|
4X4 Tracks
This is a collection of some of the best four-wheel-driving tracks in Queensland's Outback. They'll take you through some amazing country - from rugged jump-ups to peaceful billabongs, and from the channel country to the desert dunes. This is just a taste of the 4X4 fun you can can have in Queensland's Outback, so what are you waiting for? Adventure out there and check out Queensland's backyard!
| Eulo-Hungerford-Thargomindah |
| Distance: |
280km |
| Duration: |
2 days |
| Highlights: |
Currawinya National Park, Paroo River, Bulloo River, Date Winery, Outback Pubs, Dog Fence. |
| Road Suitability: |
4X4 subject to weather conditions. Conventional vehicles with caution. Mostly gravel, some bulldust patches and some sealed gravel. |
| Mud Map: |
Eulo - Hungerford - Thargomindah
(
Adobe Acrobat -
228.318KB
)
|
|
Track Notes:
|
Travelling through Mulga scrub, swamplands and wildflowers in season, this road provides opportunities for bushwalking, camping, fishing, birdwatching and access to Currawinya National Park. Saline and freshwater lakes, over 180 species of birds, the bilby fence, historical ruins and Aboriginal scatters are all featured. Stop in at a great Outback pub or even stay on a working station. |
| Dowling Track |
| Distance: |
567km |
| Duration: |
2 days |
| Highlights: |
Historical Cobb & Co. hotels, Currawinya National Park, opal fossicking, Hydro Power Display. |
| Road Suitability: |
4x4 recommended; Conventional vehicles with caution and subject to weather conditions. |
| Mud Map: |
Dowling Track
(
Adobe Acrobat -
241.103KB
)
|
|
Track Notes:
|
The Dowling Track is a journey of discovery, tracing the footsteps of Vincent James Dowling and other early outback pioneers. Your journey begins at either Bourke, NSW or Quilpie, Qld and travels through the small communities of Fords Bridge, Yantabulla, Hungerford, Thargomindah and Toompine. Relive the history of the early Cobb & Co. days and travel in the footsteps of Henry Lawson who walked from Bourke to Hungerford. |
| Cameron Corner Loop |
| Distance: |
831km |
| Duration: |
4 days |
| Highlights: |
Noccundra Hotel, Wilson River, Cameron Corner, 'The Yellow Bus', Bollards Lagoon, Innamincka & Cooper Creek, Burke & Wills Dig Tree, Gas & Oil Fields. |
| Road Suitability: |
4X4 subject to weather conditions. Conventional vehicles with caution. Bulldust & some sealed gravel. Leave caravans at Noccundra for collection on return journey |
| Mud Map: |
Cameron Corner Loop
(
Adobe Acrobat -
243.188KB
)
|
|
Track Notes:
|
The Cameron Corner loop is an ideal way to experience the real Outback. This journey will leave you breathless, passing through open gibber plains where you can see for miles to sandy undulating land. The Cameron Corner loop offers contrasting landscapes and experiences. You can discover the history of the early pioneers, enjoy the wildlife, fish in the Cooper or simply relax and absorb the Spirit of Adventure. |
| Birdsville Track |
| Distance: |
515km |
| Duration: |
2 days |
| Highlights: |
Soaking in a warm artesian spa bath at Clayton, Kalamurina Station camping, Mulka Ruins, Mungerannie Hotel. |
| Road Suitability: |
Maintained gravel road, suitable for all vehicles. |
| Mud Map: |
Birdsville Track
(
Adobe Acrobat -
246.461KB
)
|
|
Track Notes:
|
An Australian Outback Adventure, the well maintained, unsealed track links Birdsville in Queensland's south-west to Maree in the mid-north of South Australia. The Birdsville Track covers some of Australia's most beautiful and challenging country, passing through the Simpson Desert and Sturt's Stoney Desert. Lake Eyre catchments, wetlands, sand dunes and vast gibber plains. |
| French Line - Simpson Desert |
| Distance: |
430km |
| Duration: |
4 days |
| Highlights: |
Big Red Sand Dune, Eyre Creek, Poeppel's Corner, QLD, NT and SA border, Purnie Bore, Dalhousie Springs and Mt Dare Hotel. |
| Road Suitability: |
4X4 only. |
| Mud Map: |
French Line - Simpson Desert
(
Adobe Acrobat -
224.319KB
)
|
|
Track Notes:
|
