Outback
Colourful characters, a proud history and a landscape which seems endless in time and space - this is Queensland’s Outback. An amazing country of red hills, plains that stretch to eternity, and spectacular sunsets.
A place where characters share a yarn and people say "g’day". A land of the dreamtime, where ancient Aboriginal culture is recorded on rock faces and cave walls, and where evidence of the dinosaur’s reign over the earth can still be found.
It is surprising just how easy it is to reach the Outback. The Queensland Heritage Trails Network links a diverse range of authentic heritage attractions and icons throughout the Outback.
Travel by road, rail or air. There are sealed and well sign-posted roads and a good choice of motels, historic hotels, caravan parks and farm stays. You can go on some great local day tours to tame the Outback. Plan your trip around the many outback events or slow down your travels to savour the many national parks in the region.
A range of accommodation is available from four star motels to backpacker hostels and Outback pubs. Or, for a truly Australian Outback experience, spend some time at an Outback cattle or sheep station and enjoy true country hospitality at its best.
The winter months between April and October are the most popular time to visit the Outback. During the summer months (wet season) temperatures can be high, however most facilities, transport and accommodation are air-conditioned and there is less humidity than on the coast.
The Outback is home to some of the most amazing wildlife and spectacular scenery to be found anywhere in the world. It has the most diverse and out of the way national parks, including the World heritage listed Riversleigh Fossil Fields and Lawn Hill Gorge in Boodjamulla National Park.
A must see is Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackway, which is currently the only recorded dinosaur stampede on earth.
The South West
From amazing spring wildflowers to the Channel country, this is an area of diverse landscapes. Fossick for opals at Yowah, Cunnamulla and Quilpie, explore the clear night skies at Charleville's Cosmos Centre or seek out the birdlife in salt and freshwater habitats. Talk to the locals for some great fishing in an Outback billabong or along one of the many rivers and lakes in the region. The Great Artesian Spa at Mitchell is a great place to relax in the therapeutic underground waters.
Lake Bindegolly near Thargomindah is one of Australia's best areas to view birdlife or visit Currawinya National Park. Legendary Birdsville is the gateway to the Simpson Desert.
The Central West
Australia's most famous song, Waltzing Matilda, was written in this part of the Outback and Australia's international airline, Qantas, was founded here. The shearers' strike in Barcaldine in 1891 led to the formation of the Australian Labor Party. All this incredible history has been recorded in towns such as Longreach, Winton, Blackall and Barcaldine.
Uncover history and heritage in this region - Tambo is home of the delightful Tambo Teddies. Blackall's century of shearing with the historic woolscour open for viewing and Windorah with its eye-catching giant red sandhills.
Experience Australia's living history by discovering the Barcaldine's Workers Heritage Centre, Longreach's Stockman's Hall of Fame, Qantas Founders Museum, Winton's Waltzing Matilda Centre and Boulia, home of the mysterious Min Min light.
Explore the Combo Waterhole which proved inspirational for Australia's great poet Banjo Paterson.
The North West
One of the oldest areas on earth, the North West section of Queensland's Outback has an impressive record of the dinosaur era. Visit the interpretive centres in Mount Isa, Richmond and Hughenden. The Outback at Isa has a mine for you to explore and displays which interpret the World Heritage Listed Riversleigh Fossil Fields, north of Mount Isa. Nearby, Cloncurry commemorates the ground-breaking work undertaken by Dr John Flynn and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Head further east to Julia Creek and Richmond, home of Kronosaurus Korner.
Porcupine Gorge National Park near Hughenden offers sandstone cliffs and brilliantly coloured volcanic basalt countryside. Lawn Hill National Park contains Aboriginal art sites with flowing deep water flanked by towering cliffs in a lush oasis.
Must See and Do:
- Sunset dinner cruise on the Thomson River (Longreach)
- Experience the land by staying on an Outback sheep or cattle station
- Visit Riversleigh Fossil Fields
- Outback at Isa - Hard Times Mine underground Tour
- Longreach's Stockman's Hall of Fame
- Qantas Museum
- Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackway
- Lawn Hill Gorge
- Opal fossicking
- Birdsville Races
- Mount Isa Rodeo
- Kronosaurus Korner
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