8 ways to survive an Outback Queensland summer
If there was any doubt that Outback Queensland is smokin’ hot – a quick glance at a thermometer in summer settles all bets.
It’s easy to hit November and call it quits deserting Outback Queensland for somewhere more temperate. But hang around and we promise you’ll be rewarded.
Here are our tips for cooling down in Outback Queensland when the area resembles the flame emoji.
1. Visit a man-made, air-conditioned attraction
They build things cooler in the Outback and the QANTAS Founders’ Museum in Longreach, John Flynn Place in Cloncurry and the Charleville Cosmos Centre are no exception. Put them on your to-do list when the temperatures start to rise and your temperament starts to deteriorate. You’ll see attractions, artefacts and art pieces encased in world class air-conditioning.
2. Sip an ice-cold beer at one of Outback Queensland’s iconic hotels
There’s a correlation between hot days and cold beers in this neck of the woods. A stop in at one of Outback Queensland’s best watering holes is guaranteed to quench your thirst. As the temps outside reach 40 degrees you’ll still be sipping on sub-5 degree liquid gold.
3. Find shade under a Coolibah Tree
Follow the movements of the jolly swagman and find yourself under the shade of a Coolabah Tree. These wide spreading eucalypts are usually found on the banks of creeks and rivers like Coolibah Trees in the Roma Bush Gardens, Lochern National Park, or by the banks of the Five Mile Waterhole.
4. Take a dip in an artesian pool
For the original float tank experience, swap inner city salt caves with an artesian pool. These therapeutic spas draw on thermal mineral waters from the Great Artesian Basin and are perfect for relieving muscle tension. You’ll find them located in Blackall and Mitchell – smack bang in the middle of Artesian Country. By summer you’ll want to dive straight into a chilled artesian pool – natural artesian water is 38 degrees.
5. Dive into an Outback river
There’s no need to go coastal with so many inland watercourses in Outback Queensland, where you can swim, fish, barbecue and waterski. The Thomson, Warrego, Barcoo, Dawson and Flinders Rivers are dotted across the region and are the best chill-out locations during the summer solstice.
6. Cool off in one of Outback Queensland’s gorges
If cooling off in blow-up pools has become all too familiar, swap the backyard water dish for an eu-natural dip in an Outback Queensland gorge. Set beneath towering sandstone cliffs and among lush vegetation Isla Gorge, Carnarvon Gorge and Porcupine Gorge are all found a little off the beaten track, but a journey their way is our weapon of choice in this summer survival pack.
7. Relax in an outdoor Outback bathtub
Shandonvale Station gives ‘bathtime’ a new meaning. Lay back in their iconic outdoor bathtub and watch the sun set on a warm day in Outback Queensland with a glass of crisp white wine in tow. It’ll cure whatever summer heats ail you.
8. Ride the Queensland Rail in air-conditioned comfort
What would you say if we told you could see the best of Outback Queensland without ever having to leave an air conditioned cabin? Join Queensland Rail’s Spirit of the Outback for a 25+ hour journey through Outback Queensland in fully air-conditioned comfort. Double the fun for this iconic rail journey through Charleville, Longreach and Mount Isa with a two-for-the-price-of-one deal this summer.
