Treat Yourself in Outback Queensland – luxe Stays and treats!
If you’re looking for an Outback adventure, but still want to enjoy some of life’s little luxuries, then look no further – Outback Queensland has you covered too.
LUXURY STAYS
If you prefer a few stars with your accommodation rating, the Outback will surprise you with boutique and luxury accommodation scattered across the region.
Moble Homestead near Quilpie is a luxurious mini oasis, offering bed and breakfast style accommodation and sumptuous food. Saltbush Retreat in Longreach offers some of the most beautifully rustic spaces that we’ve ever seen, complete with an outdoor bath terrace for guests. And Longreach’s newest heritage-themed accommodation at The Staging Post provides unique character-filled rooms inspired by stagecoach travel and pioneer-era style.
Cooper’s Country Lodge nestled onsite at the Eromanga Natural History Museum provides modern self-catering motel-style facilities that include a BBQ and alfresco dining area, with optional breakfast hampers available to order.
For Outback station-stay experiences, Gilberton Outback Retreat provides uninterrupted views of the Gilberton River from your private verandah bathtub. Or Shandonvale Station is a working cattle station near Barcaldine, a century-old property that offers a glimpse of rural life, with all the creature comforts of the city.
If you’re looking for something a bit different, try one of our historic Outback pubs, including the famous and ornate Hotel Corones in Charleville, the authentic retro-style North Gregory Hotel in Winton, the iconic Birdsville Hotel on the edge of the Simpson Desert, and Queensland’s longest continually licensed pub – the Nindigully Pub.
GLAMPING
If you love camping, but also love being comfortable and pampered, then glamping is definitely for you.
Rangelands Outback Retreat opened in early 2022. The camp is located on a jump-up on Rangelands Station, a working cattle property near Winton. Each of the eight unique tents offer spectacular views over the Rangelands, with guaranteed exclusiveness and remoteness, king-size beds, good wholesome food and fine wines.
Wallaroo Outback Retreat is set on a working cattle property, nestled next to the Carnarvon Ranges near Injune. Permanent glamping tents are set amongst 100-year-old eucalyptus trees and feature posturepedic mattresses, high quality linen, hot showers and flushing toilets.
Club Boutique Hotel at Cunnamulla is safari glamping at its finest, with its boho-inspired bell tents fitted with queen beds, soft linens and a bar fridge stocked with snacks.
Mitchell Grass Retreat in Longreach is located close to town and near key local attractions. Each of its 15 permanent luxury tents have a private deck and ensuite complete with a huge tub and even bigger views. There’s also a pool, which is a true luxury in the Outback.
SPAS AND BATHS
Outback Queensland boasts an array of spas, bathtubs and pools filled with the nourishing waters of the Great Artesian Basin. Take some time to sit and soak to allow the mineral rich waters to work their magical charm.
The aptly named Great Artesian Spa in Mitchell has mineralised waters that are relaxing for the body and therapeutic for the soul. The Spa offers two large pools of artesian water, one warmer and one slightly cooler to suit your taste.
At the Julia Creek Artesian Baths, underground artesian water cleanses and imparts wonderful minerals such as sulphur and calcium that contribute to its long-fabled healing powers. The waters are generally 38 to 41 degrees Celsius. Blissful!
Another must-do spa is Charlotte Plains near Cunnamulla where they say there are not five stars, but 1,000 stars at this authentic family-run sheep station. The baths are situated directly at the property’s bore head.
For something different try out the rooftop bath experience on top of the Corones Hotel in Charleville – a real treat. Or the new outdoor bath experience now available at The Lake near Quilpie.
If you’re passing through the little opal mining town of Yowah, make sure you don’t miss the private artesian bath houses at the Artesian Waters Caravan Park – well worth stopping for.
And at the Artesian Mud Baths in Eulo, you can soak in warm artesian water impregnated with clay, then pat on a milky grey mud pack and let your skin soak in the mineral-rich goodness. Located in a quirky and relaxing outdoor thatched-wall enclosure, the bathing area features three baths and a shower.
Just because you’re travelling in the Outback, it doesn’t mean you won’t be spoiled for foodie experiences. Outback Queensland has some incredible options, from local coffee and organic beef to delectable wine at Riversands Wines.
For scrumptious cakes (raspberry and white choc-chip with white chocolate ganache cheesecake anyone?) to New York-style bagels, The Lodge on Hawthorn in Blackall serves incredible food that belies its middle-of-nowhere location. In Charleville, don’t miss Charlotte’s Nest cafe, with its locally made sweet and savoury treats, including gluten-free options.
For a regionally-focused meal with a slice of history and character, you can’t go past the North Gregory Hotel in Winton, with a menu chock full of locally reared meat from the Channel Country.
Feeling hungry? Don’t miss the sizzling Stonegrill at The Welcome Home in Longreach. Based on campfire-stone cooking, the restaurant serves up only the best cuts and freshest produce on their 400-degree hot-stones right at your table. Enjoy a true hearty outback dinner with all the trimmings. Love dessert? Dive into their all-you-can-eat dessert bar.
For exquisite pastries, freshly baked bread, high teas, and homemade sweets, make sure you detour to The Elegant Emu patisserie in Adavale, with its fair-trade ethos.
Have you treated yourself lately?
Make sure to add these special treats to your outback holiday itinerary!
