46 Best Things to do in Outback Queensland with Map

When people think of the best things to do in Outback Queensland, they often picture wide-open spaces, red dirt roads, and country pubs. But the reality is, this region is absolutely packed with unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else in Australia. So, If you’re planning a trip, you might be wondering which stops are worth it?

The challenge for many first-timers is that Outback Queensland is huge, and trying to figure out where to go, can feel overwhelming. Add in long driving distances, scattered attractions, and limited time, and it’s easy to miss out on some of the highlights.

Matt and I have road tripped through the Outback a few times, So, I’ve put together this complete guide to the best things to do in Outback Queensland. Where I’ll share my own favourite experiences, plus highlight the areas with a map, so you can plan out your perfect trip.

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My Top Picks of Things to do in Outback Queensland

Outback Queensland is vast and diverse, stretching across more than 900,000 square kilometres of rugged landscapes, winding rivers, red deserts, and charming country towns.

The region is connected by a mix of sealed highways, unsealed dirt roads, and dedicated 4WD tracks that open the way to some of the most remote and spectacular parts of Australia.

You’ll also find my specially pinned Outback Queensland map that highlights the key attractions, hidden gems, and major stops, making it easier to plan and map out your own unforgettable journey.

To help you prepare, I’ve put together my essential tips for any Queensland road trip, covering everything from safety to what to pack.

➡Northern Areas

1. Cobbold Gorge

We loved Cobbold Gorge and it has increased it’s popularity over the past few years into a “Must do” stop. I found the gorge itself was the smallest I have seen, but didn’t disappoint on it’s beauty.

It does happen to be on private land, so accessing the gorge on your own is not possible. Luckily, they have a great set up with options with Boat Tours, Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP), Boat tours and Helicopter flights to help you see it from different aspects.

On top of that, accommodations vary with different types of Cabins, caravan and camping sites. There are also options to stay at Forsayth which might be a little cheaper, but will require a 2 hour return trip along a corrugated road to get there.

2. Porcupine Gorge

We are always looking for free things to when road tripping around and hiking is a great way to save some money. So, Just a little north of Hughenden there is Porcupine Gorge. with a couple of different viewing spots. Although, If you’re really keen, then walking the 1.4 kilometres down into the gorge is really beautiful.

If you manage to visit when there is more water around, then it might be a good option to pack the swimmers and make a day of it. But, our visit was very dry and hardly any water around. However this did make the water calm for photo’s and reflections.

3. Julia Creek Artesian Baths

Have you ever heard of the Julia Creek Artesian Baths? These relaxing Bath Tubs are filled with artesian water that comes straight from a geological formation deep underground.

The temperature ranges from 38 to 41 degrees Celsius, making it nice and toasty for a soothing dip. And if you want to make a weekend out of it, there’s even a caravan park on-site! Trust me, your body and muscles will thank you for the purification and detoxing abilities.

4. Undara Lava Tubes

Ancient volcanoes formed the Undara Lava Tubes in Queensland’s gulf savannah country over 190,000 years ago. Huge rivers of lava flowed through the earth, leaving behind empty tubes that are now open for exploration and tour.

Some of these lava tubes stand 15 metres tall, offer a unique look at natural history, and provide insight into volcanic activity millions of years ago. Visitors can take guided tours through the caves, learning about the formation process and seeing diverse plant and animal life within the tube ecosystem.

5. Mount Isa

Known as the Outback capital of Queensland, Mount Isa is famous for its mining industry. The city offers the Hard Times mining tour, where visitors can learn about mining life and try their hand at mining tasks. But there’s more to this outback town than mining, as it also hosts the annual Mount Isa Rodeo, complete with bull riding and barrel racing.

And did you know that Mount Isa is also an important paleontological site?

The nearby Riversleigh Fossil Centre showcases fossils from prehistoric animals, making it a must-see stop for any history buffs. And don’t forget to check out the city lookout for stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

6. Lawn Hill National Park

Lawn Hill is located in Queensland’s northwestern region, close to the border of the Northern Territory. Its aboriginal name, Boodjamulla, means Rainbow Serpent Country and is one of Australia’s most scenic National Parks.