The Simpson Desert is undoubtedly Australia's most loved desert with large numbers of visitors each year accepting the challenge of crossing the Simpson. Winter rains carpet the desert in wildflowers and the night skies are a star gazers delight. Visiting the desert is a memorable experience but requires careful preparation and extreme care. |
| Ward River Run |
| Distance: |
97km |
| Duration: |
Half day |
| Highlights: |
Unique arid species, inland sand ridge, Warrego River, Binnalong Waterhole, Emu Apple Trees, Ward River. |
| Road Suitability: |
4x4 only. Sections of track rated between easy and hard. Impassable during wet weather. |
| Mud Map: |
Ward River Run
(
Adobe Acrobat -
276.041KB
)
|
|
Track Notes:
|
Rivers carve pathways through the Outback, taking millions of years to form. This track will allow you to carve your own pathway in just half a day. The Ward River is a tributary of the mighty Warrego River. While discovering the Ward you will enjoy beautiful scenery - outback style, sun, solitude, some history and a little excitement. Detailed map and written guide available from the Charleville Visitor Information Centre. |
| Bulloo River Heritage Trail |
| Distance: |
194km |
| Duration: |
3 hours |
| Highlights: |
Lake Houdraman, Outback township of Adavale. |
| Road Suitability: |
Conventional vehicles with caution. All gravel roads, drive to the road conditions. |
| Mud Map: |
Bulloo River Heritage Trail
(
Adobe Acrobat -
267.557KB
)
|
|
Track Notes:
|
Experience the freedom of the outback way of life and the beauty of this arid landscape. Lake Houdraman is an ideal spot for morning tea. Explore gravesites from the 1800s that illustrate the harsh lifestyle. Enjoy a beer at the Adavale Surf Life Saving Club and learn why all buildings are built well off the ground. You will love experiencing the local culture and outback humour. Keep an eye out for migrating butterflies. |
| Langlo - Adavale Road |
| Distance: |
200km |
| Duration: |
1 day |
| Highlights: |
Beautiful country views and wildlife. |
| Road Suitability: |
4X4 needed. Road can become impassable in wet conditions. |
| Mud Map: |
Langlo - Adavale Raod
(
Adobe Acrobat -
223.09KB
)
|
|
Track Notes:
|
Rather than taking the Matilda Highway, this track is a great alternative to see more of Queensland's Outback as you travel between Tambo and Blackall. The drive presents great views of beautiful outback landscapes. You will see native wildlife and livestock as you pass through a number of stations. Take care as the track is not fenced and the livestock roam freely. |
| Idalia National Park Road |
| Distance: |
99km |
| Duration: |
1 day |
| Highlights: |
Wildlife, National park, native flora, beautiful views. |
| Road Suitability: |
Four wheel drive needed as most of the road is unsealed. |
| Mud Map: |
Idalia National Park Road
(
Adobe Acrobat -
254.797KB
)
|
|
Track Notes:
|
Drive through beautiful country landscape as you make your way along this track from Blackall to Idalia National Park. This national park protects an area with a great variety of vegetation, wildlife and birdlife. Follow the scenic drives or explore further into the park by leaving the car behind to go bushwalking or birdwatching. |
| Moonbria Road and Barcoo River Road |
| Distance: |
96km & 120 km |
| Duration: |
1 day minimum |
| Highlights: |
Great outback scenery, camping and fishing on the Barcoo River. |
| Road Suitability: |
Undeveloped road, 4X4 required. Black soil, impassable in wet weather. |
| Mud Map: |
Moonbia Road and Barcoo River Road
(
Adobe Acrobat -
268.871KB
)
|
|
Track Notes:
|
Get the feel of a real outback driving adventure! The Moonbria and Barcoo River Roads are a great way to travel off-road between Barcaldine, Blackall and Isisford. As you travel over the blacksoil plains to the Barcoo River, you will see a wide variety of native wildlife and birds. Camp on the banks of the mighty Barcoo and try your luck at catching a yellowbelly. |
| Tambo's Wilderness Way |
| Distance: |
320km |
| Duration: |
1-2 days |
| Highlights: |
Salvator Rosa National Park, Deep Dry Gorges, Sandstone Monuments, Natural Spring |
