Discover the enduring spirit of the North West
From ancient dinosaur discoveries and pioneering history to character-filled towns and vast, soul-stirring landscapes, this immersive eight-day loop from Mount Isa reveals the rich heritage and captivating spirit of Outback Queensland.
Blending the region’s rich mining history with authentic country experiences, this journey unearths the stories, people, places and prehistoric discoveries that define Outback Queensland’s North West.
Day 1: Mount Isa
Begin your adventure in Mount Isa, a city shaped by mining, resilience and frontier spirit. Gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s industrial heritage with the Outback at Isa Hard Mine Tour, offering a fascinating glimpse beneath the surface of one of Australia’s most productive mining regions.
Outback at Isa will also allow you to travel back to an ancient world in the Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre, explore the native flora and fauna in the Outback Park or wander through their art gallery. Have a coffee at the onsite café and take your time enjoying the exhibits.
Continue your exploration at the Underground Hospital and Museum. Book the twilight tour where, armed with a lantern, you’ll explore this remarkable World War II facility quite literally carved into a hillside.
Overnight in Mount Isa.
Day 2: Mount Isa to Julia Creek
Travel east to explore Cloncurry. Visit Cloncurry Unearthed Visitor Information Centre and Museum and the John Flynn Place Museum, where stories of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and pioneering life come vividly to life.
Journey to Julia Creek, check into the Julia Creek Caravan Park and unwind in the town’s soothing artesian baths. The park offers both caravan sites and well-appointed cabins.
Overnight in Julia Creek.
Day 3: Julia Creek
Spend today embracing the relaxed rhythm of Julia Creek. Explore the quiet streets using one of the caravan park’s cruiser bikes and meet the town’s famously resilient local inhabitant at the Julia Creek Dunnart Display. The charming town has great coffee, excellent pub meals and a main street that is worthy of a slow wander. Soak up the warm hospitality that gives Julia Creek its distinctive charm.
Overnight in Julia Creek.
Day 4: Julia Creek to Hughenden
Journey onward to Hughenden, the heart of Australia’s dinosaur trail. Stop at Kronosaurus Korner in Richmond for an extraordinary encounter with prehistoric marine fossils and engaging exhibits.
Continue to Hughenden and visit the Flinders Discovery Centre, home to “Hughie”, a life sized replica of a Muttaburrasaurus skeleton. Further fuel your palaeontology passion at the Centre’s light and sound show before stocking up on maps and advice for tomorrow’s trip to Porcupine Gorge.
Overnight in Hughenden.
Day 5: Porcupine Gorge
Enjoy coffee and a light breakfast at Golden Lab Espresso before heading off to spend the day exploring Porcupine Gorge National Park, often described as Australia’s “little Grand Canyon.”
Dramatic sandstone cliffs, sweeping views and peaceful walking trails offer an unforgettable immersion in the region’s ancient landscapes. Hike to the base of the gorge and swim in the many waterholes scattered along the creek.
Return to Hughenden for the night.
Day 6: Hughenden to Winton
Continue to Winton, arriving in time for a hearty pub lunch at Tattersalls Hotel. After lunch, browse the main street shops and opal stores before checking into your accommodation.
As the sun sets, join the legendary Crackup Sisters for The Dusty Hour — an hour of laughs, music, Outback stories and vaudeville acts — like an 80’s game show filled with surprising twists! Enjoy snacks and authentic Outback hospitality.
Complete the night with an early dinner and classic film experience at the charming Royal Open-Air Theatre.
Overnight in Winton.
Day 7: Winton
Begin the day at the Waltzing Matilda Centre, celebrating Australia’s most famous bush ballad and the stories of the nation’s pioneering past.
Discover the quirky artistry of Arno’s Wall before heading beyond town to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs for an extraordinary afternoon of dinosaurs discoveries. Finish your time in Winton in spectacular style with Red Dirt Tours for their signature Rangelands Rifts and Sunset Tour.
Overnight in Winton.
Day 8: Return to Mount Isa
Return to Mount Isa, reflecting on eight days of remarkable discoveries — from ancient fossils and pioneering stories to unforgettable landscapes and authentic Outback encounters.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Outback At Isa
Outback at Isa is an award-winning visitor hub in Mount Isa, that brings Australia’s rich history to life. Take a bush tucker tour, descend metres below ground for the Hard Times Mine Underground Tour or step back millions of years at the Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre.
Underground Hospital
Step beneath the surface at the Underground Hospital and Museum in Mount Isa, a remarkable World War II facility carved into solid rock. This fascinating guided tour reveals stories of resilience, innovation and community spirit, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s wartime history.
Cloncurry Unearthed
Take a journey through Cloncurry’s history at Cloncurry Unearthed with displays on Burke and Wills, Mary Kathleen Mine and town and the great mineral wealth of the district. See a collection of memorabilia and one of Australia’s most comprehensive gem and mineral collections as well as an outdoor museum displaying mining and pastoral machinery.
John Flynn Place Museum
Cloncurry’s John Flynn Place Museum pays tribute to Reverend John Flynn and his team for their dedication and success in bringing communication, education and health to remote Australia. The museum follows in Flynn’s footsteps and commemorates the conception and legacy of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, born in Cloncurry in 1928.
Julia Creek Caravan Park
Relax and recharge at Julia Creek Caravan Park in Julia Creek. Unwind in soothing artesian baths, enjoy a round of mini golf, or explore town on complimentary cruiser bikes. With spacious sites and modern facilities, it’s the perfect base for a memorable Outback escape.
Kronosaurus Korner
This award-winning museum in Richmond showcases marine fossils which once were part of the Outback’s inland sea. Visitors can marvel at the remains of mighty marine reptiles or grab a map and tools before heading out on their very own dig adventure at the nearby public fossil sites that are open to the public.
Flinders Discovery Centre
The Flinders Discovery Centre in Hughenden is home to ‘Hughie,’ a life-sized replica of a Muttaburrasaurus skeleton. Further fuel your palaeontology passion at the Centre’s light and sound show which showcases the wonders of nearby Porcupine Gorge.
Porcupine Gorge
The landscape unfolds at Porcupine Gorge National Park, located near Hughenden. Often referred to as “Australia’s Little Grand Canyon,” towering cliffs of coloured sandstone and deep pockets of vine forest and waterholes make Porcupine a popular hotspot for hikers and photographers alike.
Waltzing Matilda Centre
Winton’s Waltzing Matilda Centre tells the story of Waltzing Matilda, a song that lives in the hearts of all Australians as our unofficial anthem and the first museum in the world dedicated to a song.
Red Dirt Tours
Providing exclusive access to the private Rangelands Station, the Rifts and Sunset Tour explores the dramatic, hourglass shaped “rifts” which carve their way through ancient jump-ups on the property. As the day ends, you’ll enjoy a glass of wine and canapes atop their iconic lookout to take in the ultimate Outback sunset.
Crack Up Sisters Dustarena
The Dustarena is Winton’s wildest home for authentic Outback storytelling and high-octane hijinks! Hosted by the legendary Crackup Sisters, these shows are a whirlwind of world-class whip-cracking, acrobatic “ridiculousness,” and classic Aussie yarns that capture the true spirit of the bush.
Royal Theatre Winton
Watch a movie under the stars at the Royal Open-Air Theatre. This iconic theatre was built in 1918 and is just one of two open-air theatres still operating in Australia. Settle in for a movie under the stars in this charming space complete with canvas chairs and old school candy bar.