Outback Queensland is often overlooked - here are all the reasons you should reconsider
When you think Queensland, your mind probably goes to sandy beaches, coral reefs bursting with marine life, and cocktails at resorts fringed with palm trees.
But there's a lot more to Queensland than just its coastline. In fact, there's a ton of incredible stuff in the Outback that not many Aussies realise even exists.
Read through for some of the best under-the-radar activities in the sunshine state.
Take a hot air balloon ride
Join Balloon Aloft and Yagurli Tours for a hot air balloon ride over the extraordinary countryside of Burketown in the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Enjoy views like no other of the spectacular Gulf Country including Australia's largest salt pan.
Get up close to ancient carvings
The best way to experience nature is to get out in it with an expert.
Turraburra is a former cattle station recently restored by traditional land owners to showcase the significant rock art gallery on the land.
It features the Marra Wonga sandstone escarpment known as the 'teaching wall of life' that contains thousands of etchings, ock carvings and stencil paintings left by past generations.
Take a tour and learn about this land and its First Nations people through ancient artworks featuring megafauna, emu symbols and more.
Walk across sand dunes
The mighty Simpson Desert stretches across three states, and is one of the most beautiful and remote places in Australia.
Take a six-day 4WD dune tour to see it in all its glory, or just opt for a short tour from Birdsville. Don't forget to pack the champagne for sunset.
Walk with the dinosaurs
Australian Age of Dinosaurs is an outdoor museum that's home to the largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils in the world.
Located near Winston, the tours give you a great appreciation for the giants that used to roam across what is now Australian land.
Explore hot springs
Talaroo Hot Springs combines the culture and hospitality of Ewamian people with one of North West Queensland's most unique geological wonders.
Travellers can make the most of "Talaroo Time" with exclusive guided tours, healing waters and private soaking pools.
Stand in three states at once
Cross three states off your list in one hit at Cameron Corner. There's not much going on here, but it's a great spot for a photo opp.
And if you visit in the summer months, you'll be switching between three different time zones as you jump state borders.
It's the only place in Australia that celebrates New Year's Eve three times in one night.
Hiking and camping tours
Trekking through the Outback isn't for the faint of heart - but doing it with a company like Trek West makes it a lot easier (and more comfy!)
On a hiking tour, you'll leave mobile reception behind and completely immerse yourself in the wonders of Outback Queensland.
Sleep under the stars, wake up to the sweet sounds of Outback songbirds, and spend your days hiking and exploring cattle stations, native wildflowers, and pastel sunsets.
You won't be rouging it though - Trek West has gourmet catering and glamping tents.
Immerse yourself in Cobbold Gorge
Cobbold Gorge is an ancient landscape in Outback Queensland, featuring 30-foot cliffs, sandstone formations and glassy still waters.
Six hours from Cairns or Townsville, it's the perfect destination for a weekend filled with hiking, water sports, or just relaxation in nature.
Soak in an infinity pool
Speaking of which, the infinity pool at Cobbold Gorge Village is alone almost worth taking the trip.