The park is known for its gorge country and sandstone ranges and abundant freshwater. Or more specifically, from the Lawn Hill Creek, Adels Grove, and acclaimed Indarri Falls. Lawn Hill National Park has everything from walking trails to dedicated viewing platforms and camping grounds.

So whether you’re into bird watching or canoeing, or want to relax by crystal clear waters, don’t miss a visit to this fantastic piece of outback Australia.

Do you need help planning your trip to Queensland? Book a one-on-one consultation call with me, to get your questions answered & personalised help!

7. Walkabout Creek Hotel

Have you ever had a hankering to visit outback pubs in Australia?

Walkabout Creek Hotel is located in the heart of McKinley, which was made famous by the Australian Film Crocodile Dundee. This cozy pub offers delicious food and drinks to quench your thirst after a day spent exploring northwest Queensland.

Grab a drink and soak in the Australian atmosphere, surrounded by enough taxidermy to rival any museum. Whether you’re just passing through or making it your base camp for adventure, Walkabout Creek Hotel is the perfect spot for an authentic outback experience.

8. Mary Kathleen Mine

The Mary Kathleen Mine might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Australia. Still, it’s actually a significant part of our history. Located in the Selwyn Range in Queensland, this mine produced approximately 8000 tons of uranium oxide from 1954 to 1963.

The discovery and development of the mine were led by two men, Clem Walton and Norm McConachy.

Today, the Mary Kathleen Mine is abandoned. However, it has become a popular destination for adventurous tourists looking to explore its eerie remains and incredible water colour. From its humble beginnings as an accidental discovery to its role in shaping Australian industry, the Mary Kathleen Mine certainly adds a unique chapter to our country’s story.

9. Kronosaurus Korner in Richmond

Discover additions on the Dinosaur Trail by visiting Richmond and the Kronosaurus Korner. This fossil museum houses over 1150 specimens from marine reptiles, fishes, ammonites, and squids from over 100 million years ago.

There’s something for all fossil fans at this interactive museum. So, take advantage of where you can get up close and personal with life-sized replicas of dinosaurs. Spend a day exploring the history of Earth with Kronosaurus Korner, and don’t forget your camera!

➡Central Areas

10. Rangelands Station

Rangelands Station is a privately owned, fully operational cattle station that also showcases some of the most striking natural landscapes in the Winton region. Over millions of years, erosion has carved dramatic channels and gullies through the sandstone, leaving behind a maze of cliffs, ridges, and unique rock formations.

The result is an otherworldly landscape that feels like a natural outdoor gallery, for anyone with an interest in geology, photography, or simply admiring raw outback beauty.

➡  Find Winton hotels HERE, or Tours HERE with GYG

Because the station is private property, access is not open to the general public. Instead, visitors can usually only explore this remarkable site as part of a guided tour departing from Winton township. These tours not only grant you entry to areas otherwise off-limits but also provide fascinating local insight into both the land’s natural history and the day-to-day life on an outback cattle station.

11. Bladensburg National Park

Bladensburg National Park has a number of different sites to see like Mitchell Grass Downs and Channel Country. If your lucky to spot them, you also have some unique birdlife, plants and animals to encounter along the way. It’s only 7 kilometres from Winton itself and easy enough to explore on your road trip.

It offers you a look into station history at the old Homestead and surrounding buildings and Shearing Shed. As well as a concentrated and beautiful collection of Winton’s landscapes.

You are welcome to camp at Bough Shed Hole, which is also a popular swimming spot. Maybe stop off for a picnic lunch at Engine Hole or explore Scrammy gorge for those views.

12. Waltzing Matilda Centre

The Waltzing Matilda centre is also the Tourist information centre for the Winton area. This holds a lot of history and displayed as a museum, Art Gallery and a number of different exhibits.

This is a new centre, reborn in 2018, as unfortunately the original one was destroyed by fire in 2015.

