Welcome
CREATE YOUR PERFECT OUTBACK QUEENSLAND ADVENTURE
THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE OUTBACK QUEENSLAND. With its majestic gorges, ancient culture, natural wonders, unique events, and unrivalled attractions this vast land of contrasts offers a travel adventure like no other.
Your personal Outback Queensland holiday is yours to design. We cater for every interest, so whether you want to unravel your swag and camp under a glorious canopy of stars, glamp in luxury or take a fully escorted tour we’ve got you covered.
Check out this guide for ideas to plan your trip, including some of our ‘must do’ new experiences and family-friendly activities. If you love nature and views then don’t miss the opportunity to take a drive, scenic flight or hike, or visit some of our award-winning events and encounters unique to the region.
Outback Queensland Tourism supports accessible tourism and the majority of our iconic Outback attractions and visitor experiences are access friendly. The region’s operators are continuing to invest to ensure their experiences can be accessed and enjoyed by all.
The best way to explore the region is a road trip. Use our driving itineraries to plan your perfect route, places to visit, and where to stay.
And of course, this is dinosaur country so a trip here isn’t complete without at least one paleo-themed excursion!
Take a look and start planning your unique and unforgettable Outback Queensland adventure.
Acknowledgement of Country
Outback Queensland Tourism Association acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters, culture, and community. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and future.
We celebrate First Nations tourism and cultural experiences that foster learning, respect and understanding in the telling of Outback Queensland’s story and those of the traditional custodians of this land.
QUEENSLAND TOURISM AWARD WINNERS
ISA RODEO LIMITED
2022 Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo
Championships
Gold: Festivals and Events
2022 Mount Isa Mines Rodeo
Silver: Major Festivals and Events
FUN OVER 50 HOLIDAYS
Immersive Tours and Adventures
Gold: Cultural Tourism
Gold: The Steve Irwin Award for Ecotourism
MITCHELL GRASS RETREAT
Gold: Unique Accommodation
OUTBACK QUEENSLAND MASTERS
Silver: Festivals and Events
QLD MUSIC TRAILS
The Outback Trail
Bronze: Cultural Tourism
QTiC TOP TOURISM TOWN AWARDS 2023
Winton
Top Tiny Tourism Town AUSTRALIAN TOURISM AWARD WINNERS
Outback Queensland Masters
Gold: Festivals and Events
FUN OVER 50 HOLIDAYS
Gold: Tour & Transport Operators
Quilpie Visitor Information Centre
Museum & Gallery
Silver: Visitor Information Services
Mitchell Grass Retreat
Bronze: Unique Accommodation
Outback Queensland Tourism has compiled and produced this publication in the interests of fostering and developing tourism in Queensland. No part of this publication (advertising or editorial) may be reproduced without written permission of the Outback Queensland Tourism Association Inc. ©OQTA 2024. No responsibility is accepted for information contained in advertisements or editorial. The inclusion or exclusion of any establishment does not indicate any recommendation or otherwise on the part of the Association which, in addition, does not hold itself responsible for any complaints relating to such establishments or businesses. However, we would welcome constructive comments from visitors to the region and these should be addressed to: CEO, Outback Queensland Tourism Association, PO Box 506, Longreach QLD 4730
Photos: courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland, Queensland Government and other tourism partners and Councils in Outback Queensland.
Front Cover Brolgas near Ilfracombe by Roxy Weston Photography Back Cover Mulla Mulla wildflowers at Stonehenge by Roxy Weston Photography This page Glamping tents at Stockcamp, Herbertvale Station, Camooweal
NEW OUTBACK EXPERIENCES IN 2024
THERE’S ALWAYS A NEW reason to visit the Outback! Check out these new Outback experiences for your 2024 travel plans for Outback Queensland. For more Outback experiences visit our website.
CUNNAMULLA
HOT SPRINGS
This incredible new experience beside the Warrego River features multiple freeflowing pools filled with mineral rich artesian water of all different temperatures, naturally heated by the artesian basin that runs deep below. Hot pools to dip into for a steamy session and cold plunge pools to chill your body, all alongside the natural beauty of the Warrego River. Add to this a sauna, steam room and a range of therapeutic activities in the state-of-the-art complex opened early 2024.
CUNNAMULLA
ART MURALS TRAIL
Explore St George's vibrant art murals, each with a unique story that captures the essence of the local community and its diverse culture. These murals are a must-see for art enthusiasts and those who appreciate creative expression.
ST GEORGE
ST GEORGE REGION FISHING LOOP
Grab your fishing gear and cast a line in the one-of-a-kind St George Region. Each town in this area is perched on a waterway, offering a freshwater fishing paradise. You don’t even need a licence to reel in the biggest Murray Cod, Yellowbelly, and Blue Claw Yabby. Get hooked on the ultimate fishing escapade!
ST GEORGE
CENTENARY GARDEN - POWERHOUSE & HISTORICAL MUSEUM
The new Centenary Garden was recently opened by the Governor General. The garden is designed with different zones – Zone 1 encourages tranquillity and to use the five senses, Zone 2 is a quiet seating area, Zone 3 is a play area with a sensory path, Zone 4 incorporates hopscotch encouraging activity.
LONGREACH
OLD MARY KATHLEEN URANIUM MINE TOUR
Now departing from Unearthed in Cloncurry! Join North West Tours for an interpretive tour of the old mining town of Mary Kathleen. Go back in time and discover some mining and social history from the 1950’s.
VIA CLONCURRY
CRYSTALS OF THE CURRY
The unique Fossicker activity pack is available for just $10.00. ‘The Crystals of the Curry – a young fossickers guide to collecting rocks and gems’ is a coloured activity book and includes a collector’s bag that can be filled from the fossicking patch located in the grounds of Cloncurry Unearthed.
CLONCURRY
THE WATERING HOLE – HERITAGE ART TRAIL
Thallon’s art scene is gaining momentum with the addition of unique murals and sculptures that celebrate the town’s culture and history. The art ranges from abstract explosions of colour to striking portraits, each with its own story to tell. Keep an eye out for these impressive works of art!
THALLON
WESTERN QUEENSLAND SPIRIT FUNCTION VENUE
This former grape and citrus farm is now a craft distillery producing gin and vodka. Visit the Cellar Door for a delicious blend infused with the natural flavours of Outback Queensland. A new function space will be available for weddings, parties, corporate events and catered gatherings in 2024.
ROMA
RIVER SANDS FROM THE NEBINE TO THE WARREGO ART GALLERY
Renowned Kooma artist, Andrew Nelson, opens his first art gallery in his home town of Cunnamulla. Through art he tells the story from his early days growing up in the Yumba on the outskirts of town and his discovery of all different mediums growing into the awardwinning artist he is today. Now for the first time much of his art is brought together in a brand new gallery in the heart of the town. Opening March 2024.
CUNNAMULLA
NEW EXHIBITS AT MORVEN HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Stop by the Morven Historical Museum to enjoy the new Vietnam Nurses Memorial and the Allis K Chalmers Crawler Tractor. There is also the newly refurbished 1946 Blitz Chev and Fordson Tractor exhibits to explore. The museum is open 10am – 12noon Monday to Friday, but can be opened up outside these times if requested.
MORVEN
GOLDEN WEST TOURS
Run by husband and wife team, Brett and Kathy Hintz, Golden West Tours specialises in boutique tours of the sights, sounds and history of Longreach. The tours will provide you with personalised service and care in the good old fashioned country way.
LONGREACH
SUNSET VIEWING –
THE PRIDE OF THE MURRAY DECK
Book a Starlight’s Cruise Experience and for an optional extra, have the chance to board the Pride of the Murray boat stationed on the riverbank to watch the sunset from the viewing deck. Opening June 2024.
LONGREACH
LIFEFLIGHT AUSTRALIA VISITOR EXPERIENCE CENTRE
As part of The Lee Family and Australian Country Choice LifeFlight Centre, the new LifeFlight Visitor Experience has opened in Roma! Discover aeromedicine and its role in healthcare access across the South West, learn some community safety tips, and experience fun static and interactive exhibits to learn more about LifeFlight in the region. Peer through the viewing window at the SGAS AW139 helicopter (if the crew aren’t out on a mission saving lives!) and learn more about the technical capabilities of this special aircraft.
ROMA
MCGEEVER RECREATION GROUNDS
The Recreation Grounds now have a camp kitchen and additional grassed, powered sites all funded by the Balonne Shire Council. It also has free WIFI courtesy of the Thallon Progress Association and an Information Station that sells local merchandise and offers travellers a chance to meet locals during the tourist season.
THALLON
INJUNE MUSEUM
The Injune Museum is a new attraction that showcases the history of the town and its main industries.
INJUNE
“Remote outback towns, singalongs over a beer, friendly folk and sublime arias sung by top artists under the stars. There’s nothing else like it.” Australian Financial Review
Unlike any other music event you have experienced. Join the thousands of people from around Australia and the world who make the annual pilgrimage to the Outback to indulge in big voices and big skies blended in beautiful harmony.
This is Festival of Outback Opera.
TOOGUNNA PLAINS FARM STAY
Toogunna Plains is an exciting new farm stay located in the Channel Country midway between the towns of Eromanga and Quilpie. This 4th generation family-owned sheep and cattle property offers 20 beautifully presented ensuite rooms suitable for groups or individual visitors. Guests are guaranteed a unique experience at Toogunna Plains Farm Stay nestled on a vast open plain with panoramic views. Opening in April 2024.
VIA QUILPIE
ECO TRAIL TO CHINAMAN CREEK DAM
The Chinaman Creek Eco Trail 4.3km walking trail that runs along the Cloncurry River to the northern shore of the dam is concreted and is also suitable for bikes, prams and wheelchairs. Taking approximately 1.5 hours to walk it is an easy way to soak in Cloncurry’s natural beauty especially at sunrise or sunset – the views are spectacular. Collect your free map from the Visitor Information Centre for more details. CLONCURRY
BIG4 BREEZE HOLIDAY PARKS UPGRADE
GRAVE KEEPER TOUR
Join the mysterious Grave Keeper as he unlocks the secrets of the Outback. Hear stories from the late 1800’s to the present, of life changing hardships leading to untimely deaths, and inspiring accounts of bravery. Gain an understanding into the soul of Charleville from… the Grave Keeper!
CHARLEVILLE
TWILIGHT TOUR BY HURRICANE LAMP, UNDERGROUND HOSPITAL AND MUSEUM
Experience the Underground Hospital, tent house, and museum by the warm glow of a hurricane lamp on an exclusive twilight tour. Be immersed in the 1940’s as the hidden history of the Underground Hospital is revealed on a fully guided tour. Opening 1 April 2024.
MOUNT ISA
THALLON SILOS AT NIGHT
The Thallon Silos with their spectacular art murals are lit up each night and are also visible from the McGeever Recreation Grounds which provides a pretty spectacular view.
THALLON
VIRTUAL REALITY CATTLE MUSTERING
Experience the excitement of cattle mustering in air-conditioned comfort at the Julia Creek Visitor Information Centre. This immersive state-of-the-art Virtual Reality (VR) experience places you at the centre of the action from the back of a dirt bike, in the air, or amid the cattle yards. A small entry fee applies.
JULIA CREEK
LUXURY AIR SERVICE TO RANGELANDS OUTBACK CAMP
Start your dream Outback break by flying direct from Brisbane to Winton in luxurious style for a complete packaged escape to this exclusive glamping style experience on a working cattle property 10km north of Winton.
WINTON
WINTON DATES QLD
Experience a unique Outback taste with hand pollinated and grown Winton Dates! 10 varieties are available via the Winton Newsagency, selected market days, and via telephone orders.
WINTON
The BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks – Carnarvon Gorge is becoming sustainable! They’re installing nine brand new eco-friendly cabins, a restaurant and bar, and a solar farm, leaving the property predominately off-grid. Opening April 2024.
CARNARVON GORGE
OUTBACK RENTAL CARS
From March 2024, visitors will be able to pick up a car in one town and drop off in another with minimum or no penalty, allowing for the first time packaging of products in conjunction with REX Airlines. Quilpie, Cunnamulla, and St George will have a fleet of vehicles available for visitors to explore Outback Queensland.
REGIONAL QUEENSLAND
CRACKUP CORNER ACCOMMODATION
Opening from April 2024 for sleepovers! Stay in Crackup Corner - where surprise, laughter and warmth go hand in hand. A home built with donated materials - stories of Outback entertainers and The Crackup Sisters themselves. Be immersed in laughter as you are caught by the boobie traps around the house, see things you haven’t seen since you were at Grandma’s, surrounded by art works of over 40 Australian artists.
WINTON
ANCHORAGE HOMESTEAD
Venture back in time with a trip to Anchorage Homestead, a true-blue historical gem. Meander through the captivating gardens, soak up the homestead’s charm, and, as the cherry on top, indulge in a morning tea fit for royalty.
ST GEORGE
NEW OUTBACK EVENTS IN 2024
THERE’S AN EVENT FOR everyone in Outback Queensland and always something new to try. Check out these great new events happening in 2024.
2023 PHOTOGRAPHIC PORTRAIT
PRIZE TOURING EXHIBITION
19 JULY - 11 OCTOBER 2024
The Waltzing Matilda Centre will be hosting the touring exhibition of the 2023 Photographic Portrait Prize from the National Portrait Gallery of Canberra. WINTON
OUTBACK SOUNDS
20 APRIL 2024
QLD Music Trails’ popular Outback Trail returns with a series of events that includes the inaugural family-friendly Outback Sounds music festival at Charleville Showgrounds on 20 April 2024.
CHARLEVILLE
SPECIAL EXHIBITION AT QANTAS FOUNDERS MUSEUM
15 MARCH - END SEPTEMBER 2024
Qantas Founders Museum Art Gallery 4730 is thrilled to announce the arrival of a spectacular artwork by internationally acclaimed artist Yayoi Kusama! On loan from the National Gallery of Australia, with the official unveiling on 15 March 2024, ‘THE SPIRIT OF THE PUMPKINS DESCENDED INTO THE HEAVENS, 2017’ is a free of charge exhibition running until the end of September 2024.
LONGREACH
Yayoi Kusama, THE SPIRIT OF THE PUMPKINS DESCENDED INTO THE HEAVENS, 2017, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 2018 with the assistance of Andrew and Hiroko Gwinnett © YAYOI KUSAMA
COBB & CO FESTIVAL: 100 YEAR CELEBRATION
16–24 AUGUST 2024
Cobb & Co are celebrating their 100-year anniversary of the last horsedrawn mail coach service in Australia. The Festival is a fast-moving, rattling and clattering event showcasing the history and heritage of the Australian bush. The commemorative program takes place in the small country towns of Surat & Yuleba, and along the 76km dusty bush track in between.
SURAT & YULEBA
OPENING OF VIETNAM NURSES MEMORIAL, MORVEN HISTORICAL MUSEUM
24 APRIL 2024
This new two-stage Memorial is designed to celebrate the Australians who nursed in Vietnam. The first stage, a permanent photographic exhibition, will capture the work of the civilian, RAAF and RAANC nurses who were deployed to Vietnam between 1964-1972. Opening 24 April 2024.
MORVEN
10 WAYS TO DO THE DINOSAUR
OUTBACK QUEENSLAND IS AMONG the world’s best (and most fun!) places to follow the trail of ancient giants. Dinosaur lovers of all ages are spoiled for choice – explore with tailored drive routes, fascinating museums, and even hands-on dig experiences to create a unique and memorable holiday or short break.
EROMANGA NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Watch video here
Discover ‘Cooper’ the Titanosaur, the largest dinosaur found in Australia at 30 metres long and 6.5 metres high! Visit the lab to learn how ancient fossils are prepared for display and try your hand at digging for a piece of history on a dinosaur or megafauna site. Stay on site and enjoy one of the museum’s longer dino experiences.
EROMANGA
LARK QUARRY CONSERVATION PARK
Love the thrill and suspense of dino movies? Come and see the preserved footprints and imagine the chaos of a real dinosaur stampede when a carnivorous theropod stalked over 150 chicken-sized coelurosaurs and emusized ornithopods at this very spot 95 million years ago.
NEAR WINTON
Eromanga Natural History Museum, Eromanga
KRONOSAURUS KORNER MUSEUM
Watch video here
Encounter the marine greats, watch fossils prepared in the laboratory and take a selfie with the museum’s much-loved Kronosaurus queenslandicus. With a permit you can dig on a designated fossil site and in the school holidays, there’s a guided half-day MiniPalaeo Adventure the whole family will adore.
RICHMOND
BARCOO INTERPRETATION CENTRE
Isisfordia duncani is the world’s most primitive form of the modern crocodile and lived in the swamps and lakes that covered this area 100 million years ago. Check out the life-sized model and the fossilised remains of many of the creatures that were on the menu for this formidable ancient predator.
ISISFORD
AUSTRALIAN AGE OF DINOSAURS MUSEUM
Watch video here
There’s so much to see and do at the home of the world’s largest Australian dinosaur fossil collection that includes ‘Banjo’ and ‘Matilda’, two of our most complete dinosaur skeletons. Don’t miss the March of the Titanosaurs exhibition and Dinosaur Canyon with its life-sized replicas. Hands-on experiences include Dig-A-Dino and Prep-A-Dino with a range of tours and customisable options – you can even qualify as an Honorary Technician! After sundown, the Gondwana Stars Observatory offers you breathtaking views of the night skies.
WINTON
BOULIA HERITAGE COMPLEX
Among this extensive local heritage collection are amazing fossil displays of the marine reptiles that inhabited the ancient inland Eromanga Sea – including Boulia’s famous 80 per cent complete Plesiosaur!
BOULIA
Australian Age Of Dinosaurs Museum, Winton
FLINDERS DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM
Prepare to meet the mighty ‘Hughie’, a life-sized skeletal replica of a Muttaburrasaurus langdoni as you enter this treasure trove of fossils. There’s a light and sound show, and kids will love the interactive displays and dino activities. The huge dinosaur themed painting on the town’s Alyss Street Water Tower is another great spot for pics!
HUGHENDEN
MUTTABURRASAURUS INTERPRETATION CENTRE
This architectural delight made from local gidgee stones describes the discovery of the fossilised Muttaburrasaurus langdoni found by local grazier Doug Langdon. The dinosaur is celebrated with a statue – don’t forget to have your photo taken with this Queensland giant!
MUTTABURRA
For more details about Outback Queensland’s dinosaur attractions, please visit us online: OUTBACKQUEENSLAND.COM.AU/ EXPERIENCES/DINOSAURS
BOODJAMULLA (LAWN HILL) NATIONAL PARK
Combine stunning nature and history at the World Heritage-listed Riversleigh fossil deposit. Finds from the site show stages of the evolution of native wildlife, from the largest freshwater crocodile to feather-tailed possums and sharptoothed kangaroos. Check park alerts for weather warnings and open areas before you visit.
VIA MOUNT ISA
RIVERSLEIGH FOSSIL DISCOVERY CENTRE
Showcasing the important fossils from the Riversleigh World Heritage Area, the centre’s interactive displays, life sized replica animals, a working fossil laboratory and informative guided tours make it a firm favourite with dinosaur hunters of any age.
MOUNT ISA
TOP REASONS TO MEET A DINOSAUR THIS YEAR
• Get up close and personal in the lab to learn how the fossils are repaired and documented; or do some hands on fossil sorting with your enthusiastic fossil guide at Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre
• Visit the Flinders Discovery Centre to check out an impressive fossil collection and a great light and sound show which will introduce you to nearby Porcupine Gorge – make sure you check out the Muttaburrasaurus fossil!
• Go behind the scenes and learn to prep a fossil in the paleo learning laboratory and measure up against Australia’s Largest Dinosaur ‘Cooper’ at Eromanga Natural History Museum
• Visit awe-inspiring marine creatures such as ‘Penny’ the Richmond plesiosaur and take a sel e with ‘Krono’ Kronosaurus queenslandicus – a 10 metre, giant marine reptile at Kronosaurus Korner – who knew that the Outback used to be home to an inland sea?!
Australia’s Dinosaur Trail in Queensland’s Outback is an exciting adventure, where you can follow in the footsteps of the prehistoric creatures that once roamed this ancient land. The trail links the towns of Richmond, Hughenden and Winton where some of the world’s most amazing fossils are still being found.
WINTON HUGHENDEN
WINTON RICHMOND
CHEERS TO GREAT OUTBACK PUBS!
FROM THE OUTBACK PUB featured in the movie Crocodile Dundee, to the historic stops along the old Cobb & Co stagecoach routes, there’s no shortage of quintessential Aussie pubs o ering great food, drinks, and country hospitality. Don’t miss Outback Queensland’s iconic gems to check out on your travels.
BEDOURIE HOTEL
Sited on the edge of the Simpson Desert, this Outback oasis has been in operation since 1886. Along with cold beer, counter meals and a rustic style dining room, there’s accommodation and an enduring Outback welcome for travellers.
BEDOURIE
BIRDSVILLE HOTEL
NINDIGULLY PUB
Come to ‘The Gully’ as a stranger and leave as a friend! Originally shearer’s accommodation, the pub opened in 1864 and became a Cobb & Co coach change over station. It’s still a favourite for Outback travellers today.
NINDIGULLY
The Outback’s most iconic bush pub and chock to the brim with history, stories, characters and great food and drink. Definitely one for the bucket list!
BIRDSVILLE
NOCCUNDRA HOTEL
This gorgeous heritage listed sandstone hotel was established in 1882 as a welcome rest stop for travellers on the Cobb & Co stagecoaches.
NOCCUNDRA
WELLSHOT HOTEL
Located in the tiny town of Ilfracombe, the hotel found this permanent spot in 1890 after being relocated multiple times along the railway line by bullock and cart. Don’t miss a photo opportunity with the cheeky bar stools!
ILFRACOMBE
READ MORE ABOUT OUTBACK QUEENSLAND’S HISTORIC AND RESTORED PUBS
BLUE HEELER HOTEL
This 1860s Cobb & Co staging post has hosted thousands of thirsty travellers in its time, including bush poet Banjo Paterson who they say debuted his famous song Waltzing Matilda here. Stop in for a drink, some tucker, and a slice of history.
KYNUNA
EULO QUEEN HOTEL
Opened in 1886 by the ‘Eulo Queen’ Isabel Gray who apparently had a particular fondness for opals, this popular rest stop offers great food and drinks, accommodation, powered sites and camping facilities, plus the chance to learn more about this local legend.
EULO
THE MUCKA PUB
Close to Roma, ‘The Bup’ is the heart and soul of town so when fire destroyed it in 2019 locals were delighted to see its resurgence in 2021. Surrounded by native gardens, camping accommodation and a swimming pool, the award-winning pub is open for lunch and dinner.
MUCKADILLA
WALKABOUT CREEK HOTEL
Paul Hogan’s Crocodile Dundee gives this pub its global claim to fame. The interior pays homage to the movie with plenty of memorabilia to take in while you enjoy a coldie.
MCKINLAY
PRAIRIE HOTEL
Check out the fascinating collection of curios in this trueblue Outback bush pub built in 1860 as a horse-changing point for the Cobb & Co stagecoach.
PRAIRIE
QUAMBY PUB
First established in the 1860s as a Customs House, the Quamby became a hotel in 1916. Abandoned in 2013, the historic pub was restored and reopened as the ‘Pub in the Scrub’ ten years later. You’ll find friendly staff, great beer, tasty grub, playground, pool, amenities, and accommodation with a camping area.
VIA CLONCURRY
ROYAL HOTEL
Built in 1885 and once a Cobb & Co staging post, the Royal is an icon for locals and travellers.
EROMANGA
ROYAL MAIL HOTEL
Originally built in 1873 and transported from New South Wales on bush tracks, this charming hotel was another Cobb & Co Staging Post and is still going strong today.
HUNGERFORD
SADLEIR’S WATERHOLE
Despite burning down in 2016, the pub was rebuilt by eight local families and is once again the heart of the community.
MORVEN
ADAVALE OUTBACK PUB, Adavale
BARALABA HOTEL, Baralaba
BILOELA HOTEL, Baralaba
THE BRICK HOTEL, Quilpie
DIRRAN PUB, Dirranbandi
FEDERAL PALACE HOTEL, Richmond
FOXTRAP COOLADDI ROADHOUSE, Cooladdi
HEBEL HOTEL, Hebel
HOTEL CORONES, Charleville
HOTEL THEODORE, Theodore
JULIA CREEK HOTEL, Julia Creek
ISA HOTEL, Mount Isa
JUNDAH HOTEL, Jundah
TATTERSALLS, Winton
THE ROYAL CARRANGARRA HOTEL, Tambo
SCHOOL OF ARTS HOTEL, Roma
SHAKESPEARE HOTEL, Barcaldine
WESTERN STAR HOTEL, Windorah
YARAKA HOTEL, Yaraka
MUTTABURRA PUB – THE EXCHANGE HOTEL, Muttaburra
NORTH GREGORY HOTEL, Winton
IMPERIAL HOTEL, Quilpie
KALKADOON HOTEL
Known as the ‘Wild West Pub’, the hotel in the small town of Kajabbi closed in 2006 due to falling population. Now fully restored, this traditional gem reopened in April 2022. The family friendly pub is open for lunch and dinner and there’s camping accommodation on site.
CLONCURRY
STONEHENGE HOTEL
Off the beaten track and in the hub of the tiny town of Stonehenge, this is a great place to drop in and meet the locals over a beer or two.
STONEHENGE
TOOMPINE PUB, SOUTH WESTERN HOTEL
This ‘Pub without a Town’ was built in 1893 to replace the original that burned down. Its survival was threatened over the years until locals came to the rescue in 2019.
VIA QUILPIE
BETOOTA HOTEL
This iconic Aussie outback pub is set within a ghost town 167km east of Birdsville. After closing in 1997, the hotel reopened in 2020 and celebrated its 100th birthday last year! Pop in for traditional country meals, accommodation, hospitality and even souvenirs to take home.
VIA BIRDSVILLE
Wellness WayOUTBACK QUEENSLAND’S HOT SPRINGS TRAIL
There’s a new way to discover the unique benefits of an Outback Queensland holiday. Introducing the “Wellness Way”, a hot springs and bathing trail leading you to 24 destinations guaranteed to soothe the body, mind and soul.
More than a trail, it’s a deep dive into the ancient healing power of the mineral-rich artesian water that lies beneath the surface of this vast landscape. From promoting skin health and relieving muscle tension to fostering deep tranquillity, each soak provides a welcome respite for rejuvenation and relaxation, and a stepping stone to wellbeing.
Artesian springs, pools, spas and meticulously crafted bathhouses that seamlessly blend luxury with the rugged charm of the Outback await. So why not let nature be your guide and find your way to wellness in these Outback Queensland bathing locations.
Seasonal closures may apply. For more information: outbackqueensland.com.au/ experiences/wellnessway-hot-springs-trail
SOUTH WEST
01 GREAT ARTESIAN SPA, MITCHELL
Hot and not so. Pick the pool with the right temperature and retreat to a tranquil state of mind while lying back in buoyant warm waters. A hydro chair provides easy access.
02 PELICAN REST TOURIST PARK, ST GEORGE
Relax in the 12 metre heated therapeutic artesian mineral pool infused with a specifically formulated blend of minerals, which further softens the water making for a silky smooth swimming experience your skin and hair will love.
03 ST GEORGE AQUATIC CENTRE
The 34 degree water in the thermal pool is easily accessed with a ramp and rail to enter the warm waters. In the warmer months entry will also gain you access to the 50m pool.
