Outback Queensland's towns are its heartbeat — each with its own history, museums, pub and stretch of country. This guide introduces the main hubs, from the Central West icons of Longreach and Winton to the Channel Country's Birdsville and the north-west's Mount Isa, so you can decide where to base your trip.
Central West
The Central West hubs
The heart of the outback tourism trail — and most travellers' first stop.
Longreach
The Qantas Founders Museum, the Stockman's Hall of Fame and a Thomson River sunset cruise.
Explore Longreach → Dinosaur capitalWinton
The Australian Age of Dinosaurs, the Waltzing Matilda Centre and the Lark Quarry stampede.
Explore Winton → Tree of KnowledgeBarcaldine
Birthplace of the Australian labour movement and the striking Tree of Knowledge memorial.
Explore Barcaldine →The Mulga & Channel Country
The south & west
Dark skies, mulga plains and the braided rivers of the far west.
Charleville
The Cosmos Centre observatory, the Bilby Experience and the gateway to the Mulga Country.
Explore Charleville → MaranoaRoma
The largest cattle-selling centre in the southern hemisphere and the gateway from Brisbane.
Explore Roma → ArtesianCunnamulla
The Warrego River, hot artesian baths and classic south-west outback character.
Explore Cunnamulla → Simpson edgeBirdsville
The world's most famous remote pub and the legendary September Races.
Explore Birdsville → Min MinBoulia
Home of the mysterious Min Min lights and the Channel Country camel races.
Explore Boulia → Oil & opalEromanga
Australia's furthest town from the sea — and home to the country's largest dinosaur.
Explore Eromanga →The North West
The north-west & fossil trail
The Kalkadoon country of Mount Isa and the inland sea's fossil towns.
Mount Isa
Kalkadoon country, the Outback at Isa and the gateway to the Gulf Savannah.
Explore Mount Isa → Marine fossilsHughenden
"Hughie" the Muttaburrasaurus and the gateway to Porcupine Gorge, the "mini Grand Canyon."
Explore Hughenden → Inland seaRichmond
Kronosaurus Korner and some of the world's best marine-reptile fossils.
Explore Richmond →Frequently Asked Questions
Which outback towns should I visit first?
For a first trip, Longreach and Winton are the essential pair — Qantas and the Stockman's Hall of Fame at Longreach, dinosaurs and Waltzing Matilda at Winton. Add Charleville and Barcaldine for a fuller Central West loop.
How far apart are the towns?
It's a big region. Longreach to Winton is about 180 km, Longreach to Charleville around 515 km, and the far-western towns much further. Plan your fuel and driving days — or let a guided coach handle the distances.
Which town is best for dinosaurs?
Winton is the dinosaur capital (Australian Age of Dinosaurs and Lark Quarry), while Richmond and Hughenden complete the fossil trail across the north. See our Dinosaur Trail guide.
Is Birdsville worth the trip?
For the adventurous, yes — the iconic Birdsville pub, the edge of the Simpson Desert and the September Races make it a bucket-list outback destination. It's remote, so plan carefully or travel with a guided tour.
See the outback towns with Cooee Tours
Our guided coach tours link the great outback towns in one comfortable trip — the driving, distances and accommodation all handled. Family-run since 1974.
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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.