Five hidden gems along the Matilda Way

Queensland Holidays
Queensland’s Matilda Way might be one of Australia’s great Outback drives but it’s the unexpected stops and experiences that make this journey truly special. Beyond the iconic road trip moments lie a handful of hidden gems that capture the quirky, charming and surprising spirit of the Outback.
Roly Poly on the Blackall Sculpture Trail.
The Roly Poly on the Blackall Sculpture Trail.

1. Outback Date Farms

Just outside of Charleville, the Outback Date Farms offers a sweet stopover where visitors can tour the plantation, sample harvested dates and even enjoy a home-cooked date loaf for morning tea. The farm offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at food production in Australia’s arid zone.

The Darr River rail.

2. Darr River rail adventure

For an experience straight out of Yellowstone, climb aboard the Great Darr River Rail Run. You’ll depart from the historic platforms of Longreach Station and pass waterholes, scrub and grasslands. With champagne in hand and a warm Outback breeze on your skin, settle in for the journey as your guide brings the landscapes alive with stories of bush medicine and Outback secrets.

3. Tambo – Bears and birds

Australia’s oldest town in the Central West, Tambo is famous for its handcrafted Tambo Teddies. A celebration of the region’ sheep industry, each Teddie is meticulously crafted from Australian wool. Be sure to time your Tambo visit with Ben’s Chicken Races at the town’s Schnitzel Stadium – a fun-filled nightly event that will see you enjoy live entertainment and a great pub meal.

The WWII Secret Base museum in Charleville.

4. WWII Secret Base, Charleville

Step back in time at Charleville’s World War II site, once a top-secret USAAF base hidden deep in the Outback. Today, visitors can explore restored bunkers and interactive displays that reveal how thousands of American troops trained to defend the Pacific. It’s an unexpected military history lesson right in the heart of Outback Queensland.

5. Blackall Sculpture Trail

Blackall is home to an incredible amount of public art and sculptures. Each piece is unique and bears significance to the town’s cultural or natural history. The trail’s Roly Poly has become a Blackall icon and presents an ‘instaworthy’ moment along your Matilda Way adventure.

 

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