The route from Queensland to the Northern Territory is a popular path that has been well-worn by many travellers – and for good reason!
This route takes you right through the heart of Outback Queensland, where Australia’s story comes to life.
Rockhampton to Emerald – 271 kilometres
Travel from Rockhampton to Emerald, where you can discover the historic Emerald railway station, botanic gardens, a pioneer village and museum, art galleries, the Town Hall’s fossilised tree, and the huge reproduction of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers.
Emerald to Barcaldine – 310 kilometres
Enter Outback Queensland through one of its most historically significant towns: Barcaldine. The town was the rallying point during the great shearers’ strike of 1891, and 2016 marks the event’s 125th anniversary. This strike ultimately led to the formation of the Australian Labor Party. Check out the magnificent Tree of Knowledge monument, which is said to have been the rallying point for the shearers during the strike. Learn about working Australia at the Australian Workers Heritage Centre, and take in the historical sites of Barcaldine on the Between the Bougainvilleas Heritage Trail.
Barcaldine to Longreach – 107 kilometres
Iconic Longreach is entrenched in Australian history. Visit the Stockman’s Hall of Fame, where you’ll learn about the region’s rural history. Take a journey through Australia’s aviation past at the Qantas Founders Museum, learn about our pioneering past through a Kinnon & Co experience, tour one of the largest classrooms in the world at the School of Distance Education, and cruise the Thompson River aboard a historic paddleboat.
Longreach to Winton – 179 kilometres
Welcome to the ‘Dinosaur Capital of Australia’! Winton is home to the largest collection of Australian dinosaur bones in the world, housed at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum. Check out the fossils, watch as they are prepared in a working laboratory and take part in one of the real dinosaur digs that take place during the year. You can also drive to Lark Quarry Conservation Park, home to the world’s only recorded evidence of a dinosaur stampede! Winton is also home to the North Gregory Hotel, where our unofficial national anthem, ‘Waltzing Matilda’, was first performed by Banjo Paterson. Refresh yourself with a cold drink and then take a drive to the infamous billabong.
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