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NORTH WEST REGION

DISCOVER NORTH WEST QUEENSLAND

Pack your hard-hat and sense of adventure – just four hours’ drive west of Townsville, Outback Queensland’s north west region begins.

It’s packed with dinosaur fossils, jaw-dropping scenery and a mining history that will lead you deep underground in Mount Isa.

Ancient history is the only kind served around here, from Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park where you can walk amongst 25-million-year-old World Heritage-listed sites at Riversleigh, to ancient underwater marine reptiles in Richmond, or the fossil collections in Hughenden.

Cloncurry, birthplace of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the destination for the first Qantas flight is also known for its minerals and gems.

Artesian baths, an award-winning caravan park and a lively calendar of events are huge attractions for travellers to the small town of Julia Creek.

No two days are the same in these parts: and in the north west a sense of adventure is the only packing essential.

Towns in the North West Region

Burke and Wills Junction

Breaking the trip between Cloncurry and Normanton on the Matilda Highway is the Burke & Wills Roadhouse, so named after the route taken by the ill-fated explorers. Situated at the Burke & Wills Junction it is also the turn-off for travellers heading to Gregory Downs, Adel’s Grove or Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park.

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Camooweal

Camooweal is located on the Queensland-Northern Territory border, 330 kilometres south of Burketown, 188 kilometres from Mount Isa and 440 kilometres from the Stuart Highway.

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Cloncurry

‘The Curry’, as Cloncurry is affectionately known by locals, is most famous for being the birthplace of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).

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Dajarra

Believe it or not, Dajarra was once the largest trucking depot in the world, but today is a quiet town in far north Outback Queensland.

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Duchess

In earlier days Duchess was an important railway and mining town with the settlement having up to 2000 people living there.

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Hughenden

Visit ‘Hughie’, the seven-metre Muttaburrasaurus and an impressive fossil collection at the Flinders Discovery Centre.

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Julia Creek

Julia Creek is located on the Overlander’s Way, the main route from Townsville that runs west to Mount Isa and on to Tennant Creek

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Kajabbi

Kajabbi is a tiny, sleepy settlement in north west Queensland, in an area that is steeped in history.

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Kynuna

Kynuna was established in the 1860s and in its early days boasted three hotels. It was a staging post for Cobb and Co Coaches.

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McKinlay

Located 104 kilometres south east of Cloncurry, McKinlay was named after the McKinlay River which was discovered and named by the explorer John McKinlay.

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Mount Isa

Affectionately known as the ‘oasis of the outback’, Mount Isa is a gleaming mirage on the horizon for travellers from all directions.

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Nelia

Nelia is a quaint little town approximately 50 kilometres east of Julia Creek on the Overlander’s Way. Here you will find the world’s largest brolga sculptures and an active QCWA branch that is a central meeting place for families living in the district. Nelia is home to Corella Creek Country Farm Stay which offers a […]

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Prairie

Prairie is a small township to the east of Hughenden in Queensland’s Flinders Shire in the great North West.

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Quamby

Roughly 60km away from Cloncurry, Quamby used to be a bustling railway village catering to the needs of the cattle and mining sectors nestled between Cloncurry and Normanton. After a period of abandonment, the historic Quamby Pub (established in 1860) has been revived and is now operational! Step inside, indulge in refreshments and delicious food, […]

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Richmond

Imagine being in a place so diverse, so vast, you feel an indescribable sense of freedom.

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Stamford Races

Stamford is a town steeped with Outback history and was once an overnight stop for Cobb and Co Coaches travelling from Hughenden to Winton.

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Torrens Creek

The Torrens Creek, after which this Outback town is named, rises in the Great Dividing Range and runs southward to the Thomson River system.

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Local Stories

Outback Dinosaur Experiences – Prehistoric Adventure Awaits!

