This family-friendly road trip combines Queensland’s most famous dinosaur attractions with national parks, gorges, outback history and iconic country towns. From the towering sandstone cliffs of Carnarvon Gorge to the fossil-rich plains of Winton and Richmond, this itinerary showcases some of the best experiences Outback Queensland has to offer.
When planning your trip there are some important things to consider on any long touring holiday through remote areas. We’ve included a helpful planning and safety guide at the end of our suggested itinerary.
Often referred to as the gateway to Outback Queensland, Roma was established in the 1860s and grew as a major centre for cattle grazing and agriculture. Today, it is also known for its significant oil and gas industry and is home to Australia’s largest cattle saleyards. For travellers, Roma offers a comfortable introduction to the outback, with attractions including The Big Rig, which tells the story of Queensland’s oil industry, scenic sunset views at Bungil Creek Weir, and a welcoming country-town atmosphere. It makes an ideal first overnight stop before venturing deeper into Western Queensland.
Hidden within the sandstone ranges of Central Queensland, Carnarvon Gorge is one of Australia’s most spectacular national park destinations. For thousands of years, the gorge was an important meeting place for Aboriginal peoples, whose rock art can still be viewed today along the famous Art Gallery walk. Towering cliffs, permanent waterholes, lush side gorges and abundant wildlife make Carnarvon Gorge a favourite among bushwalkers and nature lovers. Whether you’re exploring the Moss Garden, the Amphitheatre or simply enjoying the serenity of the main gorge, it’s easy to see why many visitors consider Carnarvon Gorge the highlight of their Queensland road trip.
Located in the heart of Queensland’s Sapphire Gemfields, Rubyvale offers visitors the chance to experience one of the world’s largest sapphire-bearing regions. Since sapphires were discovered here in the late 1800s, prospectors have flocked to the area hoping to strike it lucky. Today, visitors can fossick for their own gemstones, tour underground mines, browse local gem shops and learn about the fascinating history of the gemfields. Rubyvale provides a uniquely Queensland experience and is a fun stop for families looking to add a little treasure hunting to their adventure.
Best known as the home of the Muttaburrasaurus, one of Australia’s most famous dinosaurs, Muttaburra is a small outback town with a big prehistoric story. The dinosaur was discovered nearby in 1963 and remains one of the most complete dinosaur skeletons ever found in Australia. Visitors can explore the Muttaburrasaurus Interpretive Centre, photograph the giant dinosaur replica and gain insight into the region’s ancient past. Combined with its historic buildings and classic outback character, Muttaburra offers an enjoyable and educational stop for families travelling the Dinosaur Trail.
Please note: Muttaburra is accessible by single lane road which can be affected by rain and flood waters at times. Check the QLD Traffic website for current conditions.
Hughenden proudly calls itself the gateway to Dinosaur Country. Situated on the edge of the Flinders Shire, the town has become an important stop on Australia’s Dinosaur Trail thanks to the numerous fossil discoveries made throughout the region. The Flinders Discovery Centre provides an excellent introduction to the area’s prehistoric history, while the impressive water tower mural celebrates both local heritage and dinosaurs. Beyond the fossils, Hughenden offers genuine country hospitality and serves as the perfect base for exploring nearby Porcupine Gorge.
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Often described as Queensland’s answer to the Grand Canyon, Porcupine Gorge National Park is one of the state’s most underrated natural attractions. Carved over millions of years by Porcupine Creek, the gorge reveals dramatic layers of ancient rock and sweeping outback landscapes. The Pyramid Lookout provides spectacular views across the canyon, while walking tracks allow visitors to experience the gorge up close. Sunrise and sunset are particularly memorable, with the sandstone walls glowing in shades of gold and red.
Richmond’s claim to fame lies beneath the surface. Around 100 million years ago, this region was covered by the inland Eromanga Sea, and today it produces some of Australia’s most remarkable marine fossils. The town is home to Kronosaurus Korner, which houses an impressive collection of prehistoric marine reptiles and fossils discovered throughout Western Queensland. For families travelling the Dinosaur Trail, Richmond provides a fascinating glimpse into a time when giant sea creatures ruled the area long before dinosaurs roamed the land.
No destination is more closely associated with Australia’s Dinosaur Trail than Winton. Often regarded as the dinosaur capital of Australia, the town is surrounded by world-famous fossil sites and scientific discoveries. Visitors can tour the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum, see the Dinosaur Stampede National Monument at Lark Quarry and learn how some of Australia’s most significant dinosaur finds have helped rewrite our understanding of prehistoric life. Beyond dinosaurs, Winton is also famous as the birthplace of Waltzing Matilda and embodies the spirit of the Australian outback.
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Longreach is one of Queensland’s most iconic outback towns and offers a rich blend of history, heritage and storytelling. Established as a major transport and pastoral centre in the late 1800s, Longreach is home to the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and the QANTAS Founders Museum, two attractions that celebrate the pioneering spirit of rural Australia. Visitors can also enjoy sunset cruises on the Thomson River and experience the warm hospitality that has made Longreach a must-visit destination for generations of travellers.
