Outback Top 10's
Choose your own Outback adventure
Where To Go
North West
Things can get wild in Queensland’s rugged North West. Visit the thriving mining town of Mount Isa, saddle up for the Mount Isa Rodeo, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, and drop in at the historic Underground Hospital built during WWII.
Canoe through vivid red gorges in the Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park and search for ancient fossils in the limestone outcrops of Riversleigh World Heritage Area. Head to Hughenden to see 'Hughie', the seven-metre Muttaburrasaurus and an impressive fossil collection.
And, don’t leave without visiting the Porcupine Gorge National Park.
Far West
Queensland’s Far West is the place for adventurers. Explore the rugged Simpson Desert by 4WD, see the Big Red sand dune glow at sunset and watch thousands of migratory birds flock to the wetlands of the Diamantina National Park.
If you’re looking for outback entertainment, catch a famous Australian band at the Big Red Bash or back a winner at the Birdsville Races.
South West
The closest section of Outback Queensland to Brisbane, the South West is home to colourful characters, wedge-tailed eagles and boulder opals.
Bathe in mineral-rich mud at the Eulo Mud Baths, meet a tiny endangered marsupial at the Charleville Bilby Experience Centre and peer into the heavens at the Charleville Cosmos Centre.
East
Banana Shire has many natural attractions including gorges, rivers and National Parks such as the Glebe Weir and Expedition National Park. Visit Lake Murphy, Kroombit Tops and Mt. Scoria Conservation Parks, or relax at Isla and Cania Gorges.
The Dawson River and Callide Dam provide many opportunities for fishing and water sports. The Shire can also provide many adventures for the 4WD enthusiast.
Central West
The Central West is the heart of Outback Queensland, a place built by pioneers and stockmen. Visit Longreach, the birthplace of an Australian icon at the Qantas Founders Museum and learn about the region’s fascinating history at the Stockman’s Hall of Fame. Learn about Waltzing Matilda in Winton where the song was original performed.
Longreach Airport is on the edge of town, with flights arriving from Brisbane and Townsville. You can also catch the Spirit of the Outback train from Rockhampton.
What To Do In The Outback
Meanwhile in #OutbackQueensland
Breaking the trip between Cloncurry and Normanton on the @matildaway Way is The @burkeandwillsroadhouse , so named after the route taken by the ill-fated explorers. Situated at the Burke & Wills Junction it is also the turn-off for travellers heading to Gregory Downs or Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park. Everything you need for a quick stop or an overnight with a licenced bar, convenience store, caravan park with air-conditioned accommodation, restaurant and fuel station all rolled into one. #outbackqueensland #burkeandwillsroadhouse #roadhouse #burkeandwills #experiencecloncurry #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
The inaugural Mount Isa Mines @isarodeo Indigenous Rodeo Championships – Thursday August 11 The first ever Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships on Thursday August 11 will celebrate indigenous culture, showcase the skills of Australia’s indigenous stockmen and women, and will open opportunities for indigenous youth to train and become professional rodeo competitors. Ferociously talented, multi-award winning rapper @dabakerboy, will headline the Rodeo Rock program. Performing alongside Baker Boy will be the Sundowners Kalkutungu Dancers (pictured) from Mount Isa and the Desert Dust Dance Group @trackerstours from Barcaldine. Local DJ, Deadly Jacob will open for Baker Boy. Tickets are ON SALE NOW at https://www.isarodeo.com.au/ and are only $10! #outbackqueensland #isarodeo #indigenousrodeo #rodeo #discovermountisa #itslive #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
What a better to end a day (especially hump day!)? Nothing beats a soak in artesian waters with a nibble or two and a glass of your favourite beverage! @charlotteplains new private bath experience is definitely one to add to your 'must do' list when in Outback Queensland. You can book by the hour, a few hours or even stay overnight! There are two baths, so you can relax with your partner, a friend or even the kids. There is even the option to add-on a cheese & wine platter. Go to their website https://www.charlotteplains.com.au/ to find out more and to book your experience. #outbackqueensland #charlotteplains #outdoorbath #artesianbath #visitcunnamulla #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