04 CHARLOTTE PLAINS, CUNNAMULLA
Picture yourself in an open-air artesian bath surrounded by the raw beauty of Outback Queensland. Sunrise or sunset soaks offer a peaceful and natural remedy for relaxation and wellbeing.
05 CUNNAMULLA HOT SPRINGS
This is your new oasis of wellbeing in the heart of the Outback. A welcome haven with a constellation of geothermal mineral pools, as well as a cold plunge pool, sauna and steam room under the shade of riverside coolabah and eucalyptus trees.
06 ALROY STATION, EULO
This working sheep and cattle station could be the home of star bathing. Harness the wonder and serenity of the night sky as a method of meditation in the hot outdoor baths.
07 ARTESIAN MUD BATHS, EULO
Feed your skin and your body! Step into claw-foot baths to soak in milky grey artesian water and slather on mineralrich clay for skin as smooth as silk as you pamper the palate with wine and nibbles.
08 ARTESIAN WATERS CARAVAN PARK, YOWAH
Privacy is assured in the character filled bathhouses. Night or day the bathing experience here can promote better blood circulation and invigorate the body.
09 ARTESIAN POOLS, YOWAH
Free head and shoulder massages are included as the naturally heated bore water drops from the mine hoist feeding the two pools, one warm and one warmer.
10 THE LAKE QUILPIE
The Lake Bathhouse offers two steaming hot tubs, stunning views over Lake Houdraman and a mud face mask so the wellness benefits of artesian bathing extend from head to toe.
11 CHANNEL COUNTRY TOURIST PARK AND SPAS, QUILPIE
Check in, then check out the three hot artesian spas filled with 30-41 degree water, complete with blowers and jets to work those muscles that haven’t been used for a while.
FAR WEST
12 BEDOURIE ARTESIAN SPA AND AQUATIC CENTRE
Take your mates, there’s room for 22, to ease the stiffness of road weary bodies in the warm 38 to 40 degree water of the spa or get the heart rate up swimming in the 25-metre pool.
CENTRAL WEST
13 BLACKALL AQUATIC CENTRE, BLACKALL
Walk-in access and a disabled lift ensure everyone can ease sore muscles in the spa, fed by 58 degree bore water, or enjoy a refreshing dip in the 50-metre pool.
14 LARA WETLANDS, BARCALDINE
Naturally good for you. Take a therapeutic dip in the natural thermal controlled artesian pool (approx. 38 degrees) heated to perfection like a big, Outback hot tub when you camp here.
15 DUNBLANE, BARCALDINE
It’s not just a bath; it’s where sheep and serenity meet! After a day in the life experience on this commercial sheep property you’ll appreciate the serenity of watching the sunset or catching a shooting star as you lie back in a hot bath.
16 SHANDONVALE STATION, BARCALDINE
Bathe with the birds in a treetop artesian spa perched high above this Outback station between Barcaldine and Longreach. A traditional claw-foot bath and an oldstyle shearer’s bathhouse
make sunset viewing a rejuvenating experience.
17 ILFRACOMBE MEMORIAL PARK, SWIMMING POOL AND SPA
No need to rush, the warm waters in the artesian spa have been waiting up to two million years to bring their health-giving benefits to you. Enjoy the heat in the spa then chill in the full-length pool.
18 SALTBUSH RETREAT, LONGREACH
Earthly pleasure is yours as you sink into the claw-foot baths on the exclusive Outdoor Bath Terrace. These open-air artesian baths redefine rustic relaxation under open skies.
19 NORTH GREGORY HOTEL, WINTON
Historical charm and wellness converge for guests who use the hydrotherapy pool - you won’t find another one for cooee and when you stay here the bubble benefits are free.
NORTH WEST
20 JULIA CREEK CARAVAN PARK ARTESIAN BATHHOUSE EXPERIENCE
The 12 claw-foot hot tubs here are the star attraction under the stars. Private bathhouses with two baths in each are perfect for romantic rejuvenation and a touch of indulgence.
21 CORELLA CREEK FARM STAY, JULIA CREEK
It’s a wellness trifecta with three thermal artesian bathing options to suit your mood on this property. Under the stars, in the private garden or plunge pool on the deck, relaxation is guaranteed.
22 SUNSET TOP CARAVAN PARK, MOUNT ISA
When you’ve set up camp a magnesium pool welcomes hot, weary travellers. Some time spent in the pool is said to ease muscle tension, reduce anxiety and promote overall wellbeing.
23 GILBERTON OUTBACK RETREAT
Your detox destination is waiting where no phone, no internet and no TV complements the bathing bliss to be had in the outdoor bath with uninterrupted views over Gilberton River.
24 TALAROO HOT SPRINGS
To access the health benefits of hot springs comprised of water seeping from kilometres underground heated by hot granite rocks you will need to book a guided tour or a private bathing experience.
05 Cunnamulla Hot Springs
13 Blackall Aquatic Centre, Blackall
12 Bedourie Artesian Spa and Aquatic Centre
20 Julia Creek Caravan Park Artesian Bathhouse Experience
2024 EVENTS
CHECK OUT MORE OUTBACK EVENTS ONLINE! EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. DETAILS ARE CORRECT AT THE TIME OF PUBLISHING.
YOU’LL ALWAYS BE ENTERTAINED in Outback Queensland with a vast assortment of iconic, fun, and unforgettable events. Plan your holiday around them or take a look at what’s on while you’re in the area.
For a real taste of country life join the locals at rodeos and musters, horse and camel racing, country shows, food and craft markets, car rallies and sports events.
Immerse yourself in the arts – from opera and film, to musical symphonies, dance and art – enjoy inspiring events set amongst some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes.
Embrace the quirkier side of life with dunny racing, swag tossing competition, or a truck pull to name a few!
Pick your favourites and add them to your itinerary for the trip of a lifetime.
Getting to Outback Queensland is easy, with daily flights to major regional Outback towns, including Roma, Charleville, Mount Isa and Longreach, with other regional services offered weekly.
You can also arrive by train, bus, or take a road trip to explore via well maintained highways and sealed roads, or grab your 4WD and head off the beaten track.
FOR MORE DETAILS ON ALL OUR LOCAL SHOWS, RACING, RODEO AND CAMPDRAFT EVENTS SEE HERE:
january
1ST JAN – 15TH APR LONGREACH
Out of This World:
Australia in the Space Age
5TH JAN – 17TH MAR WINTON
Outback Now Art Exhibition
13TH – 14TH BIRDSVILLE
Cactus 100 Frontyard Ultra
17TH CUNNAMULLA
Cunnamulla Hot Springs Official Ribbon Cutting
26TH ST GEORGE
Australia Day Long Table at Riversands
february
3RD CLONCURRY
Faulty Towers the Dining Experience
3RD ROMA
Billa Bite Nite Long Table Dinner
9TH – 10TH ROMA
Santos Roma Rugby 7s
17TH ROMA
Roma Turf Club Bendemere Cup
Race Meeting
Racing, Rodeo &
17TH ROMA
Roma Speedway
23RD – 24TH CHARLEVILLE
Adrian Vowles Cup Weekend
24TH ST GEORGE
Battle on the Balonne Backwards (Triathlon)
24TH ST GEORGE McIntyre 900
march
2RD BARCALDINE
Barcaldine Ball
9TH ROMA
Dancing Under The Stars Gala Ball
9TH WALLUMBILLA
Wallumbilla Bulls, Broncs, Barrels Rodeo
15TH MAR – 2RD SEPT
QANTAS FOUNDERS MUSEUM, LONGREACH
Exhibition: Yayoi Kusama – The Spirit of the Pumpkins Descended into the Heavens
16TH ALPHA
The Angel Flight 2024 Trailblazer
Reunion Concert
16TH LONGREACH
Longreach Races
17TH CHARLEVILLE
Charleville Triathlon
Outback Queensland Masters
Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships
22ND – 23RD ROMA
Roma Picnic Races
22ND – 24TH ADAVALE
Adavale Muster in the Mulga
23RD MAR – 19TH MAY OUTBACK
REGIONAL GALLERY, WINTON
John Villiers Outback Art Prize exhibition
23RD CLONCURRY
Cloncurry & District Races
28TH MAR – 1ST APR ROMA
Easter in the Country Festival
28TH CLONCURRY
Easter Fair
29TH – 30TH ROMA
Roma Speedway
29TH – 31ST EROMANGA
Eromanga Campdraft & Rodeo
30TH AUGATHELLA
Augathella Diggers Rodeo, Billycart Derby and Race
30TH BOULIA
Easter Races
30TH – 31ST ST GEORGE
Riversands Easter in the Vines
30TH – 31ST DIRRANBANDI
Dirranbandi Fishing Competition
30TH – 31ST EULO
Eulo Gymkhana & Enduro Easter Weekend
30TH MAR – 1ST APR ROMA
Easter at Western Queensland Spirit
30TH – 31ST TOOMPINE
Toompine Easter Gunshoot 2024
31ST CHARLOTTE PLAINS –CUNNAMULLA
Easter Egg Hunt
5TH – 6TH DIRRANBANDI
Dirranbandi Show & Campdraft
5TH – 7TH THARGOMINDAH
Channel Country Challenge, Campdraft, Gymkhana & Rodeo
6TH – 7TH WYANDRA Wyandra Gymkhana
8TH LONGREACH Longreach Races
10TH – 14TH LONGREACH Thomson River Festival
12TH – 14TH BALONNE
Balonne Branch ASH Campdraft & Show
13TH MAXWELTON
Maxi Races
13TH CUNNAMULLA
Noorama Picnic Races
13TH THANGOOL
Racing Queensland Battle of the Bush Series
13TH BARALABA
Baralaba Show & Campdraft
14TH NINDIGULLY
Queensland Outback Music Trail – The Gully Sessions – Nindigully Pub
16TH CHARLOTTE PLAINS
Queensland Outback Music Trail – Ballads and Bush Yarns
18TH QUILPIE
Queensland Outback Music Trail – Culinary Constellations
19TH TAMBO
Queensland Outback Music Trail
– The Big Bush Dance
19TH – 20TH JULIA CREEK
Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival
19TH – 21ST CUNNAMULLA
Outback River Lights Festival
20TH CHARLEVILLE
Queensland Outback Music Trail – Outback Sounds
20TH ROMA
Cobb & Co Festival Long Lunch at Western Queensland Spirit
20TH JULIA CREEK
Multicom Resources Artesian Express Race Day
21ST ROMA
Queensland Outback Music Trails – The Sundowner
24TH MORVEN
Opening of Vietnam Nurses Memorial, Morven Museum
25TH CUNNAMULLA
Cunnamulla & District Diggers
Race Club Anzac Meet (inc. Battle of the Bush Series)
25TH BOULIA
Anzac Day Parade
26TH – 28TH INJUNE
Golden Bit Campdraft
27TH TAMBO
Tambo Stock Show
27TH ROMA
Roma Drag Racing
27TH NOORAMA
Noorama Tennis Day
27TH LONGREACH
Longreach Races may
3RD HUGHENDEN
Hughenden Rodeo
3RD – 4TH WALLUMBILLA
Wallumbilla Show
3RD–5TH HUGHENDEN
Festival of Outback Skies
3RD – 6TH BARCALDINE
Barcaldine Tree of Knowledge Festival
5TH ST GEORGE
St George Show
6TH – 7TH TAROOM
The Taroom Show
8TH CLONCURRY
Opera Queensland: Do We Need Another Hero?
10TH – 12TH BLACKALL
Annual Blackall Show
10TH – 11TH HUGHENDEN
Kooroorinya Races (Oakley Amateur Picnic Races)
10TH – 12TH CUNNAMULLA
Cunnamulla Gun Club Mothers Day Shoot Weekend
10TH – 12TH BARCOO
Barcoo (Blackall) Show
11TH MOUNT ISA
Racing Queensland Battle of the Bush Series
11TH MOUNT ISA
Road to Rodeo Mount Isa –
Rodeo and Rock Concert
11TH QUILPIE
Quilpie Diggers Race Club
Quilpie Cup
11TH – 12TH ROMA
Roma Show
11TH – 12TH BIRDSVILLE
Birdsville Campdraft, Rodeo & Bronco Branding
12TH LONGREACH
Racing Queensland Battle of the Bush Series
12TH ROMA
Mothers Day Classic Run
13TH – 14TH MITCHELL
Mitchell Show
14TH WINTON
Festival of Outback Opera –
Festival Opening & Sing, Sing, Sing
15TH WINTON
Festival of Outback Opera – Do We Need Another Hero?
15TH MAY – 17TH JUN BIRDSVILLE
Gulf to Gulf Northbound
16TH WINTON
Festival of Outback Opera –Cultural Conversations and Dark Sky Serenade
16TH – 19TH EULO
Music in the Mulga
17TH WINTON
Festival of Outback Opera –
Long Lunch
17TH – 18TH BILOELA
Callide Valley Show
17TH – 18TH CHARLEVILLE Charleville Show
17TH – 19TH BOULIA
Boulia Campdraft & Rodeo
18TH HUGHENDEN Hughenden Races
18TH LONGREACH
Festival of Outback Opera –Singing in the Night
18TH ROMA
Roma Drag Racing
18TH ISISFORD
Isisford Sheep & Wool Show
19TH LONGREACH
Festival of Outback Opera –Gala Ball
20TH LONGREACH
Festival of Outback Opera – Do We Need Another Hero?
23RD – 26TH BURKE & WILLS
Burke & Wills Campdraft
24TH CUNNAMULLA Cunnamulla Show
24TH LONGREACH Longreach Show
25TH LONGREACH Longreach Races
25TH – 26TH RICHMOND
Richmond Golf Club Open
25TH – 26TH THARGOMINDAH
Shearer’s Shindig
27TH CHARLOTTE PLAINS –CUNNAMULLA
Musician – Chris Vineburg
29TH MAY – 12TH JUN EROMANGA
2024 Eromanga Natural History
Museum Santos Dinosaur Dig
30TH MAY – 1ST JUN HUGHENDEN
Hughenden Agricultural Show
june
TBC CHARLEVILLE
Junior Fishing Competition
1ST BETOOTA
Betoota Horse/Bike Gymkhana & Cricket Match
1ST CLONCURRY
Cloncurry & District Races (inc. Battle of the Bush Series)
1ST TAMBO
Tambo Races
1ST MUTTABURRA
Muttaburra Show
1ST – 2ND BIRDSVILLE
Simpson Desert Ultra
3RD THANGOOL
Horse racing
8TH WINTON
Winton Show
8TH BILOELA
Pride Picnic in the Park
8TH BARCALDINE
Racing Queensland Battle of the Bush Series
8TH INJUNE
Injune Cup Races
8TH MOUNT ISA
Horse racing
10TH CHARLOTTE PLAINS –CUNNAMULLA
Musician – Drew Blundell
14TH – 15TH CLONCURRY
Cloncurry & District Show
14TH – 15TH RICHMOND
Richmond Field Days and Races
14TH – 16TH MOUNT ISA
Yelvertoft Campdraft & Rodeo
15TH LONGREACH
Longreach Races
15TH BARCALDINE
Barcaldine Show
15TH ROMA
Roma Drag Racing
15TH CUNNAMULLA
Cunnamulla & District Diggers
Race Club – Ladies Pink Day
15TH – 16TH THARGOMINDAH
Thargomindah Polocrosse Carnival
15TH – 16TH BIRDSVILLE
Outback Queensland Masters - Round 1
15TH JUN – 29TH SEP ROMA
Sculptures Out Back
21ST – 22ND MOUNT ISA
Mount Isa Show
21ST – 23RD MCKINLAY
McKinlay Races
21ST – 29TH WINTON
Vision Splendid Outback
Film Festival
22ND CLONCURRY
Cloncurry Prize Poetry
Competition Award Evening
22ND ROMA
Roma Rugby Races
22ND – 23RD BOULIA
Outback Queensland Masters - Round 2
22ND – 23RD BIRDSVILLE
Birdsville Horse & Motorbike Gymkhana
24TH – 30TH ST GEORGE
Yellowbelly Country Music & Poets Festival
26TH CLONCURRY
Dajarra Colour Run
27TH – 30TH JULIA CREEK
Saxby Round Up
29TH – 30TH THEODORE
Lighting Up the Town – 2024 Centennial Event
29TH MOUNT ISA
Horse racing
29TH WINTON
Outback Queensland Masters –Round 3
29TH – 30TH BEDOURIE
Bedourie Bronco Branding & Bikehana
july
TBC ST GEORGE
St George Dam Buster 250
TBC CHARLEVILLE
Halfway There Shindig
TBC HUGHENDEN
Hughenden Rugby 7’s
TBC ILFRACOMBE
Ilfracombe Willowie Cup Races
2ND – 4TH BIRDSVILLE
Birdsville Big Red Bash
5TH BEDOURIE
Bedourie Bull & Bronc Pit
5TH – 7TH CLONCURRY
Rockhana Gem & Mineral Festival
6TH HUGHENDEN
Stamford Races
6TH MUNGINDI
Mungindi Races
6TH ALROY STATION, EULO
Fire to Fork
6TH BEDOURIE
Bedourie Camel Bash
6TH – 7TH BARCALDINE
Outback Queensland Masters –Round 4
6TH – 7TH BOLLON
Bollon Polocrosse Carnival
9TH – 14TH CLONCURRY
Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge & Campdraft
12TH – 13TH WINTON
Winton Opal Festival
12TH – 14TH BOULIA
Boulia Camel Races
13TH TAROOM
Taroom Rodeo
13TH ROMA
Roma Drag Racing
13TH WINTON
2024 Queen of Gems International
Boulder Opal Jewellery Awards
13TH – 14TH CUNNAMULLA
Cunnamulla Polocrosse
13TH – 14TH CHARLEVILLE
Outback Queensland Masters –Round 5
15TH – 21ST THARGOMINDAH
Channel Country Music Muster
18TH – 21ST CLONCURRY
Sedan Dip
19TH – 21ST QUILPIE
Outback Queensland Masters –Round 6 Finale ($1M Hole-in-one)
19TH – 21ST YOWAH
Yowah Opal Festival
19TH – 21ST HUGHENDEN
Hughenden Country Music Festival
19TH – 21ST BILOELA
10th Queensland Heritage Rally
19TH JUL – 11TH OCT WINTON
National Photographic Portrait Prize 2023 (touring exhibition)
20TH CUNNAMULLA
Bill & Oigles Memorial Shoot
20TH JULIA CREEK
Winter Outback July Race Meeting
20TH THEODORE
Theodore Bulls N Barrels Bonanza
20TH – 21ST EULO
Eulo Polocrosse
21ST HUGHENDEN
Flinders Classic Challenge & Campdraft
25TH – 27TH BILOELA
Biloela Winterfest
27TH RICHMOND
Richmond Rodeo
27TH CLONCURRY
Quamby Rodeo
27TH ST GEORGE
St George Cup Races
27TH – 28TH DIRRANBANDI
Dirranbandi Polocrosse Carnival
august
TBC ARAMAC
Lake Dunn Sculpture Trail
Adventure Trek
TBC CHARLEVILLE
Charleville Performing Arts Festival
1ST – 4TH CLONCURRY
Curry Merry Muster Festival
7TH MOUNT ISA
Isa Street Festival
8TH MOUNT ISA
Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships
8TH – 11TH MOUNT ISA
2024 Mount Isa Mines Rodeo
9TH – 11TH MUNGINDI
Mungindi Show
10TH RICHMOND
Richmond Turf Diggers Day Races
10TH PRAIRIE
Prairie Races
10TH – 11TH QUILPIE
Quilpie Sporting Clays Club
Annual Carnival
16TH – 17TH MOURA
Moura Coal & Country Festival
16TH – 25TH SURAT & YULEBA
Cobb & Co Festival –
100 Year Celebration
17TH – 18TH QUILPIE
Quilpie Open Golf Weekend
17TH CUNNAMULLA
Cunnamulla & District Race Club
Memorial Day Meet
19TH – 23RD BLACKALL
Blackall-Tambo Festival of Circus
23RD – 24TH CAMOOWEAL
Drover’s Camp Festival
23RD – 31ST BETOOTA
Betoota Races
24TH HUGHENDEN
Hughenden Campdraft
24TH RICHMOND
Richmond Bush Sprints
30TH AUG – 1ST SEPT BARALABA
Baralaba Bash
30TH AUG – 1ST SEPT BIRDSVILLE
Simpson Desert Racing Carnival
30TH AUG – 1ST SEPT RICHMOND
Richmond Campdraft
31ST RICHMOND
Richmond Pony Club Gymkhana
31ST THALLON
Thallon Truck Pull
31ST AUG – 1ST SEPT BOLLON
Bollon Campdraft & Rodeo
Festival of Outback Opera, 2023
september
TBC MORVEN
Morven Races
TBC CHARLEVILLE
The Camp Oven Classic
TBC BIRDSVILLE
Birdsville vs Bedourie Cricket Match
2ND – 6TH ST GEORGE
Queensland Symphony Orchestra
3RD QUILPIE
Kangaranga Do Street Party
4TH – 6TH LONGREACH
Somerset Storyfest Out West
6TH – 7TH BIRDSVILLE
Birdsville Races
7TH SURAT
Surat Diggers Races
7TH – 8TH NINDIGULLY
Nindigully Campdraft
8TH CHARLEVILLE
National Bilby Day Festival
13TH CLONCURRY
Cloncurry Beat the Heat Festival
13TH – 14TH QUILPIE
Quilpie & District Show & Rodeo
13TH – 15TH ST GEORGE
St George Campdraft
14TH CLONCURRY
Cloncurry & District Races
14TH BEDOURIE
Bedourie Races
14TH – 15TH CUNNAMULLA
Cunnamulla Fella Round Up
14TH – 15TH THARGOMINDAH
Thargomindah Motorbike Sports & Enduro
21ST CLONCURRY
Dajarra Campdraft & Rodeo
21ST – 22ND QUILPIE
Quilpie Motorbike Gymkhana & Enduro
27TH – 29TH BEDOURIE
Bedourie Campdraft, Rodeo & Gymkhana
27TH – 29TH JULIA CREEK
The BIG Weekend – Town vs Country (rugby league)
28TH JULIA CREEK
Spring Race Meeting
october
4TH – 6TH NOCCUNDRA
Noccundra Campdraft, Rodeo and Motorbike Gymkhana
4TH – 6TH ST GEORGE
Dragon Country Sandgreen Cup
5TH RICHMOND
Richmond Turf Club Picnic Races
5TH – 6TH ST GEORGE
St George Fishing Competition
5TH – 6TH QUILPIE
Bowls Carnival
5TH – 6TH HUNGERFORD
Hungerford Horse & Motorbike Gymkhana
11TH CLONCURRY
Cloncurry & District Races
12TH CUNNAMULLA
Cunnamulla & District Diggers
Race Club – Cunnamulla Cup
16TH CUNNAMULLA
Heinemann’s Cup – Cunnamulla Gun Club
18TH – 19TH WINTON
OktoberWest
18TH – 26TH MOUNT ISA
North West Fishing Classic
19TH ISISFORD
Isisford Ross Cup Races
19TH ROMA
Roma Drag Racing
26TH RICHMOND
Richmond Turf Club Ladies Day Races
november
TBC CHARLEVILLE
Charleville Cup Festival & Races
9TH ROMA
Roma Drag Racing Finals
11TH HUNGERFORD
Hungerford Remembrance Day
11TH CELEBRATED IN MOST OUTBACK TOWNS
Remembrance Day
19TH CLONCURRY
Dajarra Community Christmas
30TH NINDIGILLY
Nindigully Pig Races
december
TBC TAROOM
Taroom Races
TBC THARGOMINDAH
Christmas in the Bulloo Markets & Christmas Tree
6TH CLONCURRY
Cloncurry Community Christmas Party
31ST MITCHELL
Mitchell New Years Eve Rodeo
31ST ROMA
Maronoa New Years Spectacular
31ST CAMERON CORNER
Cameron Corner New Years
Eve Party
CHECK OUT MORE OUTBACK EVENTS ONLINE! EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. DETAILS ARE CORRECT AT THE TIME OF PUBLISHING.
DRIVE THE OUTBACK
All roads lead to the Outback – and your next amazing drive adventure!
With so many roads to explore the Outback, choosing which route to take may sound daunting.
Outback Queensland covers an area three times the size of New Zealand. We’ve compiled 20 driving routes for you, catering for every interest, from heritage sights and iconic attractions, to dinosaur trails and national parks.
Queensland’s Outback is waiting to reveal its secrets to you. And with new experiences and events popping up continuously, there’s no better way to discover them than on the road.
Near Cloncurry
ADVENTURE WAY
ROUTE: Brisbane – St George – Bollon –Cunnamulla – Thargomindah – Innamincka
DISTANCE: 1,437km
DURATION: 5 days (one way)
Retrace the tracks of Cobb & Co as you traverse the unique and fascinating Adventure Way where the rewards are spectacular –vivid sunrises and sunsets and night skies with millions of stars. The Adventure Way takes you from St George to the Outback plains where the mulga slowly gives way to a treeless gibber landscape and Queensland meets South Australia.
HIGHLIGHTS
▶ Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting at Riversands Winery – St George
▶ Riverbank walkway and picnic – St George
▶ Sandytown River Cruise – Balonne River
▶ Bollon Heritage Centre – Bollon
▶ Thrushton National Park – Bollon
▶ Nullawokka First Nations Gallery and Tours – Bollon
▶ Bronze Statue of Slim Dusty’s ‘The Cunnamulla Fella’ – Cunnamulla
▶ The Artesian Time Tunnel – Cunnamulla
▶ Cunnamulla All Aboard show – Cunnamulla
▶ Cunnamulla Hot Springs – Cunnamulla
▶ Australia’s first hydro-electricity system – Thargomindah
▶ Burke and Wills’ famous ‘Dig Tree’ near Innamincka
AUSTRALIA’S COUNTRY WAY
ROUTE: Sydney – Warwick – Toowoomba –Biloela – Rockhampton
DISTANCE: 1,583km
DURATION: 8 days (one way)
Australia’s Country Way guides you to the delights and treasures that pepper the countryside of the Great Dividing Range. From Sydney to Rockhampton the holiday is as much about savouring the journey as reaching the destination. Stunning natural formations and welcoming towns, interspersed with crops and grazing land await.
HIGHLIGHTS
▶ Isla Gorge National Park – via Taroom
▶ Cracow Hotel country pub and historic town – Cracow
▶ Dawson Folk Museum – Theodore
▶ Water tower mural – Moura
▶ Banana the bullock statue – Banana
▶ Kroombit Tops National Park and “Beautiful Betsy” WWII bomber – via Biloela
▶ Queensland Heritage Park – Biloela
▶ Greycliffe Homestead – Biloela
▶ Spirit of the Land mural – Biloela
▶ Lake Callide – via Biloela
Kroombit Tops National Park, via Biloela
Toowoomba St George Dalby Bollon
Cunnamulla argomindah
Innamincka
BRISBANE
Nullawokka First Nations Gallery and Tours, Bollon
Toowoomba Warwick
Biloela
Rockhampton Sydney
AUSTRALIAN DINOSAUR TRAIL
ROUTE: Richmond – Winton – Lark Quarry – Hughenden – Porcupine Gorge – Richmond
DISTANCE: 735km
DURATION: 5 days (loop)
Follow in the footsteps of the prehistoric creatures that once roamed this ancient land. The Australian Dinosaur Trail encompasses the towns of Winton, Hughenden and Richmond which all have their own unique dinosaur stories to tell. This journey offers visitors a range of unique experiences not available anywhere else in the world, let alone Australia.
