bitumen road which runs between Laverton in Western Australia and Winton in Queensland.[7]

Boulia is in the Channel Country. All watercourses in this area are part of the Lake Eyre drainage basin,[6] and most will dry up before their water reaches Lake Eyre.[8] Boulia lies on the Burke River,[6] which was named after the explorer Robert O'Hara Burke who passed through the area with the Burke and Wills expedition in 1860. The river flows from the north-east to the south-east through the locality.[9]

Although it is contrary to the locality boundary principles of the Queensland Government,[10] the locality of Boulia is an "island" entirely surrounded by the locality of Wills.[6]

Extensive grazing of beef cattle on native vegetation is the predominant industry.[6] Boulia is at the heart of the Channel Country of western Queensland where, during rain events, channels running between the rivers and creeks of the region fill with water and spread that water over expansive areas. When it does rain heavily, the Mitchell grass plains respond magnificently and result in the Channel country around Boulia, being among the finest beef producing country in Australia.[11][12]

The town has a grid layout with 6 roads running east–west and 5 running north–south. Herbert Street is the main street where most of the civic and commercial premises are located.[6]

History

Boulia Post Office, circa 1948

The town was named by surveyor Frederick Arthur Hartnell in 1882 and was derived from the name of the waterhole near the township called "bool-yo" in the Pitta Pitta language.[2]

The township was gazetted in 1879. Boulia Post Office opened on 1 July 1879.[13]

Boulia Provisional School opened on 7 October 1889. It became Boulia State School on 1 January 1909.[14]

The Good Shepherd Catholic Church was built in 1955.[15]

In 2019, the Boulia Outback Chapel was established in the former Anglican church building. It is part of the Baptist Church.[16]

In 2019, the Boulia Outback Chapel was established in the former Anglican church building. It is part of the Baptist Church.[16]

Demographics

In the 2006 census, the town of Boulia had a population of 205.[17]

In the 2011 census, the locality of Boulia had a population of 230,[18]

In the 2016 census, the locality of Boulia had a population of 301 people.[19]

In the 2021 census, the locality of Boulia had a population of 314 people.[1]

Climate

Boulia experiences a hot desert climate (Köppen: BWh, Trewartha: BWhl); with very hot summers with occasional rains; warm to hot, dry springs and autumns; and mild, dry winters. Daytime temperatures are very hot, having over 200 afternoons on an average year over 30 °C (86 °F). Although even in June and July the average maximum is a warm to very warm 23.8 °C (74.8 °F), frosts are not unknown in the morning during these months, but do not occur in most years. Annual rainfall is extraordinarily erratic: it has been as low as 24.1 millimetres (0.95 in) in 1905 and 51.1 millimetres (2.01 in) in 1963. However, when the monsoon is strong rainfall can be heavy: in January 1974 Boulia received 464.9 millimetres (18.30 in) of rain, in March 1887 352.5 millimetres (13.88 in), and in March 1950 345.5 millimetres (13.60 in). Maximum annual rainfall totals are 798.6 millimetres (31.44 in) in 1950 and 774 millimetres (30.47 in) in 1974, but the median annual rainfall is only 215.6 millimetres (8.49 in).[20]