Who doesn't love a freshly baked morning tea? That's exactly what you'll get when you join @outbackaussietours owners Alan and Sue Smith at Rosebank Station for a personal tour of their historic Longreach homestead and property. Rosebank Station, originally settled as a sheep and cattle station some 100 years ago, is now your chance to explore this historic homestead that has been in the one family for over 70 years. You'll be treated to wonderful stories and warm outback hospitality. For more information and to book your tour go to https://outbackaussietours.com.au/tour/rosebank-station-smoko-tour/ #outbackqueensland #outbackaussietours #rosebankstation #stationtour #experiencelongreach #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
With the very popular @kronosaurus_korner 'Digging at Dawn' experience booked out for the school holidays they've decided to create another one later in the day! DIGGING AT DUSK 2022 - School Holiday Program The tour will be guided by Kronosaurus Korner staff who will teach adventurers how to find, identify and excavate their very own 100 million year old fossils. This will include a short 10 minute drive (in your own vehicle) and a brief site induction and discussion about the proper fossil collection techniques. The full tour typically takes around 2 hours, although guests are welcome to stay longer at the fossil hunting sites if they wish. WHEN: 2:30PM, Monday - Friday. More information and to book via https://bit.ly/3A6vgpY #outbackqueensland #diggingatdusk #kronosauruskorner #youlldigrichmond #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
It's all calm now but in a few short weeks Boulia will come alive for the @bouliacamelraces! Enjoy Australia's richest camel race from the 15th to the 17th July and help them celebrate their 25th Anniversary. Why not do it style with their Glamping experience under the Outback skies! More information and tickets via http://www.bouliacamelraces.com.au/ Beautiful photo by @jacktheringerpics #outbackqueensland #boulia #bouliacamelraces #itslive #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
If you have never visited Outback Queensland before, here's a great way to experience so much in one day! Alliance Adventures Day Trip to Winton Includes: ☑️ Direct return flights Brisbane-Winton on @allianceairlines Fokker 70 jet ☑️ Guided transfers with @reddirttours ☑️ Visit the world-renowned @australianageofdinosaurs including: 🔘 Collection room 🔘 Fossil Preparation Laboratory 🔘 Dinosaur Canyon 🔘 (New) March of the Titanosaurs exhibit ☑️ Explore the @waltzingmatildacentre ☑️ See Australia's most iconic open-air theatre @royal_theatre_winton ☑️ Have lunch at an iconic outback pub in town (lunch is included) ☑️ Winton town tour Trust us, once you've discovered Outback Queensland, you'll want to come back again. Go to https://tinyurl.com/WaltzFokkersFossils or your local travel agent to book. Photo by @scenesbysteph #outbackqueensland #allianceairlines #experiencewinton #AustralianAgeOfDinosaurs #waltzingmatildacentre #reddirttours #royaltheatrewinton #daytrip #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
Is this Australia's version of crop circles? The ancient inland sea of Eromanga dried up around 60,000 years ago but @visithughenden local graziers are still passionate about the ancient history in the area. While playing on QLD Globe and looking just west of Hughenden the team stumbled across this mammoth effort at a nearby farm. #outbackqueensland #visithughenden #cropcircles #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
Ever wondered what you can do in Biloela? ‘Bilo’, as it’s affectionately known to locals, is nestled in the Callide Valley, with a rich rural, pioneering, mining, and Indigenous history. And in case you’re wondering how to pronounce Biloela correctly – think ‘bill-oh-wheelah’ – then you’ll have it right. Locals know there’s lots to see and do including some of Queensland’s best camping and fishing spots but check out what you can do in 24 hours but we think you'll actually need more! Type in your browser https://sandstonewonders.com/stories/what-to-do-in-bilo/ to find out more. #outbackqueensland #sandstonewonders #biloela #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
Halfway to the Big Red Bash? Halfway to the border? Halfway to Christmas? The festival was born after travellers got skittish on their way to the Birdsville @bigredbash and found their answer in throwing a party – Halfway There Shindig. What started as a few beers in the pub with a couple of guests cheering the fact they’ve made it halfway to the Birdsville Big Red Bash has now turned into an event drawing crowds from all over Queensland. Headlining the epic musical event is @thepredatorsau, iconic Brisbane band made up of the original line up of Powderfinger! Listen to country classics from @robbiemortimer and the boys as well as Charleville's own CSHS Band. Set for Saturday 2 July the Halfway There Shindig is a triple act of music, food, dancing, fun for the whole family. For more details and to book your tickets go to https://tinyurl.com/HalfwayThereShindigCharleville #outbackqueensland #halfwaythereshindig #experiencecharleville #loveswq #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