HIGHLIGHTS
▶ Waltzing Matilda Centre – Winton
▶ Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways – via Winton
▶ Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum – Winton
▶ Flinders Discovery Centre – Hughenden
▶ Hughenden Recreational Lake – Hughenden
▶ 1.5 kilometre diverse “Eco walk on Flinders” – Hughenden
▶ Porcupine Gorge National Park
▶ Kooroorinya Falls Nature Reserve
▶ Enjoy an Outback Sunset – Mount Walker
▶ Explore Kronosaurus Korner – Richmond
▶ Cambridge Downs Heritage Display Centre – Richmond
▶ Lake Fred Tritton – Richmond
BARCOO WAY
ROUTE: Tambo – Blackall – Yaraka –Welford National Park – Windorah
DISTANCE: 509km
DURATION: 9 days (one way)
Follow the mighty Barcoo River west from Tambo and trek along the river road skirting the tranquil billabongs. These backroads take you through the prime sheep and cattle lands of Blackall-Tambo and Isisford to the rocky outcrops of Yaraka and through to the corrugated red dunes of Windorah. Discover awesome National Parks and incredible raw landscapes. A 4WD is recommended for some sections of this drive.
HIGHLIGHTS
▶ Tambo’s Wilderness Way 4WD Loop experience – Tambo
▶ Tambo Teddies – Tambo
▶ The mighty Barcoo River – swim and fish
▶ The historic Blackall Woolscour – Blackall
▶ The Blackall Sculpture Trail – Blackall
▶ Jumbo the Elephant – Blackall
▶ The picturesque town of Isisford
▶ Avington Waterhole – near Isisford
▶ Sunset at Mt Slowcombe near Yaraka
▶ Welford National Park
▶ Windorah – with its famous red sand dunes
▶ Cooper Creek – near Windorah
Blackall
Tambo
Isisford
Emmet
Yaraka Windorah
The historic Blackall Woolscour, Blackall
Hughenden
Porcupine Gorge
Winton
Lark Quarry Richmond
Australian Age of Dinosaurs, Winton
The Matilda Way is one road that most definitely leads to adventure, and a different one each day.
The fully sealed 1812 kilometre highway stretches from the New South Wales border all the way to the Gulf of Carpentaria, from Cunnamulla to Karumba. Traversing the ‘real Outback’, the route is filled with friendly local characters, unique attractions and unspoiled natural sites. Four days is a comfortable drive, depending on how long you spend discovering the unique charms of each township.
Along the Matilda Way you will discover little known secrets, experience the raw history of the region and natural wonders of the vast and ancient landscapes. As you’re travelling, check the byways along the route; there are plenty of side-trips that add to the overall Outback experience. Just remember you are sharing the road with huge road trains, livestock and native animals, take care and give way, you’ll protect your vehicle and the truckies will thank you for it. Come and enjoy experiencing the Outback along the Matilda Way.
Kynuna McKinlay
Blackall
Tambo
Augathella
Barcaldine
Wyandra
Ilfracombe
CAIRNS
TOWNSVILLE
Longreach
Charleville
Cunnamulla
Karumba
Burke & Wills Junction
NEW SOUTH WALES
QUEENSLAND
DINOS, CROCS AND GOLD
ROUTE: Townsville – Charters Towers – Hughenden – Julia Creek – Mount Isa –Cloncurry – Adels Grove – Cobbold Gorge –Townsville
DISTANCE: 2,934km DURATION: 14 days (loop)
This 14-day Dinos, Crocs and Gold journey begins in Townsville and incorporates everything from fossicking for gold, digging for fossils on The Dinosaur Trail, heading underground at the Hard Times Mine Tour, meeting the world’s largest ever captured crocodile and walking the path of a volcano at Undara Experience. On the way back to Townsville, make sure to take a break and stop for a cold drink at a local pub along the way.
HIGHLIGHTS
▶ Flinders Discovery Centre – Hughenden
▶ Outdoor artesian bathhouses – Julia Creek
▶ See a live dunnart – Julia Creek
▶ Explore Kronosaurus Korner – Richmond
▶ Lake Fred Tritton – Richmond
▶ Underground Hospital and Museum Tour – Mount Isa
▶ Outback at Isa and Hard Times Mine Tour – Mount Isa
▶ John Flynn Place Museum – Cloncurry
▶ Cloncurry Unearthed and Bush Tucker Garden – Cloncurry
▶ Water tower mural – Cloncurry
▶ Lawn Hill Gorge, Boodjamulla National Park – Adels Grove
▶ Cobbold Gorge – Forsayth
▶ Undara Lava Tubes – Undara
DISCOVERY DRIVE
ROUTE: Townsville – Hughenden – Cloncurry –Mount Isa – Boulia – Winton – Townsville
DISTANCE: 2,172km
DURATION: 12 days (loop)
The Discovery Drive will take you on a journey packed to the brim with Outback legends, ancient discoveries and bucket-list adventures. The drive links the Overlander’s Way and Australia’s Dinosaur Trail with the fascinating Channel Country. Explore vast everchanging landscapes; see amazing prehistoric discoveries; and connect with Australia’s pioneering communities.
HIGHLIGHTS
▶ Flinders Discovery Centre – Hughenden
▶ Hughenden Recreational Lake – Hughenden
▶ Kronosaurus Korner and marine fossils – Richmond
▶ Lake Fred Tritton – Richmond
▶ At The Creek and dunnarts – Julia Creek
▶ Artesian baths – Julia Creek
▶ Cloncurry Unearthed – Cloncurry
▶ John Flynn Place Museum – Cloncurry
▶ Outback at Isa and Hard Times Underground Mine Tour – Mount Isa
▶ Mount Isa Underground Hospital and Museum – Mount Isa
▶ Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park – via Mount Isa
▶ The Min Min Encounter and Boulia Heritage Complex – Boulia
▶ The Waltzing Matilda Centre – Winton
▶ Australian Age of Dinosaurs – Winton
John Flynn Place Museum, Cloncurry
Boulia
Hughenden Townsville Winton Cloncurry
Mount Isa
Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park, via Mount Isa
Travelling the Overlanders Way will allow you to take in the wonders of the vast rugged cattle plains, dramatic basalt landscapes, spectacular gorges, prolific wildlife and take you on a journey through architecturally rich historic towns without even having to leave the bitumen.
This self-drive track served as an important line during World War II and stretches across 1100 kilometres taking you from the reef to the Outback in a matter of days.
Travelling the Overlanders Way is easy, come by plane, train or coach, or get your free driving map and travel the Overlanders Way at your own
GEMS OF THE OUTBACK LOOP
ROUTE: Emerald – Jericho – Barcaldine – Muttaburra – Hughenden – Winton – Longreach – Blackall –Tambo – Roma – Carnarvon Gorge – Emerald DISTANCE: 2,451km DURATION: 14 days (loop)
Explore Outback Queensland on this 14-day Gems of the Outback journey. Fossick for your fortune, meet Hughie the giant Muttaburrasaurus, detour for the unique Lake Dunn Sculpture Trail, glide on the Thomson River at sunset, take a guided tour of the historic Blackall Woolscour, visit the largest cattle saleyards in Australia, and explore Carnarvon Gorge!
HIGHLIGHTS
▶ Lake Dunn Sculpture Trail – via Aramac
▶ The Tree of Knowledge – Barcaldine
▶ Australian Workers Heritage Centre – Barcaldine
▶ Flinders Discovery Centre and the Dinosaur Trail – Hughenden
▶ Australian Age of Dinosaurs – Winton
▶ Waltzing Matilda Centre – Winton
▶ Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame – Longreach
▶ Qantas Founders Museum and Luminescent Show – Longreach
▶ Powerhouse & Historical Museum – Longreach
▶ Cruises on the Thomson River – Longreach
▶ Tambo Teddies – Tambo
▶ The Blackall Woolscour – Blackall
▶ The Big Rig – Roma
▶ Carnarvon National Park and Art Gallery Walk – Injune
GREAT INLAND WAY
ROUTE: Sydney – St George – Roma – Injune –Emerald – Charters Towers – Cairns
DISTANCE: 3,005km DURATION: 16 days (one way)
The Great Inland Way starts in Sydney and takes in much of central New South Wales before reaching the Queensland border at Hebel. The Queensland leg extends from Outback Queensland to the Coral Sea, passing through Dirranbandi and St George, Surat, Roma and Injune, en-route to the sandstone escarpments of Carnarvon National Park. This 16-day adventure ends in Cairns where you can explore above and below the fringing Coral Sea.
HIGHLIGHTS
▶ The famous Nindigully Pub – Nindigully
▶ Balonne River fishing and exploring – St George
▶ St George Heritage Trail and Heritage Centre – St George
▶ Wine tour and tasting at Riversands Vineyards – St George
▶ Cotton farm and vineyard tour – St George
▶ Cobb and Co Changing Station – Surat
▶ The Big Rig – Roma
▶ Roma Bush Gardens – Roma
▶ Adungadoo Pathway along Bungil Creek – Roma
▶ Roma Saleyards – largest cattle yards in Australia
▶ Carnarvon National Park and Art Gallery Walk – Injune
Emerald Jericho Blackall
Tambo Augathella
Roma
Carnarvon Gorge Muttaburra
Hughenden
Winton Longreach Barcaldine Isisford
Hebel
St George
Surat
Roma
Rolleston
Emerald
Clermont
Charters Towers
Ravenshoe
Cairns
Cooktown
e Lynd Junction
Lake Dunn Sculpture Trail, via Aramac
Riversands Vineyard, St George
LEICHHARDT WAY
ROUTE: Goondiwindi – Miles – Theodore –Rockhampton – Yeppoon
DISTANCE: 703km DURATION: 4 days (one way)
Named after the courageous explorer Ludwig Leichhardt, this inland road passes through the Queensland border town of Goondiwindi, via Theodore, and then on to the coastal town of Yeppoon. Drive through friendly country towns, past picturesque rivers, stopping for a picnic or spot of fishing. There are so many things to do along this inland route – from bush walks in National Parks, to historic museums full of artefacts and fun facts.
HIGHLIGHTS
▶ Isla Gorge National Park – via Taroom
▶ The Leichhardt Tree – Taroom
▶ Taroom Historical Museum and Star of Taroom – Taroom
▶ Gilberts Lookout – Taroom
▶ Cracow Hotel country pub and historic town – Cracow
▶ Dawson Folk Museum – Theodore
▶ Water tower mural – Moura
▶ Moura Miners Memorial – Moura
▶ Moura Coal and Country Museum – Moura
▶ Banana the bullock statue – Banana
▶ Baralaba Historical Village – Baralaba
▶ Dawson River fishing & swimming – via Baralaba
▶ Dululu township
Goondiwindi Rockhampton Yeppoon
Miles Banana eodore
MATILDA WAY
ROUTE: Cunnamulla – Charleville – Blackall –Longreach – Winton – Cloncurry – Karumba
DISTANCE: 1,812km DURATION: 10 days (one way)
The Matilda Way is one road that most definitely leads to adventure. The fully sealed 1,812 kilometre highway stretches from the New South Wales border all the way to the Gulf of Carpentaria, from Cunnamulla to Karumba. Traversing the route is filled with friendly local characters, unique attractions and unspoiled natural sites.
HIGHLIGHTS
▶ The Artesian Time Tunnel – Cunnamulla
▶ The Cosmos Centre and Observatory – Charleville
▶ Bilby Experience and WWII Secret Base and Tour – Charleville
▶ Tambo Teddies – Tambo
▶ Historic Blackall Woolscour – Blackall
▶ The Tree of Knowledge – Barcaldine
▶ Australian Workers Heritage Centre – Barcaldine
▶ Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame – Longreach
▶ Qantas Founders Museum – Longreach
▶ Powerhouse & Historical Museum – Longreach
▶ Thomson River cruises – Longreach
▶ Dinosaur Stampede at Lark Quarry Conservation Park –Winton
▶ Australian Age of Dinosaurs – Winton
▶ Waltzing Matilda Centre – Winton
▶ John Flynn Place and Cloncurry Unearthed Museum – Cloncurry
▶ The Barra Centre – Karumba
Outback Pioneers Cruises, Longreach
Cracow historic town Charleville
Cloncurry
Normanton
Karumba
Cunnamulla
Explore e
Natural Sciences Loop
ASTRONOMY » NATURE & WILDLIFE » DINOSAURS »
The sky’s literally the limit on this fully sealed Outback adventure loop. If you prefer ‘sight doing’ over ‘sightseeing’ then be sure to allow time to actively explore the towns along the route. Take a look at some of the town highlights.
EROMANGA
» HISTORY
CHARLEVILLE Stargazing & Endangered Marsupials
Get up close and personal with the endangered Bilby
Discover the night sky and so much more at the Cosmos Centre
See the Vortex rainmaker guns and learn their story
Enlist yourself and experience the WWII Secret Base and Tour
Follow the Outback Native Timber self-guided walk
See the automated Weather Balloon release daily at 9:15am
Charleville Visitor Information Centre
Railway Station, King Street, Charleville | P (07) 4656 8359 info@murweh.qld.gov.au | www.experiencecharleville.com.au
CUNNAMULLA
Artesian Bores & Amazing Opals
Discover the ancient water story at the Artesian Time Tunnel
Kayak the tranquil waters of the Warrego River
Feel the sand between your toes at The Beach in Wyandra
Soak in an Artesian Bore or Artesian Mud Bath
Fossick for the unique Yowah ‘nut’ opal
Cunnamulla Fella Visitor Centre
2 Jane Street, Cunnamulla | P (07) 4655 8470 visitor@paroo.qld.gov.au | www.cunnamullatourism.com.au
THARGOMINDAH Wetland Systems & The Dig Tree
Take a tour of Australia’s first hydro-electricity system, Old Hospital and Jail
Enjoy the fully sealed scenic walking/riding path around Thargomindah
Spend a day at the historic Noccundra Hotel and Wilson River
Drive to the historic Burke & Wills Dig Tree (only 14km unsealed)
Discover salt and freshwater wetlands at Lake Bindegolly and Currawinya National Park
Thargomindah Visitor Information Centre
Echidna Place, 37 Dowling Street, Thargomindah | P (07) 4621 8095 tourism@bulloo.qld.gov.au | www.explorebulloo.com.au
EROMANGA Giant Marsupial & Dinosaur Discoveries
Journey to Australia’s furthest town from the sea
See giant Diprotodon (world’s largest marsupial) fossils found in Eulo
Meet Cooper, a Titanosaur, Australia’s largest dinosaur
Visit the Eromanga Living History Centre
Discover Australia’s largest oil producing region
Eromanga Natural History Museum
1 Dinosaur Drive, Eromanga | P (07) 4656 3084
info@enhm.com.au | www.enhm.com.au
QUILPIE The
Boulder Opal & Hell Hole Gorge
Fossick for boulder opals and admire the Opal Altar
Climb Baldy Top summit for awesome sunset views
Catch yabbies and yellowbelly in the Bulloo River
Take a day trip to Hell Hole Gorge
Spot native birds and wildlife at Lake Houdraman
Quilpie Visitor Information Centre, Museum & Gallery
51 Brolga Street, Quilpie | P (07) 4656 0540
tourism@quilpie.qld.gov.au | www.visitquilpieshire.com
NATURAL ENCOUNTERS TRAIL
ROUTE: Lark Quarry Conservation Park – Boulia – Winton – Lark Quarry Conservation Park
DISTANCE: 924km DURATION: 4-5 days (loop)
Learn about the mysterious Min Min Light then follow the Natural Encounters Trail to Winton via the Diamantina National Park. Explore desert landscapes and visit important wetland habitats. Travel across ancient mesas, gullies and timeless escarpments to Lark Quarry’s dinosaur stampede. A 4WD vehicle is recommended for this trail.
HIGHLIGHTS
▶ Bladensburg National Park – via Winton
▶ The Waltzing Matilda Centre – Winton
▶ Australian Age of Dinosaurs – Winton
▶ The Musical Fence and Arno’s Wall – Winton
▶ The Royal Theatre – Winton
▶ The Min Min Encounter – Boulia
▶ Boulia Marine Reptile Fossil Display – Boulia
▶ Boulia Heritage Complex – Boulia
▶ Boulia Heritage Trail – Boulia
▶ Diamantina National Park and Warracoota Ruins
▶ Lake Constance and Hunters Gorge wetlands area and migratory birds
▶ Lark Quarry Conservation Park and dinosaur stampede trackways
NATIONAL PARKS LOOP
ROUTE: Brisbane – Bunya Mountains –Carnarvon Gorge – St George – Girraween National Park – Brisbane
DISTANCE: 1,973km DURATION: 8 days (loop)
Discover the world’s largest forest of Bunya Pines and other rare species in Bunya Mountains National Park. Bush walk beneath towering white sandstone cliffs in Carnarvon National Park. See ochre stencils, rock engravings and some of the finest Aboriginal rock imagery in Australia. Explore Girraween National Park with its massive granite outcrops, balancing boulders and spectacular wildflowers in spring.
HIGHLIGHTS
▶ The Big Rig – Roma
▶ Roma Saleyards – Roma
▶ Adungadoo Walkway on Bungil Creek – Roma
▶ Roma on Bungil Art Gallery and the Walk of Art – Roma
▶ Carnarvon National Park and Art Gallery Walk – via Injune
▶ Rainforests, cascading waterfalls and cool rock pools
▶ Vineyard tour and wine tasting at Riversands Wines – St George
▶ Balonne River and cruises – St George
▶ The Unique Egg – St George
▶ Historic Nindigully Pub – Nindigully
▶ Thallon GrainCorp Silos – Thallon
▶ Nullawokka First Nations Gallery and Tours – Bollon
Lark Quarry Conservation Park
Boulia Winton
Roma St George
Toowoomba
Miles Bunya Mountains Girraween National Park
Carnarvon National Park
BRISBANE
Boulia Heritage Complex, Boulia
Carnarvon National Park, via Injune
From Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to the Southern Great Barrier Reef or the Outback, the journey is all about taking the time to explore roads less travelled.
Bunya Mountains National Park
Girraween National Park
Image Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland Tree of Knowledge, Barcaldine
NATURAL SCIENCES LOOP
ROUTE: Charleville – Cunnamulla –Thargomindah – Eromanga – Quilpie –Charleville
DISTANCE: 995km DURATION: 5 days (loop)
This drive has it all; birds, opals, fossicking, rivers, geology, lakes, billabongs, artesian waters and bilbies. It’s natural history and heritage all rolled into one. Discover Outback Queensland’s natural and manmade heritage, Outback towns, wildlife and more.
HIGHLIGHTS
▶ Bronze Statue of Slim Dusty’s ‘The Cunnamulla Fella’ – Cunnamulla
▶ The Artesian Time Tunnel – Cunnamulla
▶ Cunnamulla All Aboard show – Cunnamulla
▶ Cunnamulla Hot Springs – Cunnamulla
▶ Artesian Mud Baths – Eulo
▶ Historic Old Hospital and Old Jail – Thargomindah
▶ The famous Burke and Wills ‘Dig Tree’ – via Thargomindah
▶ Australia’s first hydro-electricity system – Thargomindah
▶ Eromanga Natural History Museum – Eromanga
▶ Outback sunset at Baldy Top Lookout – Quilpie
▶ Quilpeta night show experience – Quilpie
▶ Bilby Experience – Charleville
▶ The Cosmos Centre – Charleville
▶ WWII Secret Base and Tour – Charleville
NORTH WEST LOOP
ROUTE: Cairns – Georgetown – Cloncurry – Julia Creek – Richmond – Hughenden – Townsville
DISTANCE: 2,516km DURATION: 11 days (loop)
A ‘must do’ adventure self-drive route, the North West Loop features spectacular National Parks, timeless gorges, prehistoric discoveries and welcoming communities. The drive links The Savannah Way with the Overlander’s Way via the northern section of the Matilda Way. Expect to indulge your adventurous spirit, be captivated by the open road, and sample delicious Gulf seafood.
HIGHLIGHTS
▶ Cobbold Gorge – via Forsayth
▶ Cloncurry Unearthed and Visitor Information Centre – Cloncurry
▶ John Flynn Place Museum – Cloncurry
▶ At The Creek and dunnarts – Julia Creek
▶ Artesian baths – Julia Creek
▶ Kronosaurus Korner and marine fossils – Richmond
▶ Lake Fred Tritton – Richmond
▶ Flinders Discovery Centre – Hughenden
▶ Mount Walker Lookout – Hughenden
▶ Hughenden Recreational Lake – Hughenden
▶ Porcupine Gorge National Park – via Hughenden
Burketown
Hughenden
Julia Creek
Cairns
Townsville
Georgetown
Cloncurry
Richmond
Normanton
Charleville
Cunnamulla Eulo argomindah
Eromanga Quilpie
Cobbold Gorge, via Forsayth
Bilby Experience, Charleville
OUTBACK ADVENTURE
ROUTE: Brisbane – Charleville – Cunnamulla – Brisbane
DISTANCE: 2,448km DURATION: 9 days (loop)
Start your journey by heading west to Toowoomba, Chinchilla and Roma. In Roma check out the Big Rig Night Show, then cool off with a swim in the Artesian Spa at Mitchell. In Charleville, join the up close and personal Bilby Experience and later take a tour of the Outback Night Sky. Meet Australia’s giant dinosaurs at Eromanga Natural History Museum, some of the top 10 largest dinosaurs in the world.
HIGHLIGHTS
▶ The Big Rig Sound and Light Show – Roma
▶ Great Artesian Spa – Mitchell
▶ Bilby Experience and Cosmos Centre – Charleville
▶ WWII Secret Base and Tour – Charlevillle
▶ Fossicking for Boulder Opals – Quilpie
▶ Quilpeta night show experience – Quilpie
▶ Outback Sunset – Baldy Top Lookout
▶ Eromanga Natural History Museum – Eromanga
▶ Lake Bindegolly National Park – Eulo
▶ Artesian Mud Springs – Eulo
▶ Sandytown River Cruise – St George
▶ Riversands Wines – St George
▶ Artesian Time Tunnel and ‘Cunnamulla Fella’ – Cunnamulla
▶ Cunnamulla Hot Springs – Cunnamulla
OUTBACK LEGENDS
ROUTE: Brisbane – Eromanga – Windorah –Longreach – Blackall – Charleville – Brisbane
DISTANCE: 3,440km DURATION: 15 days (loop)
This 15-day journey incorporates the very best of Outback Queensland. Travelling far west through ever changing landscapes into the heart of Channel Country, the drive continues to Longreach where you step back in time to experience some of Australia’s most important moments of history. Heading back east through Charleville, learn about the endangered bilby and be taken on a journey of the cosmos.
HIGHLIGHTS
▶ Sandytown River Cruise – St George
▶ Artesian Time Tunnel and ‘Cunnamulla Fella’ – Cunnamulla
▶ Cunnamulla Hot Springs – Cunnamulla
▶ Eromanga Natural History Museum – Eromanga
▶ Opal fossicking – Quilpie
▶ Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame – Longreach
▶ Qantas Founders Museum – Longreach
▶ Tree of Knowledge – Barcaldine
▶ Blackall Woolscour – Blackall
▶ Top Secret WWII Tour – Charleville
▶ The Cosmos Centre – Charleville
▶ The Big Rig – Roma
▶ Roma Saleyards – Roma
WWII Secret Base and Tour, Charlevillle Roma
Longreach
Jundah
Yaraka
Windorah Quilpie
Eromanga Charleville
Toowoomba
BRISBANE
Cunnamulla
argomindah St George
Qantas Founders Museum, Longreach
OVERLANDERS WAY
ROUTE: Townsville – Hughenden – Richmond –Julia Creek – Cloncurry – Mount Isa – Camooweal DISTANCE: 1,097km DURATION: 8 days (one way)
From the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and pristine beaches of Townsville to the rugged rocky outcrops and red sand of north-west Queensland, the Overlander’s Way will take you through towns rich with history, dinosaur discoveries and some of the world’s quirkiest events; all without having to leave the bitumen. Follow the footsteps of Australia’s droving heroes, who led thousands of cattle from the Northern Territory across Queensland to coastal markets.
HIGHLIGHTS
▶ Australia’s Dinosaur Trail – Hughenden & Richmond
▶ Flinders Discovery Centre – Hughenden
▶ Hughenden Recreational Lake – Hughenden
▶ Lake Fred Tritton – Richmond
▶ Porcupine Gorge National Park – Flinders region
▶ Marine Fossil Museum at Kronosaurus Korner – Richmond
▶ ‘At The Creek’ to see a live dunnart – Julia Creek
▶ John Flynn Place Museum and Art Gallery – Cloncurry
▶ Cloncurry Unearthed and Bush Tucker Trail and Garden – Cloncurry
▶ Outback at Isa and Hard Times Mines Underground Tour – Mount Isa
▶ Camooweal Caves National Park – Camooweal
OUTBACK WAY
ROUTE: Winton – Boulia – Jervois Station –Alice Springs – Yulara (Uluru) – Warburton – Laverton
DISTANCE: 2,700km DURATION: 7+ days
This is an epic road trip, on Australia’s Longest Shortcut – connecting you from Winton, Queensland to Laverton, Western Australia. Marvel at ancient landscapes, dig for fossils, look for the mysterious Min Min lights, enjoy the wildflowers, wildlife and landscapes on this Outback adventure. Travellers journeying along the Outback Way can enjoy some of Australia’s most remote, interesting and picturesque desert areas. This drive includes unsealed roads.
HIGHLIGHTS
▶ Waltzing Matilda Centre – Winton
▶ Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum – Winton
▶ The Royal Theatre – Winton
▶ Bladensburg National Park – near Winton
▶ Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways – via Winton
▶ The Middleton Hotel – Middleton
▶ The iconic Channel Country – between Winton & Boulia
▶ Cawnpore Lookout – near Middleton
▶ Boulia Heritage Complex – Boulia
▶ Min Min Encounter and Visitor Information Centre – Boulia
▶ The famous Urandangi Pub – Urandangi (via Boulia)
▶ Boulia Marine Reptile Fossil Display – Boulia
Townsville
Charters Towers Hughenden
Richmond Julia Creek Mount Isa
Camooweal Cloncurry Winton
Middleton
Boulia
The Royal Theatre, Winton
Porcupine Gorge National Park, Flinders region
Outback Towing Tips & Techniques
Drive at speeds suitable to the terrain being traversed.
Always drive within your capabilities.
Ensure that your load is properly secured. Limit the amount of load in the boot of the tow vehicle.
Always drive appropriately for the road/track conditions.
Know where the vulnerable/ low points are underneath both the car and trailer.
Ensure that your caravan design is suitable for use off the highway.
Check your warranty coverage as some items may not be covered for off-highway driving.
Be realistic as to where you are going.
Use a suitable tow vehicle. In most cases a low range capable vehicle is necessary.
Know your approach, ramp over and departure angles and also the angles associated with the drawbar and trailer.
Off-highway towing is challenging and is recommended for experienced off-highway drivers only. Have a safe and enjoyable trip!
Have at least basic 4WD skills. Use an “off-road” style coupling.
Have electric brakes fitted to the trailer/caravan. Mechanical over-ride brakes may not be suitable for off-road use.
