Walk on the wild side with these adventurous experiences in Outback Queensland

Seek adventure somewhere out of the ordinary in Outback Queensland. Unique experiences galore will greet you in this immense stretch of country covering red desert, pristine gorges, and iconic country towns. Whether you’re looking for something suitable for the whole family, or total immersion in the wilderness, these adventures in Outback Queensland promise to make your trip an unforgettable one.

1. Tour the Outback by air

One of the most memorable options when it comes to adventures in Outback Queensland is a scenic flight - and it really makes those mighty distances between towns a cinch to conquer. 

Catch a glimpse of some of the most remote places in Australia as a part of Seair Touring’s 3 day Outback Adventure. Travelling in a private Cessna Caravan you’ll get a taste of the true outback, departing the Gold Coast, and flying 2,000 kilometres over the likes of Birdsville, Lake Eyre, William Creek, Innamincka, and Cunnamulla. If you want to add another Queensland icon to the trip, opt for the three day tour that includes the Great Barrier Reef with a visit to Lady Elliot Island. 

2. Join a dinosaur dig

About 110 million years ago, a shallow sea covered inland Australia - including much of Outback Queensland. What remains today is some of the world's most complete fossils of the marine creatures and dinosaurs that swam and roamed through this region - and visitors get a chance to help uncover history. 

Richmond's Kronosaurus Korner offers dig experiences that teach adventurers how to find, identify and excavate their very own 100 million year old fossils - including half-day tours aimed at keeping the kids entertained. 

Budding paleantologists really looking to immerse themselves in the experience should head to Winton's Australian Age of Dinosaurs. At select times throughout the year, the crew hosts 8-day 'Dig-a-Dino' experiences where you'll learn how to search for and excavate fossils in the outback, while those who choose the 'Prep-a-Dino' will work alongside the museum team in the most productive fossil preparation laboratory in the Southern Hemisphere to learn how to prepare real dinosaur fossils for display (1,3,5 and 11-day tour options available). 

3. See Burketown by hot air balloon

Embrace a true Indigenous experience connecting you with the Gangalidda and Garawa people; Yagurli Tours offer river tours, stargazing, 4WD and fishing charters through Moungibi (Burketown) with a hefty dose of cultural heritage. There’s even the chance to see the Gulf of Carpentaria by balloon, thanks to Yagurli’s collaborative tour offering with Balloon Aloft, which soars over Australia's largest salt pans.

4. Go underground at Mount Isa

Travelling to Mount Isa? Don your hard hat and descend below on The Hard Times Mine Tour - a unique underground experience in a mine built and operated by real miners. The family-friendly tour provides a rare opportunity to get up close and experience first hand the daily life and workings of an underground mine, and it's a fascinating glimpse at the industry that put this little town on the world map.

5. Get a local’s tour of Winton

Hop in the car for a bitumen-based exploration with Red Dirt Tours in Winton. This locally owned and operated small business specialises in regional town’s natural and historical landmarks, taking you to see everything from dinosaur fossils to where Waltzing Matilda was dreamt up by Banjo Paterson.

6. Uncover the hidden gems of Carnarvon Gorge

Join Carnarvon Gorge Eco Tours for an unforgettable adventure - exploring the iconic Carnarvon Gorge by foot. Professional tour guides who know this landscape better than anyone will lead you through the stunning region, sharing plenty of knowledge on its history and conservation along the way. Off the Beaten Track may be their most popular offering, a 15 kilometre voyage through the hidden gems of the popular destination, while the night safari will show you the nocturnal side to this special place.

7. 4WD your way through Diamantina National Park

Say hello to Queensland’s largest national park, Munga-Thirri National Park (or the Simpson Desert) which spans more than a million hectares. With so much to see and do here you’re best embracing a 4WD adventure through its midst - lead your own way along the Birdsville Track or join an accredited tour group like Diamantina Touring Co. 

If you're up for an outback adventure that will really make you sweat, tackle the dunes of the Simpson Desert by mountain bike instead. 

8. Ride the original Outback mail route by stagecoach

Embrace your inner history buff in Longreach where you can drop by Outback Pioneers to enjoy the Cobb & Co Stagecoach Experience. The award-winning tour allows you to hop aboard a restored horse-led stagecoach and ride the original Longreach-Windorah at high speed.

9. Stand-up paddle board through Cobbold Gorge

Glide your way through the protected waters and ancient cliffs of Cobbold Gorge with Cobbold Gorge Tours. This one-hour adventure in Outback Queensland will let you get up close and personal with the 10,000 year old landmark - with the option to explore by electric boat or scenic heli flight, too. 

10. Fish for barramundi in the Gulf of Carpentaria

Fishing enthusiasts should embrace the chance to catch a barramundi of their own while in Queensland’s north west in Karumba, what many consider to be the Sunshine State’s best fishing spot. It’s in this tiny town that you can join a boat for up to four people on a half or full day journey that will help you land the catch of your dreams. You can learn plenty about barra while on land too - drop by the Les Wilson Barramundi Centre.

Ready for more Outback Queensland adventures? Discover these incredible things to do.