Rodeo Road Trip Reef to Rodeo from Townsville via the Overlander’s Way

This 904 kilometre journey on sealed roads takes you from reef to rodeo from the North Queensland City of Townsville which rubs shoulders with the Great Barrier Reef. This is the Overlander’s Way.

Heading west is historic Charters Towers where you can experience the opulence of the town during the 19th century gold rush.

Then onto Hughenden and Porcupine Gorge National Park. This magnificent gorge has towering cliffs of coloured sandstone, pockets of vine forest and deep permanent waterholes.

You're now entering 'dinosaur country'. Hughenden is situated on the edge of a vast pre-historic inland sea, once home to magnificent giant dinosaurs and enormous "sea monster" marine reptiles.

Heading further west you venture along Australia’s Dinosaur Trail from Hughenden to Richmond, home of Kronosaurus Korner, and location of what was the great inland sea. Unearth the remains of the giant sea monsters that once dominated this landscape.

It’s then onto Julia Creek, known as an outback oasis for the modern-day explorer, where you can take a long, hot soak in the artesian baths.  Be sure to make "At the Creek", the local visitor and interpretative centre in Julia Creek's main street you're first stop for the low down on the region.

From here you’re hitting the home stretch, reaching the gateway to the last frontier of North West Queensland, Cloncurry, the birthplace of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Other fascinating tips about "the Curry" as the locals affectionately call her, there are more beds in the town than streets.   Located on the outskirts of Cloncurry, the ghost town of Mary Kathleen is located. It became deserted after its lone mine fell into disuse.

Then onto Mount Isa, home of the southern hemisphere’s largest rodeo, for some non-stop action!

For more travel information, be sure to visit our mates at one of the official Outback Queensland Visitor Information Centres.