In an “off-road/highway” situation set the bias on the trailer brakes. The trailer wheels will lock up before the car, preventing the trailer overtaking the car.
Know where the wheels of the car and trailer are travelling.
SOUTHERN OUTBACK DRIVE
ROUTE: Brisbane – Roma – Charleville – Quilpie –Eromanga – Thargomindah – Eulo – Cunnamulla –St George – Brisbane DISTANCE: 2,410km DURATION: 10 days (loop)
Visit the largest cattle selling centre in Australia and answer the call of the universe with a tour of the Cosmos Big Sky Observatory. In Charleville, find out why you should join the Easter ‘bilbies not bunnies’ campaign on a visit to the Bilby Experience. Discover exquisite boulder opal in Quilpie. Follow the footsteps of giants in Eromanga and sample wines in St George.
HIGHLIGHTS
▶ Big Rig Tour and Night Show – Roma
▶ Infamous Cattle Saleyards – Roma
▶ Great Artesian Spa – Mitchell
▶ Cosmos Centre and WWII Secret Base and Tour – Charleville
▶ The Bilby Experience – Charleville
▶ Opal fossicking – Quilpie
▶ Quilpeta night show experience – Quilpie
▶ Eromanga Natural History Museum – Eromanga
▶ Australia’s first hydro-electricity system – Thargomindah
▶ Artesian Time Tunnel and ‘Cunnamulla Fella’ – Cunnamulla
▶ Cunnamulla All Aboard show – Cunnamulla
▶ Riversands Wine Tasting and Vineyards Tour – St George
▶ Sandytown River Cruise – St George
WARREGO WAY
ROUTE: Brisbane – Toowoomba – Roma – Mitchell –
Charleville – Windorah – Birdsville
DISTANCE: 1,578km DURATION: 5 days (one way)
The Warrego Way starts at Brisbane and finishes in the iconic and remote Outback town of Birdsville. Along the way, you can see ancient trees from the dinosaur age, endangered mammals, unwind in the soothing waters from the sub artesian basin, delight in yarns told over country bars, or just relax and enjoy the brilliant sunsets and starry nights.
HIGHLIGHTS
▶ The Big Rig – Roma
▶ Roma Saleyards, the largest in Australia – Roma
▶ The Great Artesian Spa – Mitchell
▶ Cosmos Centre – Charleville
▶ Bilby Experience and WWII Secret Base and Tour – Charleville
▶ Baldy Top Lookout – Quilpie
▶ Quilpeta night show experience – Quilpie
▶ Eromanga Natural History Museum, home to Cooper the dinosaur –Eromanga
▶ Cooper Creek and fishing – Windorah
▶ Spectacular red sand dunes – near Windorah
▶ The Birdsville Hotel – Birdsville
▶ ‘Big Red’ sand dune – Simpson Desert, Birdsville
▶ Birdsville Billabong – Birdsville
▶ Birdsville Courthouse Museum – Birdsville
Roma
Charleville Quilpie
Eromanga
Toowoomba
Dalby
Cunnamulla
Eulo argomindah
BRISBANE St George Nindigully
Roma Mitchell
Charleville
Windorah
Windorah Birdsville
Toowoomba
BRISBANE
‘Big Red’ sand dune, Simpson Desert, Birdsville
Big Rig Tour, Roma
AUSSIE ROAD TRIP
CREATE YOUR OWN OUTBACK ADVENTURE!
WHETHER YOU’RE VISITING FOR a short break, family holiday or a long discovery tour, on or off the beaten track, Outback Queensland offers a unique and unforgettable holiday experience.
From nature and spectacular scenery to history, culture and quirky icons, you can choose from so many amazing activities, events and places it’s easy to personalise your very own Outback Queensland adventure.
Outback Queensland is a vast and contrasting land that covers a massive 932,678km² - about 68% of Queensland - across 19 Outback Council regions. The Outback region is divided into five sub-regions to make planning easy – North West, Far West, Central West, South West, and East.
Check out our regional guides in the following pages to plan your perfect Outback holiday.
Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, located in Longreach, Queensland, is a tribute to the pioneers of Australia’s outback. Through interactive exhibits, captivating displays and engaging multimedia presentations, you can gain an insight into the challenges and triumphs of outback life! Online Bookings Essential. 07 4658 2166 | stockmanshalloffame.com.au
EAST
Biloela CENTRAL WEST
Winton Longreach Barcaldine Blackall Tambo SOUTH WEST
Eromanga Quilpie
Charleville Roma
Cunnamulla argomindah St George Bollon
NORTH WEST
Mount Isa
Cloncurry Julia Creek Richmond
Hughenden
FAR WEST
Boulia Birdsville
Windorah
TOWNSVILLE
CAIRNS
BRISBANE
Windorah Sand Hills
The
LOOKING FOR ADVENTURE?
YOU’LL find it in the south west. In fact, it’s so adventurous, they named one of the drive routes which cuts through this Outback territory, ‘The Adventure Way’. Head out along the Warrego Way and experience big nature and colour as thriving wetlands and national parks give way to red sands in the west.
Adventure by day, and by night – when the sun’s gone down the galaxy puts on a nightly show. Explore Outback towns, natural and manmade heritage, and experience big open skies. See the region’s natural attractions including Carnarvon National Park, Roma’s Biggest Bottle Tree, EJ Beardmore Dam, Cunnamulla Bushlands, Baldy Top Lookout and Lake Houdraman. St George and Surat are situated on the banks of the mighty Balonne River and are famous for Yellowbelly fishing.
Stunning scenery abounds in these southern districts, with a rich history in cotton, opal, oil, and gas. Experience the history and sights on a round trip of the Natural Sciences Loop connecting key attractions and towns, including Charleville’s Cosmos Centre, Quilpie’s Night Show, the Eromanga Natural History Museum, Thargomindah’s Hydro Power Plant Display and Cunnamulla’s Artesian Time Tunnel. Further south, the giant silos mural in Thallon showcases icons of the district, and the much-loved Nindigully Pub, Queensland’s oldest continually licensed pub, are not to be missed on your travels.
There’s plenty of reasons to revisit too with some exciting new attractions and experiences you won’t want to miss, including the luxurious pampering on offer at the gorgeous new Cunnamulla Hot Springs complex, and a new Fishing Loop for the St George region for your chance to catch yourself some Murray Cod, Yellowbelly, and Blue Claw Yabby. In Roma, Western Queensland Spirit will open a new function venue and you can examine Outback aeromedicine and its vital role in regional healthcare at the new LifeFlight Visitor Experience Centre.
Art lovers are spoiled for choice with a host of new experiences. Kooma artist Andrew Nelson’s new gallery ‘River Sands from the Nebine to the Warrego’ opens in Cunnamulla; there’s a new Art Murals Trail at St George; and the Watering Hole Heritage Art Trail at Thallon where you’ll also see the town’s famous painted silos lit nightly. Travel back in time and learn about the region’s history at the The Big Rig; uncover the intriguing journey of when oil and gas first flowed in our nation with exhibits, the Tower & Tree Walk and machinery displays. Explore the picture box perfect house and garden at Anchorage Homestead in St George; and enjoy some spooky historic fun on the Grave Keeper Tour in Charleville. In August, there’ll be lots of fun activities during the Cobb & Co Festival in the small towns of Surat and Yuleba.
The new Toogunna Plains Farm Stay located between Eromanga and Quilpie opens to guests in April, and BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks presents nine brand new eco-friendly cabins, a restaurant and bar, and a solar farm at Carnarvon Gorge. You’ll also find a new camp kitchen and additional powered sites at McGeever Recreation Grounds in Thallon. Getting around will be easier too with easier access and drop off for hire cars in conjunction with REX Airlines.
fun fact
CUNNAMULLA REGION
The Great Artesian Basin (GAB) is Australia’s largest groundwater basin and one of the world’s largest underground water sources. The Cunnamulla region has many places where you can luxuriate in warm hot spring and artesian water baths that are said to provide numerous health benefits.
Charlotte Plains Artesian Springs, Cunnamulla
NATIONAL PARKS
CARNARVON NATIONAL PARK
Carnarvon Gorge Section via Injune and Rolleston
Discover towering sandstone cliffs, gorges, ancient culture and diverse nature. Camp in the visitor area during Easter; June to July; and September to October Queensland school holidays, or bush camp at Big Bend year-round.
Explore on foot to appreciate this rugged wilderness. Access is from Injune and Rolleston via the Carnarvon Highway and the sealed 45km Carnarvon Gorge Road.
DON’T MISS Explore hidden gorges and timeless Aboriginal rock art – the Art Gallery has over 2,000 engravings, ochre stencils and paintings along its 62m-long walls. Enjoy elevated views on the 6.4km return Boolimba Bluff walk.
CARNARVON NATIONAL PARK
Ka Ka Mundi Section Nandowrie
Over 30km of remote sandstone escarpments and plateaus dominate the skyline in this remote section of the park. Old cattle yards are reminders of early European settlers. Bush camp at Bunbuncundoo Springs sheltered by overhanging sandstone cliffs. Access is from Springsure via the Dawson Development Road, Buckland Road and signed tracks through Yandaburra. 4WD vehicles are recommended.
DON’T MISS Visit the springs and spot a myriad of wildlife attracted to the water, including king parrots, wompoo fruit-doves and swamp wallabies. View Mount Mooloolong’s imposing sandstone spire or Mount Ka Ka Mundi, a remnant of volcanic basalt.
fun fact
QUILPIE REGION
Famous for abundant natural resources, including its famous boulder opals, Quilpie Shire also has Australia’s furthest town from the ocean – Eromanga – located 1,062 km west of Brisbane.
CARNARVON NATIONAL PARK
Mount Moffatt Section via Mitchell or Injune
Enjoy spectacular views from Queensland’s highest plateau and culturally significant Aboriginal rock art sites. Camp near the Maranoa River, or at the Rotary Shelter Shed for views, or in shaded woodland near Marlong Creek. Access is from Mitchell or Injune via Womblebank Station. High-clearance 4WD vehicles are recommended. Allow three hours’ travel time from either town.
DON’T MISS Cultural sites and rock formations, such as Cathedral Rock and The Tombs, on the lower sandstone slopes, and a basalt-crested plateau for magnificent views.
CARNARVON NATIONAL PARK
Salvator Rosa Section via Springsure or Tambo
The park’s western-most section features crystal clear springs flowing into Louisa Creek and the Nogoa River beneath sandstone crags and spires. Bush camp on the broad sandbank of the Nogoa River. Access is from Springsure via the Dawson Developmental Road and from Tambo via the Wilderness Way loop. 4WD vehicles are required.
DON’T MISS Birdwatch and admire wildflower displays in spring. Picnic beneath the pink-hued cliffs at Louisa Creek junction.
CULGOA FLOODPLAIN
NATIONAL PARK
Hebel via Cunnamulla or St George Coolabahs, black box and grasses flourish on this Murray-Darling Basin floodplain. Bush camp beside
lagoons and spot waterbirds in the wetlands. Look for emus, mulga parrots, Major Mitchell cockatoos and apostlebirds on the plains. After rain, listen out for elusive water-holding frogs. Access is from Cunnamulla or St George via sealed and unsealed roads. A 4WD vehicle is essential.
CURRAWINYA NATIONAL PARK
Hungerford via Thargomindah or Cunnamulla
Red sandplains, ranges and mulga scrub contrasts with rivers, wetlands and large sprawling lakes in one of Queensland’s largest parks. Bush camp or picnic at Ourimperee Waterhole, along the Paroo River, or at Myninya, a semi-permanent wetland. Discover rich Aboriginal heritage, and pastoral history dating from the 1860s. Access is from Cunnamulla via Eulo and the Hungerford Road. 4WD vehicles are required.
DON’T MISS Explore Lake Numalla’s sandy shoreline or birdwatch over Lake Wyara. Enjoy fishing, canoeing and spectacular birdwatching and learn about the endangered bilby.
HELL HOLE GORGE NATIONAL PARK via Adavale
The deep gorges, rugged cliffs and waterholes of remote Hell Hole Gorge contrast with the arid mulga landscape. Bush camp near the waterhole and hike along the plateau high above the creek. Spot red-tailed black cockatoos, spinifex pigeons and yellow-footed rock wallabies, and see stunning wildflower displays after rain. Access is from Adavale via unsealed Adavale-Blackall road and Milo-Gooyea road. 4WD vehicles are required.
Carnarvon National Park, Carnarvon Gorge Section
LAKE BINDEGOLLY NATIONAL PARK via Thargomindah
A string of salt and freshwater wetlands provide an important wildlife refuge in an arid landscape – thousands of waterbirds flock to this inland oasis to feed and breed. Enjoy a picnic and explore the 9km Lake Bindegolly circuit around the lake’s edge, birdwatching along the way. See wildflowers in spring. Access is from Cunnamulla via the Adventure Way.
TREGOLE NATIONAL PARK
Morven
Straddling the boundary between two natural regions, the brigalow belt and the mulga lands, this semi-arid landscape is home to the rare Ooline tree (Cadellia pentastylis) dating back to the Ice Age. Take the 2.5km interpretive Ooline circuit walk (suitable for most ages and fitness levels) to see these and the regions’ arid zone plant species.
THRUSHTON NATIONAL PARK
Bollon
In the heart of the mulga lands features flat sandy plains and remnant vegetation, spinifex, ironbark, cypress pine, kurrajong and stands of mulga. Look out for koalas and echidnas among the river red gums and coolabahs lining the path of the Neabul Creek. Enjoy bird spotting some of the 100 species recorded here, including the Major Mitchell cockatoo, square-tailed kite, and golden whistler. Bush camping available. Both sites are accessible to 4WD only. DON’T MISS The proliferation of wildflowers in springtime.
ROMA @outbackqueensland
INDIGENOUS CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
NULLAWOKKA FIRST NATIONS GALLERY & TOURS
Browse the Gallery for unique gifts, foods and First Nations artwork, and take a walking tour with proud Gwamu/Kooma elder Bill Speedy along tranquil Wallam Creek. Learn First Nations stories, history and culture, and try some bush tucker treats on this fascinating and fun excursion.
BOLLON
SOUTH WEST QUEENSLAND
INDIGENOUS CULTURAL TRAIL
Explore Outback Queensland communities with sites significant to local Indigenous peoples on this route through Dirranbandi, St George, Surat, Roma, Mitchell, Charleville and Cunnamulla.
DIRRANBANDI ST GEORGE SURAT ROMA MITCHELL CHARLEVILLE CUNNAMULLA
BOOBOOK EXPLORE –LOST WORLD CARNARVONS
WALLAROO
This luxury glamping retreat, set on a 72,000-acre cattle property, is home to a number of Indigenous cultural sights - including rock paintings and stencils at Rainbow Cave and Arch Rock, and ancient blade indents at the Axe Factory. There is no public access, so a tour must be prebooked with Boobook Explore.
CARNARVON RANGES via Injune
CUNNAMULLA FELLA CENTRE
Be transported to a time when the Eromanga Sea covered the Outback; discover local Indigenous people’s stories and culture; and view local artworks at the Art Gallery and Heritage Museum.
CUNNAMULLA
fun fact
ROMA REVEALED REGION
Cobb & Co. began their Queensland coach services in 1866 and by 1902 had expanded to 42 routes covering over 31,000 kms every week. Horses were swapped over at changing stations every 16 to 32 km or so, making it the country’s fastest coach service. You’ll find many of these stations still standing in towns across Outback Queensland, some became shanty pubs and still provide a respite for travellers today!
Boobook Explore, Wallaroo Outback Retreat
INSTA SPOT!
fun fact
THARGOMINDAH REGION
Spanning 9,240 km², the Bulloo Floodplain is classified as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International. When it floods it attracts hundreds of thousands of waterbirds, including the pink-eared duck, freckled duck, rednecked avocet, grey teal, and Australasian shoveler.
FISHING
MOONIE RIVER, NINDIGULLY
Yellowbelly and Murray Cod
Near ST GEORGE
WARREGO RIVER – BAKERS BEND AND DILLALAH
Cod, Spangled Perch, Yellowbelly, Jewfish and Black Bream CHARLEVILLE
PAROO RIVER
Yellowbelly and Catfish
Near HUNGERFORD
BULLOO RIVER
Yellowbelly and Yabbies
Near THARGOMINDAH QUILPIE
SURAT WEIR
Golden Perch, Murray Cod and Silver Perch
SURAT
TOP CAMPING SPOTS
ALROY STATION
EULO
BIG BEND, CARNARVON NATIONAL PARK
Carnarvon Gorge Section via INJUNE AND ROLLESTON
CHARLOTTE PLAINS FARMSTAY via CUNNAMULLA
NEAR THE MARONOA RIVER AND AT THE ROTARY SHELTER SHED, CARNARVON NATIONAL PARK
Mount Moffatt Section, via MITCHELL OR INJUNE
JUDD’S LAGOON YULEBA
THE LAKE FARMSTAY via QUILPIE
NINDIGULLY TOURIST AND VISITOR AREA NINDIGULLY
NOCCUNDRA HOTEL AND WATERHOLE Wilson River, NOCCUNDRA
OURIMPEREE WATERHOLE AND MYNINYA
Currawinya National Park via THARGOMINDAH
CARNARVON NATIONAL PARK
Carnarvon Gorge Section via INJUNE AND ROLLESTON
WYANDRA BEACH
Yellowbelly, Murray Cod and Catfish
WYANDRA
INSTA SPOT! CAMERON CORNER @outbackqueensland
Artesian Mud Baths, Eulo INSTA SPOT!
Warrego River
WALKING TRAILS & SELF-GUIDED TOURS
THARGOMINDAH WALKING PATH
THARGOMINDAH
CATHEDRAL CAVE WALK, via INJUNE
MUNGINDI SCULPTURE TRAIL
MUNGINDI
WARREGO RIVER WALK
CHARLEVILLE
CHARLEVILLE SELF-GUIDED CEMETERY TOUR
CHARLEVILLE
BULLOO RIVER WALK
QUILPIE
BALONNE RIVERBANK WALKWAY
ST GEORGE
ART MURALS TRAIL
ST GEORGE
THE WATERHOLE: HERITAGE ART TRAIL
THALLON
CUNNAMULLA BUSHLANDS
CUNNAMULLA
SELF-GUIDED WALKS
THARGOMINDAH
ADUNGADOO PATHWAY
ROMA
ROMA BUSH GARDENS
ROMA
RIVERWALKS
SURAT & MITCHELL
INSTA SPOT! QUILPIE @traveltalesblog
fun fact
ST GEORGE REGION
INSTA SPOT! CHARLEVILLE @crastoa
CLUB BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Discover luxury at Club Boutique Hotel in Cunnamulla CBD: premium rooms, glamping, secure parking, perfectly located with an easy walk to local shops and attractions. Enjoy our bar, restaurant, WiFi, bottleshop and event spaces amidst beautiful gardens. Unmatched hospitality awaits!
15 Louise Street, Cunnamulla P 07 4655 1679 info@outthebackaustralia.com.au
The town of Mungindi is situated in both Queensland and New South Wales on the Barwon River. It has two police stations to service each side of the border and in summer months operates on two time zones during Eastern Daylight-Saving Time!
fun fact
CHARLEVILLE REGION
Qantas scheduled its first fare paying passenger service from Charleville to Cloncurry, via Longreach and Winton in 1922.
INSTA SPOT! THALLON @seanscottphotography
BIRDWATCHING
BOURKE’S PARROT Eulo Bore EULO
FRECKLED DUCK Freckled Duck Swamps created by floods in Bulloo and Lake Eyre Basins via THARGOMINDAH
MAJOR MITCHELL COCKATOO ST GEORGE
THE GREY FALCON & HALL’S BABBLER BOWRA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY & CUNNAMULLA
WATERBIRDS Swans, pelicans & (possibly) rare freckled ducks, wedge-tailed eagles & Major Mitchell cockatoos, Lake Bindegolly via THARGOMINDAH
200 BIRD SPECIES RECORDED Lakes Numalla and Wyara, Currawinya National Park HUNGERFORD
GALAH, COCKATIEL & WHITE-PLUMED HONEYEATER Lake Houdraman QUILPIE
LIFEFLIGHT VISITOR EXPERIENCE
Get a behind-the-scenes experience of LifeFlight and what it takes to run an aeromedical service in the Maranoa. Visit the attraction’s interactive exhibits, learn more about the aviation industry and use the viewing window to see the hangar and SGAS helicopter (if not out on a mission)!
The Lee Family & Australian Country Choice LifeFlight Centre 25 Hangar Drive, Roma LIFEFLIGHT.ORG.AU
Sunset Cruise, St George
THE BIG RIG
Learn about the trials pioneers endured while trying to strike it rich with Roma oil. BIGRIGROMA.COM.AU
HISTORY MAKING PLACES
WELCOME TO THE MARANOA REGION – Where country meets the Outback! There’s more than meets the eye in Roma. Come visit and let us reveal the treasures of Roma and the surrounding region.
Covering 58,830km2, our region is packed with a diverse range of experiences. From learning about the heritage of our towns, to enjoying a nature-based escape – the words ‘I’m bored’ won’t be uttered as you explore our wonderful towns.
Whether you prefer to take the roads less travelled or spend a weekend in our cosmopolitan hub, Roma, our passionate locals are proud to share their knowledge with you. Make sure you stop in at our Visitor Information Centres along the way – which is where the true personality of our region shines.
INJUNE VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 07 4626 0503
ROMA VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE AND THE BIG RIG
MITCHELL VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE AND THE GREAT ARTESIAN SPA
ROMA SALEYARDS
Experience a live cattle auction at the largest cattle selling facility in Australia. ROMAREVEALED.COM.AU
THE AVENUE OF HEROES, Roma’s tribute to the servicemen lost in WWI
CALICO COTTAGE HERITAGE COMPLEX, a Wallumbilla memorabilia hotspot
KENNIFF COURT HOUSE, where the last bushrangers stood trial
COBB & CO FESTIVAL, celebrate 100 yrs of history cobbandcofestival.com.au
TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
CATHEDRAL CAVE WALK, 18.2km walk with a panorama of rock art
BOOBOOK EXPLORE, an eco-guide to the region’s hidden secrets
MT MOFFATT, highest plateau in Queensland
JUDD’S LAGOON, popular fishing, picnic and camping area
TANTALISE THE TASTE BUDS
MITCHELL BAKERY, famous for the best lamingtons in the southwest
ROMA EXPLORERS INN, Roma’s tasty fine-dining restaurant
THE MUCKA PUB, Muckadilla’s best place for a beer and a yarn
BECK’S CHOPPING BOARD, known for tasty brekkies and burgers
INJUNE CAFÉ ON SECOND, fuel up with a coffee and classic café meal
CARNARVON GORGE
Towering sandstone cliffs, diverse flora and fauna, and Aboriginal rock art await! ROMAREVEALED.COM.AU
TOP NOTCH EXPERIENCES
THE BIG RIG NIGHT SHOW SUNSET EXPERIENCE, historical show GREAT ARTESIAN SPA, all year heated mineralised waters
INJUNE TRAIN STATION, home to the region’s C17 Locomotive
COBB & CO CHANGING STATION MUSEUM, the last Cobb & Co route
WESTERN QUEENSLAND SPIRIT, serving flavourful local gins UP THE CREEK GARAGE, a collection of vintage automobiles
QUILPETA NIGHT SHOW
Take your seat in front of the supersized screen for an interactive journey of Quilpie. VISITQUILPIESHIRE.COM
FIND A COFFEE AT
UNSTABLE COFFEE, killer coffee and wholefood treats
OFFSHEARS BAKERY, home to the famous Quilpie Pie
THE 4TH TROCHANTER, coffee with the Dinosaurs
WHEN VISITORS DESCRIBE THEIR Quilpie Shire holiday, there’s always a common thread...‘friendly locals and so much to do’. If simple family fun and local connections are important, then Quilpie Shire should top the list.
With its roots in opal mining, this Outback Queensland must-visit destination is overflowing with Aussie heritage, a vibrant art scene, dinosaurs and rich Outback landscapes. Walk, swim, fish or 4WD to experience our dramatic jump ups, abundant wildlife and ancient discoveries. Located 953km west of Brisbane with a population of approx. 770, Quilpie Shire is well serviced by fully sealed roads, REX Airlines twice-weekly flights and rail/bus connections with Queensland Rail. Choose an adventure station stay or relax in your preferred motel or caravan park.
For local-flavoured activities and adventures, look no further than Quilpie Shire.
QUILPIE VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 07 4656 0540
EROMANGA NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Meet Australia’s largest dinosaur on a guided tour or join a fossil prep program. ENHM.COM.AU
THE OLD EMPIRE CAFE, delicious lunch and coffee on the go
ELLE’S NEWSAGENCY, coffee with a side of shopping
HISTORY MAKING PLACES
MILITARY & RAIL MUSEUMS, local history, stories and artefacts
RICK’S JUMP UP, memorial to local boy Lance Corporal Rick Milosevic
LIVING HISTORY CENTRE, an overview of Eromanga’s history
MEET THE LOCALS AT AN OUTBACK PUB
IMPERIAL HOTEL, lunch and dinner 7 days a week
THE QUILPIE BRICK HOTEL, historic hotel built in 1926
ROYAL HOTEL EROMANGA, historic Cobb & Co Hotel
ADAVALE PUB, Outback pub, general store and post office
QUILPIE BOWLS CLUB, friendly local atmosphere
@visitquilpieshire #visitquilpieshire
HELL HOLE GORGE NATIONAL PARK
Explore spectacular Hell Hole Gorge National Park on a 4WD adventure. VISITQUILPIESHIRE.COM
TOP NOTCH EXPERIENCES
BALDY TOP LOOKOUT, catch an Outback sunset
QUILPIE VISITOR CENTRE, award winning precinct
THE ELEGANT EMU, delectable high-tea experience in Adavale TOOMPINE, the ‘Pub with no Town’
visitquilpieshire.com
CHARLEVILLE AUGATHELLA MORVEN COOLADDI
WWII SECRET BASE
Enlist now to discover Charleville’s biggest secret!
EXPERIENCECHARLEVILLE.COM.AU
CHARLEVILLE, THE HEART OF Outback Queensland, beckons with its rich history and vibrant atmosphere. Discover the world’s largest classroom at the School of Distance Education, delve into the heroic tales of the Royal Flying Doctors, and savour freshly baked date loaf at the Outback Date Farm. Explore the intriguing Steiger Vortex Guns and step back in time at historic Hotel Corones. Discover the past at Historic House, gaze at the stars at the Cosmos Centre, enlist at the Secret WWII Base and visit the Charleville Bilby Experience.
Morven offers a glimpse into the past with vintage machinery and trees from the Ice Ages. Heading north to ‘Meat Ant Country’, Augathella is home to the giant Meat Ant sculpture and showcases pioneer history at the Boadicea Gallery & Cinema and Augathella Experience.
Cooladdi, Australia’s smallest town, boasts the famous Cooladdi Foxtrap and remnants of its bustling past.
CHARLEVILLE VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 07 4656 8359
AUGATHELLA VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 07 4654 5244
MORVEN VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 07 4656 8340
CHARLEVILLE BILBY EXPERIENCE
Help these cute marsupials dig their way back from extinction.
