Blackall to Charleville QLD

Tuesday 5 July 2022
Today was just a little driving day. We had a float in the pool before leaving Blackall at about midday. We drove to Tambo to see the Teddies and then on to Charleville. We headed a little west on our travels south to try and avoid the rain without success. It seems it followed us. We managed a spot in the very crowded caravan park and thankfully the rain stopped at about 4.30pm. Lucky us!

The Birth of our Famous Teddy Bears.
Back in 1992 wool prices had crashed and the district was in the grips of a drought. The community of Tambo, western QLD, were challenged to come up with new industry to sustain the economy of this little town. A brain storming session during a workshop developed the idea that Tambo could assist the wool industry, encourage tourists and create employment by making unique teddy bears from wool pelts and stuff them with wool.

Popular opinion said it wouldn’t work, but after many laughs, three women – Mary Sutherland, Charm Ryrie, and Helen Sargood – decided to bite the bullet. After many frustrating months of designing and planning, the first Tambo Teddies were ready for sale in February 1993.
The impact and enthusiasm of the public was overwhelming and the business grew to employ over fifteen part time workers.

Tambo Teddies take pride of place in homes all over the world and our famous teddy bears have made our little town of Tambo the ‘outback Teddy capital of Australia’.

After more than twenty years sewing bears and managing the business, the remaining director decided to it was time to retire. Wishing to only sell to a local, Mary was delighted when in a unique synergy, three more local ladies decided to purchase this iconic business.

Created in Outback Queensland, Tambo Teddies are tenderly crafted from 100% woollen sheepskin, truly an Australian hand-made product. These very appealing, friendly teddy bears come in different styles. There are two teddy families, the Basils and the Tobies; basils are a traditional teddy bear style and the tobies have a chubby physique and come as multi-coloured patch work bears. Find a soft and cuddly Bickie Bear for your newborn or a fully dressed Mr. Stockman teddy bear with his hat, swag and stock whip. Pop in and see your bear come to life as he or she is lovingly made. As their personality emerges each bear is individually named after a farming property in the Tambo district.

In the workshop, you can meet your new lifelong companion, over 62,000 teddy bears have been made and yours will have its own unique number and personality; no two bears are ever the same. You might fall in love with Macfarlane Michael or Tambo Station Tony or not be able to resist the charms of little Drensmaine Debra; but be assured there is a teddy bear just waiting to go home with you. We want you all to love Tambo Teddies as much as we do!“