Overlanders Way: A road trip of discovery
Covering over 905km, the Overlanders Way passes through the communities of Charters Towers, Hughenden, Richmond, Julia Creek, Cloncurry and Mount Isa and is best explored at a slower pace where you can park up for a few days and discover your surrounds.
For fuel-conscious travellers, the Overlanders Way is the perfect road trip with free camp sites and affordable caravan parks and attractions along the way.
Julia Creek: The heart of the Outback experience
The iconic outback town of Julia Creek offers an ideal base to park up for several days, helping travellers save fuel while experiencing life like a local.
RV owners can choose between the free camping area on the edge of town, with a maximum stay of four nights, or the Julia Creek Caravan Park.
One of the highlights of staying at the Caravan Park is the Artesian Bath Experience, where visitors can unwind in therapeutic waters drawn from the Great Artesian Basin.
Be sure to stop by the Visitor Information Centre, At the Creek, where you can try the virtual reality mustering experience and watch the daily feeding of Julia Creek dunnarts – small, carnivorous native marsupials found only in the region.
McKinlay Shire Council Mayor Janene Fegan said there was always “plenty to do and plenty not to do” in Julia Creek.
“I always say if you’re tired of doing a lot of the tourist stuff, you can come to Julia Creek to rest and relax,” Cr Fegan said.
“Everything is within walking distance, there’s no hustle and bustle, and everyone is a friend.”
The natural beauty of Porcupine Gorge. Photo: Erin Baachi.
Why drive the Overlanders Way?
Every road trip has a story to tell but the Overlanders Way is one to be especially enjoyed, drawing upon the state’s rich pioneering, paleo and mining history.Perhaps the most rewarding part of this route though, is the small communities and townships that you will experience along the way.
These are authentic country towns, far remote from city chaos, and where a hearty pub meal is best shared with the locals.
Outback Queensland landscapes and scenery
The scenery along the Overlanders Way is some of the best and most diverse that Queensland has to offer.
National parks and reserves break up the drive with walking trails, lookouts and swimming holes. It’s a landscape that shifts constantly and rewards those who take their time to explore.
Texas Longhorn Tours near Charters Towers. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland.
Highlights of the Overlanders Way
Tour like a Texan
Saddle up for one of the Overlanders Way’s most unexpected experiences. Just outside Charters Towers, Texas Longhorn Tours delivers a slice of the American West in Outback Queensland. Ride in a traditional horse‑drawn wagon or join a Texas Longhorn Safari, rumbling across the ranch alongside a magnificent herd of longhorn cattle.Nature’s finest show
The scenery along the Overlanders Way is a constantly changing spectacle, shifting from tropical North Queensland to the red, rugged heart of the Outback. Porcupine Gorge, near Hughenden, is a standout. Often called Australia’s “Little Grand Canyon”, it features towering sandstone cliffs, sweeping views, tranquil walking trails and inviting waterholes perfect for a refreshing swim.Mary Kathleen – the town that was
A short detour from Cloncurry leads to Mary Kathleen, a former uranium mining town abandoned in 1983. Today, empty streets and concrete slabs hint at its past, while the electric-blue mine pit offers a striking reminder of former prosperity. Self-contained caravanners can free camp here, or join a guided tour with North West Tours. Be aware that a 4WD is required to reach the mine site.The spirit of the Outback
Cloncurry captures the ingenuity of Outback Queensland. Learn about the beginnings of the Royal Flying Doctor Service at John Flynn Place Museum, explore mining history at Cloncurry Unearthed and see one of the original Qantas hangars still operating at the local airport.Go to ground
In Mount Isa, discover stories beneath the surface. Tour the World War II-era Underground Hospital carved into solid rock, then step into a miner’s boots at the Hard Times Mine experience for a gritty, hands-on insight into underground life.
The blue waters of the former mine pit at Mary Kathleen.
Plan your Overlanders Way road trip
Best time to go
April through to October, with crisp mornings, sunny days and clear, star-filled nights – ideal for Outback travel.Distance and duration
The Overlanders Way from Townsville to Mount Isa is approximately 905km. Plan at least 10 to 14 days to enjoy the journey at a relaxed pace and explore the towns along the route.What to pack for an Outback road trip
- First-aid kit
- Plenty of water
- Insect repellent
- Swimmers for artesian baths
- Warm layers for cool nights.
Towns may have limited access to specific medications, so it’s important to bring everything you may need for the duration of the trip.
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Things to note
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