A Caravan Adventure to Winton: Outback Queensland at Its Best

Embark on an unforgettable outback road trip as we journey toward the legendary town of Winton — a destination rich in dinosaurs, drovers, and true-blue Aussie history. This blog captures the thrill of the open road, from red-dirt landscapes and friendly country towns to the excitement of discovering Winton’s world-class attractions.

Exploring Outback Queensland with a caravan is an adventure filled with history, natural beauty, and unique experiences. Our recent journey took us from Brisbane to Winton and back, covering 2,847km and visiting some of the most iconic spots in the region. Here’s a detailed look at our trip.

Day 1: Hitting the Road – Brisbane to Chinchilla

Leaving home in Brisbane, we embarked on the first leg of our journey, traveling 304km to Chinchilla Tourist Park. This well-maintained park provided a comfortable overnight stop with clean amenities and powered sites, setting the tone for a fantastic road trip.

Day 2: Soaking in the Great Artesian Spa – Mitchell

We continued west to Mitchell, where we relaxed at the Great Artesian Spa, a perfect way to unwind with its mineral-rich, warm waters. We then set up camp at Major Mitchell Caravan Park, which offered friendly service and a peaceful atmosphere.

Day 3: Charleville’s Outback Wonders

Next stop was Charleville, staying at Cobb & Co Caravan Park for the night. The highlight was an evening at the Cosmos Observatory, where we enjoyed a spectacular stargazing experience through powerful telescopes, learning about the Southern Hemisphere’s night sky.

Day 4: Tambo Teddies and Lara Wetlands

We made a brief stop at Tambo Teddies, home to handcrafted woolen teddy bears, before heading to Lara Wetlands near Barcaldine. This hidden gem featured a beautiful lake, abundant birdlife, and natural thermal pools, making it one of our favorite camping spots.

Day 5-7: Longreach – History and Outback Culture

Our three-day stop in Longreach was packed with must-see attractions:

Smithy’s Drovers Sunset Cruise & Dinner: A stunning sunset over the Thomson River paired with live music and a delicious meal.
Stockman’s Hall of Fame: A deep dive into Australia’s pastoral heritage with engaging exhibitions and live shows.
Qantas Founders Museum: A fascinating tour of early aviation history, including an airpark tour of retired aircraft.

We stayed at Longreach Tourist Park, which provided great facilities and a convenient base for exploring the town.

Day 8-10: Winton – Dinosaurs and Legends

Arriving in Winton, we settled into Winton Roadhouse, Cabins & Caravan Park for three nights. Winton delivered on its reputation as a historical and paleontological hotspot:

Waltzing Matilda Centre: The world’s only museum dedicated to a song, exploring the origins of this famous Aussie ballad.
Australian Age of Dinosaurs: A must-visit for dinosaur enthusiasts, featuring fossil exhibits and guided tours.
Dinosaur Stampede National Monument: Standing on the preserved dinosaur tracks, we imagined the prehistoric drama that unfolded here millions of years ago.

Day 11: Fisherman’s Rest Campground – Mitchell

Heading back east, we stopped at Fisherman’s Rest Campground near Mitchell. This scenic spot by the river provided a tranquil setting for an overnight stay, with plenty of space to unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Day 12-13: The Long Drive Home

After covering 879km, we made our way back to Brisbane, reminiscing about the incredible experiences and landscapes we had encountered along the way.

Final Thoughts

This trip was an unforgettable outback adventure, showcasing Queensland’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and unique attractions. If you’re looking for the perfect winter caravan road trip, Winton and its surrounding regions should be at the top of your list!

For your next caravan adventure, check out R & R Camper Hire and start planning your journey into the heart of Australia’s outback!