Outback Road Trip to Charlotte Plains and Cunnamulla
Pack the kids and the car! Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and see the best of Outback Queensland. Experience an unreal and fun family adventure from Brisbane to Cunnamulla, including a farm stay at Charlotte Plains! A perfect trip for the whole family to enjoy a taste of Outback life.
Brisbane to Toowoomba (1.5 hours – 127km)
Stop in Queensland’s largest inland city, a place where you can fill your road trip with culture, history and food.
With over 150 parks and gardens, there are plenty of places for morning tea and a stroll. Visit Queens Park, a 26.3 hectare Botanical Garden in the centre of town that is filled with plants and flowers from around the world. If you come during September, make sure you check out the Carnival of Flowers! It is one of the largest flower festivals in Australia and has won several awards as a national event.
Step back in time with the 2.5km Russell Street Historical Walk to discover life in the 1860s. Or drop by the Toowoomba Cobb & Co Museum to look at the horse-drawn carriages and steam trains!
Before you get back in the car, grab a coffee at Baker’s Duck or Ground Up Espresso. Or, have a bite to eat at the scenic Picnic Point Cafe and take in the majestic views of the Toowoomba range.
Toowoomba to St George (4 hours – 367km)
One of the main tourist attractions in St George is The Unique Egg, which is the world’s only hand carved and illuminated emu egg, crafted by “Steve the Greek” an amusing local character. This collection has been displayed at world expos and has been gifted as far as the White House!
Stop for a walk through the Heritage Centre or complete the St George Heritage Trail that has 20 important historical sites within the town area. Arrive in St George and visit Riversands Wines for a wine-tasting and vineyard tour.
Visit the Pilots War Memorial which pays tribute to two pilots from St George that served during World War ll. This sandstone monument overlooks the Balonne River. While you’re there, why not enjoy the tranquillity of a river cruise on the beautiful river. Sandytown River Cruises offers 2-hour cruises that provide passengers with information on the cultural aspects, flora and fauna, the district and Balonne shire.
Riversands Vineyards is located right on the banks of the Balonne River. Offering free cellar wine tasting and a cafe in their garden surrounds, it is another must-see spot. If you want to then take a trip to the outskirts of town, drop by the Beardmore Dam for a look at the 81,800 megalitres of water with a stunning surrounding landscape with parklands. It is the perfect fishing spot!
St George to Charlotte Plains (3 hours – 261km)
Looking for a unique outback stay? Charlotte Plains is a family-owned station and campground near Cunnamulla. There are unpowered sites and powered sites, and onsite accommodation. For the second year in a row, it has won Gold for Best Grey Nomad FarmStay/Station Stay.
There are many things to do at Charlotte Plains but the main feature is the Hot Artesian Baths where you can relax with a drink whilst taking in the Outback scenery. You can also kayak along the artesian wetland and depending on the time of year, it is possible to ‘delve’ for yabbies. There are bushwalking tracks that guests can explore and fantastic opportunities for birdwatching and photography.
During your stay, make sure you enquire about doing a Property Tour. Guided by the owner, Robyn, you will be taken on a fascinating journey through the station’s history. It is a 2.5 – 3 hour tour where you will see things such as the property’s cemetery and House of Memorabilia at the Homestead. It even won Silver for the Best Grey Nomad Tour!
At Happy Hour, have a toasty end to your day by sitting around the glowing campfire and watching the sun set over Outback Queensland. There are sometimes even musicians who delight guests by performing!
Charlotte Plains to Cunnamulla (40 mins – 51.8km)
Take a snap with the Cunnamulla Fella, a tribute to the iconic outback song popularised by the Australian icon slim dusty. It is located in front of the Paroo Shire Hall on Jane Street. You can then pair it off with a guided tour, with Club Boutique Hotel where you can learn about Cunnamulla’s different areas and buildings.
The Cunnamulla Fella Centre is the local visitor information centre, and is also home to an art gallery and museum. As the town is on top of the Great Artesian Basin, the Artesian Time Tunnel at the centre, is a fantastic place to learn all about this fascinating phenomenon.
The Warrego River is the perfect place to spend the morning or afternoon paddling up the river on a kayak. Bring a picnic from the Cunnamulla Bakery and enjoy the scenery and river banks!
So are you ready to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy an outback road trip? If you’re keen to see more places on your trip, check out our blog for 22 New Reasons to Visit the Outback in 2022!
Blog sponsored by Charlotte Plains
