EXPLORE OUR NATURAL WONDERS

Waterholes And Gorges

Outback Queensland may look dry and rugged, yet across this contrasting landscape is a vast network of rivers, lakes, waterholes and waterfalls to explore.

Highlights include Combo Waterhole, the largest in a string of waterholes along the Diamantina River and thought to be the inspiration for Banjo Paterson’s ‘Waltzing Matilda’. The Birdsville Billabong is a favourite among locals, visitors, kayakers, swimmers and avid birdwatchers. For stunning waterfalls, witness the lush Indarri Falls cascading down to Duwadarri Waterhole on Lawn Hill Creek in Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park or relax by a tranquil oasis at Adels Grove.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT EXPLORING THE OUTDOORS IN OUTBACK QUEENSLAND PLEASE POP INTO A LOCAL VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE.

Fishing

Year-round warm weather and freshwater lakes, underground springs, beautiful winding rivers and immense gorges make fishing an excellent Outback Queensland activity. Check out waterside campsites for idyllic fishing spots and maybe try your luck in one of the region’s annual competitions.

Key Spots To Fish

DAWSON RIVER Southern Saratoga, Barramundi, Cod, Black Bream, Eels and Banded Grunter

WARREGO RIVER, BAKERS BEND AND DILLALAH Cod, Spangled Perch, Yellowbelly, Jewfish and Black Bream

LAKE MOONDARRA, MOUNT ISA Archerfish, Barramundi, Catfish, Sleepy Cod, Sooty Grunter and Longtom

MOONIE RIVER, NINDIGULLY Yellowbelly and Murray Cod

THOMSON RIVER NEAR LONGREACH Yellowbelly

LAKE JULIUS, MOUNT ISA Sooty Grunter

NORMANTON, KARUMBA Barramundi

COOPER CREEK, BARCOO RIVER Barcoo Grunter

COOPER CREEK, NEAR WINDORAH Yellowbelly

ADELS GROVE, LAWN HILL GORGE Barramundi, Bream, Grunter, Perch, Cod and Catfish

PUNCH BOWL, JULIA CREEK Cod

LAKE CALLIDE, NEAR BILOELA Barramundi, Saratoga, Cod, Golden Perch and Redclaw Crayfish

FIVE MILE WATERHOLE, NEAR BLACKALL Yellowbelly

PAROO RIVER, NEAR HUNGERFORD Yellowbelly and Catfish

BULLOO RIVER, NEAR THARGOMINDAH Yellowbelly and Yabbies

Wildflowers

Photographers, get your cameras ready – the Outback puts on a native wildflower show like no other, especially just after rain. From dainty desert wildflowers to showy Eremophilas, glorious Wattles and native Mulla Mulla, Outback Queensland is home to some of Australia’s rarest and most stunning flora. Wildflowers are found across the Outback, with popular spots around Thargomindah, Quilpie and the Far West region. Other key places are:

▶ Charleville Botanic Gardens

▶ Thrushton National Park (via Bollon)

▶ Botanic Walkway, Longreach

Birdwatching

Nomadic woodland Bustards, elegant Brolgas dancing in courtship and Wedge Tail Eagles soaring high on thermals – the Outback is teeming with native and migratory birds so there’s fantastic birdwatching opportunities all year-round.

THE OUTBACK’S BEST BIRDS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM

BROLGA around Longreach, Winton and Boulia

EMU many places, but particularly around Yaraka

THE GREY FALCON Cunnamulla

RAINBOW BEE-EATER Combo Waterhole Conservation Park near Kynuna

PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY-WREN Boodjamulla National Park

HALL’S BABBLER around Longreach, Idalia National Park, Cunnamulla

BOURKE’S PARROT Eulo Bore

PAINTED HONEYEATER dry open forests and woodlands across Outback Queensland

FRECKLED DUCK swamps created by floods in Bulloo and Lake Eyre Basins

CRESTED BELLBIRD across the Outback Queensland interior

MAJOR MITCHELL’S COCKATOO Balonne Shire

NIGHT PARROT location is a mystery – but let us know if you find one!

Camping

Camping is super fun in Outback Queensland and it’s an affordable way for families to enjoy a memorable Outback adventure. Many camping areas have creeks, rockpools and waterholes for swimming and bushwalking tracks to explore, so there’s plenty to keep everyone occupied.

Some Outback farmstay properties also have camping options, including Charlotte Plains near Cunnamulla with their popular outdoor baths and family activities, and The Lake near Quilpie, located next to a large and very picturesque lake.

In addition, there are over 35 national and conservation parks in Outback Queensland – check out the National Parks section on the following pages for details.