What to see and where to stay
BIRDSVILLE
BOULIA
WINTON
BARCALDINE
CHARLEVILLE
QUILPIE
BIRDSVILLE | Wangkangurru-Yarluyandi Country
In outback terms, Birdsville is as remote as they come where the journey to Queensland’s most western frontier is all part of the adventure. Burke and Wills traversed this territory 160 years ago on their ill-fated journey and today you can still feel the same sense of unchartered territory.
While the town population may be small, the locals share a big backyard – 176,500km2 of the Simpson Desert (Munga-Thirri National Park) to be precise. The red, windswept hills that surround Birdsville can be discovered by four-wheel drive (and a sense of adventure) but nothing beats catching a sunset lightshow from the top of the famous Big Red Sand Dune.
We’re sure we’ll find you enjoying a beverage of two at Australia’s most iconic outback pub, the Birdsville Hotel. The icon has been a welcome refuge to travellers from across the globe since 1884.

BOULIA | Pitta Pitta Country
Boulia in the heart of Outback Queensland’s Channel Country is known as the Land of the Min Min Light.
The eerie Min Min Lights have drawn curious travellers to Boulia for decades hoping to see the mysterious balls of glowing light. Whether it’s fact or folklore, a trip to the Min Min Encounter Centre will enthral you with stories with the animatronic and laser show.
Surrounded by Mitchell & Flinders grass plains, Boulia was once part of an inland sea, home to a mass of marine reptiles. Dive into Australia’s past the Boulia Heritage Complex to check out the fossil collection of marine reptiles on display including the bones of a Plesiosaur.
Throughout the town, see iconic wildlife from kangaroos to emus and brolgas. In July each year, the town becomes camel central when hosting the ‘Melbourne Cup of Camel Racing ’, the Boulia Camel Races.

WINTON | Koa Country
There aren’t many towns that can live up to being as truly Australian as Winton.
The town’s name essentially sits on the birth certificate for Qantas and Australia’s unofficial national anthem, Waltzing Matilda. The Waltzing Matilda Centre celebrates and reveals the story of Waltzing Matilda in a rich multi-sensory experience. It’s here where you can continue to turn the history pages to a century ago when Qantas held its first board meeting at the Winton Club in 1921.
Below Winton’s surface, the soil is rich with dinosaur fossils and stunning boulder opal. You’ll find the world’s largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs and the world’s only recorded evidence of a dinosaur stampede at Lark Quarry Conservation Park.
Soaking in the town’s natural beauty millions of years in the making couldn’t come easier at sunset. Admire the endless horizon that seemingly puts you on the world’s edge, broken by the occasional flat-topped mesa.

BARCALDINE | Iningai Country
Affectionately known as ‘Barcy’ by the locals, Barcaldine cemented itself in Australia’s history books in 1891 with the Australian Shearers’ Strike, leading to the birth of the Australian Labor Party. The Tree of Knowledge Memorial, an ode to the event, can be easily spotted both day and night on the town’s main street.
The Australian Workers Heritage Centre celebrates the extraordinary legacy of working Australians and how they’ve shaped our nation.
Thanks to its connection to the Great Artesian Basin, the town is known as the ‘Garden City of the West’. If you’re thinking the town is a little tree obsessed, you’re correct. Ghost gums and ironbark line the town and you’ll quickly spot that every street here is named after a tree.
Barcaldine provides a great base to explore other towns in the region; the towns of Muttaburra, Aramac, Jericho, Alpha all retain their old fashion charm and small-town values.

CHARLEVILLE | Bidjara Country
Nestled alongside the Warrego River, Charleville is an authentic and genuine outback town with a whole lot of heart.
Although small in size, it compensates with an array of remarkable experiences that are sure to fill your must-do list.
Every corner you explore reveals local secrets, characters, and a history that runs deep.
The friendly and welcoming nature of the locals extends even to the smallest residents of Charleville, the adorable bilbies, who can be discovered at the Charleville Bilby Experience.
The town takes full advantage of the crystal-clear outback skies, inviting you to indulge in an unparalleled stargazing experience at the Cosmos Centre.
Situated in the heart of “mulga country,” Charleville and its surrounding pastoral properties boast a wealth of history, diverse flora, and captivating fauna. Follow the path of the Charleville Heritage Trail to admire impressive examples of pioneer architecture and immerse yourself in the town’s captivating history.

Quilpie | Mardigan COUNTRY
Quilpie is a stunning outback region, that’s sure to supercharge any outback adventure. The town is overflowing in Aussie heritage, a vibrant local art scene and outdoor activities. The streets echo with epic stories of pioneering ‘cattle kings’ and ancient giants.
Quilpie is home to ‘The Jewel of the Outback’, the beautiful Boulder Opal. Find St Finbarr’s Church, one of the town’s iconic attractions, where its altar is adorned with locally mined Boulder Opal or try your luck at the free fossicking fields.
Toast an outback sunset from Baldy Top Lookout with a cold beverage in hand. A 10 minute walk to the top will reward you with complete panoramic views that will be sure to take your breath away.
Just 108km west of Quilpie, meet Australia’s largest dinosaur at the Eromanga Natural History Museum — an absolute must.

LIMITED PLACES
The Outback Queensland Masters culminates in Quilpie with the Million Dollar Hole-in-One. To compete in the Million Dollar Hole-in-One, you must first have competed in two previous locations. Get practicing. You never know, an extra hole’s practice might just make you a million dollars richer this year.