Discover the best places to hike in Outback Queensland

Burnt orange sunsets, bursts of wildflowers, red sand dunes, a night sky full of stars – Outback Queensland truly is a world of unique landscapes.

Outback hiking experiences are a must-do, from the billabong that inspired ‘Waltzing Matilda’, to ancient Indigenous rock art, and spectacular flora and fauna like brolgas, emus, platypuses and kangaroos.

If you’re not sure where to begin, don’t worry, we’ve put together a guide to the best places to hike in the outback.

Cloncurry Eco Trail

See one-half of Queensland’s coat of arms and learn about the history of Cloncurry on the Cloncurry Eco Trail. The trail connects Cloncurry (the ‘friendly heart of the outback’) with the Chinaman Dam Recreation Area. Learn about the town’s history along the way by scanning the QR codes as you go - and take the opportunity to cool off once you reach the water.

Cloncurry was the birthplace of the Royal Flying Doctor’s Service, but that isn’t the only thing to take flight here – you’ll see plenty of birds including the brolga (Queensland’s official bird emblem, which appears on the coat of arms) egrets, ducks, cormorants and the Cloncurry Parrot.

Duration: 4.3 km – around 90 minutes

Classification: Grade 2: Moderate with some hills

Accessibility: Yes, there is a concrete path, suitable for wheelchairs and prams.

Julia Creek Nature Trail 

Rise and shine! Early birds on the Julia Creek Nature Trail will be rewarded with abundant wildlife, including kangaroos, emus, brolgas and lizards. Not an early riser? Don’t worry—late afternoon is also a good time to spot animals out and about.

The seven-kilometre trail starts behind the Julia Creek Caravan Park—if you’re staying here, reward yourself after your walk with a soak in one of the park’s artesian baths.

Duration: 7 km – around 2 hours

Classification: Grade 2: Moderate

St George Riverbank Walkway

Discover the Outback charm of St George with this scenic walk along the banks of the mighty Balonne River. Learn about the town’s history (keep an eye out for the commemorative stone marking Sir Thomas Mitchell’s crossing of the Balonne River on St George’s Day in 1846), stop for some triceps dips on the exercise equipment, spot pelicans or cockatoos, or simply stroll along at your own pace.

Duration: 4 km – around 1-2 hours

Classification: Grade 1: Easy

Accessibility: Yes, Suitable for wheelchairs and prams.

Combo Waterhole Trail

You can’t camp by this billabong, but you might feel the presence of a jolly swagman. Combo Waterhole near Kynuna is said to be where Banjo Paterson found the inspiration for ‘Waltzing Matilda’. Wander through Mitchell grass downs, stone-pitched over-shots and the channels of the Diamantina River as you make your way to the famous waterhole—with birdlife like Australian pratincoles and tiny wee-bills for company.

Duration: 2.6 km – around 90 minutes

Classification: Grade 3: Intermediate

Wallaby Walk

No visit to Mt Isa (or ‘the Isa’ as the locals call it) is complete without admiring the beauty of Lake Moondarra. Bring your picnic blanket and packed lunch, but the real feast here is the spectacular outback vista. The trail winds around the Mt Isa Mines, offering panoramic views out over the town.

Best time of the day to hike? Stick around for sunset for stunning vantage points to watch the sun go down and paint the sky orange.

Duration: 800m – around 30 minutes

Classification: Grade 3: Intermediate

Lake Moondarra Scenic Loop

Want to see everything Lake Moondarra has to offer? Loop the lake and spot an array of birdlife from pelicans to cormorants. Enjoy the lake by swimming, boating, sailing or canoeing, or stay on dry land and enjoy one of the many BBQs or shady areas.

If you're partial to fishing, the lake is regularly stocked up with Barramundi and even hosts the Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic in October.

Duration: 8.3 km – around 2 hours

Classification: Grade 3: Intermediate

Roma Bush Gardens

Roam around Roma Bush Gardens and walk amongst 14-hecrates of red gums and brigalow open forest on the edge of the picturesque Railway Dam. Wander amongst the Coolibahs and Mulgas at your own pace or book a tour with Boobook Explore—their eco-guides will share insights into the diverse flora and fauna here including waterbirds and amphibians. 

Duration: 1 km – around 30 minutes

Classification: Grade 1: Easy

Accessibility: Suitable for wheelchairs with assistance

Tharrapatha Way

Add some culture to your Mt Isa trip and take a walk down Tharrapatha Way, a cultural trail that is designed to connect all visitors to the land.

As you undertake the walk, you'll find yourself surrounded by native gardens planted by nearby communities. Take the opportunity to learn about local plants and wildlife along the trail and check out the 30 power poles painted by local school children. There’s even one painted by contemporary Aboriginal artist and proud Kalkadoon woman, Chern'ee Sutton.

Duration: 3.5 km – around 1 hour

Classification: Grade 1: Easy

Accessibility: Suitable for wheelchairs with assistance

Hike Secret Carnarvons

200-million years in the making, Carnarvon Gorge’s white sandstone cliffs and prehistoric cycads, eucalypts and wildflowers are home to over 2,000 examples of stencilled Indigenous art alongside 170 species of birds, 60 mammals, and dozens of frogs and reptiles.

Hit the trails yourself (see here), or let the experts show you the way. Boobook Explore offer a five-day Hike Secret Carnarvons tour lead by an ecologist who will take you to untouched sections of the Carnarvon Ranges including the remote and protected Wallaroo private property with its diversity of flora and fauna.

Duration: Up to 5 days

Classification: Grade 4: Difficult

Carnarvons BioBlitz Expedition

Unleash your inner scientist on this five-day BioBlitz Expedition through the Carnarvon Ranges, taking part in the first ever biological studies of rarely ventured stretches of the Dawson River that are home to threatened species including glossy black-cockatoos and greater gliders.

Lead by Boobook’s Principal Ecologist, this is the real deal—your chance to help discover something new, with previous expeditions identifying a new species of bottlebrush and range extensions of other wildlife.

Duration: 5-7 km per day, over 6 days

Classification: Grade 4: Difficult

While you’re in the Outback, here are 30 of the best things to do there.