Cabins near Charters Towers with wifi provided

Road trippers following the Overlanders and Great Inland Way routes will pass through Charters Towers, the gateway to the Queensland Outback. Discover Australia’s gold mining history with a visit to the Venus Gold Battery, hike to the top of Towers Hill to watch the sunset, or try your luck panning for gold at the Miners Cottage. Campers can stay at one of the caravan parks in town or enjoy an authentic outback experience—pitch your tent on a working farm or sleep out in a swag beneath the outback stars.

Outback Queensland

Surrounded by dusty plains and cattle stations, you don’t have to drive far from Charters Towers to find yourself in the heart of the outback. Admire herds of Texas Longhorns in Leahton Park or visit the Dalrymple Cattle Saleyards, stop by traditional outback towns like Ravenswood, or enjoy fishing and kayaking along the Burdekin River. 

White Mountains

West of Charters Towers, the sandstone bluffs and forested gorges of the White Mountains National Park make the ideal destination for campers looking to escape the crowds. Pitch your tent by the creek, spend the day hiking or mountain biking along the many trails, or explore off-road in a 4WD.  

Townsville Coast

Just a 90-minute drive east, the arid bushlands and dusty tracks of the outback give way to golden sand beaches and azure blue ocean. Hit the beach, stroll the palm-lined promenade, and check into a seaside holiday park in Townsville, or cruise out to Magnetic Island to enjoy rainforest walks and water sports. Island-hopping cruises also set sail from Townsville to snorkel or scuba dive around the Great Barrier Reef islands.

Summers (October through March) in the Australian outback are hot, humid, and wet. Daytime temperatures can reach up to 40 °C, and frequent showers mean that you’ll likely need a 4WD to explore the surrounding countryside. The cooler months of April through September are better suited for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The biggest crowds come on Australia Day weekend, when Charters Towers hosts the famous Goldfield Ashes cricket carnival.

• Public transport runs between Townsville and Charters Towers, but having your own vehicle is preferable, especially if you plan to explore further afield. 

• Charters Towers has a good selection of shops where you can pick up camping gear and stock up on supplies—be sure to fill up on fuel if heading into the outback.
• Fire bans are common in Queensland during summer and dry periods, so check local recommendations before lighting your campfire and always use designated fire pits.