The Outback and people the world over think of vast landscapes, clear blue skies and sweeping plains, remote communities rich in a history that reaches back to prehistoric times.

The Queensland Outback is the country that inspired Waltzing Matilda and the formation a new breed of politics, that saw Qantas take to the air, and gave us the stories of distinctive bush characters that Paul Hogan gave to the world, with Crocodile Dundee.

Today, sealed roads, heritage hotels, caravan parks, and friendly cattle stations means a holiday exploring the Outback is within everyone’s reach. But underneath all the modern facilities the country and its people haven’t changed.

Visit working cattle or sheep stations, go mustering by helicopter. Enjoy the thrill of surfing, or skiing, down inland rivers. Try fossicking for gemstones. View prehistoric relics. Visit modern mining complexes. Seek out the very waterhole that jolly swagman leapt into. Look out for the Min Min light.

Rolleston and Carnarvon

Rolleston, 70kms east of Springsure, is the closest town to the Carnarvon Gorge section of Carnarvon National Park. Near Rolleston you will see rows of small shrub-like trees planted in the pasture. This is leucaena (loo keena) a leguminous fodder plant great for fattening cattle.

Spectacular Carnarvon Gorge, one of the most popular National Parks in Queensland, is 106 km south of Rolleston by road. The narrow side gorges, cliffs, moss gardens, Aboriginal rock art sites and the abundant plant and bird life are starkly contrasted to the brigalow country surrounding the gorge. Camping is strictly off limits in the park, and if you’re just along for the day, a permit to visit is not required. Bring your own water containers to carry drinking water with you when walking in the park and remember to take away all your own rubbish.

The turn to Carnarvon is 62 km south of Rolleston off the Carnarvon Developmental section of the sealed Great Inland Way.

Springsure

Springsure, on the Capricorn Highway 66 kilometres south of Emerald, stands at the foot of a mass of basaltic rocks through which fresh spring waters filter, giving the town its name. The town has the Old Rainworth Fort to visit, Rich Park Historical Complex, the Koala Sanctuary, and the old heritage listed hospital.

Clermont Lagoon Clermont

Gold brought settlers to Clermont in 1861, and today visitors to Clermont can hire metal detectors and try their hand at gold fossicking. The real gold today is black gold, steaming coal.

Clermont has the world's largest seam of steaming coal at Blair Athol and free mine tours operate on Tuesdays and Fridays, departing from the Tourist Information Centre on the cornet of Karmoo & Herschel Streets, Clermont at 8:45am Tuesdays & Fridays. Bookings are essential and can be made by phoning (07) 4983 3292 or (07) 4983 4755, or the Information Centre when it is open weekdays between 8.30am and 5.00pm (Wednesdays until 8:00pm) on (07) 4983 4755.

Gemfields Have the experience of a lifetime at the Anakie Gemfields. The Gemfields, a 45 minute drive west of Emerald along the Capricorn Highway, are known throughout the world for large and unusually coloured sapphires. Serviced by the towns of Rubyvale, Sapphire, Anakie and Willows Gemfields ( west of the Anakie turn off) they attract ever-increasing numbers of travellers hoping to find 'The Big One'.

Capella

Established in 1883, is a town defined by the stunning natural beauty of the Peak Range, a succession of gigantic conical and dome topped mountains which are a photographer's delight.

Discover the grandeur of the Peaks up close on a self drive tour. Sample country hospitality. Visit a country homestead for delicious morning and afternoon teas and a broadacre farm tour. There is a scenic lookout 1km south of town.

The Peak Downs Shire lies over the Bowen Basin coal deposit and includes nine operating coal mines, exporting millions of tonnes of coal annually. The site of the Shire's first town of Lilyvale and Lilyvale Waterhole lies between the Crinum and Gregory coal mines.

The Shire includes Capella, established in 1883, and Tieri established in 1982 to service the Oaky Creek Coal Mines.  The rich fertile soils of the Peak Downs Shire produce millions of tonnes of sorghum, sunflower, wheat, legumes and beef annually.

Learning about Capella's history is as simple as visiting the Pioneer Village. The volunteer operated Village includes the 'Peak Downs' Homestead (1869), 'Gordon Downs' Store and Woolshed, and vintage farming equipment.

Alpha

Alpha is a quiet, friendly rural township in the Jericho Shire, nestled on the reaches of Alpha Creek. The town is often described as the ’Gateway to the West’ if you are travelling from the coast.

The Rowley Roberts Visitor Information Centre is open each morning from 9:00 - 12:00. While there take a look in the Tivoli Museum to see a collection of local memorabilia.

60 kilometres east of Alpha is the Drummond Range Lookout, part of the Great Dividing Range. The peaceful township of Alpha has plenty of historical interest and natural beauty so take the time to stop and admire its charm.

Longreach

The chosen site in Longreach in central western Queensland was once a teamster's stop beside a large waterhole. From humble beginnings as a stock route junction on the 'long reach' of the Thomson River, the town is now serviced by road, rail and air.

Wildlife on the Thomson River can be enjoyed either in solitude on the river bank or on a river cruise boat. Visitors can experience Longreach district’s rural lifestyle by staying on a station. Visit the Stockman’s Hall of Fame and the Qantas Founders Museum. Go on a cruise on the Thomson River.

Winton

Winton is in the centre of Matilda Country, a diverse region in which vast Mitchell Grass plains are broken by magnificent coloured gorges, ridges and jump-ups. Use Winton as a staging post to visit Opalton, one of Queensland’s oldest opal fields; Combo Waterhole, reputedly the billabong of 'Waltzing Matilda' fame; and Lark Quarry, where 93 million year-old fossils capture a dinosaur stampede.

To learn more about Australia’s favourite song, visit the Waltzing Matilda Centre.

Boulia

Boulia is the mysterious heart of Queensland’s Outback. The real mystery is the existance of the Min Min light - a hovering ball of light that seems to have a mind of its own when it comes to teasing travellers. Though there have been many explanations offered, so far scientists remain baffled by the phenomenon. You don’t have to go bush to experience a Min Min encounter. The Boulia Min Min Encounter centre is in Herbert Street, a unique experience which will introduce you to the Min Min light.

Phone the tourist manager at Boulia Shire Council 4746 3386 for more details on your visit and road conditions.