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Our journey by means of Outback Queensland confirmed but once more how a lot we love taking highway journeys.
It’s our favorite method to journey as a household, and nothing beats the liberty and journey of packing the youngsters up within the automotive and hitting the open highway!
We love Outback Queensland as a highway journey vacation spot and the way the landscapes, the historical past, the tradition, the folks, the tales and the house retains us coming again for extra – it will get beneath your pores and skin!
For those who’re planning a 2 week Outback Queensland itinerary and unsure the place to go or what so as to add to your itinerary, you then’re in luck, as we’ve shared the last word highway journey itinerary for Outback QLD beneath!
Disclaimer: We partnered with Outback Queensland Tourism Affiliation for this household highway journey. To get extra knowledgeable about points of interest and locations take a look at their web site and their household vacation offers to your journey to the Outback. All ideas, concepts and opinions on this information are our personal.
The Final 2 Week Outback Queensland Itinerary
These are usually not solely our ideas, however insider ideas from the locals in every city and from our on-line group. They shared with us one of the best issues to see and do between Roma and Winton.
One of the best ways to expertise Outback Queensland is a self-drive. I’ve damaged every vacation spot into issues to see and do, locations to eat and drink, and the place we slept at night time.
Day 1: Roma to Outback Queensland
We set off from our dwelling on the Gold Coast to begin our Outback journey in Roma, the gateway to Outback Queensland for us.
It was a six-hour drive to Roma, however we took out time with pit stops in Toowoomba and Chinchilla, and aside from this primary day no different drive between cities was longer than 2.5 hours – the Outback is spacious, however it’s not that unfold out!
After arriving in Roma, I like to recommend you in a single day on the Roma Central Motel, among the finest regional motels now we have stayed in anyplace. Fashionable, free wifi, free breakfast pack, household rooms, pleasant homeowners and centrally positioned.
For dinner in Roma, the household pleasant White Bull Tavern launched us to the massive and hearty steaks you possibly can anticipate on this area, and the youngsters will get pleasure from drawing all around the white paper tablecloths.
Day 2: Discover Roma
Seize an early breakfast on the Tasting Co after which spend the day attending to know Roma.
Cease 1: The Massive Rig
Do you know that Roma was the primary place in Australia to find fuel and that it occurred unintentionally when a drilling crew was boring for water? We didn’t till we learnt all about it at The Massive Rig.
The Massive Rig is an interactive and enjoyable place to convey your youngsters and our self-guided tour took us on a journey by means of the historical past of oil and fuel in Australia – I believe we learnt extra about fuel right here than in all of our faculty years.
There’s an onsite cafe too that serves yummy desserts!
Cease 2: Roma Saleyards
The Roma Saleyards is the biggest cattle promoting centre in Australia and the biggest within the Southern Hemisphere. Wow, when you think about the dimensions of Australia and our cattle business, that’s saying one thing!
We missed out on witnessing the public sale within the morning – held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8.00am – which I can solely think about is sort of thrilling with the sale of as much as 13,000 cattle!
Nonetheless, we watched them getting weighed as a substitute which was nonetheless an attention-grabbing behind the scenes expertise for metropolis folks like us!
Cease 3: The Bottle Bushes
Now these bushes are cool, and we discovered the largest bottle tree in Roma! Measuring 9.5 metres in circumference, Caz tried wrapping her arms round this child however didn’t come shut. Apparently, it takes six males hand-to-hand to cuddle it utterly.
Take a look at Hero’s Avenue which options 140 bottle bushes all paying homage to an area soldier who misplaced his life in WWI.
Cease 4: In a single day at Bonus Downs Farmstay
For our second night time, we headed to Bonus Downs Farmstay and I counsel you depart Roma by 3 pm to get there earlier than sundown. The drive is about 1 hour 45 minutes on the Bollon Highway with bitumen all the best way to the doorway.
We left Roma a little bit later and caught this magnificent sundown on the drive in. You may take us away from the Gold Coast, however we’ll nonetheless discover the GOLD.
Bonus Downs is a privately owned property run by pleasant locals Madonna and Lyle and the Outback Queensland highway journey expertise you’ve been in search of, a spot the place you possibly can get pleasure from good quaint nation hospitality and disconnect out of your devices and reconnect as a household.
Get pleasure from a welcome drink and nibbles at sundown by the dam, after which a scrumptious home-cooked meal out the again beneath the celebrities in The Smoke Home.
