Queensland Outback Explorer Travel through unique landscapes, from the outback’s red dust, to lush rainforest and turquoise coastline. 15 Days 3,239 Kms 8 Stops 95 Million Years of History Queensland’s outback conjures images of barren plains and dusty roads. But there’s more to the landscape – and the towns dotted throughout – than meets the eye. Some of the state’s oldest townships are home to historical events, culturally significant sites and the most unique scenery you’ll come across in the country. Everyday will bring a new experience as you connect with family and friends while supporting the local rural Queensland economy. Strap in for an adventure you’ll never forget as you fossick for gems, explore dinosaur fossils, visit the oldest town in the central west and the birthplace of Qantas. But it’s not all dirt and dust. You’ll also enjoy an oasis amongst the arid land and cool off at the end of the trip in 1770 and Hervey Bay as you head home along the picturesque coastline. Hire a motorhome to make your outback adventure fun, easy and convenient. This round trip from Brisbane through Queensland’s outback will take you to some of the most remote and historic towns in the state’s west and back along the scenic coast. Day 1: Brisbane to Roma Driving distance: 486km Travel time: 5 hours 45 minutes Pick up your Apollo camper at the Brisbane Apollo Branch and say goodbye to the city skyline, it's time to head out west! On your way out of town enjoy the scenery change from city, to lush countryside to the outback's classic orange. Finish your day by staying at the Roma Big Rig Tourist Park, which is dog friendly and includes powered sites for your needs. Ensuring you unwind and make the most of your stay in Roma. Image: Tourism Australia Day 2: Roma Today is yours to explore. Roma is famous for being home to the southern hemisphere's largest saleyards of cattle. If you time your visit with a Tuesday or Thursday, you can join a visitor tour of the Roma Saleyards. Encompassing the picturesque Railway Dam, your next stop can be located in the Roma Bush Gardens, which is a must for the enthusiast of the Australian bush and nature. Day 3: Roma to Carnarvon Gorge Driving distance: 243km Travel time: 2 hours 45 minutes Today we leave Roma and head off to Carnarvon Gorge, a lush oasis hidden within the outback. When arriving in Carnarvon Gorge, stay at BIG4 Holiday Park which is on 100 acres and is the perfect destination to disconnect from the hustle of life and reconnect with nature. Day 4: Carnarvon Gorge Towering sandstone cliffs millions of years in the making await you as you explore the ancient Carnarvon Gorge today. Take a tour through the Carnarvon Gorge and meet the smallest bird in Australia and the tallest orchid on the same track. Take a walk through the Moss Garden where water drips constantly from the sandstone walls of the Moss Garden, supporting a lush carpet of mosses and ferns, proving to be a beautiful site. Image: Tourism and Events Queensland Day 5: Carnarvon Gorge to Tambo Driving distance: 427km Travel time: 5 hours 10 minutes Say g'day to Tambo, the oldest town in the Central West of Queensland. Just over 5 hours on the road and you'll arrive in this outback town of only 400 people. Spend some time at the Tambo Dam which is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic or make use of the barbecues provided, while enjoying the water birds and wildlife around the parkland. Finish your day off by visiting Tambo Teddies to watch your bear come to life as they are lovingly made, as each hand crafted sheepskin teddy bear is individually named after a farming property in the Tambo district. Unwind for the day and stay at Tambo Mill Motel & Caravan Park which has 21 powered sites with a swimming pool and BBQ facilities for you to enjoy. Day 6: Tambo to Longreach Driving distance: 385km Travel time: 4 hours 10 minutes Today we head in the direction of Longreach, the birthplace of Australia's national airline Qantas. While you're here a trip around the Qantas Founders Museum is a must do, as well as a visit to the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame. Finish your day off by visiting Harry’s Restaurant and Bar, catering to a range of palates they offer a contemporary Australian menu. Finish your day by staying at the Longreach Caravan Park which is just a short walk from the main shops, cafes and bistros. Image: Tourism Australia Day 7: Longreach to Winton Driving distance: 223km Travel time: 2 hours 20 minutes Say see you later to Longreach (you'll be back tomorrow!) and head north to Winton. Legend has it that Banjo Paterson 'Waltzing Matilda' was first performed in this town and you can visit the Waltzing Matilda Centre while here. You can also explore the Australian Age of Dinosaurs natural history museum. Enjoy the sunset and stay at Winton Wanderers Caravan Park which is set on 100 acres and has 80 powered, drive thru sites. Image: Tourism and Events Queensland Day 8: Winton to Longreach Driving distance: 223km Travel time: 2 hours 20 minutes You've reached the half way point of your Queensland Outback Explorer road trip. A quick 2 hours and 20 minutes on the road and you'll find yourself back in Longreach. Enjoy the Longreach Tourist Park with three large amenities blocks, four laundries and several barbecues throughout. Day 9: Longreach to Emerald Driving distance: 481km Travel time: 5 hours 10 minutes Stock up on your road trip snacks before leaving Longreach, you've got just over 5 hours on the road today before reaching Emerald. Savour some amazing Australian food at the Capricornian Restaurant, located in the heart of Emerald, which will combine many elements of culinary traditions. Finish your day off by staying at the Emerald Tourist Park in one of their powered sites to relax for the afternoon. Day 10: Emerald Welcome to Emerald, the gateway to one of the largest sapphire fields in the southern hemisphere and also home to a 25 metre Van Gogh sunflower painting (just for a bit of variety!) Enjoy the Emerald Botanic Gardens, where you can find six kilometres of walking tracks that lead to picnic areas, playgrounds, mazes, sculptures and specialised plant communities. Day 11: Emerald to Seventeen Seventy Driving distance: 490km Travel time: 5 hours 30 minutes It's time to say goodbye to orange landscapes and hello to the beautiful Queensland coast! Your destination today is Seventeen Seventy, a quaint seaside town, home to some of the best surf in Queensland. Head to the Seventeen Seventy Headland and Lookout to view the long, golden beaches as this family-friendly walk only takes 30 minutes. Enjoy your stay at 1770 Camping Ground, which is situated on the beachfront. The campsite offers many activities and attractions including a Larc Paradise Tour and witnessing the famous sunsets of an afternoon. Day 12: Seventeen Seventy & Agnes Water Shake off the orange dust with a day spent by the beach at Seventeen Seventy and Agnes Water. While you're here be sure to visit the paperbark forest boardwalk for a little touch of magic. Day 13: Seventeen Seventy to Hervey Bay Driving distance: 239km Travel time: 2 hours 50 minutes Say goodbye to Seventeen Seventy and continue along the Queensland coast in the direction of Hervey Bay. Known as both the gateway to K'gari (Fraser Island) and a popular location to spot to the annual whale migration between Australia and Antartica. Stay at the BIG4 Hervey Bay Holiday Park which is just a 5-minute walk to the ocean. Day 14: Hervey Bay Time your road trip between July and October each year for your best chance at experiencing the annual whale migration. Each year the calm, protected waters of Hervey Bay become a playground for whales and it is one of the best locations in Australia to catch a glimpse at these friendly giants. To finish your day, enjoy some food at one of Hervey Bay’s restaurants to relish in the delights and joys of dining out. Image: Tourism Australia Day 15: Hervey Bay to Brisbane Driving distance: 282km (3 hours 30 minutes) Make the most of your final day by stopping at the Kin Kin General Store, Moffat Beach and Serenity Falls as you make your way back into Brisbane to return your camper at the Brisbane Apollo Branch. Ready to explore?