The museum tells the story of Waltzing Matilda (Song written by Banjo Patterson), the Exhibition tells about WW1, the Art Gallery displays travelling exhibitions, and lastly the Qantilda Museum tells the story and history of the Winton Shire.

13. Age of Dinosaurs

One of the best things to do in Winton, is learning about the dinosaurs that roamed the area millions of years ago. We ended up purchasing the package deal called the Ultimate Dinosaur pass.

This package takes about 3 hours and has 3 different sections of the museum to see and you have a number of different tour times throughout the day to choose.

➡  Compare prices for Winton Tours HERE with GYG

The sections include the Fossil Prep Laboratory, The Collection Room and Dinosaur Canyon. Which lead you into different aspects of uncovering the dinosaur bones, telling the story of what happen, and walking among replica scenes.

14. Lark Quarry

The Lark Quarry Dinosaur Stampede is located 110km southwest of the small town of Winton. It contains one of the most incredible records of dinosaur behaviour with over 3,000 fossilized footprints. Surprisingly, these have been found in an area just 30 by 50 meters, indicating a massive stampede.

The herd seems to have consisted mostly of small carnivorous dinosaurs over 95 million years ago from the Cretaceous Period. The Lark Quarry is open for tours, allowing visitors to see these ancient tracks for themselves and imagine what could have caused this chaotic stampede millions of years a go.

Note: Did you know that Steven Spielberg based his dinosaur stampede in the Jurassic Park movie from the evidence in the Lark Quarry

15. Truck Museum

Officially called Winton’s Diamondtina heritage truck & machinery museum, where there is a history lesson on how Australia’s transport pioneers carved a road transport network. They recognise the men and women who contributed and drove all these great machines of the past.

It was first opened in 2007, and established by a group of community minded truck enthusiasts who collected a number of different additions. You can venture through the undercover sheds or check out all the rough diamonds out the back.

Highlights of the collection are the legendary lady truckie, Toots Holzheimer, who pioneered to truck route from Cairns to Weipa. Other additions you could see are an 1890 Ruston stationary steam engine, 1910 Talbot, 1934 dodge Fargo and Several Leland trucks.

16. Three Moon Silo Art

If you’re on a road trip and looking for some unique outdoor art, look no further than the Monto addition to the silo art trail.

The silos, though seemingly an unorthodox canvas, provide a dramatic backdrop for the vibrant colours and striking designs.

Artists Joel Fergie & Travis Vinson worked together to bring this particular silo to life. It’s a painting portraying a local Aboriginal stockman boiling his billy while watching the moon.

17. Qantas Founders Museum

Exploring the Longreach attractions wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Qantas Founders Outback Museum. This has been on my radar for a few years and really glad I had an opportunity to finally do it.

➡  See Longreach Tours HERE with GYG, or Accommodation HERE

The different sections consist of a night Luminescence show, walking through the Qantas Airpark, the inside museum exhibits, and walking out on the wing of the 747 plane.

The night tour was to see the Luminescence show and the Morning tour walked us the through the museum, Guided Airpark tour & a Wing walk on the 747 plane. 

The evening tour took about 1 hour and we spent about 5 hours in the Museum and Airpark. But, my highlight was walking on the wing of the Boeing 747 as I haven’t seen anything like this around the world.

18. Australian Stockmans Hall of Fame

The Australian Stockmans Hall of fame is a museum tribute to the pioneers of the the Australia Outback along with the Stockman who shown bravery and courage working the lands. The statue out the front is named “The ringer” and was sculpted to mark the opening of the centre in 1988.

You enter the museum and find there is a couple of different floors with six themed galleries depicting an important aspect of the pioneering history. The Discovery Centre, the Pioneers, Outback Property’s, Royal Flying Doctors, Stocks Workers & an Art Gallery.

I’m told there is more than 1200 items currently on display but ever growing with new donations and increased exhibits. These comprise of objects, Images, audio visual presentations and open displays to tell the story of Outback Australia.

