Your guide to surviving a trip to Outback Queensland
Guide
By Jess Pridmore
A seductress of rust red sand, mile high blue sky, and sunsets that stir the soul, travelling through the great wilderness that is Outback Queensland is the trip of a lifetime – and to be lived to be believed.
One of its drawcards, however, also happens to be one of its drawbacks. The outback is vast – so vast, it covers almost 70% of the state – and requires a certain amount of pre-planning before putting your foot on the gas. Unlike the best city escapes, this is not a place you want to ‘get lost’ in.
But, with a bit of common sense – and busting a few myths – your outback adventure will be memorable for all the right reasons. Have these Outback Queensland travel tips handy when heading out to the red dirt. Because you can never be overprepared…
Planning: it’s all in the details
Driving the Matilda Way
So, you’ve got your driving playlist, car snacks, and route mapped; whether you’re planning to travel a few days or a few weeks, getting around Outback Queensland takes more than just a sense of direction and adventure. With sometimes hundreds of kilometres between outposts, it pays to plan and pack a few essentials in case of emergencies.
Approach your trip with a ‘if you play it safe, you’ll be great’ attitude. These are a few things to bring when driving Outback Queensland:
· Download the Policelink App: a free app that displays the nearest police stations and any recent accidents affecting road accessibility. It’s also worth locating the nearest visitors centre and where to stock up on amenities at each of your destinations.
· A Survival travel First Aid kit: Stocked with all the essentials including a ‘bites and sting’ section – helpful given the reputation of our native fauna
· Adequate water: a no-brainer, the outback is hot, dry, and unforgiving – so you can never have enough ‘extra’ water handy. Rule of thumb? Take an extra 10l per person, and fill up at the next stop on your route
· PLB and HF radio: if you’re going completely off grid, it pays to bring a Personal Location Beacon and HF radio transmitter, should a local cell network not be supported
Allow plenty of time
Matilda Way
One of the best outback Queensland travel tips? Allow PLENTY of time – there’s so much to see and do. Firstly, rushing anywhere negates any sentiment of fun, but in a country as vast as Australia, you’re simply not getting anywhere fast. Fact.
These Outback Queensland road trips break down some of the most iconic destinations as well as the distance and recommended time; all you have to do is reap the rewards. Don’t have more than a few days but still want to experience red dirt? These weekend outback road trips are time-sensitive and still encompass some of the outback’s most iconic landscapes.
The art of the pit-stop
Australian Hotel Winton
A general rule of thumb is to take a break every couple of hours between destinations. Take the opportunity to try a few outback restaurants or to stay a little longer at your choice of accommodation. For the ultimate pit-stop, time your breaks with a stay on an outback station for a quintessential taste of life out west.
You’ll want to stop in to at least a couple of outback pubs, too. As well as the draw card of a cold frostie and a pub feed, these classic Queenslanders are full of locals.
Immerse yourself in Indigenous history
It’s not just jaw-dropping scenery and breathtaking overnighters that awaits you in outback Queensland, this ancient land boasts 50,000 years of Indigenous culture. Hear stories from the local elders; learn their way of life, their rich traditions and connection to the land, and be inspired by the lasting examples of Indigenous rock art across the outback.
Watch out for wildlife
From wandering cattle to kangaroos hopping across the horizon, the outback’s local wildlife isn’t accustomed to give way to vehicles. For this reason, locals will tell you from experience; always drive during daylight hours when travelling through the outback. Dusk and dawn is when the region’s wildlife is most active, meaning a higher risk of road collisions. Not fun for you, not fun for the roo.
Stick to the speed limits and follow these wildlife safety tips to keep both yourself and our furry Aussie icons safe when passing through the bush.
Let the pros guide you
If a self-drive isn’t your idea of the perfect holiday, take the back seat and let the pros do the heavy lifting. There are a plethora of excellent tour guides in Outback Queensland, offering personalised and unparalleled access to some of mother nature’s most impressive locations.
Uncover ancient dinosaur fossils at Winton, stand up paddle board through sandstone gorges in the heart of the Gulf Savannah, get a taste of the pioneering lifestyle in Longreach, go where only local legends speak of, or visit some the remote regions of Birdsville or Cape York with an expert guide.
Get to know Outback Queensland
