Outback Queensland is more accessible than its remoteness suggests. You can fly into the major centres in a couple of hours from Brisbane, drive the fully sealed touring highways at your own pace, or let the outback come to you aboard a heritage train. This guide covers every option — and the easiest of all, a guided coach tour with everything handled.
By air
Flying to the outback
The fastest way in — and a great way to save days on the road.
QantasLink flies from Brisbane to Longreach, Barcaldine, Blackall, Charleville and Roma, while Rex and QantasLink serve Mount Isa. A popular approach is to fly into Longreach and tour outward overland, or to fly one leg and drive the other, cutting the long haul from the coast.
By road
Driving the touring highways
The classic self-drive — all on sealed roads to the main towns.
| Route | From Brisbane | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Warrego & Landsborough Hwy | ~1,170 km to Longreach | The main Central West route via Roma, Charleville and Barcaldine. |
| Matilda Way | Longreach → Winton → Cloncurry | The signposted outback touring spine through dinosaur country. |
| Capricorn Highway | Rockhampton → Longreach | The coastal-to-outback link, paralleling the Spirit of the Outback line. |
| Remote tracks | Channel Country / Birdsville | Unsealed — 4WD, planning and caution required (see our 4WD guide). |
Distances are vast and fuel stops are spaced out — fuel up whenever you can, carry water, and plan two to three days each way for a Central West drive.
By rail
The outback trains
A relaxed, characterful arrival.
Spirit of the Outback
Brisbane → Rockhampton → Longreach — sleeper cabins and the outback rolling past the window.
The Westlander
Brisbane → Charleville, connecting to coach services further west.
The Inlander
Townsville → Mount Isa across the north-west for Gulf Savannah trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Outback Queensland?
Three main ways: fly into Longreach, Mount Isa, Charleville, Blackall or Barcaldine on QantasLink or Rex; drive the sealed touring highways from Brisbane; or take the Spirit of the Outback or Westlander trains. Many travellers simply join a guided coach tour from Brisbane.
How far is Outback Queensland from Brisbane?
It's a big country. Roma is about 480 km from Brisbane, Longreach around 1,170 km, and Winton roughly 1,340 km. Driving takes two to three days each way at a comfortable pace, which is why many people fly one way or tour by coach.
Can I fly to Outback Queensland?
Yes. QantasLink serves Longreach, Barcaldine, Blackall, Charleville and Roma, and Rex and QantasLink serve Mount Isa. Flying into one town and touring out overland is a popular way to save days on the road.
Is there a train to the outback?
Yes — the Spirit of the Outback runs Brisbane–Rockhampton–Longreach twice weekly, and the Westlander runs Brisbane–Charleville. They're a characterful, relaxed way to arrive. See our Spirit of the Outback page.
Let us get you there — and around
The simplest way to see Outback Queensland is a guided coach tour from Brisbane: no long drives, no logistics, just the outback. Cooee Tours has run outback departures since 1974.
Keep planning
Related guides
Travel Agents & Group Organisers
This destination suits coach groups, clubs and social groups touring Outback Queensland. Cooee Tours offers net rates, custom routing and guaranteed departures — get in touch to discuss your group's needs.