15 Day Queensland Outback Explorer

Travel through unique landscapes, from the outback’s red dust, to lush rainforest and turquoise coastline.

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.

Itinerary

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 (477km, 5hrs 30mins)

Day 2: Roma

Day 3: Roma to Carnarvon Gorge (243km, 2hrs 45mins)

Day 4: Carnarvon Gorge

Day 5: Carnarvon Gorge to Tambo (419kms, 5hrs)

Day 6: Tambo to Longreach (315kms, 3hrs 20mins)

Day 7: Longreach to Winton (179km, 1hr 50mins)

Day 8: Winton to Longreach (179kms, 1hr 50mins)

Day 9: Longreach to Emerald (417km, 4hrs 30mins)

Day 10: Emerald

Day 11: Emerald to 1770 (489km, 5hrs 40mins)

Day 12: 1770 / Agnes Waters

Day 13: 1770 to Hervey Bay (235km, 2hrs 50mins)

Day 14: Hervey Bay

Day 15: Hervey Bay to Brisbane (286km, 3hrs 30mins)

Open

Highlights

Historic towns

Step back in time as you stop at some of the oldest towns in country Queensland. From Winton, the home of Waltzing Matilda, to Tambo, the oldest town in the central west, you’ll be immersed in history and culture.

You’ll also take in the birthplace of Qantas in Longreach and the Tree of Knowledge in Barcaldine, reported to be the birthplace of the labour movement.

Lush oasis

Spend a day soaking in the breath-taking beauty of Carnarvon National Park’s sandstone cliffs and coloured gorges. The flourishing rainforest and flowing creek of the park are in stark contrast to the west’s typically arid landscape.

You’ll appreciate the diverse plant and animal species and culturally significant Aboriginal rock art as you explore the gorges.

Gems and fossils

Get your hands dirty in search of gems and fossils. Treasure-hunters have been converging on Emerald since the 1870s, with one of the world’s largest sapphire fields still rewarding fossickers. Or escape the heat and head underground for a mine tour. In Winton, you’ll explore the biggest collection of Australia’s largest dinosaur fossils. Extend your visit to detour to the site of the only recorded evidence of a dinosaur stampede in the world.

Scenic coast

Swap red dust and barren plains for soft sand and turquoise water as you spend the day exploring the historical coastal towns of 1770 and Agnes Water. Located at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, you can snorkel the reef, walk the forest or foreshore tracks, take a fishing tour, or relax to the sounds of the waves breaking.

Be sure to catch the sunset – it’s a stunner.