Outback Queensland

Welcome to Outback Queensland

Take time out to experience the true Aussie outback spirit. A holiday in Outback Queensland is one of extraordinary discovery – from the rich red soil and unique landscapes to friendly locals. Choose to stay in welcoming country towns like Birdsville, Charleville, Longreach, Mount Isa and those dotted throughout the outback surrounds.

From sleeping under the stars to relaxing in retreats, accommodation options are as wide as this region. Making up more than 65% of the state, outback Queensland is filled with significant history from the original indigenous custodians and those that came thereafter.

Wetlands, deserts, and mountains alongside cattle stations and mining communities, here you can enjoy a cold one in iconic pubs, rich with Aussie history and outback charm, for a good old-fashioned yarn. Hop on a tour or a carefully planned self-drive exploration for breathtaking landscapes full of stunning gorges, spectacular lakes, waterfalls and unique rock formations. Invest in exploring this vast terrain and reap the benefits of quality time with family and friends and moments you’ll cherish forever.

North-West

From the north-west corner where Queensland meets the Northern Territory, explore the Gulf Savannah boasting both ocean and outback experiences. Throw in a line for incredible fishing or head inland further west to Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park. Float through calm winding lakes between steep gorges with towering red walls. Head to Cabbold Gorge in Forsayth for a paddleboard experience through the incredible rock formations or set your sights on the skies to see the unique natural structures from a helicopter above.

Gilberton Outback Retreat offers 5-star luxury among a working cattle station. Sleep under the stars in this digital-detox lodge with views across the outback, perfect for spotting emu, kangaroos and more.

Explore the unique UIndara lava tubes and wander the Riversleigh World Heritage Fossil Site. A wide expanse dotted with towns like Georgetown, Croydon, and Einasleigh, north-west outback Queensland is filled with ecological wonders.

Central-West

Follow the Leichhardt River down to Mount Isa, Cloncurry and Lake Moondarra. Home to the largest and richest rodeo in the southern hemisphere, Mount Isa is a big city nicknamed the Oasis of the Outback. Surrounded by the red Selwyn Ranges with the river flowing through town, explore natural waterfalls and cascades of the swimmable river and head underground to witness rich mining history. Tour the mines, underground hospital and resurface onto Soldiers Hill to heritage-listed hotels. Have a hit of golf through rugged, red landscape on the 71 par course or get wet at Lake Moondarra. Enjoy freshwater fishing, canoeing, sailing and swimming before kicking back to watch the incredible sunset over the water with an arvo BBQ.

Visit the heart of the outback on Artesian Country, Longreach. Set on the Thompson River with neighbouring towns of Barcaldine, Blackall, Tambo and Winton, Longreach is a town of adventure. Discover traditional Aboriginal culture and more recent Australian pioneering history all with a backdrop of some of the best sunrises, sunsets and stargazing trails in the world. Home of Qantas and many outback stations, here is the place to hop in a flight simulator at the airlines’ Founders Museum and join immersive experiences at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame. A must for this part of town, ride Cobb & Co Stagecoach and be sure to head to Starlight’s Lookout for the most incredible sunset view over this rugged land.

South-West

Sitting on the edge of the Simpson Desert where the state corners the Northern Territory and South Australia meet, is Birdsville. Home to the iconic Birdsville Big Bash and the Birdsville Races in July and September, visitors come in droves to join the 100 plus people that permanently call this place home. Outside of these events, the Birdsville Hotel is a local favourite with a strong country history.

Clear outback skies make for the best visibility of starry constellations high above. Visit Charleville, home to the Cosmos Centre where you can view the stars with the powerful Meade telescopes. See the native bilby conservation efforts of Currawinya National Park, at the Charleville Bilby Experience. Spot birdlife at the Warrego River, hike Carnarvon Gorge, see Australia’s largest cattle auction in Roma and soak in a mineral-rich artesian mud bath in Eulo.

Things to do

Activities to fill your days are endless out here. Follow in the tracks of dinosaurs, meet larger-than-life outback characters, cheer on a field of racing camels, and sleep under a blanket of stars. With open-air films under the Milky Way at the Outback Film Festival in Winton and the Outback Queensland Masters showcasing golf on red-dirt fairways – Outback Queensland is eclectic and exciting. Set out on Aussie tours to witness indigenous culture and droving heritage, the mining industry and more, or round off your trip with a rodeo, agricultural show or music festival.