It’s easy to spend the summer lying by the pool, visiting the nearest beach, or hiding indoors as far away from the sun and as close to the air conditioner as possible. But this summer, move away from the familiar routine and experience something adventurous!

Queensland’s iconic Adventure Way traces the original route used by Cobb & Co coaches when they were the major means of transportation between Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

Cobb & Co transported a range of mail and cargo, as well as thousands of emigrants eager for success on the goldfields, but the journey was long and often treacherous. Today, the entire drive can take as little as two days, but here, we’ve outlined the first leg of the journey for you to explore at a leisurely pace.

Brisbane to Dalby: 207 kilometres

Just 44 kilometres out of Brisbane, Ipswich is one of Queensland’s oldest provincial cities. With more than 6000 heritage-listed sites, Ipswich will give you an authentic impression of what travelling through central Queensland during the 19th century would have been like. The city’s occupants have conserved their cultural heritage through the preservation of buildings, public spaces, and even an original railway line and carts. At the Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway, visitors can take a round trip on a heritage carriage and absorb the surrounding bushland in an experience so authentic, you might be a little surprised when you reach the town and see your car instead of a horse-drawn cart!

Toowoomba

Just over 100 kilometres away from Ipswich, your next stop is Toowoomba, Queensland’s Garden City. Toowoomba is home to more than 240 public gardens as well as the Cobb+Co Museum, which is home to a huge variety of exhibits, including a wild animal exhibition, hands-on workshops and, of course, the National Carriage Collection, comprising more than 45 original carriages, wagons, buggies and coaches were vital in the development of Australia as we know it today.

Dalby

The next major stop on the Adventure Highway is Dalby, a region famous for its cotton, wheat, sorghum and cattle industries. Nature lovers will feel right at home in this picturesque rural paradise. Fishing, boating and canoeing are popular activities for visitors, and camping in the nearby Lake Broadwater Conservation Park is the perfect way to experience the tranquillity of the outback.

Dalby’s nature parks are popular among stargazers and photographers, and from here – away from the noise and pollution of the city – you’ll be able to see the Milky Way in colours that you’ve never even imagined before.

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