Themed Routes
Barcaldine
Sunshine Coast
Rockhampton
Townsville
Cairns
Charleville
Emerald
Charters Towers
Normanton
To Broome
Cloncurry
To Tennant Creek
Brisbane
Gold Coast
St George
Cunnamulla
Roma
Dalby
Moonie
Birdsville
Gayndah
Karumba
Toowoomba
Mackay
Cooktown
Innamincka
Information
Centres (VICs)
To obtain more information, please find a list of the local visitor information centers in the region you are visiting.
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Themed Routes
Adventure Way
41 places over 2 localities
1611.2KM / 1001.1MI
(Est. travel time a day)
The Adventure Way takes you from Dalby, to the outback plains. The mulga slowly gives way to a treeless gibber landscape and Queensland meets South Australia. You won't be on the road long till you understand why they call it the Adventure Way! From gut-wrenching stories of spirit and tragedy, Queensland's outback has become famous and evolved into a must-see destination. However, don't think venturing into the outback means a loss of civilisation. All along the route, there is fine accommodation, hearty meals, and plenty of water for hot relaxing showers provided courtesy of the Artesian Basin, the vein of life running under this stark beautiful land. You could easily accomplish the whole drive in two days but then you would miss all the exciting activities and sites along the way.
Australia's Country Way
Total Distane 1615 Kilomentres
Australia's Country Way guides you to the delights and treasures that pepper the countryside of the Great Dividing Range. From Sydney to Rockhampton the holiday is as much about savouring the journey as reaching the destination. Winding roads reveal sweeping vistas, seasonal produce and welcoming hospitality.
Kilometres of crops and grazing stock flank the road, interrupted by stunning natural formations and welcoming towns. Accommodation ranges from friendly roadside motels to holiday parks, cosy cabins, romantic bed and breakfasts, luxury retreats and farm stays. Like a giant smorgasbord, Australia's Country Way uncovers the true blue producers and there's no shortage of ways to enjoy the country harvest. Each region has its claim to culinary fame and restaurants, cafes, cellar doors and deli’s harness these assets along the route. Explore wine regions of the Hunter Valley, Tamworth, New England, Granite Belt and South Burnett regions.
Uncover the bountiful citrus, beef and grain growing districts of the Darling Downs, South and North Burnett, Sandstone Wonders and Rockhampton. Enjoy the fruit and vegetables of Stanthorpe and Warwick in Queensland's high country or drop a line for fresh fish in the rivers, dams and lakes dotted along the highway.
Capricorn Way
Duration: 30 hours
Distance 579.67 kilometres
Have you ever seen a real dinosaur fossil, experienced an ancient rainforest, mined for your own sapphires or explored one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World?
Do all these things and more with Capricorn Way's Dig the Tropic Drive.
Spanning approximately 1200km along the Capricorn Highway from the Capricorn Coast, inland to the Central Highlands and towards the Outback, Dig the Tropic will see you uncovering the history of Australia - from the Jurassic era to the present day. Explore ancient limestone caverns at Capricorn Caves, visit Mt Morgan; home to over 300 early Jurassic dinosaur footprints, discover Thundereggs at Mt Hay and fossick for gems on the Sapphire Gemfields. Go on a real Australian road trip and discover a real adventure as you follow the Capricorn Way, the link to Outback Queensland. The drive is easily accessible whether you are in a car, 4x4, camp trailer and even a caravan. Take your time and experience all there is to offer from the Reef to the Outback.
Great Inland Way
82 places over 2 localities
2954.5KM / 1835.9MI
(Est. travel time a day)
The Great Inland Way starts in Sydney and takes in much of central New South Wales before reaching the Queensland border at Hebel. The Queensland leg of the Great Inland Way road trip extends 1863 kilometers from Outback Queensland to the Coral Sea.
This six-day adventure passes through Dirranbandi and St George. Detour to Queensland's oldest hotel at the Nindigully Pub and try the 1.2 kilograms 'Road Train' hamburger - if you dare! Continue along well signed and flat sealed roads to Surat, Roma and Injune en route to the sandstone escarpments of Carnarvon National Park.
Stop off at the gateway to the sapphire gemfields in Emerald with a fossicking permit, and then detour to Capella, Clermont, Charters Towers and Undara. Grab a bite to eat at the highest pub in Queensland in Ravenshoe, and indulge on fresh produce in the 'food bowl of the tropics' on the Atherton Tablelands. Here, sip freshly roasted coffee from local plantations and gorge on tropical fruits and gourmet cheeses of every variety.
Complete the Great Inland Way with a scenic cable car tour to Kuranda, before descending into the launching pad of Cairns, to explore above and below the fringing Coral Sea.
