What to do and see in Outback Queensland, Queensland: The Best Things to do Adventurous

Outback Pioneers invites everyone to come to Longreach and discover the heritage and pioneering spirit of outback Queensland. Step into pioneers shoes for holidays and experiences that entertain, educate and inspire. Owned and managed by the Kinnon family, Outback Pioneers reflects their love of the outback lifestyle and dedication to preserving it for future generations. Outback Pioneers is the only place in Australia you can gallop in a Cobb & Co stagecoach along part of an old mail route, see the Harry Redford Old Time Tent Show and much more. You can also take a sunset cruise on the Thomson River to a stockman’s dinner around the campfire plus visit the Kinnon’s historic, working Nogo Station where Captain Starlight kept his stolen cattle and where station life continues to defy drought and distance. In Longreach, the Kinnon & Co Station Store and The Welcome Home are further attractions and the Outback Pioneers booking office is in The Welcome Home building at 128 Eagle Street.

Red Dirt Tours offers a number of tours to the spectacular natural and man-made attractions of the Winton region. Each location has its own unique characteristics and I love nothing more than to show you our backyard, down the red dirt tracks. Sit back, relax and let me take the back roads for you! Red Dirt Tours is Owned and operated by Vicki. Because she is also your tour guide you’ll know she cares!

Explore LAKE EYRE, THE CHANNEL COUNTRY, and the AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK departing from Longreach with our local operator who has lived and worked in this area for over 40 years. Take a LOCAL SCENIC AIR TOUR from Longreach to gain an insight into the vastness of the area or extend this tour to visit the LARK QUARRY DINOSAUR TRACKS outside Winton. Air Central West is the only company that SPECIALISES IN FOLLOWING THE CHANNEL COUNTRY RIVER SYSTEMS TO AND FROM the largest salt lake in Australia. KATI THANDA–LAKE EYRE is the lowest point in Australia being 15m below sea level and fills, or near fills, only a few times a century. Phillip Owens has spent most of his life based in areas of western Queensland and has accumulated over 30 years flying experience. Air Central West was founded by Phillip Owens in 1995. The business commenced operations with a single aircraft, the Beechcraft Bonanza, specializing in charter operations and gradually extending into tourism. Within the last 20 years the client base of Air Central West has also included many government and corporate Departments, mining contractors, stock and station agents and tourism organizations. With an increase in the demand for reliable air transport, Air Central West increased its fleet with the purchase of a twin engine Beechcraft Baron and also Cessna 210 aircraft. This decision allowed a broadening of services and operations across Australia.

Come on an journey across the ages guided by locals who have an in-depth knowledge of fossil hunting and unraveling the mysteries of the past. Meet Australia's largest dinosaur "Cooper" or Learn to prep Dinosaur and Megafauna fossils with one of our prep programs. Join a Megafauna dig or Dinosaur Dig for a rare opportunity to learn how to dig up Australia's unique fossilized fauna.  Phone ahead to enquire about our range of tours and experiences or visit our website for more information.

The dinosaur trackways at the Dinosaur Stampede were formed 95 million years ago when outback Australia was a vastly different place. In stark contrast to the arid climate of today, the landscape was characterised by a great river plain, with towering conifers and lush vegetation interspersed with sandy channels, swamps and lakes brimming with freshwater mussels, lungfish and crocodiles. The climate was humid and cool with an average rainfall of over one metre. It was in this setting that a herd of at least 150 small, two-legged dinosaurs, including carnivorous coelurosaurs about the size of chickens and slightly larger plant-eating ornithopods, came to drink at the edge of a lake. What happened next is immortalised in stone! Over 3,300 footprints of these long-extinct dinosaurs are scattered over the rock face, stark evidence of the terror they must have experienced as they fled the scene upon the arrival of a large theropod. This snapshot of a few terrifying moments has been frozen in time, immortalising the event and making Lark Quarry Conservation Park home to the only known dinosaur stampede in the world. Truly an experience not to be missed!

Deep in the heart of the Gulf Savannah region of Far North Queensland is a hidden outback oasis - Cobbold Gorge. Immerse yourself in the natural wonder of a truly unique North Queensland outback holiday destination. Cruise the gorge to explore its ancient geological landforms and the savannah wonderland on a guided tour. Discover Cobbold with its North Queensland wildlife, go bushwalking or birdwatching, or just relax and enjoy the modern comforts of Cobbold Village. Only a six hour drive from Cairns and Townsville, getting there is easy. Cobbold Gorge offers the ultimate outback family holiday adventure with modern accommodation and RV and caravan friendly camping facilities. To protect this unique North Queensland environment, access to Cobbold Gorge is by guided tour only. A three hour Gorge Tour operates at 10am (April - October) and 10am plus 1.30pm in peak months (Jun/Jul/Aug/Sept). Tour bookings are essential. Day visitor rates are available for those who choose to not stay at Cobbold Village. Please note Cobbold Gorge is closed from 1 November - through 31 March annually (or Easter if earlier).

The Australian Age of Dinosaurs is a museum focused on Australia’s evolutionary history, in particular the discovery, conservation, and research of Australia’s dinosaurs. It is a working museum – an education resource, research facility and tourist attraction. It features: • World’s largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils • Most productive fossil preparation laboratory in the Southern Hemisphere • Dinosaur Canyon walk with life-size bronze dinosaurs • Work on real, 95 million-year-old dinosaur bone fossils found in the Winton area • Spectacular views from the top of The Jump-Up (Australia's first International Dark-Sky Sanctuary) with striking rocky outcrops and canyons; walking trails; animal and bird life; it’s a photographer’s paradise!

Porcupine Gorge National Park is located approximately 72km North of Hughenden. This picturesque gorge is a marvel in itself and is a must see when visiting the Flinders Shire area. There are view points from the top of the gorge, a swimming hole at the base, walking tracks at your leisure and plenty of flora and fauna to marvel at. Camping is available, however bookings are a must. See you soon!