Queensland Outback

Located on the banks of the Macintyre River, the Goondiwindi region offers visitors lakes, lagoons, and nature reserves open for exploration served with a side of history, culture, and art. Spend your morning touring Lake Coolmunda by boat or take a bushwalk through the 25-hectare Botanical Gardens. Unwind in the afternoon by following the art trail and enjoying a cold brew at the Victoria Hotel on Goondiwindi's main street.

Where to stay: Goondiwindi Holiday Park

Start your exploration by visiting the local art gallery. Next, spend the afternoon walking on the Heritage Trail learning about the town's history in opal mining and wool production. Along the riverside walk, you may be able to spot some Australian native wildlife. Spend the night at the Warrego Riverside Tourist Park or at Charlotte Plains where you can soak in the warm spring waters outdoors.

Where to stay: Charlotte Plains

On your way to Tambo, make a stop in Charleville. Take a walk along the Warrego River or tour the Charleville Bureau of Meteorology. Go exploring for your chance to encounter the local rock wallabies. Once you arrive at Tambo head to your campsite at Tambo Mill Caravan Park.

Where to stay: Tambo Mill Caravan Park

Along the way to Longreach stop in Blackall and visit Idalia National Park. Here you will find yourself connecting with nature amidst the gorges and rocky formations of the Gowan Range tablelands. Protecting dense mulga woodlands and seven macropod species, Idalia's craggy escarpments emerge from dense mulga woodlands and provide breathtaking views. Longreach is an outback town brimming with things to see and do so you may wish to spend 2 nights here. Activities include cruising the Thompson River aboard a paddle steamer, visiting the lush Lily Lagoon for a change of scenery from dry outback landscapes, and the Iginai Nature Reserve will surround you in beautiful local flora and fauna. This stop is where Matilda Way ends. Spend your evening at the free campground along the Thompson River and unwind under the blanket of stars far away from city nights.

Where to stay: Thomson River Free Camping

Pass through Winton on your way to the next stop. This town is where hundreds of dinosaur footprints can be seen. Spend your morning fossicking for opals, or heading to Bladensburg National Park, a place of raw beauty, red rocks, and stunning views from flat-topped mesas. Hughenden is part of the Australian Dinosaur Trail. Home to volcanic mountains and sweeping black soil plains, this destination is rich in fossils and dinosaur areas. Begin your visit by heading to Flinders Discovery Centre to immerse yourself in the history and culture of this town. Unwind in the afternoon at Porcupine National Park, where you will be surprised by a crystal-clear creek, vibrant sandstone cliffs, and dense vegetation.

Where to stay: Allen Terry Caravan Park

As you begin the last leg of your journey, be sure to stop at White Mountains National Park, where you will find a diverse landscape of white sandstone bluffs, brilliant wildflowers, dunes, and lancewood forests.