Brisbane to Winton via the South West Outback

This drive serves up a virtual smorgasbord of experiences. Discover gourmet food and wine in the spectacular Granite Belt Region.  The captivating scenery and stunning natural attractions along the route are a truly visual feast.  Immerse yourself in the local culture and connect with these welcoming communities.  Enjoy a soak in artesian waters, fossick for opals, sleep under starry night skies and meet Cooper, Australia’s largest dinosaur.  Travel out to Winton via the South West Outback towns and back via a section of the Matilda Way.

Map

Highlights

• Granite Belt Food & Wine
• Girraween National Park
• Sandytown Sunset River Cruise
• Charlotte Plains Sheep & Cattle Station
• Cunnamulla Hot Springs
• Artesian Springs & Eulo Mud baths
• Eromanga Natural History Museum
• Toogunna Plains Farmstay
• Quilpie Night Show
• Baldy Top Lookout
• Cooper Creek camping & fishing
• Welford National Park
• Qantas Founders Museum & Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame
• Drover’s Sunset Cruise with Smithy’s Outback Dinner and Show
• Winton Outback Festival
• Australian Age of Dinosaurs
• Waltzing Matilda Centre
• Tree of Knowledge & Workers Heritage Centre
• Blackall Woolscour & Tambo Teddies
• Bilby Experience & Cosmos Centre & WWII Secrets Tour
• Roma Big Rig & Roma Saleyards

Day 1: Brisbane to Stanthorpe  (approx. 246km / 3hrs) 

Begin your journey south via Ipswich Boonah Road to Boonah, the heart of the Scenic Rim. Enjoy stunning mountain vistas and lush countryside as you follow the Falls Scenic Drive. Stop at Lake Moogerah for a peaceful lakeside walk, then continue to Carr’s Lookout for panoramic views. Experience the spectacular Queen Mary Falls, a breathtaking cascade surrounded by rainforest. Continue to Killarney before arriving in Stanthorpe, located in the renowned Granite Belt Wine Region. Explore the Strange Bird Alternative Wine Trail, sampling distinctive boutique wines and local produce. Don’t miss Sutton’s Apple Farm for fresh cider and homemade apple pie. Visit Stanthorpe Cheese for a variety of handcrafted farmhouse cheeses. Nearby, Girraween National Park offers striking granite landscapes and wildflower walks. Before settling in, enjoy tasting locally made jams and conserves at Jamworks or visit the festive Granite Belt Christmas Farm, a magical spot year-round.

Day 2: Stanthorpe to St George (approx 399km / 5hrs 15 mins)

Travel west into Queensland’s vast cotton country, soaking in wide-open skies and rolling farmland. Follow the Stanthorpe-Inglewood Road to the charming town of Inglewood. Visit Coolmunda Olives, wander through the tranquil olive groves, and sample fresh organic olive products. As you continue, pass through Bungunya, a quaint wheat-growing village with a relaxed country vibe. A must-stop is Queensland’s oldest pub, the Nindigully Hotel, offering hearty old-fashioned meals and cold drinks amid historic sandstone walls. Continue on to St George, known as Queensland’s inland fishing capital, where the Balonne River provides excellent angling and birdwatching. In the evening, join a sunset cruise with Sandytown River Cruises to experience the river’s abundant birdlife—over 230 species thrive here—against the backdrop of a vibrant outback sunset, making it a perfect introduction to this serene region.

Day 3: St George to Cunnamulla (approx 295km / 3hr 25 mins)

Drive along a section of the famous Adventure Way, stopping at Charlotte Plains Station, a working sheep and cattle property steeped in history. Take a dip in the natural artesian bore pond, where the warm mineral water soothes both body and soul amid spectacular outback scenery. Join a station history tour or try your hand at classic station activities for an authentic rural experience. Continue to Cunnamulla and explore the Artesian Time Tunnel at the Fella Centre, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the world’s largest underground river system. In the evening, dine at the Club Boutique Hotel’s Nightly Dinner and Show or the Sunday Campfire Dinner and Show, where local stories and live music bring outback culture to life. Don’t forget to book a relaxing soak at the mineral-rich Cunnamulla Hot Springs for a rejuvenating end to the day.

Day 4: Cunnamulla to Thargomindah (approx 176km / 2hr)

Travel to Eulo, a quirky outback town famous for its artesian springs. Experience pure relaxation with a soak at the Eulo Artesian Mud Baths, where silky, mineral-rich mud fills antique outdoor tubs. Sip wine and enjoy nibbles in this unique bush luxury setting surrounded by nature. Afterward, browse the Eulo Belle Arts & Opal Centre, where vibrant opals, local artwork, and honey products celebrate the region’s creativity and natural wealth. Continue east along the Bulloo Developmental Road to Thargomindah, a small town with a big claim to fame: it was one of the first places in the world to generate hydroelectric power using pressure from the Great Artesian Basin. Visit the original Hydro Power Plant, then walk the Heritage Trail to discover historic sites such as the old hospital, jail, and post office. End your day watching a peaceful sunset over the Bulloo River and enjoy world-class stargazing beneath the pristine outback sky.

