Here are 8 adventures in Outback Queensland that will give you a thirst for this fascinating part of Australia.
Opening image: © Brett Stanley, Licensed by CC BY-SA 4.0
1. Kayak the Warrego River
Winding its way through Queensland’s rugged outback, the Warrego River is a vital lifeline for the towns and wildlife of the region. Starting in Carnarvon Range, it meanders south through the charming towns of Charleville and Cunnamulla before joining the Darling River in New South Wales.
Although it’s an ephemeral river (often dry on the surface) the Warrego flows powerfully after rain, bringing life to the arid landscape. So it’s an incredible place to go kayaking and see Outback Queensland from a different perspective. Explore the tranquil billabongs, throw a line in at secluded fishing spots, camp out under the stars and pack the binoculars as the birdwatching is on another level.
2. Get into all of the action at Mount Isa Rodeo
One of the premier events for an Outback Queensland in winter is the world-famous Mount Isa Mines Rodeo. From 8-10 August, Mount Isa will burst into life with the largest rodeo event in the Southern Hemisphere. This entertaining and thrilling spectacle will get your adrenaline pumping, with a program that includes bull riding, saddle bronc and bareback, steer wrestling, roping, barrel racing and breakaway roping. There’s also live concerts staged in the rodeo forecourt, or you can take a chute tour to get a cowboy’s eye view behind the scenes.
There’s even a retro fairground with all of the classic fun fair rides, games and hot food stands for the whole family to enjoy.
It’s a wonderful community event for spectators and competitors alike. Champion cowgirl Jo Caldwell – who has won her favourite event of barrel racing at Mount Isa five times – says, “It’s pretty much the same people at all the rodeos, so even though we’re competitive, we’re all pretty close friends. It’s such a good family environment; we camp during the week between rodeos, and all the kids get to play together – it’s a little community.”
3. Warm up in outback bathhouses
What do you do when the temperature drops in the Outback? Take a dip in an outdoor bath, of course! It might sound counterintuitive, but the many outdoor baths, waterholes and pools from from Julia Creek to Cunnamulla are fed by the natural hot springs of the Great Artesian Basin. It is one of the largest artesian freshwater basins in the world, covering 1.7 million square kilometres and sitting between a toasty 38-41°C.
Julia Creek Caravan Park is the perfect place to have a soak during Outback Queensland in winter. They have six ceramic baths for caravan park guests to use for free. Sip a glass of wine and snack on a cheese platter as you relax in the naturally warm water and take in a famous Outback sunset.
The bathhouses are private, and built with wood and corrugated iron to give you a true outback bush bathing experience. The water is extracted from bores over 900 metres deep, and is enriched with minerals such as sulphur, calcium and magnesium. There’s nothing better than a long, relaxing soak at the end of a winter day to soothe sore muscles – and make your skin silky smooth!
4. Go hiking and camping in Porcupine Gorge
Another great way to get the blood pumping during Outback Queensland in winter is to get outdoors and go hiking. Porcupine Gorge, dubbed Australia’s ‘little Grand Canyon’, is located on the traditional lands of the Yirendali people around 60 kilometres north of Hughendon. This region of natural wonders has been 500 million years in the making, with vast savannah plains, and towering multi-coloured sandstone cliffs fringed and peppered with deep waterholes.
The Pyramid track will see you descending 120 metres steeply to the gorge floor where you can relax by the clear pools of Porcupine Creek and take in the Pyramid – a multi-coloured sandstone monolith. Discover the view from Pyramid Lookout, a 30-minute walk from the gorge where you’ll also find Pyramid camping ground and day-use area complete with toilets, picnic tables and fire rings for campfires.
5. Take a train ride to remember on Spirit of the Outback
Get some of the best views of Outback Queensland while aboard the Spirit of the Outback – a 1,300-kilometre train journey into the heart of Queensland. From Brisbane to Longreach, the 26-hour trip takes you on a journey through the state’s unique western plains, passing the historic towns of Blackwater, Emerald and Barcaldine along the way. Choose a seat or sleeper carriage, kick back and let some of the best of Outback Queensland roll on like a film.
6. Explore Longreach’s Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame
Longreach is a town of 3,000 people and contains authentic experiences to learn more about pioneering legends, Outback stations and the majestic Thomson River. Check out the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, honouring some of the unsung stories of Australia’s stockmen.
Conceived in 1974 by artist and former stockman Hugh Sawrey (with support from R.M Williams) it was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II on April 29, 1988. The striking timber, stone, and corrugated‑iron building has nine themed galleries, featuring more than 1,200 incredible artefacts, from Indigenous songlines and stock routes to shearers’ gear, bushcraft, and a restored Royal Flying Doctor Service plane.
Visitors can sit in a grandstand and be entertained by a live Stockman’s Show that includes working dogs, horsemanship and whip cracking.
7. Walk with the dinosaurs in Winton, Hughendon and Richmond
The Dinosaur Trail is an outback circuit through the vast red landscape of western Queensland connecting Winton, Hughenden and Richmond. There are plenty of prehistoric, archaeological and fossicking sites, as well as museums waiting to be discovered.
Check out Lark Quarry to walk amongst the 95-million-year-old preserved footprints of a dinosaur stampede, or head to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum near Winton to find the world’s biggest collection of Australia’s largest dinosaur fossils.
The Flinders Discovery Centre and Museum near Hughenden hosts an amazing exhibition of dinosaur fossils, while Kronosaurus Korner in Richmond includes more than 1,000 unique fossils from the area including 115-million-year-old remains of extinct marine animals from Australia’s ancient inland sea. You can also search for fossils at the fossil hunting sites near Richmond and discover a piece of prehistory for yourself.
8. Tuck into dinner under the stars at Smithy’s in Longreach
Nothing beats a two-course outback dinner under the stars by a campfire with a few drinks and live music to boot.
On the Coolibah-lined Thomson River in Longreach, guests at Smithy’s Outback Dinner and Show enjoy full table-service and a delicious camp-oven meal cooked on a camp fire. As if that’s not enough to warm the heart and soul, dinner is followed by freshly baked damper and some billy tea to sip on while listening to entertaining tall tales and legendary stories of Outback Queensland.
There’s a licensed bar with a selection of wine, cold beer, soft drinks and select pre-mixers.
Learn more about Outback Queensland and step back in time by listening to our Outback Queensland podcast.
Plus, explore the Rex route map below to plan your next trip to outback Queensland.
