Goodbye New South Wales, hello Queensland!

Start your Matilda adventure in Cunnamulla, just 119 kilometres north of the New South Wales border.

Whether you're seeking an authentic outback escape or a tranquil retreat, Cunnamulla has something for every traveller.

Start your journey by soaking in the town's new artesian hot springs complex or stay at Charlotte Plains, a historic sheep station where you can unwind in open-air baths filled with mineral-rich artesian water. Both offer a rejuvenating experience like no other. The therapeutic properties of these ancient waters make Cunnamulla an emerging wellness destination, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Nature lovers and photographers will be captivated by the stunning landscapes that surround the town. The Warrego River provides a scenic backdrop for kayaking, fishing, or simply enjoying a peaceful sunset. Birdwatchers will find a paradise here, with numerous birding spots including Bowra Sanctuary, we are home to over 200 bird species including the iconic Major Mitchell's cockatoo, flocking to the region's waterways and bushland.

Cunnamulla is steeped in history and heritage, and well known for the iconic "Cunnamulla Fella" statue. This larger-than-life tribute to Australia's legendary stockmen celebrates the town's deep connection to the land and its hardworking spirit. The Cunnamulla Fella Visitor Information Centre is a must-visit, offering insights into local history, indigenous culture, and the importance of the Great Artesian Basin through the fascinating Artesian Time Tunnel.

For a truly immersive experience, stay on a working outback station such as Charlotte Plains and discover the Outback Life. Gather around a campfire under the starry sky, hear stories of the bush, and experience the vastness of the outback firsthand.

And if you have a day to spare why not take a short detour out to Eulo and Yowah and discover Opals, Megafauna, Mud-baths and a Queen!

A bit further up the Matilda Way is Wyandra, 97 kilometres to the north of Cunnamulla. The highway follows the route of the railway and it's the railway system that actually dictated where towns would be created. Wyandra was once a major water stop for steam engines that hauled wool and sheep to the marketplace. These days Wyandra is a great stop with a unique Post Office, pet friendly caravan park, great Outback Pub and a perfect free camp.

Another 100 clicks up the track and you'll get to Charleville. Now, Charleville is a town that is worth some serious attention. It has a history featuring early cameleers, Cobb & Co., Qantas and the USAAF . It has one of Queensland's largest School of Distance Education and is a major home base for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, servicing towns as far away as Birdsville in the state's far south-west. Experience the amazing Cosmos Centre, a small observatory that introduces you to the world beyond.

Head north to Augathella or detour through to Quilpie and the Natural Sciences Loop. The Augathella pub is the central social hub and a good place to hear about the exploits of the infamous local bushrangers, the Kenniffs. Home to Australia’s Huckleberry Finn – Smiley? you can uncover this little known story while in town.

Tambo is 119 kilometres further north and is home to the famous Tambo Teddies, established during the years of low wool prices but still going strong and producing teddies adored by children everywhere, pop in and watch these cuddly creations come to life.

Grab a brochure from the Visitor Information Centre and follow the pathways around the oldest town in the west; many of the original buildings are still standing today.

At the town’s heritage precinct, friendly locals love to chat, while there try your hand at Morse Code messaging.

A side trip recommended for four-wheel-drive enthusiasts loops out via the Wilderness Way to Salvator Rosa National Park. Or settle for a stroll along the banks of the Barcoo and do the Coolabah Walk.

Just make sure you are back in time for the nightly chicken races at the Royal Carrangarra Hotel.

Blackall is 'home of the original black stump'. Heed not what other states claim, as locals descended from early identities such as Jackie Howe steadfastly stick to the belief that the stump located in Thistle St is the genuine article.

In 1892 Jackie set a world record by shearing 321 sheep in seven hours and 40 minutes. He held that record for 58 years and when it was finally broken it was only by a shearer using machine shears, which were unheard of in Jackie's era.

It's here that you will again greet the Barcoo River, which flows close to the town. Keep count of how many times you cross the Barcoo on this trip, as local legend has it that after the tenth crossing you're there to stay.

A major attraction, the Historic Blackall Woolscour is living history and a direct physical link to Australia’s pioneering era. Open all year, the massive steam engine is operated between May and September. Blackall was supposed to have the first artesian bore in the central west, only to be beaten to the punch by Barcaldine, just 109 kilometres further along the Matilda Way.

Barcaldine is an attractive town steeped in history and culture with plenty to see and do - an overnight stay is recommended.

The best place to begin is the Visitor Information Centre in The Globe where the friendly staff will tell you all about the town. They will provide you with a map so that you can explore the local landmarks such as the Rec Park, Pat Ogden Tower and the famous Tree of Knowledge.

Local history is also covered by the Australian Worker's Heritage Centre and the Barcaldine and District Museum, which are both worth a visit.

If you're travelling between Barcaldine and Ilfracombe during August to September, spectacular wildflowers (in season) are a must see and the many species of birds will appeal to bird watchers.

In Ilfracombe, old tractors, disused farm equipment and historic rural machinery have been neatly laid out, forming an open-air museum known as 'machinery mile'.

Wander around town and visit the Wellshot hotel, take a dip in the artesian spa, the corrugated iron Langenbaker Cottage and Post Office, which claims to have been Australia's first motorised mail service.

The bustling town of Longreach came into prominence for visitors in 1988 when the Queen opened the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame. This modern centre is world famous and warrants much more than just a casual glance. The entire history, adventure and essence of the Australian outback is rolled into one huge, diverse and informative display.

