Channel Country

Channel Country Family

Families across Channel Country can find regular early-years sessions, playgroups and recreation in Birdsville, Bedourie and Boulia, along with practical local and national support. Check arrangements before setting out, particularly when travelling between towns.

🌈 Play, learning and connection

Diamantina Playgroups

Accompanied children can join facilitated playgroups run by Diamantina Shire Council. Birdsville Playgroup meets at Birdsville Community Hall from 8.30 am to noon, Monday to Thursday. Bedourie Playgroup runs at Bedourie Community Centre from 8.30 am to noon, Tuesday to Friday. Confirm the location and schedule before attending, as these can change.

First Five Forever – Diamantina Shire Council

These free sessions help families with children from birth to five share talking, reading, singing and play. Bedourie Library hosts sessions on Mondays from 10.30 am to 11.30 am. In Birdsville, families meet at Birdsville Community Centre on the third Thursday of each month from 9 am to 9.30 am.

Boulia Shire Council Library – First 5 Forever

Young children and their families can attend First 5 Forever from 9 am to 10 am on Wednesday and Friday mornings. The library also has an air-conditioned children’s playroom, and accessible amenities are available at the venue.

✨ Swimming, skating and active days

Boulia Sports & Aquatic Centre

Families can use the council-operated swimming pool, playground, shaded areas, picnic tables and barbecue facilities. There are toilets, change rooms and accessible facilities, plus indoor and outdoor areas for basketball, netball, volleyball, badminton, tennis and football.

Birdsville Water & Skate Park

For free outdoor activity, the covered zero-depth spray park offers water play for children and families, with a skate park alongside it. Check local conditions and availability before making a special trip.

Birdsville Pool

The school pool opens to the public at designated times through arrangements involving Diamantina Shire Council and Education Queensland. Opening hours vary between school terms and holidays, and the pool is excluded from public use during the June–July school holiday period. Pool passes are available through the Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre.

❤ Family and carer support

Boulia Neighbourhood Centre

Families, individuals and community groups in Boulia and surrounding areas can seek face-to-face assistance from North West Queensland Indigenous Community Social Services. The centre provides confidential case management, information and referrals, and hosts visiting agencies. Phone (07) 4746 3700; it operates Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm.

Carer Gateway

Unpaid carers supporting a family member or friend with disability, illness, mental illness or frailty due to age can ask about counselling, peer support, coaching, skills courses, tailored assistance and respite pathways. Eligibility is assessed by a local provider. Call 1800 422 737, Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.

1800RESPECT

People experiencing or at risk of domestic, family or sexual violence—and those supporting them—can access confidential counselling, information and support around the clock. Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or use online chat or video call.

📌 Before you go

• Confirm current session times, pool access and water-play availability before travelling.
• Ask providers about age suitability, adult supervision and anything children need to bring.
• Check accessibility requirements directly if your family needs particular facilities or assistance.
• For support services, ask about eligibility, appointments and visiting-service dates.

👉 If you run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group serving Channel Country, you are warmly invited to add a listing or update your existing details.

⚠️ Accuracy Note: We do our best to keep this information useful and up to date, however details can change over time. If you notice anything that appears incorrect or out of date, please let us know and we will review it. Local business owners and community leaders can also help keep local information accurate by logging in and creating or managing their own listing and useful content on channelcountry.qld.guide.