Outback Roads and Red Dust

The Matilda Way is a 1,900-kilometre touring route from Bourke in New South Wales to Karumba on the Gulf of Carpentaria, passing through the heart of outback Queensland via Charleville, Longreach and Winton.

Blackall’s Historical Woolscour is the only surviving steam-powered woolscour in Australia, operating since 1908. Add Jackie Howe’s unbroken shearing record and a free camp on the Barcoo River, and you have one of outback Queensland’s best stops.

Tambo delivers more than it advertises — Tambo Teddies and a station side quest, chicken races that got out of hand, and the site of Qantas’s first fatal crash in 1927. A small town with a lot going on.

Four visits to Charleville and still finding new things — the Angellala Creek explosion site, the Airfield Museum, the Bureau of Meteorology weather balloon and the WWII quarry that built the airport runways.

Charleville rewards the travellers who stay longer than planned.

From the Cosmos Centre and Bilby Experience to the Airfield Museum, WWII Secret Base, Outback Date Farm, and the Angellala Creek explosion site. There’s a lot going on!

Halfway between Cunnamulla and Charleville, Wyandra is a quiet railway town on the Warrego River with a sandy beach, outback burgers, a peaceful camp and sunsets good enough for a calendar cover.

An overnight pub camp at Enngonia, then north to Cunnamulla; the Robbers Tree, the All Aboard rail show, a day at the races for Neil and artesian hot springs for Cameron. A weekend well spent.

Five rain-soaked days at Nyngan Weir and then north to Bourke, the Darling River’s great port, Fred Hollows’ resting place, an Afghan mosque in the outback, and a town that rewards anyone who slows down.

From Melbourne via Warrnambool and St Arnaud to Hay, a town that keeps earning return visits. Free camping on the Murrumbidgee, a gaol with many lives, and one of regional NSW’s most joyful festivals.

From buffalo chicken pizza to desert sculptures and Silverton’s donkeys, Broken Hill gave us art, weather, and classic outback humour in equal measure. It’s a place that surprises every time — dust storms included.

From Nyngan’s riverside calm to Cobar’s quiet bush camp and the long road to Broken Hill, this stretch of outback NSW is a reminder that sometimes, the in-between days are the best ones.

A weekend stop in Biloela for new windscreens turned into a laid-back escape. Between Heritage Park, Callide Dam, and country charm, this Central Queensland town proved that even repair days can feel like holidays.

Emerald is Central Queensland’s great reset town. A practical crossroads with everything you need, plus dog parks, gardens, murals and mosaic trails, it’s the place travellers refuel before heading deeper into the outback.

Five hours of potholes, rattles, and questionable suspension from Charters Towers to Emerald reminded us that not every road is smooth.

Charters Towers caught us off guard — a planned two-night stop turned into four days of gold-rush history, quirky landmarks, tyre trouble and small surprises!

We spent three days in Cloncurry, exploring its history, murals, aviation heritage, and dam. From the first Qantas hangar to the birthplace of the RFDS, this outback town surprised us with stories and charm.

Croydon, Normanton, and Karumba gave us history, character, and Gulf Coast charm. From welcoming the Gulflander to cold drinks at the Purple Pub and sunsets in Karumba, this stretch of the Savannah Way was unforgettable.

We explored Cobbold Gorge after a rugged drive from Forsayth. Floating along the calm waters and hiking to the glass bridge, we were captivated by the towering cliffs, wildlife, and serene beauty of this Queensland outback gem.

Exploring the Undara Lava Tubes was like stepping into another world…towering underground tunnels carved by ancient lava flows, part history, part geology, and all awe. A side quest well worth the detour.

A roadside rescue, a closed pub, and a peaceful night in St Lawrence. Our trip from Rockhampton to Mackay was a reminder to slow down, lend a hand, and savour the road’s unexpected moments.

Back in Rockhampton after two years, we camped at peaceful Kershaw Gardens, revisited favourite spots by the river, soaked up local art, stocked up on fresh produce, and enjoyed a slice of city life before heading north.

Carnarvon Gorge had been on our bucket list for years, and it didn’t disappoint. Panoramic views, ancient rock art, dramatic cliffs, and lush pockets of green made this one of the most rewarding stops so far.

Our Carnarvon adventure kicked off with black bull “bears,” startled tourists and a stunning warm-up walk into Mickey Creek Gorge. A perfect taster before the main hike into the heart of the gorge.

From railway tragedy in Bogantungan to the supermarket aisles of Emerald, this leg of our trip marked the shift from outback stillness to something closer to civilisation — with Carnarvon Gorge waiting just around the bend.

Barcaldine blends rich history with small-town charm. We stayed at a peaceful local park, visited the famous Tree of Knowledge, admired the mighty Comet windmill, and soaked up the stories that shaped this resilient outback town.

White Station Healing Circle sits quietly near Lake Dunn. We visited without expectations, walked the stone ring, and reflected on similar spaces we’ve seen elsewhere. A grounded look at a place designed simply to pause and feel.

A peaceful few days along the Lake Dunn Sculpture Trail gave us quiet skies, curious art, and a dose of outback magic - including a visit to the healing circle that worked wonders for Zoe.

Planning the Aramac Sculpture Trail? These traveller’s notes outline road conditions, timing and what to expect on the 200-kilometre loop from Aramac, including practical tips for motorhome travellers.