19. Carnarvon Gorge National Park

Meandering through the Carnarvon Gorge Hiking trail, you’ll find a number of different sites to enjoy.

The trails are fairly easy (in the main section) and not much elevation, just really long (depending on where you go). 

Your journey will take you up the sides of the Gorge, crossing at a number of different spots. As well as a number of detours off the main track to see some gorgeous spots. My favourites would have to be the moss garden and the amphitheatre, along with mickey creek and warumbah on a separate own track. 

20. Tree of Knowledge

If you’re passing through Barcaldine, then take 10 minutes to stop off and check out the Tree of Knowledge Ghost gum. It symbolises the foundation of the organised representation of labour in Queensland.

As well as being added to the Heritage register in 1992.

21. Blackdown Tablelands National Park

My happy place is anywhere in the water, so I love finding new places to swim in the wild. The Blackdown Tablelands National Park has a small camping ground and a number of different hikes to do. I was looking for some rock pools, but ending up loving the nice cool waters of swimming area of Rainbow Falls.

The water wasn’t running heaps, so the pool was a little still, but clear as and had a sandy bottom. The 2klm hike including 240 steps, which was a little harsh on the way out, and felt like I needed another swim…lol.

22. Emerald

Located in the Central highlands area, the small town of Emerald got its name from the nearby lush green hills. This region is home to the world’s largest sapphire fields and contains the biggest Van Gogh Sunflower painting at 25 metres high.

The National Trust listed Railway Station, built in 1900 and restored in the mid-eighties, is a sight to see. It features wrought iron lacework and a pillared portico. The Emerald Town Hall has an ancient fossilized tree that is estimated to be over 250 million years old.

➡Southern Areas

23. Welford National Park

About an hour’s drive outside of Windorah, in Western Queensland, you have the Welford National Park. Although it’s only a small park, it does have camping, and you can spend a couple of days exploring the sites.

One of the biggest drawcards for me was seeing those vibrant red sand dunes. But, this is a four-wheel-drive area, and the popular Desert Drive can be done on a day trip from Windorah.

24. Channel Country Tourist Park

Ultimately, the Channel Country Tourist Park is a place to stay with both Camping and Cabins accommodations in Quilpie.

Plus, you have a unique experience with Hot Artesian water being used in Spa Baths (which is why we stopped here). Obviously, this makes for a relaxing experience all day, or while your watching the sunset.

25. Windorah

Windorah is a charming little country town nestled in the heart of Channel Country, within the Barcoo Shire of Outback Queensland. While it may seem quiet at first glance, this remote town has plenty of things to do for first timers. Windorah is often described as the gateway to the west, and it’s the first place where you’ll be greeted by the striking contrast of bright red sand dunes against the wide, open plains.

The town itself has a warm, welcoming feel, with friendly locals and a strong sense of community. It’s small in size but big on Outback character. One of Windorah’s highlights is the surrounding Red Sand Hills, which showcase the region’s vivid colours and unique desert landscapes. These dunes are a photographer’s dream, especially at sunrise and sunset when the sky turns into a canvas of fiery reds, oranges, and purples.

26. Quilpie Opal fossicking

Have you ever dreamt of fossicking for your very own opal? Quilpie is home to some of the world’s most beautiful opals. And the best part? It’s free, and you don’t even need a permit!

The fossicking paradise is located near the airport, just on the outskirts of town. But visitors beware – opals can sometimes be challenging to identify or find with changing conditions.

27. Baldy Top Lookout

The Baldy Top lookout is about seven kilometres or 10 minutes outside the town of Quilpie. It’s only a short walk to the top but gives you a perfect, clear view of the Outback valley floor.

If you’re lucky to catch it on the right day with some high cloud cover, you can see something like in the photo below. The great thing is, this spot is good for sunrise or sunset.

28. Roma Cattle Sales yards

The Roma Saleyards in Queensland attracts buyers from all over Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia. Spread across 50 hectares of land, these auction yards sell over 100,000 head of cattle every year.

