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  2. Explore Queensland
  3. Outback Queensland
  4. Things to do in Outback Queensland
  5. Drives
Queensland contains some of the most accessible Outback experiences Australia has to offer. We’re talking about the real deal – the true blue, fair dinkum, Aussie way to go bush. You don’t need to be an expert off-roader to explore the legendary Queensland Outback and get a taste for life on the land. 

Hit the road and witness endless blue skies, burnt orange sunsets and rich red deserts as you cruise the Matilda Highway from the New South Wales border all the way to the Gulf of Carpentaria, passing through Charleville, Longreach and Winton. 

If you have little ones in tow, you might prefer a shorter jaunt starting in Brisbane and venturing to the gateway to the west, aka Charleville, before trying your hand at station life in Cunnamulla and your luck at black opal mining in Lightening Ridge. Make one last stop in Goondiwindi before lopping back to the big city.

Dreaming of the ultimate 4WD adventure? Make your way from Brisbane to Birdsville. This route is packed full of opportunities to go off road, visit historic sites, stopover in outback National Parks, and soak in the eye-wateringly vast region.

Follow in the footsteps of dinosaurs on the Channel Country Explorer drive or Ancient Outback tours through Mt Isa.

Combine country and coast on a self-guided drive from white sandy beaches to the red dust of the desert. Try the Overlanders Way, Central Queensland Outback Driveor Warrego Way.

Queensland’s Outback is connected by both sealed roads and dirt tracks. Before you head off, don’t forget to brush up on the basics for a safe and successful Australian road trip.
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Ilfracombe

Ilfracombe, Longreach Area
Ilfracombe, named after a small town in Devonshire England, originated in 1891 as a transport nucleus for Wellshot Station, the largest sheep station in the world at the time (in terms of stock numbers).

Lake Paluma

Paluma, Charters Towers Area
Free Entry
Lake Paluma is an attractive lake surrounded by World Heritage Rainforest. It provides a water supply for approximately one third of the year. Access is via a 12 kilometres gravel road just past the Paluma township.

Iningai Nature Reserve

Longreach, Longreach Area
Free Entry
Iningai Nature Reserve is named after the Inangai, the traditional owners who lived along the Thomson River prior to European settlement. It is currently a reserve and the town common. You'll find bushwalking tracks leading from just south of town where car parking is available.

Windorah

Windorah, Barcoo Area
With a panorama of giant red sandhills, Windorah is located in the heart of the Channel Country , beside Cooper's Creek. It doesn't get much more 'Outback' than here, with its stunning vistas, picturesque ruins and historical sites.

Richmond

Richmond, Mackay Area
Imagine being in a place so diverse, so vast, you feel an indescribable sense of freedom. From the plains of the downs country to the silvery shimmer of the sun shining on the gidgee trees in the forest country, Richmond is often referred to as an oasis in the Outback.

Torrens Creek

Torrens Creek, Flinders Area
The Torrens Creek, after which this Outback town is named, rises in the Great Dividing range and runs southward to the Thomson River system to eventually run into Lake Eyre. William Landsborough discovered it in 1862 while searching for Burke and Wills.

Cracow Beach

Isla, Banana Area
Free Entry
Cracow Beach is a beautiful spot on the Dawson River and Delusion Creek Junction, located 18 kilometres north-west of Cracow along Isla-Delusion Road. It is surrounded by Livistona palms and native bush land and is the perfect stop over point to relax and enjoy the calm and serenity, or try a spot of fishing.

Tambo Dam

Tambo, Blackall-Tambo Area
Free Entry
At the town's southern entrance lies the picturesque Tambo Dam and parklands. A habitat for water birds and wildlife, a place for rest and relaxation. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the grassy areas for picnics and make use of the barbecues provided.

Dululu

Dululu, Banana Area
The northern most town in the Banana region, Dululu is a junction point that divides the two southern arterials, Burnett Highway (A3) to the east and the Leichhardt Highway (A5) to the west. Both highways reveal untold adventures and this rural village is the start of them all – a launching pad to the region and perfect place to stop, rest and make your touring plans.

Augathella

Augathella, Murweh Area
Augathella, with its fascinating history of bushrangers, bullockies and bullock teams, has some memorable Outback experiences. Don’t just drive through – stop and enjoy Augathella’s colourful history, characters and humour.
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