Yee haa! Let the biggest buckle battle in the Southern Hemisphere begin! The famous Mount Isa Mines @isarodeo is happening August 11 to 14 on Kalkutungu Country. 750 world class competitors will compete for Australia’s largest rodeo prize pool of over $270,000. And here’s some of the music makers coming… 🎸 @guysebastian 🎸 @mcalisterkempmusic 🎸 @piercebrothersmusic 🎸 @jamesjohnstonmusic Tickets are ON SALE NOW via https://www.isarodeo.com.au/ #outbackqueensland #isarodeo #discovermountisa #itslive #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
Then and now! Leichhardt Hotel/Motel Cloncurry is a family run, true local hotel and have been there for 50 years. A lot of town and family history is contained in those walls! They pride themselves on having the best customer service and they look forward to you to enjoying a relaxed meal in the Bistro or a cold drink in one of our bars. Or you may need somewhere to stay a night or two when you're exploring 'The Curry'. There are 16 stand alone motel units with secure parking. #outbackqueensland #experiencecloncurry #leichhardthotelcloncurry #overlandersway #matildaway #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
Outback Queensland for the win/s! Last night two accolades were awarded. The town of Winton was awarded @theqtic Top Tiny Tourism Town for 2022 The @wellshot.hotel received Queensland Hotels Association Awards for Excellence for 2022 @keno Outstanding Community Service & Achievement. Congratulations to everyone involved, well deserved. Picture 1 - Winton looking so green. Courtesy of @rangelandscamp Picture 2 - we’ll known seats! Courtesy of @wellshot.hotel #outbackqueensland #experiencewinton #theqtic #wellshothotel #experiencelongreach #qha #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
If you've been to a festival, event, show or any celebration in Outback Queensland then you'll definitely know the @crackupsisters! Riddled with ridiculous behaviour, Aussie larrikin banter, stock whip cracking, slapstick pranks and pumpin' music. The Crackup Sisters are masters of FUN! In their hometown of Winton, they have been busy building their Crackup House and Yard. They are officially opening it on Friday the 24th June and you're invited! Everyone is welcome for a sneak peak and to help them celebrate all their hard work. #outbackqueensland #thecrackupsisters #mastersoffun #experiencewinton #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
The familiar landscape of Mount Isa and an epic sunset! The city of Mount Isa is ideally situated in Queensland’s vast North West in arid, and romantic, Outback Australia. Affectionately known as the ‘oasis of the outback‘, Mount Isa is a gleaming mirage on the horizon for travellers from all directions. Nestled among the ochre-red Selwyn Ranges, on the banks of the Leichhardt River, Mount Isa is a bustling melting pot of culture and industry being home to one the most productive single mines and the southern hemisphere’s largest rodeo, @isarodeo Amazing photo by @tjpaehua #outbackqueensland #discovermountisa #miningtown #sunset #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
Look at this! The Barcaldine Rec Park is a 1.1km long lake built in compliance with International and Australian water skiing standards and designed for a wide range of water sports. With an opportunity for wide-ranging activities like water skiing, rowing, fishing (it will be stocked with fish for competition and recreation events), sailing, dragon boat racing, jet skiing, wakeboarding, triathlons, open water swimming, canoeing and kayaking, it will definitely become the place 'to be' for water based events in Outback Queensland. #outbackqueensland #watersports #discoverbarcaldine #recreationalpark #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
Happy birthday Cooper! It's Australotitan cooperensis 1st birthday. This week marks exactly one year since @eromanganhmuseum and Queensland Museum scientifically described and named Australotitan cooperensis (‘Cooper’), a previously unknown species of dinosaur discovered in the Quilpie Shire of south west Queensland that set a record as Australia’s largest dinosaur and one of the largest in the world - garnering significant world-wide media and scientific attention. In the year since being named and unveiled, Australotitan has made international headlines and attracted tens of thousands of tourists to the Eromanga Natural History Museum – providing a much-need economic boost to the remote town and surrounding regions. #outbackqueensland #enhm #dinosaur #happybirthday #visitquilpieshire #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