Day 3: Bonus Downs Farmstay
Get up to a superb dawn and contemporary nation air as you sit on the verandah with a scorching cup of tea or espresso. Within the driveway is an impressive bottle tree as foreground because the solar rises within the distance.
Madonna cooks a stunning breakfast in the principle homestead, and as soon as your tummy is full, and your head stuffed with tales take a mild stroll across the property or a bush stroll taking within the historical past and environment of the Outback.
For those who’re up for a paddle, you are able to do that on the dam within the lovely morning mild with black swans as your firm. And that it wouldn’t be a farm keep with out a horse experience and a spin round on a motor bike – thanks, Lyle and Johnny!
We solely spent one night time at Bonus Downs, however I believe it deserves two nights to understand the property. Let the youngsters run round, sit on the verandah and browse, go bush strolling and sit across the campfire at night time time and star gaze and benefit from the serenity.
We slept within the rustic Jackeroos Quarters, and tenting can also be obtainable within the shearing shed or convey your tent. Caravans, motorhomes, and campervans are all welcome, powered websites and water is obtainable.
Days 4 & 5: Mitchell & Charleville
Depart Bonus Downs and head to Charleville (approx. 180km/2.5 hours drive time) through Mitchell (48kms from Bonus Downs).
Cease 1: Mitchell
In Mitchell, cease for an hour on the Nice Artesian Spa and revel in a calming and soothing 39-degree artesian spa. There are two massive swimming pools of artesian water.
One naturally heated from the Nice Artesian Basin designed to revitalize each physique and thoughts, the opposite pool is for many who choose a cooler expertise. Scorching AND chilly remedy is the go!
Afterward, seize a espresso from the bakery on the town and head off to Charleville.
Charleville has sufficient actions to warrant a two-night stick with loads of daytime and night of actions.
Cease 2: The Cosmos Centre
“Mummy, I can see Jupiter.”
Star gazing on the Cosmos Centre in Charleville is a should do on an Outback Queensland highway journey. We’ve been twice now, and it’s been superb each occasions, within the day and night time.
There’s simply one thing particular about trying on the moon, the solar, and the celebrities by means of highly effective telescopes, particularly a giant thrill for our children.
Charleville is the perfect place for stargazing because of lack of sunshine air pollution and a low horizon, mixed with the right latitude makes for the right situations.
You may examine these items in books, however we love giving our children hands-on studying experiences.
Cease 3: Bilby Expertise
Our children beloved getting up shut and private with an endangered Bilby. They’re doing an awesome job with the Bilby expertise to assist educate us and assist this iconic little Australian.
We have been on the town simply as the brand new centre was opening on the railway station. The Bilby expertise is just open from April to mid-October on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday nights.
The Bilby Centre is now open 7 days every week with ‘Up Shut and Private’ excursions 5 days every week.
Cease 4: “Tales & Scones” tour on the Heritage Corones Resort
We did a tour of this historic pub and learnt about its fascinating historical past and extremely advocate it. Only one cool reality is that it has the longest bar in Queensland – come seize a pint!
There’s a stunning view of the city from the balcony and also you end off the tour with scrumptious scones and billy tea.
Cease 5: Camp Oven Dinner at Bailey Caravan Park
It’s laborious to beat cooking over a campfire and on the Bailey Bar Caravan Park, they’re identified for his or her legendary camp oven dinner.
On the menu: pink wine stew, scorching apple crumble, damper & billy tea – served Wednesday, Friday and Sunday nights – and timed to will let you go to the Cosmos Centre Observatory!
Cease 6: WWII High Secret United States Airbase Historical past Convoy Tour
On a earlier go to to Charleville in Outback Queensland, we did this warfare convoy tour and located it fascinating.
Who knew that Charleville Airport grew to become a part of the USA in 1940 when the positioning was handed over to the US Army as a high secret website throughout World Conflict II? The realm was a village in its personal proper with over 3,500 United States Servicemen within the space.
Lots of the websites have been uncovered, and you may take part for a guided tour. Bookings are important and will be made on the Charleville Customer Info Centre.
Cease 7: Climate Station Tour
One other academic expertise for the youngsters on the town is watching the climate balloon being launched. And learn how meteorologists predict the climate by visiting the Charleville Bureau of Meteorology. You may get pleasure from a guided tour with a Meteorologist or just observe the automated strategy of the balloon launch.
The place to Eat & Drink in Charleville
The place To Keep In Charleville
The Rocks Motel affords metropolis type lodging and nation hospitality with 20 fashionable and classy rooms, and being centrally positioned proper on the town makes for a simple stroll to the principle retailers and cafes. Additionally they have an on-site restaurant.
