Queensland Holidays - Things To See & Do - Towns & Regions

The towns and regions throughout the Great Inland Way offer no shortage of things to see and do. From exploring magical limestone caves to sampling delicious country baked goodies, here's where to plan your day, your way.

Tropical North Queensland
Charters Towers
Central Highlands
Western Downs

Tropical North Queensland

North: Heading north stop at Bob's Lookout for sweeping views across the valley, then the Palmer River Roadhouse, a marker of the north's greatest gold field. Head to the atmospheric tropical port of Cooktown, via the mysterious Black Mountain. In Cooktown don't miss the world class museum dedicated to the remarkable James Cook and Nature's Powerhouse.

South: Stop at Innot Hot Springs for a thermal bath, then try a round of golf amongst the wallabies at Mount Garnett. Further west you'll hit the 40 Mile Scrub, where you can stretch your legs and the kids can learn about a unique patch of forest. Then onwards to the spectacular volcanic underworld of the Undara lava tubes, where you'll learn first hand the savannah's secrets.

East: Stop in on Kuranda, the village in the rainforest, for lively markets and local arts and crafts. Check out the Barron Falls Lookout for spectacular views over the falls and Barron Gorge. Then it's road, rail or skyrail through World Heritage Rainforest, to the tropical city of Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Take a tour, sample great food or simply take-in the Coral Sea.

West: Head toward Dimbulah and you're following a well worn path to the long abandoned Hodgkinson gold fields. In the distance is the haunting Mt Mulligan, special place of the Kuku Djungan people and site of Queensland's worst mining tragedy. 90 kilometers on is the former mining town of Chillagoe, where you'll discover magical limestone caves, marble and the imposing remains of the 1901 Chillagoe smelter.

Charters Towers

North: Stop at Fletcher Creek to stand on a lava flow, then head into the Gudjal tribe's special place, Dalrymple National Park. Imagine Leichhardt's journey, the old Dalrymple township and the life of Kate Roberts, whose lonely grave lies in the park today. Then head for the ghost town that isn't, Greenvale, and drink to Stan Coster at the "Three Rivers Hotel". Further north, the remarkable craters and lava tunnels of Undara await.

South: Keep a look out for the rosellas as you head south, then pull in for a cuppa in the generous shade of the Cape River Melaleucas. Take a walk in Blackwood National Park then head to Belyando Crossing for tales of ghosts, gold and sheep, while fending off the local lorikeets, honeyeaters and apostlebirds. Further south watch for Mazeppa National Park and Brolga Dam, before heading in to Clermont.

East: Take the Great Tropical Drive east and pull over at the Burdekin crossing, 15 minutes out of Charters Towers, for a jaw dropping illustration of the mighty river in flood. On to Townsville to sample the delights of life in the tropics - sunset strolls along the Strand, fine outdoor dining, great galleries, museums and the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

West: Head into the wide open spaces of the Queensland outback. Pull over at the Burra Range lookout to sample the White Mountains National Park landscape, then on to the miraculous Porcupine Gorge, the special place of the Jirandali people. Take a cool break and take-in a dramatic sunset. Onto nearby Hughenden to come face to face with the mighty Muttaburrasaurus Langdoni at the Flinders Discovery Centre. Call in and chat with the locals in the many small towns that dot the highway.

Central Highlands

North: Continuing north to Capella, visit the Peak Downs Homestead at the Capella Pioneer Village before taking the scenic drive through the picturesque Peak Range. At Clermont, stretch the legs around pretty Hoods Lagoon, then try your luck gold fossicking - there's some worthy finds uncovered around here. Take the free tour of Blair Athol Coal Mine - very entertaining - and enjoy a picnic at Theresa Creek Dam.

South: Your journey south takes you to some of the most magnificent natural attractions in the state. At Springsure, see Virgin Rock - particularly brilliant illuminated at night. Visit Minerva Hills National Park, historic Old Rainworth Fort, the Staircase Range and Wills massacre site before heading to the outstanding Carnarvon National Park. A real treat is Lake Nuga Nuga - accessible in the dry by 2WD.

East: Heading east see an authentic Leichhardt 'DIG' Tree in Comet. In Blackwater pause at the carefully tendered Japanese Gardens, then visit the informative Blackwater International Coal Centre. To the north Bedford Weir is perfect for fishing and camping. To the east witness coal being loaded at the huge rail loading facility by the side of the road, before exploring beautiful Blackdown Tableland National Park.

West: Only 44km westward is one of the world's largest sapphire fields - go fossicking or explore the gem galleries devoted to this exquisite gem. Pause at Drummond Range Lookout before arriving at Alpha - the town of murals. Spend a few hours searching for petrified wood then travel further west into the township of Jericho. View the Crystal Trumpeters and relax by a natural billabong at Redbank Park.

Western Downs

North: Heading north, discover some of Australia's most treasured natural assets. At Injune, visit the old courthouse then Lonesome National Park and its lookout with unsurpassed views. Mt Moffatt and Lake Nuga Nuga are both well worth your time. Cross the Dingo Barrier Fence on your way to Carnarvon Gorge's towering sandstone cliffs harbouring pockets of rainforest and ancient art galleries. In Rolleston, see the historic Purbrook boundary rider's hut.

South: Travelling south, follow rivers where huge Murray Cod hide. At Surat, learn about Australia's pioneering people movers at the Cobb & Co. Changing Station - also home to a huge freshwater aquarium and art gallery. Wander through an Aboriginal Bush Garden, Villacoola Winery and Myall Park Botanic Garden before arriving in St George. Allow time to visit The Unique Egg, a cotton gin, Riversands Winery and Rosehill Aviaries.

East: Journey east from Roma to Wallumbilla and discover the dreamtime legend of Pickanjinnie. Stock up with delicious country baked goodies at Calico Cottage before arriving in Miles. At the Miles Historical Village, step back in time - this is much more than your average museum! Visit Dogwood Crossing @ Miles and Chinaman's Lagoon to see if its rare purple water lilies are in bloom.

West: Soothing mineral spas and tales of bushrangers await the traveller west. In Mitchell, allow the warm calming waters from the Great Artesian Basin to work their magical powers. See the Kenniff Brothers sculpture erected where the famous arrest of these notorious bushrangers took place. Visit the Mitchell art gallery, Yumba Aboriginal Site and a campsite of explorer Major Mitchell's - from whom the town acquires its name.