Day 1: Roma

If you’ve timed your arrival for mid-afternoon, head to The Big Rig and enjoy The Night Show Sunset Experience to learn about the trials and triumphs of the oil and gas industry in Roma (Monday – Friday 1 April – 31 October; Monday, Wednesday or Friday 1 November – 31 March). The Big Rig also doubles as Roma’s Visitor Information Centre, so allow time before the show to chat to the team about your holiday plans.

Day 2: Roma/Carnarvon Gorge

Start your morning with a tour at Australia’s largest cattle selling facility before heading north. Free Tours of Roma Saleyards operate on Tuesday only. Don’t miss the new state- of-the-art Interpretative Centre telling the story of the cattle industry. Open 8.30am-1.00pm, weekdays.

Day 2: Roma/Carnarvon Gorge

Drive one hour north to Injune and stop in for morning tea at Café on Second. Take a stroll to learn about the Characters of Injune or head along Second Avenue to the lagoon – keep a lookout for local birdlife and wildlife around the 1.2km track. Stop into the Visitor Information Centre for up-to-date information about the Gorge.

Day 2: Roma/Carnarvon Gorge

Drive two hours to Carnarvon Gorge and check into your accommodation before setting off on an afternoon walk to Boolimba Bluff – a walking track towering 200m above Carnarvon Creek. Allow up to three hours for the 6.4km return journey or tackle one of the shorter walks if time is not on your side.

Day 3: Carnarvon Gorge

Lace up your hiking boots and set off on the main Carnarvon Gorge walking track, the 9.7km trail that crosses Carnarvon Creek as it winds towards the Big Bend natural waterhole. After your day exploring, relax with a barbeque dinner at your accommodation.

Day 4: Mitchell

Drive from Carnarvon Gorge to Mitchell via Womblebank Gap Rd, following the Wild Dog Fence and passing Major Mitchell’s Campsite. Check into your accommodation in Mitchell before visiting the Kenniff Court House and Mitchell on Maranoa Gallery. Finish your day with a picnic at Fisherman’s Rest and enjoy the sunset on the banks of the Maranoa River.

Day 5: Mitchell to Surat

Start your day with breakfast at one of Mitchell’s cafes. Park your car outside the Great Artesian Spa and walk along Elizabeth Street to the Booringa Heritage Museum to see a collection of historical photos and artefacts. Walk behind the museum to the riverbank to visit the A Mazing Gates, before returning for a soak in the rejuvenating waters of the spa. Make sure you pop into the Visitor Information Centre located to the right of the spa entrance.

Day 5: Mitchell to Surat

Order lunch on the deck of the spa before jumping in the car Surat-bound. Take Tourist Drive 6 (page 43) for an off the beaten track adventure or take the highway via Roma to your accommodation in Surat for this evening. Before turning in for the night, pay a visit to the Cobb & Co Changing Station Museum. Wrap up the day with a sunset walk along the Balonne River, followed by dinner at the local pub.