Cruise Outback Queensland with these 5 easy road trips

Hit the road from Cairns, meandering along the Savannah Way, the iconic stretch connecting the tropical capital to Broome, and you’ll greet Undara Volcanic National Park. The 4.5 hour drive isn’t too taxing, but may well be a chance to embrace the opportunity to indulge in some family bonding along the way. While there’s plenty to do on your arrival to the park, the star attraction is the Undara lava Tubes. One of the longest lava tube cave systems in the world, this volcanic wonder was developed some 190,000 years ago. Explore the caves and their population of dry rainforest, rock wallabies and bats with a guided tour or venture solo – there are a number of walking tracks ranging from 2.5 to 12 kilometres return.

2. Hidden Valley

Reconnect with nature with a stay in tranquil Hidden Valley. Taking off from the coastal city of Townsville, this easy Queensland road trip will see you drive one and a half hours north west, to the western slope of the Paluma Range National Park where you’ll find the luscious, well-kept secret of Hidden Valley Cabins. Proudly the first solar-powered resort in Australia, this quaint collection of rustic cabins is a family owned enterprise with an emphasis on the eco-friendly. Expect to be greeted by crystal clear creeks and wilderness, and fresh mountain air – the resort’s elevation means the climate is far cooler and less humid here. Don’t miss out on a chance to greet the locals – night safari and platypus safaris are on offer to introduce you to local flora and fauna.

3. Myella Farm Stay

Experience a taste of life on the land with a trip to Myella Farm Stay in the Central Highlands. The working cattle farm spread across an impressive 1040 hectares sits in Baralaba, just two hours’ easy road trip from the bovine capital of Rockhampton. Proudly a family run establishment, Myella Farm Stay will give you and your family a true working farm experience for those tempted to escape to the country. Spend days touring the property, milking cows, collecting eggs, cracking whips, and riding horses, before tucking into a home cooked meal and taking to your room, or enjoying the free camping facilities.

4. Bunya Mountains National Park

Just three hours drive from Brisbane resides Bunya Mountains National Park and its awe-inspiring collection of rare Bunya Pines. These trees are a sight to be seen, with the natural beauties stretching up to 45 metres in height, and boasting pine cones which can weigh up to eight kilograms each. After days meandering the walking tracks, and gazing at the foliage and the 120-species of birds that call themselves residents, spend the night at one of the trio of campsites present. There’s little better than pitching a tent and camping out under the stars for a true dose of nature. But those after some creature comfort may prefer to rent one of the many cabins or holiday houses on offer within the surrounding district.

5. Girraween National Park

Make your way three hours from the Queensland capital and you’ll find the much loved Girraween National Park. Settled just outside of Stanthorpe, this open forest overflows with bushwalks, swimmable creeks, and a gathering of giant granite boulders that have become a firm favourite for hikers and climbers from across the country. There are more than 30 kilometres of trails to choose from and a handful of stand-out sights for taking pictures including the famed Granite Arch and The Pyramid, which boasts views out over the park. With so much to do it’s convenient that your time here isn’t limited, with opportunities to camp in Girraween National Park abundant.