There are plenty of ways to explore Queensland – from boats to bikes and everything in between. But a road trip is hard to beat! Why not hire a comfortable mobile home and hit the Flinders Highway, west of Townsville? It’s the start of a touring holiday that’ll take you deep into Queensland’s Outback! Charters Towers lies about an hour and a half’s drive south-west of the coast. It’s here you’ll discover a touch of the American wild west at Texas Longhorn Wagon Tours and Safaris – home to Australia’s largest herd of full-blood Texas Longhorn cattle.
Michael and Lynda Bethel are thrilled to introduce visitors to the impressive beasts on a guided tour of their property, Leighton Park. Guests can also visit the saddlery, where Michael shares his passion for fashioning custom-made saddles using traditional methods.
If you’re keen to make camp in Charters Towers, the Big 4 Aussie Outback Oasis is a great option. Choose from comfortable cabins – or park your horse-powered wagon on one of the powered or unpowered sites.
As you head west from Charters Towers, you’ll travel through the town of Hughenden – home to the Flinders Discovery Centre. The centre displays some impressive dinosaur relics discovered in the area. They date back millions of years.
Another ancient attraction is just an hour’s drive from Hughenden. Porcupine Gorge is a natural wonder that’s breathtaking in its beauty. View the spectacle from one of the lookouts – or take a self-guided walk to the bottom of the gorge. Make sure to stop and admire the Pyramid, an impressive monolith rising from the gorge floor.
If you’re keen to extend your stay in Hughenden, Allen Terry Caravan Park has air-conditioned cabins (and, let’s face it: when you’re in the outback, it’s always a treat to find somewhere cool to stay!). Park your van or motorhome, or pitch a tent, on one of the powered or unpowered sites.
The drive from Hughenden to Winton is just over 2 and a half hours – and it takes in the stunning outback scenery along the way. Time your journey right and you’ll arrive for one of the Outback’s most colourful celebrations.
Winton’s Outback Festival has lured thousands of visitors from Australia and overseas since it began in 1972. It’s a family-friendly festival with activities and entertainment to suit any age – including yabbie races; Outback Iron Man and Woman competitions; whip cracking displays; and the festival’s signature event, the Quilton Australian Dunny Derby. Competitive teams fashion their own mobile thunderboxes and outhouses for this crazy race – which raises plenty of laughs from spectators!
If an Outback drive is on your holiday bucket list, then contact Apollo Motorhomes for the full range of their hire vehicles. Apollo has a special offer for Queensland Weekender viewers – so be sure not to miss out! Head to the link below to find out more:-
Apollo *Special Offer*
1800 777 779
apollocamper.com
Texas Longhorn Wagon Tours and Safaris
441 Urdera Road, Charters Towers
4787 8126
texaslonghorn.com.au
Big 4 – Aussie Outback Oasis
Charters Towers 76 Dr George Ellis Drive, Richmond Hill Charters Towers
1800 812 417
big4.com.au
Flinders Discovery Centre
visithughenden.com.au
Hughenden Allen Terry Caravan Park
37 Gray Street, Hughenden
4741 2970
hughendenvanpark.com.au
The Outback Festival
4657 1558
outbackfestival.com.au
