11 Top Things to do in Windorah (With Map) for First Timers!
If you’re planning a road trip through Outback Queensland, you might be searching for the best things to do in Windorah that makes it worth a stop. I find it offers a mix of natural beauty, and classic Outback charm that first-time visitors often don’t expect.
The challenge is that Windorah is easy to overlook. Many travellers treat it as just a refuelling stop on the way to Birdsville or beyond, without realising the amazing and unique attractions nearby.
After visiting Windorah myself, I’ve pulled together the best things to do that make it worth adding to your Outback itinerary. Whether you’re chasing sunsets over the dunes, or just looking for an authentic taste of Outback life, this guide will help you make the most of your first visit.
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Best Things to do in Windorah for First-timers!
Windorah is a small outback town located in Western Outback Queensland, about 1,200 kilometres (or 14 hours) inland from Brisbane. It sits near the junction of the Thomson and Barcoo Rivers, where Cooper Creek begins.
I find Windorah is a natural stopping point for travellers exploring the Channel Country, and worth visiting for it’s open landscapes, red sand dunes, country charm and rich history.
If you’re planning a bigger adventure beyond Windorah, be sure to check out my full guide on the best attractions in Outback Queensland, where I cover even more unique towns, natural wonders, and hidden gems to add to your itinerary.
To make planning your trip even easier, I’ve created a specially pinned map here, highlighting all the attractions and things to do mentioned in this blog, so you can find them quickly and plan your journey with confidence.
1. The Solar Farm
The Windorah Solar Farm, opened in 2008, is one of the most fascinating modern attractions in the outback and a brilliant example of sustainable energy in action. The farm features five giant solar dishes, each fitted with 112 one-metre-square mirrors that concentrate sunlight onto a high-powered receiver.
Mounted on 13-metre-high masts, the dishes can rotate a full 360 degrees to track the sun throughout the day, ensuring maximum efficiency and energy capture.
This innovative system is expected to save around 100,000 litres of diesel fuel every year, significantly reducing the reliance on traditional generators in such a remote community. On bright, sunny days, the solar farm is capable of producing enough electricity to power the entire town of Windorah, making it both a practical solution and a pioneering project in renewable energy for regional Australia.
2. Red Sand Hills
The most popular of Windorah’s red dunes to explore is Sando’s Sandhill, a striking natural landmark that draws visitors year-round.
While we visited several red sandhill sites scattered around the region, Sando’s is the easiest and most well-known, sitting just 10 kilometres west of town along the Diamantina Developmental Road.
You’ll spot a small sign on the highway pointing the way, follow the track around the back of the dune, and soon enough, you’ll be standing at the base of this incredible outback giant.
What makes Sando’s Sandhill truly special is the colour. Many visitors (myself included) find the sand here to be even more vivid and intensely red than the famous Big Red Sand Dune near Birdsville. The fine, powdery surface is remarkably clean and untouched, glowing in fiery shades of crimson and orange, especially at sunrise or sunset.
The second sandhill lies about 10 kilometres further west of Sando’s Sandhill. While it doesn’t quite match the intense red hue of Sando’s, it makes up for it with its sheer size, unique shape, and surrounding landscape.
From the centre of town, simply head west and keep an eye to the left-hand side of the road, you can see it from the highway. You can drive directly off the highway to reach the base of the dune, making it another convenient and worthwhile stop on your Outback adventure.
3. Painted Water Tower
The Painted Water Tower is a striking art installation completed in 2019, following the growing popularity of silo and water tower art across regional Australia. What once was a plain, functional structure has been transformed into a vibrant landmark that tells a story about the local environment and culture.
The most eye-catching piece is the Yellowbelly fish painted across the tall water tower, a tribute to the species commonly found in the nearby Cooper Creek. The artwork not only brightens the skyline but also reflects the importance of the river system to life in this remote part of Outback Queensland.
Alongside the Yellowbelly, you’ll also notice other colourful designs and details, each adding to the character of the town and giving visitors a reason to stop, take photos, and learn more about Windorah’s identity.
4. Information and History Walk
The Information and History Walk is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the town’s story while stretching your legs. The trail connects several key features, including the Painted Water Tower, decorated tanks, and a series of smaller art installations scattered around town.
Each piece tells a part of Windorah’s heritage, environment, or culture, and together they create an engaging open-air gallery that’s both educational and visually striking.
We spent around 10 minutes exploring the area near the water tower carpark, where the artworks truly bring the Outback to life. You’ll spot striking depictions of emus, brolgas, and other native wildlife, as well as designs inspired by the nearby Cooper Creek.
The detail in the paintings makes them feel almost lifelike, offering a unique contrast to the surrounding desert landscape.