Leichhardt Way
40 places in Queensland
in Rockhampton (r)
712.4KM / 442.7MI
(Est. travel time 8 hours)
It is the fastest route between the hustle and bustle of Melbourne and the calm beauty of the tropics. The Leichhardt Highway, named after the courageous explorer Ludwig Leichhardt, is an inland road that passes through the Queensland border town of Goondiwindi and then on to the coastal town of Yeppoon.
Leave the 'big smoke' behind as you drive through friendly country towns, past picturesque rivers where you can stop for a picnic or spot of fishing. There are so many things to do along this inland route - from bushwalks in National Parks, to historic museums full of artifacts and fun facts. Enjoy the changing scenery as you venture closer to the seaside. There are many affordable places to stay - from highway Motels to quaint Bed and Breakfasts.
Matilda Way
88 places in Queensland
1700.1KM / 1056.4MI
(Est. travel time 18 hours)
The Matilda Way is one road that most definitely leads to adventure, and a different one each day. The fully sealed 1812 kilometre highway stretches from the New South Wales border all the way to the Gulf of Carpentaria, from Cunnamulla to Karumba.
Traversing the ‘real outback’ the route is filled with friendly local characters, unique attractions and unspoiled natural sites. Four days is a comfortable drive, depending on how long you spend discovering the unique charms of each township. Along the Matilda Way, you will discover little known secrets, experience the raw history of the region and natural wonders of the vast and ancient landscapes. As you’re travelling, check the byways along the route; there are plenty of side-trips that add to the overall outback experience. Just remember you are sharing the road with huge road trains, livestock and native animals, take care and give way, you’ll protect your vehicle and the truckies will thank you for it. Come and enjoy experiencing the Outback along the Matilda Way.
Overlander's Way
32 places across Queensland
1183.3KM / 735.3MI
(Est. travel time 13 hours)
From the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and pristine beaches of Townsville to the rugged rocky outcrops and red sand of north-west Queensland, the Overlander's Way will take you through towns rich with history, dinosaur discoveries and some of the world's quirkiest events; all without having to leave the bitumen.
Follow the footsteps of Australia's droving heroes, who lead thousands of cattle from the Northern Territory across Queensland to coastal markets and discover the unspoilt beauty of Outback Queensland.
Pacific Coast Way
Duration 336
Distance 1784 Kilometres
The Pacific Coast Way links coastal havens, hinterland towns, and major cities all along the east coast, from the Gold Coast to Cairns. The Pacific Coast is a 'big' drive. Take your time: the real journey hides just out of sight, ready to be discovered off the highway.
From South East Queensland to the Tropical North discover world class resorts, lush farming regions, stunning coastline, and communities that inspire sea changes. Linger near the warm temperate Pacific Ocean, where cocktail hour includes a backdrop of blue waters crashing onto white shorelines. Detour inland and savour the hinterland bounty of fine food and wine, antique stores, and lovingly restored pubs and boutique accommodation. National Parks filled with waterfalls, rockpools, rare birds and animals transport you a million years away.
Meander north to the golden beaches and country heart of regional Queensland. Uncover rainforest studded gorges, gemfields, stunning lakes, and long unbroken sandy white beaches stretching out to the Great Barrier Reef. Slip off the main highway and explore the best Australia has to offer, and good living alongside some of the most pristine, preserved natural beauties. Live the good life on, and off, the Pacific Coast Way.
Savannah Way
The Savannah Way’s eastern point is Cairns, a popular destination surrounded by rainforest and reef. The route westward incorporates the Atherton Tablelands and Gulf Savannah.
Sealed roads and towns in relatively close proximity make this a comfortable route for all vehicles. Of course, there are plenty of side routes and loops including unsealed road adventures as well – most of these are well-maintained roads with the occasional shallow creek crossing making four-wheel-drive preferable.
Plan your own adventure or take a tour on Australia’s Adventure Drive!
Warrego Way
77 places in Queensland
1646.6KM / 1023.2MI
(Est. travel time a day)
Travel west young man' was an adage used in the past to entice folks into the outback - a world full of adventure and mystery. Today, travel west and your journey will still be filled with adventure but luckily, you don't have to take the rutted bush tracks of the past. Mostly sealed bitumen roads lead to you to new and exciting places, where the people are friendly and appreciative you've made the journey into their part of Australia, and the views different each step of the way.
The Warrego Way starts at the Sunshine State's capital, Brisbane, and finishes in the iconic and remote Birdsville. Along the way, you can see ancient trees from the dinosaur age, endangered mammals, unwind in the soothing waters from the sub artesian basin, delight in yarns told over country bars, or just relax and enjoy the brilliant sunsets and starry nights.