Matilda Way Drive Route
The Matilda Way is an iconic 1,812-kilometre touring route traversing Queensland's legendary Outback, stretching from Cunnamulla in the south to Karumba on the Gulf coast. Renowned as a premier Australian road-trip adventure, the route invites travellers to immerse themselves in authentic Outback experiences, rich heritage, and striking landscapes.
Starting in Cunnamulla, explore the Artesian Time Tunnel at the Cunnamulla Fella Centre, offering insights into life atop the Great Artesian Basin. Journey onwards to Charleville for stargazing at the Cosmos Centre. North of Charleville lies Augathella, 'Meat Ant Country,' with its striking sculpture and town stories at the Augathella Experience. In Tambo, Queensland's oldest western town, visit the Tambo Teddies workshop and walk the Coolibah trail.
In Blackall, explore the historic Blackall Woolscour, Australia's last steam-powered wool washing plant. Barcaldine features the Tree of Knowledge, symbolising the birth of Australia's Labor movement. Nearby Ilfracombe showcases a quirky outdoor display along its Machinery Mile.
Longreach offers iconic attractions like the Qantas Founders Museum and the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame. In Winton, discover ancient dinosaurs at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum or enjoy the storytelling of the Waltzing Matilda Centre.
Continue north to Kynuna's Blue Heeler Hotel, a true Outback pub, and McKinlay's Walkabout Creek Hotel of Crocodile Dundee fame. In Cloncurry, visit the John Flynn Place Museum, honouring the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Normanton is home to 'Krys the Savannah King,' a giant replica of the largest crocodile ever recorded in Australia. The journey finishes in Karumba, where travellers can savour Gulf sunsets, seafood, and top-tier fishing.
Throughout this unforgettable route, travellers experience dramatic landscapes, friendly locals, and adventures including bushwalking, birdwatching, and stargazing beneath endless skies. The Matilda Way encapsulates the true spirit of Outback Queensland, offering a road trip rich with history, nature, and character-filled towns.
In Blackall, explore the historic Blackall Woolscour, Australia's last steam-powered wool washing plant. Barcaldine features the Tree of Knowledge, symbolising the birth of Australia's Labor movement. Nearby Ilfracombe showcases a quirky outdoor display along its Machinery Mile.
Longreach offers iconic attractions like the Qantas Founders Museum and the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame. In Winton, discover ancient dinosaurs at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum or enjoy the storytelling of the Waltzing Matilda Centre.
Continue north to Kynuna's Blue Heeler Hotel, a true Outback pub, and McKinlay's Walkabout Creek Hotel of Crocodile Dundee fame. In Cloncurry, visit the John Flynn Place Museum, honouring the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Normanton is home to 'Krys the Savannah King,' a giant replica of the largest crocodile ever recorded in Australia. The journey finishes in Karumba, where travellers can savour Gulf sunsets, seafood, and top-tier fishing.
Throughout this unforgettable route, travellers experience dramatic landscapes, friendly locals, and adventures including bushwalking, birdwatching, and stargazing beneath endless skies. The Matilda Way encapsulates the true spirit of Outback Queensland, offering a road trip rich with history, nature, and character-filled towns.
