Barcoo

Barcoo is a term that can refer to several things, primarily associated with Australia. The most common meaning relates to the Barcoo River, a significant river system in Queensland. This river rises in the central highlands and flows northwest for about 1,600 kilometers before disappearing into the Diamantina National Park, forming part of the Channel Country. The Barcoo River is historically important, playing a role in Indigenous Australian culture and early European exploration and settlement in the region. It is also known for its intermittent flow, often drying up in times of drought.

The term "Barcoo" is also famously linked to a bushman's ailment known as "Barcoo rot." This was a skin condition, often characterized by sores and ulcers, that affected explorers and stockmen working in the harsh conditions of the Australian outback, particularly in the areas around the Barcoo River. The exact cause of Barcoo rot is debated, with theories including nutritional deficiencies, insect bites, and unhygienic conditions. The song "Waltzing Matilda," written by Banjo Paterson, mentions "Barcoo rot" in its lyrics, further popularizing the term.

In a broader sense, "Barcoo" can sometimes be used colloquially in Australia to refer to the bush or the remote country, drawing on its association with the frontier experiences of early settlers. This usage evokes the rugged and often challenging landscape of inland Australia.