EXPERIENCECHARLEVILLE.COM.AU
SADDLE UP FOR A GOOD TIME
AUGATHELLA EASTER WEEKEND, rodeo, billy cart races & races
SMITH FAMILY COD CLASSIC, $10,000 tagged cod, Easter weekend
OUTBACK QUEENSLAND MASTERS
OUTBACK SOUNDS, Queensland Music Festival’s Outback Trail
TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
TREGOLE NATIONAL PARK, home of the Ooline trees
CHARLEVILLE BOTANICAL RESERVE, picnics, birdwatching, bushwalking
WARREGO RIVER WALK, wander along the picturesque Warrego River
GRAHAM ANDREWS PARKLANDS, home to rainmaking guns & the big red chair!
HISTORY MAKING PLACES
HISTORIC HOUSE MUSEUM, original rail ambulance & Cobb & Co coach replica
MORVEN HISTORICAL MUSEUM, home to a restored kerosene tin hut
AUGATHELLA EXPERIENCE, learn Augathella’s story
VIETNAM NURSES MEMORIAL, MORVEN
CHARLEVILLE AIRFIELD MUSEUM, Charleville’s remarkable aviation history
CHARLEVILLE COSMOS CENTRE
Sun viewing, Big Sky Observatory, Planetarium, interactive exhibits.
EXPERIENCECHARLEVILLE.COM.AU
TOP NOTCH EXPERIENCES
OUTBACK DATE FARMS, experience a fully working date plantation
GRAVE KEEPER TOURS, unlock the secrets of the Outback
HOTEL CORONES HISTORIES AND STORIES TOUR, exclusive access!
@experiencecharleville #experiencecharleville experiencecharleville.com.au
RIVERSANDS WINERY
Clink glasses and sip your way through Queensland’s most western winery. RIVERSANDSWINES.COM
HISTORY MAKING PLACES
SITTING AT THE CROSSROADS of the Adventure Way and Great Inland Way, the St George Region in southwest Queensland beckons with its unique river-town charm.
Unwind in our seven towns – St George, Dirranbandi, Bollon, Hebel, Thallon, Nindigully and Mungindi. Breathe in fresh country air, explore vast landscapes and enjoy wide-open spaces. Discover historic pubs, homesteads and vibrant painted silos. Follow meandering inland rivers, lined with produce fields and top-notch fishing spots – don’t forget your rod!
Explore pristine national parks alive with prolific birdlife and native animals. Then by night, lie under a blanket of a billion stars. For those craving Outback excitement, events abound – from music and culture and familyfriendly shows to food and wine extravaganzas and thrilling activities like campdrafts.
Get ready to explore the oasis that is the St George Region.
ST GEORGE REGION EXPLORE CENTRE 07 4620 8877
NULLAWOKKA CULTURAL TOUR
Throw a boomerang, discover bush medicines, scar trees and taste gourmet bush tucker. NULLAWOKKA.COM.AU
HEBEL PUB, classic Outback pub where stories of bushrangers linger
ONE TON POST, an extraordinary monument marking the QLD/NSW border
RIVER & RAIL PRECINCT, destination of the last mail train in Australia
OLD BULLAMON HOMESTEAD, rustic reminder of early pastoral history
ANCHORAGE HOMESTEAD, stately home, one of the oldest homes in the area
NINDIGULLY PUB, legendary Outback watering hole dating from 1864
BOLLON HERITAGE CENTRE, local history, stories and artefacts
TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
THRUSHTON NP, wildflowers, wildlife and bush camping under the stars
CULGOA NP, remote flood plain renowned for prolific birdlife
WALLAM CREEK, serene gum tree-lined waterway perfect for kayaking
BALONNE RIVER WALK, 5km walkway ideal for stretching road weary legs
SPECTACULAR SELFIES
PAPERBACK HERO BOOMERANGS, vivid reminders of Hugh Jackman’s 1999 film
WILLIAM THE WOMBAT, giant sculpture of Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat
@stgeorgeregion #explorestgeorge
THALLON GRAINCORP SILOS
Capture the colours of Thallon’s vibrant silo mural celebrating the area’s history. EXPLORETHALLON.COM.AU/THALLON-SILOS
TOP NOTCH EXPERIENCES
COTTON FARM TOURS, available St George & Dirranbandi
SANDYTOWN RIVER CRUISES, two-hour sunset cruise
HISTORICAL HOMESTEAD TOURS, available St George & Thallon 1917 MODEL-T FORD TOWN TOUR, run by St George Bakery
stgeorgeregion.com.au
CUNNAMULLA
EULO WYANDRA YOWAH
CUNNAMULLA HOT SPRINGS
Brand new artesian bathing experience with seven pools, sauna and steam room. Relax with the healing properties.
FIND A FEED AT:
PAROO SHIRE, THE HOT SPRINGS Capital of Australia, and an amazing Outback region, is beckoning you with stunning landscapes, a warm community and rich Aboriginal heritage. Soak your cares away in the brand new Cunnamulla Hot Springs, featuring multiple freeflowing pools, or choose from one of the 5 other hot springs options in our region with naturally heated water from the Great Artesian Basin.
And when you’re not relaxing in mineral-rich artesian water, grab a cold drink at one of the towns’ great pubs or cafes, explore the Cunnamulla Museum, be enthralled by the All Aboard 3D Sound and Light Spectacular, immerse in art at the Cunnamulla Art Gallery, and unveil opal treasures in Yowah. Find tranquillity by the Warrego River, or one of the region’s many historic and nature trails and join the festive spirit of Paroo Shire. Embark on your Outback odyssey.
ALL ABOARD SOUND & LIGHT SPECTACULAR
This 3D show tells the rich story of Cunnamulla Railway Heritage. Relax in our modern theatre.
CUNNAMULLA COFFEE SHOP with famous Camel Burgers
HOTEL CUNNAMULLA, fantastic home cooked cuisine
CUNNAMULLA BAKERY, great meat pies and slices
CLUB BOUTIQUE HOTEL, for a great meal and live music
WILDFLOWERS, for awesome coffee and cake
WARREGO HOTEL, for some classic pub grub
Plus many more…
OUTBACK EVENTS WITH A DIFFERENCE!
NOORAMA PICNIC RACES, 13 April 2024
EULO GYMKHANA & MOTORBIKE WEEKEND, 30-31 March 2024
CUNNAMULLA GUN CLUB MOTHERS DAY SHOOT, 10-12 May 2024
CUNNAMULLA & DISTRICT DIGGERS RACE CLUB ANZAC DAY RACES, 25 April 2024
YOWAH OPAL FESTIVAL, 20-21 July 2024
ALROY STATION FIRE TO FORK, 29 June 2024
CUNNAMULLA FELLA ROUNDUP, 14 September 2024
CHARLOTTE PLAINS ARTESIAN SPRINGS
A unique and unforgettable destination to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of Outback Qld. Relax, Soak, Camp, Explore.
TOP NOTCH EXPERIENCES
Indulge in some Outback luxury at the ARTESIAN MUD BATHS EULO
Take a swim at the OUTBACK BEACH IN WYANDRA Fossick for the world famous YOWAH OPAL NUT
Take a selfie with the CUNNAMULLA FELLA
Visit BOWRA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, a birdwatcher’s paradise
Take part in the family friendly OUTBACK RIVER LIGHTS FESTIVAL
Have a flutter at the CUNNAMULLA & DISTRICT DIGGERS RACE CLUB
@visitcunnamulla #visitcunnamulla cunnamullatourism.com.au
CUNNAMULLA
THARGOMINDAH HUNGERFORD NOCCUNDRA
CAMERON CORNER
CURRAWINYA NATIONAL PARK
Nationally recognised RAMSAR site, picturesque waterholes, an abundance of bird and wildlife. PARKS.DES.QLD.GOV.AU/PARKS/CURRAWINYA
HISTORY MAKING PLACES
HYDRO POWER PLANT, third in the world
BRONZE SCULPTURES, early pioneers
NOCCUNDRA HOTEL, heritage-listed
WITHIN THE BULLOO SHIRE there are many iconic locations to explore. From the Bulloo hub Thargomindah, you will find Hungerford to the south via the Dowling Track and Noccundra to the west via the Adventure Way. The shire is home to two historic locations on every traveller’s bucket list – the iconic Burke and Wills Dig Tree and Cameron Corner (where the three states of QLD, NSW & SA meet).
Our region is full of historic and nature-based experiences, with everything from interactive tours of historic locations to national parks with internationally recognised RAMSAR sites.
Along with the freedom of being in the Outback, with the vast distances and rich desert landscapes, you will be rewarded with stunning sunsets and glorious night skies. The roads are well paved for you to retrace the oncerutted tracks of the Cobb & Co.
THARGOMINDAH VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 07 4621 8095
LEAHY HISTORICAL HOUSE
Built in 1885 from locally made Bulloo River mud bricks.
EXPLOREBULLOO.COM.AU/ATTRACTIONS
ROYAL MAIL HOTEL HUNGERFORD, original Cobb & Co Staging Post
CAMERON CORNER, surveyed in 1880, where Qld, NSW and SA meet DIG TREE, early explorers history
WALK IN UNTOUCHED LANDSCAPES
THARGOMINDAH TOWN WALK, 5km joining attractions, town & river
LAKE BINDEGOLLY, 9km loop through the NP passing bird hides
CURRAWINYA NATIONAL PARK, several walks to attractions
WILSON RIVER WALK, along the banks of the river & to the pub
CAMERON CORNER, play one round of golf in three states
HUNGERFORD, scenic walk on Paroo river
NOCCUNDRA, home to the marvelled grey grasswren
BURKE AND WILLS DIG TREE
Discover the history behind one of Australia’s biggest ill-fated exploratory expeditions.
EXPLOREBULLOO.COM.AU/ATTRACTIONS
TOP NOTCH EXPERIENCES
THE SHEARERS SHINDIG, iconic Outback event for the whole family
CHANNEL COUNTRY MUSIC MUSTER, authentic country music + more MOTORBIKE GYMKHANAS, entire September school holidays
@explorebulloo #explorebulloo explorebulloo.com.au
GIDGEE’S BUSH CAMP
A little over 1km off the Warrego Highway at Morven, Gidgee’s Bush Camp offers a unique camping experience. Winners of the Outback Sculptures Emerging Artist award, the campgrounds are full of quirky sculpture, set around rustic old buildings, with walking tracks and bird watching to enjoy. Great facilities for both camping and powered sites. You can enjoy one of our fire pits near the dam, or join us at the camp kitchen or in the surrounds of Wilmavale Hut, our developing outback bar.
Located 1.2 km off the Warrego Highway, Morven P 07 4654 8380 M 0407 620 360 gidgeesmith@bigpond.com GIDGEESBUSHCAMP.COM.AU
Enjoy a delicious date loaf morning tea while admiring rows of magnificent palm trees. Be inspired by the farmer who turned a long term dream into reality. And best of all – find out how incredibly healthy dates are for you! We do recommend bringing a hat and wearing closed in shoes.
BOOK AT THE CHARLEVILLE VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE
P 07 4656 8359 E info@murweh.qld.gov.au experiencecharleville.com.au
CHARLEVILLE
CHARLOTTE PLAINS – OUTBACK MAGIC
Charlotte Plains (27,000ha) is famed among camping enthusiasts for its camping haven near the free-flowing artesian bore. Soaking in nature’s hot mineral spa bathtubs under the stars is a great extra with a campfire which adds colour and warmth. Wonder at the history and vastness as you take in a refreshing drink at the bore bar. Accommodation, camping, wifi, tours available. Dogs permitted. Planes and buses welcome. Winner of 5 grey nomad awards, highlight being The BEST of the BEST.
Airstrip: Length 940m S28° 04’ E146° 11’ P 07 4588 8804 E stay@charlotteplains.com.au CHARLOTTEPLAINS.COM.AU
WESTERN QUEENSLAND SPIRIT CELLAR DOOR
Experience Outback Queensland’s first distillery! Featuring hand crafted vodka, gin, rum and liqueurs showcasing the best Western Queensland flavours. Visit the cellar door, conveniently located on Roma’s doorstep and enjoy a tasting paddle of artisan spirits, indulge in a grazing platter with local, seasonal produce or sit back in a beanbag and enjoy a cocktail under the Outback sky.
Cellar Door: Thursday – 11am – 5pm, Friday 11am – 8pm, Saturday 12pm – 7pm, Sunday 12pm – 6pm. Other times by appointment.
50 Bungeworgorai Lane, Dargal Road, Roma P 0486 028 193 E info@westernqldspirit.com WESTERNQLDSPIRIT.COM
Quilpie Shire − a stunning Outback region in South West Queensland that will supercharge your Outback adventure.
Home to Australia’s largest dinosaur ‘Cooper’
2022 Silver
The Big Rig tells of all the twists and turns of when oil and gas first flowed in this nation. Venture up the impressive 40m Big Rig tower and enjoy incredible views across the expanse of Outback Queensland whilst learning about the hope, ingenuity and mateship that shaped the Australian oil, gas and energy industry.
RIVERSANDS WINES
Visit our cellar door – bring a friend
Free wine tasting Garden café Group functions Unique gift s
Caravan parking Pets welcome in the garden
Riversands Easter in the Vines held on Easter Saturday & Sunday Free entry Live music Family fun BBQ lunch packs & café
Riversands Taste of Balonne Long Table held down the vines on Australia Day
Open 7 days | Mon to Sat 9am – 5pm | Sun 9am – 4pm
66 Whytes Road, St George Q 4487 | P: 07 4625 3643
E: sales@riversandswines.com | www.riversandswines.com
WALLAM CREEK GENERAL STORE
Step back in time at Wallam Creek General Store, housed in a historic 1960s building that once entertained as a picture theatre for 22 years. In 1988, it transformed into a bustling mechanic garage until our 2022 revival. Marvel at the 1929 Raycophone, a relic from cinema’s golden era, and the original meter box on display. With 320m2 of space, we live up to our “We Generally Have it All” slogan, offering a diverse range from groceries to gift ware, camping to coolers, fishing to vet supplies, and more. Open 7 days a week, 6 am to 7 pm.
36 Main Street, Bollon Q 4488 | P: 07 4625 6450 E: accounts@bollonfuels.com.au
CUBBIE STATION COTTON FARM TOUR
An in-depth insight into the unique gravity diversion infrastructure of ‘Cubbie’ as it is affectionately known by locals. Originally developed by the mastermind Des Stevenson and meticulously maintained to ensure the former sheep and cattle stations are both environmentally and economically sustainable. In approx 3 hrs we cover more than 100 kms, highlighting cropping areas, water storage and transfer systems, the Culgoa allocation intake area, the floodways and natural woodland and the Cubbie Cotton Gin. Tours depart from the DRCP please arrive 10 min before departure time.
41-45 Kirby Street, Dirranbandi Q 4486 | P: 0447 555 685
E: dirranbandicaravanpark@gmail.com
THE ANCHORAGE HISTORIC HOMESTEAD
The Anchorage Historic Homestead, built in 1903 for Andrew Nixon, is a rare example of opulence and grandeur for a homestead of its era. Positioned on the western side and facing the Balonne River, the Homestead offers tours to appreciate its unique architecture and historical pastoral and agricultural significance. Guests stay in the loft y upstairs accommodation with kitchen. Surrounded by six acres, this exceptional location offers spacious lawns, sweeping verandahs, spectacular sunsets and night sky viewing, campfires, wildlife and birding, fishing and hiking.
1165 Wagoo Road, St George Q 4487 | M: 0484 306 496
E: info@anchoragehomestead.com | www.anchoragehomestead.com
BARCOO BOULIA
IF YOU ARE SEARCHING for o beat characters and unconventional adventures, then head west – far west – 1,500 kilometres or about 17-hours straight drive west of Brisbane to the farthest corner of Queensland.
During and after the wet season it transforms into a vast network of veins of shallow interconnecting channels and creeks that fill and spill across 95,000 square kilometres, swelling waterholes and attracting up to 450,000 birds including packs of chattering Zebra Finches, Australian Bustards and even the extremely rare Night Parrot. The desert blooms to life with a stunning display of wildflowers after rain – a sight to behold and a photographer’s delight.
Famed for the iconic Big Red Bash in July and the Birdsville Races in September for bringing a big crowd together, there’s always time and space to think in the Far West region.
Nothing is more iconic than standing atop Big Red at sunset, watching the sun dip from the first sand dune of the Simpson Desert (Munga-Thirri National Park).
The most popular route west is to take the Warrego Way from Brisbane – Chinchilla – Roma – Charleville –Windorah – Birdsville and travel via desert roads for the opportunity to travel between the three states.
fun fact
BOULIA
fun fact
BARCOO SHIRE
The Barcoo Shire covers 61,794 km² – around the size of Tasmania – with a population of just 308 people! The region has inspired many artists and writers over the years, including singer Slim Dusty, and writers and bush poets Henry Lawson and Banjo Paterson who set his 1893 poem ‘A Bush Christening’ here.
From the 1840s, camels played a huge role in the exploration and development of Australia’s Outback and nowadays hundreds of thousands of them roam free across inland deserts. It was a round-up of 1,000 wild camels that provided the catalyst for the world-famous Boulia Camel Races which began in 1997.
INSTA SPOT!
BOULIA @minminencounter
INSTA SPOT! DIAMANTINA @diamantina
DIAMANTINA
Munga-Thirri (Simpson Desert) National Park, via Birdsville
fun fact
BIRDSVILLE
For a short time in 2023, Birdsville held the World Record for the most people dancing the Nutbush when 5,838 people at the Big Red Bash got together for the attempt. The record was quickly broken by New South Wales, but the call is out for another go in Birdsville in 2024! Get your dancing boots on for fun and a good cause with funds raised for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
INSTA SPOT! WINDORAH @lisaalexanderphotography
Brolgas in Boulia
BIRDWATCHING
BROLGA
Dry open forests and woodlands across Outback Queensland
BOULIA
PAINTED HONEYEATER
Across the Outback Queensland interior
CRESTED BELLBIRD
Location is a mystery – but let us know if you find one!
NIGHT PARROT
Pelican Point / Birdsville Billabong BIRDSVILLE
WEDGE TAIL EAGLES, GALAHS, CORELLAS, FINCHES, BUSTARDS, KINGFISHERS, HERONS, PELICANS & MORE
Cuttaburra Crossing
BEDOURIE
NATIONAL PARKS
MUNGA-THIRRI (SIMPSON DESERT) NATIONAL PARK via Birdsville
Queensland’s largest park features 80,000-year-old dunes, with windswept crests and slopes secured by spinifex and cane grass separated by flat plains of wind-polished gibber pebbles, mineral-encrusted claypans and open shrub. Bush camp under the stars for the exhilarating isolation of ‘big dune’ country. Discover wildlife adapted to harsh conditions such as mulgaras (burrowing marsupials), lizards and birds. Access is from Birdsville via the old Birdsville track, private property and desert tracks. High-clearance 4WD vehicles are essential.
DON’T MISS Stop for a photo at Big Red to start your adventure. At Poeppel Corner, visit the salt lakes where Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory meet.
DIAMANTINA NATIONAL PARK via Boulia or Windorah Dunes, grass plains, weathered sandstone ranges and resident and migratory birds feature in the braided channels of the Diamantina River. Bush camp at Hunters Gorge and Gum Hole camping areas. Discover relics from pioneer settler days, enjoy majestic desert views and amazing birdlife. Access is from Winton via the Kennedy Developmental Road and an unsealed track along the Diamantina River. 4WD vehicles are essential.
DON’T MISS Explore the 90km one-way Warracoota Circuit Drive through land important to the Maiawali and Karuwali people. Visit Janet’s Leap lookout for views of Diamantina Gates.
WELFORD NATIONAL PARK via Jundah
The coolabah-lined Barcoo River slices through Mitchell grass plains and arid mulga woodlands; and spinifex and ghost gums grow atop vivid red sand dunes. Bush camp near the Barcoo River. Explore the desert. Discover Aboriginal cultural sites, including water wells and stone arrangements. Access from the south is via Blackall, Quilpie or Windorah, and from the north via Longreach or Jundah. 4WD vehicles are recommended.
Big Red Bash, Birdsville
BIRDSVILLE BEDOURIE BETOOTA
BIRDSVILLE RACES
Join the racing excitement and experience iconic Outback horse racing in Birdsville! BIRDSVILLERACES.COM
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NESTLED IN THE HEART of Outback Queensland, Diamantina Shire beckons with its endless horizons and the mesmerising trails of red sands in the Simpson Desert beneath expansive skies. This captivating land resonates with the whispers of history embedded in ancient landscapes, o ering a journey that transcends mere destination. Diamantina is an odyssey into the very soul of the Outback, extending an invitation to discover its tranquil billabongs, traverse rugged terrains, and forge a connection with a spirit as untamed and liberated as the land it inhabits. Each moment in Diamantina is an opportunity to embrace the call of adventure echoing from every corner, promising an experience that is both profound and liberating in this extraordinary part of Australia.
BIG RED BASH
Feel the desert beats at Australia’s most remote music festival at Big Red! BIGREDBASH.COM.AU
BIRDSVILLE BAKERY, famous for its unique curried camel pie
BEDOURIE ROADHOUSE, serving a variety of delicious local dishes
BIRDSVILLE HOTEL, iconic destination for classic Outback cuisine
BEDOURIE HOTEL, authentic dining with genuine Outback hospitality
BETOOTA HOTEL, classic pub meals in Betoota’s legendary Outback setting
KARRAWA WIRINYA COFFEE, artisanal coffee & fresh treats in Birdsville’s charm
HISTORY MAKING PLACES
PISE HOUSE, BEDOURIE, step back to 1880s pastoral life in Bedourie
CARCOORY RUINS, discover echoes of history among peaceful ruins
BIRDSVILLE COURTHOUSE, engage with interactive Outback justice history
SPECTACULAR SELFIES
BIG RED, SIMPSON DESERT, capture iconic sunsets on this desert sandhill
DEON’S LOOKOUT, BETOOTA, panoramic views of the sweeping Outback
CUTTABURRA CROSSING, picturesque spot with scenic waterways and birdlife
MUNGA-THIRRI PARK, explore vast, pristine desert landscapes
BEDOURIE CAMEL RACES
Catch the thrill with the unique excitement of Bedourie’s camel racing!
TOP NOTCH EXPERIENCES
BEDOURIE ARTESIAN SPA, immerse in the soothing artesian waters
BIRDSVILLE’S PELICAN POINT, bask in serene birdwatching
BETOOTA SERPENT SCULPTURE, majestic display of Indigenous art
BIRDSVILLE SCENIC FLIGHTS, soar above stunning Outback landscapes
MIN MIN SHOW ENCOUNTER
Animatronic and laser show telling the legend of the Min Min Lights in an interactive experience.
BOULIA.QLD.GOV.AU
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IT IS THE LAND of the Min Min Light, Capital of the Channel Country and big sky country. Boulia encapsulates these well earned titles and so much more. This bustling Outback town’s origins date back to 1876 when the first inkling of a township was nurtured by storekeeper James Edward Jones. Then in 1879, 1,280 acres of land was gazetted and set aside for the development of a town. It was up and onwards from here with the first home being built in 1888. These days Boulia still boasts a regular regional airline service, general store and hardware store, roadhouse and much more.
As the town has progressed over many generations, what has stood the test of time over hundreds of years are the famed Min Min Lights. There is no rhyme or reason as to what the lights are, when and where they will appear and how long they will appear for. There are many myths and bush yarns about the lights, which are still seen today.
MIN MIN ENCOUNTER & BOULIA VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 07 4746 3386
MARINE REPTILE FOSSILS DISPLAY
Explore fossils of fearsome prehistoric predators from the Cretaceous Era at the Boulia Heritage Complex.
MAXIE’S CAFÉ RESTAURANT, order the camel burger (race losers!)
THE BOULIA ROADHOUSE, for fuel and food, plus grocery essentials CAMEL’S REST CAFÉ, for everything you might need
HISTORY MAKING PLACES
BOULIA HERITAGE COMPLEX, history from the prehistoric era to modern age
BOULIA CEMETERY, explore the silent stories of the pioneering past HERITAGE-LISTED STONE HOUSE, the first solid, structural home built in Boulia POLICE BARRACKS, picnic at the remains of the barracks, built 1874
WADDI TREES, biggest stand of these rare ancient trees in Australia
SPECTACULAR SELFIES
CORROBOREE TREE, of the Pitta Pitta, the traditional people of Boulia RED STUMP, Boulia’s answer to the Black Stump! WINDMILL, 30ft tall, one of the first windmills built in Boulia WATER TANK, impressive mural depicting the amazing landscape of the shire FANTASTIC LANDSCAPES, Boulia at sunrise/sunset is a photographer’s dream
BOULIA CAMEL RACES
The second weekend in July – come and experience the longest Australian camel race.
BOULIACAMELRACES.COM.AU
TOP NOTCH EXPERIENCES
AUSTRALIA’S LONGEST SHORTCUT, take The Outback Way to Perth WILDLIFE HAVEN, visit recovering injured animals, plus alpacas!
BOULIA URANDANGI
JUNDAH STONEHENGE WINDORAH
WELFORD NATIONAL PARK
Day trip from Jundah or Windorah to experience the beauty of Welford National Park. PARKS.DES.QLD.GOV.AU/PARKS/WELFORD
FUEL, FOOD AND DRINKS
LOCATED IN FAR WEST Queensland, in the heart of the Channel Country, Barcoo region is one of the more remote shires with an area of 61,974 square kilometres in far Western Queensland, incorporating the townships of Jundah, Stonehenge and Windorah.
The Barcoo Shire lays claim to the most exceptionally unique place in Australia and the world. It is the only place where two prominent and significant inland rivers, the Thomson and Barcoo meet to form a creek, the Cooper Creek.
Rich in history, the Barcoo Shire has an Outback experience to o er everyone, along with unique rustic landscapes, distinctive fl ora and fauna, spectacular wildlife, freshwater fishing, golf, bird watching and stunning sunsets. The Barcoo is also home to Magee’s Shanty, birthplace of the famous Bush Christening renowned by Banjo Paterson.
WINDORAH VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 07 4656 3063
STONEHENGE ADDRESS BOOK
A stone’s throw from Stonehenge is our unique address book, leave your mark in the Barcoo Shire! VISITBARCOO.COM.AU
JUNDAH HOTEL, everything you need in an Outback pub
JUNDAH ROADHOUSE, daily food specials, fuel and coffee
STONEHENGE PUB, young publicans with a fresh take on Outback pubs
WINDORAH SERVICE STATION, the best hamburgers in Western QLD
WESTERN STAR HOTEL, big meals, cold beer, real country hospitality
WINDORAH OUTBACK SHOP, traditional Outback general store
EVENTS
JUNDAH RACES, 3-day family fun event with horse racing and fashion
STONEHENGE BUSHMAN’S CARNIVAL, stockman’s challenge and gymkhana
WINDORAH YABBY RACES, trade horses for yabbies
BACK TO NATURE
WINDORAH NATURE DRIVE, 12km scenic self-drive nature experience
BIRD WATCHING, hundreds of species inhabit all three rivers in each town
YELLOWBELLY & YABBIES, throw in a line and try your luck
COOPER CREEK
Free camp at the historic Cooper Creek – enjoy fishing, bushwalking, swimming and kayaking. VISITBARCOO.COM.AU
TOP NOTCH EXPERIENCES
SANDO’S SANDHILLS, explore rich red sandhills just 12km from town
ARCHER BROS PIONEER WALKWAY, discover Jundah’s rich history
SWANVALE LOOKOUT, take in the spectacular scenic views
BEDOURIE
Bronco branding near Windorah
PLAY AUSTRALIA’S RICHEST & MOST REMOTE AMATEUR GOLF SERIES
Out Back Barrels Friday the 4th
200m Brady Prow Memorial
Bush Sprint Race Saturday 5th
Jundah Race Cup Saturday 5th Fashion on the eld
Lots of family activities all weekend
Charity Auction Saturday
Live Music Saturday night til late ALL PRESENTATION FOR BARRELS AND SPRINTS SUNDAY MORNING
Live Entertainment Saturday Night til late Sausage Dog Races Free Camping Purchase tickets
Proudly supporting
Jundah Racecourse, Quilpie Rd, Jundah
Jundah Racecourse, Quilpie Rd, Jundah
OUTBACK QUEENSLAND’S CENTRAL WEST
is the heart of Outback Queensland and wears its history on its sleeve, proudly the birthplace of Qantas, ‘Waltzing Matilda’ and Australia’s Labor Party.
