Outback Towns and Drives
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Killarney to Dirranbandi
Duration: 12 days / 2019km
Embark on the Ultimate “Cellar Doors to Sunsets” Road Trip.
Discover the rich heritage, slow-paced charm, and warm hospitality of Australia’s heartland on the spectacular Cellar Doors to Sunsets touring route. Seamlessly linking 12 distinct regions across the sun-drenched borderlands of Queensland and New South Wales, this fully mapped drive is the ultimate itinerary for travelers looking to hitch up the caravan, leave the rush behind, and follow the horizon from lush vineyards to wide-outback skies.
The adventure begins along the scenic Great Dividing Range in the Southern Downs and Tenterfield. Here, you can park the rig and indulge in boutique, cold-climate wine tastings, marvel at the giant granite landscapes of Girraween National Park, and stroll through beautifully preserved historic towns.
Heading west, the road opens up into the rich, welcoming country plains of Inverell, Gwydir, Moree Plains, and Goondiwindi. These stops are custom-made for a relaxed pace—spend your days fossicking for sapphires, admiring towering painted silo art, and soothing any road weariness with a long, therapeutic soak in natural artesian thermal springs.
As you venture deeper into the timeless outback through Walgett, Brewarrina, Bourke, Balonne, Paroo, and Bulloo, Australia’s history comes alive. Explore ancient Aboriginal fish traps, cruise the iconic Darling River on a historic paddle vessel, and spot native wildlife while camping under a canopy of brilliant desert stars.
With accessible roads, caravan-friendly towns, and endless country hospitality, the Cellar Doors to Sunsets pathway offers the perfect mix of culture, comfort, and natural wonders. Pack the van, hit the highway, and experience a cross-border journey you will never forget.
Itinerary DAY 1
Southern Downs Experience
Travel Distance:
325km
Travel Time:5 Hours
Explore the Southern Downs on the unique Stone Sculpture Trail. Journey through art and nature on this 327km road trip, discovering a stunning collection of artworks created by local and international artists.
Using locally-sourced sandstone and granite, these sculptures are nthoughtfully placed throughout the region, inviting you to explore its beauty and culture. Discover the Granite Belt on the Strange Birds Wine Trail. Australia's highest wine region and Queensland's 'coolest' location, produces elegant cool-climate wines. Here, winemakers are admired for their mainstream varieties, but it's the Strange Bird Wines that have wine lovers describing the Granite Belt as 'full of surprises' and 'unlike anywhere else'.
Admire the wonders of Girraween National Park. Just outside Stanthorpe, the breathtaking Girraween National Park invites you to explore its stunning landscapes. Towering granite boulders rise above open forests, creating a spectacular and popular destination for nature lovers.
DAY 2
Soak in the Paroo Outback
Travel Distance:
208km
Travel Time:3 Hours
Take a three day outback road trip through the Paroo Shire, relax with 5 different artesian experiences and see why we are the Hot Springs Capital of Australia. From natural bore baths, modern artesian spa pools, mud bathing and quirky bathhouses, we can offer it all and more. And when your not enjoying the healing properties of the artesian springs, you can sample some of the regions great food, fantastic hospitality, outback skies, incredible history spa and beauty treatments and awesome accommodation.
DAY 3
Goondiwindi Region: Art, Heritage & Country Wonders
Travel Distance:
160km
Discover the vibrant charm of the Goondiwindi region, a premier destination on the Queensland-New South Wales border that perfectly blends rich agricultural heritage with breathtaking natural beauty.
Immerse yourself in the authentic local culture with a guided Goondiwindi Cotton tour, where you can see a working farm go from field to fabric. Art enthusiasts will be captivated by the region's extensive creative scene, which extends far beyond traditional galleries into town laneways and grazing paddocks.