| Road Suitability: |
Accessible by conventional vehicles, however 4x4 recommended. Inaccessible during and after rain. |
| Mud Map: |
Tambos Wilderness Way
(
Adobe Acrobat -
294.92KB
)
|
|
Track Notes:
|
Tambo's Wilderness Way is a self-drive tour through an area of rugged beauty, known as the ‘Roof of Queensland’. The tour traverses a landscape of deep gorges and vast cliff lines. Enjoy vistas of tangled ranges where the wind and rain have created massive sandstone formations which contrast starkly with the grey-green bush. The area provides habitat for some unique flora. Camp or go bushwalking in Salvator Rosa National Park. |
| Windorah Nature Drive |
| Distance: |
12km |
| Duration: |
30 mins |
| Highlights: |
Cooper Creek, variety of identified vegetation. |
| Road Suitability: |
Conventional vehicles with caution. |
| Mud Map: |
Windorah Nature Drive
(
Adobe Acrobat -
240.139KB
)
|
|
Track Notes:
|
This Nature Drive will take you from Windorah to Cooper Creek, travelling through a surprisingly rich diversity of landscapes and vegetation from Spinifex grasslands, Gidgee woodlands, Lignum swamps and channel country. The magnificent permanent waterhole at Cooper Creek is filled with bird life. This is an ideal spot to camp, fish and relax. Just west of town are the magnificent red sand dunes, standing in strong contrast to the channels of Cooper Creek. |
| Diamantina National Park Circuit |
| Distance: |
600km |
| Duration: |
2 days |
| Highlights: |
Hunters Gorge, Janet's Leap, Gum Waterhole, Mayne Hotel Ruins. |
| Road Suitability: |
4X4 only. All unsealed roads. |
| Mud Map: |
Diamantina National Park Circuit
(
Adobe Acrobat -
227.686KB
)
|
|
Track Notes:
|
Diamantina National Park has been named one of Australia’s top 10 national parks by the Worldwide Fund for Nature. The drive passes through a variety of landscapes, from the river channels and waterholes on the flood plains, to sand dunes, gibber plains and grasslands. Explore Diamantina Gates, Hunters Gorge, Mundaweira Waterhole and Wangari Waterhole. Camp at Hunters Gorge or Gum Pole, enjoy the fishing and observe the wildlife and birdlife. |
| John Egan Pioneer Track |
| Distance: |
8km |
| Duration: |
1.5 hrs |
| Highlights: |
Escarpments, natural springs, rockholes. |
| Road Suitability: |
High clearance vehicles only. Caravans & trailers can be left at the beginning of the track. |
| Mud Map: |
John Egan Pioneer Track
(
Adobe Acrobat -
248.357KB
)
|
|
Track Notes:
|
The John Egan Pioneer Track highlights the ecological and cultural values of the Stonehenge town reserve. The track passes through downs country, scenic hill view country, spectacular erosions and rocky outcrops, natural springs and waterfalls (in wet seasons). Take in the views from lookouts along the escarpment. Rock holes shaded by ghostly white gum trees are the perfect place to cool off and enjoy the isolation. |
| Starlight's Lookout |
| Distance: |
47km one way |
| Duration: |
2 hrs |
| Highlights: |
Lilly’s Lagoon, Thomson River Weirs, Legendary Starlight’s Lookout. |
| Road Suitability: |
Dry weather road only. 4X4 recommended, possible in 2WD. |
| Mud Map: |
Starlights Lookout
(
Adobe Acrobat -
238.162KB
)
|
|
Track Notes:
|
Visit the place where Captain Starlight got a 360 degree view of the land he drove his stolen cattle through. On the way, stop in to beautiful Lilly’s Lagoon - a quiet spot nestled away from the Thomson River and so secret that some of the locals don’t know it’s there. You can also see the mighty Thomson River Weirs. |
| Heritage Trail |
| Distance: |
194km |
| Duration: |
2.5 hrs |
| Highlights: |
Muttaburrasaurus, Pump Hole, Lake Dunn, Jump Up |
| Road Suitability: |
Mostly gravel with some black soil. Drive to the conditions. |
| Mud Map: |
Heritage Trail
(
Adobe Acrobat -
238.059KB
)
|
|
Track Notes:
|
The picturesque Heritage Trail is a scenic loop between Aramac and Muttaburra. The trail showcases a diversity of landscapes as you travel through black soil open downs country, to the desert uplands, up or down the Jump Up and past natural lakes. A number of attractions are seen on the drive, including the Pump Hole, Broadwater, Muttaburrasaurus, Lake Galilee, Lake Dunn, the Jump Up, Grey Rock and the White Bull. |
