10 Outback Wonders for Adventure Seekers Around Australia

The otherworldly landscapes of our outback leave travellers in awe. Its vast, open plains, ancient rock formations and hidden waterholes are just the start of an intrepid adventure filled with staggering history, culture, beauty and character.

This article is part of our 100 Australian Wonders series. Throughout the series, we explore our nation’s wonders across culture, nature, food, islands and many more. We hope it inspires your own exploration of Australia’s many wonders.

1. Flinders Ranges, SA

Travelling with: Alexis Buxton-Collins

Studded with more than 200 fossils, the nine-metre Alice’s Restaurant Bed records the very dawn of complex life on Earth. But the most astonishing thing about this 600 million-year-old slab of rock in the newly opened Nilpena Ediacara National Park is that visitors are allowed – even encouraged – to touch silverfish-like Spriggina, raisin-shaped Attenborites and Parvancorina that look like buttons stamped with an anchor.

Visit nearby Wilpena Pound in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, which looks like the aftermath of some cataclysmic eruption, and gaze up at the unblemished night skies over Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, and it’s easy to see why this region has been nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status.

a woman standing in the middle of the desert plains in Flinders Ranges — Explore the ancient rocky landscapes of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. (Image: Emilie Ristevski)

2. Lake Argyle, WA

Travelling with: Imogen Eveson

Classified as an inland sea, Lake Argyle is one of the largest man-made lakes in the southern hemisphere: a vast oasis in the heart of the rugged red Kimberley outback 75 kilometres south of Kununurra.

It was created in the 1970s by the damming of the Ord River as part of the mighty Ord River Irrigation Scheme: an engineering feat that harnessed the water of this fast-flowing river during wet season in order to develop this area of the tropical north for agriculture. In peak green season, Lake Argyle holds more than 18 times as much water as Sydney Harbour.

Travellers come here to refresh and reflect on their outback journeys, soaking it all in through nature tours, sunset cruises, scenic flights with the likes of HeliSpirit, fishing, freshwater swimming and taking a dip at its famous Discovery Resorts infinity pool.

a helicopter above lAKE Argyle — Fly above Lake Argyle with HeliSpirit. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Kakadu National Park, NT

Travelling with: Megan Arkinstall

Kakadu has been home to the Bininj and Mungguy people for more than 65,000 years. This astounding region possesses the world’s greatest concentration of rock art sites, one-third of the country’s bird species, and an environment that evolves from rugged stone escarpments studded with emerald waterholes to wetlands and billabongs that are home to some 10,000 crocs.

an ancient Aboriginal rock art — Kakadu is home to some of Australia’s most incredible rock art sites. (Image: Tourism Australia/ James Fisher)

Connect with the oldest living culture on Earth with a visit to the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre; gather bush foods on safari with Animal Tracks; or do a Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on the East Alligator River to Arnhem Land, combined with the sacred Ubirr rock art site.

the Kakadu National Park in NT — Kakadu National Park evolved from rugged stone escarpments. (Image: Tourism Australia)

4. Mungo National Park, NSW

Travelling with: Taylah Darnell

Follow Herman Ugarte of Outback Geo Adventures up the Walls of China in Mungo National Park and you’ll see that the edges of long-anhydrous Lake Mungo are still visible. Fragments of fish otoliths poke out of the hard sand, dating back some 18,000 years.

the geological landscape at Mungo National Park, NSW — Witness the rugged landscapes of Mungo National Park unfold before you. (Image: Destination NSW)

The age of things here is something to marvel at; Mungo Lady and Mungo Man, discovered in 1968 and 1974 respectively, are around 42,000 years old and some of the oldest human remains found anywhere in Australia. Turn around at the top and watch this landscape unfold before you, where emus and roos share ancient land and mallee gums shade native bush tomatoes from the blazing sun.

kangaroos at Mungo National Park — Spot kangaroos roaming around Mungo National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

5. Undara lava tubes, Qld

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

The mouth of Undara lava tubes yawns open as visitors clamber down a path that punches into the heart of the attraction in Undara Volcanic National Park, a couple hundred Ks inland from Cairns. The Undara lava tubes formed after Undara Volcano erupted some 200 million years ago, creating rivers of lava where it flowed. Access to Undara is by guided tour only.

the Undara Volcanic National Park — Undara Volcanic National Park preserves the remains of one of the world’s longest flows of lava. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/ Sean Scott)

In addition to the Undara Outback Rock and Blues weekend, held in April each year, expect nightly performances from the thousands of insectivorous bats that flock in and out of the lava tubes at dawn and dusk each day.

the Undara lava tubes in Undara Volcanic National Park — Peek through the Undara lava tubes. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/ Jason Charles Hill)

6. Outback wildflowers of WA

Travelling with: Megan Arkinstall

WA’s Golden Outback is famous for its wildflower season, which turns its typically bronzed landscapes a kaleidoscope of colour come spring.

