From sprawling national parks to ancient remains, Australia’s outback towns have so much to offer visitors.
This list of 8 must-do attractions will help you uncover the hidden wonders of regional Australia and plan your next trip.
Winton – QLD
Known as ‘Outback Hollywood’, Winton is a small town in Queensland with heaps to offer for cinema lovers.
Film-makers have been travelling to this regional hub for years, tempted by the rocky hills, red desert and charming buildings. In fact, several major blockbusters have been filmed in town, including Goldstone, Mystery Road and The Proposition.
If that wasn’t enough, Winton is also the home of Australia’s only outback film festival. Vision Splendid Film Festival is dedicated to celebrating the talent of Aussie filmmakers, with more than 50 screenings each year that cater to every demographic. At the Royal Open Air Theatre, built in 1918, visitors can spend the day learning about the unique artefacts and equipment housed on-site, before enjoying a starry night screening to end a day of exploring.
Broken Hill – NSW
A short ride from Broken Hill, you will find the beautiful Mutawintji National Park, which boasts one of the best collections of Indigenous art anywhere in New South Wales.
It is only possible to visit this incredible site by joining a guided tour hosted by Mutawintji Heritage Tours. Visitors will be led on a 2-4 hour walk through the ancient landscape, as a knowledgeable guide points out Aboriginal rock engravings, ochre stencils, as well as the remains of fireplaces and grinding stones.
Surrounded by breathtaking valleys and rock formations, children and adults alike will love this opportunity to learn more about the region’s history and culture. Plus, the guides are happy to share their Dreamtime stories for those who wish to know more.
Eromanga – QLD
Outback Queensland has long been known for its fascinating dinosaur history, and Eromanga is no exception.
At the Natural History Museum, visitors will find the remains of Australia’s largest dinosaur. Named after Cooper Creek, ‘Cooper’ the dinosaur is approximately 95 million years old, and around 30 metres long. The remains of this plant-eating giant can be found in the heart of the museum, along with plenty of other incredible artefacts including fossils, natural wonders and more.
Launceston – TAS
Just a 20-minute drive from the popular town of Launceston, travellers will find the white sands and crystal clear waters of the Bay of Fires.
Walking along the granite rocks, dotted with orange lichen, is the best way to snap a photo for the family scrapbook. There are also several coastal walks to choose from, but we recommend signing up for a four-day guided wukaline Walk, where visitors can learn all about the culture and history of the Indigenous community in lutruwita while immersing themselves in the stunning landscape.
Lightning Ridge – NSW
Located near the boarder between New South Wales and Queensland, you will find the small town of Lightning Ridge.
Here, water from the Great Artesian Basin is sent to the surface using artesian bores, maintaining a lovely temperature of 41.5 degrees. At the open-air Artesian Baths, which first opened in 1962, visitors are invited to relax and socialise with friends. The warm temperature relieves tension from aching muscles, while the surrounding bushland creates a calming atmosphere.
Just a short drive away, visitors will find plenty of dining and entertainment options to keep the day going.
Coober Pedy – SA
Coober Pedy has long been known as an opal-miners paradise, so it’s no surprise that there are plenty of fossicking attractions to choose from here.
At the Umoona Opal Mine and Museum, Coober Pedy’s largest underground and award-winning tourism attraction, visitors can join a tour to learn all about the story of opal hunting and living underground. There’s even accommodation in the underground dugouts, for those wishing to stay a bit longer. Plus, the Opal Shop sells the biggest range of opals, shells and specimens.
Tamworth – NSW
This country town has made a name for itself thanks to the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival, Australia’s largest and longest-running country music festival. With ten days of music, food and fun, the event draws a crowd from all over the world time and time again.
For those travelling at any other time of year, the Big Gold Guitar stands outside the tourist information centre, and is a perfect addition to Australia’s ‘big things’ tour. Standing an impressive 12 metres, it was first unveiled by Slim Dusty in 1988 and remains a town favourite to this day.
Ballarat – VIC
Experience the excitement of the gold rush era at Sovereign Hill, a live museum just a short distance from Ballarat.
With a site covering 30,000 square metres, guests are invited to travel back in time to the 1850s with costumed characters, coach rides, 1800s shops, schools, gold panning and more. This living museum is fun for the whole family, with plenty of things to see, do and explore.
Each day, the museum runs several tours and demonstrations, including how to print on a nineteenth-century press and how to dig for gold. Plus, there are heaps of dining options to choose from after working up an appetite.
Loving these must-do attractions? For a complete guide to outback adventures in Australia, click here.
