Explore Outback Queensland on the ultimate group getaway

When you think about exploring Outback Queensland convoys of retirees probably spring to mind – but lately, it’s undergone a transformative shift. Today our colossal red desert, pristine gorges, and historic country towns beckon to a younger generation of travellers looking for adventure, culture, and uniquely memorable moments. 

From its rich and romantic history to new museums, quirky accommodation, Indigenous encounters, and rock concerts in the red sands, this region’s vibrant, quintessential Australian experiences will captivate groups of friends looking to embark on an epic, adventure-packed Outback Queensland group holiday.

Navigating Outback Queensland

Outback Queensland covers about 70% of the state and is vast, rugged, and remote. From major airports in cities like Brisbane, Cairns, or Townsville, you can take domestic flights or road trips to reach the heart of the outback. Within the region itself, the main airports are:

Mount Isa (ISA): The best entry point if you’re exploring the western and northern areas of Outback Queensland.

Longreach Airport (LRE): This historic town connects to the central and southwestern parts of the Outback.

Charleville Airport (CTL): Head to Charleville by plane to explore the southwestern areas of the region.

Birdsville Airport (BVI): A remote outpost in the heart of Outback Queensland offering limited flights, but a unique entry point for adventurous travellers looking to experience the remote Outback.

Not all areas are easily accessible by plane, so you’ll also need to rely on its network of highways or guided tours to make the most of your Outback Queensland group holiday.

Warrego Highway (A2) runs from Brisbane westward through the southwestern part of the Outback, while the Matilda Highway (A71) is an iconic Outback route that runs north-south through central Queensland. The Capricorn Highway (A4) runs east-west through central Queensland, providing access to the central and western parts of the region, while Diamantina Developmental Road is an unsealed, remote route that connects Windorah and Birdsville in southwestern Outback Queensland. Gulf Developmental Road links Cairns in North Queensland to Normanton in the Gulf Country of Outback Queensland, passing through the remote and scenic landscapes of the Gulf Savannah.

When traveling in Outback Queensland, it's important to be well-prepared, especially if you plan to venture onto less-traveled routes. Carry plenty of water, fuel, and supplies, and be aware that things can change rapidly, so always check road closures and conditions.

Unforgettable accommodation in Outback Queensland

Out here, there are no generic resorts or bland hotels. No matter where you stay, it’s sure to be unique – but there are some particularly remarkable places to hang your hat.

Cobbold Village | Forsayth

Camp on a working cattle station under the sparkling Milky Way (or choose an ensuite room) after exploring the spellbinding Cobbold Gorge by boat or from Australia’s first fully glass bridge.

Charlotte Plains | Cunnamulla

Embrace the rustic charm of sheep station Charlotte Plains' shearers' quarters – including stargazing at the vast outback skies from your outdoor artesian bath.

Clem Walton Park and Corella Dam | Cloncurry

Enjoy the serenity of free camping by the picture-perfect Corella Dam in Cloncurry, the perfect oasis for water-based activities.

Discover tours and adventures in Outback Queensland

Exploring Queensland’s outback is an adventure like no other. Whether they’re adrenaline-inducing, transformative, or just plain good fun, there’s no shortage of experiences you won’t find anywhere else on earth.

Red Dirt Tours | Winton

Make the most of the region by letting locally owned Red Dirt Tours lead the way: choose from day tours to some of the Outback’s best attractions including Australian Age of Dinosaurs, Lark Quarry Dinosaur Stampede, or Old Cork and relax with spectacular outback sunsets.

Trek West | Mount Isa

Embark on a personalised, guided outback hiking adventure you’ll never forget, including star-gazing nights and wildlife encounters.

Australian Age of Dinosaurs | Winton

Unearth the prehistoric past at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum where you can even take part in a thrilling dinosaur fossil dig.

Cunnamulla sand dunes | Cunnamulla

Climb to the top of this cluster of dunes and you’ll be rewarded with an exhilarating sand dune ride you’ll want to take over and over again. Sand boards can be hired from Out The Back Australia Tours in Cunnamulla, two hours out of Charleville.

Find festivals and culture in Outback Queensland

In Outback Queensland, cultural experiences might not be among the first things you assume are on offer. But the region is brimming with history, music, arts, and a unique culture all of its own.

Boulia Camel Races | Boulia

Join the excitement of camel racing, live entertainment, and outback festivities at the annual Boulia Camel Races. 

Big Red Bash | Birdsville

Experience the world's most remote music festival – and Queensland’s biggest party – with top artists performing against the backdrop of the iconic Big Red sand dune.

Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival | Winton

Celebrate Australian cinema in the outback with film screenings, workshops, and stargazing events.

Immerse in Indigenous experiences

There’s no doubt Outback Queensland is full of jaw-dropping nature – but experiencing it through the lens of the people whose cultural heritage there dates back almost 70,000 years provides an even deeper connection.

Nullawokka First Nations Tours | Bollon

Learn about the rich Indigenous history of the region from local Gwamu/Kooma man Bill Speedy through interpretive guided nature tours followed by traditional bush tucker.

Yagurli Tours | Burketown

Forge connections with the Gangalidda and Garawa communities with a range of experiences from river tours to 4WD expeditions and fishing charters in the Moungibi (Burketown) region, or even a hot air balloon ride over the vast salt pans of the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Desert Dreaming Centre | Barcaldine

Explore the Desert Dreaming Centre and Indigenous hub in Barcaldine through captivating exhibits, workshops, and tours. Looking to venture further? Trackers Tours provides day tours in and around Barcaldine to help you uncover the region's hidden gems.

Eat and drink in Outback Queensland

In Outback Queensland there’s no shortage of iconic pubs: think welcoming watering holes steeped in history and full of country personality. And it’s not only parmies and beer on offer either – cafes in each of the main towns are troves of hearty breakfasts and excellent coffee. 

Birdsville Hotel | Birdsville

Enjoy a comforting meal and a cold beer at what some would call Outback Queensland’s most iconic pub, known for its history and true-blue character.

North Gregory Hotel | Winton

On Winton’s main drag, this iconic Art Deco-style tavern was where Banjo Patterson wrote and first sang Waltzing Matilda. Winton even has a museum to match.

Nindigully Pub | Nindigully

Savour delicious pub grub and take in the laid-back atmosphere of Australia's oldest continually licensed pub nestled on the banks of the Moonie River.

Walkabout Creek Hotel | McKinlay

Recreate scenes from the iconic film Crocodile Dundee at this famous outback pub while enjoying classic Australian fare. 

Outback Queensland isn’t just a destination for grey nomads; it's a vibrant, diverse playground where opportunities for unique experiences are as vast as the landscape itself. So gather your friends, pack your sense of adventure, and set out to explore the heart of Queensland’s Outback – it's a journey that will stay with you long after you shake that red dust off your boots.