Things to do with kids in Outback Queensland

On the one-hour Wing Walk Tour, kids walk along a Boeing 747's 25-metre wing and sit in its pilot's seat. Kids' activities feature historic biplanes, and an evening light and sound show projects 100 years of Qantas history onto the aircraft. Summer hours started on 5 October: 8am to 1pm, closed Sundays.

A virtual host called Hugh leads an audio tour of the galleries on outback life, which takes about an hour and a half. There are interactive exhibits for younger visitors, and prams fit through every public area. From 13 October it opens Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 2pm; museum entry for two adults and two kids was $120 in October 2026.

One ticket covers the Waltzing Matilda display, the Qantilda Museum and an exhibition space, and the art gallery is free. Hour-long guided tours run twice daily on Tuesdays and Thursdays. From October it opens 9am to 5pm weekdays and 9am to 3pm weekends; a family pass was $94.

Kronosaurus Korner displays marine reptiles, fish and pterosaurs from when a shallow inland sea covered Richmond, around 100 million years ago. With a permit, families can drive 12km north on sealed roads to two fossil hunting sites. Turn over a few stones and you may find a fish or a shark tooth; bring water, hats and closed shoes.

The Flinders Discovery Centre has a new fossil dig where kids dress up as fossil hunters and uncover hidden treasures. The museum covers dinosaurs, First Nations history, sheep, cattle stations and the railway. From 9 October it opens 9am to 5pm on weekdays and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays, and kids aged 5 to 17 pay $10.

The gorge lookout, about 60km north of Hughenden on sealed roads, is a 200m return stroll. Drive 11km further for the Pyramid walk, a steep 2.4km return track to the gorge floor for fit families. October to March is often above 35°C, so walk in the cool of the day and carry plenty of water.

Combo's waterholes, 132km north-west of Winton, are said to have inspired Banjo Paterson to write Waltzing Matilda. A 2.6km return track crosses Mitchell grass and old stone overshots; allow an hour and a half. Summer days pass 40°C, so April to September is best, and carry at least 7 litres of water per person.

This lake, 17km north of Mount Isa by sealed road, has shady picnic areas with free barbecues stocked with firewood. Look for pelicans, cormorants and galahs, or bring a line, as the lake is stocked with barramundi and no permit is needed. Catch limits apply, and pets aren't allowed.

In the Cunnamulla Fella Centre's museum, the Artesian Time Tunnel tells the story of outback water with an old mine lift and a theatre. A film about the Great Artesian Basin plays on demand each day, and there's an art gallery too. Allow at least 90 minutes; until 31 October it opens 9am to 4.30pm on weekdays and 10am to 2pm on weekends.