9 June 2026: There’s a new reason to hit the road in Outback Queensland, with the launch of the Big Sky Drive – a 380-kilometre journey linking Cloncurry, Mount Isa and Camooweal under some of the biggest skies in Australia.
Designed as a four-night outback adventure (or longer, if you like to take it slow), the Big Sky Drive connects seamlessly with some of Australia’s most iconic road trips. Travellers coming east from the Northern Territory can join the route at Camooweal via the Barkly Highway, while those exploring Queensland’s Overlanders Way can begin in Cloncurry and head west.
From the wide-open plains near Camooweal to the rugged ranges around Cloncurry, the journey unfolds across red dirt landscapes, ancient geological formations and vast horizons that seem to stretch forever. Along the way, travellers will find a mix of iconic outback experiences and unexpected discoveries.
In Mount Isa, visitors can descend into the Hard Times Mine for an underground tour, take in panoramic views from the City Lookout at sunset, or experience the scale of Lake Moondarra. Cloncurry offers rich aviation history as the birthplace of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Qantas’ early operations, alongside heritage trails and seasonal waterholes framed by rocky outcrops. To the west, Camooweal provides a gateway to the remote beauty of the Queensland–Northern Territory borderlands, including nearby caves and wide pastoral country.
Wildlife watchers can keep an eye out for the elusive Cloncurry parrot and purple wallaby, while photographers will find dramatic light, expansive landscapes and star-filled night skies ideal for dark-sky viewing.
A standout feature of the Big Sky Drive is its geo-located audio guide, offering more than three hours of locally voiced storytelling. As travellers move along the route, stories, history and insider tips are triggered automatically – from tales of pioneering aviation and mining heritage to First Nations culture and outback characters. It’s an immersive experience rarely found on regional drive routes, transforming the journey into a living narrative.
The Big Sky Drive also encourages travellers to venture slightly off the highway, uncovering lesser-known stops, free camping areas and local cafés and pubs that might otherwise be missed. It shines a light on parts of Queensland’s outback that sit just beyond the traditional tourism trail – places that reward curiosity and a willingness to take the scenic route.
Ideal for grey nomads, caravanners, families tackling the “lap of Australia” and intrastate road trippers looking for something new, the drive has been designed with accessibility in mind. The sealed highway makes it suitable for conventional vehicles, while optional detours cater to 4WD enthusiasts keen to explore further.
Whether you’re crossing the border from the Northern Territory, following the Overlanders Way west, or building the Big Sky Drive into a larger Outback Queensland itinerary, this new route offers a compelling reason to slow down and experience the true scale, spirit and stories of the North West.
For itineraries, audio guide details and travel inspiration, visit www.bigskydrive.com.au.
Ends.
For more information, images and interviews please contact Heather or Jen at The Comms. People:
Heather Mollins | 0412421411 | heather@commspeople.au
Jennifer Swaine | 0438952830 | jen@commspeople.au
