Waltz with Matilda: 8-day outback road trip from Cunnamulla to Karumba

Start your adventure in Cunnamulla, the land of the legendary Cunnamulla Fella (yes, the Slim Dusty one). Pop into the Cunnamulla Fella Visitor Centre for a deep dive into the region’s Aboriginal and pastoral history, and while you're there, grab a ticket to the Cunnamulla All Aboard — a 3D sound and light show packed with tall tales and railway heritage. 

Need a soak before you hit the road? Slide into the naturally heated Cunnamulla Hot Springs for outdoor tubs, river views, and total bliss.

Road trip tip: Stock up on snacks and fuel. Roadhouses can be few and far between out here.

Lunch tip: Stop in at the Cunnamulla Coffee Shop and try one of their famous Camel burgers, guaranteed to fill even the hungriest belly!

If you’ve got time up your sleeve, detour to Charlotte Plains just outside town for a hot bore bath with a side of sheep station charm. Unpowered camp sites are within walking distance from the baths (you must have a paid reservation before you arrive, so book ahead).

Roll into Charleville by afternoon. This astro-loving town is famous for its clear night skies and bilby conservation efforts.

Don’t miss:

• Charleville Cosmos Centre for galaxy-gazing at its finest.
• Charleville Bilby Experience is where you can meet Australia’s most adorable endangered marsupial.

Dinner tip: The Hotel Corones bistro does a cracking steak with old-school charm, and you can stay the night here too!

Stay: Mulga Country Motor Inn has spacious, tidy rooms and a refreshing pool, perfect for those outback afternoons.

Day 2: Charleville to Blackall (300km | 3 hours)

Break up the drive with a stop at Tambo, home of the original Tambo Teddies. More than 49,000 of these handcrafted woollen bears have been stitched here since the 90s. Create your own fluffy co-pilot, no judgment.

If you time it right, you can also catch Ben’s Chicken Racing at the Royal Carrangarra Hotel, a quirky Outback tradition where feathery competitors race for glory (and laughs) in the pub beer garden.

Next stop: Blackall, birthplace of shearing legend Jackie Howe. Swing by the historic Blackall Woolscour, the last remaining steam-powered wool-washing plant in Australia.

Before leaving town, soak in the Blackall Aquatic Centre’s artesian spa, naturally heated to 32°C and full of minerals (your muscles will thank you).

Stay: Oasis Motor Inn is Blackall's newest four-star motel, with pet-friendly options too!

Eat: The Lodge on Hawthorn dishes up top-notch food and coffee, plus cakes so good, they’d make the CWA proud. Don’t leave without trying one.

Day 3 and 4: Blackall to Longreach (214km | 2 hours)

On the way to Longreach, stop in Barcaldine, the Garden City of the West. This town helped shape Australia’s union movement. Visit the Tree of Knowledge memorial and the Australian Workers Heritage Centre to brush up on your history.

Need a caffeine hit? Try Coolamon Coffee at Ridgee Didge Café, Australia’s first Indigenous-owned coffee roastery.

Once you reach Longreach, take two days to dig into the town’s iconic attractions.

Must-dos in Longreach:

• Qantas Founders Museum (get inside a 747!)
• Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame
• Cobb & Co Stagecoach Ride, bumpy but brilliant fun
• Sunset cruise on the Thomson River with Outback Aussie Tours

Eat: Grab a legendary salad roll from Merino Bakery (locals swear by them), or settle in for a hearty feast at The Italian Longreach, pasta, pizza, the works.

Stay: Saltbush Retreat is the ultimate Outback luxe, with clawfoot baths and slab-hut vibes. Mitchell Grass Retreat For those seeking a luxurious glamping experience these safari-style tents have everything you'll need for a comfortable Outback stay

Extra time? Follow this Longreach itinerary to make the most of your stay.

Day 5 and 6: Longreach to Winton (180km | 2 hrs)

You’re on your way to Winton, where Banjo Paterson penned Waltzing Matilda in 1895. Visit the Waltzing Matilda Centre for all things bush ballad and billabong.

Dinosaur fans, you’re in luck, the Australian Age of Dinosaurs is home to the largest dino fossil collection in the country. It’s a must-stop (even if you’re not 10 years old anymore).

Time your visit with the Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival (late June/early July) or catch a movie under the stars at the Royal Open Air Theatre.

Dinner tip: Sink your teeth into a juicy steak at Tattersalls Hotel, bonus points for dining footpath-side and soaking up the country town charm. For your morning fix, The Lost Poet Coffee Bookstore nails brunch and brews (plus, books and coffee? Yes, please).

Stay: Winton Outback Motel or the retro-cool North Gregory Hotel, where Banjo reportedly once played the piano.

Day 7: Winton to Cloncurry (350km | 4 hrs)

Next stop: Cloncurry, affectionately known as "The Curry". Surrounded by red hills and sweeping plains, this town’s got stories in spades.

Start at the Cloncurry Unearthed Visitor Information Centre and Museum, where you’ll find everything from Burke and Wills artefacts to one of Australia’s most impressive rock and mineral collections.

Then detour to Mary Kathleen, a ghost town and former uranium mining site, now Insta-famous for its eerie remains and emerald-coloured lake.

Stay: Discovery Parks Cloncurry for top-notch cabins or roomy sites for van travellers.

Day 8: Cloncurry to Karumba (445km | 6hr)