Warrego Way Brisbane to Birdsville 1,578 km
Big Red Sand Dune, Simpson Desert
This drive takes you westward from the state capital to the very edge of the Simpson Desert, first through fertile plains, then Dividing Range, cattle country, oil and gas fields, artesian spas and finally, the Outback where you will experience the wonder of the million star show at night. First, you’ll pass through Ipswich, rich in mining and railway history, and then on through the fertile Lockyer Valley which supplies vegetables to much of Australia. Then comes Toowoomba,
the Garden City at the top of the Great Divide, well-known for its Carnival of Flowers. Here, the Darling Downs begin. As you cross the Downs, you will pass through Oakey with its Australian Army Flying Museum, Jondaryan with its Woolshed and Dalby, not too far from the Bunya Mountains National Park. Next is Chinchilla which is known for its Melon Festival and then Miles, home of the Historical Village Museum.
34 Wot’s on in Queensland Highways, Byways & Roads Less Travelled
Continuing westward, you’ll reach Roma, the centre of a gas and oil hub and home of the Big Rig museum. Travel on to Mitchell with its artesian spa, Morven, Charleville, home of the Cosmos Centre for star gazing, Quilpie, renowned for its boulder opal, and on to Windorah and the historic Coopers Creek. And finally, you will reach Birdsville with its famous pub and races, an oasis on the edge of the desert.
