Outback Queensland is a vast, limitless, and awe-inspiring landscape that’s rich in history, beaming with colourful characters and where the pioneering Australian spirit shines bright. A destination that undeniably deserves a spot on any traveller’s bucket list.
And while not every visitor to Outback Queensland is expected to battle the elements and fight to survive like the contestants of Network 10’s Australian Survivor (filmed recently in the Cloncurry), it pays to be clued up on where to stop, what to see and how to experience this incredible region. So, here’s how to thrive in Outback Queensland like an ultimate survivor:
Where to wash off after a long dusty day
Unlike the contestants of Survivor, visitors to Outback Queensland don’t need to go weeks without a proper bath. Thankfully, Outback Queensland is fed by the Great Artesian Basin which is the largest and deepest artesian basin in the world and there’s a suite of soothing bath experiences on offer. At the Julia Creek Caravan Park guests can kick back and relax in one of six artesian bath houses, each feature two four-claw bathtubs nourished by water from the basin. Further south, but still fed by the same artesian basin, Charlotte Plains Station, just outside of Cunnamulla, is home to four outdoor baths that look out across the plains.
Guests of Saltbush Retreat in Longreach have the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive and luxe outdoor bath terrace experience while those checking into Gilberton Outback Retreat can also make the most of the private balcony bathtubs. While not traditional in the bathtub sense, the recently opened Talaroo Hot Springs (June 2021) are a 65-million-year-old geological wonder, being one of only two mound springs in Australia and the only one that is not fed by the Great Artesian Basin. Featuring private soaking pools and tours led by the Ewamian Traditional Owners, it’s an immersion of both a physical and cultural kind.
Where to sleep under the stars… in style
The cast of the 2021 Survivor series might be required to sleep on the ground and construct their own shelter but that doesn’t mean visitors to Outback Queensland need to follow suit. While camping out isn’t for everyone it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the soul-enriching experience of sleeping under the stars. Located just a five-minute drive from the centre of Longreach, Mitchell Grass Retreat pairs the great outdoors with ultimate luxury. The 15 glamping tents are kitted out to the highest quality including lavish king bed and fresh linen, deluxe bathtub with view across the Mitchell Grass Plains and breakfast delivered daily to your door.
Drive approximately seven hours east and you’ll find Wallaroo Outback Retreat. Boasting ensuites and private bathrooms across two glamping accommodation options, relaxing decks and posturepedic mattresses this is true comfort under canvas. Oozing with rustic charm the 72,000 acre cattle property is located only a stone’s throw (in Outback terms anyway) from Carnarvon Gorge.
Where to cool off on a warm sunny day
Outback Queensland is blessed with warm sunny days throughout most of the year. So, when it’s time to cool off there’s an assortment of refreshing waterholes dotted around the Outback, perfect for a splash. Plunge into Chinaman Creek Dam or Corella Dam near Cloncurry for a refreshing swim under the Queensland sun. Just down the road (well, kind of) Lake Moondarra supplies the Outback city of Mount Isa with water and the still conditions make it a popular swimming spot for both visitors and locals.
Heading south, Combo Water Waterhole, aka the Waltzing Matilda Billabong, is a great spot to set up a picnic under the Coolibah Tree and take a dip. While Birdsville in the state’s west is arguably one of the hottest towns in Queensland, the Birdsville Billabong on the outskirts of town is a saving grace for those looking to escape the heat where swimming, stand up paddle boarding and kayaking is possible.
Where to fill your tummy with totally ‘out there’ Outback grub
Just like Immunity Challenges on Survivor, long road trips and exciting adventures can be hard (but fun) yakka and often call for a rewarding hearty meal to refuel. While pubs classics like a chicken ‘schnitty’, bangers and mash or steak sandwich are great tummy fillers, maybe it’s time to try something totally different? Swing into The Australian Hotel Motel in Boulia and give the camel burger, camel sausages, camel pie or camel sausage roll a crack. As the town famous for hosting the Boulia Camel Races, it would be rude not to! During the event the pub puts on extra camel-iscious dishes such as crumbed camel steak or camel meatball pizzas.
Where to stop in for a cuppa
Spanning a whopping 901,574km2, Outback Queensland is a lpace where a good cuppa can be few and far between. If you’re in the vicinity of Longreach however stop in at Casey’s Café in the main street of town, arguably pouring one of the best coffees in the west. Their selection of baked goods and savoury menu options also go down a treat. Caffeine fiends won’t miss out when visiting Ridgee Didge Café in Barcaldine, as quality coffee is the aim of the game at this Outback pit stop. Owner Cheryl Thompson is a self-proclaimed coffee aficionado and has even gone as far as creating her own Indigenous coffee blend alongside coffee roaster Dimitrios Pillouras.
Tea drinkers also won’t be at a loss as The Lodge on Hawthorn in Blackall is home to a historic tearoom set in an old masonic temple. The café, come antique store, come art gallery, serves up a delicious morning tea (among a wider dining menu) complete with sweet treats and tantalising tea in a charming setting.
Where to pull in for a ‘coldie’ and a warm welcome
Get the gang together for Tribal Council and yarn about the days adventure over a refreshing brew at one of Outback Queensland’s iconic pubs. If you’re travelling the road between Barcaldine and Longreach you’ll pass by the Wellshot Hotel in Ilfracombe. Winning ‘People’s Choice Award for Best Pub in Outback Queensland 2019’ the Wellshot Hotel is known for its warm welcome and country hospitality. The North Gregory Hotel in Winton was made famous as the venue of the first public rendition of Waltzing Matilda. With a rich history that also includes a stay by former US president Lyndon Johnson, hosting the meeting that launched QANTAS and displaying original sketches by Aussie icon Daphne Mayo, a visit to this ‘grand old lady’ calls for a toast.
Queensland’s western most Pub, the Birdsville Hotel, is found on the edge of the Simpson Desert and is the perfect pitstop for a beer and a meal after a long crossing. Now to Queensland’s most famous pub, the Walkabout Creek Hotel in McKinlay. Known around the world as the pub from Paul Hogan’s Crocodile Dundee, the Walkabout Creek Hotel dates back to 1900 (then called the Federation Hotel) and still serves up cold beer for visitors and movie buffs that roll into town.
Where to reel in the catch of the day
Fishing is a skill of survival as old as time, but unlike the contestants of Australian Survivor, visitors to Outback Queensland don’t need to rely on their angling skills to fill their tummy. However, if dropping a line is of interest here are a few tips on where the fish are biting. Those chasing barramundi should head straight to the Norman River with the area famous for its big fish. In fact the Les Wilson Barramundi Discovery Centre in Karumba is the only hatchery in the world to breed the Southern Gulf strain of this iconic fish.
Speaking of big fish, the Dawson River in Central Queensland has carved a reputation for big catches with many casting out with the hopes of hooking the coveted Southern Saratoga. For all year-round bites try the Thompson River in Longreach where yellowbelly can be caught in any season. Outside Mount Isa Lake Moondarra boasts 22 species of freshwater fish while 1,400km away at Lake Callide near Biloela barramundi, cod, yellowbelly and red claw are in abundance.
With these insider tips and survival guide it’s time to make an alliance with friends and family and book a trip to Queensland’s Outback region to thrive like an ultimate Survivor. For more information and to start planning visit: www.queensland.com.
