Explore more of Queensland: the overlander's way
Follow the Overlanders Way—a classic outback road trip that begins in the coastal hub of Townsville, make your way inland approximately 1,100 kilometres to reach Mount Isa and experience Outback Queensland’s unique way of life. Along the way, enjoy authentic outback hospitality while staying at Discovery Parks in all three locations.
Townsville – Richmond – Cloncurry – Mount Isa
Distance to Travel: 1,100 kilometres
Recommended Trip Length: 8-10 Days
Stop 1: Townsville – Where Reef Meets Outback
Start your journey in Townsville, a tropical gateway to the outback. The world is your oyster in Townsville with activities like scuba diving, a street art trail you shouldn’t miss, and the chance to go on a horse-riding tour of the beautiful Horseshoe Bay. The Strand and Castle Hill are not to be missed as places to soak up the Far North Queensland atmosphere, while the incredible Magnetic Island should be on everybody's must-do list.
4 Things To See and Do in Townsville
Visit Magnetic Island
The World Heritage listed Magnetic Island or 'Maggie' is only a 25-minute ferry ride away.
Explore the hinterland on numerous nature walks including the historic Forts Walk and keep an eye out for sleeping koalas. Cool off with a swim at any of the island’s pristine bays. Hire a jet ski or kayak and circumnavigate all of part of this beautiful marine sanctuary.
Explore the Street Art Trail
Escape for an hour or so and discover 20 large scale murals that are hidden in the laneways and alleyways of Townsville. Commissioned by the city of Townsville, artists from around Australia and the world have contributed to this living exhibition.
Billabong Sanctuary
Billabong Sanctuary offers Australia’s best interactive wildlife experience. Just 20 minutes south of Townsville, the park features native Australian animals in their natural habitats of eucalyptus forest, rainforest and wetlands.
Summit Castle Hill
Just metres short of a mountain, Castle Hill is a giant pink granite monolith that stands proud in the centre of Townsville. As well as offering vehicle access, Castle Hill provides several popular walking tracks and 360-degree views of Townsville from the top. Take your time at sunrise or sunset.
READ ALSO: Top of the Town: Things You Should Do in Townsville
At home in the tropics and just a short ferry away from the koalas of Magnetic Island, Discovery Parks – Townsville is the choice of stay where you’ll find top-notch facilities, waterpark for the kids and plenty of spacious sites for your caravan or cabin stay.
Stop 2: Richmond – Dinosaurs and Outback Charm
Distance to Travel: 499 kms
Hours by car: 5-6
Suggested stay: 1-2 nights
Heading inland, your next stop is Richmond, home to one of Australia’s most fascinating fossil museums—Kronosaurus Korner. Here, you’ll step back in time to when an ancient inland sea covered the region. Don’t miss the opportunity to try your hand at fossil hunting in one of the town’s nearby dig sites.
2 Stops along the Overlander's Way
Towers Hill at Charters Towers
Once the second largest city in Queensland, this gold rush era settlement has been preserved as a monument to its former bustling self. Enjoy its wide-open main street and grand old architecture reflecting the former prosperity of this historic outback town. At 420m above sea-level, Towers Hill Lookout offers a panoramic view over Charters Towers. It is also the site at which an Aboriginal boy named Jupiter first discovered gold in December 1871.
Porcupine Gorge National Park & Hughenden
Known locally as ‘Australia’s Little Grand Canyon’, Porcupine Gorge is made up of towering sandstone cliffs that have been carved into the landscape over time by the surrounding creek.
Stop by Hughenden - the heart of Australia's dinosaur country and visit the Flinders Discovery Centre and Museum, which houses an extensive display of fossils from around the world and locally.
Stop 3: Cloncurry – Pioneering Spirit and Flying Doctors
Distance to Travel: 491 kms
Hours by car: 5-6
Suggested stay: 1-2 nights
Next, journey west to Cloncurry, known as the birthplace of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. The John Flynn Place Museum tells the incredible story of this iconic Australian service. While in town, stop by the Mary Kathleen Memorial Park and Museum to learn about the region’s mining past and see a unique mineral collection.
2 Things to see and do in Cloncurry
QANTAS HANGAR
Visit the original hanger for the Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Service (QANTAS) from which its first commercial passenger was flown in 1922. The unassuming hangar in the remote Queensland town of Cloncurry is the home of Australian civil aviation. From here the Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services Ltd, better known as QANTAS, took to the skies for the very first time.
John Flynn Place Museum
In honour of the extraordinary efforts and achievements of Australia’s early pioneers, the Cloncurry John Flynn Place Museum pays tribute to Reverend John Flynn and his team for their dedication and success in overcoming isolation and bringing communication education, and health to remote Australia.
Located nearby to all of the popular spots, Discovery Parks – Cloncurry is perfect for you to rest and recharge after your outback exploration.
Stop 4: Mount Isa – Mining Heritage and Rodeo Spirit
Distance to Travel: 121 kms
Hours by car: 2
Suggested stay: 3-4 nights
End your road trip in the lively outback city of Mount Isa, famous for its vast mining operations and the annual Mount Isa Rodeo—Australia’s biggest. Delve into the city's underground life on the Hard Times Mine tour, explore the Outback at Isa precinct, or relax at Lake Moondarra.
4 Things to See and Do in Mount Isa
Lake Moondarra
The spectacular Lake Moondarra is 17km north of Mount Isa and is a popular spot for swimming, boating, sailing, canoeing and fishing, and has a wide variety of native wildlife. There are several scenic picnic areas around the lake with large shady trees and these are some of the best places in Mount Isa to have a barbecue. The Barbecues are free of charge and have a woodpile that is stocked regularly.
Mount Isa Experience Gallery
The ‘Isa Experience Heritage Display’ is a must do for those interested in an in-depth look at Mount Isa from its humble beginnings more than 90 years ago. Book a self-guided tour and wander through the interactive and vibrant displays depicting Mount Isa from the early days to the thriving town of today.
Hard Times Mine
The Hard Times Mine Tour is more than a tour – it’s an experience. From the moment you meet your tour guide who has worked as a miner for most of his life, to the kitting-out in overalls and cap lamps, this is an experience you won't forget.
Mount Isa Family Fun Park
Opened in 2009, Mount Isa Family Fun Park costed more than $4.25 million to design and build, and it is the largest all-abilities playground in Queensland. The Family Fun Park is built to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their level of ability or movement, offering locals and visitors the perfect facility to play, relax, and enjoy.
Unwind at Discovery Parks – Mount Isa after your exploration. Located along the Leichhardt River. It’s the perfect base with peaceful surrounds and great facilities.
Hit the Road with Discovery Parks
From the reef to the red dirt, the Overlanders Way is packed with stories, scenery, and soul. And with Discovery Parks ready to welcome you in Townsville, Cloncurry, and Mount Isa, comfort and adventure go hand in hand.
