Hebel, Queensland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Hebel Queensland
Entry sign to Hebel (2021).
Hebel Location in Queensland
Population	62 (2021 census)
• Density	0.03653/km2 (0.0946/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	4486
Area	1,697.1 km2 (655.3 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10:00)
Location	66.4 km (41 mi) SW of Dirranbandi 161 km (100 mi) SW of St George 522 km (324 mi) WSW of Toowoomba 652 km (405 mi) WSW of Brisbane
LGA(s)	Balonne Shire
State electorate(s)	Warrego
Federal Division(s)	Maranoa
Localities around Hebel: Bollon Dirranbandi Dirranbandi Jobs Gate Hebel Dirranbandi Weilmoringle (NSW) Goodooga (NSW) Angledool (NSW)

Hebel (say it like he-bell) is a small country town in Queensland, Australia. It sits right on the border between Queensland and New South Wales. In 2021, only 62 people lived in Hebel.

Where is Hebel?

Hebel is located in south-west Queensland, about 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) north of the New South Wales border. It's found along the Castlereagh Highway.

Rivers and Parks

The Bokhara River flows through Hebel. This river isn't always full of water, but it's part of the huge Murray-Darling river system. This system is very important for Australia's environment.

In the western part of Hebel, you'll find the Culgoa River and the Culgoa Floodplain National Park. This park is a protected area of nature.

Hebel's Past

First Peoples of the Land

The land around Hebel is the traditional home of the Yuwaalaraay and Yuwaalayaay Aboriginal people. These are closely related languages. Their country stretches across parts of Queensland and New South Wales.

How Hebel Got Its Name

The town of Hebel is thought to be named after Noble Van Hebel, a German immigrant. He helped set up places for the famous Cobb and Co. coaches to stop and change horses.

Early Days and the Post Office

Hebel Post Office, circa 1920

The first post office in the area opened in 1864. It was called the Curriwillinghi Post Office. Around 1886, Hebel became a border town with a special customs post. In 1889, the Hebel Post Office replaced the older one.

School and Community

Hebel Provisional School first opened its doors on April 11, 1901. It became Hebel State School in 1909. The Hebel Post Office closed in 1989.

Border Changes During COVID-19

During 2020 and 2021, the border between Queensland and New South Wales was closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. There were police checkpoints at Hebel to control who could enter Queensland. Some roads were even blocked off!

Hebel on TV

Hebel was featured on an Australian TV show called Back Roads in July 2022.

People of Hebel

The number of people living in Hebel has changed over the years:

• In 2006, there were 149 people.
• In 2016, the population was 67.
• In 2021, 62 people lived in Hebel.

What's in Hebel?

The Hebel Hotel, 2017

Visitors to Hebel can find a general store, a caravan park for campers, a hotel, and a coffee shop.

Hebel General Store, 2011

The Balonne Shire Council also runs a small library in William Street.

Learning in Hebel

Hebel State School is a primary school for students from Preparatory (the year before Year 1) to Year 6. In 2018, the school had seven students and one teacher.

There isn't a high school in Hebel. Older students usually go to secondary schools in nearby towns like Dirranbandi (up to Year 10) or St George (up to Year 12).

Getting Around Hebel

Hebel has a few small airstrips for planes. These are often used by people living on large farms in the area.

Community Spots

• The Hebel Community Hall is a place for local events and gatherings.
• The Bokhara River Campground is a spot where people can camp by the river.
• Hebel Racecourse is a large area used for horse racing events.
• Hebel Cemetery is where people are laid to rest.

Fun Things to See

• The Hebel Hotel has bright, colourful artwork on its front. Inside, some of the furniture is made from recycled items found in the bush.
• The Hebel Historical Circle is a walking path around the town. It has signs that tell you about the town's interesting history.
• The general store is also a cafe and restaurant. It still has its original dance floor from when it was built in 1897!

Images for kids

Centre of town intersection, looking north (2021).

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  General store, Castlereagh Highway (2021).

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  Community Hall, William Street (2021).

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  Local library (2021).

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  Hebel State School (2021).

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  Hebel State School oval (2021).

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  Hebel Bicentennial Park, William Street (2021).

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  Hebel Historical Circle, in the Bicentennial Park (2021).

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  Historical Circle information panel example (2021).

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  Artwork made from barbwire, of a person pushing a wheelbarrow, with a dog (2021).

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  Hebel-Goodooga Road going south-west (2021).