Marvel at the Yelarbon GrainCorp Silos, where the towering 96-metre masterpiece 'When the Rain Comes' stands as one of Australia's largest silo artworks. Explore the town to find unique recycled highway sculptures, the Bowen Lane murals, or the 26 beautiful handmade stained-glass windows in the Holy Trinity Church. For a taste of local history, step back in time at the heritage-listed Customs House Museum, explore legendary racehorse memorabilia at the Gunsynd Museum, or visit the historic Texas Rabbit Worksu2014Australia's sole remaining rabbit processing facility from 1928.
Nature lovers can unwind along the tree-lined Macintyre Riverwalk, spot abundant birdlife and quirky sculptures at the Botanic Gardens of the Western Woodlands, or enjoy thrilling water sports at the Natural Heritage and Water Park.
Complemented by boutique shopping and warm country hospitality, Goondiwindi offers an authentic Australian getaway filled with unforgettable experiences.
DAY 4
Tenterfield: Majestic Monoliths, History & Heritage
Travel Distance:
325km
Travel Time:72 Hours
Discover the captivated history and breathtaking landscapes of Tenterfield, a premier destination on the New England Tableland.
Nature lovers cannot miss Bald Rock, the largest granite monolith in the Southern Hemisphere, offering awe-inspiring summit views via either a picturesque bushwalk or a thrilling direct rock face route. Located just a short drive from town, this majestic region also features the spectacular Boonoo Boonoo Falls and the rugged, historic bushranger Thunderbolts Lookout to explore along the way. In the heart of town, history comes alive with a relaxed Soundtrails self-guided audio walk. Wander through the historic centre where Sir Henry Parkes delivered his famous Federation speech in 1889, and marvel at landmark heritage buildings like the Sir Henry Parkes Memorial School of Arts and the legendary Tenterfield Saddler. Pair the audio tour with the town's extensive historic building brochure for a deeply immersive step back in time.
Complete your journey at the Tenterfield Railway Museum, housed in a superb Victorian Gothic station building, where an extensive collection of carriages, rolling stock, model trains, and heritage artefacts offers something for everyone to enjoy.
DAY 5
Inverell: National Treasures, Adventure & Sapphire Skies
Travel Distance:
208km
Travel Time:72 Hours
Experience the diverse wonders of the Inverell region, a dynamic destination offering a perfect mix of outdoor adventure, motoring history, and serene natural beauty.
Nature enthusiasts can pitch a tent at Kwiambal National Park, a popular haven for campers and bushwalkers featuring the scenic Lemon Tree Flat and Kookibitta campgrounds.
Explore spectacular bushwalks throughout the park to witness the powerful Macintyre Falls, or head to the Copeton Northern Foreshores. Situated on a dam three times the size of Sydney Harbour, this recreation hotspot boasts a splash park, playground, the longest recreational boat ramp in the Southern Hemisphere, and spectacular night skies. It is also an angler's paradise, being one of only two New South Wales waterways with no closed season on the massive Murray Cod. For a complete change of pace, step indoors to discover an unparalleled collection of motoring history at the National Transport Museum. Displaying over 250 vehicle exhibits, the museum showcases an incredible array of vintage, classic, modern, and commercial vehicles alongside historic motorcycles. Rare highlights include a 1906 Dayton, 1912 Renault, 1926 Diana, 1929 Packard, and legendary GT Falcons. Open daily except Christmas Day, it provides an unforgettable stop for visitors of all ages.
DAY 6
Bingara & Warialda: Deco Splendour, Gold & Natural Wonders
Travel Distance:
205km
Travel Time:72 Hours
Uncover the hidden gems of the Gwydir region, where spectacular history meets hands-on adventure and striking natural landscapes.
