This iconic Australian road trip stretches over 2,700 kilometers and takes travelers on a captivating journey through the heart of Australia. Along the way, you’ll encounter breathtaking landscapes, vibrant regional communities, and remarkable experiences that truly showcase the beauty and diversity of the Outback.
While it was possible to fly from Cairns to Sydney in just three hours, I made the deliberate choice to embark on a truly remarkable journey: The Great Inland Way. This iconic coastal and inland drive had held a coveted spot on my bucket list since my high school days. By opting for this road trip, I had the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring outback scenery between Queensland and New South Wales before finally arriving at my desired destination, Newcastle.
Starting in Cairns, where my adventure began as I hit the open road and ventured west from Townsville through the picturesque outback towns. As I continued my journey, I’ve pass through charming country towns and agricultural landscapes before reaching the unique town of Clermont.
Continuing along the Great Inland Way, I travelled through the vast plains of Queensland and experience the sheer vastness and tranquility of the Outback. The road has lead me to the breathtaking Carnarvon Gorge National Park, known for its rugged mountain ranges, picturesque walking trails, and opportunities for stargazing under some of the clearest night skies in the country. Hiked one of the many trails to fully immerse myself in this awe-inspiring environment.
As I venture further west, I reach the agricultural town of Emerald, famous for its rich mining history and unique artistic scene. I made sure to visit the historic sites, a nearby ghost town that has been featured in numerous films and offers a glimpse into the region’s past.
The journey along the Great Inland Way continued across the border into New South Wales, where I have discovered the stunning Great Dividing Range. This ancient mountain range is home to captivating landscapes, deep gorges, and unique wildlife.
My road trip along the Great Inland Way concludes in the vibrant city of New Castle, where I could relax and indulge in its cultural delights. From world-class dining experiences and thriving markets to picturesque parks and stunning coastal scenery, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
So, whether you’re seeking adventure, cultural immersion, or simply a chance to connect with the Australian Outback, the Great Inland Way offers an unforgettable journey through the heart of this vast and diverse country. Get ready to embark on an epic road trip that will leave you with treasured memories and a deep appreciation for the beauty of Australia’s inland regions. Enjoy the ride!
The Road Trip
Day 1: Cairns to Townsville (485Km)
Highlight: Castle Hill
My road trip adventure began in Cairns, leading me through the stunning Coral Sea and covering approximately 2,000 kilometers in Queensland’s Outback region. I followed the Great Inland Way, which took me from Cairns to Townsville in about 4 hours. This route showcased rugged Australian beaches, inhabited by crocodiles and stingers, as well as beautiful waterways, cane fields, and coastal forests. Along the way, charming seaside towns and inviting cafes offered tranquil moments for travelers to enjoy.
I checked into The Grand Chancellor Hotel in Townsville’s city center and decided to explore the city and its surroundings. I drove around and later went up to Castle Hill to enjoy the sunset and the panoramic view of the city. I ended the evening by dining at a Thai restaurant in Flinders Mall, where I enjoyed a variety of dishes from their tasting menu.
day 2: Townsville to Clermont (508km)
Highlight: Hoods Lagoon & Copperfield Chimney
I traveled from the coastal cities to the dry and dusty country towns inland. My first stop was Charters Towers, a beautiful inland town in Queensland. It offers a diverse range of attractions, and exploring the historic buildings is a must-do activity. After that, I continued my journey on the main highway and passed through the tiny Belyando Crossing Roadhouse before reaching Clermont, where the highway crosses the Belyando River.
Driving for hours through the outback in Queensland, I became accustomed to the vast emptiness and lack of traffic lights. I made regular stops for fuel and breaks along the way. The only sights I encountered were flat land, kangaroos, cows, and the open road. Despite the abundance of roadkill, I eventually stopped noticing the carcasses. Losing mobile phone signal, I switched it off and forgot about it until passing through towns. The coal mines near Clermont were the only signs of civilization I encountered, besides cattle stations. I arrived at a motel just outside the Clermont township before dark, where I enjoyed a nice dinner before retiring for the night.
