South West Adventure
Travel to Cunnamulla from Brisbane via St George (approx. 800km depending on route), or from New South Wales on the Kidman Highway from Bourke (256km) and Cobar.
Day 1 Cunnamulla
Follow the Cunnamulla Heritage Trail to uncover history and experience the unique character of the town of Cunnamulla. 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.
Overnight: Cunnamulla accommodation
Day 2 Cunnamulla to Thargomindah (194km)
Head out early this morning to the friendly town of Eulo. Capture the aromas and unique flavours of the unique date wines at Australia's most remote winery and enjoy the rejuvenating powers of an artesian mud bath. Learn the legends surrounding the Eulo Queen. Also worth a visit in town are the Paroo Race Track, the General Store that stocks everything imaginable, the Bilby Burrow and a series of short self-guided walking trails. Visit the friendly opal town of Yowah where you can get some tips from the locals before trying your luck fossicking for your own opals. Take in the views from the Bluff lookout, before rejoining the Adventure Way and travelling on to Thargomindah.
Overnight: Thargomindah accommodation
Day 3 Thargomindah to Quilpie (187km, 75km unsealed)
Explore the township of Thargomindah this morning. Learn how the power of the artesian water was harnessed to provide the town's electricity in the late 1800s. Amble along the Bulloo River Walk, discover the treasures of Leahy Historic House and shop for Bulloo Built souvenirs crafted from weathered timbers reclaimed from surrounding stations. Head out to the beautiful Lake Bindegolly National Park, where you can follow a short walking circuit or simply take in the serenity from the observation point. Stop off for a drink in the Historic Toompine Hotel en route to your destination, Quilpie.
Overnight: Quilpie accommodation
Day 4 Quilpie to Charleville (210km)
Visit Ray Station and learn of the legendary Tully & Durack families who pioneered the pastoral industry in this region. See an opal cutting demonstration, marvel at the opal altar of St Finbarr's and learn of Amy Johnson's landing. Take in the panoramic views from Baldy Top Lookout and enjoy the tranquil Lake Houdraman. Take a tour of the open cut opal mines and fossick through the mullock heaps. Head across to Charleville this afternoon. This evening, learn about the fight to save one of Australia's cute but endangered species, the bilby.
Overnight: Charleville accommodation
Day 5 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 6 Charleville to Mitchell (176km)
Head to Mitchell this morning, via the sleepy villages of Morven and Mungallala. Perhaps enjoy a morning walk through Tregole National Park, near Morven. Learn the story of the life and trial infamous Kenniff Brothers bushrangers. Enjoy country hospitality on a short side trip to Bonus Downs. Follow the River Walk along the banks of the Maranoa River, including a stop at the Graffiti Arts Project at the bridge and Neil Turner Weir. After your walk, enjoy a relaxing soak in the Great Artesian Spa.
Overnight: Mitchell accommodation
From Mitchell continue north on the Matilda Highway via Morven and Augathella or return to Brisbane via Roma, Miles and Toowoomba.