Top petal-peeping spots include Mt Augustus and the blooming beautiful journey along the 309-kilometre Wildflower Way, which shimmies from Dalwallinu to Geraldton. Keep your eyes peeled for some of the state’s 12,000-plus species such as wattle, orchids, wreath flowers and everlastings.

wildflowers in Mt Augustus — Wildflowers bloom at Mt Augustus. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

7. Qantas Founders Museum, Qld

Travelling with: Megan Arkinstall

A heritage-listed aircraft hangar in the iconic outback town of Longreach, some 1200 kilometres north-west of Brisbane, symbolises the birth of Australian civil aviation. Qantas was founded in neighbouring Winton in 1920 but its headquarters were moved to Longreach two years later, and it is here that flights connected the Australian outback to the world for the very first time.

Doubling as a cultural institution (part of the Cultural Attractions of Australia collective), this museum is a must for patriots, as well as history and aviation buffs. It displays a fully interactive Boeing 747-238, historic aircraft, uniforms and other artefacts that celebrate the heritage of the founders and early operations of our national airline.

an aerial view of Qantas Founders Museum — Aviation buffs will relish a visit to the Qantas Founders Museum. (Image: Cultural Attractions of Australia)

8. The Ghan

Travelling with: Megan Arkinstall

The Ghan, an enduring symbol of rail journeys in Australia, is celebrating 95 years of carrying passengers through the heart of the country.

an aerial view of The Ghan traversing outback landscapes in Australia — Travel by rail onboard The Ghan. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism)

While hinging to the golden age of train travel, The Ghan – named after the 19th-century Afghan cameleers who helped build infrastructure in the outback – evolves with each milestone.

the exterior of the Ghan train — The Ghan is an enduring symbol of rail journeys in Australia. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism)

The recent launch of its newly designed Gold Premium product takes inspiration from the Aussie outback with neutral tones, soft curves and Indigenous Australian prints. There’s a sleek lounge area and Art Deco-style dining carriage where two-course lunches and four-course dinners centred around local produce are served and enjoyed with uninterrupted views of vast plains rolling by as you journey north to south between Darwin and Adelaide (or vice versa).

the view of the vast plains from the train window onboard The Ghan — Enjoy unobstructed views of the vast plains. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism)

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

9. Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, SA

Travelling with: Megan Arkinstall

This glistening salt pan, which stretches for hundreds of kilometres across South Australia’s barren desert, is expected to transform into a pink and orange oasis of floodplains, channels and streams that attract a plethora of birdlife after heavy downfalls in the north earlier this year.

This natural phenomenon only happens once every few years, so 2024 is the time to witness it from above and from the ground with Outback Spirit’s exclusive and specialised Lake Eyre & Wilpena Pound Adventure or a scenic flight with Wrightsair.

a helicopter above Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, SA — See Lake Eyre as it transforms into a pink and orange oasis from above. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

10. Larapinta Trail, NT

Travelling with: Celeste Mitchell

A journey into the heart and soul of Australia’s Red Centre is a life-affirming experience. But there’s no need to rough it. The Larapinta Trail is an undulating and slightly unforgiving 223-kilometre track through rugged Tjoritja (West MacDonnell Ranges).

the view of Larapinta Trail and Charlie's Camp from above — Stay off-grid at Charlie’s Camp. (Image: World Expeditions/Great Walks of Australia)

But the best parts can be sampled in a highlights reel of day hikes, culminating with a sunrise trek to the summit of Mt Sonder, all while bedding down in eco-conscious camps by night with Australian Walking Holidays.

This Great Walk is so popular you may well need to book it years in advance. It’s sought-after not just because of the challenge on offer: there’s something in the air out here; the energy that connects hikers to Country.

an aerial view of Larapinta Trail — Walking the Larapinta Trail is a life-affirming experience. (Image: World Expeditions/Great Walks of Australia)

Keep reading our 100 Australian Wonders series; from road trips, outback and cultural wonders to foodie wonders and many more.

Makers, bakers, artists, chefs, crafters – Ballarat and its surrounds are overflowing with creative spirits. All dedicated to keeping traditional skills alive for a city that is humming with artful energy.

Modern makers: a new generation of artists and artisans

“Keeping craft alive is a noble cause,” says Jess Cameron-Wootten, a charming and passionate master leathercrafter and cordwainer, who handmakes traditional leather boots and shoes in Ballarat’s old Gun Cotton Goods Store.