| Bladensburg National Park - Scrammie Gorge |
| Distance: |
100km |
| Duration: |
1 day |
| Highlights: |
Red Creek, Blandensburg Homestead, Scrammy Gorge, Scrammy Lookout. |
| Road Suitability: |
4X4 only. Unsealed apart from first 13km. |
| Mud Map: |
Bladensburg National Park - Scrammy Gorge
(
Adobe Acrobat -
254.286KB
)
|
|
Track Notes:
|
This unbelievable raw country is not to be missed. Historically, the homestead is one of the best depictions of life as it was in the pioneer days. Travel to the end of the Park through Mitchell Grass downs and claypans until the jump-up country where gidyea trees are twisted and knarled due to the harshness of this land. Explore the gorge and see Winton township in the distance from the lookout. |
| Dinosaurs and Opals |
| Distance: |
376km |
| Duration: |
2 days |
| Highlights: |
Fossicking for Boulder Opals, Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways, Carisbrooke Station. |
| Road Suitability: |
Approximately 52km is sealed, the remainder is all-weather unsealed road. |
| Mud Map: |
Dinosaurs & Opals
(
Adobe Acrobat -
232.031KB
)
|
|
Track Notes:
|
Take a piece of Queensland with you when you fossick for boulder opals (permit required). Stay the night at the bush park and enjoy the night sky without interruption. Travel to Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways and discover a landscape of red earth, spinifex and jump-up (mesa) country. Tours at Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways are fully guided and at set times. See the wonderful escarpments at Carisbrooke Station and be sure to book for a property tour. |
| Winton-Boulia via Diamantina National Park |
| Distance: |
533km |
| Duration: |
2 days |
| Highlights: |
Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways, Old Cork, Diamantina National Park, Fishing, birdwatching, historic ruins. |
| Road Suitability: |
4X4 only. Unsealed apart from first 30km. |
| Mud Map: |
Winton - Boulia via Diamantina National Park
(
Adobe Acrobat -
242.639KB
)
|
|
Track Notes:
|
The landscape and scenery on this journey will leave you awestruck. A challenging journey, this relatively isolated route will require the driver to be well prepared as there are no fuel or food facilities. Travel via Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways, Old Cork, Springvale and Coorabulka. Covering 507,000 hectares, Diamantina National Park is rich in natural and cultural history. The scenery and birdlife, sunrises and sunsets in this big country will have your cameras working overtime! |
| Donohue Highway-Plenty Highway |
| Distance: |
244km in QLD + 575km in NT |
| Duration: |
Minimum 9 hours |
| Highlights: |
The world's largest termite mound, 3 working cattle stations with accommodation, Georgina River, Parapituri Waterhole. |
| Road Suitability: |
High clearance vehicles and caravans. |
| Mud Map: |
Donohue and Plenty Highways
(
Adobe Acrobat -
234.864KB
)
|
|
Track Notes:
|
The Donohue - Plenty Highway is the most direct route to Alice Springs from Queensland's Central Western Corner. This link is part of the larger Outback Highway which crosses three states, starting in Winton and ending in Laverton in Western Australia. Experience the Outback at its best as your journey takes you through working cattle stations, Aboriginal communities and gem fossicking fields, |
| Boulia - Tobermorey - Urandangi - Boulia |
| Distance: |
670km |
| Duration: |
1-2 hours |
| Highlights: |
Queensland / Northern Territory border, township of Urandangi, grasslands, fantastic scenery. |
| Road Suitability: |
High clearance vehicles and caravans. |
| Mud Map: |
Boulia - Tobermorey - Urandangi - Boulia
(
Adobe Acrobat -
221.399KB
)
|
|
Track Notes:
|
This loop covers most of the North-Western side of the Boulia Shire. You will travel across open grasslands, cross the mighty Georgina River twice, see the tiny township of Urandangi then head to Dajarra and back down the sealed road to Boulia. |