5. Rabig Park
If you’re looking for a quick rest stop or a place to let the kids burn off some energy, Rabig Park is a convenient and family-friendly option. Located right beside the Tourist Information Centre, it makes for an easy stop as you pass through town or gather details for your next adventure.
The park features a covered playground, giving children a shaded space to play even on hot outback days, while parents can relax at the picnic tables nearby. There’s also plenty of open grassy areas and little touches, like seating, shelter, and community displays, that make it a pleasant spot to take a break.
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6. Welford National Park
What truly convinced me to extend my stay in Windorah was the chance to explore the incredible Welford National Park. This hidden gem showcases the diversity of Outback Queensland, blending desert landscapes, towering red sand dunes, and the winding curves of the Barcoo River.
If I’d had more time, I would have loved to camp within the park itself, soaking up the star-filled skies and remote tranquillity, but that adventure will have to wait for another visit.
Instead, I opted for a day trip from town, choosing to tackle both the Desert Drive and the River Drive to get a taste of the park’s highlights.
The journey takes about an hour’s drive from Windorah, making it a very doable day excursion. Once inside the park, I was rewarded with gorgeous contrasts with the vibrant red dunes glowing in the sunlight, the peaceful river views, and an impressive variety of birdlife along the waterways.
I even came across clusters of colourful Queensland wildflowers, which made for some unforgettable photos.
7. Cooper’s Creek
If you’re travelling with a self-sufficient camping setup, Cooper Creek makes for a peaceful and authentic Outback stay. You’ll find plenty of options when it comes to setting up, whether you prefer the shade of the scattered coolabah trees or the wide-open spaces of the surrounding plains.
Campsites are available on both sides of the creek, with additional areas set a little further back from the water, offering flexibility depending on your style of camping.
The creek itself is a real highlight, providing opportunities for a range of activities. You can launch a canoe and gently paddle along the waterway, cast a line in hopes of catching a yellowbelly (golden perch), or simply sit back with binoculars and enjoy some excellent birdwatching.
Even if you’re not camping overnight, it’s an ideal spot to pause for a lunch break or picnic while taking in the tranquil scenery.
One thing to note, however, is that flies can be relentless, particularly in warmer weather or certain seasons. A fly net over your hat can make all the difference, allowing you to enjoy the setting without distraction.
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8. Tourist Information Centre
You can only learn so much from online research, but nothing compares to the insights you’ll gain directly from a local. That’s why I always make it a point to stop by the Visitor Information Centres wherever I travel.
Sure, I might pick up a souvenir magnet, but more importantly, I discover those hidden gems and unique photo opportunities that don’t always make it into guidebooks or blogs.
My visit to the Windorah Visitor Information Centre was no exception. The lady working that day went above and beyond to answer my questions. She offered tips on the best times to visit attractions, pointed out a few lesser-known spots, and even suggested a photo location I would have otherwise missed.
9. Nature Drive
The Windorah Nature Drive is a fantastic way to experience the beauty and diversity of the Channel Country landscape. Beginning right on the edge of town, the drive stretches for about 12 kilometres, winding through bushland before reaching the banks of Cooper Creek.
Along the way, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the unique ecosystems that define this part of Outback Queensland. From hardy native vegetation to the wildlife that depends on it, the journey offers both education and tranquillity.
Before you set off, it’s a good idea to stop by the Visitor Information Centre and grab the free pamphlet that accompanies the drive. The trail is marked, with numbered trees and points of interest corresponding to the guide, allowing you to learn as you go. Each stop highlights how this environment has adapted to harsh conditions, showing you why Cooper Creek is considered the lifeblood of the Outback.
10. The Old Courthouse
The Court House has a fascinating history that reflects the resilience and adaptability of Outback communities. Originally constructed in the 1880s, the building served as a hub of local justice in the early days of settlement.
Over time, as the needs of the town changed, the courthouse was relocated from its original site, preserving it as a tangible link to Windorah’s pioneering past.
What makes this building especially unique is its more recent story. For many years, it was transformed from a place of law into a private residence, lived in by well-known local identity Kevin Oates, affectionately nicknamed Tarpot, Tarry, or Pot.
Kevin made the building his home right up until his passing in 2018, after which it transitioned once again, this time into a treasured piece of local history for all to appreciate.
11. Whitula Gate Museum
The Whitula Gate Museum is a charming stop that offers a window into the region’s past. At its heart is a historic slab hut, originally built in 1906, which was carefully relocated to its current site in 1994. The move was no small feat, with local arts and crafts enthusiasts painstakingly transporting the hut piece by piece.
The museum was designed to recreate the feel of an early homestead, while also showcasing the challenges and stories of life in Outback Queensland. Inside, you’ll find a collection of artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia that highlight the ingenuity and resilience of the people who once called this remote landscape home.