In the heart of Bingara, step back in time at the magnificent Roxy Theatre. Built in 1936 by three Greek immigrants, this striking Art Deco landmark operated as a cinema until 1958 and has been faithfully restored to its original, colourful splendour as a vibrant hub for visitors. Just 24 kilometres southeast in Upper Bingara, you can channel your inner pioneer at the Three Creeks Gold Mine. Open daily, this interactive attraction lets you pan for gold, hunt for brilliant garnets, or sieve for perfectly formed quartz crystalsu2014and you get to keep every treasure you find! A short drive away, discover Cranky Rock Nature Reserve, a beloved Warialda beauty spot that has delighted travelers for generations. This spectacular reserve features a stunning jumble of giant granite boulders naturally heaped into fantastic positions, overlooking the tranquil, peaceful pools of Reedy Creek below.
Offering a perfect blend of historic charm, outback treasure hunting, and serene natural scenery, this region promises an unforgettable country escape.
DAY 7
Moree Plains: Healing Waters, Culture & Border Trails
Travel Distance:
30km
Travel Time:72 Hours
Immerse yourself in the rejuvenating energy and rich culture of the Moree Plains, a region celebrated for wellness, art, and unique border stories.
Dive into relaxation at the famous Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre, where nature's magic is at work. Renowned for its natural, mineral-rich artesian water, this year-round, family-friendly oasis draws visitors worldwide seeking its famous healing benefits, while offering a waterslide, gym, fitness classes, and an on-site cafu00e9. In the heart of town, the Bank Art Museum Moree (BAMM) stands as a premier regional art institution.
Housed in a landmark building, it has spent thirty years inspiring visitors with a dynamic, rotating array of exhibitions, educational tours, workshops, and creative classes from Tuesday through Saturday. For a truly unique outdoor experience, venture out to the Mungindi Sculpture Trail. This captivating 2.5-kilometre open-air gallery literally spans the New South Wales and Queensland border.
It showcases ten raw, rustic sculptures crafted by the late, acclaimed local artist Tony 'Nicko' McMillan, giving travellers a fresh perspective on art and nature, beautifully complemented by interpretive signage and QR code-accessible videos.
DAY 8
Walgett Shire: Indigenous Heritage, Pioneers & Opal Fields
Travel Distance:
130km
Travel Time:72 Hours
Discover the raw, authentic heart of outback New South Wales in the Walgett Shire, a region steeped in ancient culture, pioneering innovation, and legendary opal fields.
Begin your journey at the deeply moving Collarenebri Aboriginal Cemetery. As a registered heritage site, this culturally significant place offers a profound understanding of Gamilaroi burial practices, featuring unique graves beautifully decorated with objects reflecting the lives, interests, and family connections of those remembered.
In Walgett itself, step into the Walgett Historical Museum to uncover the town's rich riverboat and agricultural history. The museum proudly chronicles life on the rivers and highlights the incredible inventions of Frederick York Wolseley, who developed the world's first mechanical shearing machine right in the region. No trip to the shire is complete without venturing into the world-renowned opal fields surrounding Lightning Ridge. Visitors are lured here to catch a rare glimpse into an authentic mining settlement. Experience the rugged miner's life firsthand across the historic Glengarry, Sheepyards, and Grawin fields. Stop by the iconic 'pubs in the scrub' to meet the larger-than-life characters of the outback and discover the fascinating history of Australia's national gemstone.
DAY 9
Brewarrina: Ancient Wonders, Cultural Heart & Outback Oasis
Travel Distance:
73km
Travel Time:72 Hours
Unearth the deep history and therapeutic secrets of the Brewarrina region, home to some of the oldest human history on earth and relaxing outback wonders.
Witness Baiame's Ngunnhu (the Brewarrina Fish Traps), a breathtakingly complex system of stone walls stretching nearly half a kilometre across the Barwon River. As the largest of their kind in Australia, these ancient traps were used by Aboriginal people to catch fish, with studies suggesting they stand among the oldest human constructions in the world.
Directly overlooking this incredible 40,000-year-old heritage site is the Brewarrina Aboriginal Cultural Museum. Acclaimed as the number one reason to visit the area, the museum provides a deeply inclusive and engaging cultural learning experience for the whole family. After soaking in the region's profound heritage, venture to the Goodooga Great Artesian Baths on Queensland Street. Wake up to a true oasis in the New South Wales outback at this brand-new, fully wheelchair-accessible pool. Fed by mineral-rich waters from the Great Artesian Basin, the baths maintain a therapeutic, constant 40u00b0C temperatureu2014making it the absolute perfect spot to unwind, soak your cares away, and enjoy the tranquil outback atmosphere.
