Head west: Four of the best Outback road trips

Adventure Way: Brisbane to Innamincka

Adventure Way takes you from Brisbane, through St George to spectacular Outback cattle plains. Retrace Cobb and Co routes as you journey through this diverse area where the landscape is spectacular, and the unpolluted night skies unforgettable.

This 1,437km trek will allow you to wine taste at Riversands Winery in St George, cruise the Balonne River and explore the region’s indigenous culture with Nullawokka First Nations Gallery and Tours.

Make sure you grab a pic with Slim Dusty’s iconic Cunnamulla Fella statue before enjoying the Cunnamulla All Aboard show. Round off your visit with an artesian soak among the river gums at Cunnamulla Hot Springs.

A guide shows guests the Outback at Isa tour.

A guide takes guests on the Outback at Isa tour.

Overlander's Way: Townsville to Camooweal

Travelling the Overlander's Way will see you take in some of the Outback’s most spectacular scenery including rugged cattle plains, dramatic basalt landscapes, spectacular gorges, historical townships and amazing wildlife – all without having to leave the bitumen.

This 1,100km drive will take you from the reef to the Outback in a matter of days for an Insta-worthy adventure with many highlights including the Australian Dinosaur Trail.

The Outback at Isa and Hard Times Mines Underground Tour are a must do along this route. Just remember to pack your Akubra for Mount Isa – home to the southern hemisphere's biggest rodeo (held each August).

The Tambo Teddies store in Tambo.

Home of the Tambo Teddies.

Matilda Way: Cunnamulla to Karumba

The Matilda Way cuts straight through the centre of Queensland and will see you traverse some of the Outback’s most well-known towns including Charleville, Longreach and Winton before heading north towards the Gulf of Carpentaria.

In a journey that’s equal parts unforgettable and legendary, you’ll find some of the Outback’s most iconic attractions including the Stockman’s Hall of Fame, Qantas Founders Museum, Historic Blackall Woolscour, the Australian Worker’s Heritage Centre and Winton’s world-famous dinosaurs.

Take in Longreach’s Thomson River by boat, be enlightened at Barcaldine’s Tree of Knowledge and the kids will love Charleville’s Cosmos Centre and a stop at Tambo Teddies.

Two people at a lookout above Porcupine Gorge.

Visitors take in the stunning scenery at Porcupine Gorge.

Discovery Drive: Townsville – Townsville (Outback Loop)

Discovery Drive is journey-packed to the brim with Outback legends, ancient discoveries and bucket list adventures. This drive links to the Overlanders Way and Australia’s Dinosaur Trail, taking in the fascinating Channel Country – now a stunning sea of green following recent flooding.

Explore vast everchanging landscapes, see amazing prehistoric discoveries and celebrate Australia’s pioneering communities with this journey along fully sealed roads.

Along this route, you’ll explore some of the Outback’s most authentic towns including Julia Creek, Winton, Mount Isa and Boulia where the Min Min Encounter awaits.

Boulia is also home to the Boulia Camel Races, an unmissable event for the fun and adventurous.

Discover more Outback experiences

Of course with the Outback making up more than 65% of Queensland’s footprint, this is just a small selection of Outback experiences on offer. To see more Outback Queensland itinerary suggestions, visit www.outbackqueensland.com.au.

With lengthy distance between townships, we recommend checking road conditions and booking accommodation and experiences in advance for all of the drives listed in this article.

Things to note

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