Conveniently located right beside the Tourist Information Centre on Maryborough Street, the museum is easy to visit as part of your time in town.
Where to Stay!
Western Star Hotel Motel
This wasn’t a camping trip for us, so we ended up staying at the Western Star Hotel Motel in the centre of town. It was conveniently across the road from the Fuel Station and the Outback Shop for Groceries.
Additionally, they had a Bar, beer garden, and restaurant/café for meals.
The rooms were beautiful, clean, and had everything we needed for the few night’s stay. I would recommend booking in advance, especially if they have events nearby coming up. Turns out, we were travelling in a low season and only needed a few weeks.
Camping
This camping option is a little more relaxed than your typical caravan park, as it’s unmanned and cannot be booked in advance. When you arrive, the system is simple, just find yourself a suitable site, set up camp, and someone will eventually come around to collect your fee.
Prices are quite reasonable and a first-come first-serve scenario, starting at $35 per night for powered sites, $25 for unpowered sites, and $22 for tent sites. Despite being low-key, the campground still provides a good range of facilities, including bathrooms with hot showers, a laundry, camp kitchens, and a BBQ area.
Is it Safe to Visit?
Personally, we both felt very safe during our visit to Windorah. The locals were warm, welcoming, and always willing to help whenever we had questions, which made the experience even more enjoyable.
The only minor inconvenience we came across was occasionally waiting a little while to pay for fuel or other items when staff weren’t immediately on hand, but that’s just part of the relaxed pace of outback life, and certainly not a safety concern.
As with any travel destination, it’s still wise to use basic common sense, watch your footing on uneven ground, take care in the heat, and stick to well-lit areas at night. But overall, Windorah is the kind of place where you can truly relax and feel at ease.
General Facilities Available
The Outback Shop
Looking for fuels, snacks, souvenirs, or standard grocery supplies. The Outback shop won’t have everything you want but is good enough for those last-minute needs. Opening hours are from 9am to 5pm!
Fuel Station
The Service/Fuel Station is your second option for fuel and your general Fuel stop snacks. The price difference between here and the outback shop was comparable.
However, opening hours were between 6am to 6pm, so conveniently more time than the Outback Shop.
How to Get there?
Flights
Regional Express or “REX” currently flies to Windorah Airport. They only depart from Brisbane and take about 5 hours with 4 stopovers along the way ( Toowoomba, Charleville, Quilpie, and eventually end at Birdsville).
This journey will not run every day and is currently scheduled at:
- Monday & Thursday, Departing Brisbane to Birdsville
- Tuesdays and Fridays, Departing Birdsville to Brisbane
In the end, best to check on the Regional Express website for current times and prices available.
Driving from Brisbane
It was great to know that the roads to Windorah were sealed most of the way. Although, west from Charleville, there were single lanes (no lines) and sharing the bitumen with oncoming traffic.
Please read into the risks and safety tips of driving outback Queensland roads, especially at night. It will come in handy for preparing for the journey.
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When driving from Charleville, we ended up taking a detour from Quilpie, only to visit the Eromanga Natural History Museum. This meant a few more questionable roads, but traffic seemed to be limited.
Where else to stop in Outback Queensland
On our road trip from Brisbane to Birdsville, we allowed ourselves about two weeks to explore, which gave us plenty of time to stop at some of Outback Queensland’s best towns and attractions along the way. Here are a few highlights I recommend including in your own journey.
- Mitchell Great Artesian Spa – Relax and soak in the naturally heated artesian waters.
- Charleville – Visit the Cosmos Centre for incredible stargazing experiences. Explore WWII history at the Top Secret WWII Tour and meet some local wildlife at the Bilby Experience.
- Quilpie – Take in panoramic views from the Baldy Top Lookout, especially at sunset. Learn about opal mining heritage at the Quilpie Opal Altar and local museums. Stay at the Channel Country Tourist Park, where you can soak in a hot artesian spa under the stars.
- Cunnamulla – Enjoy the laid-back outback vibe and learn about life along the Warrego River. Visit the Cunnamulla Fella Centre to explore the region’s pastoral and Indigenous history.
- Charlotte Plains Station – A working sheep and cattle station that offers a unique camping experience. Famous for its outdoor artesian baths, perfect for a sunset soak.
- Birdsville – Tackle the Big Red Sand Dune and watch the sunset over the Simpson Desert. Enjoy a drink at the iconic Birdsville Hotel. Time your trip for major events like the Big Red Bash or Birdsville Races if you want to join the party atmosphere.
Wrap up!
Thanks for reading this blog post today on the Best things to do in Windorah, Queensland, and I hope you found what you were looking for.
Although If you’re still researching, please find more Outback Queensland articles HERE for inspiration and planning.
