The Barcoo Way is a drive that takes you from Tambo through Blackall out to Isisford, then down to Yaraka and finally finishing in Windorah. This drives follows the mighty Barcoo River as it winds it way through amazing scenery, and gives the visitor a chance to experience true outback hospitality at the historic and interesting towns along the way. There are plenty of camping spots, photo opportunities and the chance to see the wildlife of the outback while taking the drive along the Barcoo Way. You can visit sites such as Magee’s Shanty said to be the site of “a bush christening’ from the famous Banjo Paterson poem and Welford National Park where you can camp on the Barcoo River enjoy all the park has to offer.
Take the drive, take the Barcoo Way!
JUNDAH - STONEHENGE - WINDORAH
Channel Country consists of the Barcoo Shire, Boulia Shire and Diamantina Shire. It offers a range of things to see and do such as:
- National Parks
- Outback Self Drive Tours
- Nature, with unique Flora and Fauna
- Water sports such as fishing and kayaking
- Attractions such as the Min Min Encounter, Sand Hills, Rivers, Art & Craft
- Events such as The Big Red Bash, Outback Trailblazer, Race Days, Rodeos, Bronco Branding, Gymkanas, International Yabby Races and so much more!
For more information or to plan your next trip, download The Channel Country Information Brochure
JUMP IN THE CAR TO EXPERIENCE THE CHANNEL COUNTRY AND DISCOVER THE OUTBACK!
SIMPSON DESERT RACING CARNIVAL TRAIL - BETOOTA to BEDOURIE
Set against the backdrop of the famed Simpson Desert, the Simpson Desert Racing Carnival gives the local community, punters, tourists, jockeys, owners and trainers alike the opportunity to come from near and far to celebrate country racing at its best. This 15 Day itinerary follows the thrills and spills of three Outback Racing events, The Betoota Races, Birdsville Races and Bedourie Races and Rodeo.
OUTBACK QUEENSLAND CAMEL FESTIVAL TRAIL - BIRDSVILLE to WINTON
The camel racing season kicks off in Outback Queensland on the second weekend of July. Camels are brought in to compete from all over Australia, beginning with a two-day Bedourie event, followed by a three-day festival in Boulia and ending with a one-day event in Winton. Camel racing is a serious international sport in some countries and its origins can be traced back to the early Islamic period in the seventh century. The Boulia Camel Race is the longest running camel race in Australia.
WARREGO WAY - BRISBANE to BIRDSVILLE
The Warrego Way starts at the Sunshine State's capital, Brisbane and ends in Outback Queensland at Birdsville. Along the way, you can see ancient trees from the dinosaur age, endangered mammals, unwind in soothing waters from the sub artesian basin, listen to local yarns at country pubs or just relax and enjoy the brilliant night skies and sunsets.
BACK ROADS TO WINTON - LONGREACH to WINTON
Begin your journey in Longreach, in Queensland's heartland, then follow the scenic backroads to Winton via Lochern National Park, Stonehenge and Jundah.
NATURAL ENCOUNTERS TRAIL - BOULIA to WINTON
Explore Diamantina National Park, Lark Quarry Conservation Park and Bladensburg National Park on a scenic adventure drive from Boulia to Winton.
THE BARCOO WAY - TAMBO TO WINDORAH
Follow the river road skirting the tranquil billabongs of the mighty Barcoo. The Barcoo River rises on the northern slopes of the Warrego Range near Tambo. It flows north-west then turns south towards Windorah to form Cooper Creek. These backroads take you through prime sheep and cattle land to the corrugated red dunes of Windorah. Towns along the way include Tambo, Blackall, Isisford, Yaraka and Windorah.
Tour the vibrant Outback night sky, discover majestic Welford National Park and marvel at Outback heritage on a journey from Charleville to Longreach.
The Far West Adventure is a self drive tour which begins in the Central West heartland town of Longreach, passes through the Far West shires of Barcoo, Diamantina and Boulia, and finally finishes in the North West town of Mount Isa. Allow at least one week for this 1394 kilometre adventure loop where you'll discover historic and remote outback towns, meet local characters and hear their stories. Experience the magnificent Welford National Park with its red river gum and coolabah lined waters. Visit the ghost town of Betoota and explore Aboriginal cultural attractions. Take in an amazing sunset atop Big Red sand hill on the edge of the Simpson Desert, learn about Boulia's mysterious Min Min Light then drive through ever-changing landscapes to Mount Isa.
CENTRAL WEST OUTBACK ADVENTURE DRIVE
Nothing beats an outback road trip through the wide-open spaces, sweeping sand dunes and quirky towns of central west Queensland's 'big sky country'. Beginning in Longreach, the home of Qantas and the Stockman's Hall of Fame, this five day adventure drive will give you a taste of what life in one of Australia's most remote regions is like.
Channel Country Self Drive Tours have been created in conjuction with Outback Queensland Tourism.
For other great Queensland Drives, please visit Outback Queensland Tourism website or download the Great Queensland Drives Map .
CHANNEL COUNTRY SELF DRIVE VIDEOS