Watch the journey movies of our time in Outback Queensland:
Day 6: Tambo & Blackall
Get pleasure from a lazy breakfast in Charleville then plan to reach in Tambo for lunch, approx. 201 km/ 2.5 hours drive time.
On the best way take a 10-minute bathroom cease in Augathella and take a look at the Meat Ant Sculpture. Why identify a park after a meat ant?
Augathella’s soccer workforce referred to as the mighty Augathella Meat Ants have been fearless of their assault in opposition to their opponents, which earned the city the nickname…”MEAT ANT COUNTRY”.
In Tambo, cease in at Fannie Mae’s Cafe for lunch then head to the well-known Tambo Teddies and see the handmade woolen bears be reduce out and sewn, in addition to cuddle the bears on the shelf while studying the origins of Tambo Teddies.
Every teddy is created from 100% woolen sheepskin, really an Australian hand-made product and over 38,000 teddy bears have been made right here, and yours may have its distinctive quantity and persona.
Tambo Teddies was created by three women who needed to create jobs for the city and new business. We love the spirit of the Outback!
Different choices in Tambo embrace the Coolibah Stroll positioned alongside each banks of the Barcoo River, the Publish & Telegraph Museum, and the Grassland Artwork Gallery.
Depart Tambo mid afternoon for Blackall (102kms / approx 1 hr) and in a single day on the Oasis Motor Inn Blackall. Get pleasure from a hearty steak and large portion of veggies for dinner on the Barcoo Resort.
Day 7: Blackall to Barcaldine
Within the morning seize a espresso on the Drawing Board Cafe, inform Holly that Caz & Craig despatched you, then go to the historic Woolscour and find out about wool scouring – how they clear the dirty wool.
Blackall is Merino Nation, and wool is a vital business in our nation. It was an enchanting tour as we discovered of the important position of wool scouring in Australia. Extra great arms on schooling for the youngsters! Open seven days every week for personally guided excursions, on the hour, each hour, with the primary tour commencing at 9.00am.
Others issues to do in Blackall embrace the favored Blackall Aquatic Centre the place you chill out in a heat and naturally fed artesian spa, the Black Stump, and the Jack Howe Memorial Statue.
At noon depart Blackall and head for Lara Wetlands, 78kms North of Blackall on the Landsborough Hwy, search for the Yellow & Black Lara signal!
Cease 1: Lara Wetlands
One in every of our favorite finds on this highway journey was Lara Wetlands and a should go to in your drive between Blackall and Barcaldine.
The Lara Wetlands is unimaginable, a tranquil bush tenting website surrounded by wetlands and birdlife and a thermal pool. We beloved all of the bushes scattered all through the water and cooling off within the “cool pool”, an superior spot to have a swim and a little bit of a cleanse by grabbing some mud from the underside and rubbing it in your pores and skin – nature’s bathtub tub at its greatest.
One of the best ways to soak up Lara Wetlands is by kayak.
We weren’t set as much as keep the night time however hung round as we heard the sunsets are fairly particular right here – they weren’t mendacity – such a gorgeous and distinctive place in Outback Queensland!
You probably have a caravan or camper trailer or tent, you possibly can keep in a single day. No powered websites however turbines welcome in designated space. Simply be warned, caretaker Invoice stopped in for a number of nights, and two years later he’s nonetheless there. Say g’day to Invoice for us!
We departed for Barcaldine as quickly because the solar went down – a 28km drive – simply watch out driving at nightfall particularly for kangaroos leaping throughout the highway!
We overnighted on the Barcaldine Nation Motor Inn. For dinner, there are many pubs on the town, and we loved a meal on the household pleasant Shakespeare Resort on the Qantas Museum.
After dinner, take a brief stroll outdoors and see the spectacular Tree of Data all lit up.
This huge inexperienced sculpture was initially an actual tree (a 200-year-old ghost gum) and considered the birthplace of the Australian Labor Get together (ALP). This was as a result of the city was the headquarters of the 1891 Australian shearers’ strike the place coverage and selections have been made.
Days 8-11: Barcaldine & Longreach
For breakfast in Barcaldine, we extremely advocate the Ridgee Didge Cafe, run by the beautiful Cheryl. She created her espresso mix “Coolamon” which we extremely advocate you order a mug of, and my ham and eggs dish hit the spot very properly!
After brekkie discover the >Australian Staff Heritage Centre We’re all the time shocked how good museums and heritage centres are within the Outback. We’re not typical museum folks, however this was one other one value an hour of our time.
