Explore the Outback's finest flavours

Get off the beaten track with a trek through Outback Queensland. While this region has a reputation for red dirt, and plenty of it, that’s not all you’ll find in these parts. Picture diverse landscapes of wetlands, deserts, mountains and gorges. That’s not mentioning the country towns, cattle stations and mining communities scattered throughout, all catered to by some of the state’s most eccentric and historic restaurants and cafes. 

This is a region famous for its iconic pubs, which means a visit to an Outback pub on your travels through this unique part of the state is non-negotiable. Expect to find friendly watering holes big on history and true blue country charm. On Winton’s main drag you’ll discover the North Gregory Hotel where Banjo Paterson first sang Waltzing Matilda. Outback Queensland towns like Roma, Charleville, St George and Mount Isa also have thriving pub scenes, as does the ‘Heart of the Outback, where you’ll find pubs and restaurants along Longreach’s main drag. 

Tambo is no exception either, as this country town which lies halfway between Brisbane and Mount Isa is home to the oldest licensed site in Central Western Outback Queensland, the Royal Carrangarra Hotel. And then there’s the heritage-listed Noccundra Hotel, boasting a bar that’s been licensed since 1886, despite Noccundra’s population of just four people.  

But it’s not all pub food that you’ll find in the Queensland Outback — there’s a surplus of coffee haunts too that are easily on par with any city’s offerings. It’s on the main drags of Charleville and Roma among others that you’ll discover cafes offering both a decent breakfast and coffee to boot. Grab a caffeine fix at Casey’s in Longreach, Ridgee Didge Cafe in Barcaldine, Wilderness Café et French Patisserie in Carnarvon Gorge or The Lodge on Hawthorn in Blackall and discover Outback Queensland in each cup.