Exploring Outback Queensland: The best road trips in Australia’s wild heart

Outback Queensland is a vast and rugged part of Australia, offering a one-of-a-kind adventure for travellers wanting to explore the wild heart of the country. From stunning deserts and sweeping landscapes to charming country towns and rich history, a road trip through this iconic region combines adventure, culture, and natural beauty in the perfect mix.

If you’re keen to take the road less travelled, now’s your chance. We’ve teamed up with QMF for Queensland Music Trails, an amazing agency that brings unforgettable music experiences to life. Purchase your tickets and explore the stunning destinations of Southwest Queensland in comfort with a Star RV motorhome. Expect iconic music moments, First Nations culture, and warm local hospitality at every stop!

Choosing where to go in Outback Queensland can feel like a big decision, given how vast it is, but don’t worry, we’re here to make it easier. Use our trusty guide as inspiration to help you plan your perfect Outback Queensland road trip.

Natural Sciences Loop

The Natural Sciences Loop in Queensland is a fascinating journey through the region's diverse ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to the arid outback. This scenic route highlights the incredible natural beauty and scientific wonders of the area, offering an opportunity to explore Queensland’s rich biodiversity and unique landscapes.

Key stops include:

• Charleville: Begin your journey on the Natural Sciences Loop in Charleville, a must-visit destination brimming with unique experiences. Wander along the Charleville Heritage Trail to marvel at pioneer architecture and delve into the town’s rich history. Visit the Save the Bilby Fund at the National Parks Research Station for a close encounter with Australia’s iconic endangered marsupial. End your day at the Cosmos Centre, where the outback’s crystal-clear skies and minimal light pollution provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable stargazing experience.

• The Eromanga Natural History Museum celebrates the region’s prehistoric past, featuring incredible fossils of dinosaurs that once roamed the area. On the guided Australian Dinosaur Giants tour, you can touch a 95-million-year-old dinosaur bone, watch live fossil preparation, and marvel at the fascinating Eulo megafauna fossils.

This loop provides an immersive experience into the natural wonders, geological history, and biodiversity of Queensland, making it a must-do for nature enthusiasts and science lovers alike.

Queensland Music Trail activity:

Unearthed: A Night at Eromanga will be held in the heart of the captivating "Natural Sciences Loop" at the remarkable Eromanga Natural History Museum. This architecturally stunning venue, located within the Museum reserve, preserves 95 million years of history and is home to one of the world’s largest dinosaurs, “Cooper.”

Enjoy an enchanting evening with dinner on the lawn, captivating Science Talks from a local Geologist, guided Museum tours, and live music as the sun sets

Matilda Way

Stretching from the coast to the heart of Queensland’s outback, the Matilda Way is a perfect journey for those looking to discover Queensland’s rural charm and history. The highway stretches from the New South Wales border to the Gulf of Carpentaria, from Cunnamulla to Karumba. Winding through the heart of the outback, it’s a journey filled with unique attractions and breathtaking natural wonders.

Key stops include:

• Cloncurry: Known as the birthplace of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Cloncurry offers a glimpse into the pioneering spirit of Outback Queensland. Explore the John Flynn Place Museum and Art Gallery for a fascinating journey through history.

• Winton: Famous as the home of Waltzing Matilda and the Dinosaur Trail, Winton offers attractions like the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum and the historic Musical Fence. Fun fact: Qantas was born in Winton where the airline's first general meeting was held at the Winton Club.

This trip offers an immersive experience of the history, culture, and agriculture that define Outback Queensland.

Queensland Music Trails activity:

BBQ in the Bush celebrates the Outback's strong sense of community. Join Taylor Moss and the local school children for a special performance, followed by a relaxed BBQ with the locals at the Thargomindah Oval. As the sun sets, unwind with both old friends and new, embracing the warm hospitality that embodies the spirit of the outback.

Overlander's Way

The Overlander's Way takes you on a journey from coastline to country. This iconic route follows the path once used by cattle drivers, taking you through the charming towns, cattle stations, and wide-open plains that define the Outback.

Highlights include:

• Townsville: Start your journey in Townsville, a coastal city that blends modern amenities with access to natural wonders like Magnetic Island and the Great Barrier Reef.

• Charters Towers: Step back in time in this historic gold rush town, where you can take a guided walking tour and visit the ghost towns scattered across the area.

