Queensland | Brisbane to Longreach Road Trip Itinerary

Travel through unique landscapes, from the outback’s red dust, to lush rainforest and turquoise coastline on this Queensland outback explorer itinerary.

Day 1: Brisbane to Roma 

Distance: 486km

Travel time: 5 hours 45 minutes

Pick up your Apollo camper at the Brisbane Apollo Branch and say goodbye to the city skyline, it's time to head out west! On your way out of town enjoy the scenery change from city, to lush countryside to the outback's classic orange. Finish your day by staying at the Roma Big Rig Tourist Park, which is dog friendly and includes powered sites for your needs. Ensuring you unwind and make the most of your stay in Roma.

Day 2: Roma

Today is yours to explore. Roma is famous for being home to the southern hemisphere's largest saleyards of cattle. If you time your visit with a Tuesday or Thursday, you can join a visitor tour of the Roma Saleyards. Encompassing the picturesque Railway Dam, your next stop can be located in the Roma Bush Gardens, which is a must for the enthusiast of the Australian bush and nature.

Day 3: Roma to Carnarvon Gorge

Distance: 243km

Travel time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Today we leave Roma and head off to Carnarvon Gorge, a lush oasis hidden within the outback. When arriving in Carnarvon Gorge, stay at BIG4 Holiday Park which is on 100 acres and is the perfect destination to disconnect from the hustle of life and reconnect with nature.

Image: Flynn Graham

Day 4: Carnarvon Gorge

Towering sandstone cliffs millions of years in the making await you as you explore the ancient Carnarvon Gorge today. Take a tour through the Carnarvon Gorge and meet the smallest bird in Australia and the tallest orchid on the same track. Take a walk through the Moss Garden where water drips constantly from the sandstone walls of the Moss Garden, supporting a lush carpet of mosses and ferns, proving to be a beautiful site.  

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Day 5: Carnarvon Gorge to Tambo

Distance: 427km

Travel time: 5 hours 10 minutes

Say g'day to Tambo, the oldest town in the Central West of Queensland. Just over 5 hours on the road and you'll arrive in this outback town of only 400 people. Spend some time at the Tambo Dam which is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic or make use of the barbecues provided, while enjoying the water birds and wildlife around the parkland. Finish your day off by visiting Tambo Teddies to watch your bear come to life as they are lovingly made, as each hand crafted sheepskin teddy bear is individually named after a farming property in the Tambo district. 

Unwind for the day and stay at Tambo Mill Motel & Caravan Park which has 21 powered sites with a swimming pool and BBQ facilities for you to enjoy.

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Day 6: Tambo to Longreach

Driving distance: 385km

Travel time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Today we head in the direction of Longreach, the birthplace of Australia's national airline Qantas. While you're here a trip around the Qantas Founders Museum is a must do, as well as a visit to the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame. Finish your day off by visiting Harry’s Restaurant and Bar, catering to a range of palates they offer a contemporary Australian menu. 

Finish your day by staying at the Longreach Caravan Park which is just a short walk from the main shops, cafes and bistros.

Image: Tourism Australia

Day 7: Longreach to Winton

Distance: 223km

Travel time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Say see you later to Longreach (you'll be back tomorrow!) and head north to Winton. Legend has it that Banjo Paterson 'Waltzing Matilda' was first performed in this town and you can visit the Waltzing Matilda Centre while here. You can also explore the Australian Age of Dinosaurs natural history museum. 

Enjoy the sunset and stay at Winton Wanderers Caravan Park which is set on 100 acres and has 80 powered, drive thru sites.

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Day 8: Winton to Longreach

Distance: 223km

Travel time: 2 hours 20 minutes

You've reached the half way point of your Queensland Outback Explorer road trip. A quick 2 hours and 20 minutes on the road and you'll find yourself back in Longreach. Enjoy the Longreach Tourist Park with three large amenities blocks, four laundries and several barbecues throughout.

Day 9: Longreach to Emerald

Distance: 481km

Travel time: 5 hours 10 minutes

Stock up on your road trip snacks before leaving Longreach, you've got just over 5 hours on the road today before reaching Emerald. Savour some amazing Australian food at the Capricornian Restaurant, located in the heart of Emerald, which will combine many elements of culinary traditions. Finish your day off by staying at the Emerald Tourist Park in one of their powered sites to relax for the afternoon. 

Image: Jason Charles Hill

Day 10: Emerald

Welcome to Emerald, the gateway to one of the largest sapphire fields in the southern hemisphere and also home to a 25 metre Van Gogh sunflower painting (just for a bit of variety!) Enjoy the Emerald Botanic Gardens, where you can find six kilometres of walking tracks that lead to picnic areas, playgrounds, mazes, sculptures and specialised plant communities.

Image: Emilie Ristevski

Day 11: Emerald to Seventeen Seventy

Distance: 490km

Travel time: 5 hours 30 minutes

It's time to say goodbye to orange landscapes and hello to the beautiful Queensland coast! Your destination today is Seventeen Seventy, a quaint seaside town, home to some of the best surf in Queensland. Head to the Seventeen Seventy Headland and Lookout to view the long, golden beaches as this family-friendly walk only takes 30 minutes. Enjoy your stay at 1770 Camping Ground, which is situated on the beachfront. The campsite offers many activities and attractions including a Larc Paradise Tour and witnessing the famous sunsets of an afternoon.

Day 12: Seventeen Seventy & Agnes Water

Shake off the orange dust with a day spent by the beach at Seventeen Seventy and Agnes Water. While you're here be sure to visit the paperbark forest boardwalk for a little touch of magic. 

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Day 13: Seventeen Seventy to Hervey Bay

Distance: 239km

Travel time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Say goodbye to Seventeen Seventy and continue along the Queensland coast in the direction of Hervey Bay. Known as both the gateway to K'gari (Fraser Island) and a popular location to spot to the annual whale migration between Australia and Antartica. Stay at the BIG4 Hervey Bay Holiday Park which is just a 5-minute walk to the ocean.

Day 14: Hervey Bay

Time your road trip between July and October each year for your best chance at experiencing the annual whale migration. Each year the calm, protected waters of Hervey Bay become a playground for whales and it is one of the best locations in Australia to catch a glimpse at these friendly giants. To finish your day, enjoy some food at one of Hervey Bay’s restaurants to relish in the delights and joys of dining out.

Image: Tourism Australia

Day 15: Hervey Bay to Brisbane 

Distance: 282km

Travel time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Make the most of your final day by stopping at the Kin Kin General Store, Moffat Beach and Serenity Falls as you make your way back into Brisbane to return your camper at the Brisbane Apollo Branch.