TRAVEL

OUTBACK QUEENSLAND LAUNCHES 2022 TRAVEL SEASON & NEW TRAVELLERS GUIDE

WORDS: Emily Whitehead PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied

While many Australians hit the road over the past two years, Outback Queensland is calling on travellers to book an outback holiday because there’s even more to explore, as the region launches its 2022 tourism season and new Travellers Guide, today Thursday, February 24th at Outback Queensland Tourism Association’s Outback Muster event.

Museum paying tribute to pioneers of the Australian outback

From dinosaur discoveries to luxury stays, the new Outback Queensland Travellers Guide unveils 22 must-do experiences in 2022. From rich cultural experiences and adventurous trails to a bird watching oasis following the La Nina downpour; the Outback Queensland Travellers Guide is the ultimate bucket list to help plan your next adventure.

Whether it’s by road, rail, or air, Outback Queensland has something on offer for everyone. Spanning 932,678km square (two thirds of the state), Outback Queensland boasts the chance to walk alongside dinosaurs and unearth fossils, to learn from indigenous Elders of the land, or soak in a luxury outback bath – and all experiences are topped with generous serving of country hospitality.

Taking the stage at the 2022 Outback Muster event on Thursday, Outback Queensland Tourism Association CEO, Denise Brown, is thrilled to announce the launch of the 117page Travellers Guide boasting brand new, never-before-seen attractions and events, QR code itineraries and exclusive insights to help travellers plan their next holiday.

“Outback Queensland had a bumper tourism season last year, but we’ve got more in store for those with the travel bug this season. The La Nina rains have breathed new life into the free-flowing rivers, the eco system is flourishing and it shows with an abundance of birdlife and fish aplenty, the sights are truly astounding,” said Denise Brown.

“Outback Queensland is an epic holiday destination. From the new Road to Rodeo in Longreach and the biggest and richest Rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere (Mount Isa Rodeo), to a visit of former uranium mine, Mary Kathleen, or a Cobb & Co stagecoach ride, there is something on offer for new and returning travellers.”

Chairman of the Outback Queensland Tourism Association and Blackall-Tambo Regional Council Mayor, Andrew Martin, echoed Ms Brown’s sentiment, stating Outback Queensland experienced a surge in Queenslanders venturing to the outback last year but there’s an impressive list of experiences instore for all Australians now that borders are open.

“There’s some outdated perceptions of the Outback that it’s all just red dirt and unsealed roads, but this is far from the truth which many Queenslanders have discovered – it’s accessible to all and there’s a plethora of new experiences on offer each year.

“If you’re searching for luxury and a chance to disconnect, the new Rangelands Outback Camp (launching April), Mitchell Grass Retreat and Wallaroo Outback Retreat offer deluxe, glamping tents so you can camp under a canopy of stars while enjoying all the comforts of home.

Luxury glamping retreat in the outback

“Craving adventure? Head off the beaten track and camp at over 20 national parks dotted throughout the Outback landscape or explore the plentiful waterways like Lake Moondarra in Mount Isa, or The Warrego River for a fisherman’s playground that will have you hooked.

“You can be immersed in rich cultural experiences; become one with the land and walk in the shoes of generations before you at Charleville’s Warrego River walk or the Desert Dreaming Centre in Barcaldine. You can even witness a sea of pink at the Charleville Botanic Reserve as the desert myrtle springs to life.

Nogo Station Experience

“Want a real taste of Outback Queensland? Our bakeries give your suburban local a run of its money and we have quirky pubs aplenty. You can even become a stockman for the day at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and embark on a visual journey to relive the lives of Australian stockmen in their all-new cinematic experience.

“We’ve experienced some unnerving years and we’re excited to be on the road to recovery in the tourism industry, however the main challenge is to ensure travellers continue to explore the outback to help keep our local business and operators thriving.

Luxury boutique outback lodging

“Escape the city, retreat to the country, relax in outdoor baths, enjoy the warm quiet days, the crisp outback nights and immerse yourself in the beauty of our rain-nourished land,” he said.

Hosted by the Outback Queensland Tourism Association, the Outback Muster and Travellers Guide launch event brought together Outback tourism operators, councils, tourism industry partners, leading travel agents and media to learn that there’s even more to explore in Queensland’s outback in 2022.

Kayaking on the Warrego River

Outback Queensland spans the North West (Mt Isa, Cloncurry, Julia Creek, Richmond and Hughenden), Far West (Boulia, Birdsville and Windorah), Central West (Winton, Longreach, Barcaldine, Blackall and Tambo), South West (Eromanga, Thargomindah, Quilpie, Charleville, Cunnamulla, Roma and St George) and East (Biloela).

Outback Queensland Tourism Association acknowledges the support of Tourism and Events Queensland, Department of Tourism, Queensland Tourism Industry Council and our Outback Queensland Councils and Industry partners.

For more information and to check out the Outback Queensland Travellers Guide visit https://www.outbackqueensland.com.au/