Depart for Longreach (107kms) and time your drive to cease within the city of Ilfracombe for lunch and a chilly beer on the Historic Wellshot Resort. We’ve visited quite a lot of nation pubs on our 18-month highway journey round Australia, and The Wellshot is a type of distinctive outback pubs.
Over 100 years previous with a outstanding assortment of hats, money on the roof and native memorabilia.
From Ilfracombe, Longreach is a simple 20-minute drive. Longreach can also be value a two-night stick with loads of actions for all members of the family.
Cease 1: Qantas Founders Museum
A should do in Longreach is a tour of the Qantas Founders Outback Museum, celebrating its twentieth anniversary in 2016. Is there a extra iconic Aussie model identified all over the world than the flying kangaroo?
Our children had a ball within the cockpit of a Qantas 747. We did a tour of the 747 and two different planes plus the museum and hanger. Outback Queensland delivers one other fascinating story and historical past of Australia.
Cease 2: Cobb & Co Stagecoach Experience
Cobb & Co have been the pioneers of stagecoach journey and mail companies all through Australia, and re-enacting this in a restored stagecoach on the Cobb & Co Stagecoach Expertise alongside a stretch of the unique Longreach-Windorah mail route was quite a lot of enjoyable.
After the experience, decelerate with a standard smoko (the unique Aussie tea break), and a traditional Australian film in retro cinema seats or view the Harry Redford Outdated Time Tent Present – Aussie outback humour at its greatest – Kalyra and I couldn’t cease laughing.
Click on play to see extra of the Cobb & Co stagecoach experience. What about that white horse!
Cease 3: Starlight’s Cruise Expertise
We loved a stunning sundown cruise on the Thomson River followed by dinner across the campfire on the banks of the river. On the menu: beef stew, apple pie and custard, billy tea & damper, and a few bush poetry.
To cap off the night time, we discovered about Harry Redford, in any other case referred to as Captain Starlight, a hustler who stole over a thousand cattle from Bowen Downs and ran all of it the best way to South Australia, within the new Starlight’s Spectacular Sound & Mild Present. An excellent household night.
Cease 4: Australian Stockman’s Corridor of Fame
The Outback is the guts of Australia and the Australian Stockman’s Corridor of Fame, and Outback Heritage Centre is devoted to the story of those unsung heroes, the pioneers, the boys, and girls who opened up outback Australia.
We take our “Akubra” hat off to them for the position they’ve performed in Australia’s historical past, and it’s nice to see the position of Aboriginal stockmen acknowledged as effectively. Spectacular constructing too!
Cease 5: Outback Stockman’s Present
Between April and October, you possibly can catch the Outback Stockman’s Present, which tells the story of actual life stockmen and girls who work on the land. Be entertained by a singing cowboy on horseback and if you happen to’re fortunate like Caz, you’ll be pulled out of the group to race a horse in shuttle sprints.
Come and meet an actual Stockman and the youngsters will love assembly his animals after the present, and to fulfill your starvation a spit roast meats and vegetable dinner is on the menu – this is how they entertain you in Outback Queensland!
Cease 6: Camden Park Station
We didn’t go to Camden Park on this journey however on our earlier go to to Longreach we met the Walker household and visited their property that when hosted the Queen and Prince Phillip.
Stroll by means of the historic Homestead Gardens, Shearing Shed, Cattle Yards and end your go to off with sundown drinks across the dam.
Cease 7: Starlight’s Lookout
We by no means made it to Starlight’s Lookout, we took the fallacious highway, however it got here extremely beneficial as providing nice views of the encircling space.
It’s positioned 55 kilometres northwest of Longreach alongside the Muttaburra / Cramsey Highway. It’s stated that the lookout itself was as soon as utilized by the infamous cattle thief Harry Redford. Examine highway situations!
The place To Eat & Drink in Longreach
- McGinness’ Restaurant – contained in the Qantas Museum this informal cafe type eatery is open 7 days for breakfast and lunch and affords good worth meals and drinks.
- Don’t neglect you get a campfire dinner on the Starlight’s Cruise and a roast dinner on the Outback Stockman’s Present.
The place To Keep in Longreach
The Longreach Motor Inn is located within the coronary heart of Longreach simply 200m from the city submit workplace in the principle road and reverse the historic LongreachRailway Station.
Days 12 -14: Winton
Final however actually not least is our favorite Outback Queensland city, Winton, only a 180kms up the highway from Longreach. Winton is the place dinosaurs as soon as roamed the earth and Banjo Paterson holds pleasure of place.