From the world heritage listed Great Barrier Reef to the rugged rocky outcrops and red sand of Outback Queensland, the @overlandersway 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. Starting in Townsville, the drive takes you through Charters Towers and the Outback towns of Hughenden, Richmond, Julia Creek, Cloncurry and Mount Isa (including Camooweal on the Queensland-Northern Territory border). The entire journey is 1097kms. You have the chance to win a great prize for each town along the Overlanders Way! Go to https://www.overlandersway.com/overlanders-way-giveaway-competition/ to find out how*. Get in quick, competition closes on 10 June with winners announced from 13 June. #outbackqueensland #overlandersway #entertowin #visithughenden #youlldigrichmond #juliacreek #experiencecloncurry #discovermountisa #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Instagram. *Terms & Conditions Apply
No better way to spend Queensland Day than in the Australian @stockmanshalloffame & Outback Heritage Centre! The centre is a spectacular history museum featuring immersive and interactive experiences and takes you on an immersive journey through the ‘Long Paddock’, exploring a selection of key themes, characters and events that have shaped Australia’s outback heritage. This story is told through the eyes of our unsung heroes, the authentic characters that make the Outback real. Click on 'Latest News' link in our bio to read more. #outbackqueensland #stockmanshalloffame #experiencelongreach #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
Such a beautiful change of landscape in Channel Country. Top left corner is the township of Windorah, located approximately 1,200 kilometres west of Brisbane. Fantastic photo by @rlrphotography_ #outbackqueensland #channelcountry #windorah #visitbarcoo #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
Great news, Julia Creek Caravan Park weekly Bush Dinners are starting again! Commencing from Monday (6th June) and run through to early September. $20 per adult, (children aged 5-10 are $10 (payable on the evening), children under 5 FREE) will get you a home-cooked meal and dessert. All you have to bring is your own chair, cutlery and drinks and they will provide the good time! Please book your tickets online via https://www.trybooking.com/BZOCO More information about your stay at the park, go to http://jccaravanpark.com.au/ #outbackqueensland #juliacreekcaravanpark #bushdinner #juliacreek #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
Three weeks to go! @visionsplendidfilmfest is 9 days showcasing 50+ Australian films from 24 June - 2 July in the historic open-air @royal_theatre_winton in Winton’s main street. There's something for everyone from the Opening Night Party, Welcome to Country, Breakfast With the Stars, Master Classes, Panel Discussions, Vision Splendid Kids Club and location tours. Book your festival passes now via https://www.visionsplendidfilmfest.com/tickets/ View the full 2022 Program here - http://tix.visionsplendidfilmfest.com/Events #outbackqueensland #visionsplendid #vsoff22 #filmfestival #experiencewinton #itslive #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
Planning your next holiday to Outback Queensland is easier with 117 pages packed full of new Outback experiences, attractions, events and accommodation in our 2022 Travellers Guide. Don't miss the handy A3 size map on the back cover with a list of all our Visitor Information Centres (please pop by to say hi to them and pick up your hard copy of the Travellers Guide). Go to the link in our bio to download your copy. #outbackqueensland #travellersguide #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia Picture is Clem Walton Park in @experiencecloncurry
Whether you win the holiday or not, there's never been a better time to come to Outback Queensland. Entries close tonight at midnight for your chance to win one of three great prizes. 1st prize: A fly-rail holiday package with @rex.airlines, @queenslandrailtravel and iconic Outback Queensland attraction’s entry tickets, day tour experiences, and accommodation. Value $3500. 2nd prize: Outback Queensland accommodation and attractions package. Value $800. 3rd prize: A $500 fuel voucher. Go to the link in our bio or type into your browser https://www.outbackqueensland.com.au/win-a-holiday/ to enter. Terms & Conditions apply- * Entries close 12.00am, 31 May 2022. * The lucky winners will be announced on 10 June 2022. * Entrants must be 18 years of age or over. #outbackqueensland #EntertoWin #winaholiday #rexairlines #queenslandrailtravel #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Instagram.
