About Murweh

Community Snapshot: Welcome to Murweh Shire

Set in the heart of Queensland’s Outback, Murweh Shire spans a vast 40,774 km² of rugged landscapes, rich history, and vibrant community life. With just under 4,000 residents, it’s a place where people know their neighbours and where the towns of Charleville, Augathella, Morven, and Cooladdi each bring their own unique charm and character. Situated atop the Great Artesian Basin, the Shire is a vital part of Australia’s inland story.

We acknowledge the Bidjara people as the Traditional Custodians of the land within the Murweh Shire. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and recognise their continuing connection to land, water, culture, and community.

Settlement history

European settlement dates from the 1860s, with land used mainly for pastoral purposes. Growth took place during the late 1800s and into the early 1900s, spurred by the opening of the railway line and the establishment of small townships. The population of the Shire increased from about 1,300 in 1879 to about 4,300 in 1911, and then to about 6,100 in 1933. The population continued to increase in the post-war years, rising from about 6,000 in 1947 to 7,500 in 1954, and then to 7,800 in 1961. The population then declined, falling to about 6,000 in 1971, and to 5,300 in 1981. The population continued to generally decline slightly from the 1990s, falling to about 5,200 in 1991 and then to 4,600 in 2016.

Strong Roots in the Land

Murweh’s economy is deeply connected to the land. Agriculture is the Shire’s largest industry, with cattle, sheep, and goat production leading the way. In fact, 49.1% of all local businesses operate in the Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing sectors. This rural strength helps maintain a remarkably low unemployment rate of just 2.0%, well below Queensland and national averages.

Climate Snapshot

The Shire enjoys the wide-open skies and seasonal contrasts that make the Outback so special:

• Summer highs average 35.0°C in January - Winter lows dip to around 4.1°C in July

• Average annual rainfall sits at 490.5 mm, with January being the wettest month

Accessibility

Despite its remote feel, Murweh is well-connected:

• Murweh Shire is served by the Landsborough Highway, the Mitchell Highway, the Warrego Highway.

Charleville is serviced by Greyhound buses and QR's Westlander train

• Charleville Airport provides quick access to Brisbane (2.5 hours via Qantas and REX flights)

Discover Our Attractions

Murweh is home to world-class and uniquely Australian experiences:

• The Charleville Cosmos Centre & Observatory – ideal for stargazing under some of the clearest skies in the country

• The heartwarming Bilby Experience – supporting conservation of this iconic species

• The immersive Top Secret WWII Precinct & Tours – uncovering Charleville’s wartime role

• The Mulga Lands Gallery – celebrating regional artists

Whether you’re looking to invest, explore, or put down roots, Murweh Shire offers a warm welcome, a thriving rural economy, and a truly authentic Outback lifestyle.

Council Area Map