Queensland isn’t just a haven for sun-seekers and beach lovers; it’s also home to some of the most remarkable dinosaur finds on the planet. From towering giants to ancient marine predators, the fossil-rich landscapes of Outback Queensland hold the key to unlocking the mysteries of prehistoric life. Let’s embark on an awe-inspiring journey through Queensland’s […]

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Nothing was stopping this mumma’s baby growing up to be a cowboy!

Rodeo mums. There’s something special about them, and we are all so thankful they ignored the warnings of that famous song! We are celebrating Rodeo Mums, starting with Cloncurry’s Kylee Ferguson, a famed rider and mum of three in Cade, Kolt and Brandee. Kylee is a five-time Australian APRA junior title holder, was former Miss […]

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Accessible Experiences in Mount Isa

Outback Queensland offers unrivalled adventure and a warm welcome for all travellers. From accessible rooms to exciting attractions, Outback Queensland experiences are designed to provide comfort and enjoyment for every explorer. Among the ochre-red Selwyn Ranges on the banks of the Leichhardt River the town of Mount Isa is known as the ‘oasis of the […]

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Outback Pioneers

Longreach – 1,179km north-west from Brisbane If you love history, then you’ll love Outback Pioneers’ award-winning experiences and holidays. Whether you choose a day tour, or an inclusive package stay, you can expect a warm welcome, entertaining stories and iconic encounters that capture the essence of Queensland’s outback pioneer spirit and lifestyle. And there’s so […]

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Outback at Isa

Mount Isa – 1,826km north-west from Brisbane Get to know Mount Isa through some of its best attractions at Outback at Isa. This award-winning Visitor Information Centre is a hub for family fun with a huge range of experiences to keep everyone entertained. If you’re on the hunt for dinosaurs stop into the incredible Riversleigh […]

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9 ways to see a Dinosaur in Outback Queensland

Once upon a time, when dinosaurs roamed the land, Outback Queensland resembled a landscape of temperate forest unlike the dusty plains we see today. Fast forward 95 million years and scientists are slowly (and literally) piecing together the bones of Outback Queensland’s history. With a dinosaur trail at its heart, along with exciting discoveries found […]

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9 Tips to Ensure a Safe Road Trip in Outback Queensland

Outback Queensland is road trip country – think wide open roads, big blue skies, and stations so big that you won’t be able to see their borders with the naked eye. Whether you’re a seasoned outback adventurer or a first-time traveller, check out these tips to help you have a safe road trip in Outback […]

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Kronosaurus Korner Museum

Richmond – 1,252km north-west from Brisbane The Kronosaurus Korner Museum is another unmissable stop on Outback Queensland’s unique and exciting dinosaur trail. Located in an area that was once an inland sea, the museum is home to marine species, pterosaurs, birds, fish, crustaceans, cephalopods, gastropods, plants, bivalves and echinoderms all found in the Richmond area. […]

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John Flynn Place Museum and Art Gallery

Cloncurry – 1,705km north-west from Brisbane Discover the humble beginnings of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), one of the largest and most respected aeromedical services in the world. Named in tribute to the service’s founder, the John Flynn Place Museum and Art Gallery provides a fascinating insight into RFDS history from its conception and […]

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How to Win a Million Dollars in the Outback in 2024

If a visit to Outback Queensland has been on your bucket-list for some time, let us give you a million reasons to visit in 2024: The Outback Queensland Masters is returning and tickets are on sale NOW! Whether you’re an amateur golfer, social player or a first-time swinger, grab your clubs and head west for […]

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Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival Guide for 2022

The Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival is back! Returning after a two-year hiatus with adrenaline pumping action, hilarious outback fun and wild adventures, from Australia’s Best Butt competition to an Outback Adventure Run, Dirt n Dust Rodeo, Artesian Express Horse Races, and live concerts under the stars. The local Julia Creek community of this […]

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22 NEW REASONS TO VISIT THE OUTBACK IN 2022

