With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and endless possibilities for adventure, Outback Queensland is the perfect place to explore and discover what makes Australia so special.
From the rolling hills of Chillagoe to the majestic Carnarvon Gorge, this far flung region of Australia is filled with breathtaking sights, unforgettable experiences, and plenty of activities to keep you entertained.
An Authentic Experience
What sets Outback Queensland apart from other holiday destinations is the sheer beauty of its landscapes and the variety of activities on offer. From exploring lush rainforests to discovering hidden caves and waterfalls, there's something unique and exciting around every corner. For those who love outdoor adventures, there's plenty to keep you busy. Hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, fishing and camping are just a few of the activities awaiting you.
An interesting fact about Outback Queensland is that it is one of the most sparsely populated regions in Australia, yet it still offers some of the country’s most incredible natural attractions. There are spectacular views to be had from rocky outcrops and huge open plains which stretch for miles. The region is also home to a vast array of unique, adorable and down-right dangerous wildlife including wallabies, kangaroos, lizards, emus, camels, brolgas and dingoes but to name a few.
Top Five Destinations
Chillagoe
One of the main highlights of Outback Queensland, Chillagoe, is a small historical town renowned for its beautiful limestone caves and outcrops, clear starry night skies and Aboriginal rock paintings. Situated about 3 hours drive west of Cairns, the famous Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park began to form around 400 million years ago. Here you can explore an underground world at the Donna, Trezkinn and Royal Arch Caves via an experienced ranger-guided tour, and be awe-struck by 3500 year old Aboriginal rock paintings at the Wullumba and Mungana rock art sites. For those with an interest in the town’s mining history, visit the Chillagoe Smelter, which began operations in 1901, processing cooper, gold, silver and lead, and still houses equipment, smelters, and more treasures from the era. Finish off your trip with a visit to the local pub, one of the friendliest in the Outback, before spending the night star gazing under clear skies at one of the many local accommodation options.
Carnarvon Gorge
Hidden in the rugged ranges of central Outback Queensland, this picturesque 200-million-year-old gorge is a true gem and is home to some of the most stunning views, breathtaking walks, and spectacular Aboriginal rock paintings in Australia. About 8 hours’ drive from Brisbane, the gorge features towering vibrant colored sandstone cliffs, lush and ancient rainforest, crystal-clear creeks, a variety of unique wildlife including over 173 different types of birds, and Aboriginal art dating back thousands of years. You can explore the gorge via guided bushwalks or take on an adventure travel experience and traverse its untamed terrain yourself. If you have a full day at the park you can traverse the Big Day Out walk which takes around 8 hours and takes you on a loop of the big-ticket attractions like the lush green Moss Gardens, the soaring Amphitheatre and the 2000 year old paintings at the Art Gallery. If you have more time, stay overnight at one of the park campsites or accommodations located just outside the park itself.
Undarra Lava Tubes
About 3.5 hours from Cairns, you’ll find the fascinating Undara Lava Tubes. These 190,000-year-old lava tunnels are the inner workings of a volcano that erupted and spilled molten lava for 160 kms into the surrounding landscape. Over time, and with wind, water and rain, the tubes have taken on incredible coloration and the landscape has been reclaimed by lush rainforest giving it an almost Jurassic-like look and feel. To see the geological wonders, you’ll need to join one of the Undara Experience’s Savannah Guides for a tour that delves into one of the world’s longest cave systems. For those with an interest in wildlife, join the ‘Wildlife at Sunset Tour’ where you’ll visit the entrance of Barker’s Tube to watch thousands of rare microbats feeding, a true sight to behold, before ending the day with a spectacular sunset view while enjoying champagne and canapes.
Boodjamulla National Park
This distinct national park encompasses Lawn Hill Gorge and the Riversleigh World Heritage Site, part of the Australian Fossil Mammal Sites World Heritage Area. With its emerald waters, red sandstone and lush vegetation, Lawn Hill Gorge forms a beautiful oasis in the outback, attracting abundant wildlife and offering exceptional views, walks, canoeing and cultural sites. For fossil lovers, the Riversleigh World Heritage Site has fossil deposits which are among the richest and most extensive in the world. Preserved in limestone outcrops, some fossils date back 25 million years which is why Sir David Attenborough called it one of the top 4 most important deposits in the world. About 9 hours drive from Cairns, a visit to Boodjamulla National Park is the type of holiday that’s for 4WD enthusiasts only, is phone-reception free and truly off-the-beaten-track. But don’t fret, whether you prefer camping or cabins, there’s an accommodation type available for all adventurers.
Daintree Rainforest
The largest rainforest in Australia and at over 135 million years old, arguably the oldest rainforest in the world, the Daintree is a must-see for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Situated only 1.5 hours from Cairns, it’s also one of the most popular day trips in the region with a multitude of tours for every taste. Go on a cruise up the Daintree River and see if you can spot one of the local and ancient saltwater crocodiles, walk the rainforest boardwalks and walking trails to see animals and plants you’ll find nowhere else in the world like the Cassowary, Blue Ulysses Butterfly, or Azure Kingfisher, visit the Daintree Village to learn more about the magical area and taste delights like the Blue Qandong, Idiot Fruit, Wild Ginger or Black Sapote Fruit. With plenty of eco-friendly accommodation options, why not stay the night and immerse yourself in the wonders of this truly spectacular jungle.
What To Pack
To make your Outback Queensland experience enjoyable and stress-free, here is a list of items you should bring with you on your trip:
Clothing: Pack a variety of clothing depending on the season and activities you plan to do during your stay. During warmer months, make sure to bring breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, and light synthetic materials. Layering is also important, so don't forget to include a long sleeve shirt, a light sweater, and a waterproof jacket.
Footwear: Comfortable and supportive shoes are essential for exploring the rugged terrain in Outback Queensland. Make sure to bring both closed-toe shoes and sandals or flip flops.
Sun Protection: You should always bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat when traveling in the outback. Don't forget to apply sunscreen before heading outdoors and reapply as needed throughout the day.
First Aid Kit: It's always a good idea to bring a small first aid kit with you on any adventure travel. The kit should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, insect repellent, and pain relief medication.
Miscellaneous Items: Other useful items for an Outback Queensland holiday include a flashlight, map, insect repellent, snacks, binoculars, camera, and reusable water bottle.
Embrace Adventure
If you’re looking for an adventure travel destination, look no further than Outback Queensland! Getting to this amazing part of Australia is fairly easy, although you may have to drive for a few hours before you reach your destination. The great thing about Outback Queensland is that you can visit some of the more isolated areas without having to go too far.
No matter where you decide to go in Outback Queensland, there are plenty of exciting and interesting places to visit. From Cairns, Charleville, Longreach and Cloncurry, each town along the Great Inland Way has something unique to offer and is worth exploring while on your outback adventure!
So, why not pack your bags and hit the road for an unforgettable outback holiday experience?