Adding life to this western Queensland town are a number of other first-class attractions, namely the Qantas Founders Museum, with its own decommissioned Boeing 747 Jet as its centrepiece. The School of Distance Education offers tours of its facility, which provides an education to students within a 1000 kilometre or more radius via satellite internet. The Longreach Pastoral College, the Longreach Power House Museum and the Longreach Arts and Cultural Centre, in the old Ambulance Station, where locals display their arts and crafts, are also worth a visit.

Various companies offer regular sunset cruises on the Thomson River, some in historic paddle steamers, with campfire meals and bush poetry thrown in. Hop aboard a Cobb and Co. coach for a tour of the town or head out to a real working sheep and cattle property to get a glimpse into life on the land.

The big skies and wide open spaces around Winton have inspired and captivated visitors for many years. Banjo Paterson wrote Waltzing Matilda at Dagworth Station back in 1895. The song was performed in public for the first time at Winton's historic North Gregory Hotel and now it is sung wherever Australian's gather to celebrate. The Waltzing Matilda Centre is dedicated to the memory of Australia's unofficial national anthem, the world's first museum dedicated to a song.

Winton is the Dinosaur Capital of Australia and hosts two major dinosaur attractions, the Australian Age of Dinosaurs and the Dinosaur Stampede at Lark Quarry Conservation Park. Both offer guided tours and unforgettable dinosaur experiences.

Winton is the official birthplace of QANTAS; the famous flying Kangaroo was registered as a company in 1920 and the first Board Meeting was held at the Winton Club in 1921.

Film-makers love the dramatic landscape in and around Winton which provide the perfect backdrop for storytelling. So many feature films have been produced here the town now hosts the annual Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival at the historic Royal Theatre, one of only two open-air cinemas in Australia.

Winton is also home to a range of iconic festivals, including the Festival of Outback Opera, Outback Writers' Festival, Winton Opal Festival, and the Winton Outback Festival.

The Winton region is renowned for its stunning boulder opals. Visitors can try their luck fossicking at nearby Opalton or browse the local jewellery stores for a beautiful piece of opal to take home.

Winton's Musical Fence is a wire fence that can be played as a musical instrument. This quirky outback attraction even inspired singer-songwriter Gotye to write the songs on his debut album that went on to win three Grammy Awards.

Take a side trip to discover the Combo Waterhole just south of Kynuna where this waterhole is where Banjo Paterson drew inspiration from for the national folk song Waltzing Matilda. Walk the 2.5 kilometre return circuit to the billabong along the Diamantina River and have a picnic "under the shade of a Coolibah tree".

Head on into Kynuna to a different kind of watering hole, the Blue Heeler Hotel. The pub is the only remaining building to have any association with the great Australian folk song, Waltzing Matilda. It is said that both the swagman and squatter had their last drinks at the hotel. Banjo Paterson also drank at the hotel. Come in for a cold beer and meet the locals!

Hitting the road again, it is a short trip to McKinlay where you can test another watering hole, the Walkabout Creek Hotel, the pub made famous by Paul Hogan in his movie "Crocodile Dundee". The pub, together with other buildings in the town were featured in this iconic Australian film.

Another hours travelling will take you through undulating and open downs country to the town of Cloncurry.

Cloncurry - friendly heart of the Outback, is a vibrant, welcoming town with a deep sense of history and pride. Known for its rich character and pioneering spirit, Cloncurry played a key role in shaping Queensland's mining heritage. The story began in 1867 when explorer and prospector Ernest Henry discovered copper in the area, laying the foundation for a thriving industry that still drives the town today—more than 150 years on.

Begin your journey at the Cloncurry Unearthed Visitor Information Centre and Museum. Dive into local legends like Robert O'Hara Bourke and get a glimpse of his original water bottle. Discover the story of Mary Kathleen, once a bustling uranium mining town, now a ghost town of intrigue. Don't miss the extensive mineral and gem collection, considered one of the finest in Australia.

Visit John Flynn Place Museum and Art Gallery, where you'll uncover the inspiring story of Reverend John Flynn, founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Established in Cloncurry in 1928 as a life-saving network for remote communities, the service remains a lifeline across the outback today.

Relax and unwind at Chinaman Creek Dam, just minutes from Cloncurry's town centre. This scenic spot is perfect for picnics, kayaking, birdwatching, or catching a stunning outback sunset. A favourite with locals and visitors alike, it's the ideal place to soak up the serenity of the outback.

Continuing on to Normanton, the vista changes and you'll see taller and taller termite mounds, which is a sure sign you've reached north-west Queensland.

It's a good stretch of road extending the 73 kilometres to Karumba, the only town right on the Gulf of Carpentaria. Although it may seem to have taken so long to get here, it's all to do with the excitement of finally reaching the end of the road and the Gulf of Carpentaria where the ‘Outback Meets the Sea’.

Its very location makes Karumba an excellent place to get a 'feed' of fresh seafood including excellent prawns, for which the town is noted.

Visit the Les Wilson Barramundi Discovery Centre where you will get to hand feed Barramundi.

Karumba is relatively flat country, but it's the birdlife that excites. Brolga and Sarus Cranes , are in abundance throughout the winter. If you're in Karumba in August to November keep an eye out for the 'Morning Glory Cloud' a unique cloud formation that sometimes forms in the early morning.

There is always the unforgettable sunsets over the ocean that is a must see, either on land or on one of the many sunset cruises that venture out each afternoon.

Congratulations for making the full length of the Matilda Way you are here in Karumba enjoy your stay.