After you’ve explored all that South West Queensland has to offer (read our blog here), don’t be afraid to wander a little farther into the Central West and Far West Regions. These regions hold a huge amount of Australian history and beauty in some of Queensland’s harshest environments.
A few hundred kilometres north of the South West border is the town of Barcaldine. The once magnificent 180 year old Tree of Knowledge stood in Barcaldine, marking the alleged labour movement origin. After being poisoned in 2006, the tree was preserved and made into the Tree Of Knowledge Memorial. This charming town has a lot to offer with the old Radio Picture Theatre, Lagoon creek, Australian Workers Heritage Centre, and Barcaldine and District Museum. You’ll want to stick around to experience it all!
The central west region’s largest town is Longreach. With a population of 3000 and plenty of outback charisma, Longreach is home to the famous Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame as well as many other classic Aussie experiences. The Outback Pioneers Tour takes you along part of the old mail route on Australia’s only Cobb and Co stagecoach. You also have the option to board the original Thomson River cruise or an authentic station visit. All of the experiences that Longreach provides allow for great adventure hosted by the region’s locals.
After a town with ancient history, the home of Banjo Patterson’s famous ‘Waltzing Matilda’ and beautiful Boulder opals? Then you need to stop in at Winton. If you’re a fan of the prehistoric times, don’t miss the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum. It holds the largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils in the world! With a whole lot see in the area, you might decide to check out one of the tours available to ensure you don’t miss all of the regions attractions and all the information about this fascinating town.
Far West Queensland
As you head into the Far West Region of Queensland you’ll come across Windorah. Perhaps Windorah’s best known event is the annual International Yabby Races. People from all over the place gather in the main street of town to enjoy live music, food and beverages and some entertaining racing of the Yabbies! You can also stop in at the Whitula Gate Museum, check out Cooper’s Creek and the Windorah Sand Hills.
As you get to the end of the track, you’ll find Birdsville, located on the eastern edge of the Simpson Desert. If you’re after an unforgettable experience, head out to the Big Red sand dune at dusk. This 40 metre high dune is the most famous dune in the Simpson Desert and provides a perfect vantage point for watching one of Outback Queensland’s picturesque sunsets. Ask anyone that’s been to the famous Birdsville Races and they’ll tell you it’s a must see! You can try the house special of curried camel pie at the Birdsville Hotel. It’s also host to the Big Red Bash music festival that draws in big name artists from all over the world. A definite must-do if you love live music. There are so many memories to be made.
Queensland’s small country towns are known for their unsurpassed hospitality and authentic experiences. Discover all the hidden treasures that await your discovery in every corner of our great rural regions. From Roma to Birdsville and everywhere in between. There’s plenty to see and do when you head out west!
Fly to Roma or Longreach from Brisbane and do a self-drive tour. Or drive from your home to experience ours!
By Julia Proud, Boobook Technical Assistant