Camp beneath the outback stars in this remote Aussie outback town.
Perched on the banks of the Warrego River, surrounded by sun-baked plains and remote cattle stations, Charleville is the quintessential Queensland Outback town. Outdoor adventures are all about getting back to nature, whether fishing along the river, enjoying a barbecue in the Graham Andrews Parklands, or outback stargazing at the Cosmos Centre. Campers can stay in town or venture out into the bushlands.
Western outback
West of Charleville, the deserted outback plains lead the way to Cooladdi, proud of its status as Australia’s smallest town. Further afield, the Mariala National Park is the best place to explore the area’s mulga bushlands. Escape the crowds to enjoy bushwalking, birdwatching, and camping far from the beaten track.
Natural Sciences Loop
Charleville’s most rewarding road trip is a six-day round-trip taking in the opal mining town of Quilpie and Hell Hole Gorge National Park. Along the way, discover quirky sites such as the ancient dinosaur skeletons in Eromanga, the Eulo mud springs, and Baldy Top.
Roma and Carnarvon
It’s a long drive east to the next large town, but a visit to Roma’s famous Saleyards is an unmissable outback experience. Time your visit for a Tuesday to see Australia’s largest cattle sales taking place. To the north, the rugged cliffs and gorges of the Carnarvon National Park provide a dramatic backdrop for hiking and camping.
Summers (November through March) in the Queensland outback can be extreme—expect daytime temperatures to reach 35°C or more. Floods can also occur at this time of year. Winter temperatures rarely drop below 20°C during the day, but it can get chilly at night, so tent campers will need to wrap up warm. If you can, time your visit for seasonal events, such as the Charleville Rodeo in May, when locals flock to Charleville from the surrounding towns.