Discover South West Outback and the Channel Country
27 Apr 2022
If you think you’ve seen all that there is to see in Outback Queensland, you may need to think again. Over the last couple of years, innovative operators in the South West and Channel Country regions have been busy creating some fabulous new experiences and touring routes. Here’s a taste of some favourite group-friendly activities.
BEEFING IT UP IN ROMA
Things are definitely on the ‘moove’ at Roma Saleyards with the opening of their new state-of-the-art Interpretive Centre. As you enter the impressively curved walkway, the surround sound effects will have you thinking you’ve joined a cattle drive. It’s a great idea to visit the Centre before joining a guided tour of the cattle yards. These entertaining tours, led by passionate retired graziers, take in the action of a fast-paced live auction on Tuesdays. Build on this experience with a visit to The Barn at Mount Hope, a 34,000-acre working cattle station. On a personalised station tour, you’ll learn about their Droughtmaster cattle breeding and selling program. Top off the visit with sunset drinks and a delicious two-course camp oven dinner under the stars.
MOVERS AND SHAKERS IN CHARLEVILLE
On a guided tour of Charleville’s Hotel Corones, you could be mistaken for thinking the founder’s story was taken from a Hollywood script. Arriving in Australia penniless, Harry Corones went on to make Australian history several times throughout his life. He was even granted permission to use the royal insignia on the hotel’s crockery! The one-hour tour includes access to normally restricted areas of the hotel followed by refreshments in the historic dining room. Fast forward to today’s industry innovators with a visit to the Charleville Date Farm. Hear how the farmer turned his long-term dream into a reality and learn how dates are grown, while munching on freshly made date loaf.
SUNSETS AND GIANTS IN QUILPIE SHIRE
Discover The Lake Quilpie, a beautiful natural expanse of water set amongst shady gum trees. Native birds flock to this lush oasis, taking pride of place on a 2,500-acre property where current owners run Merino sheep, beef cattle and Kalahari red goats. A tour highlight has to be the sunset drinks beside the picturesque Lake Houdraman. Definitely a great way to end the day. Then, you can step back some 90 million years to meet the largest dinosaurs ever discovered in Australia at the Eromanga Natural History Museum. Groups are raving about their Dine by Dinosaurs experience in the newly constructed Reception Centre featuring nibbles and drinks on the Pavilion followed by a spectacular two-course dinner.
FOLLOWING THE BARCOO WAY
Take the road less travelled between Quilpie and Longreach via some incredibly scenic sections of the Barcoo Way. See Boomerang Waterhole at Welford National Park with its golden-green spinifex, white-barked ghost gums and red sand dune landscapes. On the way to Yaraka, travel along an old bush track to the ruins of Magee’s Shanty. Legend has it that Banjo Patterson wrote his iconic poem ‘A Bush Christening’ about an event that happened at this very site. Once part of the giant Milo sheep station, Yaraka was well known for its wool production. It’s also the ‘end of the line’ for the planned but not completed Great Western Railway. Be sure to visit nearby Mount Slocombe lookout. This place just oozes awesomeness from every angle of its 360-degree vista.
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
For the last 34 years, Longreach based Outback Aussie Tours have introduced their touring guests to the wonders of Outback Queensland. This year, they’ve broken new ground with their innovative Channel Country Discovery tour – a small group tour exploring the roads less travelled. Now more than ever, touring guests have the yen for travel in small groups of like-minded travellers, safe in the knowledge that all details are taken care of. The seven-day duration is ideal for a short break away combined with hassle-free direct flights into Roma and out of Longreach. The team at Outback Aussie Tours welcome private groups and charters and can easily create a personalised tour of this stunning region to include all of the above experiences and more.
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