Three western Queensland towns that are worth visiting
Ditch the beach for the outback and visit the three Western Queensland towns of Longreach, Roma and Mitchell. All come loaded with charm and Aussie spirit and make for an unforgettable road trip for solo travellers, couples, and families alike.
Approachable from Townsville, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, book your rental car with VroomVroomVroom and get started exploring some of what Queensland’s outback has to offer.
Longreach
An outback windmill at sunset.
Known as the heart of the Queensland outback, there’s so much to see, do and explore in Longreach. The town may be best-known for the part it played in the early history of Qantas, but it has far more to offer, with both historical and natural attractions.
Highlights:
The award-winning Qantas Founders Museum is where you can learn about the founding and early days of Qantas. Did you know that Longreach is where the first hanger and purpose-built landing field was built?
Set a few kilometres north of town, the Thomson River is the perfect place to enjoy a sunset cruise. The sublime light created by outback sunsets is like no other and definitely worth enjoying during your road trip.
Try a joy-flight in the area to see the scenic Aussie outback from a whole new perspective.
Experience what it would have been like to ride on a stage coach back in the day, with an award-winning ride on the Longreach-Windorah Mail Route.
Directions from Townsville:Take Southern Port Road to Flinders Highway / A6 in Stuart. Follow State Route 62 to Landsborough Highway / A2 in Winton. Follow Flinders Highway / A6 to Moran Street in Hughenden. Follow Landsborough Highway / A2 to Cassowary Street in Longreach.
Queensland’s outback delivers on the big skies front.
Found in Queensland’s Maranoa Region, Roma is filled with fascinating history and plenty of amazing sights. Roma is surrounded by the iconic Aussie countryside Queensland’s west is famous for — an all-encompassing highlight of an outback road trip. Expect big skies and stunning landscapes.
Highlights:
The Big Rig is a must-stay while you explore Roma. Centrally located, it is perfect for families and is a great place to relax and explore during your outback road trip.
Roma is famous for its bottle trees, and while in town, visit the largest bottle tree in Roma and don’t forget to get a keepsake photo while you’re there. You’ll find the tree at the end of Edwardes Street.
Did you know that Roma was home to the oldest winery in Australia? Established in 1863, the beautiful and heritage-listed Romavilla Winery was known for its delicious Riesling, Viognier and Chenin Blanc wines. It has sadly closed, but you’ll still find some good wines to sample in the area.
Roma’s main road is lined with traditional country-style pubs and hotels. Take a walk through town to see them, along with the pretty St Paul’s Anglican Church.
Directions from Brisbane: Get on the M3 and then follow Warrego Highway and A2 to McDowall Street in Roma. This drive will take you approximately five hours and 45 minutes.
There’s no shortage of roos in Queensland’s outback, so do take care when driving.
Just a two-hour drive between the two, the town of Mitchell is set on the Maranoa River. Often referred to as the “Gateway to the Outback,” Mitchell is a great base to visit hot springs and enjoy stunning hikes. This vibrant town is the perfect place to visit on an outback road trip through Queensland’s west.
The Mitchell on Maranoa Gallery showcases art from local, regional and national artists in the old Maranoa Picture Theatre.
Fancy relaxing in a natural hot spring fed by the artesian basin? You can do exactly that in Mitchell.
Directions from the Gold Coast:Get on Pacific Motorway / M1 in Nerang from Ashmore Rd / State Route 24 and Nerang Broadbeach Road / State Route 90. Follow Pacific Motorway / M1, Warrego Highway and A2 to Alice Street in Mitchell.
