North West Adventure
Day 1 Townsville to Charters Towers (135km)
Depart the tropical north Queensland town of Townsville and begin your adventure travelling along the Overlander's Way. In Charters Towers you have the option to explore the Ghosts of Gold Heritage Trail, Venus Gold Battery, Stock Exchange, Towers Hill Lookout, Ghosts after Dark, World Theatre, or Around the World in 80 Days.
Overnight: Charters Towers accommodation
Day 2 Charters Towers to Richmond (359km)
Continuing west today we drive through Torrens Creek and Prairie where a stop in both towns to see the historic hotels is recommended. Then on to Hughenden, the start of the great ancient inland sea. From Hughenden, you might take an optional side trip to Porcupine Gorge National Park, a spectacular sandstone gorge (63km from Hughenden, some unsealed road). Head on to Richmond for our overnight stop.
Overnight: Richmond accommodation
Day 3 Richmond to Julia Creek (144km)
Start today with a visit to the Kronosaurus Korner Marine Fossil Museum to discover an ancient time when this area was a great inland sea. We will now go fossicking to find our own fossils which will be identified by the local palaeontologist. Take some time to visit Lake Fred Tritton, the Pioneer Cemetery or a guided tour of the Aquaculture Farm. Continue along the Overlander's Way to our overnight stop at Julia Creek.
Overnight: Julia Creek accommodation
Day 4 Julia Creek to Mount Isa (253km)
After a town tour of Julia Creek, travel west to Mount Isa, the mining capital of western Queensland. This afternoon, begin your exploration of this fascinating mining town with a visit to Outback at Isa. Experience life as a miner on an underground tour at the Hard Times Mine.
Overnight: Mount Isa accommodation
Day 5 Mount Isa
Spend today uncovering the many secrets of Mount Isa. Bring Australia's ancient past back to life at the Riversleigh Fossils Museum. Learn about the legends of the fierce Kalkadoon Tribe. Get a taste of Outback life visiting the Royal Flying Doctor Base, School of Distance Education, Underground Hospital and Tent House. A surface tour at Mount Isa Mines could be an optional extra. As the sun goes down, drive up to city lookout for the best view around.
Overnight: Mount Isa accommodation
There is an option here for an add-on adventure to visit the spectacular Lawn Hill Gorge in Boodjamulla National Park, staying at Adels Grove.
Day 6 Mount Isa to Cloncurry (119km)
After enjoying all that Mount Isa has to offer, there is a short hop today back 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
Day 7 Cloncurry to Winton (341km)
Today we head off along the Matilda Highway. On the way to Winton we shall stop off at McKinlay and Kynuna to soak up the atmosphere of some iconic Outback pubs. We'll also take a look at Combo Waterhole where the jolly swagman camped in Waltzing Matilda. Once we're settled in Winton, we'll head out for a night of nostalgia at the Royal Mail Open Air Theatre.
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 Hughenden (214km)
Time to explore Winton this morning. 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. We head off this afternoon for Hughenden. Watch a magnificent Outback sunset from Mount Walker lookout.
Overnight: Hughenden accommodation
Day 10 Hughenden to Townsville (382km)
Dinosaurs galore in Hughenden! Here you can meet Hughie, a Muttaburrasaurs skeletal replica and Mutt, his full-bodied mate. The Flinders Discovery Centre also houses an impressive international fossil collection. Travelling along the Overlander's Way your outback adventure ends as you return to life in the tropics in Townsville.
