Outback Queensland is well known for its wide-open landscapes, hearty pub meals and a classic local larrikin in most towns. There is however, so much more to explore in Outback Queensland. 

From stand-up paddleboarding in a desert oasis to bespoke bathhouses and discovering prehistoric footprints from the past, here are 10 amazing experiences that you never knew existed in Outback Queensland.

#1 SUPing at Cobbold Gorge

Nestled deep within the Gulf Savannah in the north-east pocket of Outback Queensland sits the sandstone oasis of Cobbold Gorge.

Cobbold Gorge is one of the Outback's best kept secrets with its untamed beauty, emerald waters and soaring sandstone gorges that date back more than 135 million years.

Hire a stand-up paddleboard and cruise along the Gorge's mirror-like waters, view the Gorge from above via the glass viewing bridge (if you dare!) or head out into the surrounding Savannah for birdwatching and hiking.

Access to the Gorge is by guided tour only.

#2 Bucket List Bathhouses

The vast Outback Queensland landscape is home to mineral rich artesian waters, accessible via natural springs, pools, spas and bespoke bath houses.

The Wellness Way bath trail offers over 25 bathing locations where you can soak, sip, savour and stargaze in some of Australia's most unforgettable locations.

A highlight of the trail is Cunnamulla Hot Springs where you can swim in tiered thermal pools in a stunning location beside the Warrego River. This geothermal wellness centre features a cold plunge pool, sauna and steam room and signature clay ritual.

#3 Dig for dinosaurs

Many people aren't aware that Outback Queensland is home to fossil rich landscapes and boasts a rich catalogue of marine, dinosaur and megafauna fossils.

From Muttaburra and Mount Isa, all the way to Eromanga, Outback Queensland provides bucket list opportunities to see life sized dinosaur replicas, a working fossil laboratory and real dinosaur footprints – no special effects needed!  You can even get your hands dirty by joining a real dinosaur dig.

Australia's Dinosaur Trail encompasses the towns of Winton, Hughenden and Richmond all offering incredible prehistoric discoveries and experiences.  Find out more about the trail here.

#4 A Boeing 747 Up In Lights

Prepare to be entralled at Luminescent Longreach, a moving 3D light show at the Qantas Founders Museum. Here, a Boeing 747 is transformed in a glowing canvas that celebrates the 100-year history of Qantas (founded in Outback Queensland).

#5 Adventures Straight Out of Yellowstone  

For an experience straight out of Yellowstone, climb aboard the vintage carriage of the Great Darr River Rail Adventure.

You'll depart from the historic platforms of Longreach Station and pass grassland, waterholes, and emus and brolgas outlined against classic Outback vistas. Champagne in hand and warm Outback breeze on your skin, settle in for the journey as your guide brings the landscapes to life with yarns filled with the Outback's secrets.

Once you arrive at Darr River, you'll sip billy boiled tea and enjoy a homemade morning tea by the private, tranquil waterhole. 

#6 Australia's Darkest Skies

Outback Queensland is one of the best locations for stargazing within Australia.  Far away from the bright city lights, the Outback skies are said to be amongst the most impressive in the world.

Leading the way is Winton, home to Australia's first internationally certified Dark Sky Sanctuary. Perched high on a jump up at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs in Winton, the sanctuary is the perfect place to view one of the darkest skies in the world.  Their viewing area is free and open year-round. Bring your telescope, binoculars, picnic and enjoy the spectacular southern skies.

Outback Queensland also has a Cosmos Centre located in Charleville. The Centre offers both day and nighttime experiences including sungazing and premium stargazing through specialised telescopes.

#7 Queensland's Sweetest Stopover

Just outside of Charleville, the Outback Date Farm offers a sweet stopover where visitors can tour the plantation, sample harvested dates and even enjoy a home-cooked date loaf for morning tea.  The farm offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at food production in Australia's arid zone. Today, the farm manages approximately 500 palms and has become a major regional agritourism destination.

#8 A Top Tipple – Outback's Only Gin Distillery

Situated on a beautiful property just outside Roma, Western Queensland Spirit is Outback Queensland's one and only gin distillery.  Visitors can enjoy private tastings, take part in a workshop or take in the property's beautiful gardens will enjoying locally crafted spirits and a grazing platter.

Be sure to sample the distillery's award-winning Outback Gin which won gold in the London Spirits Competition in 2025.

#9 Discover WWII Secrets

Uncover a hidden chapter of Australian history at Charleville's WWII Secret Base. This must-do experience invites you to “enlist” and explore state-of-the-art interactive exhibitions featuring classified missions, wartime romances and the secret lives of the 3,500 United States Army Force personnel that were stationed in secrecy in the town during the 1940s.

#10 Stonehenge – Nature's Address Book

Just 2km outside Stonehenge, lies an address book unlike any other. Started by a stranded post officer years ago, visitors now spell their names out in rocks at this unique site.  Join the tradition and lay your name into this Outback canvas that continually grows and changes over time.

---  ENDS --

To receive the Outback Queensland 2026 Media Kit, story starters or famil information, please contact:

Amanda Munn

Publicist For Outback Queensland 

E: amanda@lingo.digital