10 Outback Experiences Worthy Of Your Feed

Every corner of Outback Queensland holds a story worth sharing. From ancient landscapes to Australia’s darkest skies, here’s ten Outback experiences worthy of your insta feed.

#1 SUPing at Cobbold Gorge

Nestled deep within the Gulf Savannah in the north-east pocket of Outback Queensland sits the sandstone oasis of Cobbold Gorge.

Cobbold Gorge is one of the Outback’s best kept secrets with its untamed beauty, emerald waters and soaring sandstone gorges that date back more than 135 million years.

Hire a stand-up paddleboard and cruise along the Gorge’s mirror-like waters, view the Gorge from above via the glass viewing bridge or head out into the surrounding Savannah for birdwatching and hiking.

Access to the Gorge is by guided tour only.

#2 Lake Dunn Sculptural Trail | Barcaldine

The Lake Dunn Sculpture Trail is a 200km Outback art trail in Queensland that features over 40 large sculptures made from recycled materials by local artist Milynda Rogers.  You can begin the Lake Dunn Sculpture Trail at either Aramac or Jericho by getting a Lake Dunn Sculpture trail map from the local Information Centre

Be sure to pack a picnic and enjoy by the lake as part of your trip!

#3 Mary Kathleen

Located between Mt Isa and Cloncurry, you will find Queensland’s most famous ghost town.  Originally established in the 1950s to support a uranium mine, it was abandoned in 1982 once the ore was exhausted. Today, you can wander the concrete slabs of the former townsite or visit the stunning open cut mine, now filled with vibrant, turquoise-blue water.

#4 Stonehenge – Nature’s Address Book

Just 2km outside Stonehenge, lies an address book unlike any other. Started by a stranded post officer years ago, visitors now spell their names out in rocks at this unique site.  Join the tradition and lay your name into this Outback canvas that continually grows and changes over time.

#5 Betoota Dreamtime Serpent

Winding across the hillside of Betoota, you will find the Dreamtime Serpent, a large-scale land art installation, created in 2012.  As the sun sets, the serpent’s sinuous form “awakens,” serving as a powerful tribute to the enduring spiritual connection between First Nations people and the outback landscape.

#6 Underground Hospital Tour Mt Isa

Step back in time at the Mount Isa Underground Hospital and Museum, a unique subterranean refuge built in 1942. Concerned about air raids during WWII, local miners and volunteers carved this sanctuary into a rocky hillside to protect patients. After being forgotten for decades, it’s been meticulously restored for tours and Twilight tours.

#7  Luminescent Longreach

Prepare to be moved by Luminescent Longreach, a moving 3D light show at the Qantas Founders Museum. Here, a Boeing 747 is transformed in a glowing canvas that celebrates the 100-year history of Qantas (founded in Outback Queensland).

# 8 Tambo Teddies

Tambo Teddies have become an icon of the Outback. Visit their workshop in Tambo to see the making of these cuddly companions, crafted from Australia wool.

Winton is home to Australia’s first internationally certified Dark Sky Sanctuary.  Here, astronomy guides share these stories and explain the evolution of the night sky and links to earth as part of their Gondwana Stars Tour.

# 9 Winton’s Dark Sky Sanctuary

Perched high on a jump up at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs, the sanctuary also offers a free viewing area that is open year-round. Bring your telescope, binoculars, picnic and enjoy the spectacular southern skies!

# 10 Lost World Carnarvon’s Tour

Step into an ancient world that few travellers get to see with Boobook Explore’s Lost World Canarvons tour.  Here, Boobooks eco-certified and highly experienced guides will take you deep into the hidden landscapes of privately owned Wallaroo. You’ll discover towering sandstone formations, ancient Aboriginal rock art and remarkable pockets of vegetation and wildlife, including prehistoric cycads and dramatic views across Arcadia Valley.