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Jundah, Queensland facts for kids

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Jundah
Queensland
WLA hmns Fiery Opal Opalville Mine.jpg
Fiery Opal from Opalville Mine, Jundah field
Jundah is located in Queensland
Jundah
Jundah
Location in Queensland
Population 131 (2021 census)
 • Density 0.01001/km2 (0.0259/sq mi)
Postcode(s) 4736
Area 13,085.7 km2 (5,052.4 sq mi)
Time zone AEST (UTC+10:00)
LGA(s) Barcoo Shire
County Wolseley
State electorate(s) Gregory
Federal Division(s) Maranoa
Localities around Jundah:
Stonehenge Stonehenge Isisford
Yaraka
Farrars Creek Jundah Adavale
Windorah Windorah Eromanga

Jundah is a small town in the countryside of Queensland, Australia. It's the main town for the Shire of Barcoo, which is like its local government area. In 2021, about 131 people lived in Jundah.

Where is Jundah Located?

Jundah is located in Central West Queensland. It sits right by the Thomson River. The town is about 1,122 kilometers (697 miles) west of Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland.

A Glimpse into Jundah's Past

Early Days and First Settlers

The land around Jundah is part of the traditional country of the Kuungkari people. Their language is also known as Kungkari or Koonkerri. This language area covers parts of the Longreach Shire Council and Blackall-Tambo Shire.

The town of Jundah was officially started in 1883. Its name means "woman" in a local Aboriginal language.

Some of the first European settlers were Patrick Durack and his brother-in-law John Costello. They were pastoralists, meaning they raised sheep and cattle on large properties.

The Homestead and Police Barracks

In 1873, a grazier named William Pitt Tozer took over the Jundah land. He built a homestead there. From 1875 to 1880, this homestead was used by the Native Police. They were a special police force that operated along the lower Thomson River.

Post Office and School Opening

The Jundah Post Office opened on June 26, 1877. Before that, there was a smaller "receiving office" called Jundah Police Barracks.

Jundah State School welcomed its first students on April 30, 1900. Around 50 students attended the school when it first opened. At that time, about 300 people lived in the town.

Opal Mining and Library

For about twenty years in the early 1900s, Jundah was a center for opal mining. However, this industry eventually stopped. It closed down because there wasn't enough water available.

The Jundah Library, a place for reading and learning, opened its doors in 2005.

Who Lives in Jundah?

The number of people living in Jundah has changed over the years.

  • In 2011, about 350 people lived in Jundah and the areas nearby.
  • By 2016, the population of Jundah was about 106 people.
  • In 2021, the population grew slightly to 131 people.

Important Places in Jundah

Local Economy

Today, Jundah is an important town for the surrounding area. It supports the local sheep and cattle farming industries.

Town Facilities

Jundah has several important facilities for its residents. It's home to the main office for the Barcoo Shire. You can also find a police station here. There's a general store where you can buy supplies. The town also has a post office agency and a helpful tourist information center.

The Barcoo Shire Council runs the Jundah Library. It's located at 11 Dickson Street.

Education for Kids

Jundah State School, 2022 04
Jundah State School, 2022
Jundah State School, 2022 03
A classroom at Jundah State School, 2022

Jundah State School is a government primary school. It teaches students from Early Childhood up to Year 6. Both boys and girls attend this school. It is located at 11 Garrick Street.

In 2017, the school had 6 students. In 2018, it had 13 students. There are no high schools in Jundah or very close by. Older students usually attend boarding schools or learn through distance education.

Fun Things to See and Do

Barcoo Shire Museum

The Barcoo Shire Museum is a great place to learn about the area's history. It's located at the corner of Miles and Macrossan Streets. The museum building used to be the main office for the Barcoo Shire Council. It was moved to its current spot.

Welford National Park

About 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) southeast of Jundah is Welford National Park. It's a beautiful natural area to explore.

Annual Events

Jundah celebrates German-Australian culture every year. They hold an event called "the world's most remote Oktoberfest". It's a unique way to experience a famous German festival far from Germany!

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