- Source: Talaroo, Queensland
Talaroo is an outback locality in the Shire of Etheridge, Queensland, Australia. In the 2021 census, Talaroo had a population of 5 people.
Geography
The terrain in the north and west of the locality is mountainous with a number of named peaks and passes, all in the north of the locality (from north to south):
Mount Direction (17.9787°S 143.8779°E / -17.9787; 143.8779 (Mount Direction)) 495 metres (1,624 ft)
Mount Max (18.0134°S 143.9306°E / -18.0134; 143.9306 (Mount Max)) 522 metres (1,713 ft)
Simons Gap (18.0203°S 143.9385°E / -18.0203; 143.9385 (Simons Gap))
Mount Noble (18.0211°S 143.8895°E / -18.0211; 143.8895 (Mount Noble)) 446 metres (1,463 ft)
Brodies Gap (18.0372°S 143.8070°E / -18.0372; 143.8070 (Brodies Gap))
The Einasleigh River enters the locality from the south-east (Einasleigh / Mount Surprise) and exits to the north (Abingdon Downs). It becomes a tributary of the Gilbert River which flows into the Gulf of Carpentaria.
The land use is predominantly grazing on native vegetation.
History
The locality was officially named and bounded on 23 June 2000.
Demographics
In the 2016 census, Talaroo had "no people or a very low population".
In the 2021 census, Talaroo had a population of 5 people.
Economy
Talaroo Homestead is in the south-east of the locality (18.1228°S 143.9625°E / -18.1228; 143.9625 (Talaroo (homestead))) with Talaroo Airstrip to its south-west (18.1259°S 143.9551°E / -18.1259; 143.9551 (Talaroo Airstrip)).
Education
There are no schools in Talaroo. The nearest government primary school is Mount Surprise State School in neighbouring Mount Surprise to the east, but only those living in the south-eastern corner of the locality (including Talaroo Homestead) is within range of this school. For students in other parts of the locality, the options are distance education and boarding school. There are no secondary schools nearby; again, the options are distance education and boarding school.
Attractions
Talaroo Hot Springs are 65 million years old. There are tours and camping facilities available. They are on Talaroo Road (18.11918°S 143.96128°E / -18.11918; 143.96128 (Talaroo Hot Springs)) and are accessible by conventional vehicles.