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Outback Queensland Travel Guide Iconic Towns & Epic Landscapes
- Wander * Explore * Discover
- Jun 14, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Outback Queensland Travel Guide
Iconic Towns & Epic Landscapes
Welcome to our Outback Queensland Travel Guide, where wide-open skies, red dirt roads and legendary country towns come together to tell the story of Australia’s heartland. This vast and captivating region delivers unforgettable road trips, world-class museums, rich history and some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the country.
From friendly outback towns and iconic attractions to thermal pools, fossil discoveries and sunset cruises, Outback Queensland offers a genuine, slow-paced travel experience that stays with you long after the dust settles.
We begin our journey in Roma, around 477 kilometres west of Brisbane, and travel deeper into the outback, discovering the stories, landscapes and characters that define this remarkable part of the country.
Often referred to as the Gateway to the Outback, Roma is the largest town in the Maranoa Region and an ideal starting point for an Outback Queensland adventure. While it offers modern conveniences, Roma still retains a strong country feel and welcoming hospitality.
During our visit, we explored The Big Rig, where interactive exhibits and live fire shows bring the region’s oil and gas history to life. We also sought out Roma’s famous Bottle Tree, the largest of its kind, and wandered through the Roma Saleyards and Cattleyards Interpretive Centre, learning about the town’s strong pastoral roots.
👉 Click here for more information about Roma
Set on the banks of the Maranoa River, Mitchell is a charming outback town named after explorer Sir Thomas Mitchell, who passed through the area in 1846. It’s a peaceful stop that combines history with relaxation.
We soaked in the naturally heated Mitchell Artesian Spa, visited the Booringa Heritage Museum, and explored the historic Old Kenniff Courthouse, gaining insight into the region’s early settlers and colourful past.
👉 Click here for more information about Mitchell
As the largest town in South West Queensland, Charleville is packed with family-friendly attractions and fascinating history. It’s also home to Queensland’s largest Bilby Breeding Program, playing a vital role in conserving this endangered species.
Highlights of our visit included learning about bilbies at the Charleville Bilby Experience, uncovering wartime secrets at the WWII Secret Base, and exploring the universe at the Cosmos Centre and Observatory, where the outback skies put on a spectacular show.
👉 Click here for more information about Charleville
Settled in 1863, Tambo is the oldest town in Western Queensland and proudly known as the Outback Teddy Capital of Australia. This small but character-filled town offers heritage buildings, quirky attractions and good old-fashioned country fun.
We wandered through town admiring sculptures and museums, learned about Tambo’s history and couldn’t miss the famous Tambo Teddies. The lively chicken races added a fun and unexpected highlight to our visit.
👉 Click here for more information about Tambo
Located on the banks of the Barcoo River, Blackall was once at the centre of Queensland’s booming sheep industry and continues to celebrate its wool-growing heritage today.
We relaxed in the Blackall Artesian Pool, explored the historic Blackall Woolscour, and admired the town’s murals, sculptures and Ram Park, which honours the region’s pastoral history while embracing its modern cattle industry.
👉 Click here for more information on Blackall
Set on a 15,000-acre working cattle station, Lara Wetlands offers a tranquil bush camping experience unlike any other. Open from April to September, this unique destination features unpowered campsites surrounded by wetlands teeming with birdlife.
A century-old artesian bore feeds the all-natural thermal pool, making it the perfect place to unwind under the outback stars. Sunrise and sunset over the wetlands were among the most peaceful moments of our journey.
👉 Click here for more information about Lara Wetlands
Located at the junction of the Capricorn and Landsborough Highways, Barcaldine is often called the Garden City of the West. It’s best known as the birthplace of the Australian Labor Party and home to the iconic Tree of Knowledge.
Exploring Barcaldine gave us a deeper appreciation of Australia’s political history and the enduring spirit of outback communities.
👉 Click here for more information about Barcaldine
Ilfracombe – Big History in a Small Town
Founded in 1891, Ilfracombe was once a major transport hub for Wellshot Station, which famously held the largest number of sheep on any station in the world.
Today, Ilfracombe may be small, but it’s rich in character, featuring a traditional hotel, an artesian bore bath and fascinating historical displays that celebrate its pastoral past.
Known as the Heart of the Outback, Longreach is one of Queensland’s most iconic destinations. Situated on the Thomson River, the town was established in 1887 and is renowned for its world-class museums and unforgettable experiences.
Our highlights included the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, the Qantas Founders Museum, the Powerhouse Museum, a stagecoach ride, a heritage train journey, a sunset cruise on the river and a memorable outback dinner under the stars.
👉 Click here for more information about Longreach
Winton is famous as both the Dinosaur Capital of Australia and the birthplace of Waltzing Matilda. This friendly outback town blends fascinating history with dramatic landscapes and unique attractions.
We explored the Waltzing Matilda Centre, visited the Age of Dinosaurs, wandered along the quirky Musical Fence, enjoyed the Open Air Theatre, and joined a sunset tour that showcased the rugged beauty of the surrounding countryside.
👉 Click here for more information about Winton
Once submerged beneath the prehistoric Eromanga Sea, Richmond is now known as the Fossil Capital of the Outback. Marine fossils discovered throughout the region tell the story of a vastly different landscape millions of years ago.
We visited Kronosaurus Korner, explored the Cambridge Downs Heritage Centre, and enjoyed a peaceful walk around Lake Fred Tritton, a popular spot for birdwatching and picnics.
👉 Click here for more information about Richmond
Set along the Flinders River, Queensland’s longest river, Hughenden is a small outback town with a surprising number of attractions.
We admired the water tower art, explored the Flinders Discovery Centre, met Mutt the Dinosaur, and enjoyed time at the recreational lake, soaking up the relaxed outback atmosphere.
👉 Click here for more information about Hughenden
Often described as the Grand Canyon of Queensland, Porcupine Gorge National Park stretches for more than 25 kilometres along Porcupine Creek.
Over millions of years, the creek has carved a dramatic canyon, revealing colourful sedimentary rock layers. A 2.4-kilometre return walk takes you down into the gorge, where you can get close to the striking Pyramid rock formation and cool off with a refreshing swim in the clear water.
👉 Click here for more information about Porcupine Gorge
Why Travel Outback Queensland?
Outback Queensland is a region that rewards curiosity and a sense of adventure. From iconic towns and living history to ancient landscapes and unforgettable sunsets, it offers an authentic Australian experience that’s both humbling and inspiring.
Whether you’re road-tripping, camping under the stars or exploring world-class museums, Outback Queensland invites you to slow down, listen to its stories and discover the true heart of the country — one town, one track and one horizon at a time.
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