Ballarat was recognised in 2019 as a UNESCO Creative City of Craft and Folk Art, and today it’s a place where craft traditions converge with contemporary needs. Nothing quite captures this convergence as a visit to Wootten, the workshop and store of Jess Cameron-Wootten and his partner Krystina Menegazzo.

heritage buildings in Ballarat — Ballarat’s streets are lined with heritage buildings. (Image: Matt Dunne)

Jess’s father was an artisan bootmaker, or cordwainer. Now Jess and Krys and their small team of artisans continue the tradition, but with a modern spin. The company’s boots and shoes, made completely from scratch, are renowned for their quality and longevity. Wootten also craft shoes, bags, belts, leather aprons, wallets and more.

Cosy beanies, gloves, alpaca socks, “unbreakable” shoelaces and various other goods – many from local craftspeople and small-scale makers – fill the shop’s shelves. “We’re always happy to support a mate,” says Jess. “People love to see the workshop and where things are made. Our clients care about quality and sustainability,” Krys comments. The company slogan ‘Made for generations’ says it all.

Ruby Pilven’s ceramics at Ross Creek Gallery. (Image: Tara Moore)

For Ruby Pilven, craft is also in the DNA – both her parents were potters and with her latest porcelain ceramics, Ruby’s young daughter has been helping add colour to the glazes. “I grew up watching my parents in the workshop – I’ve always been doing ceramics,” she says, although her Visual Arts degree was in printmaking. That printmaking training comes through particularly in the rich layering of pattern. Her audacious colour, unexpected shapes and sudden pops of 12-carat gold are contemporary, quirky – and joyful.

You can see Ruby’s handcrafted ceramics, and work by other local and regional artists, at Ross Creek Gallery, a light-filled space surrounded by serene bushland, across from the mudbrick house her parents built in the 1980s. A 10-minute drive from Ballarat, it’s a tangible link to the region’s well-established craft traditions.

How Ballarat is preserving the past

artisans making crafts at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, Ballarat — The Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades holds workshops to preserve crafts and skills.

While tradition is ongoing, there’s a danger that many of these specific type of skills and knowledge are fading as an older generation passes on. Step forward the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades.

The seven purpose-built studios occupy a fabulous modern building adjacent to Sovereign Hill, with state-of-the-art facilities, enormous windows and landscape views across to Warrenheip and Wadawurrung Country.

artisanal works at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, Ballarat — Check out artisanal works at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades.

Practising artisans run hands-on workshops. Fancy making your own medieval armour? Or trying your hand at blacksmithing, spinning wool, plaiting leather, weaving cane or craft a knife? Book a class and learn how. “It’s about creating awareness and also sharing knowledge and skills before they are lost,” explains Deborah Klein, the centre manager.

A city steeped in food and flavours

Chef José Fernandez preparing American streetfood at Pancho — Chef José Fernandez creates vibrant South American street food at Pancho. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

One skill that hasn’t been lost is that of cooking. Ballarat’s burgeoning gastronomy scene runs the gamut from an artisan bakery (the atmospheric 1816 Bakehouse) to cool coffee shops, speakeasy cocktail bars and distilleries to fine-dining venues. But I’m still surprised to find Pancho, José Fernandez’s South American street food restaurant, serving fried cheese tequeños, fiery fish tacos, Argentinian grilled chicken.

The room is as lively as the food – a whirl of colour filled with gifted and thrifted paintings, photos, tchotchkes (trinkets), plants. There’s a Mexican abuela aesthetic going on here. Even before the music and mezcal kick in, it’s fun. Heads up on the drinks menu – an authentic selection of mezcal, tequila, South American wines and Mexican cerveza.

a cocktail at Itinerant Spirits, Ballarat — Enjoy a cocktail at Itinerant Spirits. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

The spirit is willing, so after lunch we head towards the gold rush-era Ballarat train station and across the line to the old 1860s Goods Shed for Itinerant Spirits. At one end, a massive German copper still looms behind a wall of glass. The fit-out embraces deep olive-green tones, original bluestone walls, steamer trunks as coffee tables, heritage timber floors, oversized lamp shades and cognac-hued modernist leather seating.

the Itinerant Spirits Distillery & Cocktail Bar, Ballarat — The distillery operates from an old goods shed. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

Gallivanter Gin, Vansetter Vodka and Wayfarer Whiskey – the key spirits distilled – star at the bar. The spirits are crafted using grains from the Wimmera Mallee region, and native botanicals foraged in the Grampians. Seasonal cocktails are inspired by local people and places (I loved The Headland, inspired by Sovereign Hill and flavoured with old-fashioned raspberry drops). Sample the spirits, and join a cocktail masterclass or a distillery tour. It’s a seductive setting – you’ll likely find yourself ordering a charcuterie platter or pizza as the evening progresses.