Your team member’s stockman statue photo was taken at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame.
Rising above the surrounding plains, Blackdown Tableland National Park feels worlds away from the open landscapes of the central west. The park protects a unique plateau of sandstone cliffs, rainforest pockets, waterfalls and ancient Aboriginal rock art. It is the traditional homeland of the Ghungalu people, who have maintained a strong connection to the area for thousands of years. Visitors can enjoy scenic lookouts, short bushwalks and peaceful camping among the eucalypts, making Blackdown Tableland an ideal place to unwind before beginning the journey home.
Camping permits can be booked through the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service camping booking system. Campsites at Blackdown Tableland are limited during school holidays, so booking well in advance is strongly recommended.
Nestled within Queensland’s North Burnett region, Eidsvold is a historic country town rich in pastoral heritage. Established during the early days of Queensland’s cattle industry, the town remains closely connected to the bush traditions that helped shape the state. The surrounding landscapes are often associated with the pioneering spirit celebrated by Australian icon RM Williams, whose life and legacy were heavily influenced by similar rural Queensland and South Australian environments. For travellers, Eidsvold offers a relaxed country atmosphere and a fitting final overnight stop before returning to Brisbane.
Return to Brisbane via the Burnett Highway.
Feeling a little tired of outback highways? After Blackdown Tableland, consider heading east to Rockhampton before joining the Bruce Highway (A1) south to Brisbane.
Recommended overnight stops include:
Remember: Stop. Revive. Survive. Outback Queensland roads can be deceptively tiring, particularly after multiple days of touring. Take regular breaks, share the driving where possible, and avoid pushing on if fatigue starts to set in.
Much of this itinerary follows sealed highways, but you’ll still encounter long distances, roadworks, rough shoulders, wildlife and remote sections where help may be hours away.
Before departing:
A late-model, well-maintained vehicle will make the trip significantly more enjoyable and safer. FleetCrew offers a range of 4WD touring vehicles perfectly set up for a family trip to the outback. With pleanty of luggage space and the peace of mind of having 4WD capability and a large fuel tank, The Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series and the LandCruiser Prado 250 are both ideal vehicles that make long days on the road a comfortable experience.
The ideal time to tackle this route is between April and September.
Winter in Outback Queensland generally means:
Summer can be challenging, with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C in places such as Winton, Richmond and Longreach.
The wet season can also impact roads, creek crossings and access to some national park areas.
Even experienced drivers can underestimate the fatigue that builds up over multiple days.
A good rule is:
This trip is meant to be enjoyed, not endured.
Queensland’s outback roads can be deceptively tiring. The scenery is spectacular, but long straight sections can lead to reduced concentration.
Plan a packed lunch at a rest stop or point of interest to give you and your passengers a break from driving. Bring a termos of tea or coffee or a small esky or chiller bag with cans of cola or iced coffee for an afternoon caffeine hit.
Park the car in the main street of a small town and spend some time wandering up and down.
Even a 15-minute break can significantly reduce fatigue.
This is probably the single biggest safety tip for the trip.
Kangaroos, wallabies, emus, cattle and other wildlife are most active:
A large kangaroo or an emu can easily write off a vehicle and end a holiday.
Where possible:
Fuel is readily available on this route, but distances between towns can still be substantial.
A simple outback rule:
Never pass fuel when you’re below half a tank.
It removes stress and gives flexibility for detours and sightseeing.
Mobile coverage is generally available in towns but can be patchy between destinations.
Download offline maps before departing, they are invaluable when reception disappears. Paper maps are also a good fall back, Tourist Information Centres are great places to find a map if you need one.
Online tools like BOM and QLD Traffic are invaluable for checking outback weather and road conditions. Bad weather can cut off roads and towns leaving you stranded if you don’t know alternative routes. Check these sites daily to make sure roads are accessible.
Someone once said, ‘Half the fun is getting there.’ For families, the secret isn’t simply reaching the destination. It’s breaking the drive into smaller adventures.
Ideas include:
The Dinosaur Trail has become increasingly popular.
Accommodation in:
can book out months in advance during winter and school holiday periods.
National park camping permits should also be secured early.
Some of the best memories happen when you stop somewhere you hadn’t planned.
An extra night in Longreach.
A sunset at Porcupine Gorge.
A surprise fossil discovery in Richmond.
A hundred head of cattle being mustered across a road near Winton.
Build some flexibility into your itinerary and don’t try to schedule every hour of every day.
That’s often when Outback Queensland is at its best.
Before leaving, make sure you have:
With a reliable vehicle, sensible planning and a relaxed schedule, this Brisbane to Dinosaur Trail loop is one of the best family road trips Queensland has to offer. It combines dinosaurs, national parks, outback history, wildlife and iconic country towns into a genuine Australian adventure.
If you want a reliable, late model touring 4×4 for your adventure, browse or range of recreational vehicles on our website.
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