Outback Towns and Drives

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Surat

ABOUT Surat

Fresh air and great fishing are two good reasons to spend some time in the picturesque little town of Surat, midway between St George and Roma on the Great Inland Way.

But they’re not the only things you’ll find in this relaxed river town. Take your time to soak up the history of Cobb & Co, unwind on a river walk or picnic in the tranquil surrounds of the Balonne’s riverside parklands.

Early mornings are gold for birdwatchers. Active types can get out on the river water skiing or jetskiing and then there’s the fishing. The Balonne is an angler’s paradise and locals are only too happy to swap fishing tips and recommend favourite spots to wet a line.

Steeped in history with links to Cobb & Co and the ‘boom time’ of the wool-growing industry, Surat is a ‘must-see’ for any history buff. Here you’ll get a taste of life as it used to be. The Cobb & Co Changing Station, the original site of the Cobb & Co Store and a ‘drop-off’ point for coach travellers and goods, houses a museum of regularly changing displays depicting the lifestyles of yesteryear including a 14-seater Cobb & Co coach.

The complex houses the Surat on Balonne Gallery, featuring local and travelling exhibitions, and the Window to the Balonne Aquarium – a 25,000 litre fresh water aquarium displaying a range of native fish species.

Make a visit to the Aboriginal Interpretative Shelter, which displays family histories of Aboriginal families who lived on the site in the mid 1900s.

Nature lovers and photographers visiting from January to May will love Beranga Creek with its blanket of colourful water lillies.

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Places to stay near Surat

Glenmorgan Bottle Tree Inn

Stop overnight at The Bottle Tree Inn. Settle into an air-conditioned self-contained motel unit, and then enjoy a counter meal at the pub attached.

Maree’s Farmstay

Maree’s Farmstay is an Airbnb Farmstay on a Brahman cattle station situated right beside Mount Moffatt Carnarvon National Park.

Camp at Chain Lagoons, Taroom

Chain Lagoons is a free camping area not far from Taroom.

Located off the Leichhardt Way on Chain Lagoons Road.

Camp at Cracow Town

There is a small campsite that is donation camping, the sites are powered and there are facilities and showers.

Bailey Bar Caravan Park

This little tree lined park is a winter haven for many travellers looking for a homely stop over on their way to the north.

Camping at Apex Park, Moura

Apex Park offers affordable camping in Moura, in the Banana Shire.

Charlotte Plains

Charlotte Plains is a family-owned and operated sheep station near Cunnamulla Queensland!

Camp at Neville Hewitt Weir, Baralaba

Chain Lagoons is a free camping area not far from Taroom.

Hotel Cunnamulla

Hotel Cunnamulla offers real country comfort with classic country hotel-style rooms with private ensuites.

Cunnamulla Tourist Park

The park is ideally located at the cross roads of the Matilda and Adventure Highways and is the perfect spot to base yourself.

Camp at Goovigen Recreation Grounds

Goovigen Recreation Grounds is a quiet, low-cost campground located on Stone Crescent in Goovigen. Grassy and slab sites available with easy access from the highway.

Artesian Waters Caravan Park

Artesian Waters Caravan Park is a popular spot for opal fossickers and tourists alike. It is located in the heart of the Yowah opal fields,

Mitchell on Maranoa Art Gallery

Saddliers Waterhole and Hamburg Creek

Morven Historical Museum

Greycliffe Homestead

Quilpie Memorial Swimming Pool

Redbank Park, Jericho

Leahy Historical House

Hydro Power Plant

Dowling Track

Whitula Gate Museum

Corfield and Fitzmaurice Building

Jack Brown Lions Park

While at Surat why not try these Tours

Sandytown River Cruises

Sandytown River Cruises offers visitors an opportunity to experience the beautiful Balonne River, a small but important part of Queensland’s inland river system.

St George Heritage Tour

Discover the stories and legends of St George, including a visit to the Anchorage Homestead with a fully guided tour including morning tea.

Cotton Farm and Vineyard Tour

Don’t miss out on experiencing the Cotton Farm and Winery Tour held from May to September.

WWII Secret Tag-A-Long Tour – Charleville

Discover why over 3500 United States Army Air Force personnel were stationed in Charleville during World War II.

Charleville’s ‘Magnificent 7’

Discover stars, WWII secrets and bilbies for starters on Charleville’s ‘Magnificent 7’ day tour in Outback Queensland. Morning tea, lunch and transfers included.

Eromanga Natural History Museum

The Eromanga Natural History Museum is committed to discovering, conserving and showcasing the fossil, natural and cultural heritage from the prehistoric and modern-day environments.

Outback Aussie Tours – Day Tours

Outback Aussie Tours is a family-owned local operator with over 35 years of experience and unrivalled local Outback Queensland knowledge, passion and connections.

Outback Aussie Tours – Outback Rail Adventure Day Tours

The Outback Rail Adventure is Outback Aussie Tours’ newest tourism experience reconnecting our visitors with the romance of rail.

Outback Pioneers

Outback Pioneers’ award-winning outback tours and experiences, based in Longreach, is all about holidays and experiences that bring the pioneer past to life.

Dingo Trax – Birdsville and Outback Queensland

Whether you are a seasoned 4WD enthusiast or completely new to it all, Dingo Trax have your back!

Discovery Experiences – Undara

Only 3½ hours drive from Cairns and four hours from Townsville in Tropical North Queensland, you’ll discover a land so different in contrasts…. Undara.

Cobbold Gorge Tours

Deep in the heart of the Gulf Savannah region of Far North Queensland is a hidden outback oasis – Cobbold Gorge.

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