Learn about our nation’s workers at the Australian Workers Heritage Centre in Barcaldine, and do the ‘Wing Walk’ on a 747 jet at the Qantas Founders Museum in Longreach. The museum’s Art Gallery 4730 has an extra special treat in store for visitors in 2024 with ‘The Spirit of the Pumpkins Descended into the Heavens’ exhibition by internationally acclaimed artist Yayoi Kusama from 15 March until the end of September.
Pioneering history is at the core of the central west and you can explore it in Longreach with a Cobb & Co. stagecoach ride, a Thomson River cruise and dinner show, and live performances and interactive displays at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame. Soak up the history and feed all your senses at the Powerhouse and Historical Museum’s new multi-zoned Centenary Garden and enjoy incredible sunset views from the Pride of the Murray viewing deck.
Follow the dinosaurs at the world’s only known dinosaur stampede site at Lark Quarry Conservation Park. And see the world’s largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils at The Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum in Winton, or the Muttaburrasaurus Interpretation Centre in Muttaburra.
fun fact
LONGREACH
In 1919, WWI aviators Paul McGinness and Hudson Fysh, and driver and mechanic George Gorham, set o from Longreach in a Model T Ford to survey and prepare airstrip sites for a UK to Australia air race. They hit on the idea to establish an airline and formed Qantas in November 1920. No wonder they call Outback Queensland road trips inspirational!
Explore Winton’s Rangelands Rifts on a guided tour and experience spectacular sunsets from the ‘jump-ups’ to feel in awe of nature’s beauty. While in Winton, visit the Waltzing Matilda Centre and try the new quirky and fun sleepover at the Crackup Sisters’ Crackup Corner opening in Apriland don’t leave town without some locally grown Winton Dates! Indulge your soft side at the famous Tambo Teddies store, head to Blackall to delve into the life of a shearer at the Woolscour and tour the town’s historic saleyards.
Thomson River, Longreach
INSTA SPOT! LONGREACH @sweet.as.fotos
INDIGENOUS CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
RIDGEE DIDGE CAFÉ
Owned by local Iningai woman, Cheryl Thompson, the café sells her own Indigenous coffee and a range of Indigenous products, while providing training and employment for Indigenous people.
BARCALDINE
TURRABURRA
The Iningai people share their ancient stories through a 200-metre-long natural wall featuring thousands of etchings, petroglyphs and paintings at Turraburra, formerly Gracevale Station near Barcaldine. via BARCALDINE
RED RIDGE INTERIOR
This not-for-profit community organisation undertakes a variety of community and public art projects, including visual and performing arts, fashion design, craft and textiles. Buy some art as a memento of your Outback trip.
BLACKALL
AUSTRALIAN STOCKMAN’S HALL OF FAME
Indigenous peoples have played an enormous role in the pastoral history of Outback Australia. The ‘Songlines and Stock Routes’ exhibit explains the origins of stock routes and features over 350 video stories and interviews with Indigenous stockmen and women from across the country.
LONGREACH
LUXURY STAYS
RANGELANDS OUTBACK CAMP WINTON
NORTH GREGORY HOTEL WINTON
MITCHELL GRASS RETREAT LONGREACH
SALTBUSH RETREAT LONGREACH
THE STAGING POST LONGREACH
SHANDONVALE STATION BARCALDINE
INSTA SPOT! BARCALDINE @4hhelicopters
fun fact
BARCALDINE
There are 524 native animal and bird species recorded in the Barcaldine region, from a variety of wallabies and bats to pademelons, bettongs, gliders, planigales, possums, bandicoots, dunnarts, kangaroos and birds.
NATIONAL PARKS
BLADENSBURG NATIONAL PARK via Winton
In the Channel Country, vast grassland plains surround impressive flat-topped plateaus and sandstone ranges. See an amazing variety of wildlife and glimpse the rich Aboriginal heritage and pastoral history of Bladensburg. Bush camp at Bough Shed Hole, where wallaroos, red kangaroos and prolific birdlife will keep you company. Access is from Winton via the Winton-Jundah Road.
DON’T MISS: Drive the 72km return ‘Route of the River Gum’ to discover many places of interest including the restored Bladensburg Homestead, now an information centre.
LARK QUARRY CONSERVATION PARK via Winton
The erosion of ancient rocks has formed a striking landscape of jump-up country with flat-topped hills (mesas), gullies and steep escarpments. Walk through spinifex and climb broken escarpments to gaze east over Mitchell grass plains. Take the ‘rollercoaster’ drive over the mesas to the shores of a lake where dinosaurs left over 4,000 footprints! Now protected in the Trackways building, the dinosaur footprints can be visited by guided tour and fees apply – you can buy entry tickets in Winton. Access is from Winton via the WintonJundah Road. 4WD vehicles are recommended.
LOCHERN NATIONAL PARK via Longreach
Camp by a permanent waterhole in the shade of coolabah trees. Throw in a line at a waterhole; or kayak at Broadwater Waterhole. Explore the 40km Lochern habitat drive to see historic pastoral relics and watch waterbirds in the lagoon. Access is from Longreach via the Longreach-Jundah road and an unsealed road to the park boundary. 4WD vehicles are recommended.
CARNARVON NATIONAL PARK, Salvator Rosa Section, via Springsure or Tambo
The park’s western-most section features crystal clear springs flowing into Louisa Creek and the Nogoa River beneath sandstone crags and spires. Bush camp on the broad sandbank of the Nogoa River. Access is from Springsure via the Dawson Developmental Road and from Tambo via the Wilderness Way loop. 4WD vehicles are required.
IDALIA NATIONAL PARK via Isisford
Craggy escarpments emerge from dense mulga woodland on the Gowan Range tablelands. Bush camp in thick mulga scrub at Monks Tank, take a scenic drive and spot birds and wildlife – there’s six species of kangaroos and wallabies to see! Check out the rusted pastoral-era relics and stockyards at Old Idalia. Access is from Blackall via Isisford Road, Yaraka Road and ldalia-Benlidi Road. 4WD vehicles required.
INSTA SPOT!
BLACKALL-TAMBO @susanmaynard
INSTA SPOT!
WINTON @StevenLippisPhotography
fun fact
TAMBO
Tambo is the oldest town in Queensland’s west! Founded in 1863 and originally called Carrangarra, the town was renamed Tambo in 1868. You can explore the town’s history and exhibits along its Heritage Walk.
Please be sure to book ahead for the below day tours and experiences.
SMITHY'S SUNSET CRUISE; OUTBACK RAIL ADVENTURE; SMITHY’S OUTBACK DINNER & SHOW
FIXED WING AND HELI TOURS Elite Aviation, Winton
WINTON
The Winton region inspired bush poet Banjo Paterson to write his iconic ‘Waltzing Matilda’ whilst staying at Dagworth Station in 1895. The tragic tale is said to take place at a billabong – in the Combo Waterhole Conservation Park.
DAY TOURS & EXPERIENCES TO BOOK & VIEWS
WALKING TRAILS
Outback Aussie Tours, Longreach
WING WALK AND LUMINESCENT NIGHT SHOW
Qantas Founders Museum, Longreach
NOGO STATION EXPERIENCE; COBB & CO STAGECOACH RIDE; THOMSON RIVER SUNSET CRUISE & SUNSET VIEWING
Outback Pioneers, Longreach
LIVE STOCKMAN’S SHOW
Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, Longreach
LONGREACH POWERHOUSE & HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Longreach
CHANNEL COUNTRY & CANAPES HELI FLIGHTS
Queensland Helicopters, Longreach
LONGREACH & ILFRACOMBE TOWN TOURS
Golden West Tours, Longreach
AUSTRALIAN AGE OF DINOSAURS Winton
WALTZING MATILDA CENTRE Winton
THE ROYAL OPEN-AIR THEATRE Winton
LARK QUARRY STAMPEDE & RANGELANDS RIFTS Red Dirt Tours, Winton
AUSTRALIAN WORKERS
HERITAGE CENTRE Barcaldine
MUTTABURRASAURUS INTERPRETATION CENTRE
Muttaburra
BLACKALL SALEYARD TOURS Blackall
BLACKALL WOOLSCOUR Blackall
COOLIBAH WALK TAMBO
PATHWAY TO HEALTH
BLACKALL
BARCOO RIVER WALK
BLACKALL
BOTANIC WALKWAY
LONGREACH
STARLIGHT’S LOOKOUT LONGREACH
DINOSAUR CANYON, AUSTRALIAN AGE OF DINOSAURS MUSEUM
WINTON
THE GLOBE TOURIST LOOKOUT BARCALDINE
MOUNT SLOWCOMBE LOOKOUT YARAKA
The Royal Carrangarra Hotel, Tambo
Waltzing Matilda Centre, Winton
AUSTRALIAN STOCKMAN’S HALL OF FAME
Explore the characters and events that have shaped Australia’s Outback. STOCKMANSHALLOFFAME.COM.AU
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THE LONGREACH REGION TRULY is the heart of the Outback – showcasing iconic attractions, breathtaking landscapes, friendly locals and amazing experiences. Longreach Region comprises four vibrant communities – Longreach, Ilfracombe, Isisford and Yaraka.
Each of these towns are unique in their o ering, Longreach – home to iconic museums, cruises and trains as well as amazing co ee shops and boutique shopping. Just 27km east along the Matilda Way is Ilfracombe, known as the hub of the west and home to the award winning Wellshot hotel and the Lynn Cameron Machinery Mile and heritage precinct.
Travel south to Isisford, home of the Big Yellowbelly and the region’s dinosaur country. Joining the Barcoo Way here, continue on to Yaraka, the end of the line but by no means the end of your adventure. Yaraka boasts picturesque Mt Slowcombe and landscapes that will take your breath away.
LONGREACH VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 07 4658 4141
QANTAS FOUNDERS MUSEUM
Discover the pioneering spirit of Australia’s national airline. QFOM.COM.AU
THE BRANCH CAFÉ, championing local produce at its finest
MERINO BAKERY, perfect pastries and coffee freshly roasted in house
YARAKA HOTEL, great home cooked meals, cold beer and warm hospitality
HARRY’S RESTAURANT & BAR, top notch, chef-prepared meals
WELLSHOT HOTEL, grab a counter meal and a beer at the 120-year-old pub
WOOLSHED BAR & GRILL, specialising in smoked meats and steaks
HISTORY MAKING PLACES
POWERHOUSE + HISTORICAL MUSEUM, local history, stories and artifacts
MACHINERY MILE, one of a kind outdoor museum of prized engines
OUTER BARCOO INTERPRETATION CENTRE, home of Isisfordia Duncani
CRUISE, RAIL AND FLY
STARLIGHT’S CRUISE EXPERIENCE, the pioneering cruise experience
DROVER’S SUNSET CRUISE, cruise the Thomson River and toast the sunset
SILVER TAILS RAIL SUNSET, the ultimate sunset experience
SCENIC FLIGHTS, soar over the Thomson River and into Channel Country
CHANNEL COUNTRY AND CANAPES
Experience Longreach Region’s Channel Country. QUEENSLANDHELICOPTERS.COM.AU
TOP NOTCH EXPERIENCES
SMITHY’S OUTBACK DINNER & SHOW, two-course dinner and show
HARRY REDFORD OLD TIME TENT SHOW, classic bush theatre
NOGO STATION EXPERIENCE, bus safari at a working sheep station
EMMET & YARAKA, tiny townships offering spectacular landscapes
@experiencelongreach #experiencelongreach experiencelongreach.com.au
AUSTRALIAN AGE OF DINOSAURS
Australia’s largest dinosaur fossil collection and Australia’s first Dark Sky Sanctuary. AUSTRALIANAGEOFDINOSAURS.COM
FIND A FEED AT
WINTON IS THE HOME of Waltzing Matilda, Birthplace of QANTAS, and the Dinosaur Capital of Australia. Winton’s first o cial dinosaur discovery was a fossilised footprint found on Cork Station in 1962. Further exploration revealed a dinosaur stampede with over 3,300 footprints, which you can see at Lark Quarry.
The Winton Shire incorporates the settlements of Corfield, Middleton and Opalton, which are each rich in history dating back to 1862. Banjo Paterson wrote Waltzing Matilda in 1895 while visiting Dagworth Station. Legend says the first public performance of the song happened at Winton’s North Gregory Hotel on 6th April 1895.
QANTAS was registered as a company in Winton on 16th November 1920, and the first Board Meeting was held in 1921 at the Winton Club which still stands today. The Winton area is also famous for its precious boulder opals, the only place in the world where they can be found.
THE ROYAL OPEN-AIR THEATRE
Enjoy watching movies the old-fashioned way –laid back in canvas seats under the stars. ROYALTHEATREWINTON.COM.AU
BALAMARA BAKERY, fresh pies, breads, donuts and more daily
THE COFFEE CUBE, inside the Winton Newsagency THE LOST POET, freshly roasted coffee and bookstore in one MUSICAL FENCE CAFÉ, located next to the North Gregory Hotel FOUR HISTORICAL PUBS, go pub hopping and discover them all
CULTURE AND EVENTS
WINTON’S WAY-OUT WEST FEST, bulls, bands and bikes after dark FESTIVAL OF OUTBACK OPERA, beautiful harmony in the Outback VISION SPLENDID OUTBACK FILM FESTIVAL, celebrating Australian Films
OUTBACK QUEENSLAND MASTERS 2024, Australia’s most remote golf series OUTBACK FESTIVAL, biennial event known for Dunny Derby QBOA OPAL FESTIVAL, buy some Winton Boulder Opal, direct from the miners!
HISTORY MAKING PLACES
QANTILDA MUSEUM, showcasing an extensive and diverse collection ARNO’S WALL, 2 metres high and 70 metres long!
@experiencewinton #experiencewinton
BLADENSBURG NATIONAL PARK
One of the original grazing properties, once Bladensburg Station, it is now a national park. PARKS.DES.QLD.GOV.AU/PARKS/BLADENSBURG
TOP NOTCH EXPERIENCES
WALTZING MATILDA CENTRE, world’s first museum dedicated to a song
LARK QUARRY DINOSAUR STAMPEDE, national monument
DIAMANTINA HERITAGE TRUCK & MACHINERY MUSEUM
MUSICAL FENCE, the world’s first and only Musical Fence!
WINTON VISITOR
TAMBO TRUCK MUSEUM
Explore vintage trucks, rich industry stories and local legacies.
HISTORY MAKING PLACES
EXPLORE THE HEART OF Queensland in the BlackallTambo Region, where Australia’s pioneering history unfolds. This destination seamlessly blends history, culture and natural beauty for an unforgettable adventure. Discover Blackall’s historic treasures, including the iconic Blackall Woolscour, the last steamoperated wool washing plant in Australia. In Tambo, the oldest town in Central Western Queensland, immerse yourself in a vibrant cultural scene with art galleries and museums showcasing regional stories. Nature enthusiasts will be captivated by the untamed beauty of the Barcoo River, o ering a serene backdrop for camping, fishing and birdwatching. The Blackall-Tambo Region is more than a destination; it’s an immersive experience, beckoning history bu s and those seeking a tranquil escape to uncover untold Outback stories. Let us share our hidden gems while you embrace the local warmth on your journey through the Blackall-Tambo Region.
BLACKALL SCULPTURE TRAIL
Embark on a cultural journey, where artistry unfolds across the town.
QANTAS CRASH SITE MEMORIAL, a poignant tribute, honouring history
TAMBO HERITAGE PRECINCT, tour the rich history of our region’s oldest town
MAJ. EDGAR & LT. GRETA TOWNER, explore the siblings’ honoured WWI Service
TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
COOLIBAH WALK, meander past dam parklands, along river banks
BARCOO RIVER WALK, a stroll from town to riverside, nature walk to a bird hide
PATHWAY TO HEALTH, sealed path to modern health facility, solar-lit nights
CULTURE & EVENTS
GRASSLANDS & BUSHMEN’S ART GALLERIES, exhibitions from talented artists
RED RIDGE INTERIOR, authentic First Nation designs & performing arts
HORSE SPORTS, experience the thrills & spills of a Rodeo or Campdraft
BLACKALL AQUATIC CENTRE
Indulge in unparalleled luxury. Rejuvenate in the heated artesian waters of this slice of paradise.
TOP NOTCH EXPERIENCES
COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS, punting, racing & refined country charm
SAND GREEN GOLF COURSES, challenge your putting skills
TAKE A BLACKALL SALEYARDS TOUR, insights into serious bush business
BLACKALL TAMBO
BARCALDINE TREE OF KNOWLEDGE
Stunning when lit at night, this attraction commemorates the 1891 Great Shearers Strike. BARCALDINETREEOFKNOWLEDGE.COM.AU
FOR THE HISTORY BUFFS
SITUATED IN THE HEART of central western Queensland, our region o ers visitors a warm welcome and experience. This friendly country hospitality comes naturally to us as our five towns – Alpha, Jericho, Barcaldine, Aramac and Muttaburra – all retain and share those good oldfashioned small-town values and charm.
We are the home of Queensland’s fossil emblem, the home of the world’s largest sculpture trail and the birthplace of the Labor movement in Australia.
From our wide-open spaces, natural landscapes, flora and fauna, lakes and rivers, attractions and events, there is something here for everyone.
Whether you are looking for an unforgettable Outback experience or to pursue adventure and experiences, Drive the Five and see what all the fuss is about. We’ve got it all out here!
THE LAKE DUNN SCULPTURE TRAIL
The world’s longest sculpture trail travels a 200 km scenic loop featuring 40 sculptures. SCRAPMETALSHEILA.COM.AU
AUSTRALIAN WORKERS HERITAGE CENTRE, celebrating our working history
BARCALDINE & DISTRICT HISTORICAL MUSEUM, March to October
DR ARRATTA MEMORIAL MUSEUM, medical artefacts & historical memorabilia
HARRY REDFORD INTERPRETIVE CENTRE, Captain Starlight’s exploits
SPECTACULAR SELFIES
ADORABULLS, herd of 13 little white bulls displayed prominently around Aramac
BARCALDINE REC PARK, man-made lake popular for recreation & water sports
LAKE DUNN, freshwater lake popular for camping, bird watching & water sports
LARA WETLANDS, shady unpowered camping surrounded by birds & wildlife
MUTTABURRASAURUS INTERPRETATION CENTRE, home of Qld’s fossil emblem
CULTURE & EVENTS
ALPHA RACES, Central West premier race meet attracts thousands in June
MUTTABURRA STOCK SHOW, displays & sheep races 1st weekend of June
TREE OF KNOWLEDGE FESTIVAL, four day festival May Day long weekend
THE TOWN OF MURALS
Alpha, the “Gateway to the West” with 28 murals of life in the bush and the pioneers of old. TOURISM@BARC.QLD.GOV.AU
TOP NOTCH EXPERIENCES
BARCY RED, 60+ km purpose-built recreational motorbike trails
BETA HUT, display of railway memorabilia, the War & Anzac Day
CLAY VILLAGE, village of Jericho with over 45 mini clay buildings
DUNBLANE ON FARM CAMPING AND TOURS, property camping
DUNRAVEN TAG ALONG TOURS, working sheep & cattle station
GEOCACHING, over 300 geocaches in the region to discover here
LLOYD-JONES WEIR, fishing, recreation & camping on the Alice River
PAT OGDEN TOWER, capture the 360-degree views of Barcaldine up high
BARCALDINE
LIVE the outback – for real!
Real outback people. Authentic stories. Pioneer-inspired experiences. A genuine welcome.
Outback Pioneers takes you deeper into iconic Australia with hosts who live and breathe the outback life. Your days and nights will captivate you with a different reality. You’ll be inspired. You’ll laugh. You’ll leave more than a little in love with our wide brown land, its heritage and its uniquely unforgettable moments.
Holidays and experiences available April to October. The Staging Post, pioneer-inspired accommodation: Open all year.
After the Outback sun sets, join us for our 25-minute light and sound spectacular; 100 years of Qantas history projected onto the side of our iconic aircraft. This experience weaves an unforgettable narrative through time, a story of the daring spirit of early aviation, of iconic aircraft, wars, distant places and outback innovation.
Lara Wetlands is a 15,000 acre Station experience 28km south of Barcaldine. Our idyllic bush camping is located around a beautiful wetland. With prolific birdlife and wildlife, Lara Wetlands is a photographer’s dream!
There are unlimited tranquil shady unpowered campsites around the wetlands that welcome all van sizes, mobile homes and tents. Campers can have their own campfire and can enjoy the amenities of flush toilets, hot showers and the thermal Artesian mineral hot pool.
Stop for a night or two... you may just find yourself staying for a week or more.
WELLSHOT HOTEL
Award-winning Iconic & Historic Pub, established 1890 with the Coldest Beer –Wholesome Meals – Rustic Accommodation. Pub Opening Hours: 10am-10pm Mon-Thu; 10am-12am Fri & Sat; 10am-10pm Sun.
Outback Queensland Tourism Awards – 2019 Winner Visitor’s Choice
Grey Nomad Awards – 2020, 2021 & 2022 Best Grey Nomad Stay
QHA – 2022 Outstanding Community Service Achievement
QHA – 2023 Hotelier of the Year
The Coffee Hatch – specialty coffee, the Coffee Hatch signature blend, pies, savoury mince jaffles, croissants, toasties and lots more tasty treats.
Hatch 0pening Hours: 6am-12pm Mon-Sat; 8am-12pm Sun.
Have you sat in the quirky seats or thrown money on the ceiling at the Wellshot Hotel?
20 Main Avenue, Ilfracombe – 27km East of Longreach
P 07 4658 2106
E thewellshothotel@gmail.com WELLSHOTHOTEL.COM.AU
If you are serious about discovering our region, one night is simply not enough. Extend your stay to experience our part of the Outback
MERINO BAKERY
$2 Merino Money – Present this advertisement to be stamped at the Merino Bakery and receive your gift of $2 off any purchase.*
Minimum sale amount $5.00
One stamp per family per visit
Not redeemable for cash
Offer expires 31 December 2024
Open 7 Days
120 Eagle Street, Longreach
P 07 4658 1715
F 07 4658 0045
RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF TOWN
LONGREACH MOTORS
Mechanical Repairs and Servicing
Truck Repairs and Servicing
Tyres, Wheels and Alignments
Exhaust, Brakes and Suspension
4WD Fitouts, Bullbars and Lighting
Fridges and Camping Accessories
33 Swan Street, Longreach P 07 4658 1700
E longreachmotors@bigpond.com TYREPOWER.COM.AU
CONTACT
LONGREACH TOURIST PARK AND RESTAURANT
Premier tourist accommodation and caravan park with everything you need for a comfortable and leisurely stay in the gateway to the Outback. Offering a range of accommodation options, including camping, caravanning and fully self-contained accommodation. The park is pet friendly for all van accommodation. Located less than 2km from the town centre and close to the airport, Qantas Founders Museum and Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame are a short walk away. The Woolshed Bar and Grill is an Australian style restaurant specialising in smoked meats and steaks.
12 Thrush Road, Longreach P 07 4658 1781 (reservations)
LONGREACH SCHOOL OF DISTANCE EDUCATION TOURS
Join us in touring one of the world’s largest classrooms. Experience and explore learning through the eyes of our students. Observe our school in action and learn how technology has changed the way students learn in the bush and beyond. Tours run twice daily Monday to Friday from March through to the end of October (excluding public and Christmas holidays). Bookings are essential – www.lsodetours.com.au
LSODE School Campus, Landsborough Hwy, Longreach QLD (east of Aust. Stockman’s Hall of Fame) LSODETOURS.COM.AU
MITCHELL GRASS RETREAT
Our luxury ensuite tents are the absolute perfect base for your Outback Queensland adventure. Take in the spacious open plan layout and sumptuous King bed with gorgeous linen. Gidyea tents suit one or two guests, while our larger Mulga tents are great for twin share or families – with the option of Adventure Swags for kids! Add on our delicious Cheese & Antipasto Platters and BBQ packs. We also offer fully accredited accessible tents with King or Twin bedding. Groups and corporate or wellness retreats are welcome.
162 Longreach Muttaburra Road, Longreach P 0418 758 014
E reception@mitchellgrassretreat.com.au MITCHELLGRASSRETREAT.COM.AU
57 rooms ranging from Budget to newly renovated Executive rooms
Newly renovated Family friendly with 2-bedroom Family Rooms & Open Plan Family Rooms
FREE wifi & undercover parking
Shuttle Service within Longreach area
Salt water pool, sauna & BBQ area
Guest laundry facilities
Centrally located across the road from the Longreach Rail Station, perfect motel for both corporate guests & visitors alike.
We cater for travellers, tourists, corporates, families, coaches, large groups & long stays
Convenient base for exploring Longreach and its hero attractions including Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Qantas Founders Museum
Onsite licensed dining Harry’s Restaurant & Bar – Longreach’s #1 rated restaurant
TATTERSALLS HOTEL & VAN PARK
Tattersalls Hotel, on Elderslie, is Winton’s oldest standing public-house – an ongoing testimony of the pioneer era, pastoral, mining and tourism industries of the region. Boasting a colourful public bar, alfresco dining, extensive menu and wine list, Liquor Legends bottle shop, pokies, keno and ATM. Tattersalls Van Park is walking distance to attractions, banks, post office, pool, hotels, cafes, bakery, Liquor Legends bottle shop and counter meals. All sites are powered and watered –guest laundry and hot water. Site bookings can be made at Tattersalls Hotel.
Tattersalls Hotel 78 Elderslie Street, Winton
Tattersalls Van Park Werna Street, Winton
(opposite Tattersalls Hotel)
P 07 4657 1309
84 Galah Street, Longreach P 07 4658 2322 info@longreachmotorinn.com.au LONGREACHMOTORINN.COM.AU
NORTH GREGORY HOTEL
An Art Deco building rich in history linked to Waltzing Matilda, Qantas and even LBJ. Airconditioned ensuite rooms overlooking the main street with a lift, free wifi, artesian spa, restaurant, beer garden, entertainment, TAB, Keno, Pokies, laundromat and more!
67 Elderslie Street, Winton P 07 4657 0647
E info@northgregoryhotel.com NORTHGREGORYHOTEL.COM
LONGREACH MOTOR INN
RED DIRT TOURS
Red Dirt Tours is a locally owned tour operation based in Winton. We specialise in providing small group day tours, exploring what has become known as ‘dinosaur country’ featuring the spectacular scenery and natural areas not accessible by private vehicle. Our tour guests are treated to expert interpretation of Winton’s cultural and natural landscapes with guides who have a passion for sharing the sights and stories of our ruggedly beautiful backyard.
