Outback

5 Outback Experiences to Create Lifelong Family Memories

By Georgia Andersen

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5 Outback Experiences to Create Lifelong Family Memories

#The Queensland Outback is a treasure trove of unique family experiences

Whether delving into the red dirt to dig for opals or gazing into the night sky to marvel at the Milky Way, the adventure is boundless!

We’ve mustered up a selection of our favourite outback experiences guaranteed to captivate the kids and send the whole family home with lifelong memories.

Here’s the low-down.

#((1)) Meet Cooper - Australia's Largest Dinosaur - in Eromanga

Discover the amazing world of dinosaurs at the Eromanga Natural History Museum. Located between Quilpie and Birdsville in Eromanga, this is far from your typical museum—it's home to Australia's largest dinosaur, Cooper!

Named after the Cooper Creek and Cooper Basin where its remarkable remains were uncovered, Cooper stands as one of the largest beings to have ever roamed the Earth. 

Marvel at the staggering size of Cooper, explore the art of dinosaur excavation and get hands-on experience in fossil preparation. The Eromanga Natural History Museum promises a unique encounter with Australia's prehistoric giants.

1 Dinosaur Dr, Eromanga QLD 4480
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#((2)) Fossick for Opal Treasure in Quilpie

Let the kids test their luck with an opal-hunting adventure in Quilpie. The Council's free fossicking area, 2km west of Quilpie by the local airport, is your gateway to uncovering your very own boulder opal treasure. No permit is required, but be sure to pack your own gear. Throw on your fossicker's hat and bring along the essentials, including a pick, shovel, sieve, bucket and gardening gloves.

Quilpie Airport, Quilpie QLD 4480
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#((3)) Adopt a Forever Friend in Tambo

Prepare for a cuteness overload as the little ones make a forever friend at Tambo Teddies. 

Located in the enchanting town of Tambo, Tambo Teddies specialise in handcrafting 100% Australian sheepskin teddy bears. Witness the magic as your cuddly companion comes to life in the workshop, with each stitch meticulously crafted with utmost care and affection.

17 Arthur St, Tambo QLD 4478
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#((4)) Surf the Sand Dunes in Cunnamulla

Who said there's no surf in the outback? Nestled in the friendly town of Cunnamulla, the Cunnamulla Sand Dunes provide the ideal setting for a thrilling sandboarding adventure. 

You're welcome to use your own sandboard equipment to ride down the dunes – boogie boards are a popular choice or you can go DIY with a piece of cardboard. If all else fails and Dad won't let you borrow his Esky lid, you can hire a sand toboggan in town. 

End of Watson Street, Cunnamulla QLD 4490
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#((5)) Explore the Outback Sky in Charleville

Embark on a celestial voyage through the stars at the Cosmos Centre in Charleville. Gaze into the depths of space through 14” Meade telescopes as expert guides unveil extraordinary sights, including the Rings of Saturn and the Milky Way. 

Whether you choose a day or night experience, the kids will be mesmerised as they journey across the big outback sky—and who knows, they might just learn a thing or two!

1 Milky Way, Charleville QLD 4470
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Images courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland