With the cold weather settling in, now is a great time to explore outback Queensland in winter without worrying about the sweltering heat.
In outback Queensland, you will find everything from stunning national parks to flowing rivers and unique native wildlife. Immerse yourself in Australia’s natural beauty and discover more about this region’s fascinating past while having fun in outback Queensland this winter.
Roma’s rock art and ranges
The small town of Roma is located in the heart of the Maranoa region, and boasts plenty of exciting opportunities for adventurous spirits to walk on the wild side.
The Carnarvon Ranges are an extensive reserve of sandstone cliffs, gorges and rivers dating back 200-million-years. The ranges are home to more than 170 bird species, 60 mammal species and 2,000 examples of Aboriginal rock art, meaning there is so much to see when hiking here.
For a full experience, we suggest joining Boobook Explore on the Lost World Carnarvons (Wallaroo) tour. Departing from Roma, this experience takes small groups deep into the ranges where knowledgeable guides point out Aboriginal axe-grinding stones, rare native animals and natural features including gorges and rivers.
If you’d rather stick closer to home, Roma Bush Gardens span 14 hectares and feature 11 different communities of vegetation. The gardens are popular with locals who enjoy birdwatching and wandering the path beside Railway Dam, where interpretive panels provide extra information about the different plant species that call this area home.
For another popular walk, the Agungadoo Pathway takes visitors past Roma’s largest bottle tree and the Big Red Parklands. Winding along Bungil Creek, you will get up close to ancient river gums and local wildlife.
The river runs in St George
The Balonne River is a 479 km long water feature that runs straight through the St George Region before connecting with the Murray-Darling Basin. While there is a 2 km path that takes you along the banks, locals often enjoy canoeing, kayaking and boating on the pristine waters.
Or, for a comprehensive guide to the region, you can join a Sandytown River Cruise. Hosted by Brett Schweikert, this two-hour-long cruise follows the Balonne River as Brett offers insight into the local community and wildlife, including the 230 species of birds in the region. Full moon cruises are also available for those wishing to see St George under the stars.
If you’re looking for a day trip, we suggest heading to the fully operational cotton farm located just outside St George. The Cotton Self-Drive Trail is a great way to learn more about this fascinating industry while viewing endless fields of cotton.
Woodlands and walks in Toowoomba
No visit to Toowoomba would be complete without stopping by the extensive garden grounds. At Queens Park, you can wander 26.3 hectares of tree-lined avenues, botanicals, woodlands, playgrounds and more. During Winter, the park takes on an evergreen colour, with manicured hedges and vibrant lawns making the perfect spot for a picnic or morning stroll.
Spanning just over 4 hectares, Laurel Bank Park is a much smaller attraction, but still has plenty to offer. Here, visitors will find manicured gardens, colourful flowers and fountains. Heading towards the centre, you will come across the scented garden, which is full of fragrant roses and herbs. All along the grounds, visitors should keep their eyes out for exotic trees, unique birds and even croquet greens where novices and experts try their hand at a game or two.
A short 50 km drive from Toowoomba, you will find the stunning Lake Cressbrook. There are 30 unpowered campsites on the shores of this lake, ideal for nights spent sleeping under the stars. Guests are also encouraged to try fishing, canoeing and kayaking along the water during the day, with kitchen and BBQ facilities available for a hearty meal after a long afternoon of exploring. The Lake Cressbrook walking trail is another popular attraction in the area, and spans just over 7 km through the bush.
Loved reading about things to do in outback Queensland in winter? Check out even more winter adventures on the Macleay Valley Coast.
Travel to outback Queensland
Rex flies to Roma, St George and Toowoomba Wellcamp. Buy your tickets here and check out the route map below.
