Hughenden is a rural town located on the banks of the Flinders River, and it has so much to offer any traveller keen to explore the attractions of outback Queensland.
Discover the best things to do in Hughenden for a great day of history, hikes and hot summer fun.
Flinders Discovery Centre
Flinders Discovery Centre is a museum showcasing the best of the region’s landscape and attractions. As part of Queensland’s famous dinosaur trail, there’s plenty of fascinating fossils and skeletons to discover here, including a giant ammonite.
However, kids will be most excited to meet ‘Hughie’, a 7-metre tall replica of the Muttaburrasaurus skeleton discovered in the region. Inside the centre, you can view the original bones, and learn more about the history of dinosaurs in Australia. There’s even a new fossil dig area where children can dress up as fossil hunters and dig for hidden treasures.
In total, the exhibitions at the Discovery Centre are focused on five main pillars that make up the community: Dinosaurs, First Nations, Pastoral, Sheep and Railway.
In fact, strolling through the streets of Hughenden will showcase several impressive sculptures from local artists depicting fossils and dinosaurs too!
Porcupine Gorge Lookout
Around 74 km north of Hughenden, you will find the impressive Porcupine Gorge National Park. The gorge has been carved over millions of years, revealing layers of colourful sandstone and basalt.
From the Pyramid Camping Area, a sloping walking track weaves past creeks and native flora to the base of the gorge. From here, you have a great view of the Pyramid – an isolated monolith of multi-coloured sandstone that draws visitors from all over the country.
Once you’re on the gorge floor, you will also find several watering holes perfect for a refreshing swim. Or take the 2.6-kilometre return Rim Walk, which takes you along the top of the gorge through woodlands and spinifex to a gorgeous lookout across Porcupine Creek all the way downstream to the Pyramid.
Porcupine Gorge is home to an abundance of wildlife, so make sure to bring your best binoculars in case you spot currawongs, parrots, or even birds of prey. There is a day-use picnic area at the Pyramid with sheltered tables for a relaxed lunch, and a camping area for those wishing to stay longer.
Historic Coolabah Tree
As you are driving into Hughenden Showground, you will pass the Historic Coolabah Tree, which has been linked to two relief expeditions that set out to search for the Burke and Wills expedition in 1861. Led by Robert Burke and William Wills, the missing expedition attempted to cross Australia from south to north, through the Gulf of Carpentaria. However, they sadly perished on their long journey, and remain important to Aussie culture as reminders of a heroic yet failed mission.
It is believed that both relief expeditions blazed the tree on the banks of Station Creek, and it now stands as a memorial to the people who explored this harsh land. At the base, you’ll find a cement sculpture of a surveyor’s peg and four brass plates sharing details about historic figures and events of the area.
White Mountains National Park
Spanning an impressive 112,000 hectares, the White Mountains National Park is known for its white sandstone formations and deep gorges.
For most of the year, the weather means this park is a dry and arid place, but in the cooler months it’s transformed as native plants of all colours and sizes bloom. The park encompasses 14 different ecosystems, with native plants and animals around every corner, making it one of the most botanically diverse places in Queensland. As you hike the long trails, you will come across white sand dunes, wildflowers, rivers and waterfalls.
There are 51 species of reptiles to be found here, as well as 430 plant species, and plenty of birds and mammals.
Unlike the other natural attractions on this list, the White Mountains National Park is only suitable for experienced bushwalkers looking for their next exciting challenge. Mountain bikers and four-wheel-drivers can make use of the trails that lead out to Sawpit Gorge Lookout, with incredible views over the park.
Pitch a tent at Canns Camp Creek and make use of the toilets and fire rings.
Hughenden Recreational Lake
First opened in 2019, this man-made lake is perfect for every water activity you can imagine.
The lake is about 22 hectares, or around the size of 35 football fields, with plenty of space for boating and water skiing, as well as canoeing and kayaking. The designated swimming area includes a man-made beach and an exciting water feature in the garden. In 2020, 30,000 fingerlings and 5,000 Red claw yabbies were released into the water, making fishing another popular activity.
At the picnic area overlooking the water, you will find free BBQs, a playground and several walking and cycling paths. The entire precinct is pet friendly (as long as they remain on a lead), so the whole family can enjoy a fun day out.
Excited by all the great things to do in Hughenden? Check out the best places for camping and stargazing nearby.
Rex flies to Hughenden. Book your flights here and check out the route map below for more details.
