There’s no doubt Queensland is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Venture beyond the coast, and you’ll uncover some of the special hidden gems waiting to be discovered in the rugged Queensland outback.

Only a 2.5-hour flight from Brisbane, your outback adventure kicks off in the agricultural hub of Longreach. For those who enjoy history, Longreach is home to two famous must-see icons: Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame—where you can learn about pioneering heroes and watch a live muster—and QANTAS Founders Museum.

Other unmissable experiences to be had in Longreach include dining in a 100-year-old woolshed, taking a sunset cruise down the spectacular Thomson River, and getting a taste of outback life with dinner and a live show under the stars.

It may be 128 years since Waltzing Matilda was performed in public for the first time in this beautifully preserved township, but the legend still lives on.

At the Walzing Matilda Centre in Winton, you can learn the story behind this iconic Aussie ballad. This isn’t the only historic site worth visiting while in Winton—the area is also home to another historical site, Dinosaur Stampede at Lark Quarry Conservation Park. 

Around 95 million years ago, hundreds of dinosaurs stampeded leaving footprints frozen in time in ancient mudflats. It is the only example of its kind in the world. 

Relax as quintessential country scenes glide past your window aboard the Spirit of the Outback before arriving at the magnificent National Trust-listed station in Emerald just in time for dinner. 

Along with being rich in precious stones (especially sapphires), Emerald is home to the world’s largest Vincent van Gogh Sunflowers painting reproduction. The painting celebrates the Central Highland's past as a major sunflower producer.

On the way to Rockhampton you'll stop for a fascinating tour of an underground sapphire mine and to check out the cool waters of Lake Maraboon, which is Queensland’s second largest lake and a reservoir formed by the construction of the Fairbairn Dam. 

Next, it’s a short hop by road to the regional centre affectionately known simply as Rocky—renowned for its beef production and bulls. After staying the night in this beloved regional city, you’ll farewell your outback adventure by boarding the air-conditioned, high-speed Tilt Train—the world’s fastest narrow-gauge train—and be whisked back to Brisbane in under eight hours.

This article is featured in the Autumn 2023 issue of National Seniors Australia’s quarterly member magazine, Our Generation. 

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