The next day, I explored the town and experienced its frontier atmosphere. Clermont is a diverse township with a tragic history. It is known for its agriculture and its history of gold prospecting. Hoods Lagoon is a beautiful park where you can relax or try your luck with a metal detector in search of gold nuggets. Clermont has a fascinating past, filled with drama and tragedy. Amidst the town’s new prosperity, you can still find remnants of the gold rush era, copper mines, timber-getters, shearers, and stockmen. Today, mining has brought economic growth and liveliness to the town, but the locals still embrace their rugged individualism.
day 3: Clermont to Emerald (109km)
Highlight: Sapphire Gem Fields
After learning about the Clermont’s turbulent history, I departed for Emerald after lunch but without leaving the town with a visit to the memorial that marks the height of the 1916 floodwaters on the corner of Capricorn and Drummond Street. With just a distance of 115 kilometres, the drive from Clermont to Emerald was an easy short drive. I arrived early in Emerald just before fighting the locals on their daily commute where I was to spent my night there. I spent most of the day, exploring this country town.
The next day, I explored the town of Emerald. It’s a lively rural town, known as the sunflower territory. I saw the world’s largest painting on an easel, which featured Van Gogh’s sunflowers towering at 23 meters high. Emerald is considered the heart of the Central Highlands and is internationally famous as the gateway to one of the largest sapphire fields in the southern hemisphere. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the right equipment to search for opals or try fossicking. This town is important for agriculture and mining. Coal mining is a major source of revenue for the local economy, and it’s also known for cotton and grain farming.
day 4: Emerald to Roma (430km)
Highlight: Carnarvon Gorge (Injune)
Highlight: Salesyard (Roma)
Leaving Emerald the next day, I went to Injune, which is the entrance to Carnarvon National Park. Injune is a small town but it’s a great place to explore the natural wonders of the area. Before reaching Injune, I took a detour from the main road to venture into Carnarvon National Park. There, I spent more time exploring Carnarvon Gorge, which is part of the park. It’s a place that every traveler should visit. This National Park is famous for its breathtaking wilderness and has significant Aboriginal cultural sites. It is divided into different sections, and Carnarvon Gorge is just one of them. There are other areas like Mt Moffat section and Kenniff Cave that are worth exploring. This gorge truly offers stunning landscapes and is a hidden gem of Australia. To fully appreciate the beauty and diversity of this park, I recommend spending at least a week immersing yourself in the natural beauty of this area.
From Carnarvon Gorge, I returned to the main highway towards Roma. Roma is a charming town located in a fertile area for sheep and cattle grazing. It is well-known for having the largest cattle market in Australia and the biggest sale yards in the southern hemisphere. Roma is worth spending a night to enjoy everything it has to offer, which is exactly what I did. The next day, I took a self-guided tour of the town and I was truly impressed by what I saw in this rural community. I started my exploration at the Big Rig, which serves as both the Tourist Information Centre and a place to learn about the region’s oil and gas industries, historical buildings, and beautiful gardens for picnics. To experience rural life up close, I made sure to visit the Roma Saleyards, the largest facility in Australia for selling store cattle. I was lucky to be in town on a Tuesday, as I got to witness the exciting live cattle auctions from the purpose-built catwalks. Before I left for St George, I didn’t miss the chance to try a delicious steak sandwich from the canteen.
day 5: Roma to St George (196km)
Highlight: Sandytown River Cruise
With less than a 3-hour drive from Roma to St George, I arrived just before the peak hour when locals were heading home for the day. St George, like many other rural towns in Queensland, has a rich history and is more than just an overnight stop. It is situated on the Balonne River, which is the heart of the town. I didn’t realize that St George is known as the fishing capital of inland Queensland because of its location on the flatlands in the Darling Downs, beyond the Great Dividing Range. In addition to fruits and vegetables, the town primarily serves as a center for wheat, sheep, cotton, and beef farmers. Its wide streets are lined with trees and heritage buildings dating back to the 1880s, giving the town a charming country atmosphere. From the moment I arrived until I left, St George provided a relaxing experience that made me reluctant to leave in a hurry.
During my visit in town, I had the opportunity to meet Steve Margaritis, a talented artist who specializes in carving emu eggs. I was amazed by his skill and craftsmanship. Additionally, I had the pleasure of indulging myself at Riversands Winery and Cage, the most western winery in Queensland. Exploring the town, I took a tour to admire the beautiful murals, visited the St George Heritage Centre, and enjoyed a picnic on the grassed river banks near the center of town. However, my favorite experience was the Sandytown River Cruise, where I had the chance to relax and enjoy the breathtaking views while observing various bird species such as pelicans, cockatoos, and eagles in their natural habitat.