Enjoy more of Winton with guides who are knowledgeable and friendly. We have access to private properties that you can’t get to on your own and will show you places that you wouldn’t even know existed. Yes, there’s dinosaurs, but there is plenty more to the local story. Tour to the Dinosaur Stampede, or to the Rangelands Rifts with sunset, a tour to Bladensburg National Park or a full day to Opalton to fossick for boulder opal.
Combine three or more tours and save 5% when you book online.
So when you get to Winton, take a break from driving, sit back, relax and let us do the driving for you.
Elderslie Street, Winton P 1800 568 968 info@reddirttours.com.au REDDIRTTOURS.COM.AU
WINTON OUTBACK FESTIVAL
Whip out to Winton to celebrate the biennial Outback Festival, Australia’s quirkiest festival, perfect for families or anyone who loves the Aussie Outback. It’s 5 days of quintessential fun including the famous Quilton Australian Dunny Derby, gruelling sporting challenges, novelty Aussie events, warm Outback hospitality and nightly live entertainment.
23 - 27 September 2025 (School Holidays) info@outbackfestival.com.au OUTBACKFESTIVAL.COM.AU
WINTON’S DIAMANTINA
TRUCK MUSEUM
Take a nostalgic trip into Transport History ...
Historic Trucks, Vehicles & Machinery
Toots’ Truck – Australian legendary female truckie
1948 Leyland Hippo Livestock Roadtrain
Story Board Exhibition, Photographic collection, Merchandise & Transport memorabilia
OPEN DAILY 9am to 4pm
Situated on the Winton to Hughenden Road P 0429 629 833 E secretary@wintontruckmuseum.com.au WINTONTRUCKMUSEUM.COM.AU
BEN’S CHICKEN RACING TAMBO
Only at Royal Carrangarra Hotel, Tambo
April 1st – October 31st
7 nights a week at 5pm
Family friendly entertainment | free entry
Help fundraise for charity
25 Arthur Street, Tambo P 0474 013 588 E benschickenracing@icloud.com CHICKENRACING.COM.AU
AUSTRALIAN AGE OF DINOSAURS
The Museum includes the most productive Fossil Preparation Laboratory in the Southern Hemisphere, the Reception Centre and Collection Room, Dinosaur Canyon – featuring life-sized prehistoric animal exhibits and the March of the Titanosaurs exhibition.
Experience Australia’s first International Dark-Sky Sanctuary at the Gondwana Stars Observatory.
See the largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils in the world and even touch a real dinosaur bone!
Located atop a towering mesa known as The Jump-Up in Winton, Queensland.
Tours commence from 9am.
Lot 1 Dinosaur Drive, The Jump-Up Dark-Sky Sanctuary, Winton P 07 4657 0078 E info@aaod.com.au AUSTRALIANAGEOFDINOSAURS.COM
Enjoy one of the world’s most unique cinematic venues under the Outback Queensland sky.
Historic open-air cinema established in 1918
Family venue on the main street
Museum showcasing cinematic history
Over 200 authentic canvas deck chairs
Tickets sold at door, scan QR code to see what’s on
69 Elderslie Street, Winton E info@royaltheatrewinton.com.au ROYALTHEATREWINTON.COM.AU
TAMBO TEDDIES
Tambo Teddies craft quality Australian-made products from 100% natural woollen sheepskin.
The range includes cuddly soft teddy bears, Australian animals and farm animals.
When in Tambo, a visit to the workshop is a must! Experience the magic firsthand as you watch your bear come to life before your eyes.
17 Arthur Street, Tambo P 1300 185 638 E info@tamboteddies.com.au TAMBOTEDDIES.COM.AU
ROYAL THEATRE WINTON: OPEN-AIR CINEMA
Explore the Barcaldine Region
Situated in the heart of central western Queensland. Our region offers visitors a warm, outback welcome and experience.
Where every moment becomes a memory
COUNCIL
A cultural and heritage styled interpretive centre honouring our nation’s workers.
Journey through 14 buildings housing 22 displays and exhibitions
Set on over 5.5 acres of landscaped gardens surrounding a bore-fed billabong
Enjoy the convenience of our BBQ, picnic and children’s playground facilities
Multi-purpose main street entry with an affordable retail destination committed to quality and stylish ranges including Australian gift lines
Relax and refuel with a coffee, meal or light refreshment from our cafe
127 Oak Street, Barcaldine P 07 4651 1949
E awhc1991@bigpond.com
AUSTRALIANWORKERSHERITAGECENTRE.COM.AU
Through the Heart of Australia – from Laverton WA to Winton QLD – 1600km of bitumen and 1100km of gravel. BUY the Travel Journal, DOWNLOAD the APP & PODCAST for this Great Road Trip. Tick these beauties off your bucket list:
Winton
Boulia
Tobermorey
Gem Tree
Alice Springs
Yulara
Warakurna
Warburton
Tjukayirla
Laverton
Travel Australia’s Longest Shortcut E info@outbackway.org.au OUTBACKWAY.ORG.AU
and the 28 Artworks in the Outdoor Art Gallery between Atitjere and Engawala
JERICHO
HEAD WEST ON THE Overlanders Way, where just four hours’ drive west of Townsville, Outback Queensland’s North West region begins. Passing through Hughenden, Richmond, Julia Creek, Cloncurry to Mount Isa, this adventure is packed with dinosaur fossils, jaw-dropping scenery and mining history that will lead you deep underground. Take a detour to visit the spectacular Porcupine Gorge, or Cobbold Gorge – with its ‘must do’ glass-bottom bridge.
Follow Australia’s Dinosaur Trail through Hughenden and Richmond to discover a range of unique experiences exclusive to this region: the Flinders Discovery Centre and ‘Hughie’ the lifesize replica of a Muttaburrasaurus in Hughenden, and Kronosaurus Korner in Richmond. While in Richmond cool off at Lake Fred Tritton.
In Cloncurry, don’t miss the John Flynn Place Museum and Cloncurry Unearthed Visitor Information Centre and Museum. A new fossicker activity pack ‘The Crystals of the Curry’ is available to buy from the Centre in 2024.
Take a trip to the Clem Walton Dam or try the new, accessible 4.3km eco walking trail along the river to Chinaman Creek Dam to enjoy the area’s natural beauty. North West Tours is offering a new interpretive tour of the old uranium mining town of Mary Kathleen located 68km from Cloncurry.
At Julia Creek relax and soak your cares away in an Artesian Bath. Make sure to pop into the At The Creek Visitor Information Centre to meet a live dunnart and try cattle mustering through the Centre’s exciting new virtual reality experience.
Immerse yourself in ancient history at the Riversleigh World Heritage Site with its 25-million-year-old fossils.
In Mount Isa, take the fascinating Hard Times Underground Mine Tour, visit Outback at Isa and don’t miss the Indigenous guided Bushtucker Experience walk. Discover wartime secrets at the subterranean passageways of the Underground Hospital and Museum and try the new twilight tour to explore it by the glow of a hurricane lamp!
MOUNT ISA
CLONCURRY
JULIA CREEK
RICHMOND
HUGHENDEN
MOUNT ISA
Rodeo has been a part of Outback life for over 150 years, with its roots in the work of pioneering stockmen and drovers and the informal contests between rough riders, horse breakers and stations. The Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is the largest and richest event in the Southern Hemisphere.
Mount Isa
fun fact
MCKINLAY
Australia’s first complete plesiosaur fossil was unearthed near the town of McKinlay in 2022. Estimated to be 100-million-years-old, this six-metre-long elasmosaur species had a gira e-like neck, flippers like a turtle, a large body and tiny tail.
INSTA SPOT!
JULIA CREEK @juliacreekqld
INSTA SPOT!
MOUNT ISA @discovermountisa
INDIGENOUS CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
MOUNT ISA INDIGENOUS RODEO CHAMPIONSHIPS
Get ready for an award winning event with rodeo action, music, dance, art and storytelling to celebrate the many visiting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities taking part.
MOUNT ISA
OUTBACK AT ISA BUSHTUCKER EXPERIENCE
OUTBACK AT ISA NATIVE BOTANICAL GARDEN
The nutritional and healing properties of native plants is a respected knowledge passed through generations of First Nations people for thousands of years. Walk with an Indigenous heritage bush guide through Outback at Isa’s botanical garden and fish hatchery to learn about the traditional use of native flora and fauna.
MOUNT ISA
WILD DOG DREAMING TRACK
BOODJAMULLA (LAWN HILL) NATIONAL PARK
Learn about Waanyi Aboriginal culture at Wild Dog Dreaming and view ancient rock art and stone engravings. Seasonal closures, check ahead if open. via MOUNT ISA
BUSH TUCKER GARDEN & TRAIL
The Mitakoodi people have a rich connection to the land around Cloncurry. Visit the Cloncurry Unearthed Visitor Centre and Museum to see Indigenous artefacts and explore the garden and trail to find honeyberries, pigweed and native gooseberries. CLONCURRY
BIRDWATCHING
RAINBOW BEE-EATER
Combo Waterhole Conservation Park near KYNUNA
PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY-WREN
Boodjamulla National Park, Lawn Hill
PAINTED HONEYEATER
Dry open forests and woodlands across Outback Queensland
NIGHT PARROT
Location is a mystery - but let us know if you find one!
EMUS, BROLGAS, COCKATOOS, HAWKS AND EAGLES HUGHENDEN
GEM HUNTING
AMETHYSTINE QUARTZ, AMETHYST, ALLUVIAL GOLD, GARNETS AND MALTESE CROSS CLONCURRY REGION
ANCIENT MARINE FOSSILS RICHMOND
FOSSILS, MOONSTONE, PERIDOT HUGHENDEN
GORGES & WATERHOLES
COMBO WATERHOLE, via KYNUNA
INDARRI FALLS, DUWADARRI WATERHOLE, LAWN HILL CREEK in Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park via MOUNT ISA
ADELS GROVE via MOUNT ISA
PORCUPINE GORGE via HUGHENDEN
KOOROORINYA FALLS NATURE RESERVE (also fishing, camping and dog friendly) via PRAIRIE
COBBOLD GORGE via HUGHENDEN
Combo Waterhole, Kynuna
Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park
INSTA SPOT!
HUGHENDEN @visithughenden
FISHING
LAKE MOONDARRA
Archerfish, Barramundi, Catfish, Sleepy Cod, Sooty Grunter and Longtom
MOUNT ISA
LAKE JULIUS
Sooty Grunter
MOUNT ISA
ADELS GROVE, LAWN HILL GORGE
Barramundi, Bream, Grunter, Perch, Cod and Catfish via MOUNT ISA
NATIONAL PARKS
BOODJAMULLA (LAWN HILL) NATIONAL PARK
via Mount Isa
A spectacular gorge, with orange cliffs over emerald-green waters, is an oasis within the arid landscape of the Barkly Tablelands and Gulf Savannah Plains. At Riversleigh World Heritage Site, 25-million-year-old fossils reveal our prehistoric past. Access is from Mount Isa via the Overlanders Way and Camooweal Gregory Downs Road. 4WD vehicles are required. DON’T MISS: Canoe through the peaceful gorge and spot for wildlife. Discover ancient fossils of mammals, giant birds and crocs on the Riversleigh Fossil trail. Seasonal closures, check ahead if open.
COMBO WATERHOLE
CONSERVATION PARK
via Kynuna
Waterholes dot the channels of Diamantina River, meandering through Mitchell Grass Downs providing a refuge for wildlife in dry times. Its most famous, Combo Waterhole, may have inspired bush poet Banjo Paterson’s ‘Waltzing Matilda’. Circle the waterhole, spot birdlife and picnic in the shade of a coolabah tree. Access is from Winton along the Matilda Way. 4WD vehicles are recommended.
MOORINYA NATIONAL PARK
Torrens Creek
Dry, flat plains and open woodlands are crossed by seasonal watercourses providing a refuge for wildlife. Explore the park’s internal roads by 4WD or mountain bike. At night, listen for barking owls and look for sugar gliders soaring between trees. Access is from Townsville via the Overlanders Way and Aramac Torrens Creek Road. 4WD vehicles are recommended.
PORCUPINE GORGE NATIONAL PARK
Hughenden
Towering cliffs of coloured sandstone, pockets of vine forest and the deep waterholes along Porcupine Creek contrast with the savannah plains surrounding Porcupine Gorge.
Bush camp near the rim of the gorge and gaze over this ‘little Grand Canyon’ from the lookout. Access is from Hughenden via the Kennedy Developmental Road.
WHITE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Torrens Creek
A rugged wilderness of spectacular white sandstone bluffs and gorges hosts diverse plants and animals. Picnic at the scenic Burra Range lookout or camp in open woodland at Canns Camp Creek. Mountain bike to Sawpit Gorge lookout or Poison Valley.
Look for frilled lizards and spiny knob-tailed geckos among rocky outcrops, and in winter see colourful displays of wildflowers. Access is from Charters Towers and Hughenden via the Overlanders Way.
WILIYAN-NGURRU (CAMOOWEAL CAVES)
NATIONAL PARK
Camooweal
Wide expanses of Mitchell grass plains and spinifex woodland cover the Barkly Tablelands, while beneath the surface, caves and sinkholes have formed in 500-millionyear-old dolomite.
Watch for woodland and waterbirds, and stroll to view cave and sinkhole entrances (access not permitted). Access is from Mount Isa via the Overlanders Way and Urandangi Road. 4WD vehicles are recommended.
HUGHENDEN RECREATIONAL LAKE
Sooty Grunter, Sleepy Cod, Redclaw, Spangled Perch, Boney Bream
HUGHENDEN
JULIA CREEK
Yabbies, Sleepy Cod
JULIA CREEK
LAKE FRED TRITTON
Stocked with 18 varieties of fish
RICHMOND
HUGHENDEN
Hughenden is within driving distance of four National Parks - Porcupine Gorge, White Mountains, Moorrinya and Blackbraes - each with its own unique ecosystem, flora, and fauna to explore.
Porcupine Gorge National Park
Hughenden Recreational Lake
INSTA SPOT!
RICHMOND @kronosaurus_korner
WALKING TRAILS & SELF-GUIDED TOURS
CLONCURRY HERITAGE WALK
CLONCURRY
CLONCURRY AUDIO TOUR
CLONCURRY
CLONCURRY PUB TRAIL
CLONCURRY
ECO TRAIL TO CHINAMAN CREEK DAM CLONCURRY
ARTS TRAIL, HISTORY AND CULTURE
MOUNT ISA
DINOSAUR INSPIRED ART AND SCULPTURE TRAIL
HUGHENDEN
ECO WALK ON FLINDERS
HUGHENDEN
LAKE FRED TRITTON WALKING PATH
RICHMOND
RICHMOND HISTORICAL WALK
RICHMOND
fun fact
CLONCURRY
Expect a warm welcome in Cloncurry or “The Curry” as it’s known. Explore the birthplace of the Royal Flying Doctor Service at John Flynn Place Museum.
INSTA SPOT!
MARY KATHLEEN @gregthomas14
DAY TOURS &
EXPERIENCES TO BOOK
Please be sure to book ahead for the below day tours and experiences.
THE UNDERGROUND HOSPITAL AND MUSEUM TOUR
Mount Isa
MOUNT ISA, CLONCURRY, MARY KATHLEEN DAY TOURS; North West Tours, Mount Isa & Cloncurry
TOWN TOUR
Hughenden
KRONOSAURUS KORNER
Richmond
AT THE CREEK
Julia Creek
ARTESIAN BATH EXPERIENCE
Julia Creek
HARD TIMES MINE UNDERGROUND TOUR
Mount Isa
JOHN FLYNN PLACE MUSEUM & ART GALLERY
Cloncurry
FLINDERS DISCOVERY CENTRE & MUSEUM
Hughenden
OUTBACK AT ISA AND RIVERSLEIGH FOSSIL DISCOVERY CENTRE
Mount Isa
fun fact
RICHMOND
In the late 1800s Richmond was a small, pastoral area but a vital stop on the stagecoach route for miners travelling to the goldfields north of the town at Woolgar. By the time the railway reached Richmond in 1904, the town had nine hotels!
Kronosaurus Korner, Richmond
Clem Walton Park, Cloncurry
MOUNT ISA CAMOOWEAL
HARD TIMES MINE UNDERGROUND TOUR
Experience Mount Isa’s mining past on an underground tour in the Hard Times Mine. DISCOVERMOUNTISA.COM.AU
MOUNT ISA, AN INVITING Outback haven enriched with tales of its ancient landscape, thriving industries and rich culture. This town, embraced by friendly locals, invites you to immerse yourself in vibrant experiences – walk alongside an Indigenous guide to discover traditional bush techniques, explore the subterranean life of a miner, encounter Australia’s megafauna, or wander through the unique Underground Hospital.
As the host of the Isa Rodeo, Mount Isa comes alive in the second week of August. Festivities commence with the Isa Street Festival, followed by the Indigenous Rodeo and Mailman Express, culminating in the exhilarating Isa Rodeo main event. Beyond the lively events, Mount Isa’s rugged terrain beckons four-wheel-driving enthusiasts, providing an adventurous playground. Whether you enjoy fishing, water sports, camping, or simply relishing an Outback sunset or stargazing under the vast, unending sky, Mount Isa invites you to ‘see the other side of Queensland’.
OUTBACK AT ISA 07 4749 1555
BUSH TUCKER EXPERIENCE
Walk alongside an Indigenous heritage guide as you explore the secrets of the Outback. DISCOVERMOUNTISA.COM.AU
EXHILARATING EVENTS
ROAD TO RODEO MOUNT ISA 11 May 2024
LEGENDS OF LEAGUE May 2024
YELVERTOFT CAMPDRAFT + RODEO 14-16 June 2024
MOUNT ISA CAMPDRAFT 4-7 July 2024
ISA STREET FESTIVAL 7 August 2024
MOUNT ISA MINES INDIGENOUS RODEO CHAMPIONSHIPS 8 August 2024
MAILMAN EXPRESS 8 August 2024
MOUNT ISA MINES RODEO 8-11 August 2024
THE DROVERS CAMP FESTIVAL CAMOOWEAL 23-25 August 2024
NORTH WEST FISHING CLASSIC 18-26 October 2024
ARTS AND CULTURE
ARTS TRAIL, city arts, murals, history and culture
BEST OF MOUNT ISA CITY TOUR, of this amazing Outback city
MOUNT ISA REGIONAL ART GALLERY, local and travelling exhibitions
LAKE MOONDARRA
Scenic drive, lookouts, birdwatching, fishing, water sports, hiking, biking or relax. DISCOVERMOUNTISA.COM.AU
TOP NOTCH EXPERIENCES
UNDERGROUND HOSPITAL + MUSEUM, twilight tour
LAKE MOONDARRA SUNSET TOUR, experience the serenity + sunset
THE DROVERS CAMP, Droving Heritage Centre, Camooweal
ISA EXPERIENCE HERITAGE DISPLAY, take a walk through time
RIVERSLEIGH FOSSIL DISCOVERY CENTRE, every rock tells a story
@outbackatisa #discovermountisa discovermountisa.com.au
CLONCURRY UNEARTHED MUSEUM
Come face to face with history at Cloncurry Unearthed Museum.
EXPERIENCECLONCURRY.COM
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POST OFFICE HOTEL, bar & grill beer garden
REDDOOR TRAINING CAFÉ, great country food
CENTRAL HOTEL, great meals at great prices
LEICHHARDT HOTEL, quality pub food
OASIS HOTEL, a local favourite
QUAMBY PUB, our famous pub in the scrub
DAJARRA HOTEL, traditional hotel food
WHEN YOU ENTER CLONCURRY there is no mistake that you’re in the heart of the Outback. Our unique corner of Australia is complete with red dirt plains, staggering ranges, running waterways, cold beer, friendly locals and stunning wildlife. Come check it out! Begin your Cloncurry exploration at the Cloncurry Unearthed Visitor Information Centre and Museum. Here you’ll find all the information you need to plan your trip; collect road maps, hear local stories, purchase fossicking licences and more. Cloncurry is the birthplace of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. John Flynn Place Museum is named after the visionary who began the ‘flying doctor experiment’. Visit the Museum to learn how the very first aerial ambulance service took flight in 1928. View records of an iconic era of technological advancement in both aviation and radio. Just six minutes’ drive from town, Chinaman Creek Dam is the perfect place to start your exploration of Cloncurry’s natural gifts.
CLONCURRY UNEARTHED VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE & MUSEUM 07 4742 1361
JOHN FLYNN PLACE MUSEUM
Learn about Outback aviation pioneers at John Flynn Place Museum. EXPERIENCECLONCURRY.COM
CLONCURRY PUB TRAIL
Experience Outback pub heritage on the Cloncurry Pub Trail.
EXPERIENCECLONCURRY.COM
TOP NOTCH EXPERIENCES
Bike or walk the paved 4.3 km ECO TRAIL to CHINAMAN DAM CREEK
DR DAVID HARVEY-SUTTON GALLERY, exhibitions & workshops
MARY KATHLEEN, visit the ghost town
Choose a spot and watch the OUTBACK SUNSET at its finest
KALKADOON HOTEL, enjoy your meal with a great sunset
TOP 5 SPOTS TO CAPTURE AN EPIC PHOTO
CLONCURRY LOOKOUT, endless sprawling Outback vistas
MARY KATHLEEN MINE, deep blue water in the centre of the pit
CORELLA DAM, bright blue skies mirrored against an expansive lake
FOUNTAIN SPRINGS, a natural rocky outcrop softens to form a watery oasis
MARY KATHLEEN MEMORIAL PARK, historic mining, farm & rail equipment
ARTESIAN BATH EXPERIENCE
Enjoy stunning Outback vistas whilst taking a soak in the million-year-old water from the Great Artesian Basin, phone 07 4746 7108.
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THE MAJOR CENTRE OF McKinlay Shire, Julia Creek, is ideally situated on the Overlanders Way (Flinders Highway) which spans the Outback from Mount Isa to the coastal city of Townsville. The Shire is connected by a fully-sealed network of roads connecting McKinlay – with the Walkabout Creek Hotel made famous by Crocodile Dundee and the annual McKinlay Races; Kynuna which was put on the map by Banjo Paterson with the penning of Waltzing Matilda and the shearers’ strike at Dagworth Station and, of course, the famous Blue Heeler Hotel. Then we have the small, quaint town of Nelia with a beautiful brolga sculpture. Julia Creek o ers a great array of accommodation options which include the award-winning Julia Creek Caravan Park (with the highly lauded Artesian Bath experience), free RV camping site by the creek and an array of hotels and motels to suit your budget.
AT THE CREEK
From June to September, join in the awardwinning Bush Dinner nights each Monday.
JULIA CREEK ROADHOUSE, hearty Outback fare fit for a weary traveller
GODIER’S CAFÉ/GROCER, takeaway coffee, snacks and meals
CORRINA’S CAFÉ, an array of treats, meals and beverages
DROVER’S DOG HOTEL, great meals, open for dinner and lunch
WALKABOUT CREEK HOTEL (MCKINLAY), great meals and snacks
BLUE HEELER HOTEL (KYNUNA), great meals and snacks (check availability)
CORELLA CREEK (NELIA), great meals and snacks (check availability)
HISTORY MAKING PLACES
DUNCAN MCINTYRE MUSEUM, local histories, stories and artefacts
JULIA CREEK OPERA HOUSE, historical photography display
JULIA CREEK RSL, tribute to WWI Lighthorse Brigade
WWII BUNKER, remains of a WWII Bunker found on outskirts of Julia Creek AT THE CREEK, Visitor Information Centre brimming with the Region’s history
Learn about the lifestyle and history of the area at the Visitor Information Centre known as ‘At the Creek’. See the dunnarts!
TOP NOTCH EXPERIENCES
ARTESIAN BATH, the absolute jewel in the crown is the Artesian Bath experience at the Julia Creek Caravan Park. There are six artesian bath houses; each containing two clawfoot bath tubs and other salubrious trimmings. Bookings are essential (07) 4746 7108.
JULIA CREEK VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 07 4746 7690
JULIA CREEK CARAVAN PARK BUSH DINNERS
KRONOSAURUS KORNER
Awaken your passion for our prehistoric past at Australia’s Premier Marine Fossil Museum. KRONOSAURUSKORNER.COM.AU
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NESTLED ALONG THE BANKS of the Flinders River, Richmond has earned its name as an Oasis in the Outback for its stunning sunsets, recreational lake and sensational community events, that keep people coming back every year. Richmond’s renowned for its fossil rich soils that have yielded a world class marine reptile display, Kronosaurus Korner.
With over 1600 specimens and more being found regularly, Kronosaurus Korner is bursting at the seams with 100-million-year-old creatures. Want to get in on the ancient action? Richmond has sites dedicated to fossil enthusiasts ready to unearth their very own piece of prehistoric magic.
Take a break and catch a Barra o the jetty of award winning Lake Fred Tritton, with little locals boasting 115cm long catches.
RICHMOND FOSSIL HUNTING SITES
Unlock your inner-palaeontologist and discover your very own 100-million-yearold fossil.
FEDERAL PALACE HOTEL, cold beer, great food and good people
MOONROCK CAFÉ, a moreish menu that leaves you wanting more
MUD HUT HOTEL, place a bet and have a beer in the air-conditioning
TREATS FOR YOUR TABLE, delectable homemade delights
MIDWAY ROADHOUSE, hot box heaven and nightly specials
SPECTACULAR SELFIES
TAKE A CRACKER SHOT IN ONE OF THESE SPOTS .... Jaws of Krono | Mayor & his Mare | Moonrocks | Sunsets
MAJOR EVENTS
RICHMOND FIELD DAYS, June
RODEO, July
BUSH SPRINTS, August
CAMPDRAFT, September
LADIES DAY RACES, October
LAKE FRED TRITTON
Walking, fishing, skiing, waterpark fun and snags on the BBQ. Bursting with activities to excite the whole family!
TOP NOTCH EXPERIENCES
DIGGING AT DAWN, join a pro, find a fossil and catch fossil fever
RICHMOND WAGON ADVENTURES, horse drawn wagon tour
HISTORICAL WALK, discover Cobb & Co coaches to war memorabilia
AUSTRALIA’S DINOSAUR TRAIL, discover prehistoric giants
KRONOSAURUS KORNER
TORRENS CREEK PRAIRIE HUGHENDEN STAMFORD
FLINDERS DISCOVERY CENTRE
Dinosaur display, fossils, local stories. Kid’s dino activities and visitor information. VISITHUGHENDEN.COM.AU
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WITH OVER 100 CATTLE properties in the region, you are in the heart of cowboy country. Cattle aside, the district boasts some of the prettiest and diverse landscapes in the Northwest. Dramatic gorges, basalt ridges, tabletop mountains, open downs and desert uplands. There are three great tourist drives in the region that explore these landscapes. To make the most of your visit, plan your travel to coincide with one of the local events, including the Festival of Outback Skies, Country Music Festival, picnic races or sporting events.
If dinosaurs take your interest, Hughenden has some great dinosaur and marine fossils on display, and local fossick sites to try your luck at unearthing your own fossil from the past. The town also has a great dinosaur inspired art trail with metal sculptures and murals. Looking to cool off? Hughenden Recreational Lake is ideal for swimming, fishing, watercraft and biking.
FOX HELICOPTER TOURS
The ultimate way to see Porcupine Gorge and White Mountains.
