About Kynuna

The small settlement of Kynuna is at the heart of Waltzing Matilda Country. It was in the Kynuna region, over a century ago that Banjo Paterson wrote the words to Australia’s most famous and well-loved folk song.

Kynuna was first established on the Diamantina River at the junction of five roads as a teamsters camp and supply point for Kynuna Station and other properties on the western routes. It was gazetted as a town in 1894 and within a few years had a substantial population of up to 700 people and several hotels.

Today only one hotel remains, the Blue Heeler Hotel, and it is the last remaining building with any association with the first days of the song Waltzing Matilda. Built in 1889 as the Kynuna Hotel, it is believed that the squatter, Bob MacPherson and the swagman, Samuel Hoffmeister, drank their last drinks at the bar of the Blue Heeler Hotel.  Banjo Paterson also drank at the hotel and it was where the song Waltzing Matilda was first performed.

Attractions

  • Combo Water Hole

    Combo Waterhole Conservation Park is 132km north-west of Winton and 16km south-east of Kynuna. Turn south off the Landsborough Highway, 13km from Kynuna and follow the short drive to the park. The road is unsealed and you can access the park via conventional vehicle, however four-wheel drive is recommended. Vehicles are not permitted beyond the car park and camping is not permitted. Follow the self-guided walking track to Combo Waterhole on foot, discovering the story of Waltzing Matilda.

    There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities in Combo Waterhole Conservation Park.

  • The Kynuna Roadhouse & Caravan Park

    The Kynuna Roadhouse is a main stopping point for refuelling and having a refreshment stop. They have a range of meals and drinks available, and a caravan park with powered and unpowered sites for a stopover. It has coin operated washing machine and dryer, toilets and showers available. Here you’ll also get the chance to even meet some of the truckers driving those huge road trains.

  • The Blue Heeler Hotel Motel

    The Blue Heeler Hotel Motel is an extremely popular stopover destination for many people travelling along the Matilda Way. You can book in stay a night or two, which allows you to enjoy the features of the hotel such as the pool room, checking the thousands of photos, collection of hats and much more. Grab a bite to eat and a coldie and relax on the deck letting all your cares float away. They have a number of clean and comfy rooms available.