Climate data for Boulia Airport, Queensland, Australia (1991-2020 normals, extremes 1886-present); 162 metres or 531 feet AMSL
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 47.6
(117.7) 		48.3
(118.9) 		46.7
(116.1) 		41.1
(106.0) 		38.6
(101.5) 		35.0
(95.0) 		34.1
(93.4) 		37.9
(100.2) 		41.7
(107.1) 		43.9
(111.0) 		46.7
(116.1) 		47.8
(118.0) 		48.3
(118.9)
Mean maximum °C (°F) 42.8
(109.0) 		41.8
(107.2) 		39.6
(103.3) 		36.1
(97.0) 		31.6
(88.9) 		28.4
(83.1) 		28.3
(82.9) 		31.5
(88.7) 		36.0
(96.8) 		39.6
(103.3) 		41.7
(107.1) 		42.9
(109.2) 		42.9
(109.2)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 38.8
(101.8) 		37.9
(100.2) 		36.0
(96.8) 		32.5
(90.5) 		27.3
(81.1) 		23.7
(74.7) 		23.8
(74.8) 		26.3
(79.3) 		31.0
(87.8) 		34.6
(94.3) 		37.1
(98.8) 		38.7
(101.7) 		32.3
(90.1)
Daily mean °C (°F) 32.3
(90.1) 		31.5
(88.7) 		29.4
(84.9) 		25.5
(77.9) 		20.4
(68.7) 		16.8
(62.2) 		16.4
(61.5) 		18.5
(65.3) 		23.2
(73.8) 		26.9
(80.4) 		29.9
(85.8) 		31.8
(89.2) 		25.2
(77.4)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 25.7
(78.3) 		25.0
(77.0) 		22.8
(73.0) 		18.5
(65.3) 		13.5
(56.3) 		9.8
(49.6) 		9.0
(48.2) 		10.6
(51.1) 		15.4
(59.7) 		19.1
(66.4) 		22.6
(72.7) 		24.8
(76.6) 		18.1
(64.5)
Mean minimum °C (°F) 20.7
(69.3) 		20.6
(69.1) 		17.5
(63.5) 		12.1
(53.8) 		7.3
(45.1) 		4.4
(39.9) 		3.5
(38.3) 		5.0
(41.0) 		8.4
(47.1) 		12.8
(55.0) 		16.7
(62.1) 		19.2
(66.6) 		3.5
(38.3)
Record low °C (°F) 11.1
(52.0) 		10.6
(51.1) 		10.2
(50.4) 		1.7
(35.1) 		0.0
(32.0) 		−0.8
(30.6) 		−1.1
(30.0) 		−1.4
(29.5) 		1.7
(35.1) 		5.6
(42.1) 		8.9
(48.0) 		10.0
(50.0) 		−1.4
(29.5)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 51.4
(2.02) 		48.3
(1.90) 		30.2
(1.19) 		8.8
(0.35) 		11.8
(0.46) 		9.7
(0.38) 		8.9
(0.35) 		2.9
(0.11) 		11.4
(0.45) 		12.7
(0.50) 		25.2
(0.99) 		35.4
(1.39) 		256.7
(10.09)
Average rainy days (≥ 1.0 mm) 4.6 3.8 2.3 1.0 1.2 1.3 0.9 0.6 1.4 1.6 3.0 3.5 25.2
Average relative humidity (%) 41.0 43.0 37.0 38.0 41.5 47.0 41.5 33.0 30.5 27.5 32.0 34.5 37.2
Average dew point °C (°F) 15.9
(60.6) 		16.4
(61.5) 		12.7
(54.9) 		10.0
(50.0) 		6.7
(44.1) 		5.1
(41.2) 		2.8
(37.0) 		1.9
(35.4) 		4.6
(40.3) 		6.1
(43.0) 		10.1
(50.2) 		12.8
(55.0) 		8.8
(47.8)
Source 1: Australian Bureau of Meteorology (1991-2020 normals)[21]
Source 2: Australian Bureau of Meteorology (1886-present extremes)[22]

Events

The town hosts the Boulia Camel Races, the longest camel race (running a 1500m cup final) on the Australian camel racing circuit.[23]

Each year at Easter, the Boulia Racecourse reserve plays host to a rodeo, campdrafting, and horse racing event which is a social highlight for the district.

During August drag races are held at the Boulia Airport which attracts an enthusiastic crowd.

Facilities

Min Min Encounter, 2016

Boulia has a range of public facilities open to the community. These include a public library, public hall, sports complex, racecourse, the Min Min encounter tourist centre, museum, visitor information centre, and camel races. The Boulia Shire Council operates a public library at 18 Burke Street.[24]

An 18-hole golf course with sand greens is located on the Boulia Winton Road. Greens fees are not charged for the use of this course and a clubhouse with bar facilities is available.[25]

Boulia has Australia's first three-dimensional zebra crossing which is based on an optical illusion. It is to improve road safety and also to be a tourist attraction. It was introduced in 2018 after Boulia Shire Council mayor Rick Britton saw similar crossings in Iceland, Malaysia, India, New Zealand and the United States on social media.[26]

The Boulia branch of the Queensland Country Women's Association has its rooms at 61 Moonah Street.[27]

Boulia Outback Chapel is at 49 Moonah Street (22°54′38″S 139°54′30″E / 22.9105°S 139.9082°E / -22.9105; 139.9082 (Boulia Outback Chapel)).[16]

Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 2019

The Good Shepherd Catholic Church is at 33 Moonah Street (22°54′37″S 139°54′36″E / 22.9102°S 139.9101°E / -22.9102; 139.9101 (Good Shepherd Catholic Church)).[28]

Bildung

Boulia State School is a government primary (Early Childhood-6) school for boys and girls at Templeton Street (22°54′30″S 139°54′39″E / 22.9084°S 139.9109°E / -22.9084; 139.9109 (Boulia State School)).[29][30] In 2017, the school had an enrolment of 27 students with 4 teachers and 4 non-teaching staff (3 full-time equivalent).[31]

There are no secondary schools in Boulia.[6] The nearest secondary schools are in Mount Isa and Winton, but these are too distant for a daily commute. The Spinifex State College in Mount Isa[6] offers boarding facilities.[32] Other boarding schools or distance education would be options for secondary schooling.

