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.
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.
Traditional Custodians – Kuthant people
The 3hr 30min drive between Karumba and Burketown is the final section of what is known as the Savannah Way.
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
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 and Boulia are at the heart of Burke and Wills country
Photo credit: @MattTurner
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!
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.