22 NEW REASONS TO VISIT THE OUTBACK IN 2022 There’s even more to explore in Queensland’s backyard in 2022! If you’re the person who likes to try new things before anyone else has even heard of them, it’s time to add Outback Queensland to your travel list. Whether you come by road, rail or air, […]

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7 outback national parks to put on your bucket list

If you thought Outback Queensland was simply red dirt as far as the eye can see, think again.   With lush forest, waterways, towering sandstone and deep gorges, you can find over 20 national parks dotted throughout the 901,574km2 of outback landscape – when you know where to look.   Don a bit of khaki and an Akubra and set your GPS west, you’re heading on an […]

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Drive Outback Queensland – Explore Queensland’s Backyard

If you’re thinking about a trip to Outback Queensland, this is your year. 2021 is set to be the year of Australian travel, and there’s no place better than the Queensland Outback. It has stunning and unique natural landscapes and holds our most diverse and unique history. From sacred indigenous sites to the spectacular sandstone […]

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8 things to do in Julia Creek

Name a town in Outback Queensland whose silver was used in the Sydney 2000 Olympic medals, is home to the toughest triathlon on the Australian circuit and where you can catch a glimpse of an endangered species? We’ll wait. Located in the heart of north-west Outback Queensland and known as the “Gateway to the Gulf” […]

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Everything you need to know about the Porcupine Gorge Challenge

Calling all trail runners.  Forget the 14-hour flight to Los Angles and six-hour drive along the I–15 in the name of stepping it out in the Grand Canyon – did you know Outback Queensland has its own version?  Sign up for the Porcupine Gorge Challenge and set your destination to Hughenden, Queensland, to stride through the “Little Grand Canyon” (as known by locals).  While Porcupine Gorge may not compete in size compared to […]

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Everything you need to know about the Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic

Bring your friends, family and fishing rods, as the Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic is going to be a REELy exciting event! What is the Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic? The Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic is a must do for any outdoor enthusiast. Situated between the picturesque red rock hills of the Selwyn Ranges, the event is […]

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Find your perfect Outback road trip

Choosing which road to take in an area that’s over twice the size of California (901,575km2 to be precise), can be a little overwhelming at the best of times. Throw in niche interests like dinosaurs, endurance events and pioneering history, and the decision of which of the nine drive routes you’re going to take becomes […]

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Become a drover for the weekend at the Drovers Camp Festival

Every August, drovers embark on a trip along the world’s longest main street, the 188km Barkly Highway from Mount Isa to the tiny town of Camooweal. Known as the gateway to the Northern Territory, it sits just 13km east of the border. But this tiny town of 208 isn’t just a drive through. Come the […]

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Is this the most luxurious place to stay in Outback Queensland?

If you thought luxury resort stays were reserved for Australia’s coastline, then you clearly haven’t been to Gilberton Outback Retreat.

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7 reasons to see Outback Queensland from above

It might be called road trip country, but one might say you haven’t officially conquered Outback Queensland, until you’ve seen it from above. With its remote, vast landscapes, the outback presents a never-ending stream of epic birds-eye-views. In case you need more convincing, here’re seven reasons to take to the skies and discover the Outback […]

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48 hours in Cloncurry

Cloncurry aka “The Curry” is a small country town with a whole lotta spice. From learning about its history to enjoying its outback landscapes, here’s how we recommend spending 48 hours in Cloncurry.

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Hughenden to Muttaburra, with Kids

For us, our arrival at Hughenden meant two things.  Firstly, we were just over half way through our fantastic holiday.  Secondly, for the first time in over a week, we would be heading towards home, rather than away from it. It was all going way too fast. Hughenden We started with a visit to the Flinders […]

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Aussie pub bucket list: Outback Queensland’s best watering holes

Forget pulling up at a servo hot-box in a town you can’t even recall the name of. Half the point of going outback is to make a memorable stop and support one of many quintessential, family-owned Aussie pubs. Quench your thirst and belly inside their historic walls, lined in quirky Akubras and where you’re welcomed […]

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