The offers take place every Tuesday, bringing in droves of potential buyers and sellers from the agriculture industry. Plus, the atmosphere during an auction is electric – it’s truly a unique experience, and tours are offered for visitors.

29. Hydro Power Plant

The red desert may seem like an unlikely location for a hydropower plant, but that’s exactly what can be found in the remote town of Thargomindah.

The plant is powered by water from the Great Artesian Basin and is part of the Natural Sciences loop. It uses natural pressure to generate electricity for street lighting.

While it may only provide energy on a small scale, it proves that even the most unexpected places can have sustainable resources waiting to be tapped into.

30. Charlotte Plains Station

Spend a couple of days on a Sheep property and unwind in your very own Bath tub full of Hot Artesian Water. This is exactly what your going to get at Charlotte Plains Station and the unique open-air hot tubs experience.

Since It’s located about 40 minutes away, I would add it to the list of attractions near Cunnamulla and offering both Camping and cabin accommodations. 

31. Eromanga Natural History Museum

The Eromanga Natural History Museum is part of the Dinosaur trail, which includes Winton, Hughenden, and Richmond.

We only stop for a few hours, but this was enough time to take the tour, have some lunch and be on our way.

The museum was only a short one hour tour and tells the story about “Cooper & George”, the Largest Dinosaur bones found in Australia. There is a very nice, new centre developed with a small café for drinks and snacks. Eventually, they will take you out the back to see the replica bones, the process in order to uncover the bones, and where they were found.

Note: Definitely take advantage of the Wildflowers in the area and keep an eye out on the side of the road. Between Eromanga and Windorah was where I saw the most.

32. Betoota Pub

The Betoota Pub is one of the most remote and incredibly popular pubs to visit. Interesting that the town itself has a population of just one, who is the pub’s owner, so it’s patrons are all travelling around the area?

It was built in the 1880s and nestled between the tiny towns of Windorah and Birdsville. Right on the edge of the Simpson Desert! It’s a true oasis for weary travellers, offering up cold beers and tasty pub grub. It’s just a short few minutes via off the main highway, so remember to stop in and say “Gidday”!

33. Big Red Sand Dune

Well, you can’t get any more remote in Queensland than making it to Birdsville. About 16 Hours west of Brisbane and very close to the South Australian and Northern Territory border.

This is the Simpson Desert and where you will find everyone taking the challenge of driving up the Big Red Sand Dune. This is the first and the highest Sand dune, out of 1140 Dunes, driving into the Munga-Thirri National Park.

It stands 40 metres high, and doesn’t seem to be that difficult to get up, but you do need to have your 4WD basics down. You’ll notice it’s high on peoples bucket list when touring Australia.

Note: Don’t want to drive up yourself, then you can take the same tour we did!

34. Dreamtime Serpent Rock

The Dream Serpent Rock will be a short 15 minute stop and one of things to do near Birdsville.

When travelling into town from Betoota, it’s signed as a rest stop on the right-hand side of the road. The Art piece depicted below is straight across the road and a must-see when touring.

This is the Dreamtime Serpent Rock, So huge it was only possible to photograph in its entirety with my drone. This is an Indigenous Art instalment placed on a hill made out of rocks and dirt supplied in the area.

35. Roma Bottle Tree

Roma has heaps of bottle trees around, but have you ever seen one with a girth of 9.5 metres? If you just passing through, then take 10 mins to stop off and see this marvel of nature.

36. Cosmos Centre

The town of Charleville has lots of attractions to offer any first-time tourist and a big hit for every kind of traveller. Due to the Cosmos Centre, I find it’s advertised as the darkest area for watching the stars, but you can literally see this anywhere in the Outback.

The Cosmos Centre does allow you to view the sun and stars from high-powered telescopes and a worthwhile experience.

We only stayed two nights here and there is plenty of accommodation to chose from. But will so many attractions, we definitely could have used a couple more nights.

37. Bilby Experience

The Australian Bilby experience in Charleville is definitely a must-do, which is located right next to the Tourist Information centre.