The only thing missing is you and your drink of choice! Join the Rutledge family in their classic country @moblehomestead for overnight treks, ironwork schools, seasonal workshops, stays and more. Moble is centrally located between Quilpie, Toompine and Eromanga and no matter which direction you are coming from the scenery is stunning. #outbackqueensland #moblehomestead #countryhomestead #visitquilpieshire #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
Those Richmond skies! Situated on the @overlandersway halfway between Townsville and Mount Isa, Richmond's lovely backdrop of bougainvilleas, native trees and shrubs, along with the town’s literal step backwards into the Cretaceous Period, will make this the perfect adventure before travelling on. Beautiful photo by @rovingrozie_inaus #outbackqueensland #youlldigrichmond #kronosauruskorner #overlandersway #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
Yes it’s that blue! Mary Kathleen Township once a town of about 1000 with shops, schools, churches and more now is a ghost town. Nothing but concrete slabs you can set up your camper or caravan (for free and you’ll need to self sufficient). A short but rugged 5km drive (recommended for 4WD) from town to the Mary Kathleen Uranium Mine. The Mary Kathleen uranium discovery was made by Clem Walton and Norm McConachy in 1954, and named after McConachy's wife. In 1982 when reserves were finally exhausted, the site was rehabilitated, and most of the buildings sold and removed from town. Today it’s a popular camping spot and a photographers dream about half way between Cloncurry and Mount Isa. The water might look tempting but don’t let that fool you, it’s definitely not suitable for swimming. Great photos by @seanscottphotography #outbackqueensland #marykathleenuraniummine #ghosttown #experiencecloncurry #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
There's one week left to enter our Outback Queensland holiday competition. We've partnered with @rex.airlines and @queenslandrailtravel for your chance to win one of three great prizes. 1st prize: A fly-rail holiday package with Rex Airlines, Queensland Rail Travel and iconic Outback Queensland attraction’s entry tickets, day tour experiences, and accommodation. Value $3500. 2nd prize: Outback Queensland accommodation and attractions package. Value $800. 3rd prize: A $500 fuel voucher. Go to the link in our bio to enter. Terms & Conditions apply- * Entries close 31 May 2022. * The lucky winners will be announced on 10 June 2022. * Entrants must be 18 years of age or over. #outbackqueensland #EntertoWin #winaholiday #rexairlines #queenslandrailtravel #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Instagram.
The Big Rig just got bigger! Roma's iconic attraction officially opened this weekend with their new observation tower and tree walk. The Big Rig Tower is now Roma's tallest building at 40m high, offering sweeping 360 degree views and connected to a 100m tree walk. Great photos by @countrycaller Proudly supported by @qldgov Outback Tourism Infrastructure Fund. #outbackqueensland #thebigrig #romarevealed #treewalk #observationtower #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
Make ‘At the Creek’, your first stop when visiting Julia Creek. Located on the main street, ‘At the Creek’ centre offers a great selection of travel information brochures, maps and a range of souvenirs that can only be found in Julia Creek. This tourist attraction engages in many audio and visual displays that focus on the themes of water, country and people. The centre is housed in historic railway fettler’s cottages and provide an authentic snapshot of Outback living. @juliacreekqld Visitor Information is one of 21 centres across Outback Queensland. Many of these are looked after by passionate, local volunteers. This week we recognise and celebrate all the volunteers for 'National Volunteer Week' (16-22 May). Thank you for your time and passion you bring every day to welcome and inspire all visitors to the Outback. #outbackqueensland #juliacreek #NVW2022 #BetterTogether #WaveForVolunteers #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
