Alpha, the ‘Town of Murals’, was established in 1884 and is part of Jericho Shire, one of Queensland’s largest cattle producing areas. Located on the Capricorn Highway, its streets are named after poets, the main street being Shakespeare Street. The town is known for the 27 murals painted on various buildings throughout the town. Each mural depicts a different aspect of pioneering and contemporary Outback life. The Jane Neville-Rolfe Gallery also boasts an excellent range of artworks from local artists and travelling shows. The volunteers at the Rowley Roberts information centre can show you examples of petrified wood and direct you to where you can see its natural setting. Don’t miss the photo opportunity at the bottle tree across from the Information Centre. An optimist installed a tap in the bottle tree – there’s no news as to whether water has started to flow as yet. Alpha has a pub where you can enjoy a meal and drink, along with a cafe and a bakehouse that serves award winning pies. Mobile phones can get reception but there are also pay phones. Alpha also has its own airstrip and hospital.