Exploring Queensland’s Outback

When you think of Queensland, you probably think of incredible beaches, lush rainforests, the Great Barrier Reef, and coastal cities like the Gold Coast - And you’d be right by most accounts! Except you’re missing almost a third of what Queensland has to offer that lies just beyond the coastal fringes of Queensland's famous coastline - The vast and rugged Queensland Outback. Now, you might be thinking “Isn’t the outback in the centre of Australia?” and you’re correct, but the Outback is more than just the Red Centre. It stretches for kilometres across nearly every state of Australia. What’s unique about Queensland’s Outback is that one moment you can be in the incredible rainforests of the Daintree, then the next you could be in a land of endless horizons, ancient landscapes, and rich indigenous culture with some of the best landscapes in Australia. If you’re thinking about taking a slightly different Queensland holiday, or maybe you just want to know more about Australia’s outback, then read on as we uncover Queensland’s Outback!

The Spirit of the Outback: An Iconic Rail Journey

The easiest way to travel to Queensland’s Outback is via rail, specifically, The Spirit of the Outback Rail. This incredibly convenient and comfortable rail journey can take you all the way from coastal Brisbane to the heart of Queensland’s Outback - Longreach. Gliding through 1,325 kilometres, this immersive experience offers front-row seats to the chameleon landscapes of Queensland, from the lush jungle forests of South East Queensland, to the the rustic towns and famous red-dirt plains of the Outback. It’s not just a means of transportation to the Outback, but also an incredible way to explore rural Queensland without having to fly or drive everywhere. If you want to explore locations such as Havery Bay or Rockhampton and Kepple Island, then travelling along the Queensland rail should be high on your list! 

You’ll also experience the onboard storytelling experiences, providing commentary on the unique history of the land and its settlers, and the original custodians of the land and their stories. It’s also a great way to meet like-minded travellers and share stories. If you’re interested in The Spirit of the Outback, check out the rest of our Queensland Rail Journeys, you might just find your next dream adventure!

Longreach: The Heart of Outback Heritage

If you live outside of Australia, you’ve probably never heard of Longreach. It’s a small town in the heart of Queensland’s Outback that is brimming with history, culture, and adventure! This Queensland town is the best place to base yourself if you’re exploring Queensland’s Outback, and that’s due not only because it’s quite central to the best sights to see, but it’s also a town with an incredible history of its own to experience! Longreach is home to the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, a fascinating museum dedicated to the pioneers, stockman, and indigenous communities that shaped the Outback to what it is today. There’s also the Qantas Founders Museum, which tells the incredible story of how Australia’s national airline took flight from humble beginnings right here in Queensland’s Outback. Here you can explore decommissioned aircraft such as a Boeing 747, and even take scenic flights over the outback in iconic planes in aviation history. 

For those who want to dive right into the Outback and its beauty, a sunset cruise along Thomson River is a must! Unlike the more coastal areas of Queensland, rivers and streams in the Outback trade the overgrown lushness of a rainforest for quiet, untouched waterways that are teeming with life. You might even be lucky enough to see Australia’s oldest predator, the crocodile in the wild! We highly recommend you don’t go swimming with these creatures however, just in case you don’t fancy coming home with a missing limb or two!

Winton: The Birthplace of Waltzing Matilda and Dinosaur Dreams

Did you know, there was once a petition to change Australia’s national anthem to a song called ‘Waltzing Matilda’. This iconic Aussie song by Banjo Paterson is known by every Australian and it’s roots come from a beautiful town in Queensland called Winton. A short drive from Longreach, Winton is a quintessential Outback town famous for its deep historical roots, and for being the birthplace of ‘Waltzing Matilda’. I’m sure you’ve Googled this song and added it to your next favourite playlist. If so, you should visit the Waltzing Matilda Centre in Winton - it’s a historical museum that dives into the origins of the song, it’s connection to Australia’s bush identity, and Banjo Paterson. 

If dinosaurs are your thing, Winton is also home to Australia’s most significant dinosaur discoveries in the country. Home to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum, this must-visit experience offers the chance to see real dinosaur fossils and even participate in fossil preparation workshops. If you want to stretch your legs and get some red dirt in your socks, head to the nearby Lark Quarry Conservation Park. This site is the site of the only known dinosaur stampede on the planet where you can discover hundreds of footprints from ancient creatures that have been preserved for millions of years. It’s just one of many incredible natural wonders of Australia.

Charleville: The Cosmos and the Bush

If you’ve ever visited a countryside landscape at night before, then you’ll know just how incredible the night sky can look when you’re away from the bright lights of the city. In Charleville, the cosmos is at your fingertips at the Cosmos Centre and Observatory. This night sky reserve is one of the best places in Australia to stargaze thanks to the Outback’s clear, unpolluted skies. Powerful telescopes allow you to bear witness to the brilliance of distance galaxies, planets and constellations that you just can’t see anywhere else. 

Another incredible experience is the Bilby Experience, where conservationists work to protect the endangered bilby, one of Australia’s most elusive nocturnal marsupials. These adorable little creatures are a rare sight throughout Australia, and this special opportunity is one you shouldn’t miss if you’re trying to squeeze in as much Australian wildlife as you can into your Aussie holiday!

Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park: An Outback Oasis

For those seeking an Outback adventure with a touch of paradise, Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park in north-west Queensland is a hidden gem. This spectacular national park is characterised by emerald-green waterways, towering sandstone cliffs, and lush pockets of rainforest—a striking contrast to the surrounding arid Outback that you would have experienced by this point. 

Canoeing through Lawn Hill Gorge is an absolute highlight, allowing visitors to paddle past ancient rock formations and spot freshwater crocodiles, turtles, and a dazzling array of birdlife. The park is also rich in Indigenous history, with rock art sites and cultural stories from the Waanyi people adding to its significance. Hiking enthusiasts will find plenty to explore, with trails leading to breathtaking lookouts over the gorge. Whether you’re kayaking, swimming, or hiking, Boodjamulla offers an Outback experience like no other.

Diamantina National Park: Untamed Wilderness

For those who truly want to get off the beaten track, Diamantina National Park is one of Queensland’s most remote and rugged landscapes. Once a vast cattle station, this area is now a protected wilderness where golden grasslands stretch endlessly to the horizon, and red sand dunes shift with the wind.

The park is a haven for birdwatchers, with species like brolgas, black cockatoos, and wedge-tailed eagles soaring through the skies. During the wet season, ephemeral rivers and lakes transform the region into a wildlife paradise, attracting large flocks of waterbirds. Camping under the Outback sky here is an unforgettable experience—far from city lights, the night sky comes alive with an explosion of stars, making it one of the best stargazing spots in Australia.

Experience Queensland’s Outback for Yourself!

Queensland’s Outback is a land of stark beauty, rich history, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re marvelling at dinosaur footprints in Winton, cruising the Thomson River at sunset, gazing at the cosmos in Charleville, or exploring the hidden gorges of Boodjamulla, this vast region is filled with wonders waiting to be discovered.

However way you want to explore this remarkable landscape, Queensland’s Outback is an adventure like no other that you shouldn’t miss on your next Aussie holiday. If you’re thinking of planning your own Aussie adventure, then check out our packaged tours to either book your next dream holiday, or to draw inspiration from. Speak with our Travel Specialists today to see how we can help make your next Australian tour the best one yet!