• Mount Isa: The mining town of Mount Isa is a hub of Outback industry and offers plenty of opportunities to experience local history and Indigenous culture. Visit the Outback at Isa visitor centre, which is home to the Hard Times Mine, where you can descend 22 metres underground to experience the thrill of the earth shifting with the firing of the drill face. Get hands-on with real mining equipment and immerse yourself in the mining history of the region.

The Overlanders Way is a road trip that offers a blend of rugged landscapes, fascinating history, and rich cultural experiences.

Great Inland Way

The Great Inland Way is a fully-sealed route that stretches from Sydney through outback NSW and Queensland, winds through the Central Queensland Highlands, and extends all the way to Cooktown in the far north. Known as one of the most iconic drives in Queensland, the Great Inland Way offers a diverse range of experiences, from the lush farmland to the dry and dramatic beauty of the western Outback.

Must-see stops include:

• Roma: Known as the "Oil Capital of Australia," Roma is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, offering attractions like the Roma Saleyards. Immerse yourself in nature at the Roma Bush Gardens, spanning 14 hectares of native flora and fauna, or take a guided tour to one of Outback Queensland's stunning national parks. Explore the hidden gems of the Carnarvon Ranges, where you can marvel at dramatic rock formations and discover unique Aboriginal art sites.

• Emerald: Take a stroll through the Emerald Botanic Gardens and admire the intricate iron lacework of the heritage-listed railway station. Then, check out the giant 25-metre replica of Van Gogh’s Sunflower painting.

• Charters Towers: A former gold mining town where visitors can explore historic sites, such as the Miner’s Cottage and the Stock Exchange building.

The Great Inland Way offers a deep dive into rural Queensland and its pioneering history, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife sightings and cultural immersion.

Queensland Music Trails activity:

Roma’s biggest festival presents Outback Music Under the Stars—a night filled with great music, good friends, and unforgettable memories.

Warrego Way

This road trip starts in Brisbane and ends in Birdsville. The Warrego Way is a perfect route for those looking to experience the charm of small-town Australia.

Highlights of the Warrego Way include:

• Toowoomba: Known as the “Garden City,” Toowoomba is a bustling town with over 150 beautiful parks and gardens to explore.

• Mitchell: Famous for its artesian hot springs, which is the largest open-air spa in Australia, Mitchell offers a relaxing stop along your road trip.

• Charleville: This remote Outback town is home to the Charleville Cosmos Centre and Observatory, where visitors can gaze at the stars under some of the clearest skies in Australia.

The Warrego Way offers a relaxed and scenic journey through Queensland’s countryside, with the added benefit of small-town hospitality and unique attractions.

Queensland Music Trails activity:

Arrive in the iconic town of Charleville for Outback Sounds—an open-air, family-friendly music festival, proudly celebrated as the highlight of QLD Music Trails - The Outback.

Outback Sounds will transform the Charleville Showgrounds into a vibrant outback oasis, where the energy of music, arts, food, and community comes to life.

Tips for driving through Outback Queensland

• Prepare for long distances: The Outback is vast, and the distances between towns can be long. Be sure to plan your fuel stops carefully and carry extra water, food, and supplies.

• Stay safe in the heat: Outback Queensland can get extremely hot, especially in the summer months. Always ensure your vehicle is in good condition, and carry plenty of water and sunscreen.

• Wildlife awareness: Keep an eye out for kangaroos, emus, and other wildlife on the roads, particularly at dawn and dusk.

• Emergency services: Mobile phone reception can be patchy, so make sure you’re aware of the nearest emergency services along your route.

Road tripping through Outback Queensland offers a chance to explore some of Australia’s most stunning, rugged landscapes while immersing yourself in the unique culture and history of the region. Whether you’re tracing the ancient paths of early explorers, discovering natural wonders, or simply soaking in the wide-open spaces, these road trips promise memories that will last a lifetime.

While we’ve barely scratched the surface for potential Queensland road trips – we've given you enough teasers to taste the freedom you’ll gain when you travel in comfort with us.

Feeling inspired? Don’t miss out on our offer, where you can enjoy 15% discount off your daily rental rate on a Star RV Polaris 2 or Polaris 6 motorhome, when you book online for travel between 19 April - 10 May 2025.

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