Day 5: Thargomindah to Eromanga (Approx. 280km/3hr)

Journey west to the historic Noccundra Hotel, a Queensland Heritage-listed sandstone pub dating back to the late 1800s. Relax here with a cold drink, soaking up the atmosphere of this pioneering outback icon. Continue to Eromanga, famous for being the town furthest from the sea and home to the fascinating Eromanga Natural History Museum. Join the Australian Dinosaur Giants Tour, a captivating guided experience showcasing the museum’s acclaimed Deep Time: Dinosaur to Today production. For a hands-on adventure, take part in the Family Fossil Prep Program, where you help prepare real dinosaur fossils alongside expert staff. Dinosaur enthusiasts can extend their experience with the Dinosaur Insiders Package, including overnight stays. Cap off your day at Toogunna Plains Farmstay, a working sheep and cattle station offering comfortable ensuited cabins, firepit evenings, station tours, and the stunning Kyra Sandhills at Sunset Tour.

Day 6: Eromanga to Quilpie  (Approx. 106km/1hr 15)

Travel east to Quilpie, the heart of Boulder Opal country and a treasure trove of natural beauty and local culture. Start your visit at the Quilpie Visitor Information Centre, which houses a vibrant art gallery, a local museum, and a gift shop filled with opal jewellery and regional crafts. Book a spot for the Quilpie Night Show, a magical outdoor storytelling experience under the stars combining audiovisual effects with rich local history. Visit St. Finbarr’s Church to admire its unique Opal Altar, made entirely from locally sourced Boulder Opal. Head to Baldy Top Lookout for panoramic views across the Channel Country, especially stunning at sunset. Nearby, Lake Houdraman offers a peaceful setting for a stroll or picnic. Quilpie is a small town with an unforgettable blend of rugged outback charm, artistic heritage, and shimmering gemstones.

Day 7 : Windorah to Longreach (approx 315km / 3hr 28 mins)

Begin your drive to Longreach with a stop in Windorah, where striking red sand dunes contrast with the life-giving waters of Cooper Creek. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the creekbank, an oasis amid the arid landscape. Explore the Whitula Gate Museum, which showcases early settler history through fascinating artefacts and stories. For a friendly chat and refreshments, drop into the Western Star Hotel, a true local watering hole. Continue on to Jundah, known for its vintage-style Welcome Signs. Nearby, Welford National Park offers 124,000 hectares of golden spinifex, red dunes, ghost gums, and tranquil waterholes. Stop at Swanvale Lookout for spectacular views over the landscape. Visit Stonehenge for great coffee, free WiFi, and a hearty meal before arriving in Longreach, a town rich in outback heritage, by late afternoon.

Day 8: Longreach 

Spend a full day immersing yourself in Longreach’s iconic outback culture. Start at the Qantas Founders Museum, where you can explore historic aircraft and interactive exhibits showcasing Australia’s aviation history. Stay after dark for the Luminescent Longreach Light and Sound Show, a visually stunning experience that brings the museum’s stories to life. Visit the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame to witness the Outback Stockman’s Live Show, a captivating performance celebrating Australia’s rural heroes through song, storytelling, and demonstrations. For a unique perspective, join the Great Darr River Rail Tour, which includes a relaxing rail journey, a walk through mulga scrub, and insights into bush medicine. As evening falls, experience the Drover’s Sunset Cruise with Smithy’s Outback Dinner and Show on the Thomson River—featuring live entertainment, breathtaking sunset views, and a hearty camp-oven meal under the stars.

Day 9-13: Longreach to Winton (approx. 180km / 1hr 50 mins)

Arrive in Winton, a town famed as the birthplace of Waltzing Matilda and a hub for dinosaur discoveries. Be sure to time your visit with the Outback Festival, a vibrant celebration of outback life and community spirit.  Visit the Outback Festival website to view the exciting line up of quirky contests, outback races, live music, and the hugely popular Quilton Australian Dunny Derby. Kids events and workshops make this event a favourite for visiting familes over the school holidays.

Book early to secure a spot at Festival Camp Sites or the popular Club Paterson Tent City, or opt for glamping packages offering luxury under the stars. Visit the Waltzing Matilda Centre, the world’s only museum dedicated to a song, and explore the Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum perched atop a scenic mesa. For deeper exploration, join guided tours by Red Dirt Tours to exclusive sites like the Dinosaur Stampede at Lark Quarry or take a scenic flight with Elite Aviation for breathtaking views of the rugged landscape and fossil-rich terrain.

