Experience Queensland’s Matilda Way – from boujee to budget
From camel races and cowboys to stargazing, dinosaur experiences, mineral-rich artesian springs and some of Outback Queensland’s most iconic towns and attractions, the trip along the Matilda Way offers a journey that’s as unforgettable as it is unexpected, with hidden gems to be found at every turn.
Whether you travel on a tight budget or with a taste for the finer things in life, the iconic Matilda Way proves there’s more than one way to do Outback Queensland.
Soak, sip, stay: Discover the boujee Outback
Adventure and refined luxury combine on the Matilda Way with bathhouses, glamping, fine dining, sunset tours and stunning scenery just some of the five-star finds that you can indulge in along the way.
Champagne-filled rail tours, picnics perched atop rugged ridges and helicopter tours complete with canapes and Channel Country views are just some of the Outback experiences that you will be able to cross off your boujee bucket list.
Hidden within stunning landscapes or perched high atop ancient plateaus, you will find luxury glamping and exclusive station retreats boasting sweeping vistas, star-filled skies and carefully curated dining experiences.
Perhaps the most indulgent secret of the Outback lies deep underground, winding beneath the landscape of the Matilda Way.
Take a deep dive into the ancient healing power of warm artesian waters which can be experienced at bespoke bathhouses, hot springs and mineral pools dotted throughout, including Cunnamulla, Eulo, Barcaldine, Longreach and Winton. Here you can soak up, quite literally, some of Outback Queensland’s most spectacular locations.
Taking in the view from Baldy Top Lookout, Quilpie.
Adventures that won’t break your budget
If you prefer to travel light and live larger on experiences, the Matilda Way also delivers for the budget-conscious explorer.
Low-cost camping grounds and station stays are dotted throughout the route. Warm yarns by the campfire, chats with the locals at the nearest watering hole and endless starlit skies are all free of charge.
A crisp coldie and value-for-money pub meal awaits in most towns along the Matilda Way and for adventurous foodies, the authentically Outback (and budget-friendly) camel pie can be found at the Cunnamulla Coffee Shop.
For those willing to venture slightly off the Matilda Way, Outback Queensland also boasts some of the State's best nature-based experiences.
From towering sandstone cliffs to sandhills, stunning lookouts, gorges, national parks and wetlands housing hundreds of bird species, there are endless ways to immerse yourself in the Outback without spending a cent.
Outback events you shouldn’t miss
The Outback also boasts a packed calendar of events unlike anything you'll find anywhere else.Music lovers of all tastes are catered for, with attractions including the Queensland Music Trail, stretching from Charleville to Mount Isa in 2026, and the Festival of Outback Opera, set against the stunning landscapes of Winton and Longreach.
Other events feature the spectacle of camel racing, the thrill of rodeo, and the celebration of film.
We've made it easy to plan your trip with a schedule of must-see events.
Top Outback travel tips
Outback roads can be full of surprises from roaming wildlife to long stretches between fuel stops. Before you hit the highway, follow these top travel tips:
- Best time to go: April to October. Think crisp mornings, sunny days, and clear, star-filled nights.
- Distance: About 1,812km from Cunnamulla to Karumba. Plan at least eight to 10 days to enjoy the journey at a relaxed pace.
- Packing list: First-aid kit, water, insect repellent, and warm layers for cool nights. Towns may have limited access to medications so be sure to pack enough for the entire trip.
- Fuel and supplies: Always top up when you can. Towns are spaced for convenience, but roadhouses and fuel stops can be 150-200 km apart.
- Know your tow limits: Have the laden van and vehicle combination weighed to ensure you are not exceeding the maximum specified weight limits, including the ball load.
- Check your insurance: RACQ offers a range of car insurance options so you can drive the Matilda Way with confidence. Visit racq.com/insurance
- Help on the road: Get cover or check your leve of RACQ Roadside Assistance to stay confident wherever your journey takes you. Visit racq.com/roadside
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Things to note
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