It’s only a short one hour tour, which starts with finding out about the Bilby, and what protections are in place for their survival. Then finally, walking out the back into the red lit room to see them running around.

38. Weather Balloon Release

Did you know that Charleville has the weather balloon releasing every morning at 915 at the airport?

It was very cool to see, but I can’t stress enough to make sure you arrive with plenty of time! Since it won’t wait for you and it takes the Balloon mere moments to disappear into the clouds.

Note: Listen out for the sirens when it’s about to be released.

39. Great Artesian Spa

Visiting a Hot spa is a great addition to your bucket list in the outback. The Mitchell Great Artesian Spa just looks like a normal pool, but happens to be around 40 degrees and fed from the bore. It’s like a giant natural bath…lol.

There is a small entry fee and you can stay as long as you want in the centre. Although they do recommended 15 minute intervals between the Hot Spa and the normal pool, so you don’t overheat and dehydrate. 

40. The Unique Egg Shop

St George is the home of the Unique Egg Shop where a self taught Artist transforms large Emu eggs into an illuminated display piece.

You can pay a small charge and see display in the back, but also enter the store and learn about Stavros ‘Steve’ Margaritis and his passion for his work over the years. 

41. Yelarbon Silo

You probably know that these Painted Silo’s are all around Australia and new ones are popping up at the time. This particular one is located about 30 minutes outside of Goondiwindi near the border of Queensland and New South Wales.

If your passing by then it’s worth stopping off for 10 minutes to appreciate the work that goes into displaying these beautiful art pieces.

42. Sunflower Farms

Sunflowers are very much seasonal and only around for 2 to 3 weeks after blooming. I’m not that big into flowers, but to see these Sunflowers fields in person was incredible.

I was lucky to be passing by Warwick in November, and it was just announced a day before that they were flowering. Typically, they tend to flower from January to March, so these ones were a little early.

This field was on the corner of the New England Highway and Willowvale Road. But alternatively, you can find others at Allora, Toowoomba, Cambooya & Nobby.

43. Girraween National Park

There are lots of hiking trails in the Girraween National Park. However, I’ve only completed the Pyramid Track and the Sphinx & Turtle Rock track.

The Pyramid Track was the shorter of the two ( 2 hours return), but the end was difficult and not for the faint-hearted. The first three-quarters had lots of stairs and average hiking.

The last quarter has you scaling a large rock formation and extremely steep.

The Sphinx & Turtle rock track took a little longer or around three hours to return. The was still a lot of uphill section and stairs, but definitely easier than the Pyramid Track.

Overall, the boulders and rock formations are stunning, surrounding the Girraween National Park. The Cicada’s couldn’t have been more hypnotising with their noise.

44. Thallon Silo Art

The Thallon Silo art is located in the Ballone Shire, a rural town in southwestern Queensland. The silos were transformed into vibrant masterpieces by artists Joel Fergie and Travis Vinson, including this popular piece, “The Watering Hole.”

Not only does the art bring colour to the Australian countryside, but it also promotes tourism and economic growth in the area.

45. Nindigully Pub

With a history dating back to 1864, the Nindigully pub is said to be the oldest pubs in its original condition. Located on the banks of Moonie River, it was originally a stopping point for the horse-drawn coach company Cobb & Co.

Not only that, but used in the 1999 Australia film “Paperback Hero”, with Hugh Jackman.

Today, this historic pub still offers a rustic charm and a taste of outback hospitality, serving up cold beer and fresh meals. While the establishment may not have all the modern amenities found elsewhere, it more than makes up for it with its unique atmosphere and sense of history.

46. Sunrise & Sunsets

The Sunrises and Sunset’s in the outback are always more defined and you can see some amazing colours. This can obviously be done anywhere on your outback adventures.

I think with less smog and pollutions from city living, the gorgeous colours come out to play and worth it to stop and appreciate your surroundings.

Wrap up!

Thanks for reading this blog today on the best things to do in Outback Queensland and hope you have found what your looking for. However, If you’re still researching, please look into more Outback Queensland Articles HERE, for planning and inspiration.

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