The Quilpie Way

As you travel west from Charleville, take a detour to the friendly 'ghost town' of Cheepie. Once a Cobb & Co Change Station, Cheepie became a township when the railway came through in 1914. Just one long-time resident remain in town. The butcher, baker and blacksmith, to name a few, have since left. Picnic beside the tranquil Beechal Creek before driving another 77 kilometres east to Quilpie. Set up camp at either The Lake or Cha el Country Tourist Park at Quilpie for two nights.

Start the date with freshly brewed coffee at a Brolga Street coffee shop, a great starting point to appreciate the local art scene. Discover more of the regions flourishing art movement with visits to the Lyn Barnes and the Quilpie Shire Gallery. Try your luck at the free opal fossicking area or ask at the Visitor Information Centre for where you can purchase locally sourced opal jewellery. Be sure to take a peek at the incredible Opal altar at St. Finbarr's Church. Late afternoon, toast the sunset from Baldy Top Lookout. Multiple accommodation options available in Quilpie

Before starting your drive to Adavale, be sure to check road conditions and purchase a National Park camping permit from the Quilpie Visitor Information Centre. Keen 'anglers' and 'twitchers' will relish the fishing and birdwatching opportunities in Adavale. History buffs will enjoy the historical walk and outdoor mini-museum. From Adavale it's just under 1 u00bd hours' drive to the spectacular Hell Hole Gorge National Park. Set up camp at Hell Hole Gorge campsite (4WD access only. Camping visitors must be self-sufficient).

Head south via Quilpie to the pub with no town on the Dowling Track - Toompine. The South Western Hotel is all that remains of this once-bustling frontier town. There are at least 120 years of stories linked to this local watering hole. It's an ideal base for fishing and opal fossicking at Duck Creek or Sheep Station Creek (fossicking licences are required). Set up camp around the pub grounds (basic facilities only - please call Quilpie Visitor Information Centre prior.

Travel via the unsealed Tobermory Road to the delightful Moble Homestead. Host's, the Rutledge family are proud wool producers and keen environmentalists with a shared interest in great seasonal food and good company. Wander the beautiful garden, follow tranquil creek walks and simply relax. Choose to stay in traditional shearer's quarters, cosy cottages or homestead rooms (bookings essential). Minimum stay two nights.

Drive North West to Eromanga, the furthest town from the sea and home to Australia's largest dinosaur. For a chance to touch a 95 million-year-old dinosaur bone, join the Australian Dinosaur Giant's tour at the Eromanga Natural History Museum. Tuck into a hearty pub meal at the Royal Hotel, built-in 1885 and follow the town's historical walk. Set up camp at Eromanga Caravan Park or stay in four-star comfort at Cooper's Country Lodge.