Matilda Highway Adventure
Your adventure begins as you leave the Kidman Way in New South Wales and join the Matilda Highway in Queensland (119km from the border to Cunnamulla).
Day 1 Cunnamulla ? Charleville (197km)
Follow the Cunnamulla Heritage Trail to uncover history and experience the unique character of the town. Get a taste of the beauty of the South West at a local photographic exhibition at Stephanie Mills Gallery. Spend the afternoon immersed in life on the land with a property tour of Nardoo Station or enjoy a camel wagon safari at Charlotte Plains. Continue north on the Matilda Highway to Charleville where this evening you will learn about the fight to save one of Australia's cute but endangered species, the bilby.
Overnight: Charleville accommodation
Day 2 Charleville
Experience the vital role played by the Royal Flying Doctors Service and School of Distance Education to overcome the isolation of outback life. Let history come to life as you walk the halls of Myendetta Homestead. Nostalgia-buffs will love the treasures of Historic House and Corones Hotel. Find the answers to all your questions about the universe at the Cosmos Centre, returning to the Observatory tonight to marvel at the night skies through powerful telescopes. An option of a scenic flight can be offered today.
Overnight: Charleville accommodation
Day 3 Charleville to Blackall (304km)
Continuing north on the Matilda Highway, our first stop today is Augathella. Check out the local talent at Boadicea Arts & Crafts. On to Tambo where we will step back in time on the Tambo Heritage Walk. Watch as sheep skin teddy bears are created ? named after local properties Tambo Teddies make a great souvenir! We head on to Blackall where a town tour reveals the original Black Stump and a memorial to gun shearer Jack Howe. Join a tour of the Blackall Woolscour where local characters bring the Golden Age of Wool to life.
Overnight: Blackall accommodation
Day 4 Blackall to Barcaldine (106km)
This morning we drive to Barcaldine ? the Garden City of the West. Follow the history of Australia's workers at the Australian Workers Heritage Centre, visit the site of the Shearers Strike and discover the treasures of the Historical Museum. Lloyd Jones Weir is the perfect spot for a picnic lunch. Tonight, enjoy the hospitality of the many pubs that line the main street!
Overnight: Barcaldine accommodation
Day 5 Barcaldine to Longreach (107km)
A short hop across to Longreach today. On the way we stop off at Ilfracombe to see the Great Machinery Mile and the Historic Wellshot Hotel. We'll also visit Hilton, to see his eclectic collection of bottles and other outback artefacts. On to Longreach where we will spend the afternoon uncovering the layers of pioneering history at the iconic Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame. Perhaps experience the laughs and legends of some Outback theatre at Banjo's.
Overnight: Longreach accommodation
Day 6 Longreach
This morning you will join a school lesson in the largest classroom in the world at the School of Distance Education and experience a taste of life on the land at the Longreach Pastoral College. At the Qantas Founders Museum, follow the history of our national airline and discover the secrets of 747 jumbo jet. Enjoy the thrill of a Cobb & Co coach ride at full gallop across the common. Finish the day gliding on a sunset riverboat cruise.
Overnight: Longreach accommodation
Day 7 Longreach to Winton (179km)
We continue our journey on the Matilda Highway today to the township of Winton. At the Waltzing Matilda Centre, discover the story, the song and the spirit of Australia through the eyes of an Aussie swagman. Also worth a visit are Corfield & Fitzmaurice Building, Opal Walk, Arno's Wall and the musical fence.
Overnight: Winton accommodation
Day 8 Winton
An early start today to head out to Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways, where we will marvel at the world's only fossilised footprints of a dinosaur stampede! Learn about these amazing creatures and the history of this ancient part of the world. Experience life on the land while taking in some spectacular scenery on Carisbrooke Station. This evening, we will enjoy happy hour taking in the glorious sunset from Rangelands.
Overnight: Winton accommodation
Day 9 Winton to Cloncurry (341km)
Today we continue along the Matilda Highway to Cloncurry, home to the Royal Flying Doctor Service and John Flynn Place ? a memorial to the man who started the service. Enjoy the attractions that Mary Kathleen Park has to offer including the most comprehensive mineral collection in Australia. Join a tour of the open cut Ernest Henry Mine.
Overnight: Cloncurry accommodation
From Cloncurry:
- continue north on the Matilda Highway to Normanton to Karumba
- travel west on the Overlander's Way to Mount Isa and on to the Northern Territory
- travel east on the Overlander's Way to Townsville