The Ballarat stay combining history and luxury

one of the rooms at Hotel Vera, Ballarat — The rooms at Hotel Vera have a contemporary style. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

New lives for old buildings keeps history alive. Vera, Ballarat’s boutique five-star hotel, has taken it to the next level: it’s a palimpsest, a subtle layering of early 1900s and 1930s Art Deco architecture with a sleek new wing. There are seven spacious suites, each a dramatically different colour, with designer chairs, blissful bathrooms. High-end pottery and hand-picked artworks imbue the spaces with personality.

Vera’s intimate, award-winning restaurant, Babae, is subtly theatrical with sheer drapes and gallery lighting, its bespoke timber furniture and brass-edged marble bench setting the stage for food with a sharp regional focus. “We have goat’s cheese from a local supplier, handmade granola from local Vegas & Rose, truffles from nearby Black Cat Truffles, fresh food from our garden, and regional wines,” says joint owner David Cook-Doulton.

Celebrating the local makers, bakers, growers and producers, and the master chefs who work their magic is all part of the rich tapestry that links Ballarat’s history to its vibrant present.

A traveller’s checklist

Getting there

It’s 90 minutes from Melbourne, either on the Western Freeway, or hop on a V/Line train from Southern Cross Station.

Staying there

Hotel Vera is a centrally located Art Deco boutique hotel. Consider Hotel Provincial, which feels like a sleek country house, but with its own restaurant, Lola.

a contemporary room at Hotel Provincial, Ballarat — Hotel Provincial has country house vibes.

Eating there

dining at Mr Jones, Ballarat — The table is set at Mr Jones. (Image: Tony Evans/ Visit Victoria)

Culinary whiz Damien Jones helms Chef’s Hat winner Mr Jones Dining with quiet assurance. His modern Asian food is deceptively simple with deep, intense flavours. Low-key, laid-back ambience, lovely staff, thoughtful wine list.

Cocktails are definitely a thing in Ballarat. Reynard (fox in French) is foxy indeed, a clubby space with top-notch cocktails and small bites. Grainery Lane is extravagantly OTT with its massive 1880s bar, myriad chandeliers, brass gin still, Asian-inspired food and lavish cocktails.

dining at Grainery Lane, Ballarat — Dining at Grainery Lane.

Playing there

a laneway filled with artworks in Ballarat — An artful laneway in the city. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

Check out local design legend Travis Price’s wall murals in Hop Lane with its colourful canopy of brollies, or in Main Street. The Art Gallery of Ballarat’s off-site Backspace Gallery showcases early-career artists in a stylish, contemporary space. First Nations-owned and run Perridak Arts connects people to place, bringing together art and crafts in this gallery/shop.

a woman admiring artworks at Perridak Arts Gallery — Perridak Arts is a First Nations-run gallery. (Image: Tony Evans)

The wineries of the Pyrenees are close at hand with their welcoming cellar doors and robust reds. Join a behind-the-scenes tour at the Centre for Gold Rush Collections.

Don’t forget the giant bluestone Kryal Castle, ‘the land of adventure’, for a little medieval magic, and not just for the kids: get ready for Highland-style feasting, jousting, even overnight stays.

10 outback Aussie wonders for adventure seekers

The otherworldly landscapes of our outback leave travellers in awe. Its vast, open plains, ancient rock formations and hidden waterholes are just the start of an intrepid adventure filled with staggering history, culture, beauty and character.

1. Flinders Ranges, SA

2. Lake Argyle, WA

3. Kakadu National Park, NT

4. Mungo National Park, NSW

5. Undara lava tubes, Qld

6. Outback wildflowers of WA

7. Qantas Founders Museum, Qld

8. The Ghan

9. Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, SA

10. Larapinta Trail, NT

Keep reading our 100 Australian Wonders series; from road trips, outback and cultural wonders to foodie wonders and many more.

Qantas releases over 170,000 discounted regional fares from $99

The 10 best Aussie beach towns for an easy coastal getaway

Australia’s top 10 historic towns worth exploring now

The 10 Aussie towns made for nature lovers and adventure seekers

Meet the makers shaping Ballarat’s new era of creativity

Makers, bakers, artists, chefs, crafters – Ballarat and its surrounds are overflowing with creative spirits. All dedicated to keeping traditional skills alive for a city that is humming with artful energy.

Modern makers: a new generation of artists and artisans

How Ballarat is preserving the past

A city steeped in food and flavours

The Ballarat stay combining history and luxury