The much awaited Baz Luhrman directed film “Australia” opens on the big screen on 26 December 2008 and much of the film depicts the incredible scenery of Australia’s Outback so make sure you are fully acquainted with the incredible Outback experiences available in Queensland...

No trip to Australia is complete without an experience in the Outback and Queensland offers an easy-to-get-to Outback which is full of colourful characters, historic pubs, an amazing array of red hills, golden plains, spectacular sunsets and a region rich in indigenous culture. Spend time at an Outback cattle or sheep station or canoe down an ancient inland sea. Fossick for opals and gems or explore the world’s largest volcanic lava tubes in the Undara Volcanic National Park.

*the above video features footage from the Outback and throughout Queensland

Much of Queensland's Outback was once part of the 'Great Inland Sea', and it is because of this that the region is rich in fossils. Visit Hughenden, Richmond and Winton on Australia’s Dinosaur Trail for your introduction to life during the Cretaceous Period and discover the prehistoric creatures that once roamed the land and marine reptiles which once swam in ancient inland seas. You can also visit the world’s best-preserved dinosaur stampede at Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways near Winton or the World Heritage listed Riversleigh (part of Boodjamulla Lawn Hill National Park), where you’ll find the site of some of the most unique fossil finds in the world, some dating back almost 25 million years.

Visit quirky Outback towns and see where the world’s first labour party began (at Barcaldine’s Tree of Knowledge) as well as where Australia’s national airline was founded (Qantas Founders Museum, Longreach). Or learn about Australia’s favourite folk story ‘Waltzing Matilda’ in Winton. Or for a bit of fun why not take part in a quirky but unique Outback festival – its all part of your authentic Outback experience! Everything from rodeos, ute musters and races.

For a truly authentic Outback experience, a stay on a sheep or cattle station provides a unique experience of living life on the land and listening to the Outback farmers ‘spin their yarn’ (tell their stories). But just because it’s the Outback, it doesn’t mean you have to rough it though, and Queensland’s Outback is where you can find luxury under the stars, by ancient gorges and surrounded by vast colourful landscapes.