Queensland Outback

Hi Stacy, we did a similar trip, and at first we were going to stay at a caravan park in Longreach, but we got told about the caravan park in Ilfracombe which is next door to the Wellshot Hotel, best thing we ever did, it has the best happy hour in the country by far. Enjoy your trip. Regards: Julio

Hi Stacy, Lake Houdraman is a top spot to camp! So is Cooper Creek at Windorah, just a bit further west. I hope you have a great trip! Cheers Toni

Hi Stacy and mate, after many, many, many trips varying in duration from 4 days to several years we find that the only itinerary which is of any value is the one written at the END of the trip. If you look at big business, e.g. Qantas, Queensland rail and even the Federal Govt. these mobs pay people big $$$ to work out how its all going to happen and look at the end result. The point being that if they can't get it right what chance do us mere mortals have? I must admit though it's a lot of fun to get out all the travel guides, atlas and the other 8 or so publications we have and doing exactly what you have done knowing in the back of your mind that all you are doing is encouraging Murphys Law. Seriously though, go for it. If some of us more seasoned travellers were to be honest we would admit to being envious of your enthusiasm. We all wish you a safe, enjoyable and memorable trip. And remember "There is no such thing as a problem only a solution waiting to be found".

Stacy,

Sounds like a good trip, though you could have trouble fitting it all in the 2 weeks. Just depends how keen you are to bounce out of the camper at daylight, on a cold July morning?

Might be worth stopping to check out the Cosmos Centre at Charleville on way through.

Jundah to Winton is a good drive, with Lark Quarry a worthwhile detour. Think the tours are 10am, Noon & 2pm only, but you might like to check first by ringing Waltzing Matilda Centre in Winton(07 46571466)

The side trip to Old Cork is about 60kms off the Jundah road. The old homestead still stands, though the roof is long gone. There is a large waterhole behind the house, on the Diamantina River, and there is usually plenty of room to camp there. To travel to Winton you can go up the Diamantina River Road, on east side of the river, and is the shortest way, or retrace your path to Cork Station, and then up the Cork Mail road.

Once in Winton there is plenty to see & do.Waltzing Matilda centre is worth a look, as well as the Corfields & Fitzmaurice Store, Searles Outback Store and have an evening meal at either Tatt's or the Winton Pub(both outdoor dining).

On the way to Longreach, you should also travel up to Australian Age of Dinosaurs, to compliment your visit to Lark Quarry. It's only 11kms off the highway, has views to die for and they don't make a bad coffee either. Tours are now run on the hour.

There is a good free camp at Crawford Ck, about 45 kms east of Winton. Has toilets, shelter sheds and odd BBQ (wood only) if you happened to be running late after seeing all the good stuff in Winton :-)

Have often admired the Blackdown Tableland from the highway, and it's on our visit list too. Instead of travelling from there to Rocky, may I suggest that you travel down the Burnett Highway to Gympie. I did this last April, after going to Brissy down the Bruce H'way, and the former is a more relaxed and scenic drive, and probably not much difference in distance. No stop-n-go's and bugger-all traffic!!!

If you've got any more questions about Winton area, I might be able to help you?

Bob.

I can certainly recommend Old Cork as a good spot for a night or three.