Coongoola

History

The Western railway line opened to Cunnamulla in October 1898. It passed through Coongoola with the locality served by (from north to south): * Mirrabooka railway station () * Offham railway station () However, its lack of facilities was noted:"Coongoola itself consists of a very small galvanized-iron railway station, and a small galvanized-iron hotel.  Nothing else is in view except the Longlands homestead, over 2 miles back along the rails.  Living accommodation of a homely character would be provided by Mrs. Kruck, landlady of the hotel, if reasonable notice is given.  There are several bedrooms, and other rooms which can be temporarily converted.  Altogether, arrangements can be made for 20 to 30 guests."A special train service was provided from Charleville to Coongoola for those wishing to view the eclipse. On the day of the eclipse, the weather conditions at Coongoola were ideal for people to view and photograph the eclipse and to record scientific observations. Coongoola Provisional School opened on 22 June 1925. It became Coongoola State School in 1930. It closed on 2 April 1931. The railway line to Cunnamulla ceased operation in 1994.

Geography

The Mitchell Highway enters the locality from the north (Wyandra) and exits to the south (Cunnamulla). The Warrego River enters the locality from the north (Wynandra) and exits to the south-west (Cunnamulla). It is an intermittent braided river that contributes to the Murray Darling river system. The land use is grazing on native vegetation.

Most-observed species

• Emu

  Dromaius novaehollandiae (Latham, 1790) · Aves
  16
• Australian Kestrel

  Falco cenchroides Vigors & Horsfield, 1827 · Aves
  13
• Black-faced Woodswallow

  Artamus cinereus Vieillot, 1817 · Aves
  9
• Australian Magpie

  Gymnorhina tibicen (Latham, 1802) · Aves
  8
• Spotted Harrier

  Circus assimilis Jardine & Selby, 1828 · Aves
  8
• Black-breasted Kite

  Hamirostra melanosternon (Gould, 1841) · Aves
  7
• Black Falcon

  Falco subniger G.R.Gray, 1843 · Aves
  6
• Whistling Kite

  Haliastur sphenurus (Vieillot, 1818) · Aves
  5

Most recent

• M 4.2 — 2008-02-13
  111 km ENE of Cunnamulla, Australia