FOXHELICOPTERSERVICES.COM.AU
GREAT WESTERN & ROYAL HOTELS, no better place for a local steak
TORRENS CREEK OASIS EXCHANGE HOTEL, famous graffiti wall and pub meals
PRAIRIE HOTEL, nothing ordinary about this little pub; for the antique lovers!
FJ HOLDENS, old fashion burger and milkshake café
CHENGS CHINESE TAKEAWAY, serving Hughenden since 1984
HOLDENS BAKERY, great for pies and pastries
SPECTACULAR SELFIES
PORCUPINE GORGE, best canyon shots
MOUNT WALKER, for sunset shots and views
HUGHENDEN STATION SIGN, iconic station sign near the lake
“MUTT” life size Muttaburrasaurus
COMET WINDMILL, that classic Outback shot
AMAZING ART WORKS
DIGGING UP THE PAST, watertank art
MOONDA NURRA, metal art sculpture of rainbow serpent
@visithughenden #visithughenden #endlesshorizons
HUGHENDEN RECREATIONAL LAKE
A great little oasis in the Outback to cool off and relax.
TOP NOTCH EVENTS
FESTIVAL OF OUTBACK SKIES, 3 - 5 May 2024 – actions, arts, ambience
KOOROOINYA RACES, 10 - 11 May 2024 – picnic races at their finest
HUGHENDEN COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL, 19 - 21 July 2024
CAMPDRAFTS AND RACES, May - Sept fast paced horse/cattle sport
RUGBY 7’S, 27 - 28 July 2024
visithughenden.com.au
FLINDERS
THE DROVER’S CAMP CAMOOWEAL
Droving Heritage Centre (gift shop | coach tours welcome); Opens daily – May to Sept 9am – 3pm.
Guided Tours available May to Aug – 9.30am, 11.30am & 1.30pm – wheelchair friendly (Off season entry avail – phone prior to arrival)
Bush Camping available – $20/night
Drover’s Camp Festival – 4th weekend in August
MOUNT ISA UNDERGROUND HOSPITAL & MUSEUM
Including The Beth Anderson Museum and Tent House – Take a guided tour of the tunnels carved in the hillside behind the Mount Isa Hospital, a reminder of the tenacity of the volunteer mine workers who built the evacuation hospital after the bombing of Darwin during WWII. The Beth Anderson Museum is filled with fascinating hospital memorabilia. The Tent House was a quick, inexpensive form of accommodation in the 1930s. Open 1 Apr to 30 Sept; Oct to March by appointment. BOOK NOW – WWW.UNDERGROUNDHOSPITAL.COM.AU
63 Deighton Street, Mount Isa P 07 4749 3087
info@undergroundhospital.com UNDERGROUNDHOSPITAL.COM.AU
Barkly Hwy, 1km East of Camooweal P 07 4748 2022 E info@droverscamp.com.au DROVERSCAMP.COM.AU
DIRT N DUST FESTIVAL
The iconic Julia Creek DirtnDust Festival is back 19 & 20 April 2024. Join in the Adventure Run, Rodeo, Live Concerts, Artesian Express Outback Horse Races, Camping onsite...and Australia’s Best Butt competition. It’s dirty weekend like no other!
DATES: 19-20 APRIL 2024
MORE INFO: DIRTNDUST.COM
› A range of camping
› Nearby Boodjamulla Lawn Hill Gorge, National Park & Riversleigh World Heritage Fossil Fields
›Restaurant, Bar & Cafe
›Fuel/Diesel/AVGas
› Shop, souvenirs, basic food supplies
› Camping and caravan sites
› Choice of Sites in The Grove or our top campground suitable for solar, pets or generators
‘AT THE CREEK’ JULIA CREEK
Awarded Best Visitor Centre in Queensland in 2019
Virtual reality helicopter mustering experience
Brochures, maps, itineraries, travel bookings and iconic souvenirs
Interactive film, photographic and audio displays housed in historical fettler’s cottages featuring the region’s proud and honest history
Nocturnal viewing area of dunnarts + daily feeding shows
The new ‘Beneath the Creek’ experience lets you unearth Julia Creek’s geological and geographical features
34 Burke Street, Julia Creek P 07 4746 7690 E tourism@mckinlay.qld.gov.au
ATTHECREEK.COM.AU
Situated on Lawn Hill Creek and only 10km from Lawn Hill Gorge with road and air access
Email: reservations@wugudaji-adelsgrove.com.au www.wugudaji-adelsgrove.com.au
Artesian Bath Houses
Awarded Gold – Caravan & Holiday Parks at Qld Tourism Awards; Silver – Australian Tourism Awards
Famous Bush Dinners Monday nights June–September
Self-contained cabins/budget accom
Unpowered & powered van sites
Powered sites on grass for motor homes & camping
Large grassed camping area
New amenities block & laundry
Well behaved pets welcome
Camp kitchen –communal BBQ & TV
Cnr Julia Street & Old Normanton Road, Julia Creek
P 07 4746 7108
E jccaravanpark@mckinlay.qld.gov.au
JCCARAVANPARK.COM.AU
JULIA CREEK – 96HR RV FRIENDLY AREA
Suitable for self-contained RVs and Caravans (must have a toilet and shower on board), this FREE camping area adjacent to Julia Creek is an ideal spot to observe the wildlife or to wet the line. Cruiser bikes so you can pedal up town, water and picnic tables are all provided free of charge. On Monday nights from June to September the iconic Julia Creek Caravan Park Bush Dinners are held – all welcome! Permits obtained from the Julia Creek Visitor Information Centre or Volunteer Camp Hosts on site. If you wish to be an RV Camp Host Volunteer in 2024, please contact the award-winning Julia Creek Visitor Information Centre – the centre was crowned the best in Queensland in 2019.
Contact ‘At the Creek’ Visitor Information Centre for directions P 07 4746 7690 E tourism@mckinlay.qld.gov.au
ATTHECREEK.COM.AU
JULIA CREEK CARAVAN PARK
FLINDERS DISCOVERY CENTRE
37 Gray St, Hughenden QLD 4821 (07) 4741 2970 | info@flinders.qld.gov.au @visithughenden visithughenden.com.au
Highlights
Home to over 1500 world-class fossils
Fully equipped preparation laboratory
Audio guides for a self-paced tour
Award winning theatrette presentation
Accredited Visitor Information Centre, Cafe & Souvenir shop
Open 7 days
Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day New Year’s Day & Good Friday
kronosauruskorner.com.au 1300 KRONOK enquiries@kronosauruskorner com.au
TALAROO HOT SPRINGS
Eco-tents &
Bookings
TOP CAMPING SPOTS
LAKE CALLIDE, Biloela
KROOMBIT TOPS, via Biloela
JUNCTION PARK, Theodore
THE EASTERNMOST PART OF Outback
Queensland is simply gorge-ous! The Sandstone Wonders region includes Lake Murphy, Kroombit Tops and Mt. Scoria Conservation Parks, along with Isla and Nathan Gorge, and Expedition National Park – popular for camping and 4WD adventures.
Bring your fishing rod because the fish are always biting here, whether you’re casting off at the Dawson River or Lake Callide stocked with Saratoga, Barramundi, Yellowbelly & Silver Perch with breeding populations of eels, catfish, and sleepy cod.
Explore Outback Queensland’s past – there’s restored churches, railway station buildings, machinery, interactive displays, photographs, family histories and museums that showcase the region’s rich heritage in agriculture, exploration, mining, and the pioneering spirit of Australia.
fun fact
SANDSTONE WONDERS REGION
Despite its name, the Banana Shire is not named for the fruit but for a yellowish coloured bullock called Banana that was used to herd cattle into the town’s holding yards in the 1860s. Take a selfie with his replica in Banana town centre.
NATIONAL PARKS
ISLA GORGE NATIONAL PARK via Theodore
LAKE MURPHY CONSERVATION PARK via Taroom
KROOMBIT TOPS NATIONAL PARK via Biloela
BILOELA
THEODORE
MOURA
TAROOM
MOUNT SCORIA CONSERVATION PARK via Thangool
EXPEDITION NATIONAL PARK, via Taroom
NATHAN GORGE via Cracow
THEODORE SHOWGROUNDS, Theodore
ISLA GORGE, via Theodore
CRACOW BEACH, via Cracow
NATHAN GORGE, via Cracow
ROTARY PARK, Moura
APEX PARK, Moura
GLEBE WEIR, Taroom
LAKE MURPHY, Taroom
THE CHAIN LAGOONS, Taroom
GOOVIGEN RECREATION GROUNDS, Goovigen
NEVILLE HEWITT WEIR, Baralaba
TOP FISHING SPOTS
LAKE CALLIDE
Barramundi, Saratoga, Cod, Yellowbelly, Redclaw Crayfish
Near BILOELA
LAKE PLEASANT
Yellowbelly, Catfish
GOOVIGEN
APEX PARK
Barramundi, Saratoga, Sleepy Cod, Yellowbelly, Banded Grunter, Catfish
MOURA
GLEBE WEIR
Saratoga, Yellowbelly, Silver Perch, Catfish, Sleepy Cod
TAROOM
DAWSON RIVER
Southern Saratoga, Barramundi, Sleepy Cod, Black Bream, Yellowbelly, Eels & Banded Grunter
BARALABA THEODORE TAROOM MOURA
INSTA SPOT!
MOURA @glphotographer
Kroombit Tops National Park, via Biloela
BARALABA HOTEL
Grab a counter meal and a schooner at the 94-year-old pub.
FACEBOOK: @BARALABA_HOTEL
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DISCOVER WHY THE EASTERN most part of Outback Queensland is such a popular destination. The Sandstone Region is easily accessible by Australia’s Country Way, The Leichhardt Way and the Dawson Highway and attracts visitors from all over Australia seeking an Outback experience while being close enough to the east coast to get to the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
The highways, byways and waterways of Banana Shire will fill your days with some of the most memorable moments of your journey. You’ll meet locals who’ll have you laughing with their cheeky humour and tell-it-how it-is, no-nonsense approach, and you’ll never be short of a willing word from a friendly stranger on the best places to snag a fish, go for a paddle, boil a billy, grab a good feed or camp for the night.
Pubs, festivals, fishing comps, country races and camp drafts are just a few ways to have fantastic family fun.
RURAL HINTERLAND VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 07 4992 4141
BILOELA HOTEL
Great food, great drinks, great entertainment and great times.
FACEBOOK: @BILOELAHOTEL
RITA’S BLUE CAFÉ, championing modern and Vietnamese cuisine
A COUNTRY ATMOSPHERE CAFÉ, breakfast, lunch and freshly brewed coffee
THEODORE HOME AND GARDEN CAFÉ, a little bit of everything
MY COUNTRY LANE, great home cooked meals and country hospitality
THE RABBIT HOLE COFFEE CAFÉ, perfect food and featuring local artists
HISTORY MAKING PLACES
GREYCLIFFE HOMESTEAD, local history, stories and artefacts
WARDINGARRI KEEPING PLACE, home of the Star of Taroom
MOURA MINERS MEMORIAL, a solemn reminder of lessons from the past
CULTURE AND EVENTS
BARALABA BASH, a night of live country music
WINTERFEST BILOELA, a weekend of live music and camping
GYRANDA OPEN DAY, meet friendly locals on a working cattle station
MOURA COAL AND COUNTRY FESTIVAL, grab your boots and shovel and join us
HOTEL THEODORE
Eat, play and rest – top notch, chef-prepared meals.
FACEBOOK: @THEODORE_HOTEL
TOP NOTCH EXPERIENCE
BANANA SHIRE REGIONAL ART GALLERY
The Banana Shire Regional Art Gallery displays a variety of exhibitions from the region including touring shows, works by local artists and pieces from the Banana Shire Council collection. Free and open to the public every weekday and selected weekends, there is always something new to see.
BIT.LY/BANANASHIREREGIONALARTGALLERY
@sandstonewonders #sandstonewonders sandstonewonders.com
TIPS FOR TRAVELLING WITH KIDS
LET US ASSURE YOU we have never received a complaint from kids being bored on an Outback Queensland adventure – in fact the opposite, they can’t wait to go back again. To help you have the best family adventure too, here’s our top tips – direct from those who have done it many times.
WIFI TIP
Internet connection is not great in some places – so ensure you download audiobooks, movies, games etc direct to tablets, phones or laptops before you depart.
FAMILY ROADTRIP SURVIVAL GUIDE
When it comes to travelling with children, expect the unexpected. A three-hour drive can take five. So, keep your car packed with plenty of drinking water, wall-to-wall snacks, wet wipes for sticky fingers, and last but not least, a well-stocked first-aid kit.
PREPARATION AND PIT STOPS
Choosing the right time to set off can make a massive difference to your travel sanity. Involve the kids in the planning stage. Show them this guide and get them to highlight where they want to go! For some families it might be first thing in the morning while everyone is fresh, for others during the day to make the most of coinciding nap times. The key is to set realistic travel times and always factor in some additional time for inevitable or fun stops along the way – to enjoy an ice-cream, a picnic by a billabong, or a run down a big sand dune!
NATURE & ENVIRONMENT
Outback Queensland is the perfect place for kids to explore and learn first-hand about their environment. Encourage them to look for and collect interesting items along the
way, including feathers, flowers and stones. Point out landscape features along the way and spend time doing educational activities like visiting historical museums, fossicking and dinosaur experiences, exploring national parks and heritage trails. For older kids grab a scrapbook and gluestick before you leave, they can add tickets and brochures and create a journal of their travels.
SNACKS
If you think you have packed enough snacks…. pack some more! You don’t want to have to pull over in the middle of nowhere and try to find snacks. Pack simple foods into a small cooler bag that are easy to eat with fingers, such as apples, grapes, dried fruit, cheese sticks, crackers and muesli bars. Our top tip? Avoid messy foods and avoid super sugary foods or you’ll have them bouncing off the car doors.
AUDIOBOOKS
A roadtrip is the perfect setting to get your kids listening to educational or creative stories the entire family can enjoy. Our top tip for a really funny family roadtrip series is The Tripp Diaries series by Stig Wemyss, which is set in Australia. Audiobooks keep kids entertained
but also keep a calm environment in the car for your driver. Remember to have a few options ready in case kids lose interest in one. Don’t forget to visit your local library before leaving; you can borrow out audiobooks as CDs or even borrow them out online. And bring earplugs for listening – in case they want to listen to different stories.
EMPOWER THEM
Give your children options so they feel in control. For example: ‘Would you like to stop at this park for a play or keep driving and get to the caravan park so you can go for a swim?’ When they have a stake in selecting your outings, they’ll enjoy them more and appreciate feeling like they’re a part of the trip and that you’re listening to them and their requests.
KEEP NECESSITIES ON HAND
Baby wipes, lots of baby wipes! There is nothing that can’t be cleaned with a baby wipe. Take extra bags for storing rubbish or leftover food. Plenty of tissues. A spare roll of toilet paper will also come in handy if you do need to have an emergency roadside pit stop. A stable table is a brilliant idea to pack for bigger kids who want to read or colour on the way. And don’t forget to pack hand sanitiser.
Tambo Mill Motel & Caravan Park, Tambo
TRAVEL TIPS
OUTBACK
QUEENSLAND COVERS A massive 932,678km 2 and can be a daunting experience for a firsttime traveller.
Be assured though, we promise it’s a very friendly place, and these tips will make getting there and getting around even easier for you!
For more tips visit our website: OUTBACKQUEENSLAND.COM.AU/ TRAVELLERS-TIPS
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES
Make sure you pop into the local Visitor Information Centres (VICs) along the way –you’ll always get a friendly welcome and plenty of local advice. You’ll also be able to get required permits, maps, brochures and guides, and local tips on where to go and what to do. Locations of the VICs are listed on the back of this guide. For additional details, the Australian Visitor Centres App can be downloaded for free from the App Store (Apple) or Google Play.
ESCORTED TOURS
Visit Outback Queensland in comfort and style on a multi-day tour accompanied by expert guides to introduce you to key attractions and destinations.
Tours are tailored to suit different tastes and needs, from small special interest group tours to senior visitors looking for personal service. Specialist tour operators servicing the Outback include: Travel West, Blue Bus Tours, AAT Kings, Fun Over Fifty, Boobook Explore, Palmers Coaches, Queensland Rail, Trek West, Outback Aussie Tours, Red Dirt Tours and Barcaldine & Beyond Tours.
PACK THE ESSENTIALS
On major highways fuel stops are rarely more than 200kms apart, so you shouldn’t need to carry extra fuel unless you are heading somewhere more remote. However, when you do see ‘no fuel’ signs, it means exactly that. Check your maps in advance for driving distances between fuel stops.
We do recommend packing the car with road trip essentials. This includes maps of the area, first aid kit, plenty of water, a spare tyre, a good toolbox, a radio and a torch so you’re prepared for anything.
Note: If you are travelling in a vehicle that requires Autogas, check in advance where you can re-fuel. Autogas (LPG) is only available for purchase in Mount Isa, Emerald and Roma.
CHECK THE WEATHER
Hot and sunny days go hand-in-hand in Outback Queensland. The most temperate and ideal travelling weather is between April and October (winter/spring).
If visiting between May and August make sure you also pack your winter woollies. Winter nights can fall below freezing, especially in the desert regions, so you don’t want to be without a warm swag, beanie, gloves and a cuppa. Outback weather conditions can be very changeable. Dust storms, rainstorms and intense heat are fairly standard. That means road conditions can change almost daily. Each morning, before you set out for your destination, check the road conditions. You can speak to the locals, get information from the Visitor Information Centre or even reach out to police or rangers.
BE CAUTIOUS ON THE ROADS
Take extreme care when passing and overtaking road trains, heavy vehicles and caravans. Ensure you have a clear line of sight, allow plenty of room and be prepared to move over to the side to overtake.
If a road train or heavy vehicle is approaching you from ahead or from behind, move as far left as possible, or better still, pull right over to the side of the road and stop to allow it to pass, especially if you are towing a caravan or camper. Be cautious in wet conditions as road verges are often soft and slippery, so when pulling to the left, keep your right wheels on the bitumen and move slowly to avoid being bogged.
WATCH OUT FOR WILDLIFE
Most Outback creatures are active at dawn and dusk, when these Aussie animals enjoy grazing on the edges of the roads, and often wander across them in front of unsuspecting cars. Where possible, time driving to the middle of the day, and avoid driving at dawn and dusk.
CHECK FOR ROAD CLOSURES
Plan your route wisely and check for road closures and road works to avoid unnecessary delays. Be sure to check for updates along the way too in case there has been a sudden change in road conditions.
Note: Many unsealed Outback roads get closed after rain to avoid damage to the roads, and also to avoid people getting bogged. Make sure you check roads are open for use after rain; and don’t travel on unsealed roads if the road is noted as closed. The locals in particular get very annoyed when their roads are ruined by cars driving on muddy roads when they shouldn’t be.
LEAVE THE GATE AS YOU FIND IT
Much of the vast and seemingly empty Outback is actually covered by huge cattle stations. As such, there’s key road etiquette you need to be aware of. Most important is to leave any gates as you find them. In other words, if they are open, leave them open. And if they are closed, then always close them behind you.
PHONE COVERAGE
While most towns have phone coverage with the Telstra network, expect a ‘no service’ reading travelling between towns. A satellite phone and/or UHF radio are always recommended while travelling.
Along the Matilda Way, near Cloncurry
TIME YOUR TRIP WITH AN EVENT
If you need an excuse to head to the Outback, time your trip with Outback Queensland’s events calendar – chock full of memorable and quirky events all year round.
TAKE REGULAR BREAKS
As with any long road trip, regular breaks are essential. We recommend not travelling too far in one day, stopping as soon as you become tired, and taking the time to make pit stops for meals, refuelling and exploring.
IF YOU GET INTO TROUBLE
The number one rule in the Outback is to always stay with your vehicle. Try to reach help via your mobile, UHF radio or satellite phone. Do not try to walk for help – it’s very easy for people to become disoriented and dehydrated. If you are going to more remote areas, it is suggested to have a satellite phone, UHF radio and an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) device with you.
Jump online to start planning your Outback adventure today: OUTBACKQUEENSLAND.COM.AU
GETTING THERE
RAIL EXPERIENCES
Jump on board one of five Outback rail services for a scenic route to the Outback, where you can sit back and relax and watch the coast turn to country. Queensland Rail services include:
▶ Spirit of the Outback Brisbane to Longreach
▶ The Westlander Brisbane to Charleville
▶ The Inlander Townsville to Mount Isa
▶ The Savannahlander Cairns to Forsayth
▶ Gulflander Normanton to Croydon
BUS SERVICES
Enjoy a hassle-free holiday with Greyhound Australia coaches, taking you across the major drive routes of Outback Queensland.
SELF DRIVE
Embark on the ultimate Outback road trip with major drive routes taking you to all corners of the Outback. You can also pick up a hire car from major retailers like AVIS, Budget and Hertz from Roma, Charleville, Longreach, Mount Isa, Biloela and St George. Or hire a campervan or motorhome from Apollo or Britz Rentals.
AIR CONNECTIONS
See the Outback from above. Air services available with Rex, Qantas, Virgin, Bonza and Link Airways to:
▶ Barcaldine
▶ Bedourie
▶ Biloela
▶ Birdsville
▶ Blackall
▶ Boulia
▶ Charleville
▶ Cloncurry
▶ Cunnamulla
▶ Hughenden
▶ Julia Creek
▶ Longreach
▶ Mount Isa
▶ Quilpie
Richmond
Roma
St George
Thargomindah
Windorah
Winton
Travel Planner
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES
Alpha
Rowley Roberts Information Centre
43-45 Shakespeare Street, Alpha P (07) 4985 1050
Aramac
Aramac Information Centre
35 Gordon Street, Aramac P (07) 4652 9999
Augathella
Augathella Information Centre
Main Street, Augathella P (07) 4654 5244
Barcaldine
Barcaldine Visitor Information Centre
149 Oak Street, Barcaldine P (07) 4651 5630
tourism@barc.qld.gov.au
Bedourie
Bedourie Outback Visitor Information Centre
13 Herbert Street, Bedourie P 1300 794 257 visitors@diamantina.qld.gov.au
THEDIAMANTINA.COM.AU
Biloela
Biloela Rural Hinterland Visitor Information Centre
11 Exhibition Avenue, Biloela P (07) 4992 2400 rhvic@bigpond.com
SANDSTONEWONDERS.COM
Biloela
Biloela Visitor Information Centre
Callide Street, Biloela P (07) 4992 2405
Birdsville
Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre
29 Burt Street, Birdsville P (07) 4564 2000
info@diamantina.qld.gov.au
THEDIAMANTINA.COM.AU
Blackall
Blackall Visitor Information Centre
108a Shamrock Street, Blackall P (07) 4657 4637
Bollon
Bollon Heritage Centre
23 Main Street, Bollon P (07) 4625 6108
Boulia
Min Min Encounter and Visitor Information Centre
25 Herbert Street, Boulia P (07) 4746 3386
tourism@boulia.qld.gov.au
BOULIA.QLD.GOV.AU
Charleville
Charleville Visitor Information Centre
Charleville Railway Station
King Street, Charleville P (07) 4656 8359
info@murweh.qld.gov.au
EXPERIENCECHARLEVILLE.COM.AU
Cloncurry
Cloncurry Unearthed Visitor Information Centre & Museum
48 McIlwraith Street (Flinders Highway), Cloncurry P (07) 4742 1361
info@cloncurry.qld.gov.au
EXPERIENCECLONCURRY.COM
Cunnamulla
Cunnamulla Visitor Information Centre
2 Jane Street, Cunnamulla P (07) 4655 8470
visitor@paroo.qld.gov.au
CUNNAMULLATOURISM.COM.AU
Dirranbandi
Dirranbandi Rural Transaction Centre
35-37 Railway Street, Dirranbandi P (07) 4625 8411
Hughenden
Flinders Discovery Centre & Museum
37 Gray Street, Hughenden P (07) 4741 2970
info@flinders.qld.gov.au
VISITHUGHENDEN.COM.AU
Ilfracombe
Wellshot Centre
McMaster Drive, Ilfracombe P (07) 4658 2233
Injune
Injune Visitor Information Centre
32 Hutton Street, Injune P (07) 4626 0503 tourism@maranoa.qld.gov.au ROMAREVEALED.COM.AU
Isisford
Outer Barcoo Interpretation Centre
12 St Mary Street, Isisford P (07) 4658 8133
Jericho
Jericho Tourist Information Centre
8 Darwin Street, Jericho P (07) 4651 4129
Julia Creek
‘At the Creek’ – Julia Creek
Visitor Information Centre
34 Burke Street, Julia Creek P (07) 4746 7690 tourism@mckinlay.qld.gov.au ATTHECREEK.COM.AU
Jundah
11 Dickson Street, Jundah P (07) 4658 6930
Longreach
Longreach Explore Centre 99a Eagle Street, Longreach P (07) 4658 4141 experience@longreach.qld.gov.au EXPERIENCELONGREACH.COM.AU
Mitchell
Great Artesian Spa
2 Cambridge Street, Mitchell P (07) 4624 6923 mitchell.spa@outlook.com GREATARTESIANSPA.COM.AU
Morven
Morven Information Centre Warrgeo Highway
Mount Isa
Outback at Isa
19 Marian Street, Mount Isa P (07) 4749 1555 info@outbackatisa.com.au DISCOVERMOUNTISA.COM.AU
Moura
Moura Visitor Information Centre
43 Gillespie Street, Moura P (07) 4992 9500
Muttaburra
Muttaburra Information Centre
16 Sword Street, Muttaburra P (07) 4658 7147
Quilpie
Quilpie Visitor Information Centre, Museum & Gallery
51 Brolga Street, Quilpie P (07) 4656 0540 tourism@quilpie.qld.gov.au VISITQUILPIESHIRE.COM
Richmond
Kronosaurus Korner
91–93 Goldring Street, Richmond P (07) 4719 3390
enquiries@kronosauruskorner.com.au KRONOSAURUSKORNER.COM.AU
Roma
The Big Rig and Visitor Information Centre
2 Riggers Road, Roma P (07) 4624 0204 tourism@maranoa.qld.gov.au ROMAREVEALED.COM.AU
St George
St George Region Explore Centre
114 St Georges Terrace, St George P (07) 4620 8877 vic@balonne.qld.gov.au
Stonehenge
Stratford Street, Stonehenge P (07) 4658 5857
Surat
Cobb & Co Changing Station
62 Burrowes Street, Surat P (07) 4626 5136
Thallon
Thallon Information Station
William Street, Thallon
Tambo
Tambo Visitor Information Centre
Arthur Street, Tambo P (07) 4654 6408
Taroom
Taroom Visitor Information Centre
10 Yaldwyn Street, Taroom P (07) 4628 6113
Thargomindah
Echidna Place
37 Dowling Street, Thargomindah P (07) 4621 8095
tourism@bulloo.qld.gov.au EXPLOREBULLOO.COM.AU
Theodore
Theodore Visitor Information Centre
55A The Blvd, Theodore P 0497 625 375
Wallumbilla
Calico Cottage, Warrego Highway, Wallumbilla P (07) 4623 4244
Windorah
Windorah Visitor Information Centre
7 Maryborough Street, Windorah P (07) 4656 3063
E: windorahinfo@barcoo.qld.gov.au VISITBARCOO.COM.AU
Winton
Waltzing Matilda Centre
50 Elderslie Street, Winton P (07) 4657 1466
waltzing@matildacentre.com.au EXPERIENCEWINTON.COM.AU