Be amazed by the wide open spaces, natural attractions and quirky events in Outback Queensland. In Outback Queensland, you can follow in the footsteps of dinosaurs, watch camel racing, meet outback characters and sleep under a blanket of stars.
Outback Queensland is packed with museums, cultural attractions and spectacular natural beauty that all add up to a memorable holiday. If you ever wanted an excuse to head to the Outback, why not plan your holiday around one of the quirky and iconic events, like the Birdsville Races.
Here’s our pick of the best things to do in Outback Queensland for the ultimate Outback Queensland getaway.
Getting to Outback Queensland
Getting to Outback Queensland is easy, with daily flights from Brisbane to Roma, Charleville, Longreach or Mount Isa. Alternatively, arrive by train, bus or take a road trip exploring Outback towns via well-maintained highways and sealed roads or grab your 4WD and head off-the-beaten track.
Best Things to Do in Outback Queensland
Discover Dinosaurs
Winton is the dinosaur capital of Australia! Thousands of footprints at Lark Quarry Conservation Park tell of a day 95 million years ago, when a herd of small dinosaurs were chased by a meat-eating theropod, creating a stampede. 12km from Winton is the Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum, which houses the world’s largest Australian dinosaur fossil collection.
Birdsville Races
For the ultimate Outback Queensland experience, add Birdsville Races to your bucket list. Each year, Birdsville’s population swells from 100 to well over 5,000 racegoers in the first week of September for the race dubbed the Melbourne Cup of the Outback. Expect a wild and wonderful time at Birdsville races and come home with some entertaining yarns.
Outback Queensland Museums
There are plenty of things to see and do in Outback Queensland, including the Qantas Founders Museum in Longreach, which charts the evolving story of Australia’s leading airline that began in Outback Queensland in 1920. Also in Longreach, visit the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, showcasing our pioneering history.
Choosing Where to Stay in Outback Queensland
Plan your Outback Queensland road trip with stops in country towns and stay in quintessential Aussie pubs, caravan parks, hotels, motels or even luxury retreats. Outback Queensland has accommodation to suit every style and budget.
Hotels & Retreats
After a long drive, receive a warm Outback welcome at Longreach Motor Inn, handy to all Longreach attractions. Stay at Australia’s most iconic pub, The Birdsville Hotel, a comfortable spot if you’ve just endured the harshness of the Birdsville Track. If it’s a little luxury you seek, check out Gilberton Outback Retreat for a rustic luxe take on the iconic tin shed with outdoor bath and views of the rugged landscape.
Camping
There are plenty of spots for camping and caravanning in Outback Queensland. Birdsville Caravan Park offers campsites along the banks of the billabong, powered sites, serviced units and deluxe self-contained cabins. Lake Callide Retreat offers cabins, camping and caravan sites looking out to Callide Dam and is ideal for families and fishing enthusiasts.
Top Ways to Experience Outback Queensland
Outback Queensland Tours & Natural Attractions
Is Carnarvon Gorge Queensland’s answer to the Kimberley? The spectacular Carnarvon Gorge is around 30km long and 600m deep and located in Carnarvon National Park, 600km northwest of Brisbane. Check out Carnarvon Gorge and other gorgeous gorges.
Outback Queensland Festivals & Events
Outback Queensland plays host to some of the most eclectic and exciting festivals and events in Australia, including The Big Red Bash, the world’s most remote music festival staged in Birdsville. How about the Boulia Camel Races, the longest camel race in Australia, with camels running a 1500m track in a plume of red dust. Winton’s Way Out West Fest is the biggest inland music and cultural festival held in Queensland and supports Outback communities.
