The Queensland Outback takes in the area from Birdsville and Charleville in the South, through to Mount Isa in the north. This is the region of legends and outback myths, and the birthplace of “Waltzing Matilda”. The mining town of Mount Isa is the hub of the Outback in the Northwest, nestled among the ochre-red Selwyn Ranges, on the banks of the Leichhardt River. The twin jewels in Mount Isa's crown are the spectacular Lawn Hill Gorge in Boodjamulla National Park and its neighbour, the world-heritage listed Riversleigh Fossil Fields. Barcaldine lays claim to being the birth place of the Australian Labour party; Charleville is the largest town in the south west; You can fossick for Opals at Quilpie; Have a punt on a horse at the Birdsville races; or Soak up the history and heritage that surrounds the legendary township of Longreach, home of the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame, Qantas Founders Outback Museum.
When to Visit Outback
The temperatures in the outback can climb to the extremes in the summer. Casual light clothes are recommended although temperatures can fall below 5 deg C at night during winter. The wet season in the northern areas is from November to March. The best time to visit is from April to October when the days are cooler.
Getting Around Outback
There are airports at Longreach, Mount Isa, Charleville, and Birdsville. Rail services also link most of the major towns. Coach services operate to all major Outback centres along the Overlander's Way from Townsville to Mount Isa, and on the Matilda Highway from Cunnamulla to Karumba. Most of Queensland's Outback is accessible by family sedan, and towns are usually no more than two hours apart. However without a 4WD you’ll miss plenty of opportunities to “go bush” and explore spectacular scenery.