DAY 10
Bourke: Iconic Outback History, River Cruises & Ancient Plains
Travel Distance:
124km
Travel Time:72 Hours
Discover the legendary spirit of the 'Back O' Bourke' a quintessential Australian destination where rich riverboat history meets spectacular national parks.
Begin your journey at the Back O' Bourke Information and Exhibition Centre, where an all-day ticket grants you access to an engaging, interactive look into the region's fascinating past and its nearby heritage villages. Relax with a peaceful stroll through the beautiful gardens under a wide blue sky, and treat yourself to a tasty meal paired with the signature Back O' Bourke blend coffee at the cafu00e9 on the green lawns. To experience the true charm of outback water travel, book a cruise on the historic PV Jandra paddleboat. Glide along the iconic Darling River to the soothing sounds of gently churning water, with daily one-hour cruises, a special two-hour cruise on Sundays, and magical sunset cruises that offer an unforgettable outback memory.
For a rugged outdoor adventure, head out to Gundabooka National Park and State Conservation Area. This vast, stunning landscape stretches from the banks of the Darling River across wide plains and over the striking Mount Gundabooka, preserving a country deeply rich in both Aboriginal and European heritage.
DAY 11
Bulloo Shire: Outback Icons, Hydro History & Wildlife Wetlands
Travel Distance:
110km
Travel Time:72 Hours
Step into the deep interior of southwestern Queensland's Bulloo Shire, a region defined by legendary pioneering icons, unique engineering marvels, and rich natural oases.
Begin your adventure in Thargomindah by picking up a smart card at the Visitor Information Centre for a fully automated, self-guided heritage tour. Discover the town's pioneering legacy as you unlock the historic Old Hospital, the Old Jail, and the site of Australia's very first hydroelectricity system driven by artesian water pressure. For an unforgettable encounter with nature, explore Currawinya National Park, located on the Hungerford Eulo Road. As one of Queensland's largest national parks, this globally important wetland sanctuary is a nationally recognised bird lovers' paradise, drawing thousands of waterbirds and migratory shorebirds to its spectacular lakes, contrastingly set amidst the dry, dusty mulga lands.
Finally, journey to the banks of Cooper Creek just east of the South Australian border to stand before the Burke and Wills Dig Tree. As a revered Australian national icon, this enduring tree marks the historic base camp where base manager William Brahu00e9 and his men waited, leaving a profound reminder of the nation's rugged pioneering spirit.
DAY 12
Balonne Shire: Cultural Journeys, Thermal Springs & Cotton Empires
Travel Distance:
121km
Travel Time:72 Hours
Cap off your outback adventure in the diverse Balonne Shire, a region rich in living Indigenous culture, healing waters, and massive agricultural marvels.
In Bollon, connect deeply with the land through Nullawokka First Nations Gallery and Cultural Tours. This immersive experience showcases stunning Indigenous art and artefacts, while expert-guided tours provide a profound look into traditional practices and the enduring connection between the area's First Nations custodians and the country.
When it is time to unwind, head to St George and submerge yourself in the Balonne Artesian Thermal Hot Springs. Sourced from the ancient Great Artesian Basin, this picturesque outback retreat features mineral-rich, warm therapeutic waters designed to relax, revitalize, and soothe your mind and body. To witness modern outback innovation on a grand scale, book a spot on the Dirranbandi Cubbie Station Cotton Tours, operated via the Dirranbandi Caravan Park. This unique excursion takes you deep into Australia's largest cotton operation, offering a fascinating look at cutting-edge technology, sustainable modern farming practices, and informative commentary on how this massive agricultural empire thrives in the Queensland outback.