Day 6: St George to Moree (241km)
Highlight: Moree Spa Bath
Finally, after an adventurous journey, I found myself standing at the border between Queensland and New South Wales in the charming town of Mungindi. This border marks the beginning of the New South Wales section of the remarkable Great Inland Way, a route that covers vast areas of the northern and central regions of the state.
From St George, I took a scenic detour, venturing off the Great Inland Way route and onto Route 46, a picturesque road that led me to the charming town of Moree, located approximately 241 kilometres to the south. Along the way, I had the pleasure of passing through the quaint country outback town of Mungindi.
Mungindi holds a truly fascinating distinction – it is situated on the border of both Queensland and New South Wales, making it the only border town in the Southern Hemisphere with the same name in two distinct states. As I crossed over the tiny Barwon River, I couldn’t help but be captivated by the unique character that emanates from this charming village.
Stepping foot into Mungindi felt like stepping back in time, as it epitomizes the essence and charm of both outback Queensland and New South Wales. The town exudes a sense of tranquility and camaraderie amongst its tight-knit community. The locals warmly welcomed me with their genuine hospitality, eager to share tales of the town’s rich history and cultural heritage.
As I wandered through the streets lined with historic buildings, I couldn’t help but admire the well-preserved architecture that painted a vivid picture of the town’s journey through time. The traditional architectural style in Mungindi seamlessly blends the rustic elegance of the outback with the colonial influences of yesteryears.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the town, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the detour that led me to this hidden gem. Mungindi, with its intriguing border town status and unassuming charm, is a destination that will forever hold a special place in my heart.
The drive from St George to Moree was mainly through farmlands with cotton, wheat, wool, and dairy farming. Moree has rich black soil plains, making it perfect for farming cotton, wheat, beef cattle, olive groves, vineyards, and pecans. It is not just a farming town, but also one of the biggest centers for distributing farm machinery in the country.
Finally, I arrived in Moree just before the peak period. I headed straight to the Artesian spa for the rest of the day. Moree is famous for its Artesian Spa, which attracts thousands of visitors each year. People come to enjoy the soothing thermal springs and experience the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich waters. I couldn’t leave Moree without having a bath at the spa. It was a great place to relax and rejuvenate after a long drive. The next day, I took a quick self-drive tour of the main streets, which are lined with beautiful heritage buildings, before continuing my 500-kilometer journey to Newcastle.
day 7: Moree to Newcastle (502km)
Highlight: Newcastle Memorial Walk & Coastline
I only spent a day in Moree, but it felt like I had been living there for years. I had a long drive of 502 kilometers ahead of me before reaching Newcastle city in New South Wales, Australia. Along the way, I stopped-over in few several countryside towns for rest and relaxation breaks. I drove through the beautiful countryside towns of Narrabri, Gunnedah, Quirindi, Musswellbrook, Maitland, and finally arrived at Newcastle, which is the seventh largest city in Australia and the second most populated area in the state of New South Wales.
This part of the road journey feels never-ending. I saw vast stretches of farmlands with different types of produce like agriculture, coal, cotton, beef cattle, lamb, pork, olive oils, sundried tomatoes, wine, and tea. The scenery changed as I passed through various country towns, each specializing in a different type of production. From dry lands to fertile farmlands in the Hunter Valley Region, known as the wine capital of New South Wales.
Many hours of driving on straight roads, around curves, and up hills brought me to Newcastle, my final destination. I checked-in at a hotel near the beach. The next day, I had a relaxed breakfast at a waterfront restaurant and set out to explore the beautiful city. Newcastle is a dream destination for every visitor. It has a rich history and offers entertainment and attractions for everyone. From surfing beaches and sea pools to a coastal fort and modern bars near the harbor, there is so much to see and do. The city also boasts museums and artisanal restaurants at its heart. It’s no wonder I love this city, and I can finally cross it off my bucket list.
After driving through the vast open spaces, towns, and national parks of Australia’s outback, I take a moment and reflect on the unique experiences I had in each place. Despite the harsh conditions, each town and city along the way had its own rich history, culture, and lifestyle.
Driving along vast open highways and remote dirt-tracks has become my obsession, allowing me to explore uncharted territories and engage in activities I don’t usually have time for. The Great Inland Way, spanning nearly 3000 kilometres, has provided me with the chance to discover and appreciate the wonders of enchanting places, including remote outback regions, breathtaking gorges, national parks, farmlands, and rustic outback towns. This journey has become one of my most memorable and cherished road trip experiences in Australia.
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