Do you know Mitchell?
A where rather than a who, the Outback Queensland town of Mitchell sits in between Roma and Charleville in the outback family portrait.
But if Mitchell were a human, they would be known as a nature-lover through and through. Popular for its picturesque waterways and natural springs, experiencing the natural wonders of Mitchell is a must-do when visiting the outback.
Here are four ways to make the most of the nature that surrounds Mitchell:
Feel like a pick-me-up that doesn’t include a jolt of caffeine? Head to the Great Artesian Spa on Cambridge Street, where two pools are filled with natural mineralised water from the Great Artesian Basin.
The artesian water in the one heated and one unheated spa pools are said to help you feel rejuvenated and revitalised, as well as relax muscles and tension in the body.
Live amongst the nature for a while with a camp along the banks of the Maranoa River.
Only 5km from town is the free camping site, Fishermen’s Rest, where yup you guessed it, is a ripper of a fishing spot.
Here you can sleep under the stars, spend the day kayaking and fishing, and enjoy the serenity of the outback.
When in Mitchell, making time to visit Carnarvon National Park is a must-do, and you’ll be glad you did.
Approximately 220km north of Mitchell is the Mount Moffat section of the national park. Giant sandstone structures lead to the highest plataeu in Queensland, the Consuelo Tableland, which stands at more than 1,000 feet above sea level.
Jaw-dropping panoramic views greet you at the top, where you can spot gorges, grasslands, mountain ranges and flat plains as far as the eye can see. There are also special Indigenous art rock sites to explore that date back thousands of years.
If you’re a bird enthusiast, Mount Moffat is sure to tickle your fancy with over 250 bird species calling the national park home.
Mitchell sits almost half way along the Warrego Way, which stretches from Brisbane to Birdsville.
If you’re taking on the great western trail, check out this wildlife bucket list and keep an eye out for them on your way to and from Mitchell.