Cease 1: Australian Age of Dinosaurs
The Australian Age of Dinosaurs is dwelling to the world’s largest assortment of Australian dinosaur fossils, and this working museum and lab is an enchanting place to be taught concerning the historical past of dinosaurs in Australia. Our children and us huge youngsters loved going behind the scenes and witnessing dinosaur bones, thousands and thousands of years previous.
For those who’re actually into dinosaurs, you possibly can put together an actual dinosaur bone of their Prep Lab, or e book in to be a part of an actual dinosaur dig. So cool that now we have this historical past in Outback Queensland. Your youngsters will like it too.
When you’re achieved studying concerning the dinosaur historical past, take within the views. The opposite superior factor about this museum is its location, on high of a leap up (a spectacular mesa plateau) with views over the place dinosaurs used to roam the land.
I really like this household picture of all 4 of us. Because of this we journey, to build up household recollections and moments!
Cease 2: Arno’s Wall
One other attention-grabbing murals, Arno Grotjahn’s wall surrounding his home accommodates nearly each family merchandise you possibly can think about.
The partitions attain two metres excessive and are constructed of concrete and studded with rusted garden mower elements, boat propellers, classic typewriters and stitching machines and even a few full motorbikes.
Cease 3: Banjo Paterson Statue
Winton is the place the place Banjo Patterson wrote and first carried out Australia’s unofficial Nationwide Anthem, Waltzing Matilda, on the North Gregory Resort on the town.
The Banjo Paterson Statue in the principle road is value a glance. It’s proper in entrance of the place the previous Waltzing Matilda Centre used to face earlier than it sadly burnt down – excellent news, a brand new centre is because of open round September 2017.
And if you happen to stroll into the North Gregory Resort, there’s a piano within the lobby the place they declare “that is the spot” that Waltzing Matilda was first carried out.
Cease 4: Musical Fence
Think about an ordinary wire fence with added acoustic resonators that amplify any sound within the wires, triggered both by putting or by wind motion. And throw in different devices created from all types of issues and this place is a singular spot for a jamming session.
None of us may maintain a observe too effectively, however Savannah rocked out on the drum equipment.
Gotye, the well-known musician behind “Any person that I used to know”, acquired quite a lot of inspiration from the musical fence! Earlier than he was well-known, he pulled up on the town in his touring van and visited the fence to jam out and report some attention-grabbing tunes, which you now hear in his attention-grabbing music!
Cease 5: Bladensburg Nationwide Park
Simply quarter-hour out of city in Exploring Bladensburg Nationwide Park. It was once a giant sheep station earlier than the Authorities purchased the property and turned it right into a Nationwide Park
Have a look contained in the Outdated Homestead that’s been restored and is used as an info centre and ranger workplace, then take a drive out to Scrammy’s Lookout and the Gorge.
One other tick for Winton!
Cease 6: Expertise a Winton Sundown
For those who go to the dinosaur museum late within the afternoon like us, simply outdoors the doorway gate is a piece you possibly can pull off to the facet of the highway and absorb a traditional Winton sundown from on high of the leap up.
The place to Eat & Drink in Winton
- Tattersalls Resort – certainly one of our favorite Outback pub experiences is having fun with a number of chilly beers and pub grub on the Tatts! An actual nation pub the place you possibly can sit across the bar and have a yarn with the locals, or sit outdoors on the footpath beneath the verandah and watch the solar setting within the background.
- Musical Fence Cafe – chilled cafe with good espresso and a giant breakfast.
- The Bakery – One other good possibility for brekkie and low.
- North Gregory Resort – You may’t go to Winton with out having at the very least one drink on the well-known North Gregory. And the beer backyard has a climbing wall for the youngsters!
The place to Keep in Winton
The well-known North Gregory Resort is within the coronary heart of city and has turn into a city icon with its hyperlinks to the bush and the Banjo Paterson historical past. They’ll accommodate simply about anybody with ensuite rooms, lodge rooms, massive household rooms obtainable, and even a free vacationer park.
Ultimate Ideas
That concludes our itinerary for two weeks in Outback Queensland, and as you possibly can see, there’s lots to see and discover.
It actually is without doubt one of the biggest Australian highway journeys!
We hope this itinerary helped you intend your journey and gave you some inspiration for the place to go to and what to do!
Extra Outback Queensland Locations
Want extra ideas for visiting Outback Queensland? Listed below are another useful guides…
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Supply: Breaking Travel News