| Cloncurry - Boulia |
| Distance: |
339km |
| Duration: |
1 day |
| Highlights: |
Duchess, Wills River, Burke and Wills blazed tree marking ‘Camp 33’. |
| Road Suitability: |
Suitable for high clearance vehicles and caravans. |
| Mud Map: |
Cloncurry - Boulia
(
Adobe Acrobat -
251.165KB
)
|
|
Track Notes:
|
This scenic drive is a pleasant alternative route between Cloncurry and Boulia. Pass through Malbon (the junction for the Kuridala-Selwyn railway) and the old town sites of Kuridala and Selwyn. Stop in at Duchess where only the hotel remains in this once-busy railway and mining town. Follow in the footsteps of Burke and Wills to the marked tree. This once was a Cobb & Co route for travellers of yesteryear. |
| Fountain Springs Circuit |
| Distance: |
Approx 40km (turn off 64km east of Mount Isa) |
| Duration: |
1 day |
| Highlights: |
Corrella River, fossicking for Maltese crosses, Crystal Mountain. |
| Road Suitability: |
Has some very rough sections. Experienced 4X4 drivers only. |
| Mud Map: |
Fountain Springs Circuit
(
Adobe Acrobat -
263.531KB
)
|
|
Track Notes:
|
Stop at Clem Walton Park, a picturesque spot on the creek banks. Continue back on the main track, passing by Corella River and the site of the old Ballara township, to Fountain Springs - a permanent waterhole with abundant birdlife. Continue the circuit back through Ballara and onto Hightville & Wee McGregor Mine. Beware of unmarked open mine shafts. Fossick for Maltese Crosses at Crystal Mountain (licence & permission required). The track passes through spectacular sawback ranges. |
| Lawn Hill Circuit |
| Distance: |
572km |
| Duration: |
5 days (including stop at Lawn Hill) |
| Highlights: |
Boodjamulla National Park, Lawn Hill Gorge, Adels Grove, Riversligh Fossil Fields, Louie Creek, Lilydale Springs. |
| Road Suitability: |
Approx. 240km gravel road, 500km sealed road. Some of the river crossings require care. Passes through private property. |
| Mud Map: |
Lawn Hill Circuit
(
Adobe Acrobat -
282.77KB
)
|
|
Track Notes:
|
This circuit travels through a variety of differing landscapes through the heart of the Gulf Savannah. Discover hidden oases where pandanus palms and giant paperbarks border crystal clear waters. Rare fossils of long-extinct species are scattered throughout the awe inspiring geology. Remnants of aboriginal tradition express the ancient connection these people have with the land. Sites of pioneering heritage can also be visited. Canoeing along Lawn Hill Gorge in Boodjamulla National Park is a definite highlight of this trip. |
| Basalt Byway |
| Distance: |
93km |
| Duration: |
1.5 - 2hrs |
| Highlights: |
Basalt walls and deep valleys, scenic lookout. |
| Road Suitability: |
Dirt roads. 4X4 recommended but if road conditions are fine then can be used by conventional vehicles. |
| Mud Map: |
Basalt Byway
(
Adobe Acrobat -
245.171KB
)
|
|
Track Notes:
|
This 4X4 loop track takes you through some amazing country - featuring rolling landscapes of basalt walls and deep valleys. Excellent lookouts give views of the length and depth of valleys and the open downs area, with the town of Hughenden in the distance. As you pass through grazing properties, wildlife is abundant. During the wetter months of the year, the wildflowers are spectacular. |
| Eromanga Sea Byway |
| Distance: |
202km |
| Duration: |
2.5 - 3hrs |
| Highlights: |
Fossil fossicking, lookout on edge of the inland sea. |
| Road Suitability: |
Dirt roads. 4X4 recommended but if road conditions are fine then can be used by conventional vehicles. |
| Mud Map: |
Eromanga Sea Byway
(
Adobe Acrobat -
242.285KB
)
|
|
Track Notes:
|
The Eromanga Sea Byway takes you across open downs country to a high jump-up area. Boasting an excellent lookout, this area gives the impression of standing on the edge of the once prehistoric sea. Fossick for bivalves, pieces of ammonite and other shells along the way. Detour to Kooroorinya Falls Nature Reserve along the way, a natural billabong setting with camping and fishing. |
|