Day 14: Winton to Barcaldine (approx 287km / 3hr)

Depart Winton and head southeast along the Matilda Way, travelling through vast outback plains on your way to Ilfracombe. This quirky small town is rich in character and history — be sure to stop at the iconic Wellshot Hotel, renowned for its ceiling decorated with currency from around the world, creating a unique and colourful atmosphere. Stretch your legs with a walk along the Ilfracombe Machinery Mile, an impressive open-air exhibit showcasing vintage machinery and transport relics, perfect for history buffs and families alike. A short drive from Ilfracombe takes you to Barcaldine, a town with deep roots in Australia’s labour movement. Stand beneath the striking Tree of Knowledge Memorial, where a modern sculpture marks the site of the original ghost gum associated with the pivotal 1891 Shearers’ Strike. Kids will enjoy the interactive outdoor musical installations, including the Thong-a-phone and Marimba. Stop for a tasty lunch at a local café or bakery before exploring the Australian Workers Heritage Centre, an engaging museum sharing the stories of Australian workers across industries and eras. In the evening, catch a classic film at the Radio Picture Theatre, one of Queensland’s oldest operating cinemas, with its charming canvas sling seats and nostalgic vibe.

Day 15: Barcaldine to Charleville (approx. 409km / 4hr 20 mins)

Continue your outback adventure following the Matilda Way south to Blackall, a town that honours legendary blade shearer Jackie Howe. Visit the memorial statue dedicated to this iconic figure and explore the heritage-listed Blackall Woolscour—the last steam-powered wool washing plant in Australia and a fascinating glimpse into the region’s pastoral past. Next, stop in the pretty outback town of Tambo, often described as a living museum of cultural history. Don’t miss the Tambo Teddies Workshop, where skilled artisans craft sheepskin teddy bears, a charming local specialty. Your journey continues through Augathella, a small town steeped in tales of bushrangers, bullockies, and pioneering grit. Arrive in Charleville, the heart of Queensland’s mulga country. Here, get close to native wildlife at the Bilby Experience, dedicated to protecting this endangered marsupial. As night falls, gaze into the vast cosmos at the Charleville Cosmos Centre, where expert guides help you explore distant stars, planets, and star clusters through powerful telescopes. For a truly unique experience, join the WWII Secret Base Tour to uncover Charleville’s fascinating top-secret role during World War II, including its connection to the U.S. Army Air Force, which once made this remote town a strategic hotspot.

Day 16: Charleville to Roma (approx. 266km / 2hr 50 mins)

Leave the mulga country behind as you travel east to Mitchell, a town famous for its soothing artesian waters. Take time to relax and rejuvenate with a therapeutic soak at the Great Artesian Spa, where naturally heated mineral-rich waters offer a blissful escape. Continue along the Warrego Highway to Roma, the bustling heart of Queensland’s cattle country. On Tuesdays, join a free guided tour of the Roma Saleyards—the largest cattle selling facility in the southern hemisphere. The Saleyards Interpretive Centre, open daily, provides fascinating insights into the livestock industry. Explore the Roma Big Rig, where interactive exhibits tell the story of Australia’s oil and gas industry. In the evening, enjoy the Big Rig Night Show, an evocative outdoor theatre presentation that brings to life the grit, drama, and pioneering spirit of early exploration. For those with extra time, embark on an eco-tour with Boobook Explore to the spectacular Carnarvon Ranges, rich with Aboriginal rock art, diverse wildlife, and stunning sandstone formations. Back in Roma, sample handcrafted spirits and enjoy a hearty meal at the Western Spirit Distillery, where authentic outback flavours take centre stage.

Day 17: Roma to Brisbane (approx. 479km / 5hr 40 mins)

Travel east along the Warrego Way to Miles, home to the Miles Historical Village Museum. Wander through a meticulously recreated streetscape featuring more than 30 heritage buildings, including a post office, general store, and schoolhouse, each filled with artefacts that vividly bring pioneer life to the present day. Continuing through the fertile Western Downs, watch for sprawling melon paddocks near Chinchilla, host to the quirky and fun-filled Chinchilla Melon Festival, held biennially in February. Your journey culminates in Toowoomba, Queensland’s renowned Garden City. Don’t miss a visit to Picnic Point Lookout, where panoramic views stretch across the Lockyer Valley. If your timing aligns with mid-September to early October, immerse yourself in the vibrant Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. This spectacular springtime festival features breathtaking floral displays, garden tours, lively parades, gourmet food and wine events, and live music, celebrating the city’s love of blooms and community spirit. From Toowoomba, follow the Warrego Way back to Brisbane, reflecting on your rich journey through outback Queensland’s history, landscapes, and culture.