Secret Queensland - Outback Towns

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Part 2 of our 'Secret Queensland' series

We know nothing is really secret anymore but in this COVID world, we are possibly travelling in our home country/state so you may need to look a little further afield for something you haven't done before or for something different.

Road tripping is a great way to support rural economies and really explore your own backyard. Hire a campervan or motorhome and you will get a great experience, meet other liked minded adventurers as well as being great value for money, you get more bang for your buck.

The Norman River, Photo credit: Outback Queensland

Don't forget to pay your respects to the traditional custodians of the land, elders past, present and emerging.

Outback Towns

We are tackling these in pairs, as they aren't stand-alone destinations but as part of an itinerary and the drive between the towns is uniquely Australian and part of the experience.

Karumba to Burketown - Gulf Country

Karumba and Burketown are both known for their fishing.

Karumba is a sleepy town on the banks of the Norman River and the Gulf of Carpentaria. Generally, there is one taxi in town which gives you an idea of its size, but there is lots to do. There are the commercial wharves that process the offerings from the Barramundi and prawn farms. Then there is the tourist part of town.

There are two great Tourist Parks to stay in. They are more than just a place to stay, they are ideally located to view the amazing gulf sunset, pizza, swimming pools and information centres where you can book fishing, sightseeing cruises, 4WD tours and diving trips. And both are walking distance to the famous Sunset Tavern.

Karumba Point Caravan Park Sunset Caravan Park

There are few destinations better set up for the campervan traveller than Karumba. Make sure you hire a 4WD Camper, the DriveNow site shows you which ones are available.

Photo Credit: Croc and Crab Sunset Cruise

Traditional Custodians - Kuthant people

The 3hr 30min drive between Karumba and Burketown is the final section of what is known as the Savannah Way.

Burketown is the Barramundi capital of Queensland. The Albert River town hosts the World Barramundi Fishing Championships and the phenomenon of the Morning Glory cloud formation. Like all outback towns, it's also a great place to stargaze.

The sunset cruise on the Albert River is an absolute must - make contact with Yagurli Tours they have everything covered for you in the Burketown, Gregory Downs and Albert River area.

Photo credit: Yagurli Tours

Base yourself at - Burketown Caravan Park

Traditional Custodians - Gangalidda Garawa people

Winton to Boulia - Channel Country

Winton and Boulia are at the heart of Burke and Wills country

Photo credit: @MattTurner

A Desert that floods, what? If you see this country at it's dryest you won't believe that the channels come to life after the floods of the gulf country to the north-west. The water makes its way 700km to the region. If it's not a heavy flood it might be absorbed along the way, in a good year, it might make it all the way to Lake Eyre in South Australia.

Winton - was once a swimming pool, for Dinosaurs. The Australian Age of Dinosaur Museum isn't just for the kids, everyone will be fascinated.

Then head to the Waltzing Matilda Centre Museum and Gallery to understand just a little bit about the spirit of the bush.

Take a drive just 17km out of Winton to the Bladensburg National Park and hike to the lookout atop the flat sandstone plateaus and get a great view of the grasslands and river flats of the channel lands.

Stay - Matilda Country Tourist Park

Traditional custodians - Koa people.

Boulia - West of Winton along and Matilda Way we are off to the races. Camel races.

Burke and Wills bought the first camels to western Queensland, and the big guys liked it!

You might not be into the Melbourne Cup, but the Boulia Camel Races are for everyone. Plan your trip for July so you don't miss them. It's a once in a lifetime event, a lot of fun and uniquely Australian.

Photo credit: Boulia Camel Races.

Boulia is also famous for the legendary Min Min lights. Who knows you might see them? Even if you don't see the Min Min lights you will see an amazing outback night sky and more stars than you believed existed.

Stay - Boulia Caravan Park

Traditional Custodians - Pitta Pitta People

Convinced ? - start planning, all the links in the post give you lots more details, YOLO.

Shelley Richardson

Shelley has been working in the travel industry for over 30 years, in aviation, for tour operators and since 2016 for DriveNow. Having travelled extensively worldwide, alone, as a couple and with her family, Shelley has experience to share about how to make the most of your holiday, especially road-trips to amazing destinations.