Mars

The name Boulia is used as a name for a crater on the planet Mars, specifically commemorating the town.[33]

Heritage listings

Boulia has a number of heritage-listed sites, including:

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Australian Bureau of Statistics (28 June 2022). "Boulia (SAL)". 2021 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 28 February 2023. Edit this at Wikidata
  2. ^ a b "Boulia (town) (entry 3993)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 12 September 2015.
  3. ^ "Boulia (locality) – 12 September 2015 (entry 42339)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government.
  4. ^ Tim the Yowie Man (2001). "Spook of the Min Min Light". The adventures of Tim the Yowie Man cryptonaturalist. Sydney, Australia: Random House Australia. p. 256. ISBN 174051078X.
  5. ^ "Science logic spoils outback mystery". The Canberra Times. Canberra, Australia. 22 April 2003.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Queensland Globe". State of Queensland. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
  7. ^ "Australia's Longest Shortcut". The Outback Way. Archived from the original on 15 August 2019. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
  8. ^ FitzSimons, Trish (2010). "Channel Country". Queensland Historical Atlas. University of Queensland. Archived from the original on 15 August 2019. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
  9. ^ "Burke River – watercourse in the Boulia Shire (entry 5353)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
  10. ^ "How places are named: Defining boundaries and extent: Locality boundaries". Queensland Government. Archived from the original on 14 August 2019. Retrieved 14 August 2019.
  11. ^ "A Review of the Structure and Dynamics of the Australian Beef Cattle Industry" (PDF). www.agriculture.gov.au. June 2006. Archived (PDF) from the original on 19 March 2015. Retrieved 19 January 2017.
  12. ^ "The Channel Country Grasslands". OBE Organic. 2014. Archived from the original on 31 January 2017. Retrieved 19 January 2017.
  13. ^ Phoenix Auctions History. "Post Office List". Phoenix Auctions. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
  14. ^ Queensland Family History Society (2010), Queensland schools past and present (Version 1.01 ed.), Queensland Family History Society, ISBN 978-1-921171-26-0
  15. ^ "Our History". Good Shepherd Catholic Parish of Mount Isa. Archived from the original on 22 October 2020. Retrieved 20 December 2020.
  16. ^ a b c "Boulia Outback Chapel". Boulia Chapel. Archived from the original on 20 December 2020. Retrieved 20 December 2020.
  17. ^ Australian Bureau of Statistics (25 October 2007). "Boulia (L) (Urban Centre/Locality)". 2006 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 11 April 2011.
  18. ^ Australian Bureau of Statistics (31 October 2012). "Boulia (State Suburb)". 2011 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 10 May 2013. Edit this at Wikidata
  19. ^ Australian Bureau of Statistics (27 June 2017). "Boulia (SSC)". 2016 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 20 October 2018. Edit this at Wikidata
  20. ^ Bureau of Meteorology
  21. ^ "Boulia Airport, QLD Climate (1991-2020 normals)". Australian Bureau of Meteorology. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
  22. ^ "Boulia Airport, QLD Climate (1886-present extremes)". Australian Bureau of Meteorology. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
  23. ^ "Boulia Camel Races 19–21 July 2019". Archived from the original on 15 August 2019. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
  24. ^ "Directory of Public Libraries". Archived from the original on 11 January 2018. Retrieved 11 January 2018.
  25. ^ "Boulia". Centre for the Government of Queensland. Archived from the original on 5 March 2011. Retrieved 21 December 2011.
  26. ^ Bhole, Aneeta (29 May 2018). "Outback town takes a 3D approach to slowing motorists at pedestrian crossings". ABC News. Archived from the original on 29 May 2018. Retrieved 30 May 2018.
  27. ^ "Branch locations". Queensland Country Women's Association. Archived from the original on 26 December 2018. Retrieved 26 December 2018.
  28. ^ "Our Community". Good Shepherd Catholic Parish of Mount Isa. Archived from the original on 22 October 2020. Retrieved 20 December 2020.
  29. ^ "State and non-state school details". Queensland Government. 9 July 2018. Archived from the original on 21 November 2018. Retrieved 21 November 2018.
  30. ^ "Boulia State School". Retrieved 28 February 2021.
  31. ^ "ACARA School Profile 2017". Archived from the original on 22 November 2018. Retrieved 22 November 2018.
  32. ^ "Residential Campus" (PDF). Spinifex State College. 2015. Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 August 2019. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
  33. ^ "Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature". Astrogeology Research Program, NASA. Archived from the original on 7 April 2017. Retrieved 9 April 2017.
  34. ^ "Boulia Stone House (entry 600039)". Queensland Heritage Register. Queensland Heritage Council. Retrieved 7 July 2013.
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